Travel Plans
Heritage Ohio
Heritage Ohio is the state’s official preservation organization and Main Street coordinating agency. Heritage Ohio fosters economic development and sustainability through preservation of historic buildings, revitalizationof downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts, and promotion of cultural tourism. The organization meets its mission by providing training, facilitating a network, advocating for preservation and revitalization of friendly policies, offering technical assistance and sharing resources. Since 1998, Ohio Main Street Communities have realized over $1.1 billion in reinvestment in their districts, including the creation of almost 5,000 new full-time jobs and over 750,000 volunteer hours donated. The group’s mission is to help people save the places that matter, build community and live better.
Main Street Medina
When you tell locals that you’ll meet them “on the Square,” there’s no confusing the rendezvous location. “The Square” in Medina has been the center of county government, social events, holidays and festivals for nearly two centuries, and this spot anchors a nine-block historic district that was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It’s often cited as one of the finest Victorian commercial historic districts in the country.
No weekend trip to Medina would be complete without a visit to The Medina County Farmers’ Market on the Square, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The 75-plus vendor market features the best in locally grown produce, flowers, organic meats and cheeses, jams, jellies and fine art, and it runs through Oct. 25.
After shopping the market, locals usually catch brunch at one of 15 independent diners and restaurants in the district, or they may do some shopping at retail icons like Whitey’s Army Navy Store or Medina Hardware, which has been in the same building on South Court Street since the early 1870s. ROOT Candles — located at 623 W. Liberty St., just west of the Historic District — is known as “The Best Candle in America” and offers a dizzying array of colors and scents.
If you prefer educational pursuits, take the family to Ormandy’s Train and Toy Museum or the Little Whiz Fire Museum, near the Square.
Conveniently located at the convergence of four state routes, it’s easy to get to Medina from any direction, and with over 1,000 free parking spots, it’s an affordable day trip. For store hours and district events, visit www.mainstreetmedina.com.
Main Street Wooster
One of Ohio’s “Best Downtowns,” downtown Wooster is an integral part of the City of Wooster, home to The College of Wooster and Ohio State University’s seat of research OARDC and its technical base, ATI. The city, just off Route 30, has easy access to Northeast Ohio and Columbus.
In Wooster, parks and recreational activities abound, including an ice arena.
Wooster is surrounded by agriculture. It’s home to the largest dairy industry in the state, and the city showcases local, regional, national and international businesses.
The Ohio Light Opera, on the College of Wooster campus, offers 67 performances each summer and attracts audiences from the United States and Europe for its performances of Gilbert & Sullivan and Broadway musicals.
Located at the county seat, the 1878 Wayne County Courthouse is an icon in downtown Wooster. The heart of the city includes a revitalized, historical and commercial district of 300 businesses.
Downtown Wooster features 22 restaurants, unique shops, reliable services, a boutique hotel, a new state-of-the-art library, lofts to rent and condos to buy. The area is an entertainment destination with more than 20 free events each year for all ages. There is something for everyone to enjoy — from the Farmers’ Market and Kids’ Day, to cruise-ins with 1950s-style bands, military concerts and the Arts and Jazz Fest.
Come see us, enjoy yourself and come back — again and again! We’re delighted to have you.
Visit Main Street Wooster on Facebook and www.mainstreetwooster.org. You can also call 330-262-6222 or email sandra@mainstreetwooster.org.
Main Street Kent
Main Street Kent is a unique downtown with something for everyone. From the live music scene to a variety of cool shops, eateries and pubs, you’re sure to find something you love here too.
Love arts and culture? The eighth annual Art & Wine Festival is Sat., June 7 from noon to 10 p.m. Can’t get enough live music? Kent is home to many great music festivals, including Heritage Fest on July 5, Blues Fest on July 18, International Festival on Sept. 13, Round Town Music Festival on Sept. 19 and others throughout the year. Visit www.mainstreetkent.org for the latest on Kent entertainment, events and other fun happenings.
Now is the perfect time to head to Kent for a day or the whole weekend. Stay in the new boutique-style hotel, The Kent State Hotel & Conference Center, situated in the heart of downtown. Catch a show at The Kent Stage, take a trip down the Cuyahoga River with Crooked River Adventures, enjoy the scenic miles of the Portage hike and bike trails, visit the Kent State Fashion Museum, peruse the unique shops of Main Street, Acorn Alley and College Town Kent, grab dinner at a Kent “classic” like Ray’s or Taco Tonto’s, or try something newer like Bricco, Laziza or Bar 145.
You’ll run out of time before you run out of things to do here in the vibrant, newly revitalized downtown Kent. If you have questions or need help planning your trip to Kent, call Main Street Kent at 330-677-8000 and we’ll be happy to help you.
Main Street Millersburg
Nestled in the rolling hills of Holmes County, home of the largest Amish population in the world, lies a little village the locals lovingly call “The Burg.”
The local shops in Millersburg are filled to the ornamental tin ceilings with handcrafted items of eclectic style. Need a place to lay your head? Choose the Historic Hotel Millersburg, where a president is reported to have slept, or the award-winning Comfort Inn Millersburg.
Maybe you’re just looking for a place to relax? Stop in at our very own local brewery where you will find craft beers and IPAs named after local destinations or hot spots. Is wine more to your taste? Our local winery is just a-hop-and-a-skip away, where you’ll see a panoramic view of the countryside from your lounge chair on the outdoor deck. The restaurants in town serve the finest in pub food and feature handmade French fries and burgers made with Black Angus beef.
If you’re looking for a truly interesting experience, tour The Victorian House Mansion, and you might find yourself saying, “Maybe I do believe in ghosts!” If a leisurely stroll is just what the doctor ordered, Rails to Trails is a beautifully paved pathway that spans miles of beautiful countryside. But watch out for traffic; you’re bound to pass an Amish buggy or two on your way.
From hand-hewn furniture to a water-spigot-turned-paper-towel-holder, Millersburg has a lot to offer anyone looking for the different, the eclectic or just a really great evening. Come for the afternoon, or stay a couple days. We have plenty to keep you busy in the Burg!
Licking County
In addition to being home to The Longaberger Company — the world’s largest basket building — Licking County features 40 miles of paved hiking and biking trails, historical sites, arboretums, indoor and outdoor water parks, award-winning golf courses and live theater. Many Licking County communities offer unique shopping venues that sell hard-to-find wares and pieces handcrafted by local artisans.
This year, Ye Olde Mill in Utica — home of Velvet Ice Cream — is celebrating its 100th anniversary. To celebrate, the company will be hosting special events, introducing special edition ice cream flavors and showcasing the official Velvet Ice Cream truck. Visitors can take a free, 30-minute walking tour of the company and learn how the company began and all the steps it takes to make this delicious dessert.
Licking County hosts several summer festivals, including The Newark Strawberry Festival in late May; Granville Art Affair and Wine Festival from June 13 to 14; The Hartford Fair (also known as “The Biggest Little Fair in the World”) from Aug. 3 to 9; MOPAR Nationals from Aug. 8 to 10; and the Flint Ridge Knap-In from Aug. 28 to 31.
For more information, visit EscapeToLickingCounty.com or call 800-589-8224.