Culture
Summer in Southeast Ohio: a 2017 Guide
By: Emily Votaw
Posted on:
Fireflies are starting to come out of their hiding holes, the nighttime is starting to feel just a little bit balmy, and those summertime concert tickets you bought months ago are just starting to feel relevant.
This can mean only one thing: Summer is nearly here.
Throughout the southeast corner of Ohio, one can find pockets of fun for the whole family, whether you enjoy a low-key picnic with the family or some quality time exploring Ohio’s covered bridges.
Strouds Run State Park
11661 State Park Road, Athens (Athens County)
Just a quick drive outside of the City of Athens is Strouds Run, a sprawling 2,606 acres of uninterrupted hardwood forest. Whether the family is planning to have a little gourmet picnic or try their hands at fishing, there’s much to do in this little pocket of wilderness. The gorgeous Alma Lake might be the crown jewel of the park, and it’s abundance of hiking, biking, and horseback-riding trails make Strouds Run a real Athens County gem.
Open year-round during daylight hours.
Admission: Free
Parking: Free
Information: Lake Alma Park Office: 740-384-4474, http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/stroudsrun
Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch
39495 St. Clair Road, Pomeroy (Meigs County)
Owned by legendary musician Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna, Phil Lesh and Friends) and his wife, Vanessa, Fur Peace Ranch is a world unto itself. Besides being a tranquil retreat in the midst of one of the quietest slices of Appalachian Ohio (with its very own uber-hip pho restaurant), the ranch also offers regular guitar camps and live music shows, as well as the Psylodelic Gallery, which houses a liquid light show, vintage rock posters and much more. The destination serves as the perfect spot for your classic rock obsessed youngster who is just starting to dive into some of the most iconic music of the past century. Teenagers are welcome to take part in the guitar camps when accompanied by an adult.
Admission: varies; call or check website for more information
Parking: Free
Information: 740-992-2575, https://www.furpeaceranch.com
The Alpacas of Spring Acres
3370 Big B Road, Zanesville (Muskingum County)
Is there anything cozier than waking up awash in warm sunlight in the midst of a working farm? Probably not.
But if you’d like to test that hypothesis, you could book an overnight stay at the Spring Acres Bed and Breakfast, which is nestled in the entirely functional Alpacas of Spring Acres Farm. The farm features not only alpacas, but also chickens, llamas, dogs and more. Guests of all ages are encouraged to interact with the friendly lot who inhabit the farm.
The organization also offers various fiber-art classes include weaving, knitting, spinning and crocheting, which are appropriate for the 12 years and older crowd; as well as a daily fresh breakfast and nightly dessert for guests.
Admission: varies; call or visit website for more information
Parking: Free
Information: 740-796-2195, www.thealpacasofspringacres.com
Heritage Quilt Barn Trail
Along State Route 643 in New Bedford (Coshocton County)
Kicking off in the predominantly Amish and very quiet New Bedford, the Heritage Quilt Barn Trail is an old-fashioned road trip rich in the region’s history. The trail winds through New Bedford and into historic Roscoe Village, leaving visitors at the beautiful Clary Gardens in Coshocton.
Along the 22.2 mile trek are several dozen historic barns adorned with various quilt patterns that give visitors a sneak peek into the intimate stories of the people and families who settled alongside State Route 643. Children can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Amish Country in the summer (and maybe stop for a slice of homemade pie at any one of the region’s many modest eateries,) and adults can take in the depth of personal stories shared at each of the barns.
There is an interactive app that you can download on your phone as to find each of the barns. The trail is a project of the Pomerene Center for the Arts
Admission: free
Information: 740-622-0326, http://www.visitcoshocton.com/things-to-do/arts-a-culture/quilt-barn-trail
The Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre
426 Second Avenue, Gallipolis (Gallia County)
Home to the Ohio Valley Wind Symphony, the Ariel-Ann Carson-Dater Performing Arts Centre was opened in 1895 as the Ariel Opera House. Throughout the earlier portion of the twentieth century, numerous big names in vaudeville performed in the opera house. Now, the center houses a regular rotation of featured programming and a wide array of musical education opportunities. Check out their website for a full list of summer programming.
Tours of the opera house are available by calling the opera house in advance, or emailing them at info@arieltheatre.org.
Throughout the summer families can enjoy classic productions such as “The Music Man,” (June 16 and 17) or goofy ones, such as Drew Hasting’s Farmageddon Comedy Show (July 21). July 3 marks Ariel’s Summer Tuba Time open rehearsal, which invites bass instrument players of all ages to come together for an instructional and fun couple of hours together. Later that evening participating musicians will perform at the Gallipolis City Park. Taking part in the event is free, although music books (which will be available at rehearsal,) are $20 each.
Information: 740-446-2787, http://arieltheatre.org
Admission: Varies by event
Parking: free
Anderson Hancock Planetarium
Located at the corner of Fourth and Butler streets in Marietta (Washington County)
Affiliated with Marietta College, the Anderson Hancock Planetarium offers a range of diverse and interesting programming throughout the summer.
This year’s programming includes two July events specifically designed with the young star watcher in mind. July 27 at 7 p.m. the public is invited for a live star talk that will be followed by a screening of the full dome film “Secret of the Cardboard Rocket.” July 30 at 2 p.m. will feature another similar event, with an examination of the sky, followed by the full dome film “Zula Patrol: Down to Earth.”
Although the planetarium is only open during scheduled programming, visitors are welcome in the lobby of the planetarium to view various NASA displays and other exhibitions Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: Free
Information: 1-800-331-7896, www.marietta.edu/planetarium
Boss Bison Ranch
45701 Unionvale Road, Cadiz (Harrison County)
The ranch, consisting of 178 acres, boasts a healthy population of one of the most iconic North American animals: the bison.
Kids can get up close and personal with the bison, feeding them apples and bread on the ranch’s regular free tours and families can enjoy a hearty lunch from the outfit’s signature lunch wagon. The ranch aims to provide an experience that is both educational and enjoyable.
Admission: Tours are free
Parking: Free
Information: 740-942-8726, bossbisonranch.wixsite.com/welcome
The National Forest Covered Bridge Scenic Byway
Follows State Route 26 from Marietta to Woodsfield (Monroe County)
There was a time that Ohio had more covered bridges in it than any other state. Although Pennsylvania currently holds that title, you can still check out some of Ohio’s oldest bridges that run parallel to the Muskingum River on the National Forest Covered Bridge Scenic Byway.
Over the 35-mile trail visitors can take part in free primitive camping at Lane Farm, Hune Bridge (closed until early July), Ringmill Campgrounds, and the Lamping Homestead.
Treat your history-minded teen to an approximately four-hour self-guided tour, and then pass on proper s’mores making etiquette over a campfire on a balmy summer night.
Information: www.monroecountyohio.com/departments/parks_and_recreation/covered_bridge_byway.php
Drafty Acres Stable (Guernsey County)
66345 Wintergreen Rd. S.R. 285
Lore City, OH 43755
Riding horseback through a sun-dappled woods might be one of the best ways to spend a summer afternoon. Regardless of your experience with equines, this Guernsey County based stable has a horseback ride package to fit your needs and abilities.
Younger children might enjoy a shorter one hour trek through the outfit’s trails throughout the rolling hills of Appalachia (double riding, where parents can ride with their children, is available, as long as the child is under 6 years of age,) while more adventurous or experienced riders could find themselves drawn to hour long sunset rides.
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 1 through May 1; May 2 through September 7 open six days a week, closed on Tuesdays. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday September 8 through October 30.
Admission:
One hour guided trail ride: $25
One hour sunset ride: $35 (Reservations mandatory)
Hand-led pony rides: $6
Parking: Free
Information: 740-801-0992 http://www.draftyacresstable.net/
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours (Hocking)
10714 Jackson Street
Rockbridge, OH 43149
If you’re ready for a two-and-a-half to three-hour adventure, make time in your schedule for a family trek out to Hocking Hill’s Canopy Tours this summer.
For those 10 years of age and older, the adventure starts out with a trip down a mile and a half scenic nature trail and includes skating over the treetops of Hocking Hills on 10 zip lines and five sky bridges. Guides are versed enlightening visitors about native vegetation, regional history, and the abundant wildlife in the region.
Visitors should weigh between 70 and 250 pounds for safety reasons.
Admission:
$90 per person per canopy tour Sunday through Friday.
$94 per person on Saturdays.
Admission includes all equipment, a light snack, and transportation. Additional adventure packages available.
Parking: Free
Information: 740-385-9477, http://www.hockinghillscanopytours.com
Sure, the listing above gives you a guide of places you might want to visit this summer season; but the listing below goes into detail on some of the region’s most celebrated vacation and trip spots.
OUTDOOR DRAMAS
‘THE LIVING WORD’
This summer marks the 43rd season for the religious drama about the life of Christ.
* Location: 6010 College Hill Road, Cambridge (Guernsey County)
* Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays June 16 to Sept. 30 (except closed June 30, July 1)
* Admission: $6 (children ages 4 to 12) to $18
* Seating capacity: 800
* Running time: 2½ hours
* Information: 740-439-2761, www.livingworddrama.org
‘TECUMSEH!’
This is the 45th season for the outdoor historical drama about the Shawnee leader.
* Location: Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Road, Chillicothe (Ross County)
* Performances: 8 p.m. June 9 to Sept. 3, with no Sunday performances except Sept. 3; Hamlet (8 p.m. Aug. 6); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (8 p.m. July 23); Dailey & Vincent concert (7 p.m. June 18); Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers and the Lonesome River Band (7 p.m. July 9); and Ricky Skaggs & the Kentucky Thunder concert (7 p.m. July 30)
* Admission: $19 (children 10 and younger) to $29 (including $5 rain-insurance fee) for Tecumseh!; free, for the two Shakespeare plays; concerts vary
* Seating capacity: 1,689
* Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes for Tecumseh!; 2½ hours for other plays
* Information: 1-866-775-0700, www.tecumsehdrama.com
OUTDOOR MUSIC
JAMBOREE IN THE HILLS
For over three decades, Jamboree in the Hills, nestled just outside of Wheeling, WV has been attracting the best in country music for a four-day live music extravaganza. The first years of the festival included the likes of Johnny Cash, the Carter Family, Merle Haggard, and other legendary names, and the festival hasn’t let up in quality of featured acts in years since.
* Location: off Rt. 40, Morristown (Belmont County)
* Performances include: Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Sawyer Brown, The Cadillac Three, Mark Chesnutt, Lee Greenwood, High Valley, and many more!
DATES OF EVENT: July 13-16
* Parking: $10 daily (no overnight parking), with $25 daily VIP parking available. $45 remote parking available for the duration of the event. Camping pass ($225 to $250) does not include admission.
* Tickets/information: $75 to $110 (one day), $155 to $175 (two days), $215 to $230 (three days), $235 to $260 (four days); 1-800-594-8499; www.jamboreeinthe hills.com
LEGEND VALLEY
Originally the rural spot for get-togethers for the Cliff family, Legend Valley is an outdoor music venue that hosts everything from classic rock shows to groundbreaking electronic and hip-hop music.
* Location: 7585 Kindle Rd., Thornville (Perry County)
Performances this summer include:
Boom Boom Fest (June 23-24) Big Grams, Steve Aoki, Jon Bellion, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, many more.
Get the Led Out (July 14): American Led Zeppelin tribute Get The Led Out.
The Werk Out Festival (August 3-5): The Werks, Gramatik, The Floozies, Emancipator, Future Rock, many more.
Ohio LBA (September 14-17): Ohio’s Lesbian Festival, line-up forthcoming.
Resonance Music and Arts Festival (September 21-23): line-up forthcoming.
* Tickets/information: 740-323-1485, http://www.legendvalley.net/events.shtml, http://resonancemusicfest.com, http://www.thewerkoutfestival.com/site/,
http://gtlorocks.com, http://www.boomboomfest.com, https://ohiolba.org/2016/
MUSEUMS
ROSCOE VILLAGE
A gorgeously restored historic canal town, Roscoe Village is equal parts charming and truly intriguing. Everything from shopping at quaint little boutiques to exploring artfully presented living history exhibits is available in a small mile radius for visitors.
* Location: 600 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton (Coshocton County)
* Open: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily after Memorial Day
* Admission: daily guided tours are $9.95 for adults and $4.95 for students
* Parking: free
* Special exhibit: The Village Smithy, a historic recreation of a late nineteenth-century blacksmith in a preserved 1889 village blacksmith shop.
June 16-18 also marks the annual Dulcimer Days festival, which is entirely free. The event includes live music and workshops.
* Information: 1-800-877-1830, 740-622-7644, www.roscoevillage.com
ZANESVILLE MUSEUM OF ART
The Zanesville Museum of Art was established some 80 years ago, and has been an important part of Southeast Ohio ever since. The museum houses a wide array of exhibitions made up of over 8,000 pieces.
* Location: 620 Military Rd., Zanesville (Muskingum County)
* Open: Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Friday, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Admission: $6, or $4 for senior citizens 60 and older and children 10 to 18, free for children 9 and younger and members and for the general public on Thursdays 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
* Parking: free
* Special exhibit: “Artist of All Seasons,” landscape paintings by Karl Kappes, through August 26.
* Information: 740-452-0741, www.zanesvilleart. org
ZOO
THE WILDS
A sprawling 9,000-acre conservation park that was transformed from property formerly owned by the American Electric Power Company. The Wilds boasts a wide variety of exotic animals, as well as number of special tours and overnight accommodations.
* Location: 14000 International Rd., Cumberland (Guernsey County)
* Big attractions: experience rare and endangered animals such as giraffes, rhinos, zebras and cheetahs living in their natural, open-range habitats at the conservation center in southeastern Ohio. Zip lines, horseback riding, fishing tours, a lodge, cabins and yurts are available.
* Open: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily May through September, weekends only in October
* Admission: Open Air Safari Tour, $30, free for Wilds members and members of the military with appropriate ID. Wildside Tour: $125 or $100 for members.
* Parking: free
* Information: 740-638-5030, www.thewilds.org