The natural beauty of fall foliage in Ohio makes this an ideal time to plan a weekend getaway to enjoy natures bounty. The Ohio Byways in Wayne, Holmes, Tuscarawas, and Coshocton counties all offer a spectacular view of the changing leaves in the lush hills and valleys of Ohios rich farming communities. The scenic byways in each of these counties offer unique opportunities for shopping, sightseeing, and simply enjoying the beauty of fall. During late September and early October, the crisp air and cooling temperatures make this a perfect season to venture outside.
A great place to kick off your tour is by hitting the road and touring the Amish Country Byway. Located in the heart of Ohios Amish Country, the byway will lead you through eastern and western Holmes County, where you can visit and explore restaurants, shops, museums, and working farms that are owned and operated by members of the Amish community. The beauty of the gently rolling hills and bucolic farmsteads will be aglow with bright yellows and vibrant reds as you make your way through the countryside.
The Harvest Festival and Parade in Berlin on Sept. 10, Charm Days on Oct. 7-8 and the Antique Festival in Historic Downtown Millersburg on Oct. 8-9 all draw large crowds and are lots of fun for the whole family, according to Shasta Mast, Executive Director of the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau.
The Rib Cookoff during the Harvest Fest certainly attracts foodies and BBQ aficionados, along with the parade, which brings out the local color [and] provides entertainment for visitors. The Woolly Worm Race during Charm Days is something everyone should see at least once, but the great food and fun activities will make the event an annual occasion. The Antique Festival is an Amish Country Tradition, with live entertainment, antique appraising, activities for the children, and of course the opportunity to discover an antique thats perfect for your home, continued Mast.
The Amish Country Byway is 76.2 miles long, and can be driven in three to four hours. However, the best way to enjoy the byway is to take one to two days to explore everything that it has to offer.
Mast noted that The Amish Byway is simply gorgeous in the fall.
The rolling hills, picturesque Amish farms and tidy fields full of corn shocks punctuate the breathtaking fall foliage, said Mast. The foliage typically peaks during the middle of October, but the weathers great and theres beauty all around during the entire fall season. Its also a great time to scour farm market stands for the last of the seasons fresh produce.
In the eastern section of the county, popular tourist destinations include The Victorian House Museum, the Guggisberg Cheese Factory, Baltic Mills, the German Culture Museum, Yoders Amish Home (a fully operating Amish farm), Rolling Ridge Ranch, Heinis Cheese House and Country Mall, the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center, the Farmers Produce Auction, the Holmes County Trail, and Schrocks Amish Farm and Home. In addition to these sites, there are plenty of restaurants that offer traditional Amish fare that will make your mouth water. The Amish are famous for their chicken dinners, creamy mashed potatoes, and a variety of homemade pies and baked goods.
The western section of the county has much to offer as well. Enjoy walking, biking, or jogging along the Holmes County Trail. Originally a Penn Central railroad corridor, the train track has been converted to a multi-use trail accessible to hikers, non-motorized bikers, walkers, horse and buggy, and horseback riders. Byway visitors may view the protected swamp areas and its native floral and wildlife as well as the fertile croplands of Amish country. In addition, a stop that will please history buffs is the Croco House. Listed on the National Register of Historic places, it played an active role in the Underground Railroad.
For more fall fun, head to Coshocton Countys Historic Roscoe Village. Located on State Route 16/18 at the U.S. 36 Junction in Coshocton, the village is a restored 19th-century town. Roscoe Village has homes, shops, restaurants, and a 51-room inn. The Apple Butter Stirrin' Festival, held on October 14, 15, and 16, is not to be missed. The festival hosts over 100 artisans and crafters, and celebrates the sights, sounds and scents of autumn. Smell the fresh apple butter simmering over an open fire as you stroll through the village to a variety of music including bluegrass, country, gospel and tunes from days gone-by. Youll find a quilt raffle, artisans items raffle, and various educational and entertaining outdoor demonstrations throughout the weekend. Special features include Civil War on the Home Front tours, eerie Spirit of Roscoe tours, canal boat rides, and a childrens activity area.
Heading further north into Wayne County, a number of fall festivals will be held in the months of September and October. On Saturday, Sept. 17, The Wooster Arts Jazz Fest will be held on the square in downtown Wooster. The festival will feature live jazz music, a variety of food, free childrens activities, and a New Orleans style jazz parade. On Saturday, Oct. 1, Woosterfest, an Oktoberfest celebration featuring live entertainment, children's entertainment, art & craft vendors, a beer stein race, talent show, food concessions, and more will be sure to delight visitors. Admission to both festivals is free.
For more outdoor fun in Wayne County, the 20th Annual Williamsburg Festival will be held on Oct. 1-2 at the Pine Tree Barn in Shreve. Step back 200 years in time to 18th-century Williamsburg. For two days the Pine Tree Barn is transformed into a bustling colonial village. Explore the market place with unique wares that surround the village square. Meet over forty carefully selected artists who will demonstrate techniques of traditional craftsmen.
The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The program is a grass-roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States.The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities.
