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May 2013 Edition ©
Over
80,000 visitors/month producing 1.3 million hits/month*
Ohio tourism guide to free &
affordable attractions on roads less traveled
LOST IN OHIO
Featuring the USS Cod
Play Video
Hop aboard
Ohio's only WWII submarine open to the public from May 1 through September
in downtown Cleveland, Ohio.
Her five diesel
engines were built in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cod received a battle
star for each of her seven war patrols, and sank more than 12 enemy
vessels totally more than 37,000 tons, and damaging another 36,000 tons of
enemy shipping, including the Japanese destroyer Karukaya.
It was on Cod’s seventh and final war patrol that she was honored for
performing the only international submarine-to-submarine rescue in
history. In the South China Sea she came to the aid of the Dutch Submarine
O-19 which had grounded on the coral reef outcropping. After
rescuing the 56 Dutch sailors the two captains decided there was no hope
freeing the sub. It was destroyed by the Cod and the rescued
sailors were delivered to the recently liberated Subic Bay naval base.
The Cod is now docked in Lake Erie in Cleveland, and is maintained
and operated as a memorial those submarine sailors who have lost their
lives during the United States history. Because of her unique status as
the very last unmodified U.S submarine from the WWII era she has been
named a National Historic Landmark.
Visit Coshocton
An Affordable and FUN Getaway
Save time, money and gas this summer and have a family-fun getaway in nearby Coshocton, Ohio. From entertaining events featuring a wine festival, hot air balloons, corvettes, and traditional Appalachian music, to amazing attractions like Historic Roscoe Village, Unusual Junction, the Monticello III Horse-drawn Canal Boat Ride, Lake Park Aquatic Center, and the five wineries that make up the Three Rivers Wine Trail, Coshocton is just the place to spend your summer.
Coshocton is home to Historic Roscoe Village, a restored 1800s canal era town offering tours of the historic buildings depicting life in the 1800s. You'll meet an 1800s doctor, weavers who work on traditional looms in the craftsman's house, and even participate in an old-fashioned school lesson. Plus, enjoy visiting with the rugged village blacksmith who uses old-fashioned tools and fire to demonstrate the forging techniques that were used in the 1800s.
The Shops and Restaurants in Historic Roscoe Village certainly keep things exciting within this historic town. From fine jewelry to handmade leather goods, to gourmet foods, to wine & coffees, to antiques, to kitchen wares, to ladies clothing, to unique gifts, to flowers & plants, to homemade fudge and custard, to delicious family meals to live entertainment – your time in Roscoe Village will be a treat for all the senses as you learn about 1800s history and experience the shopping and dining along the way. Most of the shops and restaurants are open seven days a week in Roscoe Village.
Everyone loves meeting Fred & Rock and Willie & Bill, the huge Percheron draft horse teams that pull the Monticello III Canal Boat along an original section of the Ohio and Erie Canal. Travelers on the 45-minute canal boat ride will also be entertained by the Canal Boat Captain as he explains 1800s life on the canal. You'll hear tall tales and a lot of history and you'll feel like you've actually glided right into the 1830s.
Coshocton is also home to five local wineries including Raven's Glenn, Shawnee Springs, Heritage Vineyard, Rainbow Hills and Yellow Butterfly. And don't forget the cheese! Watch the production of award-winning cheeses and then sample them at Pearl Valley Cheese Factory. For something a bit unusual—The Unusual Junction is the place—offering an Amish cheese outlet, unique gifts, a huge selection of hot sauces and mustards, teas, Lava Rock Grill diner and Universe Prom & Bridal Superstore.
There are several events coming up in Coshocton. On May 18, experience the Taste for Summer Wine and BBQ Fest at Clary Gardens featuring nine wineries, BBQ vendors, breweries, live music, and grape stomping. On May 26 in Roscoe Village it's the Riders for Relief Motorcycle Show and Family Day and the National Onion Ring Eating Competition.
On June 7-9, enjoy The Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival, sponsored by Frontier Power.
Corvette enthusiasts will love the Corvettes at Roscoe Cruise-In on June 9 as over 200 corvettes converge on the street in Historic Roscoe Village. Spectator admission is free. Now through August 11, visitors will also appreciate the Pushing the Surface Art Quilt exhibit at the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum in Roscoe Village.
Coshocton is also the host of the longest running heritage music festival in Ohio—Coshocton Dulcimer Days held this year on June 14-16 in Roscoe Village. The festival features music workshops, free concerts, and the Mid-East Regional Dulcimer Championships.
If you feel like running through the woods and mud in a competitive race—then head to the Indian Mud Run at Coshocton Lake Park on June 22. This Park fundraiser is designed to challenge the tough guys and gals out there—is that you?
Coming up July 23-27, it's Ohio Chautauqua in Coshocton with the theme When Ohio Was the Western Frontier featuring Oliver Hazard Perry, Chief John Logan, Margaret Blennerhassett, York, and Johnny Appleseed. The weeklong event offers free daytime workshops led by the scholars for youth and for adults, and free evening first-person performances.
For more information and additional events, call 1-800-338-4724 for a free visitors guide or go to www.VisitCoshocton.com.
Sculptures on the Square
Seward Johnson’s
Life-like Bronze Figures
My Dog Has Fleas, by Seward Johnson
©1996 The Sculpture Foundation, Inc.
www.sculpturefoundation.org
The summer of 2013 promises to be a fabulous one for Troy, Ohio! With a spectacular kick-off in May, downtown Troy welcomes the awe-inspiring bronze sculptures of world-renowned artist Seward Johnson in the sixth installment of Sculptures on the Square. Johnson’s twenty amazingly life-like statues are on display throughout the district in the special outdoor exhibit from May 4th through September 2nd.
Sculptures on the Square, a biennial public art initiative, draws thousands of visitors from around the country to the picturesque western Ohio town. The sidewalk exhibit allows pedestrians to view sculptures by walking an easily navigable distance downtown while also enjoying the quaint shops and eateries that Troy has to offer.
The twenty pieces displayed in Troy are part of Seward’s most widely recognized collection. The sculptures depict people engaged in everyday, ordinary activities. Johnson’s unique ability to highlight the mundane occurrences in life has brought a special voice to the world of accessible art in public spaces. Their routine poses make them a novel, yet natural, selection for a public art display in a setting such as the sidewalks of historic downtown Troy.
Following a short stint in college, working for his family’s business, and an early career as a painter, American artist Seward Johnson set his sights on the medium of sculpture. Since then, more than 450 of Johnson's life-size cast bronze figures have been featured in private collections and museums in the United States and around the world. His work has been featured in Rockefeller Center, Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver, Pacific Place in Hong Kong, Les Halles in Paris, and Via Condotti in Rome.
Johnson
said, "My art is an imitation of life. [The sculptures] do many things;
they can warm up a park or public space and they invite people to come
into that space, so that they don't feel quite alone. They also make good
neighbors — they don't make a lot of noise.
Realism has the capacity to reach everyone; there is no age barrier, no
culture barrier. As the breadth of communication expands, so does the
potency of a particular work."
Troy Main Street secured the installation of Johnson’s work for a third time. A similar exhibit of the artist’s work was last displayed in Troy in 2005 and received glorious praise. “For the last 8 years, Troy residents and businesses have been requesting the return of his work,” notes Karin Manovich, Executive Director of Troy Main Street. “We were fortunate to receive this year’s exhibit.”
Presented by Troy Main Street, Inc. in partnership with the City of Troy, Sculptures on the Square is a biennial public art exhibit in historic downtown Troy. For further information, call 937-339-5455 or visit www.troymainstreet.org. To learn more about the work of Seward Johnson, visit www.sewardjohnson.com.
The exhibit is on loan from the Sculpture Foundation, Inc. and is made possible by a grant from the General Fund of the Troy Foundation with support from area corporations and individuals. Walking tour brochures are available at most downtown retailers and restaurants, as well as at the Miami County Visitors Bureau and Troy Main Street.
Make plans now to visit Troy this summer and be amazed by these extraordinary pieces of art while strolling through the lovely and historic downtown.
SMALL TOWN CHARM
Beckons with Food and Fun
in Ohio’s Historic West
As spring inches its way towards summer you will find delicious food, flowers and fun throughout Ohio’s Historic West.
Spring is the perfect time to visit Bear’s Mill near Greenville, Ohio. During their spring open house, May 4th & 5th be sure to tour the four-story working antique, walk the beautiful grounds and marvel at the ingenuity of our forefathers in utilizing the natural resources of the property to engineer and build the Mill and maintain its operations. From 11am to 5pm both days you will enjoy shopping the Mill Market & Gallery for unique and inviting merchandise and art. Bear's Mill is located at 6450 Arcanum-Bear's Mill Road, Greenville, Ohio. www.BearsMill.com.
Delicious, lip-smacking ribs are the reason to make your way to the Mercer County Fairgrounds, in Celina, Ohio, May 17th and 18th for Ribfest 2013. Not only will you enjoy delicious ribs from an array of award winning BBQ vendors, you will also enjoy a car cruise-in on Friday and "Bike Night" on Saturday evening. There will be music from Exploit and BoomSwang Rock Band on Friday night and Grove Hill and 1988 will be on tap on Saturday night. www.mercercountyohiofair.com.
With the warmer weather, west Ohio farmers are ready to pick the best of the bunch for the area’s fine farmers markets. When it comes to fresh fruits, vegetables and a unique shopping experience, farmers markets are the perfect places to locate some fabulous finds for everyone in the family! Opening May 23rd, the Piqua Farmer’s Market is open Thursdays 2-6 and is located at the corner of Spring and Ash Streets. www.PiquaFarmersMarket.com The Tipp City Marketplace, located at the corner of Broadway and South Third Streets, will be open Saturdays 9-noon, beginning June 1st. www.TippCityMarketplace.org And the Downtown Troy Farmer’s Market will open June 22nd. Visit them Saturdays from 9–noon at their South Cherry Street location. Check out www.TroyMainStreet.org/farmers_market for more information.
You are invited to come join in on the fun May 28th through June 2nd at Alumapalooza Four, a family-friendly festival for people who love Airstream travel trailers. You’ll enjoy a variety of informational and lifestyle seminars, musical entertainment, factory tours, demonstrations, BBQ, a car show and swap meet. Alumapalooza’s featured entertainer this year is singer/songwriter Josh Rogan. Open to Airstream owners and non-owners alike, Alumapalooza Four is located at the world famous Airstream manufacturing facility, 419 West Pike Street in Jackson Center, Ohio. For more information, check out their web site at www.alumapalooza.com.
VanWert was once known as the Peony Capital of the World and that fragrant spring flower is at the heart of a wonderful celebration. The annual Peony Festival and ArtRageous on Main will take place on June 7th & 8th in Van Wert, Ohio. Check out the artisans demonstrating and selling their works. There will also be a craft show, delicious festival food, outstanding musical talent, a pet show, kids’ fishing derby, a car show and the wonderful Peony Grand Parade. A full schedule of events is available at www.vanwertpeony.com.
And If you want to get out of the city and enjoy some “real country”, free family fun, the Maria Stein Country Fest is for you. Taking place June 21st-23rd, on the grounds of the Maria Stein Relic Shrine this festival will feature the High Flying Pages and the “nationally renowned” Country Fest Tractor Square Dancers. There will be great musical entertainment, games and delicious food-- including turtle soup and the famous Knight’s fried chicken. For a complete list of events visit: mscountryfest.com.
Enjoy the celebrations, tastes and the charming, small towns of Ohio’s Historic West, where you will be a part of the American Experience. For more information, visit www.OhiosHistoricWest.com or receive frequent updates on Facebook.
Sponsored Content
A New Roar in Ohio Tourism
MONSTER RAIL
Deep in the woods, there’s a new roar. It’s not an animal, it’s a
monster! Discover a new species of fun―Monster Rail.
Monster Rail is an extreme ZipRail―not to be confused with ziplines. It’s a revolution in the evolution of zipping. Ziplines go from high to low in a straight line. But a ZipRail sends its thrill seekers into spirals, around bends and even bursting through moveable walls.
The first-ever, double ZipRail (Monster Rail) will be unveiled this spring. Monster Rail takes the ZipRail invention to a radical new level, enabling riders to zip above the rail or be suspended below it. Think of a roller coaster in the woods maneuvering “S” curves, flying over a cliff and soaring through a ravine. You can even bicycle through the forest’s canopy.
Welcome to Hocking Hills Nature Trails, an adventure park where nature meets technology.
Radical Recreation designs and manufactures such innovations for this park and amusement parks worldwide. Because Radical Recreation and Hocking Hills Nature Trails are neighbors, Ohioans are often the first to experience breakthrough technologies like the brand new Monster Rail.
The park isn’t just about the new phenomenon, ZipRailing. There’s plenty of other fun spread across its 100 acres.
Ohio ATV World is a part of the park. Their specialty is family-oriented riding featuring 18 miles of trails to maneuver. They’re even a Bad Boy Utility Vehicle Distributor offering test rides up to 15 miles.
Visitors are sometimes shocked at what Hocking Hills Nature Trails provides. For example, you may bring your own bow to the Hunger (archery) Range or staff can provide you with a bow, knives, hatchets and even Chinese throwing stars to test your accuracy out on targets.
Another eye-catcher is a huge piece of construction equipment that swings its screaming riders from a dangling cage attached to a long mechanical arm. This peculiar creation is known as the Cat Swing Ride.
The diverse fun continues with the Monster Dash Mud Run. If you’re not afraid to get dirty, race others through a wild woodland obstacle course sure to leave you dripping in excitement. It features 35 obstacles including a climbing tower, fireman poles, tire run and barrels to crawl through.
Everything at the park is family-oriented and open to any skill level from first-timers on up. Adventurers can be walk-ins or they can make group reservations. Whether you’re ten-years-old or a Centurion, there is a diverse selection of outdoor fun to be had at your speed―whatever it may be―in this “experimental” park.
Hocking Hills Nature Trails, home to the new Monster ZipRail, Ohio ATV World, Hunger Range and more, is located at 15155 Sauerkraut Road in Logan, Ohio. For reservations, call 740-592-2500 or email reservations@hockinghillsnaturetrails.com. Visit www.hockinghillsnaturetrails.com to learn more.
By Frank R. Satullo, The OhioTraveler
OHIO’S TURNING GREEN
WITH AMISH
Welcome to Ohio’s green energy outpost at Miller’s Bakery, Furniture and Bulk Foods in West Union, Ohio.
Corporate America can learn a few things from those who have always depended on nature’s blessings. Daniel Miller and Amish communities everywhere are America’s forgotten leaders in green energy.
“Thanks to the good Lord’s sun, wind and water, we have never paid an energy bill in our 35 years of business,” said Daniel Miller.
But Daniel Miller says it’s not just solar energy that keeps the Amish businesses green. They also get power from windmills. The wind generator acts like an automobile alternator and charges a battery to run fans, cash registers and even credit card machines. However, he says more consistency is achieved with solar panels.
Green technology blends naturally with the Amish lifestyle. Known for harvesting fresh produce from the natural earth, baking delectable desserts, handcrafting gorgeous wood furniture, and creating beautiful quilts, Amish merchants like Millers stay true to their roots – withstanding the enormous pressures of the “plugged-in” world outside their paradise of horse and buggy living stretching down Wheat Ridge Road in rural Adams County, Ohio.
Amish are known entrepreneurs, use green energy and have close to zero unemployment. They buy local and don’t tend to rely on government services. This often overlooked and underappreciated community is largely settled in Ohio.
Out on Miller’s Wheat Ridge Road the senses dance to the rhythmic spin of a buggy wheel, the harmony of a handcrafted armoire getting fine tuned, and a hypnotizing breeze that carries the oven-fresh-baked apple pie across the field. It’s a special place where time stands still and Sundays are still reserved for God.
In the past 35 years, the modest farmhouse and family cooking up delicious baked goods for friends has become a pilgrimage destination for many in Ohio and beyond. Today, the 300-acre farm has 34,000 square feet of furniture under one roof, plus more outside, and a separate building for the bakery and another for the bulk food store. The cash registers are powered by wind-generated energy. Plus the Miller’s use a lot of solar energy and air compressors. In the parking lot, it’s not uncommon for a horse and buggy to be standing next to a BMW.
Throughout the remainder of the year, the Miller’s have special events planned to show appreciation to all those that have kept them in business for three and a half decades.
For a day in “green” country, Miller’s is a crossroads in time. The Amish offerings at Miller’s Bakery, Furniture and Bulk Foods are plentiful and diverse. You name it they have it. But if by chance they don’t, they’ll make it – just like they’ve been doing decades.
By Frank R. Satullo, The OhioTraveler
The hills of Hocking County will surely come to life as the annual Washboard Music Festival kicks off with another great year of entertainment beginning Thursday, June 13 with none other than the legendary Arnett Howard. Arnett is known around Central Ohio for his special brand of Jazz, Creole, and Blues music and no matter what he plays, he brings out the crowds. Arnett and his band will appear for a “one night only” performance on the Main Stage to kick off this year’s festivities. This is one show you won’t want to miss. And, believe it or not, you can see Arnett for FREE!
This year’s festival promises to be great! There is a huge variety of musical entertainment which includes Dixieland, Blues, Swing, Jugband, Bluegrass, Funky Creole, Old-Time Country, Ragtime and even Rock ‘n Roll.
Some of this year’s performers include the return of the fabulous Jugband from Louisville, KY, the Juggernaughts. Performing for the first time at the festival will be the Smokin Fez Monkeys, a modern jug band that puts the fun back into music playing a wacky mixture of songs and tunes from several decades ago.
Also returning from last year’s first appearance in Downtown Logan are Blue Lunch, a brass blues band from Cleveland and HB7, a great rock n’ roll band playing a lot of favorites from the 60’s – 80’s. Both of these groups will be playing on Friday night. These two great bands will have the crowd jumpin' and dancin' all evening.
Back again by popular demand, and the featured group Saturday night, is Robin Lacy and Dezydeco. These great entertainers light it up and turn the audiences on with their own brand of Louisianan Cajun style music.
Other groups performing include: Buffalo Ridge Jazz Band; Wayfarers; Sodbusters; Sister Jean & Kenan; Kaye Wade; and the delightful sounds of Ellen and Priscilla known in the Columbus area as Delightful Sounds.
In addition to toe-tappin’, washboard strummin’ music, the festival will feature arts and crafts from many of the area’s Appalachian artisans; a beautiful quilt show featuring quilts from The Old and New Quilter's Club of Gallia County, featuring the Gallia County Quilt Barn Trail; a special "Trails to Rails...and more exhibit at the Hocking County Historical Society; delicious, mouth-watering food; tours of the Columbus Washboard Company; a car show on Friday evening, antique tractors and hit ‘n miss engines; a parade on Saturday night; and more.
And, as in past years, there will be FREE amusement rides for the kids and entertainment by the world famous puppeteer Grandpa Cratchet. This is truly one festival you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendar for June 13, 14 and 15 and bring the whole family out for a great weekend of fun and entertainment in the beautiful Hocking Hills.
For more information on the festival, visit washboardmusicfestival.com. Come for the entire weekend. You can check out lodging facilities and more information about the Hocking Hills at 1800hocking.com.
The Washboard Music Festival is supported with grants from the Ohio Arts Council and Hocking Hills Tourism Association.
This month's recipients of The Ohio STANDOUT Award:
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USS Cod: Cleveland offers a rare opportunity for visitors to explore a legendary World War II submarine. It performed the only international sub to sub rescue in history. This standout tour allows the freedom to explore everything onboard from the torpedo room to the large guns on deck, mess hall and sleeping arrangements. It’s also rare in that it has not been altered to accommodate tourism: You have to use ladders and squeeze in tight spaces just as its crew members did. Oh, and the staff’s storytelling and friendliness is superb. Play Video.
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Topiary Park: Columbus offers a surreal experience. It’s like crawling into a painting and exploring it in three-dimensions. Georges Seurat’s famous painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grand Jatte.is recreated in topiary right down to topiary boats floating on water. Visitors are free to roam and explore all aspects of this unlikely recreation, becoming part of art. The topiaries are nestled within what was historically called Old Deaf School Park, which has a past spanning back to the early 19th century. Play Video.
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KitchenAid Experience: This is one of the most well done experiential tourism opportunities anywhere. It is as its name says – KitchenAid Experience. From the factory tour where new products are created to the mini museum where legendary products are laid to rest, in between is a store but what stands out here is the cooking class. That’s right; you get the full KitchenAid Experience right in their kitchen. This foodie delight is smack in the historic small town downtown of Greenville, Ohio. Play Video.
This award recognizes Ohio's truest standouts in tourism. More details
about the award and its recipients are at
www.ohiotraveler.com/standouts.htm.
Videos
OhioTraveler.com's focus is on admission-FREE tourism. Most sections
of OhioTraveler.com feature places with FREE ADMISSION at the very top
of menu options. Find your free fun now:
Festivals & Events
Tours and Demonstrations
Museums and Halls of Fame
Planes, Trains, Autos & Maritime
Art Museums
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In addition to featuring freebies and places worth the price of admission, OhioTraveler.com seeks the more interesting and unique in Ohio tourism. Instead of endless listings of events, lodging, restaurants and stores, we veer away from mainstream and choose the road less traveled. Take a look:
Lodging & Getaways
Restaurants & Eateries
Unique Shops & Shopping
Interesting Ohio Towns
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Or search all attractions by region:
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Ohio travel and tourism guide to Ohio tourist attractions and Ohio vacation destinations in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and all Ohio featuring Ohio travel information on festivals and events, tours, museums, arts, restaurants, lodging, wineries, parks, historic sites, outdoor activities, recreation and leisure activities and entertainment coupons, discounts and other travel deals along Ohio's roads less traveled.
Get out your bow & arrow or bait & tackle as more than $5,000 in prize money is up for grabs in the 3rd annual “Get the Carp Outta Here” Tournament, May 17-19 at Grand Lake St. Marys in west, central Ohio.
This is the third year for the fun, family event. There are prizes for most carp caught in both the bow & bait categories. Prizes will also be given for the biggest carp caught and thanks to the area Kiwanis Clubs, special prizes will also be awarded in categories for kids under 16 years old. This year, to add to the fun there will be 23 tagged carp in the lake, each worth $100. The cost to participate is $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 16.
The tournament is part of the effort to bring Grand Lake St. Marys back into ecological balance. Carp and other rough fish are overly abundant in the lake. Reducing the number of Carp is one small piece of the plan to improve water quality. The carp population increases turbidity in the water, making it difficult for native the fish population to breathe and find food. Bottom feeding carp also uproot aquatic plants, reduce aquatic habitats and re-suspend phosphorus from the lake bottom. The carp themselves also produce a great amount of phosphorus. All of which contribute to blue-green algae growth.
So if you want to have some fun, help improve the lake’s water quality and possibly catch some cash, make plans to take part in the “Get the Carp Outta Here” Tournament, May 17-19 on Grand Lake St. Marys. You can call 800-860-4726 for more information or to have a tournament brochure sent to you. C’mon help Get the Carp Outta Here!! Learn more at www.SeeMore.org.
The First Quest is a Sure Shot:
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Who Am I: Chief Sitting Bull nicknamed me "Watanya Cicilla." Buffalo Bill made me famous around the world.
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Where am I: Brock Cemetery in Darke county. It is up to you to find the cemetery and tombstone. For geocachers, coordinates are
N: 40° 15.622 and W: 084° 33.645. Map of area
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What you will find: An Ohio icon and American legend.
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Nearby Attractions: Bear's Mill, KitchenAid™ Experience and Maid Rite, which is a unique eatery.
Bootlegging Town’s
Moonshine Fest
Nearly 2.5 million viewers tune in every Wednesday to watch Discovery Channel’s wildly popular “Moonshiners,” making it one of cable TV’s highest-rated shows. But this summer, as they have for more than four decades, travelers can experience moonshining culture firsthand with a visit to Ohio's Hocking Hills region. The area’s rich history as a bootlegging capital comes alive during the annual Moonshine Festival, held this Memorial Day weekend, May 23-27 in New Straitsville in Perry County, Ohio.
The festival takes place along the town’s vintage Main Street and holds one of only a few permits in Ohio for brewing “white lightening.” Festival goers will enjoy a variety of events and attractions, such as: the working moonshine still display; local history museum; flea market; carnival rides and games; souvenirs; talent show; cruise-in; tractor pull; and two parades, including the finale Grand Parade on Memorial Day. Festival food vendors also give a nod to the area’s bootlegging past, dishing up everything from moonshine burgers and moonshine doggies to moonshine pie. Free entertainment takes place throughout the four-day run of the event, including a Grand Ole Opry Show on Sunday featuring Jeannie Kendall. The festival begins at 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday and noon Sunday and Monday.
Also known as bootlegging, moonshining is the practice of producing distilled spirits, which are highly regulated and taxed, without government knowledge, review or taxation. Moonshining originated in the United States as part of the 1791 Whiskey Rebellion. Under President George Washington, federal taxes were imposed on whiskey, sparking a backlash among farmers and a rise in illegal distilling. Bootlegging grew further during the prohibition era, from 1920-1933, when New Straitsville "shine" was considered the "gold standard" for hooch. The practice grew in Appalachian areas of the U.S., such as Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, because its lush forests offered exceptional hiding places for illegal still operations. NASCAR racing's earliest days are traced to moonshining, when bootleggers would soup up the cars used to haul booze so they could make a fast getaway, but often raced each other more then the law.
Located 40 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio, Hocking Hills region offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make every day feel like Saturday, with plenty of Admission: FREE activities. The region boasts a wide variety of affordable lodging, from camping, cabins and cottages to hotels and inns. In addition to hiking trails, parks and forests, the Hocking Hills is the zipline capital of the Midwest, with 50 ziplines being offered via three distinct guide services. Unique gift and antique shops, canoeing, horseback riding, golf, spas and more add to the allure of the Hocking Hills as the perfect place to unplug. Complete traveler information is available www.1800Hocking.com or 1-800-Hocking (800-462-5464).
Three houses down; that was the length of my leash on a bicycle.
I was a beginner and loving the freedom my new wheels gave me. Our street didn’t have sidewalks, at least not down by my house. Still, it was safe.
The third house was approaching. I was on the edge of the road traveling opposite traffic. A car was coming from behind me as I turned into the middle of the road. I was startled when the driver beeped at me. Not a hello beep but an angry one.
Back home, I came to a stop against the side steps. This was the only way I could end a bike ride without crashing to stop. We had a long driveway. Mom was outside and I was about to go in for a glass of water when a police car pulled all the way up to the house. This was an incredible sight for me. The officer spoke with my mom and I didn’t quite understand what it was all about. Finally, he approached me. Mom just stood off to the side.
Mesmerized by the uniform, holster and all, I didn’t pay one bit of attention to a word he said. But I caught the gist. It was a lecture about bicycling safety. I was intimidated to say the least. In my mind, when you do something wrong and the police come, there’s but one conclusion – jail!
“I have to go to the bathroom,” I squeaked out.
The officer paused, looked at my mom and she said to be quick.
I was quick all right. I sprinted to my bedroom, grabbed underwear, a shirt, my favorite stuffed animal (a monkey) and then found a towel in the bathroom in which to wrap it all up. I only had cartoons and kids’ shows as a guide, so in lieu of a stick to tie it to, I improvised and used a yard stick. I slipped out another door and was headed for the woods when my mom saw me.
“What are you doing? Where are you going?”
When I stopped and turned, the yardstick snapped and my sack flew onto the ground.
Now I really did have to use the bathroom.
Instead, I had to listen to the rest of the safety lecture and then got the bonus lecture on running away. It all seemed so threatening to me. As the black and white pulled out of the driveway, I remember being very surprised that I wasn’t in cuffs in the backseat.
After my bust I felt on the lam, always looking over my shoulder.
By Frank R. Satullo
This story is an excerpt from a book being published soon which shares wild, funny and touching, quick reads, about growing up in Ohio; each story a glimpse into a mischievous life, often turning the ordinary into an extraordinary experience. If you would like to be notified when it hits the market, simply email scoop@OhioTraveler.com with “book” in the subject line.