With the fall season kicking off, an abundance of autumn experiences await those traveling in Ohio. This September, visitors can challenge themselves by trying to find their way through a Civil War-inspired corn maze, celebrate one of central Ohio's most delicious festivals or grab their lederhosen and dance their cares away at the world's largest chicken dance in downtown Cincinnati. However you enjoy spending the new autumn season, Ohio is too much fun for just one day. Following is just a sampling of September events available to those looking for fun, budget-friendly travel ideas close to home. For additional events, visit www.DiscoverOhio.com or call 1-800-BUCKEYE.
- Family Fun -
2009 Corn Maze Adventure, Maize Valley Market and Winery, Hartville, now through Oct. 31 (NE).
At the 2009 Corn Maze Adventure, families are challenged to complete a larger-than-life corn maze that highlights the two Civil War battles that took place in Ohio's Meigs and Columbiana counties.
Ohio Renaissance Festival, Harveysburg, Sept. 5-Oct. 25 (SW).
Travel back in time to 16th-century England. This 30-acre English village entertains visitors with more than 100 shows on 12 stages and live jousting tournaments. Check out the culinary menu complete with giant roasted turkey legs and steak on a stake. The festival also is home to one of the largest and most unique open-air marketplaces in Ohio and features jewelry and numerous handmade goods.
Barnesville Pumpkin Festival, Barnesville, Sept. 24-27 (SE).
This Barnesville tradition features a pumpkin weigh-in for the largest pumpkin and pumpkin-infused treats including ice cream, pies and cookies. Visitors enjoy contests for the longest beard and a fiddle-playing championship.
- Arts and Culture -
Wooster Arts Jazz Fest, Downtown Wooster, Sept. 20 (NE).
The sixth annual Wooster Jazz Fest features a New Orleans-style Jazz parade in the heart of downtown historic Wooster. Appropriate for all ages, this event also features juried artists selling their work, continuous live jazz, children's art activities and delicious, homemade specialty foods prepared by local restaurants.
- History and Heritage -
White House Pets: Ambassador at Large and White House Horses, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, Fremont, Aug. 25-Jan. 10, 2010 (NW)
The home at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. has been the residence of world-famous personalities -- including those of the feathered and four-footed persuasion. Presidential families have included goats, sheep, horses, and more. This pair of exhibits on loan from the White House Historical Society examines the lives of the White House's four-footed residents.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, Sept. 19-20, Cincinnati (SW).
Willkommen. More than 500,000 people gather annually in downtown Cincinnati for the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the country -- second only to the festivities in Germany. Enjoy the "Running of the Wieners" (dachshund races); bier gartens, the world's largest chicken dance with 48,000 participants; 87,542 mettwursts; 64,000 sauerkraut balls and 16,002 strudels. All these offerings make for one unforgettable experience.
Newark Earthworks Garden Harvest Celebration, Newark Earthworks, Newark, Sept. 26 (C).
Learn more about the Newark Earthwork's prehistoric garden and the diverse plants it contains during the harvest celebration. Earthworks Club volunteers demonstrate how ancient peoples gathered the harvest and preserved foods. Included, as part of the afternoon's activities, will be Native American storytelling and music.
Looking for additional September events? Visit www.DiscoverOhio.com. To order your free copy of the 2009 Ohio Travel Planner or Fall/Winter Ohio Calendar of Events, click on the Free Publications icon online or call 1-800-BUCKEYE. The Ohio Travel Planner and Ohio Calendar of Events also are both viewable online at www.Dis coverOhio.com. For questions and additional information, trained travel counselors are available to assist 1-800-BUCKEYE callers weekdays from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Ohio Tourism Division is the premier source of information for travelers and media about Ohio's vibrant tourism experiences, attractions, and economy. Division marketing programs contributed to an estimated $39 billion in total sales in 2008 and 452,000 jobs sustained by visitors to the state. A part of the Ohio Department of Development, the division's mission is to promote and celebrate Ohio's unique travel opportunities and market the state's outstanding quality of life.
