By 1812Blockhouse (and AI, of course)

OK. This is not the first time we have offered a post on 1812Blockhouse generated by artificial intelligence, but this time it’s a bit new.

In specific, we became able on Wednesday to use the latest incarnation of one of the most cutting edge generative content tools, GPT-4, together with the use of new plugin features. Those plugins include the ability to allow the tool to “surf the web” and discover content dating to the last few years — after the limit of the pre-plugin GPT-4.

So to try it out for a test drive, we asked it to write a feature article about the ideal way to spend 24 hours in Richland County if one had a car and $50 to spend. This is what it shared, verbatim, with no changes made to the text.

In your estimation, how well did it perform?

Richland County on $50: A Day On The Road

Richland County, Ohio, is filled with natural beauty, history, and cultural experiences that cater to a variety of interests. Here’s a suggested itinerary that would allow you to explore Richland County in a day with a budget of $50.

Start your day with a visit to the Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield. Renowned for its unique floral displays, the gardens also feature unique plants, a display greenhouse, duck ponds, and woodland trails. It’s a perfect place to take a refreshing morning walk. Admission is $8 per person, and children under 12 are free​​.

Next, head to Malabar Farm State Park in Lucas, a 900-acre estate where Pulitzer Prize author and agricultural conservation pioneer Louis Bromfield put his farming philosophies into practice. You can explore the barn, take a wagon ride, and learn about natural history and Bromfield’s vision at the visitors’ center. While there, don’t forget to check out the gift shop for Bromfield’s books and fresh farm produce​.

After your visit to Malabar Farm State Park, you might want to grab a quick lunch. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the many beautiful spots in the park.

In the afternoon, make your way to the Richland B&O Trail, which stretches 18.4 miles from the village of Butler to the city of Mansfield. You can rent a bike and enjoy the scenic trail that passes through forest areas and open farmland. It’s also a great spot for a leisurely run or even in-line skating​​.

As the day winds down, consider visiting the Renaissance Theatre in Mansfield. The century-old theater has been restored to its original grandeur and regularly hosts musicals, films, concerts, and workshop showcases​​.

Please note that the admission prices for bike rentals and any performances at the Renaissance Theatre are not included in this itinerary due to a lack of available up-to-date information. Please check their respective websites for current pricing.

Other points of interest in Richland County that you might want to consider for future visits include the Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast in Belleville Township, known for its tranquility and full-service restaurant​​, the Cooke Family Wildlife Conservation Park in Shiloh, offering over three miles of hiking trails and a variety of wildlife​​, and the Shawshank Trail in Mansfield, a self-guided tour of 15 film sites from the movie “The Shawshank Redemption”​​.

Enjoy your day in Richland County, Ohio!

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