Special to 1812Blockhouse
May has arrived to chase away the winter blues. Not only does it look like the warm weather is finally here to stay, but some of our favorite events have returned. You can look forward to the return of the popular barn dances at Malabar Farm State Park, races at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, the 77th Annual May Show at the Mansfield Art Center, the Secret City Tour of Downtown Mansfield and Live Music in The Brickyard!
Theater? Races? History? There’s an event for you!
May 1 is your last day for the Civil War Show and your last chance to watch Once, the breathtaking story of a street musician about to give up on his dreams when a beautiful woman takes an interest in his music. This performance at Theatre 166 has sold out so make sure to reserve your seat right away.
Music lovers won’t want to miss the opportunity to see the Beatles vs. the Stones: A Musical Showdown (May 7) at the Renaissance Theatre.
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Special to 1812Blockhouse
April is full of fun events, so get your calendar ready. From Mohican Wildlife Weekend to Ghost Walks at the Historic Ohio State Reformatory to a visit from the Easter Bunny, Spring is truly here!
Attractions, concerts, annual events abound
Don’t miss the Making Scents: the Art and Passion of Fragrance exhibit at Kingwood Center! This exhibit will conclude at the end of April.
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Special to 1812Blockhouse
Cabin fever is supposed to be behind us but with the taste of spring we experienced earlier this week, you may be more eager to get out of the house and explore more than ever! Don’t worry, from St. Patrick’s Day events to Murder Mystery Dinners to the Maple Syrup Festival at Malabar Farm, here’s the lowdown on Mansfield area happenings.
If you thought you missed your chance to learn about the science of scent at Kingwood Center or the opportunity to immerse yourself in glass blowing at the Mansfield Art Center, you’ll be thrilled to know that both Making Scents: the Art and Passion of Fragrance and the Trail of Tears exhibits continue through March.
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Who said there’s nothing to do in the winter? February is the time to learn something new! We’ve got you covered with events for Black History Month, an epic blown glass exhibit at the Mansfield Art Center and a brand-new fragrance exhibit at Kingwood Center Gardens. You’ll also find sweetheart hikes in our local parks and so much more to entice you to get out of your house and explore Richland County during the month of February.
Shop Local
Start the month by supporting local businesses and get a jump on buying that special someone a Valentine’s Day gift. Get fresh finds at downtown stores, the perfect bottle of wine or brew from our Wine & Ale Trail sites, or a gift card at a favorite attraction around Mansfield and Richland County.
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Several local attractions have brought their tours to them. Visitors can now explore “inside” Richland County attractions and exhibitions from the comfort and safety of their home.
The Ohio State Reformatory Virtual Tour Experience
Each year, thousands of visitors flock to the Ohio State Reformatory to explore this decommissioned prison, relive the beloved film The Shawshank Redemption, and hunt for paranormal experiences in its haunted halls. Now visitors can explore the Ohio State Reformatory in a stunning 360-degree virtual tour. Visitors can access the tour with an Annual Membership, starting at $29, or they can purchase a 24-hour pass for just $5. More…
Destination Mansfield - Richland County, Featured, Local Tourism
By Ruth Corradi Beach
Beyond its county seat, Richland County is a land rich in small communities. From rural to suburban, each town has its own personality and attractions worth a day trip.
Slow down and enjoy the beauty of the countryside by visiting the villages of Lucas, Plymouth and Shiloh, and the charming community of Olivesburg. Here you’ll find an old-school general store, museums celebrating local history and quaint bed & breakfasts.
Nestled in the rolling hills of southeast Richland County, Butler attracts outdoor enthusiasts. This town marks the start of the Richland B & O Trail, perfect for bikers and walkers. Dive deeper into nature on the Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail as you hike through an old-growth forest, past prairies and waterfalls. Kick back at The Whiffletree Restaurant or stroll up to the counter at Five Points Drive-In for shakes, floats and more summer favorites.
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By Wendy Pramik, Destination Mansfield – Richland County
Whether on foot, wheel or hoof, you’ll find adventure all around the Mansfield area. Trek at your own pace along one of Destination Mansfield – Richland County’s organized trails. We’ve made it easy for you to chart your course, and you’re welcome to mix and match stops for a customized experience.
Wine & Ale Trail
For a drink with a side of history, follow the region’s Wine & Ale Trail, 10 stops that honor the past as they flavor the present.
More…Destination Mansfield - Richland County, Featured, Outdoors, Trails
Special to 1812Blockhouse
By Alexia Kemerling, Destination Mansfield – Richland County
Historic buildings, streets lined with locally owned shops and restaurants, vibrant community events — these are just a few features of downtown Mansfield. The city center even has its own soundtrack thanks to Richland Carrousel Park’s joyful organ music. Meet us on Main Street for a day filled with art, culture, good food and fun.
Fuel your morning with a latte from Relax, It’s Just Coffee and a pastry from Blackbird Bakery. Neighboring 3rd Cup Tea offers lighter caffeinated beverages and gourmet toast. Try one of Buckeye Bakery’s famous cream sticks for a sweet start.
Young children will love visiting Little Buckeye Children’s Museum — which will soon offer even more activities with a 2022 expansion into the Imagination District.
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From our friends at Destination Mansfield – Richland County
By Nicholas Dekker
Everywhere you look throughout Richland County, you’ll see that a love of the arts uplifts and enhances the community. Eager crowds gather to experience the work of local visual artists, musicians and performers at the region’s theaters, galleries and performance stages.
You’ll find colorful creations in all forms at the Mansfield Art Center. This award-winning facility is renowned for its stunning exhibitions, artist sales and classes in ceramics, glass art, sculpture, pastels and more. Element of Art Studio showcases the work of artists with developmental disabilities; you can tour the gallery, purchase artwork and take classes.
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By Wendy Pramik with Destination Mansfield – Richland County
Richland County’s small-town feel is perfect for families, offering kid-friendly attractions in a combination of urban and rural settings.
Take a spin on a hand-carved, hand-painted wooden carrousel at the Richland Carrousel Park in downtown Mansfield. The indoor carrousel boasts 52 colorful, hand-carved animal figures and a gift shop full of fun souvenirs.
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum, which will expand into the Imagination District in 2022, promotes learning through play in interactive models of doctor’s offices, restaurants, classrooms and more. More…
Destination Mansfield - Richland County, Family Fun, Featured
From our great friends at Destination Mansfield – Richland County:
By Nicholas Dekker:
When you’re dining out, you won’t know what to photograph first: your food or the view. Many of our restaurants are notable for both terrific food and stunning scenery.
The rooftop patio at Hudson and Essex offers one-of-a-kind views of downtown Mansfield, giving you the feel of dining out in a big city. The building was once an automobile dealership selling Hudson & Essex cars; today it houses a fine-dining restaurant, a deli and the Cypress Hill Winery. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
Two years ago, TourismOhio launched RoadTrips.Ohio.org to help travelers find their perfect Ohio road trips. The 10 road trips are based on themes with some routes highlighting major celebrations. Other road trips provide adventures in family fun, cuisine, thriving cities, romance, outdoors, arts & culture and more.
Then 2020 happened. The pandemic shut down tourism venues right and left, and while virtual experiences helped in that gap, Richland Countians and all Ohioans yearned for a return to “on the road” experiences.
While health guidelines are still in place in much of Ohio, many venues have reopened. You are encouraged to contact a particular site ahead of your visit to verify hours and restrictions, if any. Still, the opportunity for Ohio Road Trips is back! More…
Destination Mansfield - Richland County, Featured, TourismOhio
It’s already a beautiful June in Richland County, and the folks at Destination Mansfield – Richland County invite you to head outside and experience several wonderful seasonal events.
Here is what is on offer for the remainder of this month:
Markets and More. Nice weather means the return of farmers’ markets, flea markets, outdoor shopping, and more. Grab your market tote and head to the North End Farmer’s Market (June 10, 17, 24) at the NECIC Urban Farm. Explore the offerings of local merchants during the First Friday Shop Hop (June 4) in historic Downtown Mansfield. Shop for non-invasive plants that will thrive in your local garden at the Native Plant Sale (June 15) at Richland Soil and Water Conservation District Offices. A native plant expert will be available to answer all your questions and offer suggestions and inspiration. Hunt for treasures and collectibles at the Mansfield Flea Market & Antiques Show (June 26-27) at the Richland County Fairgrounds. A DIYer’s dream, salvage pieces for antique, vintage, farmhouse, and shabby chic décor at the Pickers Market (June 19) at the Prairie Peddler Festival Grounds. More…
Destination Mansfield - Richland County, Family Events, Featured
By our friends at Destination Mansfield -Richland County:
This challenge is not for the calorie-conscious or the faint of heart. If you’re looking to indulge in the richest treats in Richland County and settle a local debate for the ages, you’re in the right place. This is the Richland County Donut Challenge: first, sample each of our favorite local donuts then decide for yourself which fried confection reigns supreme as the best donut in Richland County.
Apple Hill Orchard donuts are a local fall favorite, but these fall-flavored donuts are available year-round! Apple Hill Donuts are cake donuts made with only Apple Hill apples and cider in the batter. After they’re fried to golden perfection, they are either dipped in a thin glaze that soaks into the crispy exterior or rolled in cinnamon sugar during the holidays. The result is a donut that evokes memories of apple picking on cool fall days with every bite! These donuts are even available on the go thanks to the donut drive-thru window. More…
Destination Mansfield - Richland County, Featured, Food, Restaurants
From our friends at Destination Mansfield – Richland County:
Weaving through Mansfield and the surrounding area, the Wine & Ale Trail guides you to a mix of breweries, wineries, and wine bars each dedicated to honoring local history. Raise a toast to grand architecture in a historic bank vault, taste tradition in an old-world brewery, and pay homage to The Shawshank Redemption (filmed in Mansfield) with themed wines and ales.
Inside Laxton Hollow Brewing Works — one of the nine stops on the trail — the polished woodwork and framed photographs resemble an English pub. Here you’ll find rare cask ales, beer fermented naturally in steel casks without any artificial carbonation, just like in a traditional English pub. Laxton Hollow is one of only 14 breweries in the U.S. specializing in cask ale and the only one in the state. Prior to Prohibition, all brewers conditioned ale this way, and owner Ken Dudley is passionate about preserving the historic process. More…
