Now that we are well into the weirdest summer season so far we started to think about the awesome things we could explore a little closer to home. Thankfully many of our local businesses are able to safely reopen their doors. So we took the time to compile them in hopes of helping you create your own local summer bucket list challenge!
Allen County Museum & Children's Garden
The Allen County Museum continues to delight and amaze visitors of all ages! While railroad buffs will enjoy seeing the 1925 Shay locomotive, Lima City Street Railway motorman's cab, and interurban exhibits, guests can also enjoy exhibits such as the pioneer room, the room-sized Mount Vernon model, Civil War camp and the Jess Sarber and John Dillinger exhibit. The Children's Discovery Center offers hands-on activities including a general store, one-room schoolhouse, Native American wigwam and large model railroad layout. More info HERE.
The Children's Garden has grown to include over 30 mini-themed gardens and child-inspired works of art with historical elements which relate to Allen County's rich history.
Board & Brush Bluffton
These wood design workshops provide guided instruction in a relaxed environment. Just bring your creativity and a willingness to learn and you will build a wooden sign piece from scratch that is worth of your walls. More info HERE.
ArtSpace/Lima Art ToGo Bags Artspace/Lima has committed themselves to spreading cheer through art and creativity during these unprecedented times. When they were forced to close their doors to the public they decided to continue to be creative and developed their Art ToGo kits designed to inspire and entertain families during their time at home. Each Wednesday they operated a drive-thru system for families to pick up these amazing kits. As Ohio reopens safely they have seen that the need and desire is still there for families to continue their artistic endeavors and plan to continue their Art ToGo projects through the first part of August. More info HERE.
JK Orchard and Farm
A place to get fresh local organic produce and for families to make memories together! JK Orchard and Farm offers PYO hours, strawberry tastings, date nights, planting parties, the fall Pumpkin Patch Festival and coming this year: a sunflower patch! More info HERE.
Crankers Cycling
Named one of American's Best Bike shops for the last several years. Every visit begins with a professional custom sizing and fitting that ensures you're going to get the most out of biking. Take your group out on the town for a site-seeing tour or pub crawl on their custom 9-seat pedal bike! More info HERE.
The Axe Cave/Kangaroo Cave
The Kangaroo Cave and The Axe Cave are brands of fun developed and managed by Ultrasound Special Events Inc. provides an exciting experience for guests to enjoy. The Axe Cave provides six axe throwing lanes along with seasonal Archery Tag on an outdoor field. The Kangaroo Cave features arcade and inflatable and interactive fun! More info HERE.
SLAK Designs Pottery Barn
Offering beautiful handmade pieces of pottery and classes to make your own in the SLAK Pottery Barn. A unique and unforgettable experience creating your own art that you won't want to miss. More info HERE.
Hermon Woodlands Metro Park There are some unique features of Hermon Woodlands that are not found anywhere else in the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Parks District. The first being the ImagiNature Playscape which allows children and families the opportunity to play and use their imagination in the natural environment. Activities include fort building climbing trees, creek exploration, sand and gravel play area, a rope swing, an underground tunnel, and plenty of areas for hide and seek. The second being the Storybook trail, which is a great way to read in a unique way. It is a wonderful way for families to learn and read together while hiking along the south trail. More info HERE.
Allen County GeoTrail
The Allen County GeoTrail is an outdoor scavenger hunt consisting of several caches placed around the scenic landscapes and favorite attractions of Allen County. It is a unique journey through a variety of historical spots and favorite local tourist attractions. All geocachers who complete the Allen County GeoTrail are elgible to receive a commemorative Allen County Geo Coin. More info HERE.
Sycamore Lake Wine Company
While enjoying the locally made incredible selection of Ohio red and white wines, relax in the comfortable tasting room, on the patio or stroll the vineyard surrounded by a 17 acre lake and covered bridge. Attend a Yoga & Wine session, a paint and sip class, listen to live music from local artists and more. Learn about wines and the history of Sycamore Lake Wine Co. More info HERE.
Ottawa Riverwalk/Bikeway-Rotary Riverwalk
The Riverwalk serves the citizens of Lima/Allen County as a safe alternative transportation route to Lima's central business district, YMCA and numerous parks, schools and neighborhoods. The 14 mile hiking/biking trail along the Ottawa River connects Heritage Park in Shawnee Township through the City of Lima to the Ottawa Metro Park in Bath Township. More info HERE.
Faurot Park/Skate Park
Faurot Park is 89 acres of green space which includes seven ball diamonds, four shelter houses, four lakes, a concert pavilion, two playground areas, three sand volleyball courts, a cross-country running course, a skate park, the children’s fountain/splash pad and is home to the annual Star Spangled Spectacular. With an abundance of green space, Faurot Park lends itself to a quiet picnic in the park or a day of recreational enjoyment. More info HERE.
Delphos Community Splash Pad & Pool
The Delphos Parks & Recreation facilities include five public parks, walking trail at the Delphos Gillmor Reservoir with a total of 100 acres. A large municipal swimming pool, 6 tennis courts, basketball courts, stadium, shelter houses, playgrounds, many baseball diamonds, volleyball courts, and horseshoe courts can be found here. More info on the season opening HERE.
