Travel Itineraries, Group travel, Caesar Creek State Park - clinton county

In a time when DVD's and cable television are the mainstay of entertainment, it's easy to forget what makes a live stage performance so special. Not only do the actors and actresses weave their spell over the audience, but it is the experience of being in a grand theater that adds to the ambiance as well. Clinton County is very fortunate to have a historic theater ight in its own backyard - The Murphy Theatre. Driving down Wilmington's Main Street reveals the first glimpse of the marquee of the Murphy Theatre, nostalgic of another era. Although the marquee has graced downtown Wilmington since 1918, it is merely a prelude to the wonderful experience that can be enjoyed upon entering through the theater's doors.Once in the Murphy's lobby, immediately visible are crystal chandeliers, tiled floors, and richly polished wood. If you close your eyes for a moment, you might be able to imagine what it was like on opening night, when 3000 people turned out for three separate performances.

Upon entering the actual theater, the red upholstered seats await the audiences' arrival, as do the red velvet curtains that grace the stage. It's an exciting time on show night; you can feel it in the air. Lights go down, curtains go up, and it's show time again, four decades later.

Presently operating as a non-profit corporation, the Murphy exists due to the help of many volunteers and private and corporate sponsors. The Murphy's season runs from September through May and is proud to feature nationally acclaimed entertainers.

The founder of the theater was Charles Webb Murphy, who originally was a pharmacist and a writer. Murphy was easily bored with his pharmacy work and began writing. He was press agent for the Cincinnati Reds. Through this association, he learned that the Chicago Cubs were for sale, so in the early 1900s he boarded a train to Chicago and bought 51 percent interest in the team. With this ownership, he became a baseball icon and won the World Series, but soon became bored. He then moved back to Wilmington and with his profits from the ball team sale, he entered into a contract to build the Murphy Theatre. The contract to build was signed on a Friday the 13th in 1917. He hired craftsmen to build the theater and a year and a half later, and at a cost of $250,000, the theater opened on July 24, 1918. What a wonderful gift for Wilmington!

Treat yourself to a special evening by making a point to see one of the shows at the Murphy. And don't forget, when the lights go down, close your eyes and imagine what it must have been like on opening night over 90 years ago.

Direct theater contact - Cindy Camp (877) 274-3848

History shapes every one of us, the same way it shapes the community in which we live. Rombach Place Museum is the showplace for much of Clinton County's history, rich in the simplicity of Quaker heritage, garnished by the influences of distinguished individuals such as General James W. Denver, who had his home in the same dwelling where the museum now resides.

Some people are immediately disenchanted when someone mentions a museum, but Rombach Place has something for everyone. Perhaps you have an interest in antique toys and dolls, or maybe you are curious about the Native American influence in the area and would like to see relics from historic and prehistoric times. Have you ever seen a folding bathtub? All this and more can be found at Rombach Place. Special exhibits are regularly on display.

Quaker influence was an integral part of shaping the county's heritage and that is very apparent when you visit the museum. Whether it's a quilt made in 1842 by Quaker women, or the beautiful animal sculptures created by internationally known Quaker painter and sculptor, Eli Harvey, the Quaker's role is undeniable.

Does your group have an interest in photography? Maybe they are familiar with Carl Moon, a Wilmington native who was one of the first to photograph Native American Indians in their own environment. The museum provides a pathway to his photographic insight. If fashion is an interest, Rombach Place has an extensive clothing collection. The articles on hand range from the late 1700's to the 1970's. Last, but not least, see 19th and 20th century china, glassware, and furnishings, and much, much more. Rombach Place is much more than a museum, it's tangible evidence of the people who came before us and made this a great place to live.

Direct contact - Kay Fisher (937-382-4684

A guided or self-guided walking tour of the historical district is available to those who appreciate the architecture of days gone by.

Several restaurants grace the downtown area, as do various shopping opportunities. Shoppers can spend time browsing the shops of local merchants, whether their interests are collectibles, jewelry, fine furniture, antiques, novelties, books, or clothing.

The county courthouse, built in 1919, recently underwent restoration. Its original beauty and fine architecture can now be enjoyed. We can arrange for a guide to give your group a tour of the facility, explaining the changes that have transpired.

Why not consider taking an architectural walking tour of Wilmington's S. South Street Historical District. This area is on the National Register of Historic Places.

There is minimal preparation before your group begins their trek. The Clinton County Historical Society has a booklet that gives a descriptive narrative for the homes in the District. For a $2 donation (to cover printing costs) you can have the pertinent information needed to begin the S.S.H.D. Walk. Other necessary gear includes a pair of good walking shoes and sunglasses if it's a sunny day. Now you are ready to begin.

If you haven't taken Architecture 101 at your local community college, be prepared to learn something on your walk. The booklet will take you house by house. You'll learn when each was built, the architect's name in some cases, specific features of each house, and a glossary of architectural terms is included to help you interpret what you read and what you see. An Architectural Walking Tour" can be obtained at the Clinton County Historical Society or at the Clinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Covered bridges. Books and paintings have immortalized them, car caravans travel to see them first-hand, and worldwide associations study them. The covered bridge symbolizes small-town America, something from the nineteenth century, and a sight that's a little strange to present day eyes. Often remote from interstate highways and city limits, covered bridges lure wanderers to explore nearly forgotten waterways and roads off the beaten path.

Ohio ranks second in the nation in the number of covered bridges still standing, with about 140 in the state. More than half of these still carry traffic over rivers and streams. One of these bridges is in Clinton County.

Located West-Northwest of Martinsville on Martinsville Road in Clark Township, is a covered bridge built in 1871 by Zimri Wall. Known as the Martinsville Road Bridge, this classic bridge crosses the Todds Fork of the Little Miami River. With a length of 72 feet, it only takes a few seconds to cross in a bus, but to really experience the bridge, your bus must park on the side of the road and your group must continue on foot. It's compelling to take pictures from the edge of the road, but the resulting photos only partially capture the experience of being there in person.

Directions to Martinsville Road Bridge: About 2 miles west of Jct. OH 134 on OH 28, then right half a mile on Martinsville Road to the bridge.

If your group has never been to a horse show they're missing out on a fun experience. A five-minute drive from Wilmington or a ten minute drive from Blanchester is all it takes to get your group to the premier show arena for the Midwest, and see some of the finest horses in the show ring.

With humble beginnings in 1985, the arena's inception was the result of an apparent need for a facility where youth could competitively show horses. Originating as a 56-stall arena, the growth didn't stop until another 450 stalls had been added, along with a party hall, paved parking lots, camper sites, two outside arenas, a second indoor arena, and a restaurant.

Roberts Arena hosts around 30 shows each year. Various horse breeds are featured over the course of a year including the Quarter Horse, Arabian, Paso Fino, Miniature Horses, Hunters/Jumpers, and Saddle Breeds. No where else in the region can you see so many breeds performing in the show ring, each displaying their own special attributes. Spectators are always welcome.

Direct group tour contact - Jenny Riddle, 3991 S.R. 730, Wilmington, OH 45177, (937) 382-2292.

One of only two college's in Ohio to have an agriculture degree, Wilmington College is a four year private school, founded in 1870 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). The college holds special appeal to those interested in agriculture, the peace movement of the Quakers, or to those who want to experience the quiet style of a smaller institute of higher learning. Wilmington College is home to the Peace Resource Center and features the largest depository of materials, outside of Japan, relating to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Direct group tour contact - Randy Sarvis, (937) 382-6661.

Peace on earth - three very simple, powerful words. Nations strive for it, men and women lift their heads to heaven and pray for it, and ironically, armies meet in battle for the ultimate achievement of it. To the average man and woman on the street, peace on earth may seem like an elusive dream - worthy of reaching for, but impossible to achieve. To those who have lost hope for a peaceful world, it may be encouraging to know that peace movements continue to exist all over the world and the endeavor for peace continues to be an ongoing process.

You may not know it, but Wilmington, Ohio is part of that process, thanks to Wilmington College's Peace Resource Center and the annual Westheimer Peace Symposium that takes place each October.

When you first enter the house at 51 College Street on the campus of Wilmington College (home to the Peace Resource Center), the wealth of information stored within its four walls isn't immediately apparent. On closer view, one quickly learns that the Center houses several circulating libraries dealing with peace education and conflict resolution. Additionally there is a bookstore where books can be purchased, and a video library containing over 200 rental videos.

The Barbara Reynolds Room holds the story of how the Peace Resource Center had its beginnings. Impacted by the horrendous after-effects of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, this Quaker peace activist devoted her entire life to educating the world about this tragedy in the hope that it would never happen again. Reynolds' extensive collection of films, books, and research found a permanent home in 1975 at Wilmington College's Peace Resource Center, and that's when it all began. The Hiroshima/Nagasaki Collection has continued to grow over the years and is the largest of its kind outside the country of Japan.

The Center is exactly what its name implies - a place to go for peace education materials. Whether your interest lies in nonviolence, conflict resolution, peer mediation, positive discipline, the atomic bombings, nuclear issues, war/peace issues, African-American history, the environment, Native Americans, classroom management, parenting, stories of individual peacemakers, education curriculum pieces for children and youth, or films and videos for school and college classes, it can all be found at the Center. The Center provides services locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. It reaches out to schools, colleges, universities, and churches.

Contact the Center at (937) 382-6661, ext. 371. Tours and a video are available.

The Hannaford Hours is a beautifully restored Victorian Style tea house located in downtown Wilmington which also offers a cappuccino bar.

By reservation only. 200 E. Locust St., Wilmington, OH 45177; (937) 382-3388

Lucy &Ethel's Country Tea is hosting elegant country Tea Parties in their private home with a beautiful country setting in Wilmington, Ohio.

A trip to Lucy &Ethel's will refresh the mind and renew the sprit. Sip a cup of fine loose leaf teas and enjoy the view while being pampered in a relaxed, graceful setting. Take tea with Lucy &Ethel and experience a world gone by!

Their tearoom and great room provide a perfect setting for all occasions. Whether you are planning a bridal shower tea, anniversary tea, thank you tea, birthday tea or just getting together with friends, they will make your visit a delightful experience.

Sample Menu

Full Afternoon Tea Luncheon will include:

• A featured tea hot & cold
• Scones/Shortbread
• Clotted cream / lemon curd
• Fresh fruit
• Soup (2 choices)
• Quiche or crepes
• Tea sandwiches
• Desserts
• Sherbet, sorbet or flavored ice

They are now accepting reservations. Call today and slow your daily pace down.

Contact: Bobbie Romohr (Lucy) at (937) 383-7708.

In Wilmington, antiques, a specialty gift shop, and an old mill have something in common. The place being referred to is Shoppes At The Old Mill and Home Again II . Located in Wilmington at 320 E. Sugartree Street, they are slightly off the beaten path but easily accessible. The old mill had its early beginnings as a feed mill (1890). While continuity in ownership was not one of the mill's strong points throughout the early to mid-1900's, the passage of time would see the mill transformed in later years.

Fast forward to present day. Robert Mead and his son David purchased the facility and thought it would be ideal as an antique mall. Although the first floor of the mill had received some renovation, the second and third floors remain untouched. A lot of work went into giving the mill some polish while enabling it to retain its historic charm.

Today the mill has more than a dozen dealers, with beautiful antiques housed on two floors. Whether your taste is turn-of-the-century Victorian or Country Primitives, Shoppes At The Old Mill offers a wide selection. Don't be surprised if you get "lost" in the mill - it is easy to lose track of time when surrounded by thought-provoking remnants from the past.

While you are there, be sure and stop in at Home Again II Crafts & Collectibles, also housed in the mill. Home Again is full of unique gift items by local crafters, wonderful food items, scrumptious smelling candles, and many one-of-a-kind items.

You may reach Shoppes at (937) 655-8181.

The clear blue waters of Caesar Creek Park offer many amenities to visitors including hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, boating, and hunting. Caesar Creek Gorge is a 180-foot gorge displaying unique geological formations, a treat for those who are interested in the study of this science. Close by is Pioneer Village, a historical town with authentic cabins. Although the cabin of Levi Lukens was built in 1807, you can see it at Pioneer Village as part of this historical reflection of the lifestyle of Ohio's pioneers.

513-897-1120

Cowan Lake State Park offers the simplicity of nature at its best. Located just five miles south of Wilmington, the park offers many amenities. Not only are nature programs available, but naturalists are on duty from mid-June through August and offer interpretive hikes and slide shows. Your group can even enjoy a pontoon tour. The park's marina is open seven days a week during the summer months. High speed motor boats are not allowed on the lake, which makes Cowan Lake the perfect location for sailing. Cabins are available year round.

Direct group tour contact - (937) 382-1096.

The heart and soul of Grandpa's Pottery is Ray Storer, an accomplished artist, teacher, and clergyman. Pottery has been part of Ray's life for a long time, a passion that grew while serving as an art educator in the Cincinnati school system. Now retired from teaching, Ray has set up shop in Clinton County, where his work continues to be recognized and is displayed at various institutes.

The ongoing demand for Ray's work requires that he spend time in his workshop nearly every day, but visitors come first and the sound of a car or bus brings Ray to the showroom that displays many of his creations. Hundreds of items, such as pitchers, platters, sets of dishes, one-of-a-kind specialty items, water fountains, and beautiful large bowls, are but a glimpse at what he has on display. In addition to selling pottery from his showroom, Ray also takes special orders.

Have an idea? Give it to Ray. Chances are he can create what-ever you have in mind. Ray will not only demonstrate what he does, but he will teach your group how to "throw" pottery as well. Ray creates his pieces from start to finish - literally taking a lump of clay, creating it into something functional or artistic, firing the design in one of several kilns, glazing the piece, and firing the piece for a second time. It's a lengthy process, but the results are long lasting as well. There is plenty of room for a motor coach and Ray even takes his show on the road!

Direct group tour contact-Ray Storer, (937) 382-6442.

The Meriam R. Hare Quaker Heritage Center is a facility dedicated to celebrating the local, regional and national history of the Religious Society of Friends and is located at Wilmington College. The center features 1,261 square feet of display areas, and a traditional Quaker meeting­house. The Quaker Heritage Center celebrates the history of the Religious Society of Friends who settled in southwest Ohio, as well as their contributions to America and its culture. Quakers have a long history of activism on issues such as peacemaking, civil rights, racism and social justice. Visiting exhibits and speakers are just part of the experience.

Group tour contact - Ruth Dobyns (937) 382-6661

People love to celebrate life and the good things in it. One way that people celebrate is by attending festivals. No matter what the celebration is for, people will come. Clinton County is very fortunate to boast six first-class festivals, crossing the gamut in what they have to offer.

The month of June marks the appearance of the ever-popular Banana Split Festival. It's an opportunity to travel back in time, to an era when Elvis was King and poodle skirts were all the craze, celebrating the fabulous '50s and '60s. Much work goes into the festival to make sure it stays true to its theme. Among the things to enjoy are concerts on both evenings, many games for kids and adults, great food, a car show and cruise-in, and of course, the famous "Banana Split Booth" for the best banana split around! The festival takes place at the city park in Wilmington, J.W. Denver Williams Park. http://www.bananasplitfestival.com

This is one festival that is a must for art lovers as it features juried art and pottery. The festival takes place at the Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Road, exit 50, I-71 and U.S. 68.  The contact is Betty and Ray Storer (937) 382-6442.

July is always a favorite time as it marks the return of the Clinton County Fair. Multiple days of action, including live entertainment, harness racing, an antique tractor pull, and a demolition derby, are all part of the fun.  The fair is held at the Clinton County Fairgrounds at 958 W. Main St., Wilmington, Ohio 45177.  http://www.clintoncountyfair.org

The long-standing Corn Festival arrives the weekend after Labor Day in September. Come and celebrate the county's rich agricultural heritage at this festival favorite; it's an event that is well known far and wide, bringing people back year-after-year. Antique farm machinery is featured in the festival's parade, and classic demonstrations of wheat thrashing, meal grinding, apple butter making, quilt making, and much more, provide limitless entertainment for the crowds. An oasis of beautiful quilts is also displayed, showing off the detailed work of their creators. Musical entertainment, antiques, unique crafts, and great food are all part of this wonderful community event. The event takes place at the Clinton County Fairgrounds, 958 W. Main Street, Wilmington, Ohio 45177.

Wilmington Oktoberfest is a family/community celebration that blends a time-honored German festival with the vitality and charm of small-town America. Oktoberfest features traditional German polka, as well as various other styles of music. Come hungry, and sample a variety of authentic German or traditional festival foods. You can also test your skills at one of many games of chance, Monte carlo tournaments or kids games. Wilmington Oktoberfest is presented by the local Knights of Columbus, Council 3369. All proceeds from this annual event go to a local charity.  The event is held in downtown Wilmington on the corner of Main and Mulberry Streets.

Twice a year this Bluegrass Festival arrives in Wilmington during the months of March and November. Bluegrass and acoustic music have outsold and outgrown all other American music forms in the past decade and Ohio has always been a home to many great outdoor music events. However, these events are the area's only indoor Bluegrass festivals. The talent line-up features the IBBA's (International Bluegrass Music Assoc.) best. Held at the Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington, Ohio 45177, you may contact the event organizers at 937-372-3531, ext. 104. http://www.somusicfest.com

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, historic downtown Wilmington comes alive with the sights and sounds of Christmas. Day long events lead up to the illuminated parade that takes place after dark. Thousands turn out for this great event. http://www.hometownholidazzle.com/

The month of June celebrates lavender at Ohio's largest certified organic lavender farm. Pick lavender, attend workshops, meet with holistic health practitioners, listen to Native American music, sample foods made from lavender and shop a wide array of lavender based products. While there be sure and take a look at one of only two "earthship's" in the state of Ohio. This dwelling made of entirely of recycled products is unbelievable. The farm is located at 2391 Martinsville Rd., Martinsville, Ohio 45146. Contct the Prell's at 513-322-2415.