Caesar Creek State Park, Murphy Theatre, Worlds Largest Horseshoe Crab - clinton county

Clinton County embraces its agricultural history with spectacular hand-painted quilt squares on area barns. Take a self-guided, cross-county car tour and experience the beautiful countryside while visiting 54 barns adorned with unique quilt patterns. The Barn Quilt Trail Brochure gives you the history of each barn and quilt pattern. The brochure is available at the Clinton County Visitors Bureau, 13 N. South St., Wilmington, Ohio 45177. 1-877-4-A-VISIT.

Explore Blanchester's history through stories, memorabilia and bound volumes of the Star Republican dating from the mid-1940s to the early 21st century. Local history and genealogy resources are available including the story and picture of the fire that destroyed Blanchester's business district on October 18, 1895. The museum and genealogy library are open Wednesday and Saturday 1-4 p.m. 206 W. Main St., Blanchester, Ohio 45107.

Dedicated on June 11, 2006, the centennial of the traction line in Blanchester was immortalized in a special mural, painted by Ronald Keith, a local artist. The mural depicts the buildings and businesses that were located at the time on South Broadway in Blanchester and the traction depot. The mural is located on a building owned by Tom Krimmer. 203 S. Broadway, Blanchester, Ohio 45107.

Fresh air, room to roam, animals to pet and feed, fishing pond, tree farm, hay fields, Pioneer Pathways, Farmyard Play Area and Horseshoe Hill...it's all here at Bonnybrook Farms' new location. The barns and buildings are new and bright with areas designed specifically for field trips, Chuck Wagon Dinner Rides, corporate picnics, special events, and of course, their famous Fall Farm Days' Festivals. Visit their website for dates and details. Reservations required. 3779 SR 132, Clarksville, Ohio 45113. (937) 289-2500.

The Clinton County Historical Society maintains this county museum which houses sculptures and paintings by world-renowned Quaker artist Eli Harvey and a collection of Quaker clothing dating back to 1820. Genealogies and histories important to the area are also housed in the former residence of General James W. Denver. Denver was known throughout America. After he left Clinton County he became a senator from California, secretary of state, and commissioner for Indian Affairs for President James Buchanan. Denver was immortalized in Colorado when the state capitol was named after him. 149 E. Locust St., Wilmington, Ohio 45177. (937) 382-4684.

Built in 1918, the courthouse is an outstanding example of the Second Renaissance Revival, complete with detailed ornamental plasterwork and a large mural dome. The interior of the dome has been reworked to its 1918 luster as part of a lengthy plan by the commissioners to restore the courthouse. For information about the courthouse and a self-guided walking tour brochure contact the Clinton County Visitors Bureau toll free 1-877-4-A-VISIT. 53 E. Main St., Wilmington, Ohio 45177.

Clinton County proudly salutes its Veterans from the Civil War to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Every branch of the armed forces is recognized and remembered at this honored memorial. The black granite wall displays engraved passages of actual “letters to home” from Clinton County veterans. Located on the northeast corner of the Clinton County Courthouse. 53 E. Main St., Wilmington, Ohio 45177.

The "Community Garden Mural" on the east-facing wall of 55 E. Locust Street displays a beautiful community garden celebrating the area's love of gardening and the lives of local residents. The mural was inspired by the Grow Hope, Grow Food project at Wilmington College. Wilmington, Ohio 45177.

This district, on the National Register of Historic Places, is a great place to visit if you love historic architecture. A self-guided walking tour booklet is available at the Visitors Bureau. While meandering the streets, shops featuring jewelry, books, gifts, collectibles, antiques and local artwork, combined with several eateries will add to your visit. Parking is available both on-street and in lots.

Ancient history has come alive in Blanchester, Ohio. The Freedom Biblical Museum located in Freedom Worship Baptist Church has become a tourist site to see. It's one of the finest collections of ancient Biblical artifacts complete with scriptures, coins, weapons, writings and more. You will see authentic crucifixion nails, Sumarian tablet, papyrus writing fragments, perfume/oil juglet, 500 Eqyptian Scroll of the 10 Commandments on antelope hide written in Hebrew. A Holocaust surviving Jewish scroll of the book of Genesis originally from Germany. Also included is a fine Biblical coin collection including the coins of Herod the Great, Pontius Pilate, Caesar Augustus, Constantine and many more. Roman weapons, an actual page from an original 1611 King James Bible, original pages from the 1608 Geneva Bible, dinosaur fossils and much more. Also see Abraham Lincoln's 1864 Campaign Torch. Freedom Biblical Museum is open during all Freedom Worship Baptist Church services or by appointment. Perfect for church groups or school groups with hands-on descriptions and discussions available. While there, also check out the World's Largest Horseshoe Crab (see below). 664 W. Main St., Blanchester, Ohio 45107. (513) 256-5437.

Hand-thrown pottery made as you watch at this showroom and pottery facility. Ray Storer will be glad to show you how pottery is made when you stop by. 3558 SR 73 W., Wilmington, Ohio 45177. (937) 725-3402.

Horsefeathers Farm offers a unique experience for groups of all ages. Under the sponsorship of the Cincinnati Zoo, Horsefeathers Farm specializes in the propagation of the endangered Parma Wallaby. Spend the day watching wallabies of all ages play and interact. Other Australian animals such as the Island Bearded Dragon and Emu are also on site for personal viewing. From group tours, company picnics or family reunions, Horsefeathers Farm is the perfect country setting for good times and good memories. Schedule an Australian Encounter Tour, a Picnic Package or Mule Wagon Ride. Canoes, paddleboats and fishing gear are all part of the package. Packages can accommodate up to 75 people. Reservations are required in advance. Horsefeathers Farm is open from April through October. 7200 SR 350, Clarksville, Ohio 45113. (937) 289-3504.

KB Alpacas is a ten acre farm that specializes in the raising and breeding of Huacaya Alpacas. These animals originally grazed the Andes Mountains Altiplano and were domesticated by the Incas around 1100 A.D. So prized for their soft fleece and mystical nature, the Incas valued alpacas higher than gold and silver. Only royalty were allowed to wear clothing made from their phenomenal fleece. Then the Spanish Europeans invaded South America. Knowing the Incan civilization relied on the alpaca for their livelihood, the Conquistadors set out to eradicate the alpacas and make room for their own sheep. Fortunately, surviving Indians were able to move some of the alpacas to higher elevations. A move that ultimately saved the species from extinction. Now we are able to offer a personal setting for visitors to learn, view and touch these magical creatures. We also offer products made from our alpacas' spectacular fleece. Open by appointment. Group tours welcome. 3816 Gurneyville Rd., Wilmington, Ohio 45177. (513) 324-2151.

The "Main Street Market Mural" on the west-facing wall of 63 W. Main Street covers 1,600 sq. ft. and shows an indoor farmers' market and hot air balloon launch. Clinton County history inspired the design of the mural, mainly a hot air balloon launch that took place on the corner of Main and Walnut Streets in Wilmington around 1918. Wilmington, Ohio 45177.

There are not many covered bridges left, but see this beautiful example over Todd's Fork just west of Martinsville in southern Clinton County.

Charles Webb Murphy, who owned the Chicago Cubs during their glory years of 1906-1914, built this landmark in downtown Wilmington's historic district. Built as a monument to Murphy, this theater boasts 750 seats and has been restored to its original grandeur. The stately theater is still utilized when nationally-known acts grace its stage or community theater is featured. The theater's season runs from October through May. 50 West Main St., Wilmington, Ohio 45177. (877) 274-3848.

Wilmington is a Quaker-related college, and the Peace Resource Center (PRC) exists as one of the major ways to implement the peacemaking and reconciliation elements in the Mission Statement of the College. The Center was founded in August, 1975, when Barbara Reynolds, Quaker peace activist, formally presented her Hiroshima/Nagasaki Memorial Collection to the College. A permanent exhibit highlights four stories designed to inform and inspire. The Wilmington College Peace Resource Center has a long-standing commitment to peace and justice. Since 1975, it has taken an active role in providing peace education materials both locally and throughout the country. Open September - April 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; May - August By Appointment Only; Closed Christmas - New Year's Day. 51 College St., Wilmington, Ohio 45177. (937) 382-6661.

Gilbert VanZandt of Port William was 10 years old when he went to war as a drummer with his father during the Civil War. Little Gib eventually ended up with General Sherman on his march to the sea at the end of the Civil War. VanZandt is immortalized at this special memorial in Port William. Where is it? Travel SR 134 to Port William. SR 134 becomes Main Street and the memorial is located on Main Street. Port William, Ohio 45164.

Located on the old feed mill in Port William along Anderson's Fork is a beautiful mural depicting the history of the area. Featured are Lil' Gib and Fannie May, his horse. Port William, Ohio 45164.

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 sq. ft. of display area 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. Corner of College & Douglas Streets, Wilmington, Ohio 45177. (937) 382-6661.

Roberts Arena is located in southwest Ohio and is recognized regionally and nationally as a first-class show facility. Many horse and dog associations hold their annual shows here. 4095 SR 730, Wilmington, Ohio 45177. (937) 382-0985.

The Roberts Centre is an 80,000 sq. ft. conference center offering the best in convenience and functionality. It is the perfect location for conventions, trade shows, banquets, public events, educational seminars, receptions or any special occasion. The conference facility hosts an array of trade shows and special events. For a complete listing of events, check their website. 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington, Ohio 45177. (800) 654-7038.

The museum is located on the second floor of the Municipal Building and houses historical artifacts of the Sabina area. The museum is open the first and third Tuesday of each month, the third Saturday of each month or by appointment May - October. 99 N. Howard St., Sabina, Ohio 45169. (937) 382-8520 or (937) 584-2802.

Ohio's other agricultural college, the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) founded this four-year private school in 1870. The college is actively seeking groups interested in agriculture, the peace movement of the Quakers or others interested in experiencing the quiet style of small college life. The college features the largest depository of materials outside of Japan relating to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima/Nagasaki and the College Archives/Quaker Collection, a computer and learning skills center and the unique Peace Resource Center. 1870 Quaker Way, Wilmington, Ohio 45177. (937) 382-6661 or (800) 341-9318.

The World's Largest Horseshoe Crab is located in the small town of Blanchester along SR 28. The structure was constructed by Academy Award winning designers of Farren & Associates for the Baltimore Maritime Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. It was then bought by the Creation Museum for a creation fossil display in Hebron, Kentucky, and then donated to Freedom Worship Baptist Church in Blanchester. The Crab sets at the entrance to the town in a Biblical scripture garden. The Crab is also used as a pavilion and is capable of seating up to 60 people inside and even more outside. Open year round from dawn to dusk. Tours available with prior reservations. 664 W. Main St., Blanchester, Ohio 45107. (513) 256-5437.