After being laid off during the Great Depression in 1932, Harry “Ben” Hartman started filling his time with his passion for natural construction.  He turned his yard into a garden of rock structures, numerous plants, and statues of animals and people.

He spent years putting together the garden and after he passed away in 1944, the garden was maintained by his wife followed by a folk art preservation group over 50 years later.

The Hartman Garden is now owned by the Friends of the Hartman Garden group who launched a grand re-opening of the space in 2010.

Now, the garden is open every day to the public for self-guided tours through the quirky masterpiece.

Walking through the garden you can see historically themed rock structures, hand painted figurines and garden beds full of seasonal plants and blooming flowers.

Mary Hartman loved having visitors in the garden to see her husband’s work after his passing.

Please be respectful when visiting the garden by staying out of the flower beds and leaving all the rocks as you found them.

A stroll through the structures is completely free of charge.

It makes for the perfect family friendly day trip as an unusual historical site.

The Hartman Garden is in Springfield, Ohio, only 45 minutes from downtown Columbus.

The address is 1905 Russell Ave, Springfield, OH 45506.

The garden is a great place for school trips or group tours.

A 45 minute guided tour of the garden is $10 a person with a minimum of $100 per tour.

The garden remains a popular attraction during the colder months.

When the holidays come around, themed figurines and and seasonal flower beds appear throughout the garden.

The garden is full of completely unique structures all handmade during the Great Depression era.

Detailed rock creations of buildings such as castles, churches, and historic homes can be found in every corner.

It’s operated and maintained 100 percent by volunteers with the Friends of the Hartman Garden group.

Whether it’s giving tours or pulling weeds there are always ways to help out.  You can find them on Facebook or send them an email to find out about upcoming volunteer opportunities.

The post Take The Perfect Day Trip To Ohio’s 80-Year-Old Rock Garden appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

I remember visiting the Ye Olde Mill as a kid and being completely mesmerized. How could I not be? It was a giant old mill dedicated to making the most wonderful thing on earth. Ye Olde Mill is still just as majestic as when I was a kid.

Originally built in 1817, Ye Olde Mill is home to Velvet Ice Cream’s corporate offices, an ice cream museum, and an ice cream parlor restaurant. Tens of thousands of people visit the mill each year, which sits on 20 beautiful acres of rolling hills.

Velvet Ice Cream was founded by Joseph Dager in 1914.

Dager was an immigrant from Lebanon and he started making ice cream in the basement of a confectionary in Utica, offering three flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

The company produced 200 gallons of ice cream a month after just two years of business and the velvety texture of the product inspired the name. In 1960, Velvet Ice Cream moved into an old grist mill. Ye Olde Mill opened a turn of the century ice cream parlor in 1970 and it’s been beloved by local families ever since.

Ye Olde Mill offers an ice cream museum to explore, catch and release fishing ponds, nature trails, and more.

It’s a fantastic way to spend the day with the family Throughout the summer, Ye Olde Mill has a variety of fun events on weekends, including live music. You can keep an eye on their Facebook page for upcoming events.

Ye Olde Mill is located at 11324 Mount Vernon Road, Utica, OH 43080. They are open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Columbus, so plan accordingly. You can visit their website here for more information.

The post This Old Grist Mill Is Home To A One-Of-A-Kind Ice Cream Parlor And Museum appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Hocking Hills State Park

Yellow Springs

The Mohicans

Kelley’s Island

Hop on a ferry and discover the laid-back charm of Kelley’s Island. This Lake Erie gem is a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Explore the stunning Glacial Grooves, rent a bike to tour the island, or just relax on the sandy beaches. And don’t forget to sample the local wine – it’s island time, after all!

The Wilds

Lakeside Chautauqua

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Put-In-Bay

Cedar Point

Athens

Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, these spots have something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your sunglasses, and get ready for an unforgettable Ohio summer. Happy travels!

The post Where To Soak Up Summer In The Buckeye State appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Located in the hills of Adams County, this massive snake-shaped earthwork has been quietly blowing visitors’ minds for generations. Whether you’re a history nerd, a nature lover, or just someone who appreciates a good mystery, Serpent Mound is the kind of place that sticks with you.

The Enigma of Serpent Mound

Set in the quiet countryside, Serpent Mound winds its way through the landscape for more than 1,300 feet. It’s shaped like an uncoiling serpent, with an open-mouthed head at one end and seven distinct curves stretching behind it. This ancient site has puzzled archaeologists, inspired spiritual seekers, and drawn curious travelers since its discovery.

Despite its size and complexity, no one really knows why it was built — or who built it. But standing beside it, it’s easy to feel the weight of time and wonder.

What We Know — and What We Don’t

No written records exist to explain Serpent Mound, but archaeologists believe it was created by Indigenous peoples who lived in this part of Ohio long before European colonization. There are two main contenders when it comes to who built it: the Adena culture, active from around 1000 BCE to 200 CE, and the Fort Ancient culture, which thrived between 1000 and 1750 CE.

The Adena were known for building burial mounds and practicing elaborate spiritual ceremonies, while the Fort Ancient people were agriculturalists with a deep connection to the land and sky. The serpent shape itself holds symbolic significance in many ancient cultures, often representing transformation, rebirth, or protection.

Unraveling the Ancient Builders

Whether it was the Adena, the Fort Ancient, or even a collaboration between cultures across generations, what’s clear is that Serpent Mound wasn’t created by accident. Its scale, precision, and location suggest a deeper meaning — something spiritual, ceremonial, or maybe even astronomical.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Heart Paranormal (@heart_paranormal)

Visit and See for Yourself

If you want to see Serpent Mound in person, and you should, you can explore the site any time during visiting hours. It’s part of the Ohio History Connection, which means the grounds are well-maintained and there’s a visitor center nearby.

And if you’re the kind of person who likes a good behind-the-scenes tour, you’re in luck. Every second Friday of the month, expert Bill Kennedy leads an Archaeology Tour at 1:30 p.m. It’s a 90-minute deep dive into what we know (and still don’t know) about the site.

One heads-up: the iconic viewing tower that gives you the full aerial view of the serpent is currently closed for repairs. So while you won’t get the classic top-down photo, the on-the-ground experience still packs a punch.

If You Go

• What: Serpent Mound Archaeology Tour
• When: Second Friday of the month at 1:30 p.m.
• Where: Serpent Mound, Adams County
• More info: ohiohistory.org

This is one of those rare places that feels ancient, sacred, and just a little bit unreal, and it’s all right here in Ohio.

The post The Stunning Serpent Mound Is Ancient Ohio’s Greatest Achievement appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

From our quirky roadside attractions to our unique houses, we’ve got a lot of interesting things to look at and visit. But some of my absolute favorites have to be the weird exhibits and museums we’ve got sprinkled throughout the state.

Whether you’re looking to learn about this history of contraceptives or you want to see a massive collection of Troll dolls, Ohio has your back. Here are the weirdest museums in the Buckeye State.

Washboard Museum

Troll Doll Museum

The Troll Hole has over 20,000 troll items, with floor to ceiling shelves full of troll dolls, a Dreamworks Troll-themed room, an eclectic gift shop and the Grumpy Troll cafe. There is even a Troll Bridge and a Troll Sculpture garden that includes a 10 ft. Troll Mountain.
Address: 228 E Main St, Alliance, OH, 44601.
More info: Troll Doll Museum

Wyandot Popcorn Museum

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Road Trips & Coffee (@roadtripscoffee)

Considering Marion’s hugely successful annual Popcorn Festival, it’s hardly surprising that they have a fantastic museum to go along with it. From popcorn wagons to peanut roasters, this museum is full of all kinds of popcorn machines. It’s one of two popcorn museums in the world and visiting is a popping good time.
Address: 169 E Church St Marion, OH 43302
More info: Wyandot Popcorn Museum

History of Contraception Exhibit

American Sign Museum

Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum

If you find yourself in Hocking Hills, you should absolutely save a little time to check out the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum at the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. Reverend Paul Johnson began his collection more than 20 years ago and you can see the fruits of his labor, over 3,400 pencil sharpeners to be exact. It’s quirky and I don’t really understand why it exists, but I’m so happy it does. I do have some bad news. The museum is temporarily closed for renovations, but you can get updates over on Facebook.
Address: 13178 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138

Allen County Museum

National Barber Museum

The Early Television Foundation and Museum

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kaeleigh (@rustbeltanthro)

The Early Television Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of the technology from the early days of television. At the museum, you can learn about the history of early tv, from the mechanical systems of the 1920s to the life-changing introduction of color television in the 1950s. Television certainly feels like it’s been around forever to us, but it debuted 5 years after Betty White was born. That was just a teaser fact. To get the real scoop on all things tv, you’ll need to visit the museum yourself.
Address: 5396 Franklin Street, Hilliard, Ohio
More info: The Early Television Foundation and Museum

Anti-Saloon League Museum

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kevin J. Elliott (@wumme)

From 1893 to 1933, the Anti-Saloon League was a major force in American politics. Through lobbying and printed pamphlets, the Anti-Saloon League had a brief victory when the Prohibition Amendment was added to the United States Constitution. At the museum, visitors can learn all about the effectiveness of the Anti-Saloon League and how they lead a crusade against alcohol at the turn of the 20th century.
Address: 110 S State St, Westerville, OH 43081
More info: Anti-Saloon League Museum

The post The Weirdest Museums In Ohio appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Put-in-Bay is one of the most beautiful regions in the entire state, offering water sports, outdoor adventures, historical tours, and of course, some good beach vibes. Located on South Bass Island, Put-in-Bay is just five miles south of the Canadian Border. There are several islands in the area, including Kelleys Island, which is also an incredible vacation destination.

When traveling up north to Put-in-Bay, what we’ll be affectionally calling PIB from here on out, you have two ways of getting to the island. One, you can drive your car to the Miller Ferry which departs from Catawba Island. It’s a quick ride to the ferry dock at PIB plus you can get great views of Lake Erie on your journey over by popping up to the top deck.

If you aren’t bringing a car, you can book a passage on the Jet Express. This passenger ferry leaves from Port Clinton and Sandusky and departs every 45 minutes.

Now that you know where you’re going and how to get there, let’s get into what you should do once you arrive in PIB.

Visit The Butterfly House

Kayak or paddle board your way around the bay

Head to the top of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial

Explore the Crystal Cave

Take to the skies at Put-in-Bay Parasail

Ready to get out there and explore Put-In-Bay? You can find a ton of additional info and resources at putinbay.com.

Featured image via Facebook.

The post 5 Fun Things To Do On A Weekend Getaway At Put-In-Bay appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Put-in-Bay

Kelley’s Island

Lakeside Chautauqua

Vermilion

Marblehead

Geneva-on-the-Lake

Bay Village

Port Clinton

Huron

Last but certainly not least, we venture to Huron, a charming coastal town that boasts a rich maritime heritage. Explore the Huron Lighthouse, which stands as a sentinel overlooking Lake Erie, and wander along the scenic Riverwalk that offers breathtaking views of the water. With its sandy beaches, charming downtown district, and friendly atmosphere, Huron is the perfect place to unwind and create lasting memories.

Who knew Ohio had such charming beach towns to offer?

From island adventures to lakeside escapes, the Buckeye State is brimming with hidden gems waiting to be explored. So, whether you seek relaxation or an action-packed holiday, Ohio’s beach towns are sure to captivate your heart with their unique blend of charm, warmth, and natural beauty.

The post The 9 Most Charming Beach Towns In Ohio appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

We know. It sounds fake. But we promise: Ohio wine country is real, it’s beautiful, and it’s absolutely worth a road trip.

Wait… How Does Ohio Even Have a Wine Country?

Turns out, Ohio’s wine roots run deep. Like, 1800s deep. Before Prohibition ruined everything fun, Ohio was actually the country’s leading wine producer. Blame the lush glacial soil, gentle Lake Erie breezes, and generations of Midwesterners who knew how to turn grapes into greatness.

Today, the Grand River Valley, about an hour east of Cleveland, is home to over 30 wineries. The climate is surprisingly ideal for growing cool-climate varietals like Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. The wine is award-winning, the vibes are relaxed, and the pours are generous.

Where to Sip

You could honestly spend a full week here and not hit every winery, but here are a few must-visits to get you started:

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante – A fan favorite for a reason. This family-owned winery has been crushing (get it?) the wine game for decades. Grab a glass of their Grand River Valley Riesling and some pasta on the patio.

Laurentia Vineyard & Winery – Rustic-chic vibes meet seriously good wine. Think stone fireplaces, exposed beams, and a beautiful lakefront view. Also, the bourbon barrel-aged reds? Chef’s kiss.

M Cellars – A boutique winery that feels like a little slice of Sonoma in northeast Ohio. Their Pinot Noir and Meritage blend are consistently top-tier.

Debonné Vineyards – One of the largest estate wineries in the region, Debonné hosts everything from hot air balloon festivals to dog-friendly events. Try their ice wine if you’re into sweet stuff — it’s like dessert in a glass.

South River Vineyard– A literal winery in a former church. You’ll be sipping Chardonnay in a pew under stained glass windows, and honestly, it might make you believe in miracles.

What Else Is There to Do?

Between tastings, there’s plenty to explore beyond the wine glass.

Geneva State Park – Lake Erie’s got beaches, baby. This underrated gem has sandy shores, hiking trails, and even cabins if you want to stay the night.

Harpersfield Covered Bridge – A picture-perfect spot to walk off a wine flight. Bonus: it’s one of the longest covered bridges in Ohio.

The Strip at Geneva-on-the-Lake – Think of it as Ohio’s lowkey version of the Jersey Shore. A little kitschy, a little nostalgic, and a whole lotta fun — arcades, old-school diners, and lakeside bars included.

Ashtabula Harbor – A charming, walkable lakefront town with boutiques, bakeries, and killer sunset views.

Sidebar: Wine Country Tips & Travel Info

Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall is peak season, especially during harvest (September–October). Many wineries also host summer festivals and live music.

Designated Driver Options:

• Bring a buddy who’s on snack duty
• Book a guided wine tour like Grand River Cellars Wine Shuttle or Northcoast Grapevine Tours
• Stay overnight in a local B&B or cabin (bonus: more wine)

What to Pack:

• Picnic blanket (some spots allow outside snacks!)
• A cooler if you’re bringing bottles back
• Sunglasses + sunscreen — patios here are everything
• Layers — Lake Erie weather likes to keep you guessing

Bonus Tip:
Some wineries have limited food options — check ahead or plan to hit a food truck, local diner, or pack your own charcuterie.

Final Pour

Ohio wine country may not have the glitz of Napa, but it’s got heart, history, and more good wine than your weekend can handle. Whether you’re a full-on sommelier or just here for the charcuterie, Grand River Valley is proof that you don’t have to fly across the country for a great glass of wine.

Featured photo via M Cellars (Facebook).

The post Ohio Wine Country Is Real, It’s Gorgeous, And It’s Only A Day Trip Away appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

But carving their way throughout the state are beautiful waterfalls, hidden and waiting to take your breath away. There are some Middle Earth-level magical spots on this list folks.

All of the waterfalls are less than 200 miles from downtown Columbus and the hikes to reach them range in difficulty. Have fun exploring!

Indian Run Falls

Distance from Columbus: 17 miles
Waterfall Height: 15 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Walking Path, Overlooks, Boardwalks, Two Shelters, Parking Lot
Location: 700 Shawan Falls Dr, Dublin, OH 43017
More Info: Indian Run Falls

Hayden Falls

Distance from Columbus: 16.3 miles
Waterfall Height: 35 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Nature preserve, parking lot, woods and wildlife area
Location: 4326 Hayden Run Rd, Dublin, OH 43017
More Info: Hayden Falls

Rock Mill

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Visit Fairfield County (@visitfairfieldcounty)

Distance from Columbus: 25 miles
Waterfall Height: 14 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Walking Path, Overlooks, Boardwalks, Mill tours, Covered Bridge, Parking Lot
Location: 1429 Rockmill Pl NW, Lancaster, OH 43130
More Info: Rock Mill

Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills

Distance from Columbus: 56.9 miles
Waterfall Height: 50 ft
Hike Difficulty: Medium difficulty, .5 mile Trail, some stairs
Amenities: Trails, Parking lot
Location: Click here for directions
More Info: Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills

Greenville Falls

Distance from Columbus: 89.6 miles
Hike Difficulty: Easy, 1 Mile Trail
Amenities: Easy walking, paved paths
Location: 9140 Covington-Gettysburg Rd, Covington, OH 45318
More Info: Greenville Falls

Big & Little Lyons Falls

Distance from Columbus: 77.2 miles
Waterfall Height: 80 ft, 25 ft
Hike Difficulty: Medium, 2 Mile loop
Amenities: Parking, Defined Paths, Pets allowed on leash
Location: 3116 State Route 3 Loudonville, Ohio 44842
More Info: Big & Little Lyons Falls

Ludlow Falls

Distance from Columbus: 85.3 miles
Waterfall Height: 15 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: A Beautiful View!
Location: Click here for directions
More Info: Ludlow Falls

Lanterman’s Falls

Lanterman’s Falls after heavy rain:

Distance from Columbus: 175 miles
Waterfall Height: 15 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Parking, paths, Lanterman Mill
Location: 1001 Canfield Rd, Youngstown, OH 44511
More Info: Lanterman’s Falls

Paine Falls

Distance from Columbus: 174 miles
Waterfall Height: 25 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Parking lot, restrooms, grills and a picnic area
Location: 5570 Paine Rd, Painesville, OH 44077
More Info: Paine Falls

West Falls at Cascade Park

Distance from Columbus: 120 miles
Waterfall Height: 35 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Observation deck, easy parking
Location: 170 Cascade St, Elyria, OH 44035
More Info: West Falls at Cascade Park

Brandywine Falls

Distance from Columbus: 135 miles
Waterfall Height: 65 ft
Hike Difficulty: Moderate (several stairs)
Amenities: Observation platform, Parking, Paths, Restrooms, Shelter Houses
Location: 8176 Brandywine Rd, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067
More Info: Brandywine Falls

Chagrin Falls

Distance from Columbus: 148 miles
Waterfall Height: 20 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy, Lots of steps
Amenities: Popcorn shop located just above falls
Location: 53 N Main St, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
More Info: Chagrin Falls

Blue Hen Falls

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mark | Michigan (@mark_o_foto)

Distance from Columbus: 130 miles
Waterfall Height: 15 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy, .5 miles
Amenities: Located within Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Location: 2001 Boston Mills Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141
More Info: Blue Hen Falls

Dundee Falls

Distance from Columbus: 118 miles
Waterfall Height: 15 feet
Hike Difficulty: Moderate, 2 miles
Amenities: This hike is very rustic
Location: 8265-8581 Dundee Wilmot Rd NW, Dundee, OH 44624
More Info: Dundee Falls

Columbia Park

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ryan Reed (@rreed216)

This 1.5 acre park is home to one of the best kept secrets on Lake Erie’s shores. A beautiful waterfall tumbles down onto a sandy beach at Columbia Park. With a paved trail and stairs to Lake Erie, it’s a must-visit spot if you find yourself in The Land!

Distance from Columbus: 140 miles
Waterfall Height: About 20 ft.
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Paved trail, lake access
Location: 25436 Lake Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140
More Info: Columbia Park

The post 15 Waterfalls That Make The Perfect Day Trip From Columbus appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Natural Springs Resort is a quaint resort perfect for an adventurous getaway. They’ve got tent camping, cabins, and RV hookups all waiting for you to plan your perfect summer vacation.

The resort is family-friendly, with a variety of amenities and activities, plus the atmosphere is tranquil and relaxing, which is the exact kind of getaway I’m always looking for.

Back in 1889, a large area of limestone was discovered and a quarry sprung into action until the 1920s.

The quarry was the largest industry in New Paris at the time and employed 50 locals.

A hundred years later, the former quarry has been transformed into Natural Springs Resort, a 46-acre resort with a spring-fed lake, a beach area, natural rock formations, and even a heated swimming pool.

The spring-fed lake is 12 acres and has beautiful, clear water. You can hang out on the beach, go fishing, try out the epic floating obstacle course, or even enjoy the crystal clear water while scuba diving.

Whether you’re tent camping, renting a cabin, or bringing the RV down for the weekend, there is a decent chance you’ll forget something at home. Luckily, the Camp Store has essential supplies, snacks, beverages, firewood, propane, and the all-important but often-forgotten bag of ice.

You can also rent tons of sports equipment to enhance your stay, including volleyballs, basketballs, shuffleboard, and horseshoe equipment. There’s a restaurant on-site called the Beachside Cafe and Grille that’s perfect for those “last night of vacation and we don’t feel like cooking” blues.

If you’re only planning on visiting for the day, Natural Springs Resort is only open to the general public Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Weekends at the resort are for overnight guests only!

When visiting for the day, admission is $8 for adults, $7 for kids ages 4-10 (and senior citizens!), and free for kids 3 and under. Natural Springs Resort is located at 500 S Washington St, New Paris, OH. For more information about planning your visit, you can visit their website at naturalspringsresort.com.

Featured image via Facebook.

The post This Former Quarry Is The Perfect Ohio Summer Getaway appeared first on Columbus Navigator.