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Harvest Happenings
Weekend from Darke County Visitors Bureau
Sept. 27, 28 & 29
Journal Entry for September 24
Lingering in the Autumn Rays of Autumn
by Amy
Toward the end of September, we try to squeeze in one more fun, family
event. So, we head north to Darke County situated about 45 minutes from
the heart of Dayton, where we find vibrant colors, intoxicating smells
and irresistible flavors. There’s so much to sample on a perfect autumn
weekend!
On this last weekend in September, we begin our explorations in
Downtown Greenville, the heart of Darke County. All roads lead to the
county seat where Lady Justice proudly watches over the shoppers in the
historic downtown area. This is a great walking town, so we park the
car and stroll the tree-lined sidewalks enjoying the crisp fall air.
The variety of historic sites, shopping and seasonal events are enough
to fill the day. I just love browsing the shops and wandering through
the park dedicated to Annie Oakley.
A favorite stop of ours is the farmers’ market located on the
courthouse lawn under Lady Justice’s watchful eye. Our garden,
consisting mostly of tomatoes, is abundant this year however we
frequently purchase other locally-grown produce to pair up with our
tomatoes. The farmers aren’t beginners like us. Many bring their
children and grandchildren (or grandfathers) to help sell their wares
and produce. Farmer Byers is our favorite with his blue-ribbon veggies.
Mr. Byers is well into his mature years, but has many award-winning
secrets still up his worn sleeves.
When it comes time to eat, we have a hard time deciding from amongst
the many local eateries in Downtown Greenville... sit down restaurants
like The Bistro Off Broadway and Montage to coffee shops like The
Coffee Pot, Brenda’s Beanery and A&B Coffee & Cake Company.
Several offer locally-grown ingredients so we get the full harvest
experience.
Just a few blocks from the downtown area sits Garst Museum and The
NationalAnnie Oakley Center. The “must see” exhibits according to our
kids are those dedicated to the life of legendary sharp-shooter, Annie
Oakley, and The Cross-roads of Destiny.
While we are still in town, we enjoy a short drive along Water Street
to Route 502, and Shawnee Prairie Preserve, home to Prairie Days. Our
kids enjoy churning apple butter, punching tin, sewing bean bags and
riding the wagon across the prairie at this annual event. We love to
step back into history at the two-story log cabin to hear tales of days
gone by. Costumed volunteers not only tell stories of life in the late
1700’s but also go about daily chores like candle-making, sewing,
cooking and making music.
On our way out of Greenville, we enjoy stopping at the Ohio Gourd Show
at the Darke County Fairgrounds on Route 49. Artists from all across
the country come to this event to showcase their work. Our kids love
trying their hand at decorating.
From Greenville we drive east on Route 36 toward Bear’s Mill situated
along the Greenville Creek. This historic mill stills operates as it
did when it was built by Gabriel Baer in 1849 with water-powered burr
stones purchased in France. Our family never gets tired of traversing
the four story structure with the master of the mill. The ladies in our
family enjoy a leisurely walk along the mill race as well as the
hand-made pottery, art displays and house wares for sale in the mill
store. The guys? Well, they enjoy the locally-made fudge and cookies.
Can you blame them?
Leaving Bear’s Mill, we travel the road named for the mill, Arcanum –
Bears Mill Road south to Brumbaugh Fruit & Fun Farm. Our kids know
that a stop at Brumbaugh’s just outside of the village of Arcanum means
fresh apple dumplings, cold apple slushies and a ride on the hay wagon.
We usually ride along to the pumpkin patch to pick our future
jack-o’-lanterns, and stop along the way to slide down monster mountain
or get lost in the corn maze. A bushel of locally-grown apples makes a
great souvenir or an fritter for the road! Our annual fall trips to
Darke County are something we look forward to every year.
Planning our trip was easy. We liked the Darke County Visitors Bureau
on Facebook and Twitter for updates, and checked their website to
confirm dates and times.
Thanks Amy for sharing your journal entry! For a full listing of events
taking place in Darke County, visit our on-line calendar at
www.VisitDarkeCounty.org/events.
Deanna
Photo credit for header and events: Look Here Photography 2012
Annual Ohio Gourd Show Saturday 9-5, Sunday 9-4. This show brings
together many of the finest gourd artists, craftsmen and growers from
across the nation at the Darke County Fairgrounds. Admission is $4 for
those over 13; under 12 are free. Parking is free. (Click on picture
for website.)
Downtown Greenville's Farmers' Market
A Day of Harvest. Saturday 9-1. Enjoy the fruits of local farmers'
labor at the Farmers' Market in downtown Greenville! Call (937)
548-4998 for more information.
Prairie Days
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