Author: kdrenten
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Mishler Mill continues to weave its way into community
By Ken Drenten Mishler Weaving Mill in Smithville, just east of Wooster in Wayne County, is a working textile mill that’s a testament to nearly 140 years of industriousness. The mill, currently owned and operated by the Smithville Historical Society, was established in 1887 by Swiss immigrant John Mishler, a weaver by trade. Mishler produced…
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Ohio maple syrup makes a great last-minute gift
Ohio maple syrup from Bissell Maple Farm (left) and Richards Maple Products (right) makes great gifts. (Credit: Ken Drenten) North America is the only place in the world where maple syrup is made, and Ohio is one of just 12 states in the United States that produce maple syrup. National Maple Syrup Day is Dec.…
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Sweet! Find sugar-free options and online ordering at these Ohio candy shops
Ohio candy stores are great places to find a sweet gift for Christmas. Many offer online ordering and shipping as well as sugar-free varieties. (Credit: Ken Drenten) By Ken Drenten Ohio-made candy makes a wonderful holiday present, and you can get some now, even at the last minute. And yes, you can even put Ohio-made…
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Take a winter ride, the old-fashioned way
This Currier & Ives print of an idyllic winter scene of the 19th century features a horse-drawn sleigh. By Ken Drenten There are not many places nowadays where you can actually live out the lyrics of the seasonal songs “Jingle Bells” and “Sleigh Ride.” So where can you find a winter wonderland ride in Ohio?…
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Spread Eagle Tavern, other historic inns offer special ambience at holidays
The Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn, built in the 1830s, is decorated for the holidays. (Photo courtesy of Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn) By Ken Drenten Are you looking for an out-of-the-ordinary venue for a holiday gathering, special dinner or getaway? Try one of Ohio’s historic taverns and inns, such as the Spread Eagle Tavern…
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Clifton Mill lights up in spectacular fashion for holidays
Clifton Mill has a spectacular lighting display each holiday season. (Credit: Ken Drenten) By Ken Drenten Clifton Mill’s legendary annual holiday lighting display with more than 4 million lights won a nationally-televised holiday lighting award in 2018, and was nominated as one of USA TODAY’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Travel Awards in 2022. The mill’s…
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It’s Christmas all year long at these small businesses
White Pillars Christmas House on US 40 near Norwich has Christmas decor and many other items available all year long. (Credit: Ken Drenten) By Ken Drenten Are you in the Christmas spirit? If not, you will be after you visit these small businesses in Ohio that specialize in Christmas. Some of them have items on…
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Ohio town squares are a throwback to earlier times
By Ken Drenten McConnelsville’s town square features a Civil War soldier monument. (Credit: Ken Drenten) A handful of Ohio’s smaller cities and larger towns have something in common – a central town square or town circle. Chagrin Falls, Chardon, Coshocton, Medina, McConnelsville, Millersburg, Mt. Vernon, Nelsonville, Newark, Somerset, Sunbury, Painesville and Urbana all have this…
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Antique malls and shops added to Dusty Tires
Gristmill Antiques in Beach City is in a former feed mill. (Credit: Ken Drenten) By Ken Drenten Antique malls and shops are like treasure troves. You never know what you’ll find in one, and you will almost always find something that reminds you of your childhood, or something that you or someone you knew had…
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Bear’s Mill is a Darke County landmark
By Ken Drenten Bear’s Mill in Greenville is one of the few Ohio mills that still operate with water power to grind grain and meal. (Credit: Ken Drenten) Art, history and culture intertwine at Bear’s Mill in Greenville, built in 1849 by Moses and Manning Hart and Gabriel Baer. The mill site and water rights…
Dusty Tires 