Licking County offers beauty, relaxation and adventure

History, arts, nature and ice cream highlight Columbus’ neighbor to the northeast

It’s natural to want to zip away to the beach during central Ohio winters.

But if you’re longing to stay a bit closer to home this winter, or don’t want to invest the time and money on an intricate vacation, you don’t have to look much further than your own back yard for an exciting getaway. Licking County – with the perfect mix of hometown eateries, historical sites, culture and natural beauty – rests just east of the capital city.

“I think quite often we’re portrayed as an agricultural community, which we’re very proud of, but there’s a lot more here,” says Dan Moder, executive director of the Greater Licking County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The county started a rebranding process in November 2014 – not necessarily to alter the county’s image, Moder says, but to tell a new chapter of its story.

“It’s hard to put your finger on one thing,” Moder says. “If you want to explore the natural world, we’ve got that. If you want arts and culture or the wine and craft beer scene, we can pretty much always fit the bill.”

Here’s what CityScene suggests you check out in Licking County’s various cities and villages.

www.explorelc.org

What to see and do in…

Newark

The Midland Theatre

36 N. Park Pl.

www.midlandtheatre.org

The Midland Theatre has been a staple in the county seat since 1928. In the past, it presented some of the greatest films from Hollywood’s Golden Era. Today, after more than $8 million in renovations to enhance its original beauty, it continues to serve as the city’s entertainment hub. The Midland’s programming covers every musical taste one can think of, as well as drama, comedy, film and live presentations.

Granville

The Alligator Effigy Mound

Bryn Du Drive

Go to the end of Bryn Du Drive and you’ll find one of Granville’s greatest mysteries. No one knows who built the Alligator Effigy Mound, though archaeologists suspect Ohio’s prehistoric Hopewell people crafted the effigy between 100 B.C. and 400 A.D.

Johnstown

Johnstown Opera House

1 S. Main St.

Ohio once boasted more than 50 opera houses. Today, very few are still standing, and the Johnstown Opera House, which seats just under 300 people, is one of them. Plays and musical events are hosted in the opera house, sometimes with the historic Vaudeville era backdrops.

Alexandria

Sunbear Studio & Gallery

3 W. Main St.

www.sunbearstudio.com

Sunbear Studio & Gallery, located on Alexandria’s main strip, showcases the creations of pastel artist Meredith Martin. Visitors will also find works from other Ohio creative types. The gallery hosts artist demonstrations throughout the spring and fall seasons. At some of these events, visitors can purchase original artwork to the tune of live music and tasty food.

Pataskala

Outville Depot

6750 Outville Rd. SW

Before the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad took over, the village of Outville was originally a stop on the Central Ohio Railroad. Its passenger depot, designed with Queen Anne-style architecture in mind, closed in 1940. It was moved out of the village until the Harrison Township Trustees arranged its return in 1993. The depot is now one of only six remaining on the rail line and, in 1995, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Utica

Velvet Ice Cream Ye Olde Mill

11324 Mt. Vernon Rd.

www.velveticecream.com

It’s hard to imagine Licking County without Velvet Ice Cream – after all, it’s been in business for just over a century. Four generations of the Dager family have run the company since its opening in 1914. More than 150,000 visitors each year flock to Utica just for the chance to try this famed ice cream. Free public tours are also available at Ye Olde Mill, which is open May through October.

Heath

Newark Earthworks

455 Hebron Rd.

It’s believed the Earthworks were built by Ohio’s prehistoric Hopewell people between 100 B.C. and 500 A.D. Newark Earthworks, in its entirety, originally covered more than four square miles. Only three segments survive, but the Earthworks are still the largest collection of geometric earthen enclosures in not only the U.S., but the world.

Buckeye Lake

Buckeye Lake Brewery

5176 Walnut Rd.

www.buckeyelakebrewery.com

Craft beer fanatics, look no further than the Buckeye Lake Brewery, open daily. The brewery opened its doors in 2012 and features a rotating lineup of food trucks along with regular and seasonal beers. If Freaky Tree Pumpkin Chocolate Stout sounds like a winner to you, consider stopping by. 

Hebron

National Trail Raceway

2650 National Rd. SW

www.nationaltrailraceway.com

Hebron’s the place to be if you want to catch the best auto races in central Ohio. The National Trail Raceway has seen some of the Midwest’s top racers compete on its quarter-mile track. Summers come alive on the track with touring series such as the NMRA, Buick Horsepower Nationals, Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, JEGS Northern Sportsnationals and Mopar Nationals.

Nature

Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve

2200 Gratiot Rd. SE, Heath

Yellow and cherry birch trees, wildflowers, and Virginia pines make the preserve the perfect spot for reconnecting with nature. At the gorge, you’ll find the sole bike trail in Ohio’s state nature preserve system. The trail spans more than four miles, resting just south of the village of Hanover. The Blackhand Gorge was named after a prehistoric image of a black hand engraved on a nearby sandstone cliff. This namesake was destroyed in 1828 during construction, when builders used dynamite on the cliff face.

Hannah Bealer is an editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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