Historic Zoar Village is a National Landmark District that was ounded in 1817 by German Separatists seeking religious freedom.
Photos courtesy of the Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau
NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio – Quench your thirst for adventure with this itinerary for fun in Tuscarawas County, located in the heart of Appalachia and Ohio’s Amish Country.
The weekend is calling and asking for a new adventure to start, including the sunrise over the Appalachian Mountains’ foothills in beautiful Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Afterward, plan to enjoy a hike on one of many trails and then the serenity of a drive through Swiss and Amish cultural areas before delving into all the area offers. This three-day itinerary highlights a wide range of experiences, from historic landmarks to dining, theatre, and hiking. It’s time to pack your suitcase and dive into the weekend.
Day 1: Trains, a BIG clock, scenic sights, and wine and brew tastings
Start your day at the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum to experience the world’s largest privately owned collection of steam engines housed in the first working roundhouse constructed in many generations. Located in Amish country, enjoy the sights and watch out for buggies.
Downtown Sugarcreek is home to the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock and the first to be included in the Guinness Book of World Records. Be certain to time your visit to be there for the top or bottom of the hour to watch the Hilltoppers’ performance just for you. Enjoy visiting some local shops while you are here and seeing the Brick Wall Sculpture.
Visit the Ernest Warther Museum and Gardens next to experience the phenomenal talents of carver Mooney Warther. His passion for steam engines drove him to create exact replicas of these mighty trains.
Just a short drive southeast is the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, a National Historic Landmark. Located in an original train depot. It has a storied history as volunteers fed 1.3 million troops on trains during WWII while its engine was refilled with water.
Slow down at one of the county’s ten wineries or four breweries; each offers a distinctive flavor and flair.
With many lodging options, you will be certain to find the perfect clean, comfortable pillow in one of our numerous hotels.
Day 2: Ohio history, a millionaire, dinner and an outdoor theatre production
Begin with a tour of Schoenbrunn Village, where you will step inside the reconstructed first church and school buildings on the 1770’s Ohio frontier and learn about life in the village at that time.
Historic Zoar Village is a National Landmark District and your next stop. Founded in 1817 by German Separatists seeking religious freedom, you will appreciate learning about their successful communal society spanning 80 years which gave suffrage to women first — decades before the rest of the nation — as you walk upon brick sidewalks, tour original buildings and stroll through the large meditation garden.
J E Reeves is the first Tuscarawas County millionaire to earn his fortune in metal manufacturing. His home, the J. E. Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum, showcases original furnishing and local history.
Ready for dinner? Local restaurants tempt the palate with offerings from smoked meats, authentic Thai, Italian, Chinese, Amish style, and farm-to-table American cuisine.
Cap off the day with a performance of “Trumpet in the Land,” Ohio’s first and finest outdoor theatre production, which brings to life the tragic yet inspiring story of David Zeisberger and his Christian Indian followers as they struggled to preserve their peaceful settlement despite the growing violence of the Revolutionary War. The production is set in the hills once traveled by those portrayed in the show. Watch the warm summer nights come alive with beautiful horses, brilliant fire dances, authentic-looking costumes, fiery battle pyrotechnic, and a lush natural setting.
Day 3: Coffee, canals, lunch and more
Start your day like a local and visit one of the many local coffee shops or cafés for your favorite caffeine jolt. Choose from local donuts, classic dinners, Amish-style or traditional.
Enjoy the great outdoors by hiking the Ohio and Erie Canalway Towpath. Begin your hike at the Fort Laurens trailhead in Bolivar, where you will find plenty of parking and restrooms. Hike south to explore the remains of several hand-constructed locks — remnants from the days 200 years ago when boats traversed the canal.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the area restaurants, Sublime Smoke or Canal Street Diner, each featuring local food and quality service.
For more information, contact the Tuscarawas County Welcome Center at 800-527-3387 or www.traveltusc.com.
