Discovering Lancaster, Ohio

It all started in Lancaster, Ohio so I feel like I need to do a more thorough shout out to my place of residence. This little blurb of a city does not seem that interesting to someone who basically grew up near by, but as I have gotten older its charm has revealed itself. I personally adore the downtown/ historical district because even though  the economy has not been kind to little cities like mine, it is starting to rebuild itself in a very retro kind of way.

For all the history nerds out there like myself, the downtown of Lancaster is teeming with historical places that makes strolling around town seem like stepping back into the 18th and 19th century. Although I’m not entirely sure I should be proud of this fact after learning more about him, but General William Tecumseh Sherman grew up in Lancaster. The public is still able to tour his home on Main St. just as it was when he was growing up there. Another similar historical building is The Georgian, which is a 13 room mansion that was built in 1832. The Fairfield Heritage Association did a wonderful job renovating the home so that everything is exactly as it was originally for the public tour.  If history is your thing than make sure to walk along Chestnut, Main, Wheeling, Malberry, and King Streets between Broad and High to see houses that have been kept in pristine 19th century condition, carriage houses and all!

If art seems to be more of your cup of tea then I would suggest a visit to Lancaster during the Lancaster Festival that takes place during July. One particular Friday during the month downtown puts on the ArtWALK and invites local artists to display their work for the public to see and purchase. I personally enjoy the ArtWALK every year because there is a mime at the Fairfield National Bank that is very entertaining and you can get your caricature done at the corner of Main St. and Broad St. for CHEAP! There is also live music on every street corner and at most exhibits. Plus there is free champaign and wine for goers old enough to partake and cheap fair food available, yum.

If you can’t make it during Festival Time just explore Main St and the surrounding areas because there is so much to offer. My personal suggestion would be to visit the Ohio Glass Museum. Even though there is a minimal fee to enter there is so much to see. They show a 15 minute video on the history of glass and glass making in Ohio, various changing displays in the main gallery, displays of glass throughout history, and also an interactive glass blowing demonstration. To be honest, its probably geared towards the more adult ages though. “A bull in a china shop” comes to mind when thinking of children in such a beautiful place.

For more to learn about Lancaster visit http://www.mainstreetlancaster.com for more ideas and local happenings.