Hometown blues call for a road trip, and an hour’s drive south to Findlay could be just the thing you need. Here are the can’t-miss places worth making the journey to Flag City, USA
1. Winter Blues Festival
To celebrate their annual Blues Festival, Alexandria’s downtown will host a night of beer and blues featuring local musical acts RB Stone and the Josh Garrett Band. New this year, upstairs neighbor the Upper Deck is hosting a benefit dinner and video premiere at 6pm, with proceeds going toward the National Alliance of Mental Illness. Since it will be a late night, book a room at the nearby Findlay Inn, which is close to all the action.
Friday, February 20. 6pm-11pm. Concert ticket, $5; Concert and dinner ticket, $35. Alexandria’s, 132 E. Crawford St, Findlay. 419-424-5750, visitfindlay.com
2. Dietsch Bros.
No one can pass up fine chocolates and ice cream, much less when they’re homemade. The Dietsch brothers started making candy from their own family recipes in the late 1920s, and today, they’ve only further perfected their craft. Their ice cream (a whopping 37 flavors, not including seasonal scoops) has been called the best in Ohio, and people have used their chocolate-covered pretzels as wedding favors. The old-school shop’s many fans swear by the legendary chocolate and its A+ gifting abilities—though it seems most would like to keep it for themselves. With even some sugar-free candy varieties, there’s no reason not to indulge.
400 W. Main Cross Street, Findlay. (419) 422-4474, dietschs.com
3. The Gathering
If you want gourmet American cuisine, the Gathering fails to disappoint its diners. The upscale eatery designed offers both lunch and dinner with a multitude of seafood and vegetarian options, but steak is their specialty. For some entertainment, check out the local music acts playing in the upstairs area on Friday and Saturday nights. Though it’s a bit of a splurge (around $25+ per dinner entrée), the food is fresh and, when possible, locally farmed.
114 E. Main Cross Street, Findlay. (419) 422-5930, facebook.com/FindlayGathering
4. BalloonFest
Though it only began fifteen years ago, the Flag City BalloonFest has quickly become one of the town’s most beloved community events. Each day is jam-packed with activities including Civil War Demonstrations, a 5K, car shows, and of course, hot air balloon flights. People willing to pay $250 per person can sign up for a balloon ride in advance, while those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground can enjoy various food vendors and caricature artists.
August 7-9. Emory Adams Park, 322 S. Main Street, Findlay, flagcityballoonfest.com
5. Rieck’s Gallery
If you care to do a bit of shopping, stop by the distinctively curated Rieck’s Gallery. Around for over 120 years, the owners are quite skilled in selecting artsy treasures (read: a glass cup made from an Absolut bottle) that make unique gifts for any taste. Browse the jewelry, glassware, and baby gifts, and admire the art that hangs in the gallery – they even specialize in framing in case you’d like to purchase a piece.
524 S. Main Street, Findlay. (419) 422-2862, riecksgallery.com.
6. Barn Quilt Trail
History buffs and families alike can appreciate the scenic agricultural tour winding throughout fourteen townships of Hancock County. Though a car is required to see all sixty-one plus quilt squares, each with its own history, it’s still an educational activity better suited for warmer weather.
visitfindlay.com/about/barn-quilts-northwest-ohio.
7. Coffee Amici
Stop in to Coffee Amici for tea or a latte and stay for the live music and company. The downtown coffeehouse serves Columbus’s own Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea, and features an open mic night every Friday and local musicians on Saturday nights (their website even gives a “loudness” scale for each performer, so all ages are welcome).
328 S. Main Street, Findlay. (419) 423-7957, coffeeamici.com
8. The Perennial Plant Peddler
As long as allergies aren’t an issue, anyone can enjoy a walk around the Perennial Plant Peddler, an official display garden of the American Hermerocallis Society and home to a variety of succulents, daylilies, hostas, and other perennial plants. Take a guided tour or set up an appointment if you’d like to bring some of the garden home.
8755 Township Road 251, Findlay. (419) 387-7320. pplantpeddler.com
9. The Wine Merchant
Wine aficionados could easily spend hours reveling in the over 400 bottle selection in Findlay’s go-to wine store, and that’s even before they get to their sizable beer collection. For those interested in beyond the differences between red and white, the Wine Merchant hosts wine and beer tastings on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively, as well as a Flight Night on Wednesdays. It will probably be the most aromatic $5 you’ve ever spent.
540 S. Main Street, Findlay. (419) 424-0391, findlaywinemerchant.com.
10. Mazza Museum
Though the world’s largest collection of artwork by children’s book illustrators may seem like something more suited for the kids, this museum promises to impress adults as well. The “Effective Use of Light” exhibit teaches viewers about art techniques, while the “All in the Family” collection delves into the unique relationships between artists. A feature wall with changing work ensures a different experience each visit.
201 College Street, Findlay. (419) 434-4560, mazzamuseum.org
