Coshocton County, Ohio in Pictures

It’s not unusual for me to visit somewhere I’ve never been and want to return to that location at another time. Trust me, that happens all the time! I guess that must mean that I visit some pretty amazing places, right?

It’s not as common for me to visit a new town or area and desire to move there. As in pack up my house, pack up my family and go. Yet that’s exactly what happened when I visited Coshocton County in southeastern Ohio.  From the moment I arrived on a Thursday morning, to find a quiet, tree-lined street in Roscoe Village, to Saturday afternoon when I left the same bustling, busy attraction, I had fallen in love. Not just with the interesting attractions and history of the area, but the laid back, good-natured, genuine kindness of the people who live in Coshocton and the surrounding area.

Not one to pass up a roadside attraction, my visit started with a drive through the countryside to Gospel Hill Lighthouse. Known as the tallest inland lighthouse, this attraction caters to homeschool and faith-based groups, but anyone is welcome to visit the lighthouse and the grounds.

A short drive through the back roads of the county lead me to Helmick Covered Bridge, one of Ohio’s oldest bridges the last remaining covered bridge in Coshocton County.

The day continued with a solemn visit to the Troop Train Memorial in West Lafayette where I learned how the small close-knit community banded together after a horrific train accident claimed the lives of nearly three dozen troops in 1950.

The Old Stone Fort is surrounded is a bit of a mysterious structure. You can read more about that mystery here.

The Lava Rock Grill at the Unusual Junction was the perfect stop for lunch and held a few precious memories for me.

After lunch I spent time doing one of my favorite pastimes- shopping! I browsed the dress selection at The Universe next to Lava Rock Grill. Those looking for a bridal gown or dress for a special event will love visiting this store which has the largest selection of bridal and formal dresses in the area.

I browsed several of the shops in Roscoe Village before I headed to my luxury accommodations at Roscoe Hillside Cabins. Once I stepped inside, I almost didn’t want to leave for the evening.

As cozy and comfortable as the cabin was, I pulled myself away to attend a special tasting event at Lake Park Pavilion where I sampled food items from many of the area’s finest restaurants.

The renovated dance hall from the 1920’s  is used for community events and private parties and receptions. It’s also the focal point of the Lake Park Recreational Complex which offers a playground, aquatic center, nature trails, campground and golf course.

You’ll find the Monticello III canal boat across from the complex. The relaxing 40-minute ride, on the replica of the original canal boats, takes passengers on a tour of Ohio’s past along a restored section of the Ohio-Erie Canal.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Coshocton County Courthouse is a gorgeous structure, inside and out. Court was in session on the day I visited, so unable to view the courtroom, I set off to explore the grounds. I found a couple historical markers and a moving tribute to Ohio’s coal miners’ that lived, and worked in the area.

Across the street from the courthouse, I discovered an Art Park with some interesting portraits and designs. Thrift shoppers should take note that there’s also a Goodwill store on the square, which I unfortunately, did not have the opportunity to explore.

Annin Flagmakers, the oldest and largest flag manufacturer in the US, is located a short drive from the courthouse. This factory produces millions of American flags each year and offers visitors a glimpse of  the skilled seamstresses and employees at work.  Annin produces American flags, state flags, custom flags, military products, and commemorative flags such as The Flag of Honor, a flag that honors those who perished on 9/11. A selection of Annin American Flags and Banners can be purchased at the Coshocton Visitors Center in Historic Roscoe Village.

MMS Aviation, Mission Maintenance Services, trains aircraft mechanics to prepare airplanes for the mission field. This hands-on course of operates as an apprenticeship program that prepares students to pass tests administered by the FAA to become aircraft mechanic who actively serve in the mission field enabling missionaries from around the world to share the Gospel. Groups are invited to tour the hangars and learn about the ministry.

React Memorial Park is a great spot for visitors to relax with a picnic lunch. It also allows visitors an opportunity to step inside a restored lock, right around the corner from Roscoe Village.

Historic Roscoe Village allows visitors to step back in time to a restored 1830’s canal town and is a highlight of Coshocton County.

Every where I went, I encountered genuinely kind and helpful people. From the director of the Coshocton County Visitors Bureau, to the two gentlemen cutting wood outside their home who offered directions to the covered bridge, to the sheriff and store owner in West Lafayette who tracked down a resident who could answer my questions about the Troop Train Memorial, to the groundskeeper at Roscoe Hillside Cabins, I was met with kindness everywhere I went and I left feeling like maybe, I’d made a few new friends.

Would you like to experience the hospitality of Coshocton County Ohio for yourself? Contact the Coshocton County Visitors Bureau for more information or for help planning a trip for your family.

Address: 432 N. Whitewoman St. Coshocton, Ohio 43812
Phone: 740-622-4877
Website: http://www.visitcoshocton.com/
Social Media: Coshocton County on Facebook or on Twitter.

 

Nearby Attractions:
The Old Stone Fort: Shrouded in Mystery in Coshocton County
A Touch of Nostalgia at the Unusual Junction and Lava Rock Grill
The Wilds: Perfect for Multigenerational Family Fun

Thanks to Coshocton County Visitors Bureau for arranging and hosting my stay so I could share my experience with my readers, social media following and anyone else who will listen.