Everyone has their favorite summer activities, but isn’t it time to try something NEW too? Let the Mansfield/Richland County Convention & Visitors Bureau help expand your summer experiences with a list of ten new things to try this summer. Whether you’re eight or eighty, a fan of sipping wine or a race fan, a music buff or an art buff, a family of 6 looking for a beach or a solo foodie, a new adventure awaits in Richland County.
1. NEW: Laxton Hollow Brewery Works:
Looking for a new spot to sample a brew? Come out to Ohio’s first exclusively cask ale producing company, Laxton Hollow Brewery Works. Try out a variety of cask ales–exactly how beer was made before prohibition! The brewery opened mid-June, located in Lexington next to The Happy Grape Wine Bar.
2. Bull Riding at Spitzer Motor Speedway:
Grab your rodeo hats and dancing shoes because bull riding and concerts make their way to Mansfield this summer! The Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association (SEBRA) brings riders to Spitzer Motor Speedway as one of the 450 competition sites across the nation. To top off an entertaining evening of competitive bull riding, there will be a concert at the end of every night. Next dates are August 13 and September 3.
3. Local Wine & Ale Trail Outdoor Patios:
Sip, sample and soak up summer along the area’s local Wine & Ale Trail with fantastic outdoor patios. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a beer-loving expert, our wineries, wine bars and breweries help you enjoy summer in Ohio—some featuring live entertainment! The Happy Grape Wine Bar patio showcases an amazing wall painted by local artists.
4. Art of the Brick LEGO Exhibit:
Come out to the Mansfield Art Center to enjoy the famous Art of the Brick exhibit, which travels all around the United States. It’s here! Art has been taken into the LEGO world by artist Nathan Sawaya. The exhibit is on display through August 27, 2016.
5. Find the Rhythm in Richland County:
The area’s live music scene is exploding! If you haven’t had the chance to experience one of these venues or events, it’s a “must” on your summer list. Watch the Mansfield Tourism Facebook posts every Thursday to find out live music that is happening in the area for the week. Music is booming throughout Mansfield’s (and Richland County’s) breweries, wineries, retail establishments, and parks. Come out and hear the tremendous talent of bands located at The Brickyard, right in Downtown Mansfield. There are also concerts hosted by the AFM Park Concert Series throughout Ontario, Mansfield, Bellville, Shelby and Crestline all summer long – and they are free! Grab a lawn chair and join the local bands for an enjoyable evening.
6. LIVE Racing: Two Tracks, Twice the Fun:
Race season is here, so come on out to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Spitzer Motor Speedway to watch, cheer and enjoy a day at the races. The Mid-Ohio season hosts favorites like the Mid-Ohio Vintage Grand Prix, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, The Honda Indy 200 and NASCAR Xfinity Mid-Ohio 200. Finishing out the season is the long-awaited return of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) in September. Spitzer Motor Speedway brings everything from Outlaw Mini Stocks to Sprint Series and fireworks and concerts.
7. Pontoon Boat rides at Pleasant Hill Lake Park & Charles Mill Lake Park:
You don’t have to travel far for a boat day. Pleasant Hill Lake Park and Charles Mill Lake Park offer local deals for those interested in a fun day on the water. Gather the family or friends.
8. Farmers Markets:
Food, shopping and local enthusiasts are all in for an exciting time at one of Richland County’s Farmers Markets. They offer fresh produce, herbs, baked goods and products all from local suppliers. Buying local is not only great for our community, but also extremely healthy and affordable for you and your family. You can eat, shop and communicate with the vendors, while also supporting local business! Check www.MansfieldTourism.com in the events section for days and hours.
9. Blueberry Picking:
What’s better than fresh blueberries? Being able to pick them yourself! The Blueberry Patch Greenhouse and Gifts offers blueberry picking throughout the summer. Right in your backyard is Ohio’s largest blueberry plantation. While you’re there, shop the store and greenhouse, and wander into the 1285 Winery with the famous dry or sweet blueberry wine.
10. A Day at the Beach:
Did you know beach days were possible in Richland County? You’re in luck! Whether you enjoy a relaxing or adventure-filled time at the lake, Pleasant Hill and Charles Mill offer a variety of activities to create a local beach day. Water skiing, tubing and wakeboarding are just some of the activities available—and also a beach for those who like to sit back and relax! Pleasant Hill also offers a Safe Boating and Fishing Festival to teach the young fishers how to properly enjoy the outdoor activity.
Summer in Ohio flies by, so get out the calendar, explore details at www.MansfieldTourism.com, and savor summer in Richland County. #OhioFindItHere
Written by Molly Kardasz, CVB Intern