History is all around us here in Ohio. From small towns to big, bustling cities, there are endless landmarks to be discovered. One of the most unique is tucked away in the delightful community of Bellefontaine. It's here you'll find the oldest paved road in Ohio, and it makes for quite an exciting day trip destination. In fact, it's actually the oldest concrete-paved road in the U.S. Strolling this street, you'll have the opportunity to sight-see, window shop, and enjoy some delicious food. Ready to check out the oldest road in the US? Let's go!
Welcome to Bellefontaine, Ohio! This charming downtown destination is steeped in history and small-town culture.
Court Avenue, much like the other streets in the area, was initially a dirt road. In 1886, concrete pioneer George Bartholomew moved to Logan County and discovered high-quality raw materials that could be used to make concrete. It’s a historic place in Ohio.
In 1891, he was given permission to test out this new concrete near Main Street. When the test was successful, all streets surrounding the courthouse were paved.
Today, Court Avenue is the only street with the original pavement remaining. The others have been paved over with asphalt. It’s one of the oldest roads in the US.
Near the courthouse, you'll find this historical marker, which outlines the street's significance.
Have you visited the oldest paved road in Ohio? What did you think? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you!
Looking for more great Ohio history? Check out this small town in Ohio full of historic buildings!
Tubing and tacos – can you think of a better pairing? This day trip to Crooked River Adventures and Barrio promises fun and delicious food, all on one tank of gas. Save travel time and enjoy an unforgettable tubing day trip in northwest Ohio.
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Google Maps offers two routes between Crooked River Adventures in Burton and Barrio in Kent, so you can choose which is easiest for you based on personal preference and current traffic. The shortest route spans 22.8 miles in about 35 minutes; the longer route takes only 37 minutes over 24.7 miles.
A day trip is a perfect way to spend a leisurely day. So, don’t worry if this one is too far for you to hit the road. Check out these other amazing day trips in Ohio that also offer unforgettable adventures.
Start your day with a relaxing meander down the Upper Cuyahoga River in a kayak or a canoe rental from Crooked River Adventures in Burton, a perfect adventure for a group of friends or the whole family.
Before your adventure begins, pack everything you need for a fun and safe day on the water. The family-owned adventure company recommends bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and food and water in water-proof containers.
Be prepared to get a bit wet, too, by wearing water shoes, tennis shoes, or sandals. Your best bet is to avoid flip-flops. Bring along a poncho or a long-sleeved shirt, too, in case it gets cool.
Once you’re all packed for your adventure, you can grab all of the supplies you need at Crooked River Adventures. Rent a kayak, a canoe, or a standup paddleboard. Life vests and paddles are also available.
The five-mile journey along the Upper Cuyahoga River usually takes between two and four hours. Canoes hold a maximum of three adults or, if you’re bringing the kiddos along, two adults and two children.
Even with snacks on the river, you’ve probably worked up a hearty appetite, which makes Barrio Kent, a popular taco joint with several locations in Ohio, the perfect destination.
While it boasts the motto of “have a taco or two,” once you get a bite of Barrio’s famous tacos, you’ll probably want quite a few more. The popular taco stand offers a selection of tacos, or you can custom-build your own.
Building your own taco is a six-step process that will leave your mouth watering and your stomach gnawing in anticipation. Start by deciding which proteins you want; pulled pork, the fish of the day, and thick-cut bacon are a few of your many choices.
What’ll you have your taco in? A hard corn shell? A soft flour wrap? Or a bowl with rice? Then, pick your cheese, toppings, sauce, and salsa. Go as bold or as mild as you want. It’s all up to you.
Take a peek at the specials, too, which might feature such classics as the chicken shawarma taco and garlic chickpea guacamole. For the perfect meal, add a margarita. You’ve got a choice of nearly a dozen.
After a fun day tubing under the sun in Ohio, you won’t find a better meal than a hearty helping of tacos. Customize the Google Map directions for the trip to Crooked River Adventures and Barrio Kent. However, that’s just the beginning of all of the fun that awaits in Ohio. Keep up-to-date with all of the cool happenings and fun adventures by following the Facebook page of Only In Ohio, and then sign up for Ohio’s daily newsletter.
Have you been to these fun-filled destinations before? Do you think it's the best tubing in Ohio? How about one of the best day trips in Ohio? Let me know - I'd love to hear your thoughts! Get ready for some fun and unique adventures – grab your tubing gear and road trip essentials, and let’s hit the road for an awesome time!
There are a lot of great things about living in Ohio. For starters, the scenery is incredible and the food can't be beat. We've got a few of the best day trips in Ohio planned for you in various regions throughout the Buckeye state, and if you're in the northeast part of the state, you're in for a real treat with the following taco and tubing in Ohio adventure.
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In northeast Ohio, Mohican Adventures is an outdoor adventure site like no other. You can enjoy canoes, tubing, camping, fishing, swimming, go-karting, and mini-golf -- all in one location! You're sure to be hungry after all that fun, so lucky for you that La Cascada is under two hours south in the great city of Columbus - you won't even go through a full tank of gas. There are a few different routes to take, so make sure to judge what works best for your schedule on Google Maps.
Mohican Adventures has a variety of attractions, including go-karts and mini-golf, but they're best known for their Mohican River trips. Visitors can choose between canoes, kayaks, tubes, or rafts, and there are a variety of packages to pick from.
The serene view of the peaceful river will have you forgetting about all your worries and strife! Ohio has so many beautiful outdoor areas, and there's no better way to explore the outdoors than from the comfort of the river.
The seven-mile trip down one of the most serene lazy rivers in Ohio is completely downstream and you'll even come across two small islands to stop at on the way!
For more information, including a Mohican Adventures map, check out the Mohican Adventures website.
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After all that outdoor activity, you'll be ready for a tasty meal. Head south about 90 miles and you'll hit La Cascada Restaurant & Bar, one of the most popular Mexican eateries in Columbus.
La Cascada offers patio dining, to-go ordering, and inside tables.
The authentic menu has many dishes you won't find in other Mexican restaurants. You'll feel like you just stepped into the streets of Oaxaca as you enjoy the Torta Azteca and beef tongue tacos.
Why not wash down your tasty meal with a bottle of Jarritos soda for the full Mexican experience? La Cascada offers Jarritos and Sidral, a popular Mexican apple soda.
You'll be smiling and full at the end of this day. After all, it's one of the best day trips in Ohio! Don't forget the sunscreen and make sure not to overeat! All you have to do is enter your starting address on Google Maps, fill up the tank, and prepare to enjoy an amazing day! For more great Ohio destinations, make sure to subscribe to the Only in Ohio daily newsletter and follow the Only in Ohio Facebook page.
