Come along with us and cruise the scenic and peaceful backroads of Beautiful Ohio. We offer a full slate of pleasing sights, streams and rivers, tidy apple orchards, sprawling forests, modest well-kept inviting pioneer towns, & patriotic main streets.
History is a part of the landscape here where covered bridges and mellow old buildings nestle in valleys that once echoed with the blasts of steamboat whistles. We will visit the homes of many famous and popular citizens of our past.
Space and its important history through museums and historic airfields will help us recollect moments from our past.
We will explore mansions as we reflect on the past and dine in extra special historical spots preserved for our enjoyment. The well-kept properties, peaceful atmosphere, and small-town personalities will continue to impress us as we travel these backroads together!
Day 1 – Home to Bloomington, IL
Welcome aboard! It’s a travel day through Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
Included Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Doubletree
Day 2 – Bloomington to Dayton, OH
We cross the great state of Indiana on our way to our Ohio adventure. Our included lunch stop is Shapiro’s of Indianapolis, one of the most amazing deli cafeterias we’ve ever encountered! Shortly after, we pass under the welcome arch declaring “Ohio – The Heart of it All,” our backroads adventure begins. The National Annie Oakley Center, in the quaint village of Greenville, is our first stop. As part of the renown Garst Museum, we relive youthful memories of Annie’s personal & professional life. Also housed in this complex is the story of the famed broadcaster from our past, Lowell Thomas. The appeal of the country highways is so compelling as we drive to our hotel. Enjoy the Drury’s Kickback at our lovely hotel this evening, which is a complete light meal.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Drury Kickback
Hotel: Drury Inn (2 Nights)
Day 3 – Dayton Area
We start the day with a quick tour of Dayton, which then takes us to Carillon Historical Park. Explore this settlement aboard the Carillon Park Railroad and discover how Dayton changed the world. The Wright Brothers National Center, Locust Grove School, Newcom Tavern and an 1815 stone cottage are all part of this intriguing place. The 151 ft tall Deeds Carillon overlooks it all. Included lunch is served just for us right there at Culp’s Café. Again, the lovely rolling Ohio countryside draws us to our next adventure, The Ohio Caverns. This stunning, visitor-friendly cave is the largest of all caverns in Ohio and is famous for its splendid & active crystal formations. Nestled in the corner of picturesque Troy Square is Bakehouse Bread & Cookie. This begs for a delicious treat courtesy of R&J! Partake in the Drury’s Kickback tonight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Treat, Drury Kickback
Day 4 – Dayton to Mason, OH
Enjoy Drury’s hearty breakfast and prepare yourself for a bustling day. Destination: National Museum of the United States Air Force. It’s the largest and most comprehensive military air museum in the world. Nine gallery exhibits dramatically tell a story of epic proportions of flight from the Wright Brothers. to the implementation of aircraft into World War I to space exploration of today. You’ll have to hustle to take it all in. Next is a very special visit to Hoffman Prairie Flying Field, America’s very first airport – Wow! Back to the countryside and on to delightful Youngs Jersey Dairy. This country fair-like atmosphere is a great place for a light lunch. Watch your own ice cream treat being fashioned right before you. Ready to be a kid again? Ride their brand-new carousel! Then we will journey through a number of Ohio’s classic small towns to one of the best, Waynesville, where main street is a destination to explore. Next, the Golden Lamb stands proudly as the centerpiece of historic Lebanon and is our choice for early dinner this evening. The Golden Lamb is Ohio’s longest continually operating business and features an Our Farm to Our Table menu. Outstanding!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Ice Cream Treat, Dinner
Hotel: Drury Inn
Day 5 – Mason to Chillicothe, OH
Only a few minutes after we depart, we find ourselves on Front Street in New Richmond, right on the banks of the Ohio River. We’ll take a few awe-inspiring moments to soak in this beautiful sight. Now we follow the river road to Ulysses S. Grant’s Birthplace. We’ll take some time for pictures of the former president and general’s first home, set right on the river. Up through the woods, not far away, is the little village of Georgetown and Grant’s Boyhood Home and School. A guided tour tells the fascinating story of this American icon. An included lunch is served right here in Georgetown. Another stop is in the classic river town of Ripley before our travel takes us through wooded ravines, away from the river, and into rolling pastures and farm land. What’s that ahead on the side of the road?! Country Crust Bakery! We must stop and beg our wonderful tour director for another treat! So enjoy… Hand Fried Pie of your choice, Iced Tea or Lemonade, served right on their patio overlooking the rolling countryside! By special invitation, we are guests of the Adena Mansion and Gardens. Adena is the home of Thomas Worthington, considered the “Father of Ohio.” We are privileged to a guided tour and time strolling through the gardens. This site was the inspiration for The Great Seal of Ohio. Dinner is included this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Treat, Dinner
Hotel: Hampton Inn
Day 6 – Chillicothe to Marietta, OH
Delight in the beauty of the backroads as we motor today. First stop, Hocking Hills Park. A natural wonder of forested hills, rock formations, streams, waterfalls and recess caves. Their fabulous visitors center tells us the story. Just a few miles further is Jackpine Glass Studio where we’ll watch talented glass blowers as they create original artistic masterpieces. Perhaps a little early Christmas shopping is in order here! A delicious lunch is served at The Olde Dutch Restaurant; save room for their amazing pie! Pencil sharpeners you say? You haven’t seen them all until we visit the world’s largest collection! Enjoy some tranquil time to reflect as we journey the restful countryside to Marietta on the river. Standing tall on 4th Street’s pleasant old town neighborhood is The Castle. This 1855 Gothic Revival house is surrounded by meticulously groomed gardens. We are treated to a guided tour of the home and visit with the friendly gardener as he proudly shares his craft. Marietta is at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. Tonight, we enjoy the beauty of those rivers aboard the Valley Gem Sternwheeler riverboat for an unforgettable dinner cruise.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Fairfield by Marriot
Day 7 – Marietta to Sugar Creek, OH
After a brief jaunt, we find ourselves in the home of John & Anne Glenn. What a privilege to relive the story of this revered American hero and discover the rooted heritage that inspired his greatness. We now drive the National Road (as we discover its significance in our history) to an early lunch in Granville where we find New England charm in the heart of Ohio! The Buxton Inn Tavern is not just any lunch stop! This 1812 Inn was once part of the Underground Railroad and sleeping quarters for the stagecoach drivers. Original stonewalls and brick floor are part of this historic dining experience. Moving on, Ohio is home to many famous glass venues, but the National Heisey Glass Museum is the mother of them all. You don’t have to be a glass lover to be absolutely amazed. There’s no better place for some fun than Ye Olde Mill, home of Velvet Ice Cream since 1912. Treat yourself to ice cream, visit their intriguing ice cream museum, and even take a horse drawn carriage ride. Our restful home for the next two nights is the comfortable Carlisle Inn in Sugar Creek, neatly nestled on a knoll overlooking the inviting Amish Country of Ohio. Shopping, dining and theater are part of this special place. This evening we are privileged guests of the Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens. Considered the World’s Master Carver, this Smithsonian deemed setting is treating us to a candlelight dinner as we hear the story, see the carvings, and watch carver David Warther work his magic. These incredible carving masterpieces have to be seen to believe! This experience will be the tour’s highlight for many!
Incl Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Carlisle Inn (2 Nights)
Day 8 – Amish Country
Enjoy the absolute serenity of your surroundings during breakfast before we are guests of Yoder’s Amish Home this morning. Appreciate the authenticity as they share their history, heritage, customs, lifestyle and faith. We visit the home and barn, and even a buggy ride may be in the offering. We can’t be in Amish Country without a genuine Amish lunch. Sue’s Gourmet presents a delicious home cooked meal at an Amish home in Charm and we get to partake! Guggisberg Cheese Company, outside the village of Charm, is the creator of Baby Swiss Cheese and they will show us the art of their famous cheese making. Some time at Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery, a charming place featuring housebaked Amish goods, crafts, farm animals and more, tops off our afternoon. Returning to our Inn, you’ll have time to browse the shops or just relax. Dinner is on your own this evening at Dutch Valley Restaurant, adjacent to the hotel. State-of-the-art Ohio Star Theater, one of Ohio’s finest, is located right in the Carlisle complex. They are well known for their outstanding family centered performances. At the time of print, the show had not been announced yet, but it will be marvelous, as always, and we will be there!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 – Sugar Creek to Hartville, OH
Another delightful breakfast in Amish Country before we depart. We are headed to “The best place to visit in Ohio,” Lehman’s Store in Kidron. It’s a store like none other you’ve seen as it has everything and anything! You’ll have time for lunch on your own at Lehman’s. It’s just a hop & a skip to the next incredible shop: Smucker’s Home Store. Everything Smucker’s offers is available and we’ll be astounded at all the familiar brands that are under the Smuckers umbrella. No good tour is complete without a Classic Car Exhibit and we found a great one at the Canton Classic Car Museum. Featuring more than 40 rare and unusual classic automobiles. Maybe you’ll find one like you drove (or dreamed of) “back in the day.” Well, we can’t be in Canton without visiting one other place – you guessed it – The Pro Football Hall of Fame. After some time at this hallowed place, we’ll head up to Hartville. Our comfortable accommodations are The Comfort Suites right by Hartville Hardware, the world’s largest hardware store! Just like Lehman’s, you have to see it to believe it. A scrumptious dinner is served at The Hartville Kitchen right next to the hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Comfort Suites
Day 10 – Hartville to Medina, OH
As we depart our hotel, we travel through a part of Ohio you’ve probably never explored. But it is absolutely compelling – simple, sweet and serene. Count the American flags as we travel the main streets! First stop is The Burton Log Cabin & Sugar Camp, famous for their maple syrup and fresh maple cream candy. Middlefield Original Cheese Coop is a classic Amish country store where we’ll watch the cheesemakers at work. End of The Commons is Ohio’s oldest operating general store located in historic Mesopotamia. This is a local favorite for homemade fudge, hand-dipped ice cream, old fashioned sodas, and penny candy. Clarksville Sweets has the largest selection of popcorn you’ve ever seen! We found a front porch to celebrate at the Welshfield Inn where American flags adorn, patriotism abounds, fresh local foods grace the menu, and friendly staff embody the spirit of this historic inn established in 1840! A national park between the industrial cities of Cleveland and Akron, you say? That’s right. Cuyahoga Valley! And the best way to explore this scenic wonder is by railroad in a vintage rail car! What a cool adventure! Dinner is relaxing this evening at The Oaks, nestled on beautiful Chippewa Lake and famous for fine casual dining for over 60 years!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express
Day 11 – Medina to Findlay, OH
It’s a beautiful Sunday in Ohio! We travel to the village of Milan, honored to visit the birthplace home of Thomas Edison. They have been gracious to offer us a private showing of this special place on a Sunday morning. Just imagine how different life would have been without this incredible American. We relive our childhood excitement as we ride the fully restored Herschell Carousel at the Merry- Go-Round Museum in Sandusky. Gifted wood carvers ply their artistic skills right here in this magical place. Lunch will be on your own in this lakeside destination. Crossing over the Sandusky Bay, we make our way to historic Marblehead Lighthouse overlooking imposing Lake Erie. This storied landmark is the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Most things are closed on a Sunday in Ohio, but the kind folks at Tiffin Glass are inviting us to a private showing of The Glass House, home to a rich & fascinating heritage of glass production dating back to 1889! Our familiar accommodations for this evening is the Drury Inn.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Drury Kickback
Hotel: Drury Inn
Day 12 – Findlay to Middlebury, IN
A hearty breakfast at Drury prepares us for the day. Our first stop is very unique. The incredible Wilson Football Factory Tour in little ol’ Ada. Every official leather game ball of the NFL has been handcrafted here since 1955. Today we are invited to see inside where football legends are made. Lunch is included at Bob Evans before we observe another Ohio legend. Wapakoneta is the home of Neil Armstrong. Our visit to the Neil Armstrong Air & Space Center will be a grand & unforgettable highlight of this epic journey. The museum is the best exhibit of the Gemini & Apollo era of space exploration and Armstrong’s priceless role in this American endeavor. We will drive by Neil’s boyhood home, now a private home, for a picture opp. A delightful and relaxing evening is in store in the little Amish village of Middlebury at the tranquil Essenhaus Inn. Das Dutchman, right by the Inn, serves homestyle American fare in a folksy setting and is famous for their pie!! Be sure to visit the bakery for treats for the road.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel; Essenhaus Inn
Day 13 – Middlebury to Madison, WI
Travel is our main focus today as we make our way home. Following the Chicagoland bustle, we will appreciate our lunch stop in beautiful downtown Lake Geneva. Travel doesn’t mean we can’t still have fun, so we pay a visit to the curious & remarkable Mustard Museum in Middleton. That gets our taste buds active so we step next door to the Hubbard Avenue Diner where nostalgia abounds.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hampton Inn
Day 14 – Madison to Home
Before we leave town, we must stop at Clasen’s European Bakery. You won’t believe it and you can’t resist it! Buy a goodie to enjoy on the journey home as you recall all the fond backroads memories of America’s Front Porch!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information
Motorcoach Travel Protection Per Person
Travel Bucks
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
30 Meals, 3 Kickbacks & 3 Treats, Hotels & Activities as stated, Luxury Motorcoach
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06/05/2025 06/18/2025
Tour Highlights
* National Annie Oakley Center & Garst Museum
* Carillon Historic Park
* Wright Bros. Museum
* The Ohio Caverns
* National Museum of United States Air Force
* Ulysses Grant Birthplace, Boyhood Home & School
* Adena Mansion
* Hocking Hills Nature Area
* Jack Pine Glass Studio
* The Castle in Marietta
* Valley Gem Sternwheeler Dinner Cruise
* John & Annie Glenn Home
* National Heisey Glass Center
* Ye Olde Mill /Velvet Ice Cream
* Warther Wood Carving Tour & Candlelight Dinner
* Yoder Amish Home & Farm tour
* Guggisberg Cheese Makers
* Ohio Star Theatre Production
* Lehman’s Hardware
* Smuckers
* Pro Football Hall of Fame
* Canton Classic Cars
* Burton’s Log Cabin Sugar Camp
* End of the Commons General Store
* Cuyahoga Valley National Park via Vintage Railroad Ride
* Thomas Edison Birthplace Home
* Merry-Go-Round Museum
* Marblehead Lighthouse
* Tiffin Glass House
* Wilson Football Factory
* Armstrong Air & Space Center
* Neil Armstrong Boyhood Home
* Mustard Museum
* Culinary Experiences: Shapiro’s Deli, Young’s Jersey Dairy, Golden Lamb, Country Crust Bakery, Olde Dutch Restaurant, The Historic Buxton Inn, Sue’s Gourmet Meal, Hartville Kitchens, Welshfield Inn, The Oaks Lodge, Hubbard Avenue Diner, & Clasen’s European Bakery
