Discover all things mystic, from the planets to the paranormal — along with some local pours — on a three-day trip through northwest Ohio during the Halloween season.
Day 1
• Arrive in Wapakoneta
• Tour Armstrong Air & Space Museum Museum and Gardens
• Depart for Lima
• Lunch at The Met
• Tour Allen County Museum
• Depart for Bluffton
• Tour and tasting at Sycamore Lake Wine Company
• Dinner at Kira Flipside Grill
• Overnight in Bluffton
Armstrong Air & Space Museum
Wapakoneta
Wapakoneta is the hometown of Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon. The Armstrong Air & Space Museum is dedicated to keeping the spirit of space exploration alive with exhibits teaching visitors about aviation and developments in aerospace. Its interactive exhibits emphasize the contributions of Ohioans like Armstrong and include two simulators and several audiovisual elements. Artifacts include an Apollo 11 moon rock, two aircraft, Armstrong’s spacesuit and the Gemini VIII spacecraft. Groups can take a guided tour of the museum, watch a short documentary and explore the museum’s exhibit gallery. They can even request a speaker on a range of topics from the Space Race and the Cold War to the science of rocket propulsion to Ohio’s role in the space program. They can round out their trip with a stop at the museum gift shop for an astronautical souvenir.
Sycamore Lake Wine Company
Columbus Grove
Resting by a serene lake and picturesque covered bridge, Sycamore Lake Wine Company is a family-owned winery founded in 2013. Its owners, Jeff and Janice Hanneman, make their wines on the premises. Groups can enjoy the scenic views of the three-acre vineyard and grounds from the patio or tasting room. They can also get a peek behind the scenes to see the equipment used to produce the wines, such as the crusher destemmers and wine tanks. Along with an impressive range of wines, appetizers and light fare are offered, including a charcuterie plate, bruschetta, spinach and artichoke dip, and flatbread pizzas. The winery frequently hosts live music and events, so whether groups are looking for a lively evening out or a peaceful afternoon on the patio, they’ll find it at Sycamore Lake Wine Company.
sycamorelakewineco.wixsite.com
Day 2
• Depart for Sandusky
• History and Halloween tour of Sandusky with Firelands Adventure Tours
• Lunch at Bait House Brewery
• Free time downtown
• Dinner at Gideon Owen Wine Company
• “Spirit Stories at Spiegel Grove” at Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums in Fremont
• Overnight in Fremont
Bait House Brewery
Sandusky
A short distance from Lake Erie, groups will discover Bait House Brewery, a bait and tackle shop that was turned into a brewery in 2017. As Sandusky’s first microbrewery, it is committed to not only providing its customers with an exceptional selection of craft beers but also keeping with the maritime theme of the lakeside Ohio community. The locally owned and operated business serves a selection of signature brews, including IPAs, porters and wheat beers. Patrons will also find hard
ciders, seltzers and house-brewed root beer on the brewery’s drink list. The menu features fresh-caught walleye and perch from Lake Erie and stone-fired pizzas alongside traditional bar food like burgers and hot dogs. A meal at this Sandusky gem might also include live music and other entertainment by local artists. Visitors are sure to enjoy the down-to-earth and friendly feel of the microbrewery as much as its food and beverages.
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums/ Spirit Stories at Spiegel Grove
Fremont
While not a part of the official presidential library system, the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums is thought to be a model for all the presidential libraries that came after it. The 19th president was an Ohio native, and his estate, Spiegel Grove, became a museum and memorial after his death. In addition to housing Hayes’ collections and personal artifacts, it’s also a popular group tour stop, especially during the fall. In October, groups can head to the historic estate where they’ll be regaled with spooky tales and haunting legends around a campfire during Spirit Stories. They can check out museum exhibits that explore Ohio’s mythical creatures, get a souvenir picture with a ghost and take lantern tours of the estate. Hot chocolate, cider and popcorn provide sustenance as visitors experience the chilling sights and sounds of Spiegel Grove.
day 3
• HalloWeekends event at Cedar Point in Sandusky
HalloWeekends at Cedar Point
Sandusky
From mid-September through October, HalloWeekends at Cedar Point give Sandusky visitors a chance to experience autumn-themed wonders and delightful frights. This popular annual Ohio tradition, held Thursdays through Sundays, is a Halloween-themed addition to the amusement park’s list of attractions, rides and roller coasters. During the day, groups experience fewer frights by making their way through hay mazes and eating Halloween treats. For thrill-seekers and horror lovers, darkness at the park brings Scare Zones with dozens of haunted houses, trails and mazes that crawl with ghouls and monsters designed to spook even the bravest guests. Groups can also catch ghost-themed shows, enjoy appearances from their favorite spooky characters and have their fortunes told. When it is time for refreshments, Cedar Point turns up the heat with spicy chicken tenders and jalapeño-loaded potato wedges and delights patrons with Halloween-themed sweets like pumpkin rolls, deep-fried fudge and cupcakes topped with sugar shards that look like glass.
