The Wonder of Wayne County

The “gateway to Amish Country,” Wayne County offers a rural country feel while also offering opportunities to try new things in a more urbanized setting, said Riley Troxell, marketing specialist for the Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau. While respecting its rich agricultural heritage, the county’s larger towns, like Wooster and Orrville, offer compelling theater experiences and relaxing dining and nightlife.

“Wayne County is at the crossroads of culture and countryside,” Troxell said. “We have so much to explore and lots of things to do — and it can be as simple as taking a leisurely ride through our gorgeous countryside. You never know what you’re going to find because Wayne County is ever changing and ever growing.”

Named for Revolutionary War Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, the county is Ohio’s 13th largest, covering more than 550 square miles. The county’s rich soil and plentiful water supply have long supported a strong agricultural community — farms and roadside produce stands continue to dot the highways. Along with abundant park spaces, including more than 25 walking paths and preserves, Wayne County provides a wealth of educational opportunities, including 10 local historical societies that are rich with local history.

The Secrest Arboretum, a free botanical garden on the Wooster campus of the Ohio State University, offers 110 acres of a living museum of plants from all over the world. Secrest’s documented plant collection features more than 3,500 different types of trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials,

exhibiting the diverse range of plants suitable for outdoor cultivation.

Throughout the year, daytime in Wayne County is loaded with family activities.

“Ramseyer Farms, outside Wooster, is a really good option for kids of all ages,” she said. “If you enjoy a unique shopping experience, you won’t want to miss a stop at stores like Lehman’s Hardware in Kidron, P. Graham Dunn in Dalton and the J.M. Smucker Co. Store in Orrville.”

After a busy day, visitors may choose to unwind under the stars with a cocktail or a refreshing glass of wine in Wooster’s trendy Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. The DORA Zone is a designated area in the city’s historic downtown area where you can get an alcoholic beverage from one of your favorite bars and/or restaurants and walk around enjoying evening air. Participating shops have signage to indicate drinks are welcome. There are often street musicians providing ambiance and making it a wonderful way to spend a nice day or evening, Troxell said.

Wayne County has a diversity of accommodations to entice guests to plan a long weekend or hang out for a week or more, Troxell said.

“There are plenty of wonderful hotels downtown and some that are further out of town if you want more peace and quiet,” she said. “We also have some cabins for more private experiences in nature if that’s what you’re looking for.”

For more information contact the Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-362-6474 or check the website WCCVB.com.