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Vote for your favorite locations in Ohio Magazine’s Best of Ohio competition!

Findlay was already named one of Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometowns, so let’s show them why – vote for your favorite attractions, shops, parks, and restaurant as the Best of Ohio!  Voting for Ohio Magazine’s “Best of Ohio” is open and there are many categories that you can fill with your Findlay and Hancock County favorites.

There are 50 categories to choose from and you must fill out at least half for your ballot to be considered.  When voting make sure to include the nominee’s name, followed by the city it is located in, for example, to vote for Dietsch’s, you would put “Dietsch Brothers Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream, Findlay”.

While choosing just one spot to represent our area may be tough, there are definitely plenty of Hancock County options for you to consider!

Recreation

Recreation is definitely not lacking in Findlay and Hancock County so filling out some of these categories should be easy!  The Lions Way Bike and Pedestrian Pathway is a wonderful trail that winds in and out of the picturesque village of Bluffton.  Have you visited our local state park?  The Van Buren State Park is a great option for those looking to fish, hike, bike, or ride on horseback and is a favorite of many – including our Visit Findlay Blogger Brandon!  Those participating in the Hancock Park District’s Hike It Program will have plenty of opinions on best hiking trail in Hancock County while anyone who has taken advantage of Raccoon Run Winter Sports Center for cross country skiing or snow shoeing or Zonta Landing boat rental know they each deserve recognition in the categories for Best winter destination and location to canoe and kayak, respectfully.  

Attractions/Lodging and Fairs, Festivals & Parades

When voting for the best college town there is an obvious choice – Findlay, of course!  Findlay is also a great option for best Long Weekend Destination in Ohio, just check out all the things to do!  Anyone who has stayed at The Hancock Hotel would tell you it is definitely a reason to return to Findlay.  ArtWalk in Downtown Findlay should definitely be in consideration for the best Art Fair/Festival as should the Hancock County Fair for best County Fair.  Thousands upon thousands descend to Findlay for the upcoming Halloween Parade, make sure to cast your vote for it for best community parade.  Oktoberfest has grown year after year into one of Ohio’s best fall festivals and Riverside Wine Festival has won the category of best Food and Drink festival in the past, will it be a repeat winner?

Food & Drink

Speaking of repeat winners – there are two repeat winners in contention in the categories of Food & Drink and Shopping!  Jeffrey’s Antique Gallery has won for best antique shopping the past 2 years – let’s make it a three-peat!  Dietsch Brothers Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream has won for both Best Ohio Made Candy and Best Ice Cream in the past.  As a member of both the Ohio Ice Cream Trail and the Buckeye Candy Trail we think it needs to be under serious consideration for a win in both categories this year.  The Hancock County Farmers’ Market has grown exponentially over the years, especially this year with its move to the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, is that enough to earn your vote for best Farmers’ Market?  Findlay Brewing Company has been making waves for years with their craft beers, but with the opening of their bar and restaurant, we think this is the year for them to walk away with the Best Craft Brewery designation.  You can’t go wrong with picking a restaurant from Findlay and Hancock County’s long list of casual dining, fine dining, or Outdoor Dining and Patio locations for those categories!  

We already mentioned Jeffrey’s for the Antiques shopping category, and any of our boutiques would be more than worthy of the best independent boutiques!  With so many of those independent boutiques located in Downtown, who can argue with Downtown Findlay for best Main Street Shopping?

Arts/Culture

Especially in the last few years, Findlay has emerged as an arts and culture powerhouse.  Whether you’re seeking out performing arts, visual arts, museums, or special events, Findlay has it covered.  The Mazza Museum is arguably one of the most unique art museums in the state.  As home to over 10,500 individual children’s book illustrations and interactive displays and events it should definitely be in the running for best Art Museum.  The Children’s Museum of Findlay has grown every year since it opened and has grown into one of the best children’s museums in the state.  With the new energy and transportation annex and interactive government center, in addition to the other wonderful outbuildings and displays the Hancock Historical Museum should be in contention for Best Historical Museum.   As far as music venue – the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts has to be on the short list with performers ranging from preschool Christmas programs to Gavin Creel, Chicago, and Darius Rucker!  

We know Findlay and Hancock County is a great place to live, visit, and play – so vote for your favorites!  When voting make sure to fill out at least half of the categories (it shouldn’t be hard, just look above for some suggestions!), and list the name of the nominee followed by the city it is located in.  Make sure to get your votes in by the end of the month!

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