Don’t let the cold weather blues get you down – get out and about and enjoy all that Hancock County has to offer this Fall and Winter!  Cold weather is not an excuse to hibernate, there is just as many activities and attractions for you to enjoy in the cold as well as the warm. Stop by our Welcome Center located on 123 E. Main Cross St. to pick up your Visit Findlay visitor guide, maps, and information on different restaurants, shops, attractions and events!  Share the images of your Hancock County Fall and Winter adventures by using #VisitFindlay and download the printable version of the Fall and Winter Hancock County Bucket List now!

Enjoy time with Fido this Fall!

Take advantage of the last vestiges of warm weather by spending time with your dog!  The Riverbend Dog Park is an obvious place to start, let your best friend run until his heart is content while you soak in the Fall colors.  For dog lovers and dachshunds alike, don’t miss the Doxie Downs on September 24 at Riverside Park.  This National Dachshund Race is fun whether you want to bring your dog to race or just observe, and the Weenie Martini Party the night prior is fun for all.  Print out this guide on how to enjoy time with your dog in Hancock County.

Take in the countryside

There is no better time to explore Hancock County’s countryside than the Fall!  Enjoy a drive throughout Hancock County on a self-guided tour of our Barn Quilt Trail.  These beautiful hand-painted squares are located in every township in Hancock County, you can download the brochure or stop by our Welcome Center and pick one up.

Celebrate Hancock County’s heritage at Oktoberfest

Celebrating its second year in Downtown Findlay, Oktoberfest Findlay! will feature authentic German food and libations, live polka music and dancing, different competitions, kids activities and so much more on September 24.

Run a themed 5K

Running a 5K is fun but, like anything, running with a theme makes it extra fun!  Although not necessarily a theme, don your pink and run for a great cause on September 24 by participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  Get in the Halloween spirit, support Hancock Youth Leadership and race against the pumpkin on October 22 for the Pumpkin Run.  Kick off Thanksgiving by burning all the calories you’re sure to consume (that’s how exercise works, right?) by running in Women’s Resource Center’s Turkey Trot.  Celebrate the holiday season on December 17 by participating in the Jingle Bell Jog.  Make sure you dress in style for each of your runs.

Get artistic this season!

Let the weather inspire you!  Get artistic in a fun event for the whole family, Chalk-a-Walk on September 24.  For a small fee teams or individuals of all ages can decorate a square of sidewalk for all to enjoy as long as Mother Nature allows.  Showcase your work during the Findlay Art League’s show celebrating their 70th anniversary, which will run from November 21 – December 30.  For even more artistic impulses, follow your heart to one of the many art classes at Awakening Minds Art or the Gaslight Studio.

Take advantage of the local talent on stage at Fort Findlay Playhouse!

Findlay is home to some great talent, see it showcased on stage during a Fort Findlay Playhouse production.  The 2016-2017 season features dramas, musicals, comedies, no matter what you choose to see you are sure to have a great time!

Have some Fall Fun

A Fall Tradition for many is to visit Geckle Orchard and Homestead Fall Farm…and if it isn’t yours it should be!  Stop by Geckle Orchard to pick up your supply of homegrown apples, fresh cider, apple butter and other apple treats.  Then head down the road to Homestead Fall Farm for your pumpkins and gourds.  During Geckle and Homestead Fall Farm’s Fall Open House weekends enjoy a wagon ride to the Orchard and tour the cider press at Geckle or play a round of Punkins and Putters mini-golf, make your way through the Corn Maze, and play giant yard games at Homestead.  Plenty of Fun is awaiting you at these two great farms!

Celebrate Hometown Pride this Fall and Winter

Summer may be over but the community festivals that celebrate the heart and soul of Hancock County are not!  Check out the Bluffton Fall Festival on September 24 at several locations throughout Bluffton, Apple Butter Fest on October 8 in Van Buren, the Bluffton Blaze of Lights on November 26 in Downtown Bluffton, and Christmas in the Village on December 3 and the Holiday Homes Tour the next day, both in Mt. Blanchard.

Get spooked this Halloween

Halloween brings around many great things in Hancock County, add getting spooked one of them!  The Hancock Historical Museum will be hosting Spirits & Boos on October 15, a walking tour and pub crawl of Downtown Findlay, allowing you to learn the good, bad, and haunted spots of days gone by (while enjoying delicious libations).  The Haunted Ghost Town returns to Hancock County after several years away and has events for guests of all ages.  Check out more friendly family activities on Saturday afternoons with the really scary fun happening weekend evenings.

Enjoy a growler from Findlay Brewing Company

Findlay Brewing Company is preparing for their big move, but that won’t stand in the way of you getting your growler filled.  Bring your growler or purchase one there Fridays 5 – 7 p.m. and Saturdays 1 – 3 p.m.  Check their facebook and see what is on tap this weekend!

Go pumpkin picking!

Fall means one thing for sure – pumpkin spiced everything.  It also means it is time to pick out the perfect pumpkin for your jack o’lantern!  Luckily, there are many spots in Hancock County to do just that!  Take a ride on the Pumpkin Train at Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc. weekends from September 24 – October 23!  The Pumpkin Train will take you to the Pumpkin Patch where you can choose a pumpkin for an additional charge, if you like.  Pumpkins are ready to be picked at Homestead Fall Farm, Wolfe’s Produce, and Brinkman’s Country Corner as well.

Catch a show at the Marathon Center!

The 2016-2017 season looks like it will be a great one at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts!  There will be comedies, dramas, musicals, concerts, holiday shows and so much more.  What shows will you attend?

Enjoy the Fall colors of Hancock County

The Fall foliage is many people’s favorite part of the season and for good reason!  Take a walk on one of Hancock Park’s great walking trails to see them on foot or head to Triple T Western Ranch and see the colors on horseback.  For a special treat, book an old-fashioned tractor-drawn Fall Color Hay Ride, great for groups of 25 or less.

Get a great spot for the Halloween Parade

Halloween is a big deal in the City of Findlay because of one thing – the Halloween Parade!  On October 25 you will want to head Downtown to catch an early dinner and then stake out the best spot along Main Street.  Plus, don’t forget about the City of Findlay Trick-or-Treat a couple days later on October 27.  More information about other community’s trick-or-treat dates and times will be coming soon, check back to our event calendar as Halloween comes closer.

Stroll Downtown during ArtWalk

November 4 bring a favorite event to Downtown Findlay – ArtWalk!  Check out the different art galleries in Downtown and enjoy extended hours and specials, live music, and art displays as well as art demonstrations peppered throughout Downtown shops and businesses.

Pick up a Kathy’s Korner Pie

There are many delicious dishes you can enjoy at Kathy’s Korner, but be the star of any holiday gathering by bringing a Kathy’s Korner Pie!  If pie isn’t your jam then luckily Hancock County is home to many awesome bakeries that will allow you to bring a sweet treat to any party.

Take advantage of Small Business Saturday

Make your list and check it twice – and then head to local businesses participating on Small Business Saturday.  This is your opportunity to get a lot of holiday shopping done, support local business owners (meet some of them here!), and save some money while you’re at it!  Small Business Saturday takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 26.

Take a ride on the North Pole Express

It may be cold outside, but it is never too cold for a ride on the North Pole Express!  This family friendly train ride is affordable and will be open weekends following Thanksgiving to New Year’s, including both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Attend WinterFest and Kiwanis Santa’s House

Kick off holiday fun by attending the City of Findlay Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 25 at 6 p.m. in Dorney Plaza.  But the Tree Lighting Ceremony also marks the beginning of WinterFest and Kiwanis Santa’s House.  Taking place every Friday and Monday from 6 – 8 p.m. bring your family to St. Andrews UMC to meet Santa, go on a wagon ride in Downtown Findlay, sip hot chocolate, nibble on delicious cookies and more!

Go Cross Country Skiing

Snow on the ground does not mean you have to stay indoors!  Head to the Raccoon Run Winter Sports Center at Riverbend Recreation Area weekends December through March when there is a 4 – 6 inches base to rent skis and give it a try or attend one of the Beginner Cross-Country Ski workshops and learn the basics.  Once you have it mastered then you can even participate in a Night Ski for a special event.

Decide on a favorite Findlay Restaurant

This winter is a great opportunity for you to get out of the house and try out all the great local restaurants Findlay has to offer.  No matter if your taste is adventurous or if you prefer food a little safer there is a restaurant that will satisfy your taste bud’s needs.  If you’re looking for a perfect excuse to try several restaurants at once check out the United Way’s World of Downtown Restaurant Tour on November 10.  Sample foods from several of your favorite Downtown restaurants and maybe even discover a new favorite.

Get into the Holiday spirit

It is easy to get in the Holiday spirit in Hancock County!  Check out the Christmas Open House at the Hull House for 1890’s holiday fun with live music and crafts.  There are also several opportunities to take in a holiday show.  Check out The Ultimate Christmas Show, Boston Brass Holiday show, Sandi Patty’s Christmas Blessings or The Nutcracker at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts or A Christmas Story: The Musical at Fort Findlay Playhouse.  You can also take in Christmas in the Village for a parade, live nativity and music, and plenty of fun for the whole family and the Holiday Homes Tour, both in Mt. Blanchard!

Ice Skating at The Cube

What says ‘wintertime’ more than ice skating?  Luckily for you, you can even it do it inside at The Cube.  There is skate rentals also available and if you are interested in learning how to skate like a pro consider signing up for skating lessons as well.

Go Sledding and eat at The Fern

Okay, maybe sledding says ‘wintertime’ just as much as ice skating, but in Hancock County you can do both.  Head to the Riverbend-Findlay Reservoirs for sledding and then make a new winter tradition by heading to The Fern for a comfort food meal of a meatloaf sandwich and cheeseballs.

Pick out your Christmas Tree

A holiday tradition for many is making the trek in the snow to pick out a Christmas tree and a favorite place of many is Kaleidoscope Farm in Mt. Cory.  Owned and operated by the Reese family, Kaleidoscope Farm has 26 acres of trees in several varieties of Fir, Spruce, and Pine.  At the 2016 Ohio State Fair Kaleidoscope Farm was awarded Reserve Chamption Christmas Tree as well as the People’s Choice!  With such great trees you’re sure to find one that will look perfect in your living room.

Visit Hancock County Museums

Hancock County is home to some really great museums, use this fall and winter as your opportunity to visit all of them!  The Mazza Museum, Children’s Museum of Findlay, Hancock Historical Museum, and the Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center have great displays for you and your  family to enjoy.  Plus, make sure to check out the Hancock Sports Hall of Fame, now in a permanent location at Legends Steakhouse and Sports Bar in Downtown Findlay.  Check out the placards and memorabilia that adorn the walls to learn more about the athletes who competed in Hancock County.

Practice for the Ice Bowl

Who says Disc Golf is just for warmer weather?  Don’t let snow slow you down, disc golf can be played in all four seasons.  Get out and practice and prepare for the disc golf tournament that takes place February 5, the Ice Bowl.

Listen to tunes during Winter Blues Fest

Plan on an evening of great music, time with friends, delicious food and cold brews at this year’s Winter Blues Festival.  Taking place at Alexandria’s, The Josh Garrett Band will be entertaining both nights, on February 17 and 18!  You will want to get your tickets early for this great event.

Take in a UF Basketball Game

Winter means plenty of things and basketball watching is at the top of many people’s lists!  Don’t miss your chance to catch a University of Findlay game!  Both the Men’s team as well as the Women’s team have plenty of home games for you to catch and enjoy this season.  Go Oilers!

Warm Up with a bowl (or ten) of chili

A chili aficionado’s favorite event is back on February 11 – the annual Chili Cook-Off!  Brought to you by Cancer Patient Services, local teams compete on who can come up with the best chili while raising money for a great cause.  Make sure you get to cast your vote!

Enjoy a great Fall and Winter of Hancock County fun and check each item off your Bucket List!  Make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun, visit our event calendar for complete listing of events in Hancock County.  See what is going on each weekend by going to our What’s Happening, Hancock County? news post and if you’re still looking for something to do this Fall and Winter discover all of Hancock County’s hidden gems.  We will see you out and about during these colder months, don’t forget to chronicle your Hancock County adventures by using #VisitFindlay!