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No reason to be bored in Hancock County this summer! Check off these essential Findlay activities off your Summer Bucket List! • VisitFindlay.comThere is so much to do in Hancock County, especially in the warm weather!  Before you kick off your Hancock County adventures stop in to our Welcome Center on 123 E. Main Cross St. to pick up maps, information on restaurants, shops, attractions, and your Visit Findlay visitor guide!  Share the images of your Hancock County summer using #VisitFindlay!  Print our printable version of the Hancock County Summer Bucket List!

Take advantage of The Arts Partnerships events

The Arts Partnership keeps us entertained year round with their fantastic events and performances and the summer outdoor events are no exception.  Kick off the summer on June 3 with Boogie on Main!  This festival takes place in the heart of Downtown on South Main Street.  With a Kids Zone from 6 – 8:30 p.m. along with live entertainment, libations, and great food there is something for everyone.  Celebrate Ohio wineries at the Riverside Wine Fest on June 18.  In addition to a wide variety of wines for you to sample (and take home!) there will be live entertainment and vendors at Riverside Park.  On August 6, after you check out the great cars on display for Car Tunes on Main, head Downtown for Rib-Off on Broadway.  Not only can you devour delicious ribs and barbecue but you can also hear tunes from the annual Battle of the Bands while you vote for your favorite ribs.  ArtsPartnership.com

Determine a favorite flavor of ice cream

Ice Cream screams summer, so this summer definitively decide your favorite flavor!  Dietsch Brothers was named the third best ice cream parlor in America and the best ice cream in Ohio in 2015, so what better place to start?  Make sure to practice due diligence and try each of the flavors…its for research.  Dietschs.com

Canoe on the Blanchard? Check! Complete your Hancock County Bucket List this summer with this and other great activities in Findlay and Hancock County! • VisitFindlay.com

Learn to canoe with the best of them this summer! Rent canoes, kayaks, or pedal-boats at Zonta Landing at Riverside Park.

Canoe on the Blanchard

The Blanchard River runs all throughout Hancock County and this summer is your chance to really enjoy it!  Beginners can take courses on Saturdays in June to learn the basics.  Once you are a pro (or want to throw in the oar and pedal-boat) you can rent canoes, kayaks, and pedal-boats on weekends every Saturday, Sunday, and holidays through Labor Day at Zonta Landing at Riverside Park.  HancockParks.com

Order the old way at Wilson’s Sandwich Shop

Wilson’s is an old standard in Findlay, everyone loves their old-fashioned burgers and malts!  Maybe this isn’t summer-specific, but there is no time that is wrong for Wilson’s.  For extra fun make sure you order the old way!  Facebook.com

Go on a trail ride at Triple T Western Ranch

There is no better way to see the beauty of Hancock County than on the back of a horse and Triple T gives you the opportunity to do just that.  Call and schedule a trail ride for you and your family this weekend!  TheTTTRanch.com

Take in 18

Hancock County is home to many great golf courses and are a great way to enjoy a beautiful summer day.  Whether you have a favorite green or want to try a new course, you have plenty of options!  VisitFindlay.com

Go on a train ride

Did you know Hancock County is home to the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc.?  Located on County Road 99 visitors can take a ride on one of the quarter scale trains for a short train ride, plus check out their different events taking place this summer!  NWORRP.org

Attend events at different Hancock Parks? Check! Complete your Hancock County Bucket List this summer with this and other great activities in Findlay and Hancock County! • VisitFindlay.com

The American Girl Tea is just one of the many great events Hancock Parks is putting on this summer!

Enjoy Hancock Park District programming

Hancock Park District has so many events taking place this summer, the trick is going to be figuring out which ones to attend!  If you are looking for something for your children to do this summer, consider taking advantage of one of the great summer day camps, or a special event like a Peter Rabbit Tea or American Girl Tea.  Plus year-round favorites like Wee Ones, Discovery Stories, and Kids in the Park continue all summer long.  There is fun for adults as well!  There are archery workshops, art classes, night hikes, volunteer opportunities and so much more.  Some events do require pre-registration so make sure you plan ahead!  VisitFindlay.com

Grab a milkshake and shredded chicken sandwich at Archie’s Drive-Thru

Archie’s is an easy, affordable summer meal for your family!  We love their shredded chicken sandwiches but anything paired with their milkshakes is delicious!  Archie’s is located at 433 N. Main Street.  VisitFindlay.com

Go on a Photo Safari

There are so many beautiful spots in Hancock County that would provide wonderful subjects for photos!  From the historic homes on South Main Street to the award-winning landscaping on University of Findlay’s campus, get out, take photos, and share them with us using #VisitFindlay!  VisitFindlay.com

Take in the beauty of a Garden Tour

When driving in Hancock County you may come across some beautiful gardens that you want to delve into and this summer you have your chance!  Garden Tours are open at Perennial Plant Peddler Tuesday – Saturday and by appointment.  The gardens at Perennial Plant Peddler are home to so many unique species of flora (with some awesome names!) that you can stroll through the gardens for hours.  Plus, take part in the Flag City Daylily Tour in July!  Visitors are invited to see six different gardens throughout Hancock County and learn more about these wonderful plants.  VisitFindlay.com 

Drive the Barn Quilt Trail? Check! Complete your Hancock County Bucket List this summer with this and other great activities in Findlay and Hancock County! • VisitFindlay.com

Take in the beauty of Hancock County’s countryside during the Barn Quilt Trail!

Drive the Barn Quilt Trail

The Barn Quilt Trail is a great way to spend a few hours.  Drive to all the locations on the trail, or just a few of your favorites!  There are nearly 90 squares on the trail, and at least one in each of Hancock County’s 17 townships. What better way to see our beautiful countryside and barns.  Make sure you grab a brochure at our Welcome Center!  VisitFindlay.com

Enjoy a pizza at Jac & Do’s Pizza

Summer is busy and, let’s be honest, no one wants to slave over a meal when there is fun to be had outdoors!  Make it easy and order Jac & Do’s!  Order a pizza pie and a side of garlic bread sticks for a true (and easy) Hancock County meal!  Jacndosfindlay.com, Facebook.com (Arlington)

Celebrate Fourth of July in Findlay

Fourth of July celebrates the best of Summer.  Gathering with friends, celebrating America, great food, and time off work.  There is no better place to celebrate than Flag City, USA!  Kick off the weekend by heading to Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation’s Independence Day Celebration on July 2 from 1 – 6 p.m.  Guests can ride the trains all day and enjoy live music.  Before heading to the Independence Day Fireworks at the Hancock County Fairgrounds on July 3, plan to dine and dance the afternoon away with George and Martha Washington!  This special event will feature an all-string band, dance instruction, multi-course meal and much more fun.  Also on July 3, the 122nd Army National Guard Band will be playing at the Band Shell at Riverside Park as part of Hancock Park’s Riverside Summer Concert Series!  The fun continues on July 4!  The Flag City July 4th Parade will run on Main Street, beginning at 11 a.m. at Marathon and head North to the Veterans Memorial.  Just before the parade, beginning at 10 a.m. gather at Dorney Plaza for the Spirit of 1776 Celebration.  The celebration will pause during the parade and pick up afterwards.  From Noon – 2 p.m. gather on the front porch of the Hull House for an old-fashioned ice cream social at the Hancock Historical Museum!

Bike Rides in Bluffton

The bike trails in Bluffton have recently been updated, so there is no better time to get biking!  This bike trail really showcases all that Bluffton has to offer, if you’re looking for extra fun attend Bluffton’s Ride to Remember in July!  Which route will you choose?

Check out all the playgrounds in Hancock County? Check! Complete your Hancock County Bucket List this summer with this and other great activities in Findlay and Hancock County! • VisitFindlay.com

If you have kids what better way to spend the summer than trying out every playground in Hancock County!

Try out every playground in Hancock County

This is an ambitious task for any child in Hancock County, try out every one of the great playgrounds!  Check out the different parks and playground equipment throughout Hancock County as well as within the City of Findlay.  A favorite playground of many is Fort Findlay Playground at Emory Adams Park or one of the several playgrounds at Riverbend Recreation Area.  There are also playgrounds at River Landings, Riverside Park, Marathon Diamonds at The Cube, and Litzenberg Memorial Woods!  There are also spots to picnic at many of these spots so pack lunch and make a day of it!  Will you be able to visit them all?

Run a 5K

There are so many different 5K’s this summer, sign up and run one yourself or cheer on your friends and family! From fun runs to 5K’s to competitive 10K’s, Hancock County has them all!  Keep checking back to our Run, Findlay, Run News Post for a 5K roundup to make sure you don’t miss out!

Take your furry friends to the dog park

Enjoy the warm weather with your furry friends!  The K-9 Field of Dreams Off-Leash Dog Park at Riverbend Recreation Area is the perfect place for you and your pup to bond.  If you’re looking for other places to enjoy with Fido, check out our printable itinerary full of fun things to do!  HancockParks.com

Margaritas and Taco Monday at Oler's? Check! Complete your Hancock County Bucket List this summer with this and other great activities in Findlay and Hancock County! • VisitFindlay.com

Taco Monday or Margarita Monday? No matter what excuse you’re using, enjoy Oler’s this summer!

Visit Oler’s Bar and Grill on Taco Monday

Oler’s is a Findlay staple and for a good reason!  This favorite dive has great Tex Mex food, amazing margaritas, and $1 tacos on Monday!  If you still need an excuse to visit Oler’s this summer check out their new expansion and deck!  OlersBarandGrill.com

Celebrate the heart of Hancock County

Few would contest that the true heart of Hancock County lies within the communities in the county, so this summer (and fall) get out and celebrate them!

 Enjoy a drink (or two) at your favorite outdoor spot

Downtown Findlay transforms into the home of al fresco dining in the Summer!  Sip on a great glass of wine and enjoy the sunshine in the outdoor space at Gathering Wine and enjoy your meal at Greek Garden’s patio.  Alexandria’s opens the garage doors to let the cool breezes in while you celebrate the end of the day during Happy Hour or head up to the new rooftop bar, La Vista giving you gorgeous views of Downtown Findlay!  This only scratches the surface of outdoor dining options, what is your favorite spot?  VisitFindlay.com

Have a burger at Keith’s Dugout

Keith’s Dugout has plenty of great food to try, but keep it All-American and enjoy one of their great Hamburgers!  Facebook.com

Shop at Farmers' Markets? Check! Complete your Hancock County Bucket List this summer with this and other great activities in Findlay and Hancock County! • VisitFindlay.com

Shopping local is important and it is so easy to do so at area Farmers’ Markets this summer!

Buy (and eat!) local from a Farmers’ Market

There is no better time to shop local than summer!  Shop at our three Hancock County farmers market for the freshest produce and to purchase local goods!  Choose from the Hancock County Farmers’ Market at the Hancock County Fairgrounds on Thursdays, the Arlington Farmers’ Market at Good Hope Lutheran Church on Fridays, and the Bluffton Farmers’ Market at Citizens National Bank on Saturdays!  VisitFindlay.com

Go to the races at Millstream Speedway

The Millstream Speedway is back and open for business!  There will be plenty of opportunities for your family to enjoy a  day at the races this summer.  MillstreamSpeedway.net

Visit the special displays at the Hancock Historical Museum

Don’t wait until it is too late!  The Hancock Historical Museum has two great (and temporary!) displays that you will definitely want to check out this summer.  Entertainment has always been a key part of summer entertainment, did you ever enjoy the movies at one of Downtown’s theatres?  Learn more about the Royal, the Harris, and hear about personal memories of the many theatres that were along Main Street at the “Movies, Memories, and Main Street: Remembering Findlay’s Downtown Theatres” exhibit that runs through July 31.  Of course, it wouldn’t be summer without catching a baseball game and that has always been the case in Findlay as well!  Learn about local baseball teams, the Findlay Sluggers and Grant “Homerun” Johnson at “America’s Favorite Pastime: Baseball in Hancock County” exhibit that will be at the Hancock Historical Museum until July 31.  Both of these exhibits are included with general admission to the museum!  HancockHistoricalMuseum.org

Order a float and some dogs at Lima Avenue Root Beer Stand? Check! Complete your Hancock County Bucket List this summer with this and other great activities in Findlay and Hancock County! • VisitFindlay.com

Enjoy a float, some hot dogs, and car side service at the Lima Ave. Root Beer Stand!

Order a root beer float at the Lima Avenue Rootbeer Stand

The Lima Avenue Rootbeer Stand is such a fun stop.  Featuring car-side service, there is nothing better than a hot dog and rootbeer float, and your kids will have so much fun!  Facebook.com

Enjoy sun and tunes this summer

There are few things better than relaxing in the sunshine and listening to the notes of great music wafting in the air and, luckily for you, there are plenty of opportunities to do so this summer!  On Tuesdays beginning June 21 head to Latham Courtyard during your lunch break at Courtyard Concerts.  Bring your own lunch or purchase lunch from that week’s local restaurant!  Riverside Concert Series kick off June 15 at the Band Shell and will take place every Wednesday through the summer featuring a different musical act each week.  Celebrate the end of the work week at Rally in the Alley every Friday in Latham Courtyard, there will be libations, food, and live music – a perfect Friday night!  Head to Riverside Park for a special, limited, concert series on Sundays!  Over three weekends in July gear up for another work week by enjoying music at the Riverside Band Shell!

Take a ride in a hot air balloon at BalloonFest

The Flag City BalloonFest is one of the best-known Hancock County events.  Entry to the festival is free but if you are looking for a really good time sign up for a hot air balloon ride!  Go all the way up or choose to do a tethered ride, either way you will be sure to have fun.  BalloonFest is August 12 – 14 at Emory Adams Park.  FlagCityBalloonFest.com

Don’t miss the Hancock County Fair

Taking place over Labor Day and marking the end of summer, the Hancock County Fair isn’t to be missed.  Catch a livestock show, ride the ferris wheel, enjoy a funnel cake, and play a game!  The fair is the perfect way to cap off the summer with your family!  HancockFairgrounds.com

Enjoy a great summer of Hancock County fun!  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 summer discover all of Hancock County’s hidden gems.  We will see you out and about this summer, don’t forget to chronicle your Hancock County adventures by using #VisitFindlay!

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