CLINTON: A visit to this sleepy crossroads is like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting. It’s so small and quaint, a sign at the village entrance points arrows toward almost every business within this 4-square-mile postage stamp.
A lot of folks find their way here because of a grass-roots-built veterans’ memorial that has turned into a regional attraction. But what else does Clinton have to offer?
To help readers take better advantage of the amenities in our region, the Beacon Journal is spotlighting a different community each week.
We’ve made some obvious picks, but also enlisted local officials, residents, Facebook fans and our own expert staff writers to round out our list.
This week: Eight things to do in Clinton. (Yes, other stories in this series offered 10 things, but Clinton is really small!)
• Mayor’s Choice, by Al Knack: Ohio Veterans’ Memorial Park. When asked the obligatory “Why?” Knack responded with a frank, “Um, have you been there?” Yes, yes, we have. The park started with a stunning black granite wall etched with the names of 3,095 Ohioans lost during the Vietnam War. In the years since, it has grown to include exhibits honoring every branch of the military and every war. Frequent events and activities make the park a great place for repeat visits. Learn more at http://www.ovmp.org.
• It’s the Clinton bicentennial this year, and the celebration is just getting started. A weekend of activities kicks off Aug. 5, with a 4 p.m. spaghetti supper, 7 p.m. parade and 9:30 p.m. fireworks. A festival follows on Aug. 6, with an early morning run, a lineup of live music, a food truck rally, a military re-enactment, a traveling museum and assorted vendors. Then on Aug. 7, there will be free concerts at the veterans’ memorial. Look for details at http://clintonohiohistoricalsociety.org/bicentennial.htm, or just point your GPS to Clinton. It won’t be hard to find the action.
• Immerse yourself in local history with a tour of the Rhoads-Harter Home, built in 1847, and the 1875 Carriage House, both on Main Street. The home is listed as a Summit County Underground Railroad site once owned by Harvey Maranville, a prominent underground official. From April through December, both museums are open for free guided tours the first Sunday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m., with group tours by special appointment. Look for the “tours” link at http://www.clintonohiohistoricalsociety.org.
• Social Media Shout-out: Hungry? Facebook fans would steer you to Rusty Railz Bar and Grill at 2972 N. Division St., a homey burger joint that’s just a stone’s throw from the railroad tracks. Hours are 4-10 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
• Hillside RV Park & Campground, at 2534 W. Comet Road, will give you the option of staying in town for a while. There are 141 lots for RVs and tents, with amenities that include fishing, lake swimming, basketball and tennis courts, pavilions and a hall for hosted events. Stop by or call 330-882-5678 for details.
• Being an old canal town, you might guess that the Towpath Trail cuts through here, and you would be right. Pick up the trail (or jump off to explore) at the Clinton Trailhead, 2749 North St. Find a map of the path that follows the old Ohio & Erie Canal at http://www.summitmetroparks.org/towpath-trail.aspx.
• Two other parks in town offer some elbow room. In Warwick Park at Chippewa Avenue and South Division Street, there’s a basketball court, ball field, pavilions, a gazebo and playground. At Elizabeth Park, right along the towpath on Main Street, you’ll find a fishing pond as well as some picnic tables.
• If you’re taking a break from the towpath or need some extra picnic supplies for a park visit, your best bet is the Covered Bridge Drive-Thru, 7853 Main St. It’s adjacent to a string of historical buildings right downtown, and you shouldn’t have any trouble picking it out. The full-service convenience store boasts the largest (OK, the only) wine and beer selection in town.
Paula Schleis can be reached at 330-996-3741 or pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/paulaschleis.