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Spend an a f ternoonpaddling Paint CreekLocatedamid thebreathtakingscenery ofthe PaintCreek Valley insouthwest Ohio,the 5,652-acrePaint Creek StatePark features a 1,148acre lake with fine fishing, boatingand swimming opportunities.A modern campground and14 Tour Highland Countymeandering trailsinvite outdoorenthusiasts toexplore andenjoy the rollinghills and streamsof this scenic area.Paint Creek StatePark boasts 25 miles ofbridle trails and 12 miles ofmountain bike trails. There arehiking trails through maturewoodlands and open meadows.Fishermen love the lake that ishome to bass, crappie and otherspecies. The reservoir provideshabitat for numerous waterfowland shorebirds. Osprey and baldeagles have been sighted over thelake. The limestone outcroppingson the lake’s edge provide nestinghabitat for the cliff swallow. Thecampgrounds at Paint Creek StatePark provide a nice operationalbase for visitors wishing toexplore the area.

WILD & FREE in Highland CountyOutdoor adventure that canonly be f ound in Highland CountyFallsville Wildlife Area, located just seven milesnorth of Hillsboro, is the perfect getaway. The1,785 acre state wildlife area is the homeof some spectacular waterfalls andbeautiful wildflower displays along3 miles of charming trails.Additionally, it is the home of avariety of wildlife and nestingand migratory birds.Six stocked ponds ofprimarily largemouth bassand bluegill, are located inthe area that are availablefor fishing.Tour Highland County 15

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VisitAmish & Mennonite CountryVisitors looking for that unique buying experience, shouldplan a day to travel and discover a variety of the freshestproduce and products made and grown in the heart ofHighland County’s Amish and Mennonite community. Takea drive through the country or visit the many Amish andMennonite owned farms and stores in and around HighlandCounty for a glimpse into this peaceful community.Wherever one ventures inHighland County,natural beauty and friendly people await. Each community has a history and a story toshare. Perhaps it’s time you planned a visit to Highland County, your Gateway to Getaway.18 Tour Highland County

Rumble in the Hills returns to RFLPopular boats races returning to RockyFork with other events, attractionsBy Jeff Gillilandjgilliland@timesgazette.comRumble in the Hillsin returning to RockyFork State Park inconjunction with a twoday car show, SassafrasMusic Festival and otherattractions including afireworks show.After a two-year breakdue to the coronaviruspandemic, thehydroplane boat racesand other events will beheld Saturday, July 30,2022 and Sunday, July31, 2022.Mike McGuire, eventcoordinator with hisfather, Joey McGuire,said the event hasbeen moved to thelast weekend in July toavoid a conflict with theGreene Countrie TowneFestival in Greenfield,and plans are to keep itthe same weekend eachyear.“First, we would liketo stress the fact thatthe races themselvesare very exciting,” MikeMcGuire said. “Theboats, and their fearlessdrivers, exceed speedswell over 100 mph andare truly racing NASCARstyle on the water. Theraces are sanctioned bythe American PowerboatAssociation (APBA) andwe are happy to havethem as a partner.”The weekend is beingbrought to the area byThe Joey’s Pizza.”The Joey’s ClassicCar Show (formerlythe Kroger Classic CarShow), and the SassafrasMusic Festival, will berunning all weekendas well. So, there willbe plenty to do for allthat attend. The Dukesof Hazard cars will beat the car show againthis year, and plans arebeing made to get DaisyDuke in attendance,”McGuire said. “Therewill also be a kids area,as well as food vendorsand a beer garden.Fireworks are plannedfor Saturday night atdark, and as many knowfrom past years, arespectacular.”McGuire said thegreatest story of theevent so far is howmuch the community iscoming together.”In addition to theRumble in the Hillsnon-profit organizationraising funds to bringthis fun, family eventto Rocky Fork Lakefor a weekend, it hasprovided a vehiclefor other non-profitsand communityorganizations tofundraise and promotetheir causes locally aswell,” McGuire said.“Examples includethe Highland CountyVeterans ServiceCommission, theHighland CountyVeterans Honor Guard,the Paint Creek JointEMS/Fire District,Ironsides Social Riders,AMVETS Post 61, andthe number is growing.So, in essence, thecommunity is benefitingon multiple levelsthrough the effortsof many caring localindividuals.”Fundraising effortshave also started forthis year, and havebeen greatly successful,according to McGuire.He said Southern HillsCommunity Bank isofficial bank of Rumblein the Hills and ispromoting the event atall eight of its locations.If anyone would liketo sponsor the eventas a business or as anindividual, stop by TheJoey’s Pizza, call937-365-1446, or visitthe Rumble in the HillsFacebook page and senda message.“We are also lookingfor volunteers to helpout over the weekend inshort shifts doing thingslike delivering lunchesto the folks putting onthe race, and thingslike that. All volunteerswill be fed, receive aT-shirt, and be greatlyappreciated,” McGuiresaid.“Thank you to all themembers of the RockyFork Lake community,and we are very excitedabout this year’s event,”he continued. “Pleasecontact us if you haveany ideas regarding theevent, or would like toget involved. We askthat anyone reading thisplans on stopping bythat weekend, havingfun, and supportingour local community.Lastly, please followthese press releasesand the Rumble in theHills Facebook pageas we announce newdevelopments, andremember that we havea few surprises that youwill only see in personthat weekend.”Reach Jeff Gilliland at937-402-2522.Tour Highland County 19

frstransportation.orgfrstransportaFRS Transportation vehiclesareFRS Transportatioclearly marked for yoursafetyand for yclearlymarkedeasy identificationeasy identifiWe will be happy to answer any of yourWe will be happy to anstransportation ortation q509 areE. Main St.313 e.Transportationvehicles509E. Ma313 ChillicotheAve.WestUnion,Ohio45693Hillsboro, rly marked for your safety and45133(937)identification779-3212 West Union, Ofrstransportation.org(937) 393-0585Hillsboro, Ohioeasyeasyidentificationeasy identificationeasy identification (937) 779(937) 393-0585Mon.-Fri.8:30am-4:00pmMon.-Fri. appytoansweranyofyourWe rkedhappytoansweranyMon.-Fri.We8:30am-4:00pmWe willbe nsportationquestions.Serving the needs ofHighland County& Adams tions.easy identificationproviding safe& reliabletransportationservicesServingtheneedsof HighlandCounty& nySt.of your313 ChillicotheAve. Ave.313 ChillicotheWe will be happysafe& reliabletransportationserWestprovidingUnion, Ohio45693ro, Ohio Hillsboro,45133WestUnion,Ohio45693Ohio4513330DAY 45133PASSES779-3212 (937) 779-32127) 393-0585 (937)FOR393-0585HILLSBORO )393-0585509E.779-3212MainSt. :00pmMon.-Fri.8:30am-4:00pm. 8:30am-4:00pm on.-Fri.8:30am-4:00pmRESIDENTSWest Union,Ohio 45693Hillsboro, Ohio 45133 FOR 0pmMon.-Fri.8:30am-4:00pmMon.-Fri. 358:30am-4:00pmFOR INTER-COUNTY PASS(937) 779-3212 or travelwithin byhe y.YouHighlandcan ofuse Highlandthe 35pass forappointments,going family or anysafeothertransportationneedsyou maywithinHighlandCounty.It’s s nowoffering30-daybushavepassesfor residentsin Highlandeasy toprovidingsign up,just go&toourto completethe useformthecall ourofficefor nforservicesappointments,shopping, goinServingtheneedsofwebsiteHighlandCounty&or passAdamsCountybyDAY BUSPASSES 20information.Or pay the driverfor the monthly fare. We also offer an inter-county pass for 3530 DAYBUS 20friendsandPASSESfamily or any othertransportationneeds you may have within H30 DAYBUSBUSPASSES30 DAYPASSESthatwill allow residentstofreely throughHighland and tationservicesR HILLSBORORESIDENTS 20 20easy to signup, just goto ourwebsite to complete the form or call our offFORHILLSBORORESIDENTSinformation.Or pay the driver for the monthly fare. We also offer an RHILLSBORORESIDENTS30DAYBUSPASSES 20 30 FORNON-HILLSBORORESIDENTSthat will allowresidents to travel freely through Highland and ON-HILLSBORORESIDENTS 30FORNON-HILLSBORORESIDENTS 35FORINTER-COUNTYPASSering 30-daybuspassesforresidentsinHighlandCountyfor travel within 30FORNON-HILLSBORORESIDENTS 35FORINTER-COUNTYPASS esforresidentsHighlandCounty for travel withiny. You can use the pass for appointments, shopping, going toinwork,visiting ighlandCounty.It’sgoingis nowoffering30-daybusforresidentsin HighlandCountyforfortravelFRSis nowoffering30-daybuspassesforresidentsin HighlandCountytravelwithinnow syoumayhavewithinHighlandCounty.It’sjustgoto FRSourwebsiteto canuse30-daythe y.Youcanusetheshopping,goingto o toourwebsitetoforcompletethe formorwithincallwithinourHighlandofficefor sopassofferanappointments,inter-countypassfor 35andfriendsfamilyoranyneedsyou re.Wealsoofferaninter-countypassfor 35llowsignresidentsto ourgowebsiteto completethe allcallourourofficeforforadditionalthat will allow residents to travel freely throughformHighlandandAdamsCounties.ation.Or pay thedriverforthe Orpaydriverthe monthlymonthlyfare.WeWealsoofferan inter-countypassfor 35 35information.paythethedriverfor thealsoofferan inter-countyinter-countypasspassfor 35that will allowresidentsto HighlandandandAdamsCounties.OH-7028046720 Tour Highland County

Take me out to Batter Up Bakery and enjoy the aroma!t’s the scent of our commitment to quality baking with the best ingredients from scratch. We offer a selectionof freshly baked cupcakes, cakes, cookies, macarons, brownies and handmade donuts, as well as seasonaland bake-to-order specialties (including allergy friendly items that are egg, dairy, sugar and/or gluten free)!Batter Up Bakery is a team committed to quality. Our first and basic component is customer satisfaction,followed by an enthusiasm for using the finest, fresh ingredients to create a true from-scratch treat.We are dedicated to sourcing local as much as we can. We use locally grown farm fresh eggs, milk & creamstraight from the dairy, as well as seasonal fruits and veggies such as handpicked strawberries, blueberries,raspberries, apples, corn, pumpkins, gourds, and zucchini. We use top of the line imported Belgian and Europeanchocolate. Our quality and service is what brings our fans back to the game time after time!Our 10-year anniversary is in August of 2023. Much has been learned over the years.Innovation is a cornerstone of the bakery business. New product ideas, process improvements, local partnerships,economic changes and an ever-expanding market keep this team in continuous game-plan mode.Stay in your seat as the chase to be the “grand champion of bakeries” continues to play out for YOU the fans!OH-7028553740 E Main St. Leesburg, OH 45135 (937) 780-2253Tour Highland County 21

5212Things to Doin Highland CountyHighland County offers residents and visitors a variety of activitiesthroughout the year. This list of 52 Things to Do in Highland County givesyou an idea of something to do each week or you can pick a few itemsoff the list and make a day trip to the area. Highland County and thesurrounding region offers much more than this list so visitwww.VisitHighlandCounty.com to learn more about attractions, events,and lodging to help you plan your next adventure in Highland County.Catch 22 Sports PubCatch 22 Sports Pub in Greenfield is a highly rated sports pub where people can gatherand enjoy good food, sports games, and live music. Visitors are drawn to the pub’s hometown atmosphere andunique special events throughout the year including comedy, karaoke, and outdoor tailgates. Catch 22 has avariety of fresh and homemade items on the menu, including hand cut fries, hand battered fish and chips, deliciousburgers, and more.Rocky Fork State ParkRocky Fork State Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts in southwest Ohio. Thelake and popular campgrounds offer a beautiful getaway. Boaters call it a paradise for water sports and anglers lovethe plentiful variety of fish available, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, muskellunge, walleye, catfishand carp. The region’s natural beauty can also be enjoyed along the park’s hiking trails. Nearby, a scenic gorge,dolomite caves and natural wetlands add to the popularity of this recreation area. The park also offers a greatplayground for children.3Get great service &great rates.Amatha Farrens, Agent226 N High StreetHillsboro, OH 45133Bus: 937-393-8080www.amathafarrens.comYou know I’m always herewith Good Neighbor service.But I’m also here withsurprisingly great rates foreveryone. Call me for a quoteto see how much you cansave. You might be surprised.Like a good neighbor,State Farm is there. Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicantssubject to State Farm underwriting requirements.State FarmBloomington, IL200187522 Tour Highland CountyOH-70279843OH-70281400 Highlands Nature SanctuaryThe HighlandsNature Sanctuary is the Arc of Appalachia’s oldest andlargest preserve. The heart of the 3100-acre preserveis the breathtakingly beautiful Rocky Fork Gorge, a100-foot-high steep-walled dolomite canyon renownedfor its stunning rock formations, ancient white cedars,grottoes, springs, and stone arches. The HighlandsNature Sanctuary is known for not only its geologicalbeauty, but its wealth of botanical diversity and itsspectacular spring wildflower displays – some of thebest in all the Eastern United States. The AppalachianForest Museum is free to the public and teaches courseson forest literacy and forest stewardship.221 North High StreetHillsboro, Ohio 45133(937) 393-4242www.donfender.com

4567891011Batter Up BakeryBatter Up Bakery, located in Leesburg, Ohio, is a locally sourced bakery that serves a widearray of freshly baked cupcakes, cakes, cookies, brownies, and handmade donuts, as well as seasonal and baketo-order specialties. Batter Up Bakery is a team committed to quality. Their first and basic component is customersatisfaction, followed by an enthusiasm for using the finest, fresh ingredients to create a true from-scratch treat.They use locally grown farm fresh eggs as well as seasonal fruits and veggies such as hand-picked strawberries,blueberries, raspberries, apples, corn, pumpkins, gourds, and zucchini. Stop in for a hot cup of locally roasted,fresh brewed coffee or a sweet/savory treat.Fort HillLocated in the southern part of the county is the Fort Hill Earthworks and Nature Preserve. This is abeautiful sanctuary and is well worth your time to visit while you are in the area! It is also home to the mile and a halflong earthwork, which is believed to be a ceremonial gathering place for the people of the ancient Hopewell culture.Fort Hill is a beautiful respite from the noise and commotion of the 21st century world. Fort Hill Archaeological Preserveprotects a 2000-year-old large earthen-walled ceremonial enclosure on its flat ridgetop and shelters one of the finestand oldest forests in Ohio. Eleven miles of trails immerse hikers in the beauty of Ohio’s Appalachian hill-country.Fallsville Wildlife AreaFallsville Wildlife Area, located just seven miles north of Hillsboro, is the perfectgetaway. The 1,785 acre state wildlife area is the home of some spectacular waterfalls and beautiful wildflowerdisplays along 3 miles of charming trails. Additionally, it is the home of a variety of wildlife

338 West Main Street Hillsboro, Ohio 45133 (937) 393-1111 info@visithighlandcounty.com Highland County Your local travel destination Explore Highland County, your Gateway to Getaway Highland County is practically bursting with scenic beauty, memorable characters,