Lincoln Highway excursion set for June

Lincoln Highway Association information

Following last year’s very successful Lincoln Highway Centennial bus trip, the Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has received many requests for a second trip following the Lincoln Highway from Convoy toward eastern Ohio.

In response to those requests, a Lincoln Highway excursion has been planned for Saturday, June 28.  The cost of the trip will be $40 per person and does not include the cost of meals.  The first 55 registrations will be guaranteed seats and beyond that a waiting list will be prepared.

The bus will leave Convoy’s Edgewood Park at 8:30 a.m. and return at approximately 9:30 p.m.  A second pick-up point will be arranged in Delphos. The trip will follow the Lincoln Highway from Convoy to Dalton in Wayne County. Local Lincoln Highway historian Larry Webb will accompany the group to share the story of the Lincoln Highway across Ohio.

Highlights of the trip include a stop at Cooper’s Mill in Bucyrus, lunch at Oak Park Tavern in Mifflin, a tour of the Hayesville Opera House, a stop at the J.M. Smucker Company Store and P. Graham Dunn Factory and Showroom. Dinner will be at Das Dutch Kitchen in Dalton.

Cooper’s Mill carries a growing selection of Amish meats and cheeses, local foods and seasonal produce, fresh baked goods, specialty food items, gourmet candies, gardening accessories, home décor items and more.  They have been in business for nearly 45 years.

Lunch will be at the Oak Park Tavern in Mifflin, just east of Mansfield. A small cozy eatery serving the Mansfield area for more than 70 years, it is a proud member of the Lincoln Highway Association and the association is happy to support the business. Lunches range from $6.99 to $11.99 in price.

The afternoon stops will include a tour of the 1886 Hayesville Opera House and time at the J.M. Smucker Company Store near Orrville.  For more than 115 years, Smucker’s, with its trusted brands and quality products, has helped make family meals memorable. The Company Store continues this proud tradition by showcasing products and merchandise from the company’s family of brands.  Here, people will also find the Café, where travelers can stop for a little treat from Smucker’s ice cream bar or perhaps a fresh-baked goody made with the company’s branded products.

The final afternoon stop will be at the P. Graham Dunn factory and showroom. Located in the world’s largest Amish and Mennonite community, P. Graham Dunn manufactures inspirational art, gifts, and home décor. The business operates in a 140,000 square foot manufacturing facility.  Inside is an 18,000 square foot retail store and viewing gallery.

Tour participants will enter the massive two-story lobby, where oversized plaques adorn the walls, scripture is carved into the crown molding and where tour members see one of Ohio’s largest indoor murals.

The evening meal will be at Das Dutch Kitchen, a well-known regional gathering place.  At this Amish restaurant, participants may choose to order from the menu or have the restaurant’s famous buffet.

Deadline for reservations is June 11. Call the CVB office at 419.238.9378 or stop at the office at 136 E. Main Street in downtown Van Wert to reserve a place and receive more information.