Itinerary #5…
Garst Museum
205 North Broadway
Greenville, Ohio 45331
(937) 548.5250
Contact: (937) 548-5250
Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed Mondays, major holidays, and the entire month of January. Other times available for groups by special arrangement.
Admission to the museum is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors 60 years of age and older, $2 for children 6-18 years old and free for children under 6 years of age.
Here’s What You’ll See:
This Darke County Historical Society museum features the largest known collection of memorabilia on Annie Oakley; memorabilia and artifacts from the world famous radio broadcaster, Lowell Thomas, along with historic artifacts relating to Anthony Wayne and the Treaty of Greeneville, and Native American artifacts. Other wings in the museum include a village of shops, a wing of early American furnishings, pioneer life, and military uniforms, as well as an early Indianapolis 500 race car built in Greenville. Also featured is a small gift shop and an extensive genealogy room for research. 35 miles from Sidney.
Eldora Speedway
13929 State Road 118
New Weston, Ohio 45348
(937) 338-3815
Contact: (937) 338-3815
Here’s What You’ll See
Home to the Historical Big One, the Famous World 100, The Dirt Late Model Dream, and the Annual Kings Royal Race, this half-mile dirt oval features All-Star sprints, WoO, late models, and now motorcycles. 31 miles from Sidney.
Bear’s Mill
6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road
Greenville, Ohio 45331
(937)548-5112
Contact: (937) 548-5112
There is no charge for self-guided tours. Groups are always welcome.
Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday.
Here’s What You’ll See:
Built in 1849 by Gabriel Bear, Bear’s Mill is one of the few operating water-powered mills in Ohio today. The site of the present mill, as well as the water rights were granted to Major George Adams through a Presidential Deed by President James Monroe in 1824. Not only is the Mill significant but the land and water around it is important, too. Huge trees line the banks of the Greenville Creek and the mill race including red, white, and burr oak, black walnut, ash, willows, cedar, birch, cherry, tulip poplar, and white-barked sycamore. The forest floor is carpeted with wildflowers in the spring and summer. Wild plants, wild grapes, ginger, and raspberries are all around. The flowing waters attract all types of animals including the white-tailed deer, fox, beavers, squirrels, reptiles, fish, birds including the Great Blue Heron, King Fisher, chickadees, owls, woodpeckers, cardinals, robins, blue jays, and sparrows.
Because of the abundance of wildlife and the uniqueness of its ecosystem, the Mill property is considered a wildlife sanctuary. The Mill itself has a backdrop of mowed lawns and tree covered knolls bordering both sides of Greenville Creek, which meanders freely through the property.
The water from the creek still provides power that turns the underwater turbines which power all of the milling machinery. A large and small dam creates a two mile lake area from which water is channeled to the mill race. A pair of water gates enables the stream water to be diverted into the race to impel the turbines. A second outlet gate (located under the mill) enables the race to be drained when it is necessary to perform maintenance work on the turbines.
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, Bear’s Mill is still in use today to grind cornmeal, whole wheat flour, rye flour, and pancake mixes. The mill and the burr stones are powered by water.
Visitors are encouraged to tour the mill and the area surrounding it, as well as the distinctive gift shop. The Friends of Bear’s Mill offer a line of gift boxes and custom baskets, as well as mill flours and other gourmet sundries and giftware. A special feature at the mill is the handmade pottery by the Bear’s Mill potters. 30 miles from Sidney.
Ghyslain Chocolatier
350 West Deerfield Road
Union City, Indiana
Contact: (866) 449-7524
Tours available Monday thru Thursday.
Here’s What You’ll See:
Your tour begins with the story of Ghyslain Chocolatier and a chocolate taste test. Next, you’ll be introduced to their bread and pastry staff as they create beautiful desserts. Finally, you will be guided through their chocolate production area where you’ll learn the delicate process of how Ghyslain’s hand-painted chocolates are made. 39 miles from Sidney.
Winery at Versailles
6572 State Route 47
Versailles, Ohio 45380
(937) 526-3232
Contact: (937) 526-3232
Hours are Monday through Wednesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Thursday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday & Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Closed Sunday.
Here’s What You’ll See:
You are invited to visit West Central Ohio’s only winery located in the heart of Darke County. This family-owned business offers over 32 wines with tastes to suit everyone. From dry Cabernets to fruity Catawbas and sparkling wines, you will surely find the one that’s just right for you. Tour the facility, sample the wine and visit the gift shop. Reservations encouraged. 25 miles from Sidney.
