Toward the end of September, our family always tries to squeeze in one more fun family event. So we head west to Darke County situated on the Ohio / Indiana border, where we find vibrant colors, intoxicating smells and irresistible flavors. There’s so much to sample on a perfect autumn weekend.

On this last weekend in September, we begin our autumn explorations in Downtown Greenville, the heart of Darke County. All roads lead to this county seat where Lady Justice proudly watches over the shoppers in the historic downtown area. This is a great walking town, so we park the car and stroll the tree-lined sidewalks enjoying the crisp fall air. The variety of historic sites, shopping and seasonal events are enough to fill a weekend. I just love browsing the shops and wandering through the park dedicated to Annie Oakley, a local legend.

A favorite stop of ours in the downtown is the farmers market located on the courthouse lawn under Lady Justice’s watchful eye. Our garden, consisting mostly of tomatoes, is abundant this year however we frequently purchase other locally-grown produce to pair up with our tomatoes. The farmers aren’t beginners like us. Many bring their children and grandchildren (or grandfathers) to help sell their wares and produce. Farmer Byers is our favorite with his blue-ribbon veggies. Mr. Byers is well into his mature years but has many award-winning secrets still up his worn sleeves.

When it comes time to eat, we always have a hard time deciding from amongst the many of local eateries in Downtown Greenville. Several of them offer menus with ingredients grown on local farms so we can get the full harvest experience.

Just a few blocks from the downtown area, over the river and through the woods is Garst Museum. This is the one and only museum in Darke County, so you can imagine how much good stuff is inside. The “must see” exhibits according to our family are the Annie Oakley Center, Cross-roads of Destiny and the Lowell Thomas House. This last weekend in September, the museum is also featuring a “Harvest of Quilts” that we are excited about seeing. Maybe grandma’s old quilt will be on display.

While we are in town, our family takes a short drive along Water Street where artifacts from General "Mad" Anthony Wayne and the first United States Army were unearthed to Route 502 to Shawnee Prairie Preserve to enjoy Prairie Days. We always make time on this weekend to sample the hand-churned apple butter and locally-grown honey while enjoying the music and drama. The kids love to step back into history at the two-story log cabin to hear tales of days gone by and see the antique (ancient to them) furnishings. Costumed volunteers not only tell stories of life in the late 1700’s but also go about daily chores like candle-making, sewing and cooking.

On our way out of Greenville, we enjoy stopping at the Ohio Gourd Show at the Darke County Fairgrounds on Route 49. When this popular, annual event relocated to town several years ago, the thousands of first-time visitors were amazed at the talent that went into decorating a gourd. Artists from all across the country and even the world come to this event to showcase their work. Our kids love trying their hand at decorating. Adults can take classes, too. One highlight of the weekend is the musical concert performed with instruments made from gourds. And what’s a trip to the Gourd Show without a souvenir? Let’s see, we have a silver swan made from a gourd, an orange smiley face gourd, a Santa gourd for the Christmas tree... the kids can’t wait to see what they’ll walk away with this year.

From Greenville we drive east on Route 36 toward Bear’s Mill situated on the Greenville Creek. This historic mill stills operates as it did when it was built by Gabriel Baer in 1849 with water-powered buhr stones purchased in France. Our family never gets tired of traversing the four story structure with the master of the mill or a costumed guide to hear the stories of how the mill was built and how it works. The ladies in our family enjoy a leisurely walk along the mill race to see the many animals frolicking about as well as the brightly colored, hand-made pottery for sale as well as the art displays in the mill. The gentlemen? Well, they enjoy the locally-made fudge and cookies. Can you blame them?

Leaving Bear’s Mill, we travel the road named for the mill, Arcanum – Bears Mill Road south and stop at Brumbaugh Fruit & Fun Farm. Our kids know that a stop at Brumbaugh’s just outside of the small village of Arcanum means warm fresh apple dumplings, cold apple slushies and a ride on the hay wagon. We usually ride along with the kids to the pumpkin patch to pick our future jack-o-lanterns, and stop along the way to slide down monster mountain or get lost in the corn maze. A bushel of locally-grown apples always makes a great souvenir or a dozen apple fritters for the road!

While we are in quaint village of Arcanum with its streets of brick, we love to visit the various antique shops where we mine for treasure. When we need a break, a cup of joe or a fresh-made sandwich usually does the trick at Smith's Coffeehouse and Antiques.

With a variety of lodging options along the route in every price range, a fall getaway to Darke County, Ohio is affordable. Some prefer to stay in bed & breakfasts, where they can get to know the hosts and other travelers. It’s a great way to get the inside scoop on local highlights off the beaten path. While others like the privacy of hotels and inns, our family enjoys a dip in the pool whether it's at a b&b, hotel or inn.

Planning our trip each year is easy. We simply order a Visitors Guide online and sign up for email updates, so we don’t miss anything new. A call to the Darke County Visitors Bureau will get you the same information:  1-800-504-2995. Our annual fall trips to Darke County are something to look forward to and are never the same twice.