May 4th, 5th & 6th is filled to the brim with garden events, historical tours and entertainment in and around Greenville. Visit the “Take the Tour” web page at www.elementslife.com/take-the-tour/ and be sure to mark your calendar for this event packed weekend, then join us at the Third Street Gardener’s Market (120 West Third Street) or any one of the event locations to receive your map and start touring.

Historic Greenville, Ohio is conveniently nestled in West-Central Ohio, just a 35 minute drive from the I-70 and I-75 interchange. Visit the downtown shops, boutiques and restaurants as well as the Garst Museum and Historic Bears Mill. For more information about Greenville, visit the Darke County Visitors Bureau website at www.visitdarkecounty.org.

Shoppers are encouraged to celebrate spring in Ohio with some of the best farmhouse antiques and primitive handmades all under one roof, as well as musical entertainment, food and flowers. Over thirty vendors are expected.

“I love this sale! My husband and I went last year when it was in Miami County. I am really looking forward to it again this year! Three cheers for it being closer to my home,” stated shopper Kirsten Mills.

“I bought the most amazing things last time at The Spring of 1803 Show including an antique medicine cabinet that is hanging in my bathroom. I can't wait to go again!” Mills advice to other primitive enthusiasts?  “Bring money!  You’ll want to spend it!”

Event takes place on Saturday, May 12 with early buying from 9:00 to 10:00 am. Admission is $5.00 per person. Show hours are 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, with admission fee of $3.00 per person.

For more information on this show, contact Susan Hart at 937-467-1389. You can find the show online at http://www.ohio1803.com or on Facebook at Spring of 1803.

The Darke County Historical Society (the Garst Museum) has as its mission to collect, preserve, exhibit, study, and interpret materials relating to the history and culture of Darke County, Ohio as part of the development of the crossroads of the American experience. Permanent exhibitions of national significance include the Annie Oakley Center, the Treaty of Greenville, Lowell Thomas, and Ohio Native Americans.

In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, the Lowell Thomas House, which has been preserved at the Garst Museum, will be open for tours from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on May 5 and May 26. Enter the museum through the glass doors next to the parking lot. Admission to the house is free, but regular admission to tour the museum will apply.

A special joint membership deal for Historic Preservation Month is also offered during May. Partnering together for the places that matter are Bear's Mill, Main Street Greenville, and Garst Museum (Darke County Historical Society). Your support will allow all three organizations to continue their mission to ensure that our local treasures remain intact and celebrated for years to come. The special membership package includes an individual membership to each organization for a year at a discounted price of $50. This offer is for new members only.

Stop by Garst Museum or Bear's Mill or visit www.DowntownGreenville.org to support our treasures today!

The Garst Museum is located at: 205 N. Broadway, Greenville, OH 45331

937-548-5250 web site: www.garstmuseum.org email: information@garstmuseum.org

Now it has just been named by Sports Illustrated as one of the 12 notable “Off-Road” Trips – For those willing to go off the beaten path.

Here is what Sports Illustrated had to say about Eldora Speedway: Surrounded by cornfields in western Ohio sits Tony Stewart’s track of dreams. Stewart bought it in 2004, and with his renovations, Eldora Speedway now features the best dirt-track racing in the U.S.

Pretty high praise for the speedway, but we hate to tell the folks at Sports Illustrated, but Eldora was featuring some of the best dirt track racing way before Tony Stewart ever bought the place.

What do you think, is Eldora the greatest dirt track in all the land?

The 12 “Off-Road” Trips from Sports Illustrated.

• Doubleday Field
• McKechnie Field
• Crotona Park
• Gjøvik Olympiske Fjelhall
• Eldora Speedway
• World TeamTennis
• Peace and Friendship Stadium
• John Short, the gentleman who drives the van with the Hairy Dawg on the roof. – Not even kidding
• Pre’s Rock
• Palestra
• Gold Jacket dinner

https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:1407638.11000694743/rid:4a041fb7ccc4033084e5ad7bc1895164

“With the award of these grants, the bureau has taken another step toward achieving its mission of enhancing the economic growth of Darke County through the promotion and development of tourism,” stated Larry Boos, President of the Darke County Visitors Bureau Board of Trustees.

Funds are made available to non-profit tourism attractions and organizations sponsoring special events and programs in Darke County. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, with primary consideration given to applications, which: (1) attract overnight visitors; (2) attract visitors from more than 50 miles outside of Darke County and (3) feature new or expanded events or programs.

“This grant program is designed to encourage creative thinking to gain “new” money from tourist into our community,” stated Executive Director, Deanna York. “Many new ideas and concepts were presented during this process. The bureau encourages local non-profit organizations to continue to think outside the box and apply for this grant.”

To learn more about these events as well as other festivals and activities taking place in Darke County, go on-line to www.VisitDarkeCounty.org.

PICTURE CAPTION: Brian Fisher, Darke County Horseshoe Pitchers Club; Deanna York, Darke County Visitors Bureau; and Bill Gunkle, Annie Oakley Days Festival Committee. Not pictured: Ken DeMange, Versailles Alumni Association.

The guest lobby has also been updated with new décor, and a computer is now available for guests’ convenience, business or pleasure. Free wired and wireless high-speed internet access is available in every room, and the hotel offers access to copy and fax services for all business travelers.

Comfort Inn opened its doors to the Greenville, Ohio community in 1998 as the first nationally-recognized hotel in the county. The hotel is now a 100% smoke-free facility, and offers a roomy, comfortable, and updated breakfast area. Guests will enjoy the new furnishings as well as the hot, full breakfast offered every morning featuring eggs, sausage or bacon, fresh fruit, toast, Danish, juice, and guests’ choice of original or flavored waffles.

Clean, comfortable and well appointed rooms are featured with all new décor including beds, mattresses, chairs, desks, wall coverings and carpet.  In addition, all rooms feature coffee makers, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards.  Some guest rooms have microwaves and refrigerators, and whirlpool suites are available. With the new décor, Comfort Inn management regrets that pets are not allowed.

The hotel offers guests a heated pool as well as full access to the Darke County YMCA located a few, short blocks from the accommodation.

The local community is invited to stop by the Comfort Inn to preview the new rooms, and then share this information with friends and family planning to stay in the Greenville area this summer.

For more information on Comfort Inn, Greenville, call general manager, Fern Koger at (937) 316-5252.

“The Official Visitors Guide is designed to resemble the look and feel of a lifestyle magazine. The cover titles invite readers to open the magazine and discover the urban-country spirit of Darke County,” stated Deanna York, designer of the guide and executive director of the bureau.

The 48-page publication includes information on the “must sees” in Darke County, including hidden gems like Bear’s Mill, The Inn at Versailles, The Winery at Versailles and Garst Museum to legendary finds like Annie Oakley, KitchenAid and Eldora Speedway.

Readers are invited to peek through time to discover the adventurous, innovative and infectious spirit found in Darke County. The ‘Legends & Legacies’ speak to this spirit found in an afternoon tour of Bear’s Mill with Master Miller, Terry Clark or a weekend spent exploring the traditions of a place that delights in the merriment of old town festivals and artisanal craftsmanship.

The ‘Small Town Finds’ that are celebrated in our western Ohio community, are also attractive to folks from the big cities looking for a renaissance of cultural experiences brimming with rich, authentic local flavor.

Readers are encouraged to visit Darke County to be an outdoor enthusiast, naturalist or adventurer through ‘Explore Nature’ and ‘Parks & Preserve’ sections of the new guide. With almost 900 acres of parks and preserves area in the county, families, friends and visitors are invited to the beautiful landscapes, popular events and new-and-upcoming paths.

This attractive travel magazine also features the accommodations and local restaurants found in Darke County, as well as a highlight of events for the two-year period. A full calendar of events can be found on our website at www.VisitDarkeCounty.org/events.

“The new Official Visitors Guide for Darke County is itself a fusion of creativity, innovation and authentic local flavor,” shared York. “Young, local talent who call Darke County home brought this publication to life through their creative talents, with passion, pen, paint brush, computer and camera.”

“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention these artists by name, although words fail me as I am humbled by their amazing talents,” York explained.  

M.S. Birt, founder of The Samizdat, a local features and arts web magazine, thinker, space-taker-upper put pen to paper and shared his heart. Greenville ‘lifer,’ Birt as he’s commonly referred to at the local coffee joint, shared a feeling that many ‘lifers’ have about Darke County… there’s a new energy emerging… a renaissance, if you will.”

Artist, graphic designer, web master, jack-of-all-traders... master of… well, all actually, Michael Glass also contributed to the new visitors guide. Owner of Michael Glass Arts, Glass took a flat map and brought it to life with his painting talents. He added depth to the map by painting fields and trees, as well as creating icons for the iconic attractions in Darke County, like Annie Oakley and Bear’s Mill. Glass is continuing his love of Darke County by crafting a new website for the Darke County Historical Society’s Garst Museum and Annie Oakley Center.

When developing the layout and feel of the guide, the main idea was to share the warm hospitality and smiling faces found in our community. This message is strong in the new visitors guide because of the amazing talent of local photographer, Amber Garrett of Look Here Photography.

Mild-mannered office worker by day, mom and event coordinator by night, as well as one thousand other things, Amber found the time in her busy life to capture the urban-country spirit of Darke County. Amber, also a Darke County ‘lifer’ fell in love with her home town all over again.  

“The photography gig forced me to attend events I normally would not have attended,” admitted Garrett, co-owner with her husband, Rob of The Coffee Pot in downtown Greenville. “I ended up loving them! Turns out the Gourd Show is pretty cool... it reminded me of all the great things we have going for us, and all the great things that could happen in the future.”

The 40,000 copies printed will be distributed over the next 18 months to individuals interested in discovering all that Darke County has to offer. The guides will be on display and available at tourist information centers, attractions, accommodations and restaurants across the State of Ohio.

Local folks are encouraged to stop by the Visitors Bureau in downtown Greenville to pick up copies for family reunions, weddings or for visiting friends and family, or visit any one of the brochure racks located in attractions, accommodations and restaurants across Darke County.

Guides are also available at local festivals and events, and by calling the bureau at (937) 548-5158 or via email at info@visitdarkecounty.org. Information and daily updates are also available on Facebook on the bureau’s fan page, “Darke County Visitors Bureau.”

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With more than 250 exhibits, attractions and events – including the Darke County, Ohio / Wayne County, Indiana exhibit - the EXPO was a destination in itself. Favorite travel spots came alive with interactive events and experiences that were as entertaining as they were helpful and educational.

“This was a huge show that we were very excited to be part of for the second year in a row,” stated  Executive Director and Tourism Marketing Professional, Deanna York. “We are fortunate to be supported by our area partners and ambassadors of our county. Their support allows us to attend these shows. These tourism businesses are: KitchenAid Experience Retail Center, The Winery at Versailles, The Inn at Versailles, Garst Museum and Bear’s Mill.”

“Often times, we don’t realize what is in our own backyard,” continued York. “It is inspiring to talk with people at these shows who want to visit my hometown, learn the history of my ancestors and explore my neighborhood. Interestingly, visitors make an impact on the economy of Darke County. They eat in our restaurants, stay in our hotels, shop at our stores, visit our museums, historic sites and attractions, enjoy outdoor activities, and purchase gas in town. Tourism creates jobs, brings in spending and pays taxes.”

For more information on what to do and see in Darke County, visit the counties website at www.VisitDarkeCounty.org.

Caption: Deanna York, Executive Director of the Darke County, Ohio Visitors Bureau and Nancy Sartain, Marketing Manager at the Richmond / Wayne County, Indiana Visitors Bureau.

Click here for the November 2011 e-newsletter. https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:1407638.7323786190/rid:b37bf8a8028e9b1dffa52699cdc56143

Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, with primary consideration given to applications, which: (1) attract overnight visitors; (2) attract visitors from more than 50 miles outside of Darke County and (3) feature new or expanded events or programs.

Interested non-profit organizations should contact the Darke County Visitors Bureau immediately for consideration. All completed application forms and support materials must be in the Darke County Visitors Bureau office by December 1, 2011. Application packets will then be reviewed by an independent Tourism Grant Committee. All applicants will be informed of the decision on or about January 5, 2012. Recipients are required to attend a free tourism orientation workshop and submit a final report.

To receive a tourism grant packet, contact Deanna York at the Darke County Visitors Bureau, (937) 548-5158 or dyork@visitdarkecounty.org. Information can also be found on the bureau’s website at, VisitDarkeCounty.org.

2012 Application can be downloaded here. 
2012 Guidelines can be downloaded here.
2012 Final Report can be downloaded here. 

 The Darke County Visitors Bureau will host a special contest in honor of their new website launch, VisitDarkeCounty.org, where visitors can view and discover a wealth of information on Darke County.  To enter, just visit and browse the site, “Like” them on Facebook, and tell them what you think of the new website. It’s that easy!  Stop by the booth for more details and brochures on all the sights and attractions in the county, as well as maps and travel information for the State of Ohio.

 The contest runs from August 19 to August 31, 2011 with the winner announced by September 15, 2011. The “Sweetheart Package” includes beautiful deluxe accommodations for one nights stay at The Inn at Versailles, dinner for two at Michael Anthony’s at the Inn, wine, chocolate from Ghyslain Chocolatier and a red rose. No purchase is necessary, and there is no entry fee. To enter, go to Facebook.com/DarkeCountyOhio for contest details and submission instructions.

 The mission of the Darke County Visitors Bureau is to enhance the economic growth of Darke County through the promotion and development of tourism. Find out more at VisitDarkeCounty.org.

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 “Years ago, tourists may have planned a trip around a friend’s recommendations or by using a travel agent, but today they use the web,” said Deanna York, Executive Director of the Darke County Visitors Bureau.

 The website boasts a new “searchability” feature for visitors to browse the county’s extensive database of calendar of events, dates, and other specific categories of interest; including a full host of shops, restaurants and accommodations. Visitors will find a comprehensive online photo and video library showcasing Darke County in fabulous mid-western hospitality and small town charm.

 A new social component has been added to connect visitors easily to the bureau’s Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as to Darke County-related video on YouTube. Visitors to the site will notice the bureau’s Twitter feed prominently displayed on the Homepage, as well as on the Connect page.

 A useful tool for visitors wanting to plan their own trip to Darke County can be found on the site, as well.  The ‘My Trip Itinerary,’ feature allows visitors as they peruse the site, to easily add with a click of the mouse, restaurants, shops and accommodations to build a customized itinerary made for their specific pleasure. When finished the itinerary can be viewed, emailed to another party or themselves, or printed.  

 The site provides a wealth of information, easily distinguishable by three themes; Parks & Preserves, Explore & Experience, and Legends & Legacies. Parks & Preserves highlights the perfect backdrop for families’ next outdoor trek.  Explore & Experience emphasizes the wealth of fun to be found while visiting festivals, sights, and attractions in Darke County. Peek through time and discover the frontier spirit of Legends & Legacies, making Darke County the adventurous, innovative and infectious land of people we are today!

 “The new website captures the legendary spirit of Darke County and supports the bureau’s mission to enhance the economic growth of Darke County through the promotion and development of tourism,” stated Daryl Riffle, Chairman of the Darke County Visitors Bureau Board of Trustees.

 “VisitDarkeCounty.org is a comprehensive tool for gaining online information on tourism attractions, accommodations and events happening in Darke County, Ohio,” stated York.

 “Check it out today at VisitDarkeCounty.org.”

 The mission of the Darke County Visitors Bureau is to enhance the economic growth of Darke County through the promotion and development of tourism.

 The website project was completed by Encounter Marketing, a full service marketing agency with a focus on creating services that will serve rural, small town communities in Ohio.  They can be reached at 937-553-1621, or on the web at EncounterMarketing.com.

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Executive Director of the Darke County Visitors Bureau, Deanna York showed Mr. Eylon the highlights of the county beginning with the Legendary Sidewalk Sales during Annie Oakley Days in downtown Greenville.  Thousands of people make downtown Greenville their destination this week for the sale offers and discounts that are given by the merchants. KitchenAid Experience is the highlight of the sales with hundreds of KitchenAid appliances and gadgets on sale. They even give away gadgets and “kitchen bucks” to the first 200 guests.  “The KitchenAid Experience was a fantastic experience for a foodie like me,” stated Mr. Eylon, a Northmont graduate.  “Culinary tourism continues to be a big draw for travelers, and KitchenAid along with the surrounding farms for locally sourced produce fit right into that niche.”

Tourism Citizen of the Year and retired Director of the Garst Museum, Penny Perry hosted a grand tour of the museum, specifically The Annie Oakley Center for York and Eylon. “I’ve heard great things about Darke County and The Garst Museum,” shared Mr. Eylon. “This far exceeded my expectations – the volunteers are so passionate, and the exhibits are so well organized that they would definitely impress visitors.”

Jeffrey Besecker, member of The Gathering at Garst joined York, Perry and Eylon to talk about the newest event in the county taking place this weekend, highlighting events and people who shaped our county’s history.

“It was a great pleasure exploring and sharing elements of our history with Ohio State Tourism Director, Amir Eylon,” stated Mr. Besecker.  “The enthusiasm Mr. Eylon displayed not only for our history, but our future endeavors, serves as a beacon to shine a light on a community which is full of life and vibrant promises.”

A quick drive north landed the two tourism professionals at Eldora Speedway. Director Operations at Eldora and Vice President of the Darke County Visitors Bureau Board of Trustees, Larry Boos took York and Eylon on the roof-top tour of the dirt-track racing kingdom.  Mr. Boos shared that more than 150,000 people attend a race in any given year, making Eldora the largest city in Darke County, four times a year.  

“Those who know me, know I love racing, so Eldora was a "must visit" on the tour of Darke County,” shared Mr. Eylon. “It is one of the most famous sprint tracks in the country located right here in Ohio!”

The next stop on the quick tour of Darke County landed the two at The Inn at Versailles for a tour of the boutique hotel and lunch at Michael Anthony’s at The Inn. Roy Brown, General Manager at the Inn and board member of the Darke County Visitors Bureau gave the grand tour of the one-of-a-kind property.  The three enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared with locally-grown foods like corn, tomatoes, spinach and lettuce and fresh, Ohio lamb. After lunch, Mr. Brown showed York and Eylon where the produce is grown. Sycamore Bridge Farm is located just outside of the quaint village of Versailles and houses acres of grapes, corn, tomatoes and other produce used at Michael Anthony’s at the Inn.

The final stop for State Tourism Director Eylon’s trip to Darke County was the KitchenAid Factory. Scott Hartings, Finance Manager and Treasurer on the Darke County Visitors Bureau Board of Trustees gave the grand tour of the beloved KitchenAid Stand Mixer.

“We are so fortunate here in Ohio to have such rich heritage as Annie Oakley, the Garst Museum, KitchenAid and so much more throughout our small towns,” stated Eylon. “It is an absolute pleasure to come out and enjoy the pride and enthusiasm of the people, and it’s an even greater pleasure for me to be able to market all these great places that still embody small town America.”

More information about these destinations in Darke County and others can be found at www.DiscoverOurLegends.com.

Traveling from north to south, the 127 Business Route begins on Greenville Celina Road travels into town on Wagner Avenue to East Main Street around the traffic circle onto South Broadway and then right onto Washington Avenue. The route continues on Pine Street, left onto Sweitzer Street and back to US 127 via St. Rt. 49 south.

With the majority of this route being within the city limits, Greenville City Council agreed to waive the garage sale permit process for this event. If you have questions, call the City of Greenville at (937) 548-1819.

If you are interested in holding a yard sale on US 127 or on the 127 Business Route, and would like to advertise your sale, please contact Mary Bevins at The Daily Advocate, The Early Bird or Darke Journal. Information can be found at www.127saleohio.com.

Daryl Riffle, President of the visitors bureau’s board of trustees presented this award which exemplifies the best of tourism in our community. This award recognizes people who look first at what they can do for tourism within Darke County. They work in a business or volunteer in a group that brings people into our community from 30+ miles away to enjoy events, attractions, shops, accommodations and other aspects of the tourism industry. The award recognizes those who have demonstrated extensive and diverse participation, leadership and support in public and/or private tourism endeavors over a period of years. And finally, this honor is bestowed upon a leader capable of getting others involved in tourism within the community.

Ms. Perry, this year’s award recipient is a native of Darke County. She graduated with the class of 1960 from Greenville High School, and went on to graduate from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, with a major in History and Political Science and a minor in English. In 1971, she graduated from Arizona State University with a Master of Arts Degree in History.

Ms. Perry taught to teach English at Greenville Junior High and Social Studies at Franklin Monroe High School for almost 30 years.  She retired from the Teaching profession in 1996, and then dabbled in local politics and spent a term on Greenville City Council. During this time she began volunteering at Garst Museum, which she says she thoroughly enjoyed because of her history background and interaction with the staff and visitors. The museum board made a change in direction, and she agreed to fill in as Director for “three or four months” while a search for a new Director was underway.

The three months turned into six years, and those six years, Ms. Perry was quoted as saying, “Were some of the most rewarding of my life.” 

Under her direction, the museum established field trips for fourth graders in Darke County at no expense to them or the school system.  Group tours were strengthened. Exhibits were re-created with exciting new displays and the Garst House was restored inside and out to its former beauty. 

Ms. Perry stated, “Garst has always been a wonderful local museum, but now it has become a museum that attracts tourists from all over the country.  Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have Annie Oakley as a star.”  Yearly attendance increased from 3,000 to 12,000 visitors a year.

She is humble and is quick to point out that she certainly could not have accomplished this alone.  The museum is blessed with a wonderful staff, volunteers, and Board.  Board President John Marchal worked tirelessly to bring these changes about.

Ms. Perry decided that it was once again time for her to re-retire which she did at the end of 2010.  She  continues to volunteer at the Garst Museum especially with the field trips, but now spends much of her time pursuing other interests – reading, traveling, and of course, playing bridge.

Ms. Perry also received commendations from State Representatives Jim Buchy and Richard Adams, State Senators Keith Faber and Bill Beagle, Speaker of the House John Boehner and Lt. Governor Mary Taylor.

For more information on Garst Museum, please visit their website at www.GarstMuseum.org. For information on all aspects of tourism in Darke County, visit www.VisitDarkeCounty.org.

Pictured: Daryl Riffle, left, president of the Darke County Visitors Bureau and Deanna York, right, executive director of the Darke County Visitors Bureau awarded Greenville’s Penny Perry, middle, the inaugural 2011 Darke County Tourism Citizen of the Year Award.

The new logo captures the legendary spirit of Darke County in the script and icons, as well as the future of nature-based tourism in the community with the colors selection

“We surveyed many people to gain their ideas and opinions on what our logo should look like,” stated Deanna York, executive director of the Darke County Visitors Bureau. “We think we hit the mark!”
 
The bureau now turns its attention to a new website for the tourism community of Darke County. There is much work to do in updating information, collecting images and video that depicts the quality of life found in Darke County as well as the heritage, recreational and natural aspects.

The bureau encourages visitors and residents alike to share their images of Darke County for the new publication. “We are always looking for new points of view,” stated York.

Both the logo and website are being created by Encounter Marketing, a full service marketing agency with a focus on creating services that will serve rural, small town communities in Ohio.  They can be reached at 937-553-1621, or on the web at www.encountermarketingonline.com.