Recognized as perhaps the most traveled route to freedom, hundreds, maybe thousands, of runaway slaves passed through Cincinnati and Warren County on the Underground Railroad. The mostly Quaker communities of Springboro, Waynesville and Harveysburg in Warren County hosted numerous secret stops along the trail.

   According to John Zimkus, Historian of the Warren County Historical Society, "at least two major trails on the UGRR enter Warren County from the south and fanned out in northern Warren County among the large Quaker communities of Springboro, Waynesville and Harveysburg." These paths through this area collectively have been called one of the busiest routes in Ohio. In celebration of Black History Month we've highlighted a few spots along this route that you can visit to gain insight into this period of history and even walk a mile in the shoes of some runaway slaves and to this day there are many different places along the route available to visit as you relive the history of this period and walk a mile in the shoes of some of those runaway slaves.

Springboro
Springboro's elaborate tunnel system and homes with secret nooks and tunnels hid runaways from bounty hunters. Much of this history has been preserved through the collection of documents, maps, and artifacts at the Springboro Historical Society Museum. Groups can schedule guided tours with costumed re-enactors or pick up a walking tour brochure from the Springboro Chamber of Commerce and experience living history with a self-guided walking tour of the community's 27 documented safe houses. Some buildings are businesses and are open to the public, however several are private residences which must be viewed from the sidewalk.

   Visitors can spend the night in one of Springboro's most monumental safe houses at the Wright House B&B, which is now offering a vacation package that includes tickets to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and a walking tour of Springboro. Book a stay you'll also enjoy a gourmet breakfast and a personal guided tour of the house as well as a unique glimpse at a slave hiding place built into the attic floor that has been opened and can be seen from one of the guest rooms. Before stepping inside, however, take note of the western chimney, which is whitewashed on only one side to signal to runaway slaves that this house is a safe stop along the journey to freedom.

   Another stop in Springboro you won't want to miss is the Null Cabin. This cabin is the oldest on-site log cabin in the county, and former "station" on the Underground Railroad.

Click Here to Book A Historical Weekend Getaway

Waynesville
     The large Quaker population held firm to the anti-slavery sentiments of Waynesville's settlers and played an important role in the UGRR. Historian Zimkus has also indicated that, a network of tunnels connected the Miami House Inn on the corner of Main and North St. to the Little Miami River close by. This building was demolished in 1955; however the Williamson House at 88 S. Main St. still stands and was also part of the UGRR, connected to the same network of tunnels.

  Also still in existence and a part of the Underground Railroad movement is the Seth Silver Haines house at 65 S. Third Street. Built in 1854 by Haines who was a Quaker and the founder and first president of the Waynesville National Bank, the central tower of this house is said to have been used as a lookout tower to signal runaway slaves.

Harveysburg

  
   Four miles southeast of Waynesville is the village of Harveysburg which was also home to several "depots" on the UGRR. Standing in its original location and available for private tours, Harveysburg's First Free Black School, built in 1831, houses artifacts and photos of the community and the school house. Restored by the Harvesburg Community Historical Society, the First Free Black School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Washington D.C.



Area Attractions connected with the UGRR:
A tributary of the Little Miami River, Caesar Creek is located approximately 3 miles south of the Village of Waynesville in northeast Warren County. The creek is named after a slave who was captured and later adopted by the Shawnee Indians in the late 1700s. According to Zimkus, legend has it that he named the creek after himself, and often traveled south from the Shawnee village to hunt and fish along its banks.

   The Caesar Creek valley was impounded in 1978 by the Army Corps of Engineers to assist with flood control in the Little Miami River watershed. The resulting Caesar Creek State Park includes a 2,830 acre recreational lake, 4,700 acre park and adjacent 2,500 acre wildlife area known for birding, fossil collecting, hike, bike and bridle trails.

   A second prominent feature in the Warren County landscape is the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail. The trail follows the old route of the Little Miami Railroad whose abandoned rails have been converted to paved multipurpose hike and bike trails. The Little Miami Railroad connected Cincinnati to additional way stations ultimately routing passengers north to the Lake Erie port and Sandusky. By 1851 "underground" passengers were traveling these routes after dark.

   The Warren County Historical Society Museum in Lebanon, Ohio, is considered one of the finest county museums in the country housing the largest collection of Shaker artifacts. The lower level contains the Foster-Butterworth cabin, and artifacts from Butterworth Station one of Warren County's most authenticated "depots" on the UGRR. The Butterworth's were the original Warren County settlers and their homestead, located along the Little Miami River and Little Miami Railroad, became the focal point from which many routes diverged north.

Nearby URGG Attractions:
   The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati is home to inspirational exhibits serving as a memorial to the heroes of the Underground Railroad, and those who continue the struggle for freedom today.

   The Rankin House in Ripley, Ohio is a National Historic Landmark and another popular stop when exploring Ohio's roots to the Underground Railroad. The John Rankin family sheltered more than 2000 slaves who climbed the "Stairway to Liberty" from the Ohio River to their home.

   When you stroll down the streets of Lebanon and drive through the hills of Warren County, you are in good company. Presidential company, that is! Lebanon, Ohio has been graced with a multitude of visits from Presidents dating back to as early as the 1800s. As we honor Presidents' Day this month, we thought it would be interesting to highlight many of Warren County's esteemed Presidential visitors through the years.

   Perhaps one of the most beloved U.S. Presidents to visit Warren County was Abraham Lincoln. In 1862, President-elect Lincoln traveled through Warren County on his way from Springfield, Illinois to Washington, D.C. for his inauguration. Historian John Zimkus wrote, "Being on the Little Miami Railroad, what is now the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail, Lincoln traveled the full length of Warren County." Another Lincoln connection to Warren County: his great uncle, John, lived on 181-acre farm between Lebanon and the community of Red Lion. John and his wife, Mary, are buried in Lebanon's Pioneer Cemetery, located just six blocks from the historic Golden Lamb Restaurant & Inn. Click here for Pioneer Cemetery Tours coming in May.

Click Here to Book a Presidential Room

   Known for main streets rich with antique shops, Lebanon has been host to numerous presidents on the campaign trail or passing through Ohio. Several presidents have also stayed at the Golden Lamb, Ohio's oldest hotel. While campaigning for the presidency in 1840, William Henry Harrison delivered a speech in Lebanon near what is now the Warren County fairgrounds. Two years later after Harrison's visit, Martin Van Buren, who lost his re-election bid to Harrison in 1840, traveled to Lebanon and visited the Golden Lamb on his way to Columbus.

   The Golden Lamb has been a destination of many presidents since that time, and consequently has rooms named after several of these Presidential visitors. More recently, The Golden Lamb has been visited by Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. As governor of California, Reagan visited in 1968 while campaigning for Congressman Buz Lukens. While George H. Bush was campaigning in the area in 1988, his wife, Barbara Bush, held a fundraising event in Lebanon and stayed overnight at The Golden Lamb. Their son, George W. Bush, visited The Golden Lamb in 2004. Of the 12 presidents who have visited The Golden Lamb, he is the only one to come while in office. Other presidents to visit and have rooms named after them include:

• John Quincy Adams: As the 6th U.S. President, Adams was one of only two presidents to visit Lebanon after his term in office. He arrived in Lebanon in 1843 on his way to Cincinnati.
• Ulysses S. Grant: Originally from Ohio, Grant, visited The Golden Lamb in his younger years (most likely in the 1820-30's). He served as the 18th U.S. President.
• Rutherford B. Hayes: When campaigning to be governor of Ohio, Hayes came to Lebanon in 1867. He was elected to be the 19th U.S. President eleven years later.
• James Garfield: Garfield, the 20th U.S. President, visited Lebanon in 1871 to give a political address at Washington Hall, two blocks away from The Golden Lamb.
• William McKinley: The last time McKinley came to Lebanon was in 1893 when running for re-election as governor of Ohio. He was the 25th U.S. President.
• William Howard Taft: In 1898, Taft, the 27th U.S. President, traveled to Lebanon to attend a funeral. He had dinner at The Golden Lamb during his visit.
• Warren G. Harding: Harding, the 29th U.S. President, spoke at the Lebanon Opera House in 1910 and again in 1914, subsequently serving in the U.S. Senate and six years later as president.

   While rich with history, The Golden Lamb has recently undergone renovations, now updated with free wifi and queen size beds with duvet bedding for all rooms. DeDe Bailey, who has worked at The Golden Lamb for 32 years, says the restaurant and inn typically offers specials in honor of Presidents' Day. Check out the new Golden Lamb web site for Presidents' Day specials, restaurant reservation booking, and new online room reservation booking.

Get into the Presidential spirit this month and experience the rich history Warren County offers. You can check out additional opportunities in the area and get museum and historical site details by visiting Journey into the past.

Presidents' Day Shopping Sale: Cincinnati Premium Outlets 

   Charles Schulz might have said it best, "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."

   With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, you might be thinking about something special you can do for or with your special Valentine. Whether it's sweet treats or a special outing, many local Warren County businesses offer tempting treats and deals that are certain to sweeten your Valentine's Day. For a complete list of upcoming events, see our events calendar, or keep reading to find a few ideas to make your Valentine's Day much sweeter including some romantic getaways in Ohio that will knock your socks off!

Click Here to Book a Romantic Package from Marriott

   
   Main Street Sweets owner Vickie Larcomb says her Mason candy shop will cover just about anything in chocolate! Everything is made from scratch, including homemade flavored marshmallows dipped in chocolate, chocolate-covered strawberries and even Twinkie's dipped in chocolate! Family owned for five years, Main Street Sweets boasts all kinds of delectable creations, including a multitude of popcorn treats: caramel, chocolate, cherry flavored, etc. Main Street Sweets makes its own chocolate and is known for its heart-shaped Rice Crispy treats dipped in chocolate - perfect for Valentine's Day!

   Family owned since 1970, Valley Vineyards in Morrow offers numerous ways to celebrate Valentine's Day. If fine wine and good food fit into your Valentine's Day plans, be sure to check out Valley Vineyards' offerings. On Wednesday, February 8, take part in Grand Tastings, a popular event that features great wine, wonderful food, good company and live music. This month's featured wines will be Valley Vineyards' Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. For just $25 per person and up to 22 wine samplings, this event is a tremendous time at a tremendous value. Reservations required (513-899-9022).

   Join Valley Vineyards' Weekend Cookout on Saturday, February 11 for some relaxing, and romantic Valentine's Day fun with your special someone. Typically, weekend cookouts appeal to groups, but according to owner Joe Schuchter, on the Saturday before Valentine's Day, you will find mostly couples cooking their meals and sipping on wine. Reservations are requested. Price is $59 per couple with one bottle of wine (age 21 and over). Feel like staying in? Valley Vineyards re-released its popular pink-label Merlot just in time for Valentine's Day. This medium-bodied Merlot smells like cocoa and pairs wonderfully with chocolate. You can find it online or at Kroger and Remke-Biggs.

Click Here to Book a Romantic Valley Vineyards Package 

   Nestled in the heart of historic Lebanon, the Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory is a traditional chocolatier filled with amazing chocolate creations. For Valentine's Day, you will find Valentine's boxes filled with assorted chocolates, and other treats gift wrapped in heart paper.

Known for its Texas Tortoise and Almond Toffee, Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory offers an extensive selection of assorted chocolates, creams and chocolate molds. The shop's famous Texas Tortoise is made from pecan halves covered in caramel and then dipped in both milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Joy Kossouji of Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory says that each batch of their Almond Toffee is made with 12 pounds of butter! The raw almonds are added to the chocolate mixture and cook in the batch as the toffee cools. "The entire shop smells delicious when we make that almond toffee," Kossouji says.

  Other shop specialties include caramel bars (each one weighs 4-5 ounces), snack clusters (popcorn, pecans, raisins, coconut and chocolate), chocolate molds (all kinds of shapes including turtles, trains and planes for children), and white pretzel sundaes (white chocolate, pretzels and milk chocolate on top). Stop by Golden Turtle for one-of-a-kind, delectable treats for your Valentine.

   These are all great ways to liven up your Valentine's Day in Warren County, but certainly the list is not exhaustive. For other great ideas for romantic dining check out our local favorites listings, or for more great packages see our vacation packages page.

   Historic Downtown Lebanon is home to more than 50 of the best antique and specialty shops in Ohio and sets the perfect stage for the Lebanon Antiques Show. Well-known for its investment-quality antique furniture displayed in room settings, the show has evolved into one of the longest running and most respected antique shows in Ohio.

   The show, being held January 21st and 22nd at Bowman Elementary School in Lebanon, is the first of two 2012 shows. The show features local as well as national and international dealers peddling everything from furniture to jewelry to flatware and golf clubs. "Many of our dealers have been with us more than 30 years," said Victoria Van Harlingen of the Warren County Historical Society, which sponsors the event. Many dealers return year after year, but don't think that means you're going to see the same show as last time.

   New for this January, the show plans to add a special exhibit of 19th century game boards from the collection of Tom Chambers. Chambers, from Missouri, who will be on hand to showcase his antique pieces and answer questions has been intrigued by game boards since early in his career and has even co-authored a book, "The Art of the Game," detailing the intricacies of a variety of game boards. You can learn more about his work, exhibit and book on his website at www.missouriplainfolk.com.

   The history of this event is as unique as the pieces you'll find there. It was first begun in the 1940s to replace the home tours as the primary fundraising activity for the Warren County Historical Society. When reading back through the newsletters of that time, the staff was not so certain about this move and knew they were taking a huge gamble, but "the first show was so successful that they happily continued putting the event together the next year and then every year after that." said Van Harlingen. The Historical society now hosts 2 shows per year, one in January and one in October.

If you go:
   Date: Saturday & Sunday January 21 & 22nd

   Time: Saturday: 10a-5p/Sunday 11a-4p

   Where: Bowman Primary School
                825 Hart Road Lebanon, Ohio

   Admission: $8 (click here for a $2 discount coupon)

   Contact: Warren County Historical Society 513-932-1817

 

 

Can't Wait for the hard hitting jousting action of the Ohio Renaissance Festival to return to Harveysburg in September? Well, the History Channel has heard your calls and plans to premiere "Full Metal Jousting," a new reality competition show that pits jousting knights against one another in February.

The show will be hosted by Shane Adams, otherwise known as Sir Shanton of Falcon's Hill to his brotherhood of knights in the Knights of Valour troupe. Shane, originally from Toronto, Ontario began his endeavor in the jousting business at Medieval Times, and eventually created his own travelling show. He now makes his home at the Ohio Renaissance Festival and can be seen year after year taking on other noble knights in front of throngs of shouting fans.

The show that he and his troupe put together feels like you're really in the 1600's watching knights battle for honor and the eye of the fair maidens. They use real chainmail, real barrel helmets and it only takes one viewing to realize the hits are real as well. It's this reality that viewers of the History Channel's series will see on a weekly basis beginning Feb. 12 at 10 p.m. As one competitor puts it, "This ain't no dinner show."

For a sneak peek of the show from the History Channel click here.
For more info regarding the Ohio Renaissance Festival be sure to visit: www.renfestival.com

   In November Warren County CVB launched the "Capture Some Family Fun" photo contest on Facebook with a grand prize of a 1-night getaway to Great Wolf Lodge Cincinnati/Mason. We recently had a chance to catch up with our winner, Tricia Becker, to find out more about her winning photo and all the fun she and her 4 children had on their getaway.

   Tricia and her family, including husband Brian and children Lily (8 years old), Audrey (just turned 6 years old) and 2-year-old twins Fitch and Brice, currently reside in Morrow, Ohio with their bunny, Lucy, a goldfish and two cats Punkin and Boshe. Their winning photo of the two twins, seen to the right and submitted with the caption "At least we'll always have each other bro," was taken in April 2011 while on their first family vacation with all 6 family members to Hilton Head, South Carolina.

   It was the boys' first time seeing the ocean and the photo captures the moment beautifully. So beautifully in fact that 296 friends, family and strangers voted it their favorite during our contest's 1 week voting period. The photo, although iconic, only depicts one brief snapshot of the family's entire trip. While at the beach the girls enjoyed discovering sea animals like starfish, crabs and sand dollars and the whole family appreciated the other sites and sounds like dolphins breaching in the distance. Check out a clip of the girls finding a live sand dollar and many other family excursions on their YouTube Channel Here.

   As if the Becker family needed any more reason to celebrate after their big win, daughter Audrey's 6th birthday was quickly approaching right after the contest ended, and she was able to celebrate with family and friends at Great Wolf Lodge.

   Audrey's favorite part? Filling her own stuffed animal squirrel! Some other highlights from their trip included playing in the arcade until closing time, ordering pizza, eating dippin' dots and visiting the arts and crafts room. Lily especially enjoyed the blue hair extension she had put in while there and the twins loved every minute of splashing around in the water park. Great Wolf Lodge isn't all about the kids though, Mom's favorite part included all the Christmas lights and decorations in the lobby, "It is so beautiful in there this time of year, especially the life size gingerbread house and the huge Christmas tree" said Tricia. And she's not kidding, check out the photo below.

Congratulations again to Tricia and her family, it looks like they had a tremendous time. You too can have a tremendous time with your family at Great Wolf Lodge. All it takes is one click to book your room, AND if you book your room before December 22nd you could save 15% on a stay of 2 or more nights. Just click here and use promo code ‘MOREFUN'! 

The boys enjoying the water park.

The girls hanging out in the lobby.

Written by contributing blogger Vicky Van Harlingen of the Warren County Historical Society. 

"Christmas in Lebanon" is almost upon us. Anyone who loves Christmas is making plans to be part of the crowd on December 3rd when over one-hundred carriages and more than three-hundred horses thrill men, women and children as they parade down Broadway in one of the most spectacular parades in the country. Decked out in their best harnesses, the beautiful carriage horses make you dream of by-gone days.

In the weeks leading up to the parade the horses and their owners are arriving in Lebanon and getting ready for the big day. The horses are bathed and brushed and brushed some more so that their winter coats shine. The wagons and carriages are washed and buffed and their decorations are planned and assembled. It's as much fun for the carriage families to be part of the parade as it is for the on-lookers lining the parade route.

It's usually cold that first Saturday in December, as it should be, its December after all, sometimes it even snows. But that hasn't seemed to stop the crowds who begin setting out folding chairs to mark their spots along the sidewalks at 10:00 am. The first parade doesn't start until 1:00 pm, but there's plenty to do. Mulberry Street transforms itself into a holiday bazaar with vendors selling food and hot drinks, and the shops on Broadway doing a brisk business in specialty Christmas gifts. The LM&M Railroad runs "The Polar Express" non-stop, the Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory is packed full with customers and the Golden Lamb Inn is busy serving diners eager to immerse themselves in its historic ambiance. With a little imagination you could believe it is 1845 and Charles Dickens appears on the street to complain that there was no decent drink to be had in this town - his stage coach made a pit stop at the Golden Lamb which at the time was a temperance hotel and sold no alcoholic beverages.

When you come to the Lebanon Christmas Festival and Horse Drawn Carriage Parade on December 3, be sure to look for Charlie Poppe and his antique Victoria carriage pulled by a matched pair of Hackney carriage horses. The carriage will be decorated with poinsettias and greenery and the horses will have flowers and bells braided into their manes. The antique Victoria carriage was made for the 1876 Centennial Exposition and is in demand for display all over the country. It's a most elegant carriage designed for wealthy Victorian ladies who wanted to be seen to best advantage.

The Poppes live on the east side of Cincinnati and have brought their horses and carriages to the parade in Lebanon every year since it began. "My wife and I travel all over the country participating in parades and carriage events and this is still the best parade around. It's the best organized, the hospitality and camaraderie are super and the Lebanon Chamber's volunteers are the greatest".

After the 1 p.m. parade many folks walk up the hill to Glendower Historic Mansion where costumed interpreters share the old house for a small fee, all decorated for Christmas in a grand style. Others will visit the Christmas Craftsman and Artisan Fair next door to the Museum on Broadway where you can shop for gifts, buy wonderful baked good and holiday foods, learn to make a beautiful holiday wreath and hear Zachariah Johnson, 1898 Christmas Story Teller share tales of long ago.

At 7:00 pm the "Candle Light" parade begins. It is dark and the carriages stream down Broadway covered in battery powered Christmas lights, the horses blowing steam and stepping briskly. It's a breath taking site and many folks have come just for this fairy tale extravaganza. As the last horse and carriage passes by the crowd there is an audible sigh of satisfaction and expectation. Now the Christmas season has truly begun.

Click here for more information about the Lebanon Christmas Festival including video and festival details.
Also see the Carriage Association of America's website at www.caaonline.com.

The holiday's are here in Warren County, Ohio! The stockings, ornaments and Christmas recipes may still be in the box, but the streets and storefronts of the cozy small towns are in full holiday swing.

Meet Santa, watch majestic Clydesdales stride down Main Street and be a kid again with the Top 5 FREE Holiday festivities you don't want to miss this season.

5) Holiday Open House

Historic Downtown Lebanon, just named "Best Hometown 2012" by Ohio Magazine, invites you to a Holiday Open House Nov. 25-26. More than 25 downtown merchants will participate in this annual event. Enjoy later hours, in-store refreshments and just the right gift you were looking for in downtown Lebanon. For more info visit Historic Downtown Lebanon online.

4) Santa's Silver Celebration

The 25th Annual Christmas in Historic Springboro themed "Santa's Silver Celebration" will be held Nov. 18, 19, and 20. Each year the annual festival is recognized as the largest 3-day holiday festival in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana by attracting over 50,000 visitors. Get more info at Springboro Festivals online.

3) Christmas in the Village

Experience an old-fashioned Christmas with 1300 luminaries lighting your way. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, a heated entertainment tent and decorated store fronts as you stroll the charming streets during Waynesville's annual Christmas in the Village Dec. 2-4. Find more information at Waynesville online.

2) Christmas in Mason

Celebrate Christmas in Mason. Festivities include a parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, caricature artists, ice carvers, stage entertainment, pictures with Santa and much more! Friday Dec. 2. 6:00 -9:00 p.m. More info at Festivals of Mason.

1) Lebanon Christmas Festival and Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade

Named as the "Best Place to Feel the Christmas Spirit" by Over the Back Fence Magazine, the Historic Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival's two parades have delighted thousands throughout the years. Historic buildings provide the perfect backdrop for this ever-popular festival, featuring more than 100 horse-drawn antique carriages. Throughout the day enjoy carriage rides, live entertainment and street vendors. The parade is on Saturday, Dec. 3 in downtown Lebanon. Parade times are 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. More Info.

These time-honored traditions are the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. So, grab your earmuffs, mittens and a cup of hot cocoa and we'll look forward to giving you a hearty "Season's Greetings".

It's that time of year again, the time when the smell of fires burning rises through chimneys, the trees turn vibrant colors and of course jack-o-laterns line front porches welcoming visitors. This year, we've compiled a few helpful tips to make your pumpkin carving experience as simple and enjoyable as possible.

1). Choosing a Pumpkin

Choose a large pumpkin. The larger the pumpkin, the easier it is going to be for you to carve, and the easier it is to carve the more creative you can get with your designs. When selecting a pumpkin be sure to avoid any pumpkins with bruises or moldy stems as they will spoil much faster. Pumpkins with a lighter color tend to be softer and easier to carve. You can find a perfect pumpkin as well as many other fun fall activities here.

2). Make a Lid

When cutting out the top of your jack-o-lantern, place the knife at an angle so that the lid will have a place to rest when you replace it. If you don't cut at an angle the lid will slide through to the hollow interior.

3). Cleaning Out the Guts

To clean out the "guts" it's best if you use a pumpkin carving set, but if you don't have one handy you can use a large, heavy metal serving spoon or ice cream scoop to scrape the insides. If you will be lighting the pumpkin, the back wall should be scraped as smooth as possible for optimal light reflection.

4). Preserve Your Pumpkin

To keep your pumpkin looking tip-top until it's big night on October 31st try soaking the cleaned pumpkin for a couple of hours in a bleach water solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 gallon of water. Dry thoroughly, then rub inside and out, including all cut edges, with vegetable oil or petroleum jelly to prevent shriveling.

5). Picking a Pattern

Beginners should select a simple, bold pattern and once you master these, you can move on to something more difficult. There are many sites online that will allow you to print off designs, and often times the the patch where you pick your pumpkin will have designs you can use.

6).Stenciling the Pumpkin

Once your desired pattern is selected, print out or draw the pattern on a piece of paper. Cutting slits in the side of the paper will help it to conform to the round surface. Use small sharp scissors or a razor knife to cut out the areas you will be carving into the pumpkin. Tape the template onto the pumpkin and use a marker to trace the carving lines.

7). Carving

Again, tools from a pumpkin carving set are best, but if not available, a long serrated knife will also work. Use a sawing motion and take your time cutting along the outside edge of the marker lines leaving no markings showing.

8). Make Lighting Your Pumpkin Easier

Instead of reaching down inside to turn on the light or light the candle, consider cutting off the bottom of the pumpkin, as well as the top. You can then easily lift the jack-o'-lantern up and light the candle inside.

9). A Safer Choice

A small battery-operated flameless candle is a safer choice than traditional candles for lighting your jack-o'-lantern, but if you will be using a real candle, be sure to leave the lid off to avoid any fire hazard.

10). Add Some Spice

Sprinkle the bottom side of the pumpkin lid with ground cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves to give your porch and home a seasonal scent.

We hope you found this post helpful. If you have any tips of your own please feel free to join the conversation by leaving a comment below.

If you're looking for other great fall activities in Warren County check out our Fall Festival Guide: Here.

Looking for something a little more spooky? Check out our list of Halloween events not to be missed.

Where can you can you find 4,764 apple fritters, 550 gallons of apple cider and of course the freshest apple pies in the state this weekend? The longest running craft festival in the city of Lebanon, Country Applefest, returns for its 29th year and artisans of both crafts and apple confections will gather on Main Street to celebrate the coming of the fall season.

This festival has long maintained its pure small-town feel by not accepting corporate donations. The volunteers who organize Applefest take pride in the fact that this event is limited to arts, crafts and food only, and all must be homemade. You won't find any informational booths with peddling vendors here, just talented craftsmen with meticulously built pieces and master confectioners whose pies you may elsewhere find cooling on a windowsill. 

Don't feel constrained to just walking Main Street while you're in Lebanon for Applefest. Hop aboard the LM&M Railroad which will be running special 1 hour roundtrip train rides that are perfect for childern & adults. Grab a bite at the historic Golden Lamb, the oldest continuously operated business in the state of Ohio and host to notables like Mark Twain and 12 U.S. presidents. And stop by the Civil War Encampment at the Glendower historic house to relive the history of a war that nearly tore our country apart.

So if you're looking to escape the hustle of city life this weekend for a lifestyle that moves a little more slowly then grab your red and white checkered table cloth and your appetite and get to Downtown Lebanon on Saturday September 24th from 10a-7p for Country Applefest and more. 

For more information on this and our other upcoming Fall Festivals please click here.