Though the United States is a fairly young country compared to the Old World, its tantalizing history and rich culture can still be felt all around. Aficionados of bygone eras can relive the past at immersive living history museums all across the country: Make your way to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, where diners can experience an authentic 18th-century restaurant with historic food at King’s Arms Tavern, or head to Alabama, where you’ll find the American Village, an engaging interpretive museum centered around American history. And over in Coshocton, Ohio, a fantastic reconstructed community known as “America’s Canal Town” awaits for unforgettable exploration. Head to the northwest corner of Coshocton to spend the day at Historic Roscoe Village for a whirlwind journey back to the pre-Civil War era of America.
Practically destroyed in the early 1900s by a tragic flood, Roscoe was once a thriving industrial town along the path of the Ohio and Erie Canal before the Civil War. Today, the restored streets and historic structures of Roscoe Village will take visitors on an enticing tour of daily life during the canal boat days of yore. Quaint shopfronts invite you in to browse the selection of eclectic products — head to the General Store to pick up unique knick-knacks, or the Coshocton Supply Co. for everything from maple syrup to organic soap. As you stroll the paved streets, you’ll come across actors dressed in era-appropriate costumes, adding indelible depth to the historic immersion.
Dotted throughout Roscoe Village are picturesque gardens for a breath of fresh air. Butterflies flit around the Butterfly Garden, while the colorful flowerbeds at the Gazebo Garden create a dreamy backdrop for memorable photos. Whenever you feel peckish, duck into one of the delightful eateries to fill up on a scrumptious meal. Only a 90-minute drive from Columbus, add the Historic Roscoe Village to your next trip itinerary.
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Immerse yourself in 19th-century history at Roscoe Village, Ohio
Restored historic buildings in Roscoe Village, Coshocton, Ohio – Kenneth Sponsler/Shutterstock
Start your adventures in Roscoe Village with a canal boat cruise, which is sure to be a thrill. Listen to the captain’s riveting narration of 19th-century life, backed by the clip-clop of draft horses tugging the boat along the Ohio & Erie Canal, which a previous visitor described as “a nice little piece of history” in one Google review. Canal boat tours only operate during certain periods of the year, so make sure to call in advance.
Next, set off on the living history tour to meet the various local characters who populate the village. Pay a visit to the doctor’s office, or learn how to twist ropes and hand-dip candles before wandering around the local shops for a little retail therapy. At the Cottage Gate, a whimsical home living store, you’ll find everything from decorative figurines to throw rugs and tapestries, while anyone looking for stylish new outfits should make their way to Lynnie Lou’s Boutique. The clapboard facades and pastel hues of each shopfront create a wonderfully fairytale atmosphere.
Feeling hungry? Historic Roscoe Village serves up plenty of delicious bites. Grab a latte or even a beer at the Indian Bear Cork & Coffee, boasting almost five stars on Google, while the red-brick Roscoe Village Sweets & Treats store is a favorite with locals for the endless shelves of colorful old-school confections and handcrafted candies. Called a “kid’s dream place” in one Google review, fill up your basket with everything from salt water taffy and licorice to fruit stripe gum and butter pecan fudge bars. Meanwhile, the historic atmosphere of Huck’s Tavern will entice you in for a hearty dinner with drinks. Whether you’re a solo traveler or visiting on a family vacation, Historic Roscoe Village is sure to delight.
Cultural experiences and where to stay around Roscoe Village, Ohio
Garden paths in Roscoe Village, Coshocton, Ohio – Kenneth Sponsler/Shutterstock
You could spend days exploring all that Roscoe Village has to offer. Don’t miss an afternoon at the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum, described by a previous visitor in a Google review as “one of the best small-town museums” they had experienced. Inside you’ll find a veritable gold mine of cultural heritage, with exhibits of European, East Asian, and Native American artifacts and decorative objects. Historic costumes, traditional Japanese swords, and Navajo baskets crowd the display cases. Don’t miss a peek at the infamous Newark Holy Stones, a collection of supposedly sacred objects inscribed with Hebrew lettering, believed by many academics to be forgeries.
The changing seasons herald the celebration of various festivals within the village. During the summertime, the Food Truck Festival fills the air with the aroma of mouthwatering cuisine, while the echo of carols and the twinkle of decorations for Christmas throughout the village bring festive cheer to the end of the year. Visit during the weekends throughout December to join the Christmas Candlelighting Ceremony and snap unforgettable photos with the dazzling Christmas tree towering over the village, sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime festive celebration.
With so much excitement in store, you’ll need a place to stay. Book a night at the Roscoe Boutique Motel, just a short drive south of the historic village, for charming guest rooms with comfortable beds. Reviews on Booking.com praise the excellent amenities and tasteful decor. Another option is the Coshocton Village Inn & Suites, a cozy abode with close to five stars on Google. Whether you’re on a day trip from the city or taking an extended getaway, Historic Roscoe Village will be a fantastic experience. From there, continue your small-town Ohio adventures in Glouster, a colorful village with a charming story to tell.
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