As I was trying to decide where I wanted to go on vacation this year, it hit me. We've traveled from Ohio to Maine to Washington DC, Florida, and all the way to California on vacation. We visited Jefferson's home, the Monticello, just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia, and the home of George Washington, Mt Vernon, outside of Washington DC. In Florida, we drove to Cocoa Beach where we visited the Kennedy Space Center. We drove through the New England states and visited Fort Williams Lighthouse in Portland, Maine, stopping in Lexington, Massachusetts where Paul Revere made his famous ride yelling, "The British are coming, the British are coming." Those are only a few of the places we have vacationed. I realized we really do not even need to leave Marion, Ohio to have a great vacation. Where do I start?
Home of President Warren G. Harding
Our vacations have always focused on American History. I am proud to be an American and I enjoy learning about our heritage, how our country was formed with God as our forefathers' guide, with our money having "In God We Trust" engraved on it and the Pledge of Allegiance with the words, "One Nation Under God".
We have a lot of American History right here in our own backyard. Warren G. Harding was the 29th president of the United States from 1921 to 1923. He was born in a small country area called Blooming Grove, Ohio not far from Marion. President Harding and his wife, Florence, lived on Mt Vernon Ave in Marion, Ohio where he was famous for his front porch campaigns. In the summer of 1920 Warren G. Harding gave over 100 official speeches from his front porch. You can visit VisitMarionOhio.com for hours of operation and tours to Harding's Home with a museum located in the backyard.
Harding Memorial
A magnificent memorial made out of white Georgia marble was erected in honor of Warren G. Harding in 1927, four years following his untimely death. The Harding Memorial is the center of a 10-acre design, landscaped in the shape of a cross. Mammoth columns stand tall and proud around the structure. Inside the memorial is the final resting place of President and Mrs. Harding, with black granite tombstones at the head and a Japanese maple tree shading the graves. The sidewalks around the monument are an excellent walking path forming a cross. In the parking lot is a sign with detailed directions to Harding's home.
Veterans Memorial Park
Across the street from the Harding Memorial stands the Veterans Memorial Park. There is a remarkable display of a memorial for each of the thirteen colonies, starting with the first state, Delaware and ending with the thirteenth state of Rhode Island. There is a memorial for each war the United States was involved in starting with the Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783 all the way to the Global War on Terrorism, Iraq 2009. There is a monument to World War II from 1941 to 1945 and the very unpopular Vietnam War.
Heritage Hall
The old post office on Church Street was transformed into a museum, Heritage Hall, which houses the famous Wyandot Popcorn Museum with the largest collection of popcorn wagons in the United States. If you happen to vacation in Marion, Ohio around the first week of September you can stroll around downtown where the Popcorn Festival takes place with lots of different flavored popcorn, elephant ears and funnel cakes along with corndogs and hamburgers. The museum also has some Warren and Florence Harding memorabilia and some local historic items on display. The Huber Museum on Fairground St houses steam and gasoline tractors and road building equipment.
Stengel True Home
The Stengel Home, which is located across the street from Heritage Hall, was built during the Civil War and has artifacts from the Colonial days. The museum has many historical items including Primitive lighting, Indian relics and a Hickory Dock clock. Hours of operation are Tuesday 1:00 pm. to 3:00 pm and Thursday 9:00 am to 11:00 am. If these hours do not fit into your schedule, you can make an appointment by calling 740-387-6140.
Sports and Recreation
In Marion, Ohio there is fun for the whole family. Project Playground is just a short walk from the Veterans Memorial Park and is located in front of the Marion General Hospital. This playground was built by volunteers from the community and features many delightful fun things for your little ones to enjoy. The Paradise Park Miniature Golf and Ice Cream Parlor is located at the corner of State Route 423 and Somerlot Hoffman Rd, south of Marion. It is a beautiful nature course where your entire family can have hours of fun then enjoy a delicious dish of ice cream inside the air-conditioned ice cream parlor. The Bluefusion is a fun place for everyone located in the Plaza on Mt Vernon Ave. You can enjoy mini bowling, or for the big kids there is a full size bowling alley, and Earthquest mini cosmic golf or enjoy the games in the game room. If you are hungry after all that fun, you can grab a slice of pizza or a hot dog and a beverage.
Palace Theatre
The beautiful Palace Theatre was built in 1928 in a Moorish Courtyard architectural design and makes you feel as if you are being entertained underneath the twinkling stars. The courtyard walls are dressed with beautiful sculptures and give you the feeling of being outdoors. On the East balcony is a sculpture of George Washington dressed in masonic attire. You can find a list of Palace Productions, Movies or entertainers performing at the Palace by visiting the following website.
If you are traveling from out of town and need a place to stay there are several nearby hotels and stores for shopping.
Join the Conversation