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Parts of Northeast Ohio are known as Amish Country, and the area is a wonderful place to enjoy the quiet atmosphere along with delicious food. Amish food is simple, filling, and tasty, with hearty meats featured prominently.

The following eight restaurants are worth a stop if you want to try home cooking around Amish Country in Northeast Ohio.

Amish Door Restaurant

1210 Winesburg St., Wilmot, OH 44689

The Amish Door Restaurant will celebrate its 45th year of being in business this year, and over time, the restaurant—as well as its surrounding area—has grown. You can now visit the nearby Hasseman House Bed & Breakfast, the Banquet Center, and The Inn at Amish Door. Dishes like the broasted chicken—the restaurant's special recipe of hand-breaded pressure-fried chicken—are popular, as is the creamed chicken served over biscuits and accompanied by mashed potatoes. Delicious soups like tomato basil, ham and bean, and stuffed pepper are great ways to warm up and start your meal.

Mary Yoder's Amish Kitchen, Bakery, and Gift Shop

14743 N. State St., Middlefield, OH 44062

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Opened in 1987, Mary Yoder's Amish Kitchen features good, old-fashioned Amish cooking for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, try the buffet that's offered on Monday, Friday, Saturday, and holidays and get your fill of favorites like scrambled eggs, home fries, cornmeal mush, and fresh bakery items. Or order off the menu and try the Dutch Scrambler, which has two eggs, home fries, and your choice of bacon or sausage scrambled together. For lunch or dinner, order an Amish favorite, noodles over mashed potatoes, and add a trip to the salad bar. Or try the buffet, which lets you enjoy homestyle meats, authentic Amish mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and more. If you have your family or group dining together, family-style meals are available for everyone to share.

Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen

8101 OH-241, Mt. Hope, OH 44660

Located across from the Mt. Hope Livestock Auction, Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen does a brisk business from auction attendees as well as locals and tourists. The restaurant is best known for its fried chicken, which is marinated, hand-breaded, and pressure fried according to Mrs. Yoder's special recipe. Other popular items on the menu include pork chops, roast beef, lake perch, and local, seasonal homemade pies. Vegetables like steamed broccoli or cauliflower, seasoned green beans, and whole kernel corn are local and seasonal.

Hartville Kitchen, Restaurant & Bakery

1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632

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Hartville Kitchen has served up great home cooking for 55 years and has daily "meat and three" specials that are sure to fill you up. Order the tenderized seasoned beef cooked in the restaurant's beef gravy, or juicy whole turkey cubed and served with stuffing. The baked boneless chicken served in a creamy sauce is also a customer favorite, and the chicken is delivered fresh daily from Gerber's Amish Farm. Care is taken throughout the menu, from the real mashed potatoes to the salad dressings, which are made at the restaurant.

Dutch Kitchen

14278 E. Lincolnway (US 30), Dalton, OH 44618

Dutch Kitchen centers around an original 1858 farmhouse, beautifully restored and decorated. An addition was built in 1998 to house a larger event room, expanded bakery, and a gift shop. For breakfast, try the grilled or fried French toast made with homemade bread and served with warm syrup. The make-your-own omelet option is also a popular choice. Lunch and dinner options include various chicken and fish options like broasted chicken and grilled orange salmon. For more variety, try the Dutch Kitchen Sampler with broasted chicken, ham, your choice of roast beef or roast turkey, noodles or dressing, corn or green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, a side salad, and homemade bread.

Der Dutchman

4967 Walnut St., Walnut Creek OH 44687

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Genuine Amish kitchen cooking is what makes meals at Der Dutchman so tasty, whether you're stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You'll find meat-and-potatoes meals along with made-for-scratch pastries and pies you can take home and enjoy later. Start your day with a hearty breakfast buffet with options including pancakes, scrambled eggs, potatoes, and fried cornmeal mush. You can also order off the menu with dishes such as Amish Scramble with scrambled eggs with home fries, mushrooms, bacon, onions, or cheese sauce or sausage gravy. For lunch or dinner, the Sampler Plate echoes a traditional Amish potluck and lets you try the restaurant's most popular items, including your choice of two meats, real mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, green beans or creamed corn, tossed salad, and homemade dinner rolls.

Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant

4819 E Main St, Berlin, OH 44610

Boyd & Wurthmann had its beginnings as a grocery store in 1938. In the 1950s, Boyd & Wurthmann separated the market from a new restaurant specializing in Amish-style home cooking. The original green countertop is still used every day in this cozy restaurant. It remains small, so you might have to wait a bit for a table, but the food is worth the time. Check out the soup of the day, which might be ham and bean, white chicken chili, or broccoli. Entrees include smothered meatloaf, ham loaf, and chicken, and on most days, you'll have about 15 to 20 different pies to choose from, depending on what fruits are in season.

Simple Goodness

Which Amish Country restaurants are you most excited to try? 

Chocolate and mint pair together so well! This must be a pretty popular opinion because there's actually a whole holiday dedicated to the flavor combination. February 19th is National Chocolate Mint Day. If you want to celebrate, all you have to do is enjoy your favorite chocolate mint treat. There are a few great places in Columbus serving chocolate-mint creations too.

Graeter's Ice Cream

1534 W. Lane Ave., Columbus, OH 43221

If you prefer your chocolate and mint fix in ice cream form, Graeter's is the place to go. This veteran-owned ice cream parlor has been a vibrant part of the community for decades. They make their ice cream by hand in small batches, and it is incredibly creamy and delicious. 

The obvious choice at Graeter's is the Mint Chocolate Chip. It has Oreo cookie crunchies for a unique touch. Another option is the Peppermint Chip Wheelies. These are ice cream sandwiches made with chocolate chip cookies and pink peppermint ice cream. 

Simply Rolled Ice Cream

968 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201

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Simply Rolled Ice Cream is a modern ice cream shop that uses locally sourced ingredients and prepares each ice cream treat to order. You choose your ingredients, and they freeze your ice cream on a large, chilled flat-top surface, adding in toppings as desired.

Rolled ice cream is a whole other way to experience the chocolate and mint combination. Their Mint Chocolate Mania signature roll, made with mint ice cream, hot fudge sauce, peppermint patties, and chocolate chips, is incredibly delicious. Of course, you can also custom-create your own minty ice cream treat by selecting mint ice cream as the base and adding various chocolate toppings as desired.

Bruster's Real Ice Cream

1515 Gemini Pl., Columbus, OH 43240

Bruster's Real Ice Cream makes their ice cream fresh in-store. They've been around since 1989, and they take pride in their premium flavors, which have been carefully developed over the years.

The obvious choice for National Chocolate Mint Day is their Chocolate Peppermint. The red peppermint candies make it unique. Their Mint Chocolate Chip is also delicious and quite classic, and of course, you can't go wrong with the Mint Oreo. If you want something a bit different, you can ask them to make a milkshake out of any flavor.

Anthony-Thomas Candy Shoppe

5040 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

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Anthony-Thomas Candy Shoppe is a family-owned candy company with several locations in the Columbus area. They've won numerous awards over the years, including a CBUS Top Pick in 2020. 

Anthony-Thomas is best known for their buckeyes, which are an Ohio staple. But they do also make some chocolate-mint creations. Their Peppermint Bark, made with dark and white chocolates, is a top choice and suitable for sharing. Customers also love the Milk Melt-A-Way Mints, which feature creamy, whipped chocolate centers with a hint of mint.

Colonial Candy

3620 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

Colonial Candy has been serving the Columbus area for more than 50 years, and it's a great place to get your chocolate and mint fix—candy style! Their Peppermint Cream candies are coated in smooth, milk, or dark chocolate. The interior is white, creamy, and oh so minty.

You can purchase the Peppermint Creams by the 1/8-pound, so you can order as few or as many as you like. While you're there, you may want to try some of the chocolate-covered pretzels. No, they're not minty, but they're so munchable and addictive.

Chocolate Café

1855 Northwest Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212

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Chocolate Café is a bright, welcoming cafe where you can enjoy anything from a freshly made sandwich to a hot cup of mocha. The obvious choice on National Chocolate Mint Day is the Thin Mint Martini. It's rich and creamy with just the right amount of mint.

If you're in the mood for dessert, then try one of the mint truffles. They're creamy and so satisfying. Or, if you want to bring a mint chocolate treat home to the whole family, you could order an 8" or 10" Thin Mint Cake. Add an espresso filling for something totally unique.

Schmidt's Fudge Haus

220 E. Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206

Schmidt's Fudge Haus, as the name suggests, is known for its handmade fudge. You have to try it, but you should also explore their selection of gourmet chocolates. The Mint Meltaways are creamy and delicious—the perfect choice for a National Chocolate and Mint celebration.

Schmidt's is also a great place to pick up some snacks. Their Bridge Mix, Animal Crackers, and Yogurt Pretzels are good to munch on if you need a break from chocolate and mint.

Stauf's Coffee

1334 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43201

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Stauf's Coffee is a pristine, modern coffee shop with a minimalist vibe. They offer a great selection of coffees, including a Chocolate Mint coffee that's well worth a try. They'll brew some for you in-house, and they also sell the beans, so you can take more home for later. In the mood for something lighter? Try a mug of peppermint tea. Pair it with a chocolate dessert, and you'll be fully celebrating National Chocolate Mint Day.

Stauf's also has delicious chocolate cookies, which are worth pairing with your Chocolate Mint coffee. If you're really craving chocolate, the Espresso Fudge Brownies are incredible. Guests also love the Chocolate Croissants and the Chocolate Chip Scones. 

Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea

15 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43201

Sweetwaters is known for serving delicious coffee, tea, and pastries. Their cafe is airy and open, making it a great place to relax as you sip your minty beverage and maybe even read the newspaper.

A unique option would be to order the Greek Mint Tea, which comes straight from Greece, paired with a chocolate pastry. The Chocolate Croissants are perfectly flaky and delicious, and the OMG Chocolate Cake is truly indulgent. You really can't go wrong with a simple Chocolate Cookie, either. Sweetwaters puts pretzel pieces in them to add an incredible crunch.

Better Together

Which one of these Columbus businesses will you visit on National Chocolate Mint Day?

Ohio is filled with amazing destinations where you can explore history of all types, including some excellent museums and fascinating historical sites that highlight Black history. With places like the Cleveland African American Museum in Northeast Ohio, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, and the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center near Columbus, there are so many informative, inspiring places to visit during Black History Month in February. Today, we're going to take a closer look at 9 of the best places to explore all around Ohio for Black History Month this year.

John Mercer Langston Historic Home

207 E. College St., Oberlin, OH 44074

John Mercer Langston was a fascinating figure in African American history and a trailblazer who achieved many firsts as a Black man. He was the first known Black elected official in the country and the first Black congressman elected from Virginia. John Mercer Langston spent more than a decade living in Oberlin during the mid-1800s, and his historic residence has been preserved to the present day. You can still visit the home today, and it has been included on the National Register of Historic Places.

The African American Museum of Cleveland

1765 Crawford Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106

One of the earliest independent museums on African American history and culture, the Cleveland African American Museum was founded by Icabod Flewellen in 1953. It moved to its current location in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood in 1984 and has continued its mission ever since. That mission is to raise cultural awareness, provide education about Black history, organize community events, and exhibit artifacts that tell stories about the African American experience. The museum is currently open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays, with fundraising underway to reopen full-time in the future.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Located in downtown Cincinnati since it first opened in 2004, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is an award-winning museum and educational center that tells the story of the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a network that helped escaped slaves reach free territories, and quite a few of the destinations on our list played a role in the Underground Railroad. Along with helping share the Underground Railroad story, this museum also works to pay tribute to all who worked to abolish human enslavement and secure freedom for all people. There are also some great virtual programs available for Black History Month and all year long if you can't make it to the museum in person.

John Parker House

300 N. Front St., Ripley, OH 45167

One of two destinations on our list located in Ripley, a small town southeast of Cincinnati along the Ohio River, the John Parker House is both a museum and the current home of the John P. Parker Historical Society. As a young man, John Parker escaped from slavery and dedicated his life to helping other slaves reach freedom. He was an inventor and was also very active with the Underground Railroad. The museum is open from Friday through Sunday during select times of the year, so be sure to check the schedule before visiting.

John Rankin House

6152 Rankin Hill Rd., Ripley, OH 45167

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Also located in Ripley is the John Rankin House, one of the most active stops along the Underground Railroad in Ohio. The home of Reverend John Rankin was built in 1825 and was home to Rankin, his wife Jean, and their 13 children. The home, which overlooks the Ohio River, was recently restored and includes many unique artifacts from Rev. John Rankin's life as an abolitionist. You can stop by for a guided tour to learn all about this fascinating figure, his family, his work as an abolitionist, and his role in helping escaped slaves reach freedom.

Paul Laurence Dunbar House

219 N. Paul Laurence Dunbar St., Dayton, OH 45402

2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of celebrated African American author and poet laureate Paul Laurence Dunbar, who spent many years living in Ohio. The Paul Laurence Dunbar House is now a museum and cultural center, where you can learn all about the prolific writer who produced 20 books, including novels, poetry, and short stories during his short lifetime. He purchased this home for his mother in 1904 and lived there with her while he produced some of his final literary works. The home is also the location of the Dunbar Literary Circle, which meets on the second Sunday of every month.

National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center

1350 Brush Row Rd., Wilberforce, OH 45384

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Dedicated to helping visitors learn more about African American contributions to history and culture in America, the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center is an excellent place to visit during Black History Month. Exhibits scheduled to run through 2022 include Rhythm of Revolution, Queens of the Heartland, Behind the Mask: Black Power in Comics, African Americans Fighting for a Double Victory, and more. There are also many permanent exhibits, including more than 8,000 artifacts.

John Gee Black Historical Center

48 Pine St., Gallipolis, OH 45631

Housed in the John Gee African Methodist Chapel, which held church services for nearly 200 years from its founding until its final service in 1997, the John Gee Black Historical Center is a cultural and educational center. The center works to preserve the culture, tradition, crafts, art, and music of Black Americans in southeast Ohio. In addition to the many exhibits on display, the John Gee Black Historical Center often hosts lectures where you can learn more about Black history and culture.

King Arts Complex

835 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus, OH 43203

Art, music, and culture play such a vibrant, vital role in telling the story of Black history. The King Arts Complex includes galleries that showcase painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, and decorative arts. Many events are happening at the King Arts Center all year long, including the Heritage Music Festival, First Tuesday Tea, and a wide variety of youth arts education programs. The King Arts Complex is a place where you can learn about the many contributions that African Americans have made to the culture of Ohio and of the entire country.

Remembering the Past Makes for a Brighter Future

Whether you visit during Black History Month or at any other time of the year, all of these museums tell important stories that deserve to be heard. Which places will you explore to get in touch with history in Ohio this year?

Mead, a delectable beverage made from fermented honey and water, was dubbed "nectar of the gods" by the ancient Greeks. Fortunately, you can partake in this heavenly drink right here in Ohio. Head to these wonderful meaderies conveniently located near Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati. 

Western Reserve Meadery

2135 Columbus Rd., Suite C, Cleveland, OH 44113

At Western Reserve Meadery, they believe the concepts of fine materials and authentic craft apply to the drinking environment as well as the product. Sample their delicious meads in the elegantly casual ambiance created by historic brick and handmade hardwood furnishings. Be sure to try the new releases such as Bee Baller, which gets its zip from Carolina Reaper peppers, and full-bodied Blueberry Blossom Fig. Western Reserve Meadery is open 5 - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon - 9 p.m. Saturday.

Brothers Drake Meadery

26 E. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43201

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Yes, there really are brothers named Drake. Eric and Woody turned their long-standing hobby into the Brothers Drake Meadery, located in the fashionable Short North Arts District of Columbus. In addition to traditional mead, you'll often find experimental flavors such as Blue Lemonade and PB&J. Stop in on Wednesday for live music on Jazz Night. Hours are 5 - 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 - 11 p.m. Friday, 2 - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 2 - 8 p.m. Sunday.

Dysfunctional Delights Meadery

916 Columbus Ave., Lebanon, OH 45036

Don't let the name fool you. Family-owned and operated Dysfunctional Delights Meadery is a harmonious labor of love. Brad and Jamey Ryles left the 9-to-5 world to pursue Brad's vision of bringing mead to the Cincinnati area. With games for the kids and drinks for the grown-ups, the Ryles family wants to make your family feel welcome. Customers love the fruit-flavored meads such as cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry rhubarb. Hours are 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 - 10 p.m. Friday, and 2 - 10 p.m. Saturday.

BottleHouse Brewery & Mead Hall

13368 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107

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The open floor plan, stone arches, and picnic table-style seating at BottleHouse Brewery & Mead Hall create the warm and welcoming atmosphere of an old-school community gathering spot. There are couches for couples or smaller groups, and a number of plants provide a welcome touch of greenery. Food is also special at BottleHouse, where Eugene Kitchen is serving up Michael Shoen's legendary Tinman Burgers. Mead hall hours are 5 p.m. - midnight Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday, 2 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday, and 2 - 10 p.m. Sunday.

Blackbird Meadery

738 W. National Rd., Vandalia, OH 45377

So you want mead but your friend or significant other prefers beer? Cover all the bases at Blackbird Meadery. Opened in 2020, Blackbird Meadery shares space with Hairless Hare Brewery, which offers a wide selection of craft beer to meet any taste. Whatever you're drinking, it will pair well with the pizzas, chicken wings, and bar snacks on the food menu. Check out the Chef's Menu for special dishes such as pulled pork mac 'n' cheese or beef vino marinara bowl. Hours are 4 - 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 2 - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Crafted Artisan Meadery

1189 State Route 43, Mogadore, OH 44260

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At Crafted Artisan Meadery, brewing is truly regarded as an art form. Their goal is to bring traditional mead into the 21st century with some modern updates, making it accessible to everyone. When founder Kent Waldeck moved back to his home state of Ohio from North Carolina, he decided to turn his fascination with brewing into what is still a home-based business. Crafted's stated values include an "anti-ego ethos" that promotes an attitude of humility and humor. The taproom is open Friday from 5 - 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon - 10 p.m. Bottle sales are also available weekdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Dutch Creek Winery

12157 State Route 690, Athens, OH 45701

Owners Paul and Cindy Freedman literally use the fruits of their 105-acre farm in creating the mead at Dutch Creek Winery. The couple keeps bees that produce the honey and grow apples, peaches, and pears that flavor the mead, cider, and fruit wines. After friends encouraged Paul and Cindy to sell their products commercially at retail outlets across the state, they decided to open a family-friendly tasting room with additional outdoor seating in the beautiful rural setting. Dutch Creek Winery is open on Friday from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon - 8 p.m.

Four Fires Meadery

1683 Lance Point Rd., Unit 108, Maumee, OH 43537

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You've probably heard of garage bands, so why not a garage meadery? That was the humble origin of Four Fires Meadery, as a group of friends gathered to experiment and support each other in their shared interest. Inspired by the original native tribes of Northwest Ohio and their Council of Three Fires, the friends modified the name to signify the fellowship of their group. Food trucks are on hand Friday and Saturday for some good eats. Taproom hours are 4 - 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 2 - 10 p.m. Saturday.

Woodland Cellars

212 N. Main St., Hubbard, OH 44425

When you visit Woodland Cellars, chances are good that owners Nate and Dani Wilson will be the first ones to greet you. Their hands-on approach applies to everything from making mead based on a 700-year-old recipe to operating the tasting room. Mead serves as inspiration for menu items such as the Eye of Odin burger, prepared with a mead reduction and a mead mustard sauce. Woodland Cellars has become known for their Sunday brunches, which feature make-your-own breakfast pizza, omelette, breakfast sandwich, or waffle, along with bottomless mimosas. Hours are 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, 4 - 10 p.m. Thursday, 4 - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday.

Like Bees to Honey

In addition to food and beverage, honey has an amazing number of applications, ranging from hair conditioner to treatment for mosquito bites. Do you have a favorite use for honey?

Why travel far when Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky continue to be a delightful slice of Americana? Whether your interests run to entertainment, shopping, culture, or outdoor activities, you'll find it at these wonderful locations.

Boone County Arboretum

9190 Camp Ernst Rd., Union, KY 41091

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Few things can bring a smile to faces like the colorful and charming sight of flowers and plants. With more than 3,600 trees and flowering shrubs, Boone County Arboretum will instantly brighten your day. Also known as Central Park, the arboretum was the first in the country to be created within an active recreational park setting. Pet-friendly Boone County Arboretum also holds the highest level of recognition accorded by the Arbnet Accreditation Program. Admission is free for all visitors, and hours are dawn to dusk daily.

Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue

14099 Wolf Creek Rd., Brookville, IN 47012

Get a rare chance for an up-close look at one of nature's more magnificent creatures. Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the true nature of wolves. The habitat even features rustic cabins you can rent where you can fall asleep to the sound of their howls. Admission to the observation decks is free, and with a $50 donation, you can actually interact with the different packs. Wolf Creek is open weekends from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. during winter and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. during summer.

Findlay Market

1801 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Do you think a farmers market is just a handful of fruit and vegetable stands? You could easily spend an entire day taking in the sights and sounds at Findlay Market. Ohio's oldest continuously-operated market draws upwards of one million visitors each year. More than 50 vendors are on hand with top-quality meat, seafood, produce, ethnic and specialty foods, and flowers. When you're hungry, choose from more than two dozen dine-in and carry-out options. Weekends feature live performers and special events, such as the upcoming Valentine's Day Sweet & Savory Stroll. Findlay Market is open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

3380 Beaver Rd., Union, KY 41091

Past and present meet at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site. One of the main draws is the site's herd of bison, the largest land mammal in North America and the last mammalian link to the Ice Age. The museum includes exhibits spotlighting fossil finds and other on-site research, while Discovery Trail has dioramas and interpretive panels about the park's illustrious prehistoric times. Hike one of the dog-friendly trails, enjoy a game of miniature golf, and relax with the family on 40 acres of picnic grounds. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is open seven days a week from dawn until dark, and admission is free.

Rabbit Hash General Store

10021 Lower River Rd., Rabbit Hash, KY 41005

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Rabbit Hash General Store is only about 30 minutes from the bustling urban center of Cincinnati, but when you visit, you'll feel as though you've stepped into a whole different place and time. Legend has it that the town was named after a dish that became popular after the flood of 1847. As with many small rural towns, the general store, which dates back to 1831, serves as the heart of the community. In addition to groceries and staples, visitors find a fascinating selection of antiques, collectibles, and gift items, including products made by local artisans. Hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. seven days a week.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Explore one of the difficult yet inspirational chapters in American history. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center features several permanent and traveling exhibits showcasing stories of freedom. Some exhibits include film, role-playing actors, and hands-on activities. Trace your own history using the resources available in the John Parker Library and Family Search Center. Admission is $15 for adults and $10.50 for ages 3-12. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Boone County Distilling Co.

10601 Toebben Dr., Boone County, KY 41501

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The slogan at Boone County Distilling Co., makers of authentic bourbon whiskey, is "Made by Ghosts." This isn't a literal statement but rather a tribute to the men who pioneered distilling in Boone County. Tour the 5,000 square-foot facility and visit the barrel-shaped sampling room to try award-winning products such as Bourbon Cream and Tanner's Curse Rye. Boone County Distilling Co. is also a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour, so be sure to get your passport stamped. Tour tickets are $14 for ages 21 and over and $7 for ages 16-20. Reservations are recommended but not required. Distillery hours are 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday. 

Full Throttle Adrenaline Park

24 Spiral Dr., Florence, KY 41042

Get some high-octane thrills with the extreme activities offered at Full Throttle Adrenaline Park. Take a spin in a go-kart that travels at twice the conventional speed, face off with zombies in the virtual reality arena, or try your hand at axe throwing. Need to blow off some steam? Take it out smashing glass bottles, TVs, and other breakables in the Rage Room. Refuel at the convenient on-site food and beverage bar. Activities can be chosen individually, or you can purchase an inclusive Adrenaline Pass for $55. Full Throttle is open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - midnight Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.

Exploring We Will Go

Which attraction will you visit first?