There's a lot more to the month of May than just graduations and Mother's Day. From a Moonshine Festival to a romantic canoe ride under the moon, here's a list of things to do near Hocking College this May.
Tour de Forest Benefit Bicycle Ride
May 4 • 7AM — 3:30PM
Hocking College (3301 Hocking Parkway — Nelsonville, OH)
Hop on your bike and ride some exhilarating routes through the forested hills and valleys. Registration is required and includes a t-shirt, homemade granola from Fullbrook Cafe, and a hearty lunch upon returning to the Hocking College Student Center. Event benefits the LCBD Council's effort to collect, share, and bring to life the provocative history of the Hocking Valley Coal Region.
Cooking Class: Homemade Turtle & Caramel Candies
May 4 • 10AM — 12PM
The Lodge (15770 OH-691— Nelsonville, OH)
Just in time for Mother's Day, surprise your mom with your candy-making skills in this sweet cooking class. Instructor Elizabeth Dennis will share her coveted family recipe for homemade turtles, which also includes a homemade caramel that she cooks for an entire day! Students will make two (2) dozen turtles and will receive a gift package to make it that special gift for mom. Cost to attend is $35 per participant.
Morel & Ramp Hunt & Cooking Class
May 4 • 10AM — 4PM
The Lodge (15770 OH-691— Nelsonville, OH)
Biologist and Ecologist, Homer Elliott, will guide participants on a walk through the foothills of Appalachia in search of morel and ramp. Homer will guide you through the forest while discussing the fundamentals of edible mushrooms and wild onions. You'll learn about the ecosystem, terrain, and other clues to increase the likelihood of finding edibles. After working up an appetite from the search, participants will gather for a cooking demonstration led by Master Chef Vincenzo Sclama at The Lodge. Chef Sclama will share delicious recipes that incorporate the morel and ramp, as well as information about proper handling, storing, and cooking edibles. Cost to attend is $65 per person.
Pork Roast Picnic
May 4 • 11AM — 2PM
Robbins Crossing (3301 Hocking Parkway — Nelsonville, OH)
Head to Robbins Crossing from 11AM-2PM for some fun in the sun! Enjoy a historic baseball, goats, cow milking, lard rendering, pioneer olympics, and other historic activities. In addition, a pig roast will be taking place & participants can purchase a lunch ticket which will include a pork sandwich, two sides, dessert, and a drink. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
Canoe the Hocking River
May 18 • 9:30AM — 6:30PM
Hocking College (3301 Hocking Parkway — Nelsonville, OH)
Enjoy a 2-3 mile canoe ride with multiple stops, including lunch, on the Hocking River during this eco adventure. Cost to participate is $300 per paddling pair and is an all-inclusive package that includes transportation, safety instruction, equipment, food & drink, and all other aspects of the guided tour. Participants are asked to bring their own water bottle and to wear river appropriate attire. Basic/beginner canoe experience is encouraged. Spots are limited to 14 spaces, or 7 pairs.
Pre-Season Steam Train
May 18 & 19 • 11AM & 3PM
Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad (33 West Canal St. — Nelsonville, OH)
These pre-season trains will depart the Nelsonville Depot for a round-trip ride to East Logan. Narration will be provided during the ride to point out locations of interest, such as the historic Hocking Canal Lock No. 19, historic buildings of note in Haydenville, as well as the history of the railroad and area. Open-air cars and enclosed coaches will be available, and the enclosed cars will be heated if weather requires. Seating is limited to 150 passengers and the duration of the ride is approximately one hour and thirty minutes.
Robbins Crossing Community Clean-up Day
May 18 & 25 • 9AM
Robins Crossing (3301 Hocking Parkway — Nelsonville, OH)
Head to Robbins Crossing during one (or both!) of the above dates to help them get ready for the season. Lunch will be provided for those who attend.
ATCO Idol 2019
May 23 • 6PM
Stuart's Opera House (52 Public Square — Nelsonville, OH)
What started as a small senior daytime program activity has grown into an annual community event. ATCO Idol will feature 22 performers with a variety of songs throughout the evening. Each performer is unique and will make a choice of a song that they would like to perform on stage. Watch their transformation from an ordinary individual to a super star right in from of you on the stage. ATCO Idol gives people the chance to hone their talent and share their gifts in a way they often are not given a chance to do.
Memorial Day Train
May 27 • 1PM
Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad (33 West Canal St. — Nelsonville, OH)
The Memorial Day train, which is basically the East Logan weekend train, will depart the Nelsonville Depot for a round-trip ride along the historic Hocking River Valley. Along the way, you'll pass through the historic company town of Haydenville, which was the last company town in Ohio. It was once part of a large brick and clay company known in its later days as NATCO. Other sights along the trip include one of the remaining Hocking Canal locks, an active gravel mine, the Hocking River, and, of course, the hills of the Hocking River Valley. Duration of this trip is approximately two hours.
Pickerington Village Mayfest - Craft Bazaar & Chocolate Hop
May 3 • 10AM — 4PM
Olde Village of Pickerington (W. Columbus St.; Various locations —Pickerington, OH)
Enjoy this family-friendly event where you can browse craft and business vendors, enjoy delicious food, and take in live music. The Annual Chocolate Hop fundraiser will be held from Noon-2PM, and for a $5 donation you'll obtain a map and enjoy a chocolate treat at each participating business. Proceeds benefit the Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society and PVA Community events.
Wildflower Hike
May 4 • 10AM — 11:30AM
Clear Creek Metro Park (185 Clear Creek Rd. — Rockbridge, OH)
Search for spring blooms on a 1.5-mile hike along the Cemetery Ridge Trail. Those interested in participating should meet at Creekside Meadows.
Community Days
May 10 & 11 • 4PM
Fairfield County Fairgrounds (157 E. Fair Ave. — Lancaster, OH)
This free festival features a car show, a Civil War encampment, live bands, amusement park rides, arts & craft show, games, and lots of food!
Blue Moon Hike at Alley Park
May 18 • 9PM
Alley Park (2805 Old Logan Rd. SE — Lancaster, OH)
Enjoy this moderate hike involving 2+ miles and uneven terrain. An outdoor educator will be leading the hike as you take a hike in the park under the Blue Moon. Those interested in attending should meet in the front parking lot.
Mother's Day Tea in the Topiary Garden
May 11 • 2PM — 4PM
Topiary Park (480 East Town St. — Columbus, OH)
The Columbus Modern Dance Company (CoMo) presents an afternoon of dance by modern dancers on a journey through the garden with site-specific dance works. Tea & cookies will be served at intermission, and this event is free but RSVP is required.
Columbus Taco Fest
May 18 • 12PM — 10PM
Genoa Park (303 W Broad St. — Columbus, OH)
The Columbus Taco Fest features the finest local taco food trucks and restaurants. A fest to get closer to, discover, value, and celebrate the best of Columbus's culinary creativity.
Asian Festival
May 25 & 26 • 10AM
Franklin Park (1755 E. Broad St. — Columbus, OH)
Columbus’ significant Asian heritage is on display at the beautifully manicured Franklin Park every Memorial Day weekend. With food, dance, sports and music from across Asia, this festival is a great way to kick off summer.
Let The Flames Begin - Grilling Class
May 18 • 10:30AM — 1PM
The Bowen House (196 N. Market St. — Logan, OH)
Come get some hands-on grilling experience with this cooking class held outside in the garden at the Bowen House. Cost is $40 per person & participants will grill avocado with shrimp mango salsa, a homemade naan with artichoke spread & prosciutto, and a
bourbon peaches & grilled pound cake over ice cream. Those interested in reserving a spot should call the Bowen House at (740) 385-0344.
Romantic Moonlight Trips
May 18 • 7:30PM
Hocking Hills Adventures (31251 Chieftain Drive — Logan, OH)
Fall in love and reconnect again with your partner during this romantic moonlight canoe trip. Explore the river while paddling in and around some of the most scenic sections of the Hocking River. You're allowed to bring your own coolers (no styrofoam coolers or glass bottles) to stop for a picnic on one of the pristine river beaches. In order to celebrate your amazing relationship, a complimentary glass of wine to you and your partner will be provided, as well as live entertainment at the conclusion of your trip. Cost is $45 per canoe and the trip will launch at Crocketts Run.
Distilling 101
May 4 & 11 • 9:30AM
Hocking College Distillery (105 W. Main St.— New Straitsville, OH)
Enjoy this fun and informative hands-on learning experience about how moonshine is made, the different types, and the history of the process. This class will cover the use of raw materials, the principles of distillation during a bourbon run, the production of craft spirits, and a sensory tasting. This 2-session beginner class will walk you through the process of distilling corn into Bourbon, or as we call it, Moonshine. Cost is $135 which includes both classes, and each student will leave with moonshine and a small oak barrel for aging your own product at home. Participants must be 21+ to attend, and the class is limited to 12 participants and must have a minimum of 8 to run.
Vinton County Wild Turkey Festival
May 2-5 • Times vary
Vinton County CVB (104 W. Main St. — McArthur, Ohio)
Watch the downtown streets of McArthur come alive with food, music and fun for the whole family. Activities such as nightly entertainment on the sound stage, carnival rides and games, car show, quilt show, queens and baby contests. Grand parade will be Saturday at 6PM followed by the crowning of the Wild Turkey Festival Queen.
Youth Fishing Tournament
May 4 • 9AM — 11AM
Lake Hope State Park (27331 OH-278 — McArthur, Ohio)
Kids ages 16 and under are invited to bring their own pole and bait during Lake Hope's 2019 Youth Fishing Tournament, which will include a trophy presentation and cookout afterwards. Adults must be present with each child who participates, and those interested in participating should meet at the Lake Hope dam. For questions, please call the nature center at (740) 596-3030.
Connie Smith
May 11 • 8PM — 10PM
The Peoples Bank Theatre (222 Putnam St. — Marietta, OH)
Connie Smith is considered by many to be one of the best vocalists in country music history. This Country Music Hall of Fame inductee has earned 11 Grammy nominations, and landed on the Billboard Top Ten country singles charts 20 times. Tickets range from $36-$52.
Mother's Day Cruise
May 12 • 1PM — 3PM
Valley Gem Sternwheeler (601 Front St.— Marietta, OH)
Treat mom with this special cruise on the Valley Gem. The galley crew will prepare a delicious dinner as you enjoy the sights along the river. Cost is $40 for adults, $38 for seniors, and $30 for children ages 3 through 12.
Billy Ray Cyrus
May 17 • 8PM — 10PM
The Peoples Bank Theatre (222 Putnam St. — Marietta, OH)
The Flatwoods, KY native exploded onto the music scene when his first album, Some Gave All, debuted on the all-genre Billboard album charts at No. 1 and stayed there for a record-breaking 17 weeks in 1992. The lead single, “Achy Breaky Heart,” became a phenomenon as the single went multi-platinum. Cyrus will release his new album, The SnakeDoctor Circus, this year in which he collaborated with legendary, all-star musicians, including Muscle Shoals Swampers, Don Von Tress, and many more. Tickets range from $65-$89.