Residents of Ohio who haven’t explored the village of Carrollton and its surrounding townships have a reason to go soon. The 50th Annual Algonquin Mill Fall Festival, hosted among a collection of restored 19th-century farmhouses, barns and community buildings, will take place October 8-10.
The festival is just one of many ways Carroll County showcases its historic roots in the Appalachian foothills. In Carrollton, visitors will also find a charming public square filled with specialty shops that invite you into the past and quaint diners with home cooking.
Site
Carrollton is at the junction of state highways 39 and 43 in the middle of Carroll County. It is surrounded by Center Township, which adjoins the townships of Harrison, Washington, Union and Lee.
Strong points
Carrollton is the seat of Carroll County, and both are named after Charles Carroll, the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The village started out small and has remained small, without a period of significant prosperity. In 1887, locals were boasting that there were no saloons in their community and that there was not a single criminal in the county jail.
Notable people in the area include US Congressman and Civil War Brigadier General Ephraim Eckley; Robert Lowdermilk, who spent 12 years with the Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts; and renowned thoroughbred horse racing jockeys Eddie and Sam Maple.
Attractions
Please Note: Many businesses are changing their hours of operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Be aware that the information reported in this list may change.
• Algonquin Mill Complex, 234 Autumn Road South-West in Union Township, is a collection of historic buildings, including a mill, one-room school, barns, breadhouse, cabins, inn stage, a farm house, a summer house and a train depot. The mill will be holding its 50th annual festival from October 8-10. Admission is $ 8 per vehicle, with exhibits open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More details here: http://carrollcountyhistoricalsociety.com/Mill/Millfest.htm
• Coming this month to the Carrolton Public Square is the annual Scarecrows in the Square event. On September 26 from 10 a.m. to noon, youth groups and businesses will build fancy scarecrows in a judged competition. The scarecrows will remain in the square until October 18.
• Bluebird Farm Park – maintained by the county just outside the heart of Carrollton – includes an amphitheater that hosts a variety of events throughout the summer and through the fall. It sits on a 55-acre farm established in 1816 and has a renovated farmhouse, barns, and pre-Civil War gardens. There are hiking trails, a gift shop, a rental suite, and Susie’s Childhood Museum. And new, the Scratch Steakhouse is on site. All located at 190 Alamo Road South East. For hours and details visit http://ccparkdistrict.org/bluebirdfarmpark.html
• The Carroll Meadows golf course, opened in 1989, offers 18 holes of watered fairways and greens. It has a driving range and clubhouse with a fully stocked pro-shop, snack bar, and a full-service restaurant, the Knickers Sports Bar and Grill. Open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1130 Meadowbrook Lane Northeast in Carrollton. https://www.carrollmeadows.com
• Valley Run Wilderness is a 304 acre wildlife preserve located a few miles north of Carrollton, in Harrison Township. The largely undeveloped area offers hunting opportunities, primarily for wild turkeys, ruffed grouses, fox squirrels and white-tailed deer. There are also old forest paths that provide hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. Find directions at https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/valley-run-wildlife-area
• Carrollton Country Cornerstone Primitives is a quaint boutique offering home decor, furniture and antiques. Located at 754 N. Lisbon St., it is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Close on Sunday. Visit https://www.facebook.com/Carrollton-Country-Flowers-156514344388332
• Betty Kaye Bakery has been serving carbohydrates in Carrollton since 1950 at 72 W. Main St. More famous for its brownies, the bakery also offers a daily supply of breads, cookies, cakes and pastries. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. https://bettykayebakery.com
• The McCook House was home to Major Daniel McCook, one of 15 family members who joined the Civil War and became known as the “Fighting McCooksâ€. The museum is open for tours until October 9, with opening hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Admission is $ 1 for children, $ 2 for adults. The museum is located at 15 S. Lisbon St. in the town square. It also hosts holiday events. Visit http://carrollcountyhistoricalsociety.com/McCook/House/house.htm for the schedule.
• The Ashton 5 ¢ and 10 ¢ store has been locally owned and operated since 1932. It is an old-fashioned variety store with hardwood floors, a candy counter, art supplies and art. crafts, seasonal decorations, fabrics. children’s toys, greeting cards and gifts. Look for the “Ben Franklin” sign at 60 W. Main St. Open 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday. The store’s original owner’s house, one block away, is also kept as a nostalgic throwback. Visit the Ashton House Museum at 120 Third St., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Entrance $ 2 and $ 3.
• Trunks and Treasures is an antique store with two floors of vintage finds, located at 9 S. Lisbon St. in Carrollton Town Square. The boutique is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. https://www.facebook.com/Trunks-and-Treasures-114997386859374
• If you are looking for a body of water, try Leesville Lake, south of town and all the way to Union Township. The man-made lake is a fisherman’s paradise known for its record-sized muskellunge as well as catfish, bluegill, sage, perch and bass. Find boat rentals or a place to stay in Leesville North Fork Marina and Campground, 2126 Azalea Road SW. Visit www.leesvillelake.com.
• Donna’s Deli, 50 Public Square in Carrollton, offers home cooked meals and a full sandwich menu. Located at 50 S. Lisbon St., it is currently only open from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Follow him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Donnas-Deli-164322076716
• Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ at 291 W. Main St. in Carrollton boasts of having a “new twist†on the barbecue with its wraps, nachos and “chin barâ€. Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. http://jimmysbackyardbbq.com/carrollton
• Que Pasa – a sister restaurant to locations in Minerva and Orrville – offers authentic Mexican cuisine at 160 W. Main St. in Carrollton. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. https://www.facebook.com/Que-pasa-Carrollton-ohio-211105986063057
About Carrollton
Based: Carrollton was originally plated in 1815 as “Centerville”. It changed its name in 1834.
Population: The village has 3,200 inhabitants.
School and nickname: Carrollton Village Schools, the Warriors
Website: http://www.villageofcarrollton.com
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