If you are looking for fun and interesting activities in West Union, you have come to the right place. This small town is located in Adams County, Ohio, about 55 miles southeast of Cincinnati. Its population was 3,241 at the 2010 census. The town is also the county seat. Located on the Ohio River, this village is a favorite among residents and visitors.
Echo Valley State Park
Echo Valley State Park in West Union, Iowa, is a historic place for outdoor enthusiasts. Originally established as a game refuge in 1936, the park quickly became a popular winter destination. Its long sledding hill, ice-covered lake, and lights for night skating were all draws for local children. When a grass fire broke out in the park in July 1936, West Union residents flocked to the area to put it out. As a result, many of the native cedars growing along the 70-foot rock ridge were saved.
The state park has two trout streams and 100 acres of natural habitat. Several historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps are still standing. Echo Valley also offers hiking trails and a picnic shelter. Camping is also available, and there are primitive campsites and a nature trail. Hunting is prohibited in the park, but visitors can fish in a nearby area.
The Greene Beanery
The Greene Beanery in West Union is located in an old bed and breakfast, the Bayberry Inn. Originally located at the intersection of 41 and 32, the inn was moved to its current location in 1971. In 2007, the property went up for sale and Cheryl Greene bought it. She decided that the old house was the perfect spot to open a coffee and pastry shop.
The Old Thyme Wheat Ridge Herb Fair
The Old Thyme Herb and Harvest Festival is a great way to get in touch with nature while spending a few hours in West Union, Ohio. The festival, which takes place Oct. 8-10, is open to the public and has been going for thirteen years. The fair offers workshops, live music, and fresh food. It is also a great place to find a variety of herbs and natural remedies.
Located at Grinstone Farm, The Old Thyme Wheat Ridge Herb Festival is a wonderful family-friendly event. It features over 200 artisans and food vendors with a wide variety of quality, unique, and tasteful items. The event is free and features live music, a vendor market, and many kids’ activities.
Guests can enjoy music on Friday evening and live music on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be antique tractors on display. If you’re into tractors, be sure to hear the “hit and miss” engine on Friday. A visit to the event will offer a unique opportunity to see some of the oldest tractors in the area.
The Hallmark Shop
The Hallmark Shop in West Union is a retail store that offers a variety of greeting cards and other Hallmark items. It is located near Lane Bryant and Famous Footwear. If you’re looking for a gift for a special someone, you might want to check out this store.
Hallmark has been helping people celebrate their special moments for more than 100 years. Their rich history and passion for creating beautiful products help people form meaningful connections. They are the leading supplier of greeting cards and gift wrap throughout the country. They provide a wide range of wrapping materials, ribbons, and other finishing touches to make your gifts perfect.
The Greene Streetscape Pilot Project
The Greene Streetscape Pilot Project in WestUnion, Iowa, is a community-wide initiative that has been a catalyst for future investment in the downtown. The project is a result of a partnership between the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDA) and the City of West Union. In October 2007, the IDA completed a Technical Assistance Visit to West Union to determine the feasibility of implementing multipurpose pedestrian-scale streetscape improvements in the downtown. The IDA then developed a Streetscape Master Plan. The project is now in construction documentation stages and includes a comprehensive renaissance of six downtown blocks. In addition to the streetscape, the city will replace aging storm sewer and water infrastructure.
As part of the pilot, the IDA sought to reduce salt runoff into local trout streams. It found that porous pavement is the best solution for West Union’s needs. Additionally, the city rejected the idea of installing geothermal heating in the downtown. Moreover, the city’s planners decided to forego the idea of heated sidewalks.
The community is a progressive county seat town of 2,486. Located in far northeast Iowa, the city has a strong sense of community pride. The town’s downtown transformation completed in 2013 included holistic components of resilience and sustainability. It also included the creation of a community amphitheater, public art, and improved walkability.
The project proposes several green spaces that would help calm traffic, slow vehicle turns, and create safe pedestrian crossings. It also would provide a dedicated space for cyclists. Moreover, the new streetscape would serve as a vital east-west connection to the bike network and Bronx River Greenway.
