Preble County Sunshine & Sites Lift Your Spirit

This Saturday was a great day for more adventures in Preble County, Ohio. Nothing but blue skies and time to explore…..

After I dropped off our 3 dogs at ‘GROOMING WITH SUNSHINE’ in Camden for their appointments, I was free to wander!
***Special Note – If you own a dog, please be sure to check out Lindsey’s ‘GROOMING WITH SUNSHINE’ Facebook page for more about her services. She has always groomed our Scotties and we think she is the best!!! We highly recommend her. If you book an appt., please let her know that I (Cathy) referred you.

I had no specific plans or an agenda to follow for the day, other than finding more covered bridges in Preble County! During these crazy days of Covid19, I have been on a sort of historical/cultural mission to visit all 8 of the Covered Bridges in Preble County listed by the Preble County Convention & Visitors Bureau. For a map and more details visit their website at /https://preblecountypassport.com/

Previously on 2 separate other day trips, I viewed 4 of the 8 bridges. My hope was to visit at least 2 more of the Covered Bridges today along with anything else that might catch my interest along the way.

As my day of wandering ensued, my daily activities grew to include the following list of sites visited:

1. LAVENDEL HILLS – the very first Lavender Fields created and grown in Preble County. Check out their Facebook and Instagram pages for more information about their fields, harvests, products, events, and activities. This particlar Saturday night was their last sunset yoga session of the season in their lavender fields – since their growing season has ended. My guess is that this sensorial experience is not only very relaxing but also naturally beautiful and super-fragrant. Definitely a TO-DO LIST action item for my 2021 calendar! For now, I settled with talking to the owner, Kajsa, and buying a bouquet of dried ‘phenomenal’ (the species name) lavender. It smells amazing or should I say phenomenal!

2. THE CONCORD UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST – the 180-year Church was founded and based on the revival movement called the “Great Awakening”. Ministers from Paris, KY at Canes Ridge were transformed by an evangelical gospel and were moved to travel to the new frontier (that later became known as Ohio) under the banner of the Christian Church. Unfortunately, the Concord United Church of Christ was closed today, but the outside of the building, the old water pump and Cemetary across the Road were very interesting to view.

3. THE HARSHMAN COVERED BRIDGE – is fully operational and is 4 miles north of Fairhaven. It was built in 1894 by Everett S Sherman, who built a lot of bridges in the area reviving the technology of the once patented ‘Childs truss bridges’. This design allowed for the variation of the size of the wooden beams according to the loads carried by them rather than using uniform-sized beams. I was able to walk and even drive-thru this Covered Bridge. Truly fascinating.

4. STRIKE’S FAMILY ORCHARD – An Amish produce wholesaler with a pop-up, covered stand in downtown Eaton, Ohio. Usually, on Saturdays, it is located at the corner of South Barron Street and East St Clair Street in the parking lot of the Marathon Gas Station. All the fruits and vegetables looked super fresh and great. I couldn’t refrain from buying some fresh green beans and blackberries to take home for the week.

5. DIXON’S BRANCH COVERED BRIDGE – is now located in the Lewisburg Community Park. The original bridge was built in 1887 and located in Dixon Township on Concord Road. However, in 1963 destructive storms took the roof off the bridge. It was then decided, for a variety of reasons, to replace the covered wooden bridge with a new concrete and steel structure. The old bridge was moved to its current location in 1964 and rededicated as part of the Lewisburg Community Park. Obviously it is no longer in operation for transportation, but it is still a unique, beautiful, and historic bridge. You will find it situated in the front, grassy area of the park by the children’s play equipment. It’s in a well-shaded spot, perfectly suited to hold several picnic tables inside for ‘bring your own’ outdoor lunches or dinners. This lovely park also has several baseball fields, a gazebo, and a 2-year old dedicated Footbridge.

Hope you enjoy my photos and information from the day. I encourage you to get out and explore your neighboring counties. It is something fun and inexpensive to do during these days of Covid19. Sunshine and travel always lift my spirits.

Eat Well…Travel Often!

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