Things to Do in Mansfield When You’re Not Staring at the Sun
You may have heard that there’s a solar eclipse happening on Monday, April 8, 2024. You may have further learned that Mansfield, Ohio is one of the star locations in the path of totality. This is not an article about where to get your eclipse vibes on, though many of the locations mentioned in this article […] The upcoming solar eclipse in Mansfield, Ohio, is set to occur on April 8, 2024, with Mansfield being one of the main locations in the path of totality. However, these activities are not just for the eclipse, but also outside of the 3-minute eclipse period. Here are some recommendations for activities outside of that period. Highlights include Kingwood Center Gardens, the former home of Charles Kelley King, a local businessman who made his fortune with Ohio Brass, and Malabar Farm, a conservationist and author Louis Bromfield, where the property was designed to be a historical and educational tribute to nature and the geologically unique area of Ohio. The Reformatory at 1002024 is also having a special event marking the 30th anniversary of its founding.
Publicados : 4 semanas atrás por Mer Farrar no
You may have heard that there’s a solar eclipse happening on Monday, April 8, 2024. You may have further learned that Mansfield, Ohio is one of the star locations in the path of totality.
This is not an article about where to get your eclipse vibes on, though many of the locations mentioned in this article are involved in the celebrations – check out their links for more event details. Instead, here are a few recommendations for really awesome things you can do in Mansfield outside of the magical 3-minute eclipse period. (Because you really should focus on the eclipse during that time – with proper eyewear, of course!)
Whether you’re going to be in Mansfield for the eclipse, or just looking for a delightful day trip now that we’re starting to push out of the freeze, take a look at some of my favorite Mansfield activities.
The color is starting to come back to Ohio, slowly but surely. While peak bloom is still quite some time in the future, the daffodils are having their moment of glory, along with some of the hardier early spring flowers.
At Kingwood Center Gardens, located at 50 N. Trimble Rd. in Mansfield, the bright hopeful yellow patches of daffodils and forsythia pop out amongst the otherwise barren beds. But not to worry – before long, the other buds will bloom to turn the entire park into a riot of color.
For now, the gardens are gloriously green and golden, while peacocks and ducks stroll the grounds alongside visitors.
The greenhouse and the manor are open to visitors as well, providing some indoor space. Inside the greenhouse, you’ll find an alien landscape of fantastic plants that don’t typically grow in Ohio.
Kingwood Hall is the former home of Charles Kelley King, who made his fortune with Ohio Brass – a local company that originally created conductive equipment for trolleys. You can learn all about Mr. King and his career in Kingwood Hall as you tour the home. Construction began in 1926, and Mr. King lived in his French Provincial-style, Country Place-era home until his death in 1952. It was his wish for the grounds to be preserved as a public garden following his passing; in fact, his plans were so well-laid that the gardens opened to the public in 1953.
Once you’ve strolled the grounds and find yourself feeling more one with nature, stop by the gift shop and garden center to take some of the magic home to your own garden or planter!
In the words of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, “The natural features of Malabar Farm are representative of the diversity of the glaciated Allegheny Plateau region of Ohio.” That means it’s not flat – wear your outdoor walking shoes at a minimum.
Malabar Farm – technically in Lucas, Ohio – was the dream of conservationist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield. Built in 1939, the mixed Western Reserve-style “Big House” served as Bromfield’s vision until his death in 1956. Like Mr. King, he hoped to establish the property as a historical and educational tribute to nature and this geologically unique area of Ohio.
It also didn’t hurt that the property included the Ceely Rose House, the location of the events detailed in Bromfield’s book Pleasant Valley.
According to the sad tale, 23-year-old Ceely Rose fed her parents and brother rat poison in 1896, killing her father and brother. The situation it seems, was that Ceely was infatuated with their 16-year-old neighbor, Guy Barry, who did not return her affections. When her family tried to prevent Ceely from acting on her feelings, she added a special ingredient to their cottage cheese.
Though her mother lived through this event and helped Ceely avoid charges at the time, Ceely poisoned her again, admitting to doing so at her mother’s funeral.
Where there is murder, there are ghost stories, so be sure to keep your eyes out for unrestful spirits while exploring the shorter trails and historical spots within the park. I personally enjoy the trip out to Butternut Cave – a natural cave with views of stone cliffs and forest.
The Shawshank Trail and Other Reasons to Walk Around the Square
I have inexplicably never been to the Mansfield Reformatory at 100 Reformatory Rd., which is something I plan to correct in the very near future. They have so many different events throughout the year, from paranormal tours to music festivals and footraces. They are absolutely having a Reformatory eclipse event, too.
2024 is a special year, as it marks the 30th anniversary of Shawshank Redemption, which was famously filmed at the Reformatory and over a dozen locations around Mansfield.
Interestingly enough, the various filming locations have been mapped and labeled, meaning you can walk and drive around the Mansfield area to find them all. They’re sprinkled all over the place, too. From park benches to the parking lots at Malabar Farms, this scavenger hunt is low stakes and low energy, but lots of fun, since spots can pop up even when you aren’t looking for them!
If the words “get busy livin’” mean nothing to you, it’s still a good idea to wander around the general downtown area. From grabbing a tasty beer at Phoenix Brewing to browsing antiques to discovering hidden art, there’s more than meets the eye in Mansfield.
Regardless of the apogee or perigee of any solar body, Mansfield makes a great quick, instant getaway from Columbus. Not that you can’t spend more time there, of course, but if you’re looking for a destination that’s not too far away but still not too much like home, Mansfield is just over an hour away from the Downtown area via 71 North.
Furthermore, this is just a dusting of the activities available in Mansfield. While these locations were perfect for our quick day trip, there’s so much more to do in Richland County, 365 days a year.