Take a look at your calendar. This is the last weekend of September. In two weekends, it’s Homecoming and in another two weekends it’s Halloween. Upcoming weekends with warm weather are few and far between.
Being in Ohio, we know the harsh winter weather comes quickly. Soon enough, the only time we’ll be caught outside is walking to class or shuffling to the bars. Let’s face it — this is one of the last weekends you can explore Athens County while the weather is still warm and the sun is still shining. We shouldn’t be spending it cooped up in the buildings we frequent every weekend.
Two days ago, state officials came to Athens County to explore more opportunities for tourism in both Ohio and Athens. Places mentioned were the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, the Dairy Barn Art Center and Stuart’s Opera House. But as a student, can you honestly say you’ve visited any of these places?
People from all over Ohio and neighboring states come to see Athens. We’re fortunate enough to be living here for a majority of the year. In 2009, Athens County raked in $119 million in tourism to add to the collective $38 billion Ohio made altogether.
You already know how beautiful this campus is and you hear how amazing the entire area is. But beyond your dorm room or your porch on State Street, how far have you gone outside the city of Athens?
The most popular attraction in Athens County is the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway train ride. Drive up to Nelsonville and enjoy the scenic area via train. Rumor has it, The Boot Grill, a dining option at the Rocky Factory Outlet Store in Nelsonville, has the best burger in Athens County.
If you don’t have a car, The Ridges has a lot more going on than ghost hunting. There are some good trails for hiking or biking and you can visit the Kennedy Arts Center. Most of the art they feature is from students or Athens residents.
Sure you’ve hiked up Jeff Hill, but have you hiked at Strouds Run State Park? Just a few miles away, you can go hiking on their 15 miles of trails or go boating at Dow Lake.
There’s an entire list of possibilities for you to do this weekend. As of right now, the forecast is in the upper 50s. You don’t want to graduate from Ohio University without having explored the area. So, instead of going up to the bars on a Saturday afternoon, get out of the city and explore the rural area around you.
We’re extremely lucky to be in such a popular county for tourism. Sometimes you won’t realize what we have until you step outside the city limits.
Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors.
