Glitter and Garland Holidays

A suggested itinerary on your own at your own pace.

December 2011

 Day 1

MORNING:  Tour the Miracles of the Old Testament at BibleWalk. This tour is presented as a reminder of God's great works and includes life sized wax figures and special effects. All figures are re-created scenes from the Bible. As an added bonus, BibleWalk offers at no charge a collection of rare Bibles, unique folkart, woodcarvings and an outstanding gift shop. Non-denominational.

Enjoy the glitziness of touring the Renaissance Theatre. One of the most beautiful historic movie palaces in North Central Ohio!  Please inquire with a Theatre employee for a personal tour or call in advance.  Don’t forget to ask about their upcoming shows and Holiday performances!

LUNCH:   Ed Pickens' Cafe on Main is famous for its fresh and delicious deli menu. All of their soups, sauces, deli salads and dressings are made in their own kitchen where they bake the deli buns and gourmet cookies everyday. Located in the historical Reed’s building in the heart of the Central Park District overlooking the Square festooned with holiday lights.

AFTERNOON:  Step back in time when you tour Oak Hill Cottage- one of the most perfect forms of Gothic homes in the nation. Built in 1847, it has seven gables, five double chimneys and seven marble fireplaces. Beautifully decorated in a Victorian Dickens theme for the holidays. Open Sunday’s 2-5 p.m. or with advanced notice.

Visit the wedding site of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall at the historic Malabar Farm State Park. This 914-acre country estate is decorated for Christmas in a 1940’s theme and was home of Pulitzer Prize winning author Louis Bromfield and a haven for many Hollywood celebrities. The Louis Bromfield Visitors Education Center offers over 30 interactive exhibits to let visitors explore, learn and experience agriculture, our environment and Bromfield’s legacy. Malabar Farm Country Store has partnered with Lehman's old fashioned products to provide a unique shopping experience, Ohio made gifts and homemade fudge. Don’t forget to ask about their seasonal workshops open to the public! Tours available on the hour of the Big House.

Check into your host hotel with this complete list of lodging facilities in Mansfield/Richland County.

DINNER:  Watching over Pleasant Valley for over 180 years, the Malabar Farm Restaurant serves up more than history. Featuring all natural farm products from their own farm market along with the freshest produce. The restaurant features white tablecloths, a breathtaking view and delightful foods served with a Parisian influence fare in an upscale yet comfortable country setting. Enjoy their new inspired menu items like hand cut steaks or blackened salmon with golden saffron sauce. Complete your evening with fresh hot coffee, a tiramisu or a crème brûlée.

EVENING:  Drive through Ohio's finest lighting display at Christmas Wunderland at the Richland County Fairgrounds. Over 33 acres blanketed with over 400,000 colorful lights, 100 animated characters, images and cartoon Christmas characters. See a helicopter, clock tower, the 12 days of Christmas, toy workshops, Santa's train and much more.  Available Dec.2-Dec. 26, 2011 starting at 5:30 p.m.

Day 2

MORNING: 

Find that unique Christmas gift at the Mansfield Art Center.  An award-winning, modern wood and glass building that sits on 8.5 acres of wooded meadow. The annual exhibition schedule includes a mix of curated, juried, invitational, and traveling exhibitions. For amazing, one-of-a-kind art and jewelry year round, visit the Mansfield Art Center's Gallery Shop. The Gallery Shop is stocked with local artist who produce some of the finest pottery, jewelry, paintings and sculptures in all of Ohio.

The Historic Carrousel District will feed you, entertain you and bring culture and joy to your life! Bring out your inner child with a whimsical carousel ride at the Richland Carrousel Park. Browse for antiques at Carrousel Antiques, look for Jack and the Beanstalk at Main Street Books, or see fudge, popcorn and sugar-frosted nuts being made at the Squirrel’s Den Chocolate Shop. What Goes Around Thrift Shop supports Hospice of North Central Ohio with upscale items. Enjoy talent of local artists’ work at Elements of Art, grab a lottery ticket or cigar at Mansfield’s oldest newsstand City News, how about a new pair of shoes at Crowe’s Shoes which has been serving the area for 70 years or browse through Studio 19 for fine hair or nail products.  All this with beautifully restored Victorian-age buildings with tin ceilings, solid oak floors, brass lighting, ornate iron fencing, secluded courtyards and the feel of yesteryear.

LUNCH: Enjoy lunch at one of the Carrousel District’s fine restaurants:  Ed Pickens’ Café on Main, Coney Island Diner, and Athens Greek Restaurant.

Visit our calendar for special holiday events happening in the Historic Carrousel District such as holiday shopping, photos with Santa, Tiny Tim Shoppe and much more!

AFTERNOON:  What better way to create a great holiday shopping stop than the Blueberry Patch and Greenhouse. Ohio's Largest Blueberry Plantation. Visit their gift shop and greenhouses filled with holiday delights and don't forget a delightful snack or drink at Blossoms Café and Tea Room. Enjoy the convenience of pre-picked blueberries year around at the Blueberry Patch.

Get ready for some winter fun! Snow Trails Ski Resort offers six chairlifts, the Vertical Descent Tubing Park, 15 trails along with a day lodge, restaurant and bar, full service ski shop and children’s programs. Available mid December-March.

DINNER:  The Skyway East Restaurant in Mansfield offers upscale, yet affordable, dining in a romantic atmosphere. Linen tablecloths, low lighting, fresh flowers and a 100 bottle wine list enhance your dining experience. Each evening, 85 entrees are offered as well as seasonal and daily specials including; "fresh, directly overnighted, Hawaiian seafood". Choose from Black Angus or Kobe beef, lamb chops, veal, lobster tails, seafood and more.

EVENING:  Enjoy your evening relaxing at Cypress Hills Winery. A small urban winery located in the lower level of an old sandstone and brick building in the Historic Carrousel District. This is a true wine cellar where the tasting room is situated in the midst of a working winery. The exposed stone walls, the oak wine barrels and the rustic surroundings all contribute to the ambiance of this new winery. Thursday-Saturday, 4:00-10:00 p.m.

This itinerary is a sample of some of the establishments in the Mansfield/Richland County area.  Please feel free to visit our web site for more details and ideas, www.mansfieldtourism.com.