Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Fairfield County / September 24, 2025

🏙️ Small town revival

Fairfield County • September 24, 2025

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Good morning, Fairfield County. While major cities often grab headlines with splashy revitalization projects, it's the small town of Bellefontaine that's quietly becoming Ohio's blueprint for community renewal. The organization Small Nation has transformed this central Ohio gem so successfully that other communities like Circleville are now following their playbook—proving that sometimes the most powerful economic innovations come from our smallest communities.

Adventure seekers take note: your next memorable experience might be hiding just a short drive away. From soaring with aviation history at Dayton's National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to exploring the majestic caves of Hocking Hills, Ohio offers 13 exceptional day trip destinations for families. And for literary enthusiasts, the thriving Hocking Hills Book Fair is showcasing remarkable talent of all ages, including 9-year-old author Scarlett Horsley with her fantasy tale "Mr. Monkey and the Dragon." The event continues through December across multiple Ohio locations.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏙️ Small Ohio town becomes blueprint for revitalization success. Bellefontaine has emerged as a model for small-town renewal thanks to the organization Small Nation. The group's approach has been so successful that they're now helping other Ohio communities like Circleville follow their example. While major cities often receive more attention, this central Ohio initiative demonstrates the economic importance of smaller communities. Local business owners and town officials are collaborating to breathe new life into these historic downtown areas.

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🌄 Ohio offers 13 exciting day trip destinations for families. From science museums to natural wonders, these spots across the Buckeye State provide memorable experiences without extensive travel. Highlights include the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, The Wilds safari park in Cumberland, and the scenic Hocking Hills State Park with its caves and waterfalls. Interactive children's museums in Lancaster, Mansfield, and Chillicothe offer hands-on learning for younger visitors, while history buffs can explore canal-era life at Roscoe Village or aviation history at Dayton's Carillon Historical Park.

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📚 Authors of all ages shine at thriving Hocking Hills Book Fair. The Logan Theater and Community Arts Center buzzed with activity as the fair welcomed writers from across the tri-state area, including 9-year-old Scarlett Horsley with her fantasy tale "Mr. Monkey and the Dragon." Visitors encountered diverse genres from vampire fiction to historical novels about the Pilgrims, with author Kathryn Haueisen sharing her meticulously researched work on the First Thanksgiving. Organizer Gina McKnight reported the best attendance yet for the event, which will continue with additional installments throughout October, November, and December in several Ohio locations.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Upscale Kitchen Big Primary Suite: Priced at $399,900, this Bloom Twp home boasts a high-end Chef's Kitchen with ZLINE gas range, spacious primary suite, finished lower level with woodburning stove, and oversized garage, all within easy driving distance to Columbus and Lancaster.
Real estate listing image Affordable Lancaster gem near everything: This charming Lancaster home, listed at $75,000, features a detached garage, spacious deck, and convenient location near Main Street shops, Fairfield County Fairgrounds, and Rising Park trails—perfect for those seeking both comfort and community connection.
Real estate listing image Spacious modern home near amenities: Priced at $569,400, this open-concept home features main-level living with a gourmet kitchen, flex space, and primary suite, plus three additional bedrooms, a partially finished basement, and a private backyard minutes from Pickerington amenities.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

👟 Sep. 24 - Happy Hour Run Club: Lace up and join Double Edge Brewing Co.'s Happy Hour Run Club every Wednesday at 158 W Chestnut St! All experience levels welcome at this friendly gathering of local runners. Sep 24.
👵 Sep. 24 - Modern Grandparenting Essentials: Calling all soon-to-be grandparents! Join Fairfield Medical Center's class on September 24 to brush up on modern childbirth trends, safe sleep practices, and newborn care while exploring your special new role in the family.
🌽 Sep. 27 - Lancaster Farmer's Market: Savor the season's bounty at Lancaster Farmer's Market every Saturday! Browse fresh local produce and artisan goods from 8:30AM to 12PM at 143 West Chestnut Street through October.
🧑‍🌾 Sep. 27 - Saturday Farmers Market: Fresh local produce awaits at the Fairfield County Farmers Market! Browse vendors' goods every Saturday from 8am to noon at 157 E Fair Ave, Lancaster. New vendors welcome—contact Stacey at 740-653-3041.
👻 Sep. 27 - Infirmary Ghost Hunt: Brave the unknown at Fairfield County Infirmary's paranormal investigation on September 27! Join our team or explore solo at Battle of Pilot Knob Historic Site, where history and mystery collide.
🍽️ Sep. 28 - Local Chefs Downtown Feast: Savor the flavors of Lancaster at 250 Plates on Sep 28! Local chefs transform hometown ingredients into culinary magic at The Mill Event Center, offering a delicious celebration of community-sourced cuisine.
🎨 Sep. 28 - Michael's Craft Fair: Crafters unite at Michael's Community Craft Fair! Browse handmade treasures on the sidewalk of 1207 N Memorial Dr during this special customer appreciation event, September 28 from 12-4pm in Lancaster.
🎸 Sep. 28 - Blues with Micah Kesselring: Award-winning blues musician Micah Kesselring brings his international talent to The Dog House Tavern for Sunday Funday! Catch this South Bloomingville native live on September 28 at 701 Reese Ave, Lancaster.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

-Isaiah 40:31

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