The way we protect, support and uplift our veterans.  The support surrounding Flag City Honor Flight and social services like Hancock County Veterans Service Office is wonderful.

Our schools systems.  Whether you want a big school or small school, we have something for everyone and they are really good schools.  It’s true.  You can look it up!

The Jolly Dipper and Archie’s.  Because sometimes you need a Coney dog and milkshake and want to get it through the drive through because you don’t look your best. 

Local theater and music.  We have so many wonderful and talented musicians and thespians in our community who love to share their gift.  Don’t tell James Adkins, but he’s one of my favorites!

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.  I’m willing to travel for concerts or stage shows but it sure is nice if I don’t have to.  Musicals, live music performances, kids shows, Christmas shows, ballet, you name it I’ve seen it and I will continue to see it time and time again.  You should see it all too!

A big town with a small town feel.  That’s my best description of Findlay.  I know people and they know me.  We call each other by name.  We build trust and relationships and I just really like that.

Local shops and restaurants.  I used to have a job where I traveled all over the United States.  When I got to the hotel I always asked for local restaurant recommendations because I want to experience something I can’t eat at home.  I’m so grateful Findlay has so many local restaurants that visitors have such a long list to choose from!  So many great choices with any type of food that makes your tummy happy.

I love that we have so many cute shops and we keep getting more.  I like to shop local and get items that not everyone will have.  We are getting more men’s apparel stores so that is definitely a good thing and I love the vintage shops too. 

We are a giving community.  We support non profits and give of our money and our time to help those who need it and to make our community better and that says everything right there.  We’re like a warm blanket on a cold night.  Need a couple ways to support local and give back? Check out Giving Tuesday promos here!

Dietsch Brothers Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream.  That goes without saying.  One of our favorite things to do is to get Dietsch’s and go for a drive. 

Cruise Night.  I love cars.  My dad was a mechanic and I paid attention to cars.  I love that our community supports the fact that cars are cool and we need to appreciate and respect the past in order to make the future better.

The houses on South Main Street.  I love the fact that people buy them and work to keep them up.  That can’t be easy.  So from those of us that drive up and down South Main Street – Thank you.

Our parks.  We have wonderful parks and nature areas and our naturalists are eager to educate and share their experiences.  Where you want to learn about bats (no thank you), go down a large slide, swing fish, host a family get together, swim, walk, or bike.  You can do it here and feel safe. 

Our leaders are always trying to better our community and listen.  I enjoy the fact that I can tell our Mayor I have an idea and she sets up a meeting to discuss my idea. 

I would love to know what you love about Findlay and Hancock County.  It’s a great place to live, work and play and I’m not just saying that because they’re paying me to because they’re not paying me!   I really to believe this is a great place to start your career, raise a family and retire. 

Keep it up Findlay and Hancock County.  You’re doing it right. 

This blog post was written by Visit Findlay Blogger Kellie Bibler.  Kellie is a business owner, community champion, and a local volunteer.  That isn’t much is it?  Learn more about Kellie and read other articles by her here!

However, fun is not the only reason these festivals are important. Hometown festivals bring together every generation, ranging from those who have grown up in the village to those who are still growing. Parents and grandparents get to watch as their kids and grandkids enjoy the same experiences they once did and they’ll get to feel that lovely feeling of nostalgia. People could also enjoy watching how the younger generations enjoy changes in festivals with the times as much as the things that stayed the same. 

Take the Arlington Village Festival for example. When asked, many of the older residents of Arlington remember homemade noodles being a big part of their festival, while the younger residents of Arlington may remember more of the games they play and the food trucks all around. Older residents will also get to see the younger ones enjoy the new sports zone added to the festival this year as well. 

My personal experience with the Arlington Festival finally hit its peak this year as I got to make a video to advertise a new addition to the festival! While that on its own was a lot to look forward to, I will also be taking videos for another part of the festival this year. So watch out for a girl asking you to tell the camera what your favorite part of the festival is! Besides all of this stuff, I enjoy the food and time with friends I get out of the festival (especially the food). 

So when the festival in your town comes around, think about stopping by! Whether it be for nostalgia, food, games, memories, all of the above, or none of the above! 

Arlington Village Festival and McComb Cookie Festival are both taking place July 21 & 22.  Vanlue Fest is happening July 27-29 and keep an eye out for fall and winter festivals!

This blog was written by Arlington High School senior Chloe Rau.  Chloe is a member of Arlington’s Media Writing Class and is a student reporter for The Bluffton News.  Stay tuned for more blogs featuring Chloe’s work soon!

In addition to her role at SAP, Julie is the Chief Marketing Officer at Stickory, a premier pet sitting company owned by her husband David and is the Owner & Chief Empathy Officer at Change Bytes, a leadership coaching company – both located in Findlay. Julie has an incredible passion for design, so in her free time you will find her working on design projects in her 1903 Colonial Revival home, which she has lovingly named Mabel On Main. Julie and her husband David are “Findlay Faithfuls” and they have one daughter, Megan, 32, who resides in Kentucky. They also recently rescued a 100-pound English Setter named Huck Hendricks, so you will find her on social sharing a day in the life of a rescue dog or hosting monthly community pack walks.

I’ll be the first to tell you that while I creatively design in my day-to-day work life, most of my design blocks occur right here at home. I mean, how many of you have agonized over the perfect paint color, fixtures, landscape, etc. to the point where it seems easier to just do nothing? You name the design dilemma and we’ve all probably been there, done that! But what if I could actually get you excited about experiencing a designer’s block? Of course, this will require me telling you a little story, but stay with me for just a moment. I’m sure you’re all probably wondering, what in the world does this design talk have to do with our community? Oh, for the love of Findlay! Design has absolutely everything to do with it, so come join me for a little stroll around the block and I’ll tell you all about it.

I have always believed that design is merely a metaphor for life because both involve creating spaces, taking chances, learning from mistakes, and making the very most of what you have. You can choose to include all the things you cherish, mix it up when you need a change, and share it with people who may or may not appreciate it the way you do. I’m a natural-born risktaker, so you can you bet your sweet board and batten that I’m an advocate for those homeowners who risk setting a bold design table, have the audacity to throw open the curtains to illuminate it, and send an open invitation for anyone to critique or enjoy it.

If the truth be told, I am that homeowner, I take those risks, my curtains are always wide open, and there is always a standing invite waiting just for you. I take great pride in honoring and preserving my home’s historic past, but make no mistake, I’m all about bringing the sass when I start “zhuzhing” up the place. Let’s just say I tend to bring my Type A personality to every single design party. I only design for myself, but when your curtains are open it’s easy to inadvertently inspire others to take new design risks. And that, my beloved community, is exactly where this story begins.

In 2018, we bought a 1903 home in Findlay’s historic district and have spent the past few years transforming it. It is nothing short of a labor of love and I take exceptional pride in being a temporary steward of a home that reflects and maintains our community’s historical legacy. Of course, when you own an old home, you accept home improvement as an ongoing process that never really ends. I’ve been known to take on some pretty labor-intensive projects, because I have a bit of an obsession with sunshine, sweat, and the sense of accomplishment that only comes from a hard day’s work. So, if you happen to see me outside on the weekend and I look like I need a glass of water and CPR, please know that I’m in my happy place!

In addition to the never-ending project list, I was also traveling extensively for business during that same time. One of things I miss most when I travel is what my husband and I have deemed “porch coffee”. It’s the time when we brew our favorite pot of hot black coffee, sit on the porch, talk about all the important things, and strike up interesting conversations with all the passers-by. I had just come home from a pretty chaotic business trip to Boston when my husband suggested we grab some porch coffee to wind down from the whole experience.

You can imagine my surprise when I opened the front door and noticed a door hanger hanging on my screen door. The Hancock Historical Museum had placed door hangers on various places throughout our community just to say “thank you” for helping preserve the historic integrity of our community. As I read the message, my heart was full. It said, “We see you and we want to say thanks!” – what a powerful message! On the surface, it seems like such a small gesture, but in that moment, I can tell you that it felt pretty darn good to be seen.

Listen, I know how easy it is to get caught up in your own hustle, I’ve done it my whole life. But there is nothing more valuable than taking the time to “see” people, especially those who live right here in our community. After watching Findlay grow and evolve over the past 47 years, I can tell you that it’s filled with small town charm and hometown pride. That’s why I’ve decided to blend my love of design with my love of people. I guess you could say I’m about to re-design the meaning of a designer’s block. In its most traditional sense, a designer’s block is when people struggle to generate creative ideas – a roadblock, of sorts. But look out Findlay, we’re about to turn this definition inside out!

You’ll have an opportunity to “see” the people in our community through the eyes of a creative design geek as I highlight the design elements that inspire me, one random block at a time. Whether it’s stunning architecture, striking color combinations, elegant front doors, beautiful décor, dramatic landscaping, or just incredibly creative choices by other unapologetic risktakers who have opened their curtains, I am coming to “see” you.

And as it is in life – no risk, no reward. For this reason, I’ll not only highlight some of the best design elements, within a totally random block, but will drop a “design bomb” (a.k.a. d-bomb) on my favorite commercial or residential space within it. What’s a design bomb, you ask? Well, it’s just a creative gesture to let you know that I “see” your intelligence having fun, appreciate the inspiration, and formally acknowledge you as “d-bomb” of your block. If seeing is believing, let’s lace up those walking shoes, go pound some pavement together, truly see the beauty of our community, and acknowledge the bold, creative people living in it.

This post was written by Julie Williamson-Wright. Julie is a champion of creativity, design enthusiast, and the owner of Mabel on Main. That isn’t much, is it?  See more about Julie and read more from her here!

Now you can find Regina digging through vinyls and jewels at a shop near you.

You can see more of Regina on her Instagram page or get in touch by emailing here!

As defined by John A. Powell, director of the UC Berkeley Othering & Belonging Institute, belonging is the practice of respecting that includes the right to both co-create community structures and make demands of society. Belonging provides opportunity to participate in the design of social policies and practices. Belonging requires that well-being and humanity is paramount.

In short, belonging is about connecting with others.

With this definition, it seems rather obvious to think that we would already are a community of belonging in Findlay and Hancock County. However, in 2018 we learned from the Hancock County Community Health Assessment that one in four people believing that diversity is not fully embraced. In 2021, this condition improved slightly to one in five people believe diversity if not fully embraced. But, knowing that 20% of our community does not feel Findlay and Hancock County provides a community of belonging compels us to get to work – the urgency is real and necessary.

Why does this matter? From an economic viewpoint, if a community is to have economic success, it must be willing to embrace social diversity. An unwillingness to see the importance of diversity in its entirety will stifle economic growth.  But more importantly, creating a community of belonging is, simply, the right thing to do.

And, there is evidence this is happening. Downtown business are actively demonstrating their desire to create a community of belonging by opening their doors and offering representation of diversity. The Findlay Pride event this past June was embraced by the community, and the Findlay Night Out event in August had record attendance. Belonging is a common point of discussion at many community meetings, and has become a pivotal strategic imperative of Findlay City Schools. And, there is a coalition of community leaders and advocates who have dedicated time, energy, and passion to creating a community of belonging through action, practice, and policy.

Our commission to ensure that even the most vulnerable have an opportunity to co-create and make demands of society requires us to fully embrace humanity – with humility and curiosity. Without this, we cannot expect to create a space where belonging is a reality.

Creating and holding space for others to belong is a challenge that requires us to bridge – for us to serve as a bridge between each other where we recognize the necessity of each person’s worth.

While we may not be at a place to confidently say that Findlay and Hancock County is a community of belonging – yet – we are certainly making great strides. And, in order to make lasting change, it takes all of us to make connections with each other.

As a wise mentor has recently said, “The diversity in all of us is the richness of our society.  May we humbly find a way to create a seat at the table where all belong.”

This blog post was written by Zach Thomas.  Zach is the Director of Wellness and Education at ADAMHS, arts advocate, and coffee enthusiast.  That isn’t much, is it?  Learn more about Zach here!

Living in Findlay, my favorite short-route Breakfast Ride destination is The Baker’s Café in Downtown Findlay. Find your way to Corey Street, Findlay’s north-south bikeway connecting Mound Park with the University of Findlay, and head to downtown. From the bike racks next to Chase Bank, its but a hop-skip and half-a-jump to your calorie-free breakfast. My favorite: the Breakfast Sandwich, a fresh cup of coffee and of course something delicious from the bakery!

Vanlue’s Wildcat Café is my go-to spot for a mid-distance Breakfast Ride. At a little under 25-miles round trip from Downtown Findlay, Vanlue makes for a very doable ride along quiet county roads. And the food… well worth the ride! You cannot go wrong with the Wildcat breakfast bowl with bacon, coffee, and a side pancake! (Remember, calories are FREE on a Breakfast Ride!) If 25-miles is a bit to long for you, starting from Riverbend Park will cut it down to about 16-miles round trip.

For the long-distance Breakfast Ride, head to LuLu’s Diner in Bluffton. This 46-mile round trip ride takes you over some of the best riding in Hancock County including CR 54, the 5-4, just north of Rawson. For a 46-mile ride, the breakfast had better be pretty good, and LuLu’s does not disappoint! Their four-egg omelet gives you all the energy you need to ride back to Findlay. Shorten the route to 19-miles round trip by starting from the Village Park in Rawson.

When someone suggests a ‘breakfast ride’, I think ‘(calorie) FREE breakfast’! So, get on your bike, ride safe, and enjoy a great start to your day!

This blog post was written by Grant Russel.  Grant is a proud Kiwanian, city councilman, and avid biker.  Stay tuned to hear more from Grant!

A couple months ago my family hit the river and kayaked a portion of the Blanchard River Water Trail.  Our group ranged in kayak skills from very experienced (my parents and brother) to third time kayaking solo (my 9 year old son).  Also along for the ride was my 6 year old son who loves kayaking because you, in his words, “relax, eat snacks, and squirt people with water guns”.

We put our kayaks in at Eastpoint Area, located near the corner of Bright and Main Cross.  I cannot put in to words how easy this was!  Hancock Parks has put in a floating dock that even has notches for your paddles.  So, you simply sit the kayak in the chute, get in, and propel yourself forward to enter the water.  Besides being practical, my sons thought this was so much fun.  So fun that my 6 year old convinced my mom to do it several times while we unloaded the kayaks.

Once we were all in the water we started paddling towards Downtown.  We made our way through the Findlay Country Club, waving at some golfers as we wound through the course. 

As we got closer to Riverside Park we knew that we had to portage to get past the dam.  There are a few portages along the Blanchard River Water Trail, but for our route this was the only time we had to do so.  There are plenty of warnings as you get close and directing you to where to exit on the right side of the river.  This can be a little difficult, especially if paddling solo, so keep this in mind!  Once we all exited the kayaks and pulled them out of the river we took them a little down the road, past the dam, and put them back in the water.  This was a good time for my 6 year old to change riding partners, for us all to fuel up on snacks, and to take a little break.

Shortly after we made it back in the water after portaging we did hit a few spots of low water that created very small rapids.  Use common sense here by aiming for the calmest and deepest water and you won’t have a problem.  Worst case – you may have to scoot forward a little or possibly get out and move the kayak forward.  My boys loved every section we came upon and treated them like a waterslide.

We started paddling again and my boys started noticing familiar sites as we got closer to Downtown Findlay.  They pointed out a few bridges, familiar billboards, and, of course, the first peek of John Hancock atop the courthouse.  Once we made it to Downtown we waved to Alissa who snapped our photo from the Civitan Park pedestrian bridge!  

We continued past Swale Park and Rawson Park, and under I-75.  We saw quite a few turtles and a few deer.  I’m sure we would have seen more wildlife but my dad and sons were too busy having water fights with the squirt guns smuggled on to kayaks to notice!  We ended our paddle at Liberty Landing, about 5 miles from where we started.  As you can see from the glee in his eyes – this was just right distance for our oldest!

In all, it took us about 3 hours with many breaks for little arms (okay, some grown up arms too!).  I’d guess the time would be close to half that for experienced paddlers.  Getting out at Liberty Landing was very easy.  There wasn’t a floating dock (yet!), but the steps made it simple enough.  I’d definitely recommend water shoes as my choice of flip flops was not a good one and did make things much more difficult than it should have been!

Overall, we’re already looking forward to tackling another section of the Blanchard River Water Trail soon!  We definitely want to start further up river to paddle through Riverbend Recreation Area (and under the bald eagles nest!), and hopefully catch the low water section that starts at the Blanchard River Nature Preserve near Mt. Blanchard in the Spring.  Besides the Blanchard River Water Trail, there are so many opportunities to paddle in Hancock County including, of course, Van Buren State Park!  We will see you on the water soon.

This blog post is written by Visit Findlay Community Relations and Development Manager Danielle Wilkin.  Danielle is a reality TV aficionado, frequent Downtown diner, and a busy mom!  That isn’t much, is it?  See more about Danielle and read more from her here!

Maybe it’s the  school systems. Hancock County is home to one of Ohio’s largest school districts as well as several county schools. After Jimmy’s performance, my dad actually reminded me why he and my mom relocated our family here from a much smaller county. This community’s attention to the arts and social sciences as well as their dedication to post-secondary options beyond the classroom really allows for each child to shine. Aside from Advanced Placement Programs, FCS Elementary Schools focus on enrichment programs like “Leader in Me” and they place an emphasis on in-classroom extracurricular ‘clubs’ focused on each student’s individual interests (STEAM, agriculture, gardening, Lego building, cooking, sewing, etc.). Students learn to develop their unique skillset alongside their peers who have similar interests.  

Maybe it’s all the outdoor activities. Honestly, as soon as the weather passes for ‘nice enough’, you can find my boys and me at a park. There’s a park for every age bracket here and several hiking trails! We love the All-Star Playground and Miracle Park and Playground because one space offers things to do for ages 2-11 and for those with special needs. It’s cool to see kids of all those age ranges and abilities enjoying playing alongside one another! We also love walking around the reservoir in the early mornings or picking up our golf clubs and walking a few holes at the Findlay Country Club in the evenings. You may also find us taking our scooters or bicycles around the Story Walk at Riverside. Sometimes it’s more of a race-to-the-next-page than reading the pages, but it gets their energy OUT, one way or another.

Maybe it’s all the indoor activities. In the fall through winter months, we start enjoying more time playing pretend at the Children’s Museum or attempting to ice skate at The Cube. On school days, I am grateful to take my pre-K guy to the Findlay Family YMCA where I can fit in a workout and he can play with other kiddos. If it’s raining outside and I have all three of my boys, you will absolutely find us at Main Street Deli Bar and Arcade for a snack or some lunch so they can enjoy their variety of free play games! They love it and I get a chance to relax a little or I can get some work done while they play.

Maybe it’s all of these things and more that have brought us to Findlay and have kept us here! There’s never a shortage of things to do thanks in part to the City Parks & Recreation Department and Hancock Parks, the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, and many private businesses and organizations. We count ourselves fortunate to have such wonderful facilities and enriching programming for our growing family to enjoy. 

This post is written by Visit Findlay Blogger Ashley Barger.  Ashley is a communications guru, a mother, blogger at Ashley Working on Purpose, and lover of all things Findlay.  That isn’t much, is it?  Learn more about Ashley and see other posts she has written here!