A Spring Adventure for the Curious & the Sweet-Toothed

Spring in Fairfield County means fresh blooms, warmer days, and the perfect excuse to indulge your sweet tooth or satisfy your curiosity. Whether you’re craving decadent treats or a journey through time, March is the ideal month to explore two of our most beloved adventure trails: the Sweet Tooth Trail and the Museum Trail.

So, lace up your walking shoes (or, let’s be honest, your stretchy pants), grab a friend or the whole family, and get ready for a delicious and educational escapade through Fairfield County!

First Up: The Sweet Tooth Trail – Because Dessert is Always a Good Idea

New season, new adventures, same sweet cravings! With plenty of stops to satisfy your inner dessert connoisseur, the Sweet Tooth Trail is your golden ticket to discovering Fairfield County’s best bakeries, ice cream shops, and candy stores.

A Few Must-Visit Stops:

🍫 Chocolate Bliss at Candy Cottage (Lancaster, OH)
Step inside this cozy, family-owned shop, and you’ll be greeted by the rich aroma of handcrafted chocolates, freshly roasted peanuts, and coffee delights. Their locally made buckeyes, caramel turtles, and hand-dipped truffles are legendary—so don’t be surprised if you leave with more than you planned.

🍪 The Hidden Gem: Happy Goat Gluten-Free Bakery (Lancaster, OH)
This isn’t just any bakery—it’s a must-visit for anyone craving sweet treats made with high-quality, gluten-free ingredients. The catch? They’re only open on Saturday mornings and do require pre-orders, but trust us when we say, the extra planning is worth it! From gooey cinnamon rolls to perfectly soft cookies, every bite is a game-changer.

🍦 Smiles & Scoops at Weldon’s Ice Cream Factory (Millersport, OH)
A Fairfield County classic for nearly a century, Weldon’s serves up rich, homemade ice cream in a nostalgic lakeside setting. It’s the kind of place where you grab a cone, take a deep breath of that fresh Buckeye Lake air, and feel like a kid again. Opened seasonally from March through October.

☕ A Cozy Retreat at Porter’s Coffee House & Bakery (Pickerington, OH)
Need a coffee break with your sweets? Porter’s is the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-time flavor, serving up artisan coffee alongside fresh-baked pastries. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm scone or a gooey cinnamon roll, this is the spot to recharge before hitting your next stop.

Next Up: The Museum Trail – Where History, Art, and Adventure Come to Life

Once you’ve had your fill of sugar (if that’s even possible), shift gears and take a deep dive into history, art, and culture with the Museum Trail. Spring is the perfect time to visit Fairfield County’s museums—many of them introduce fresh exhibits this time of year, making each visit a new experience. Please note some museums on our trail are closed during the winter months and reopen in April.

Notable Museums to Explore:

🎨 Decorative Arts Center of Ohio (DACO) (Lancaster, OH)
Housed in a stunning 19th-century mansion, this museum is a must-see for art lovers. Their current exhibit, “The Nearest Faraway Place: Ohio’s Painters, Makers & Their Mentors,” explores how Ohio has been shaped as a creative hub by generations of artists. It’s the perfect blend of local history and world-class art, and best of all—it’s free to visit! DACO is one of three stops in Fairfield County featured on the America 250-Ohio Creativity Trail.

🏍️ AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame & Museum (Pickerington, OH)
Whether you’re a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast or just love a good story, this museum is packed with fascinating exhibits. Each of the over 100 historic motorcycles tells a unique tale of the riders, racers, and innovators who have shaped the sport. Check out exhibits like “Toys & Collectibles” and “A Century of the Indian”—you might even find yourself planning your own cross-country road trip by the time you leave.

✈️ Historical Aircraft Squadron Museum (Lancaster, OH)
This isn’t just a museum—it’s an interactive experience. As a featured stop on the America 250-Ohio Air & Space Trail, this hidden gem lets you get up close with historic planes and military vehicles. Want to climb into a cockpit and imagine yourself soaring through the sky? Go for it! Passionate volunteers are always on hand to share stories, talk about restoration projects, and bring history to life.

🧸 AHA! A Hands-On Adventure Museum (Lancaster, OH)
For families with little explorers, AHA! is the place to be. This 8,000-square-foot museum is packed with over 60 hands-on exhibits designed to spark imagination and creativity. Whether your child wants to be a scientist, artist, or engineer for the day, they’ll have a blast. Don’t forget to check out the Raymond B. Martens Nature Playscape, where kids can enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of Ohio year-round.

Make a Day of It!

If you’re looking for the perfect itinerary, here’s a suggested day trip idea:

☀️Spend Your Morning in Lancaster Start your day with a dose of art and hands-on fun!
Decorative Arts Center of Ohio – Explore the latest exhibit and admire stunning architecture.
AHA! A Hands-on Adventure Museum – Let the little ones play, explore, and create.

 🍽️Enjoy Lunch: Grab a bite in downtown Lancaster—perhaps something light, because dessert is coming soon!
Candy Cottage – Grab some handcrafted chocolates or nostalgic sweets for the road.

☕Afternoon in Pickerington Shift gears with a mix of history and a cozy pick-me-up.
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum – Check out legendary bikes and racing memorabilia.
Porter’s Coffee House & Bakery – Refuel with a handcrafted coffee and fresh-baked treat.

🍦Wind Down Your Evening in Millersport End the day with a lakeside sunset and something sweet.
Weldon’s Ice Cream – Enjoy a classic cone with a sunset view of Buckeye Lake.

Start Your Adventure

Spring is all about refreshing your routine, trying something new, and indulging in life’s little pleasures. Whether you’re diving into local history or discovering your new favorite bakery, the Sweet Tooth Trail & Museum Trail offer experiences you won’t forget.

📍 Plan your trip today! Click the links to explore the Sweet Tooth Trail and the Museum Trail, download the Visit Fairfield County App to track your adventures, and stop by the Visitors Center for personalized recommendations!