What makes Holiday Valley sights so special is the silent story that takes place between the gentle hills of Mad River Township and the endless fields of Clark County. I remember driving over the old road that was once driven by horse cars, and suddenly the sign “Holiday Valley” appeared – a name that was chosen in the 70s by an ambitious developer team that formed a whole residential area from the idea of a holiday resort. The municipality grew out of nowhere, a piece of American suburban dreams, which today is inhabited by families who are proud of their well-maintained suburbs and the small lake in the heart of the district.
If you take the U.S.-68 north from Springfield, you pass the old industrial area before you turn into the quiet road that leads directly into the valley – no wonder that the journey by car is almost a ritual I enjoy every time, because you cannot overlook the fields and the occasional chicken on the roadside. I have the feeling that people here are a bit too friendly, almost exaggerated, but that gives the place a certain charm that you do not find in every small town. And yes, the “Holiday Valley Sights” include not only what you see on a map, but also the small cafes that serve fresh pancakes on Sundays, and the neighbourhood festivals where everyone tries to present the best grill recipe – a bit cheesy, but honestly really great. Once you smell the scent of freshly mowed grass for the first time, you realize that time is a little slower here, and that's exactly what I love on this stain earth.
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The first stop I put to every visitor is that National Trail Raceway – an oval asphalt track that produces more engine noise than an entire orchestra of tractors. I came there on a lukewarm Saturday night when the sun just slept over the fields of Mad River Township and the fans already turned their barbecue sausages. Parking is usually a children's game as long as you don't come to the main event; then the field turns into a labyrinth of vans and crowded tents. The smell of burned rubber is not of everyone's concern, but for me this is the scent of freedom – and what most tourists do not understand is that the true highlight is not the race itself, but the conversation with a former racer who explained to me why curve 3 is “the most dangerous” even though he never crossed the finish line.
A short trip after Buckeye Lake follows almost automatically because the water there in the summer is almost as clear as the excuses I give to do not go to work. I rented a kayak there once, only to find that paddling with strong wind is more like a fight against an invisible giant. The parking lot on the southern shore is small, but the sign “Only for residents” is ignored here easily as long as you bring a little patience – this is the true adventure. And if you are lucky, you meet the local anglers who tell you with an eye-catcher that the largest fish they have ever caught was a “mythological being” that is supposed to disappear from the lake in winter.
A little further south lies Springfield Museum of Art, a place I like to sign as the “intellectual counterpart” to the loud race tracks. The exhibition is not just a megamuseum, but the local art scene has a surprisingly wide range to offer here – from rustic landscape paintings to modern sculptures from recycled car parts. I remember sitting in the cafeteria once, sipping a double espresso and suddenly being discussed by a group of students about the concept of “postmodern rusticism”. Parking is a mystery that only the locals seem to solve; I managed to get a free space by simply ignoring the sign “employee parking” – a small victory that makes me proud to date.
If you are looking for a touch of history, Heritage Center of Clark County visit. The building itself is a restored farmhouse from the 19th century. Century that has more stories to tell than an average guide. I experienced a guided tour with an older gentleman named Earl, who told me that the house once served as a hiding place for smuggling goods – a detail that is naturally lacking in the official brochures. Access is free, and parking is virtually right in front of the door, which is a rare comfort in an area where you usually have to fight for a free parking space.
A little further, almost on the edge of the well-known Ohio, lies that Great Miami River – a river that winds through the landscape like a lazy cat who stretches. I once organized a picnic on the shore, while a few young people tried to build an improvised raft. The water is not suitable for swimming, but a short walk along the path offers a magnificent view of the surrounding fields and the occasional windmills that look like relics from another time. Access is free, and parking is usually at the edge of the path – a small but fine place to escape the hustle.
For those who are looking for some snow in winter, this is Mad River Mountain the only ski facility in the state that has actually opened when most others already close their lifts. I dared a few departures there, although I am more of a “ski for beginners” type; the result was an elegant fall, which brought me back to the slopes with a wide grin. The parking lot is huge, but on weekends there can be traffic jams because the locals use the only “winter wonderland” within 100 miles. Nevertheless, the ascent is worthwhile because the view from the summit over the wide Ohio provides an image that you don't forget so quickly.
Whether you prefer the noise of the race track, the quiet strollers of the lake, the quiet history of an old farmhouse or the wintery slopes – the surroundings of Holiday Valley offers a colorful mix of experiences that can surprise any traveler. And if you have experienced all this, you will understand why the Holiday Valley Attractions more than just points on a map – they are small chapters of a story that I like to recount again and again.
This guide invites you to take a look behind the often polished brochures and discover the real Holiday Valley – this is my personal favorite place when I want to escape everyday life without flying to Aspen.
The first stop is of course the Holiday Valley Ski & Snowboard Center. I have to admit, I don't understand the hype about the 20-plus slopes, but the combination of surprisingly well-prepared slopes and an atmosphere that swings somewhere between “neighbouring ski hut” and “Mini-Olympia” has convinced me. The lifts are usually reliable, but if you arrive on Friday night after the Après ski party, parking at the main parking lot can become a small adventure – I have already found half of my ski pants in the mud.
A short detour to Snow Tubing Hill is a must, even if you're not a professional engineer. The slides are not exactly the longest of the world, but the laughing of the children (and the occasional circle of an adult who has forgotten that he is no longer 20) makes the whole a real highlight. I once tried to force the “Turbo-Rutsche” only to establish that the word “Turbo” serves here rather as a marketing gag – the route ends faster than you can say “Schnee”.
After the Adrenalin-Kick, my path leads me to Holiday Valley Lodge & Bar. The restaurant is a bit like your aunt's living room, which always cooks too much chili: cozy, slightly overloaded, but somehow exactly what you need if you are completely exhausted after a day in the snow. The burger with cheddar and caramelized onions is really great, and the beer from the barrel tastes almost as good as the feeling of finally having warm feet again. A little hint: If you want to eat there on weekends, better serve in advance, otherwise you will end up at the bar with a tray of fries and a look that says: “Welcome to the club of impatients. ‘
In summer the valley turns into a paradise for Mountain bike enthusiasts. The trails are not exactly the steepest, but the mix of forest paths, small jumps and a few technically challenging sections is enough to get you out of winter sleep. I remember a day when I tried the “Black-Diamond-Loop” with my old trek bike – the result was an elegant fall into a brook, followed by a refreshing bath that reminded me of why I love cycling at all (and why I should now better care for my knees).
For those who prefer to protect the legs, there is Holiday Valley Golf Course. The 18-hole course is picturesque on the outskirts of the resort and offers a surprisingly quiet atmosphere if you are not being persecuted by an enthusiastic golfer with a 5-iron who thinks he is the next Tiger Woods. The green is well maintained, and the clubhouse serves a breakfast ball that is almost as good as the game itself – almost.
Another highlight that I do not want to conceal is the Summer Concert Series Amphitheater. Locals and tourists meet here to dance under the open sky, while local bands (and occasionally an overambited cover act) rock the stage. I have a beer in my hand and a piece of pizza in my mouth, while a saxophonist suddenly played a solo that was better suited to a jazz club in New York than a small place in Ohio. The sound is surprisingly good, and the audience is usually friendly – unless you try to reduce the volume because you want to protect your ears.
I do not want to Holiday Valley Ice Skating Forget that in winter becomes a meeting place for families and couples who want to get closer to the skate. The ice is not always perfect, but it makes the charm. I once tried to show an elegant pirouette move there, just to realize that my coordination is more like a penguin on bald ice. Nevertheless, the laughing of my daughter was unpaid, and that was the real highlight for me.
So next time you think about where you want to spend your next break, remember: Holiday Valley has more to offer than just a few pistes. The Holiday Valley Attractions are a colourful mix of sports, food, music and a bit of chaos – just what I appreciate most about this spot earth.
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