Honestly, if I take the word “Troy Sights” in my mouth, most immediately think of some dusty shields – but this is not a catalogue, but my personal journey through the heart of Concord Township in Miami County, Ohio. The town of Troy was founded in 1815, a bit like a forgotten chapter of American pioneering history, which has since developed into a charming mix of old railway flats and modern suburbs. I usually drive over the I‐75 because it is the fastest way to reach the little jewel, and then I grab a coffee in the local diner that has more character than some hipster café in the big city.
I don't understand the hype around the historic half-timbered houses, but the small museum next to the town hall, which tells the story of Troy and the surrounding township, still surprised me – a real secret tip if you have enough time to stroll between the exhibitions. And then there's the Riverside Park, where after a long day in the car I'll just let the soul dangle while the sun sinks over the Great Miami River. No joke, this is the place where I get my best ideas for new blog posts. So next time you think about where you want to spend your next time, remember: Troy has more to offer than you suspect at first glance.
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The first light beam that lies above the glistening waters of the Miami River makes me think of the first time I went along the Miami River Trail with my folding bike – a piece that like a red thread runs through the otherwise rather unspectacular middle country. The way is well developed, parking at the beginning of the route is usually a Klacks, but at the weekend when the families with picnic baskets and the joggers appear in neon-colored shirts, there can be a small crowd.
A short trip to the south leads directly to Hueston Woods State Park. I must admit, I was skeptical if a “state park” in Ohio really has something to offer, but the clear water of Lake Hueston has taught me a better one. I spent a few hours there with my fishing hook, just to realize that the fish here seem to have a better feel for my inability than I have for fishing myself. The hiking trails are well signposted, and the visitor centre has more information than an average Wikipedia entry – a real plus point if you don't like a tourist without a plan.
Only half an hour further, towards the west, the Grand Lake St. Marys State Park. Here there are more sailboats than people, and this is exactly what I love in this place: the tranquility that is only interrupted by a quiet noise of the sailing leaves. I once tried to rent a kayak, only to establish that the booking office is overrun on Saturday afternoon by a swarm of enthusiastic college students. A small tip: Early in the morning parking at the main entrance is free, and the sun throws a golden light on the water that is almost too beautiful to photograph it.
A bit further north, almost in the heart of the academic environment, lies the Miami University in Oxford. The old brick buildings look like a movie from the 1930s, and the campus lottery “Old North” has always sprayed a bit too much romance for me – until I entered the Armstrong Student Center and experienced a live jazz evening where the students had more talent than most bars in the city. Parking is a little adventure here: Most visitors park on the surrounding streets, but this costs a few minutes walk, which I personally see as a welcome break from the car call.
A short jump to the east brings you to Miami County Historical Museum. I visited the museum because I thought it was a typical “small” with dusty artifacts, but the interactive displays about the Mound Builder and the early settlers really surprised me. Especially the replica of a 19-year-old mill, which can be almost touched, has reminded me of my childhood when I was looking for fossils with my father in the garden. The museum has a small parking lot, which is usually empty, except when a local event takes place – then the whole thing becomes a small car park chaos quickly.
Another highlight I can't leave is that Miami County Fairgrounds. Yes, it sounds like a place where you can only see the same old Rindvieh race every year, but the fairgrounds are a hub for local events all year round – from Old-Time-Fiddler competitions to food truck festivals. I remember a summer that I found myself in a snake for a freshly baked maize bread that tasted better than anything I've eaten since my childhood. Parking is generous here, but on the main events the terrain fills up faster than a Pop-Concert-Venue.
Last but not least a short trip to Miami River, a narrow strip of nature that extends along the river and surprisingly offers many birdwatching places. I once discovered a rare redfish chopper, while I tried to take a photo of my lunch – a classic case of “the fish is bigger than the picture”. Access is free, and parking at the beginning of the Greenway is usually easy as long as you do not come to lunchtime when the local joggers flood the route.
Whether you are a nature lover, a history fan or just someone looking for a good place to relax – the surroundings of Troy, Concord Township, Miami, Ohio have more to offer than you would suspect at first sight. From the quiet waters of Hueston Woods to the lively events on the Miami County Fairgrounds there is something to discover for every taste. And next time you plan your itinerary, don't forget the Troy Attractions Add to your list – they are the true heart of this small but surprisingly versatile spot in the Middle West.
I have to admit that my favorite place in Troy is not the hip cafe around the corner, but the venerable one. Historic Downtownwhere the road itself has more stories to tell than some guides. When you arrive by car, you will almost always find parking without drama – a few free places right in front of the town hall, unless you are on Saturday night, then the whole thing becomes a small survival training. I once saw an old tractor standing next to a modern food truck, and thought: “Here past meets present, and the result is... pretty charming. ‘
A short walk down the main road leads you to Miami County Courthouse, an imposing brick building that looks like it had an architect from the 19th century. century personally designed for Instagram. The interior houses the Miami County Historical Society Museumwhere you can find old maps, tools and a few dusty photos of people you have never seen before – and that without entering. I discovered an old diary that was handwritten by a farmer from the 1880s; that was for me the moment when I realized that history is not just made of posters.
If you're looking for a little oasis that doesn't sound like a city park, look at this Troy City Park on. The lake there is not huge, but perfect for a spontaneous picnic or to feed a few ducks – the last time I tried to throw a piece of bread, and the ducks have robbed me. The roundabout around the lake is well signposted, and parking is usually a Klacks, as long as you are not there at noon at the weekend, then there are small traffic jams of families who hunt their children by bicycle.
Another jewel I always like to mention is the St John the Baptist Catholic Church. The building is a real example of neo-Gothic architecture, and the stained glass windows throw a colorful light game into the crypt, which impresses even the most sceptical visitor. I took part in a Sunday Mass there – no joke, the organ game was so loud that I almost thought the building would take off immediately. The parking lot behind the church is small, but enough if you arrive early enough.
For those who want to taste the real “local life”, there is the Troy Farmers Market. It opens every Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm, and here you will find everything from fresh strawberries to handmade soaps. I once met an old farmer who told me that he has been cultivating the same varieties of pumpkins for over 40 years – that's a piece of authenticity you don't find anywhere. Parking is a bit a mystery because most places are occupied by the market stands, but a short walk from the main station is always an option.
There is a bit of culture for the readers Troy Public Library. The building is a beautiful example of classic American library architecture, and the interior is surprisingly modern – free Wi-Fi, cozy reading corners and a small area with local magazines. I once borrowed a book about the history of Concord Township, almost forgetting that I had been looking for a place to rest. Parking is a bit tricky here because the road is narrow, but a few meters further there is a public parking lot that is usually empty.
And because I don't just want to show the quiet corners, Troy Golf Club not missing. The 18-hole course is located just outside the city centre, but the approach is straightforward – just follow Highway 127 and then turn right. I once played with a friend who claimed he was a “professional” and I had to explain to him that the green here is more intended for hobby players. The clubhouse bar serves a good beer, and parking is right in the square, so no stress.
If you now think that all this is too much to make it in a few days, then don't let yourself join – Troy has enough Troy Attractionsto get you back again and again, and all this with a portion of local serenity that you can only find in small cities. Personally, I always take time to stroll through the streets and see what little surprises hide behind the next corner.
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