Honestly, if you think “Venedocia Sights” is just another place in the Middle West, then you haven’t experienced the story of this little gem yet. Founded in 1866 by German immigrants who wanted to create a piece of home, Venedocia is now in the heart of York Township, Van Wert County, and proudly carries the traces of its agricultural roots. I usually drive over the state route 2, because the highway noise is almost as calming as the sum of the old grain silos that still dominate the cityscape.
I don’t understand the hype about the annual “Venedocia Days” parade – a bit too much nostalgia, a bit too little innovation – but that’s what makes the charm. Right next to the town hall, which looks more like a well-preserved farmhouse, you will find the small but fine Venedocia Public Library, where I like to spend my lunch break because the WLAN is faster than the conversation with the locals. And if you are looking for a place to feel the true heart of the city, go to the old cemetery on the edge of the township; there the weathered tombstones tell stories that no guide would ever mention.
A short detour to Van Wert, just 15 minutes away, lets you discover the county administration and a few more “sights” that complete the picture of Venedocia – without feeling like a tourist catalog.
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The first stop I put to every new man's heart is that Van Wert County Historical Museum – a small but surprisingly well-stocked house that tells the history of the region from the pioneers to modern times. I learned more about the old mill on the Little Auglaise River than I would have ever thought necessary, and that because I lost myself in a corner between the old farm machines and the dusty photo albums, while my accompaniment was looking for the café again. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem.
Just a few miles further, almost like a short detour from everyday life, the imposing Van Worth County Courthouse rises. The building from 1876 looks as if someone had stolen a piece of Victorian pride from a film set and placed in the middle of the West. I don't understand the hype about old court buildings, but the artistic pillars and the massive movement inside have somehow fascinated me – especially because I happen to have witnessed a heated trial over a quarrelous chicken enclosure. Who would have thought that jurisprudence could be so close?
A short trip to Delphos brings you Delphos Opera House, a true jewel from the founding period, which still regularly hosts performances. I was there at an amateur opera that went more wrong than a badly oiled engine, and yet the atmosphere was electrifying – the audience was stealing as if the last time they saw a piece. The hall still smells like old velvet and a bit of dust, which gives the whole a certain charm.
Directly next to the opera house lies the St John the Baptist Catholic Church, a Gothic building that has more church windows than you can find in an average art museum. I visited a Sunday worship service there, only to see that the organ was more snoring than an old wooden boat, but the light that fell through the colorful glass windows was a real eye-catcher. If you are looking for a place where you can stay in and enjoy the silence, this is a good spot – provided you like the occasional murmuring of the municipality.
Back in Van Worth, the Van Worth County Veterans Memorial not missing. He stands in the middle of the square in front of the courthouse and recalls the many men and women from the area who risked their lives. I once met a veteran who told me he was on the 11th every year. November comes here to share the silent memory. This was a moment that reminded me that history lives not only in dusty books, but also in people's faces.
A little away from the hustle and bustle Van Worth County Public Library. The building is a beautiful example of classical American library architecture, and I spent more time reading old city plans than I would like to admit. The librarians, who kindly pointed out that the “Historical Archive” is in the cellar, was the only person who told me why the city museum should not be simply in the cellar of the library.
If you are in the area in the summer, you should Van Worth County Fairgrounds keep an eye on it. The annual County Fair is a mix of rides, local food stands and a lot of people who believe that Corn Dogs are the culinary highlight. I once tried a piece of apple cake that was better than anything I've eaten since my childhood – and that's not an exaggeration. The only drawback: the parking situation on Friday night is a nightmare if you don't get early enough.
Whether you are a history fan, an opera lover or just someone looking for a good piece of apple cake – the environment of Venedocia has something to offer for everyone. My personal highlights show that the region has more to offer than one would suspect at first glance, and that a little curiosity and a bit of irony will really season the travel experience. So that was my little tour through the best Venedocia Attractions – and yes, I have experienced them all myself, with all the little macks that bring true life.
So if you come to Venedocia for the first time, let me give you the Community Park put to the heart – this is virtually the heartpiece that I always put in when I show visitors to the city. The little lake there is not exactly an Amazon, but the ducks have more personality than some city guides, and the barbecue area is almost always free as long as you don't arrive with your family on Saturday night, then parking becomes a small adventure.
A short walk further (and yes, this is really just a short walk, not a marathon) leads you to Venedocia Public Library. I don't understand the hype about huge metropolis libraries, but here the staff has a humor that even makes the dusty shelves smile. I once borrowed a book about local history, just to see that the real highlight was the weekly Bingo on Thursday afternoon – no joke, that is the true culture.
If you need a little nostalgia, look at this old railway depot now serving as a mini museum. The original tracks are still there, and I almost felt like a movie star when I made a selfie with a rusty locomotive head. Parking is usually easy, except when the local tractor parade goes through – then you have to get creative and park your car in the field, which somehow contributes to the experience.
Another of my favorite places is this St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Gothic facade is not exactly what you expect in Ohio, but the interior is surprisingly artistic. I heard an organ concert there that was so good that I almost forgot that I was actually just looking for a place to pray. The church is always open, so you can look in at any time as long as you don't want to make a selfie during the Sunday Mass in the middle of the worship – that would be a bit disrespectful.
To the Venedocia Attractionsthat I would not leave personally: the old water tower on the outskirts of the city. It is not only a photo motif, but also a practical orientation point when you walk in the village. I lost my phone there and found it after half an hour – apparently the tower has a magnetic field that attracts lost devices, or that was just luck.
A short detour to Venedocia Farmers Market (which only runs in summer) is a must if you want to experience fresh products and a little village community. The sellers are so friendly that they almost give you the feeling you're a regular, even though you've been there for a few hours. And yes, parking is a bit tight here, but this is part of the charm – you'll get a conversation with the locals as soon as you have to park your car.
Last but not least, Venedocia Community Center. I tried a few yoga courses that were led by a retired teacher who knew more about the history of the place than any guide. The rooms are clean, the Wi-Fi works (sometimes), and the café next door serves the best coffee I've ever found in a village – strong enough to keep you awake for the rest of the day if you want to uncover more attractions.
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