Shelby County knows how to build things. Your visit will quickly reveal why this area is a hotbed for manufacturing and how that came to be.
Airstream in Jackson Center: Shelby County
Your first stop has to be Airstream in Jackson Center. You’ve seen these iconic travel trailers on the road, and now you can witness first-hand how they’re built with a guided factory tour. After that, be sure to stop at the Airstream Heritage Center. Paying tribute to nearly 100 years of company success, the Heritage Center displays an incredible collection of vintage Airstream trailers, interactive exhibits, and Airstream collectibles of every variety.
An Afternoon in Downtown Sidney
Next, an afternoon in downtown Sidney is a great choice, beginning with a visit to Austeria Wine Boutique. Here, guests treat themselves to curated wine tastings at this delightfully quaint shop, which offers over 900 selections. Prices begin at $10 per bottle and include local, national, and international varieties to discover, sample, and purchase.
Downtown guests will also marvel at the F & M Bank building, built in 1917 by famed architect Louis Sullivan, mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright. This exquisite architectural masterpiece is best known for its “jewel box” design. Across the street, be sure to peek into the Monumental Building, initially constructed in 1877 to honor Shelby County’s fallen Civil War soldiers. Where Buffalo Bill Cody and Annie Oakley once performed, the beautifully renovated Opera House is now home to Sidney’s Municipal Court.
Dining Options in Downtown Sidney
Dining options downtown include the famous Spot Restaurant, where guests have enjoyed mouthwatering meals for more than 117 years. Others include Murphy’s Craftbar + Kitchen and Amelio’s Italian Pizza Shop. Murphy’s offers locally sourced ingredients in their menu of tasty dishes along with 48 taps of your favorite beers. Everyone knows Amelio’s for their signature brick-oven pizza, fresh salads, and pasta. Another local favorite is The Bridge Restaurant, which serves steaks, chops, and fresh seafood. Guests can dine in or “Al Fresco” on their beautiful outdoor covered patio.
Wallace Family Learning & Innovation Center
On day Two, visit the Wallace Family Learning & Innovation Center. Here, you’ll learn the compelling story of how Shelby County emerged from a primitive wilderness to become an innovative and vibrant community. Six galleries of interactive and informative exhibits are on display.
After seeing how it’s made in Shelby County, it’s time to make something yourself at Hammer & Stain. This curated, do-it-yourself studio allows guests to transform unfinished wood into beautiful, personalized home décor. Also available with guidance is crafting charcuterie, wovens, and more.
Seasonal Highlights: Autumn in Shelby County
Although Shelby County is enjoyable year-round, Autumn is the best. Fall On The Farm at Crossway Farms and Vandemark Farm, open September through October, are seasonal treats like the Lake Loramie Fall Harvest Festival in mid-September. At Crossway, be sure to sample the Apple Cider Explosion. It’s scrumptious!
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Have you ever considered an Airstream? A great article may help you decide “Why Choose an Airstream Camper.“
