OSAP Industry Advocate Summer 2022

Explore Licking County and
End up Somewhere Unexpected
BY DAN MODER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EXPLORE LICKING COUNTY
Licking County
knows hospitality.
It should; it's been honing that skill since 1808. In the
beginning, our form of welcome was a bit more laid back
and, dare we say, untamed. It was the wilderness 214
years ago, complete with horse paths, muddy, rutted,
one-lane stagecoach roads and a landscape dotted
with homesteaders trying to make a go of it. Yes, it was
a bit wild back then, but there was always the notion of
greeting a visitor with the best we had to offer.
In the 21st Century, Licking Countians still subscribe to
and willingly pass along that tradition of hospitality in
a unique fusion of old and new. We've never lost sight
of the old days when a hot meal and a handshake were
the norms and a stranger to town was just "one of us"
until the stagecoach pulled away. We're fiercely proud
that we have retained that mid-western sensibility and
successfully married it with modern-day amenities. It's
the perfect mix for us.
The OSAP Annual Conference is an opportunity for the
collective "us" to iron the good linens, polish the silver and
set the table for you. 2022 is your chance to experience
Licking County hospitality - centuries in the making. We
get it, though, the conference will keep you busy and your
free time will be limited, so we suggest a return visit to
take it all in at your leisure. When we suggest taking "it all
in," we stand by that statement, proud that we have the
third-largest tourism economy in central Ohio.
Your return trip could include a visit to our great
outdoors. Visit the more than 1,600 acres of preserved
and programmed wildlife parks, including the Licking
River's most extensive stretch, famous for its kayakability
and bald eagle roosts. With more than 40 miles
of continuous, paved recreational trails that stretch to
all four corners of the county, your bike is worth bringing
along. Still, need some more nature? The world-famous
Dawes Arboretum fits the bill with 2,000 acres complete
with 16,000 living trees, shrubs, and flower specimens.
You need to eat (and drink) when you vacation, so why
not do it as the locals do? Every city, village and burb of
Licking County offers some of the most eclectic menus.
Each with its own personality, flavor and flair. Nothing
starts the dinner hour (or lunch hour - no judgment from
us) off on the right foot like a happy hour with friends. With
more breweries per capita than Franklin County, we are
always prepared to pour you a glass of our best. More
of a wine person? Licking County offers a selection of
wineries all set in rolling hills or funky downtown locations.
Cherry Valley Hotel and Ohio Event Center is a premier
location for lodging and conferences, but that is just one
of the many lodging options. Historic inns and bed and
breakfasts abound around every corner, living nicely
with more traditional hotel properties. Feel like roughing
it? Tent, camper camping, and everyone's favorite
"glamping" are all options for the more adventurous.
4 ohiosap.org