Celebrate the Past in High Fashion in Seneca County

Seneca County has been a big player in Ohio’s history for over 200 years. A fort in the War of 1812, a major train hub, creators of hand blown glass and an elaborate theatre put Tiffin on the map.

You’ve heard the famed expression ‘When in Rome, live like the Romans.’ Well, my friend Kara and I decided to take that idea, put a bit of a twist on it, and have a grand weekend. The Roaring ‘20s were a time of flapper dresses, evenings out at the theatre, speak easy bars and so much more. Here we are, a hundred years later, getting to experience the 20s all over again. It will be interesting to see how this decade plays out compared to the prior century’s.

Tiffin – Seneca County’s Captial

Tiffin is lucky enough to have a fantastic theatre that was built in 1928, sporting the Art Deco look. It also has a speak easy bar, The Renaissance of Tiffin, that conjures up all the stereotypical ideas of the mafia and bars of the day. The two establishments are located about a block apart so walking from one to the other is very convenient.

The Ritz Theatre

During the 1920s and 1930s, Tiffin was home to four different theatres, but none as grand as the Ritz Theatre. At the time, going to the theatre was the thing to do. Time passed and entertainment changed. The other three theatres no longer exist, but fortunately, The Ritz Theatre fell into good hands and underwent a major rehabilitation in 1998.

The interior is truly magnificent. The performers have a tough job of keeping one’s attention because I found myself admiring the Italian murals, the architecture, and the glistening chandelier. It is a privilege to sit in a room of such splendor.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Ushers are needed. Inquire at the Box Office

The Ritz Theatre 30 S. Washington St. Tiffin, Ohio

The Renaissance of Tiffin

Signs that read ‘Grab a Drink, Dollface’ and ‘Shhh, Don’t Tell the Coppers’ are only the tip of the iceberg for all the details that have gone into making this exquisite bar feel like you’ve just stepped back in time. Smoke stained tin ceilings, bar stools pulled up to whiskey barrels, leather couches, a sound-proof curtain. huge black and white photos gracing the walls and a peek hole door all harmonize perfectly. The live music gives the place an easy, feel-good chillin’ vibe. A place to socialize and relax and just enjoy the evening with friends.

Dave, the owner, has always had a dream of running a speak easy. Decked out in 20s attire, he loves to entertain in his private bar, Barrel 51. This room can be privately rented out for $100/night. Take note of the grandfather clock his dad built for him. The hands are set in place at 5:00 in his dad’s remembrance – It’s 5:00 somewhere.

The Renaissance of Tiffin 129 S. Washington Tiffin, Ohio

Clover Club

According to the locals we talked to, the Clover Club is the place to go to start your evening. One of those ‘Everybody knows your name’ type of places. They serve lunch and dinner and are known for their Reubens and homemade cheesecake. We tried the Reuben and it had to have been the best corned beef I’ve ever tasted. The shredded meat was super tender creating a scrumptious bite every time. Delicious!

Be sure to notice the Hawkes Crystal glass medallion hanging in the front window. Walking by on the sidewalk, it doesn’t reflect the light as well. When you go inside and look out, the full splendor is seen. The details in the etching are phenomenal.

Clover Club 266 S. Washington St. Tiffin, OH

Coffee Shops

Bailiwicks Coffee Company

Located on the corner, in the Historical Downtown Area, Bailiwicks offers all your favorite coffee infused drinks plus some creative counterparts. Inside seating is available, so you can pull up a chair and catch up with your bestie or grab a book from the free lending library and sit and enjoy.

Bailiwicks Coffee Company 62 S. Washington St. Tiffin, OH

Sabaidee Coffee & Crepes

This adorable coffee shop is located near the Tiffin University part of town. Tin ceilings, exposed brick walls and a rustic décor give this coffee shop a cozy vibe. It’s next to impossible to go wrong when ordering a crepe – they are all so good!

Currently, Sabaidee Coffee is collecting gifts to be given to area children. Be sure to pick up an envelope when you stop by.

Sabaidee Coffee & Crepes 45 S. Sandusky Tiffin, OH

Restaurants

The Pioneer Mill of Tiffin

Opening in 1974, this restaurant is a staple in town for fine dining. Known for its prime rib, the mill offers a full menu with seating inside and out on the patio overlooking the river. The mill was one of the first structures built in Tiffin after the War of 1812.

The Pioneer Mill of Tiffin 255 Riverside Dr. Tiffin, OH

Unique to Tiffin

JT’s Bagel Bar

Have you ever had your bagel steamed, not toasted? This was a new experience for both of us. We were told this is how the locals love to eat their bagels. ‘When in Rome…’, right? Give it a try!

JT’s Bagel Bar 14 Sycamore St. Tiffin, OH

Molyet’s Farm Market & Garden Center

On that same note, Molyet’s is locally known for their popcorn balls and caramel apples. I realized when I brought the bag of popcorn balls home that my kids had never had this sweet treat. Oops! The joys of travel. Yum!

Molyet’s Farm Market & Garden Center 1530 West SR 18 Tiffin, OH

Tiffin’s Glass Heritage

Tiffin Glass Museum

Tiffin has been known for its glass making for over 100 years. The ever-famous Tiffin Glass, produced in what locals called the ‘Glass House’, was a mainstay for many tables as it was the largest hand-blown glass factory in the U.S. Bowls, plates, and other various table items were handmade and shipped all over the world. A full place setting could have up to 17 items per person!

Unfortunately, production ceased in 1985. Over 2400 pieces have been donated or bought at auctions and are now beautifully displayed in the glass museum. A bonus is that many of the duplicate pieces can be purchased. In the back room, shelves upon shelves of stemware are also for sale. You can get handmade glasses for less than or equal to what you pay for generic box store pieces. It’s quite a deal.

My new glass favorites are the Tiffin Twilight (a clear, lavender glass) and the Canary Glass. The Canary Glass is yellow (obviously), but the coolest part is when it is under a black light, it glows. How fun is that for a Halloween party?! I also found the acid etching process to be quite interesting. There are so many unusual pieces that were never sold but made by the workers during their off hours. Be sure to check out the glass swords and the chained wine glasses.

Volunteer Opportunity: Every January the museum washes, inspects and inventories all the pieces that are on display. As you can imagine, this is a big job and takes several days. Hand washers are needed. Contact the museum if you are interested.

Tiffin Glass Museum 25 S. Washington St. Tiffin, OH

Hawkes Crystal

Aiden Scully, originally from Ireland, trained under a gentleman who worked at Waterford Crystal. Tiffin is so fortunate to have a Master Brilliant Cutter in their Historic Downtown area. He has mastered his trade so much that he is only 1 of 3 cutters in the U.S. who cuts glass using the same methods that were used back in the 1800s.

Custom pieces make up 90% of his work. Along with making elaborate bowls, vases and suncatchers, Mr. Scully also does crystal chandelier repairs. Each year he creates a special Christmas ornament. They are quite the collector’s item and much sought after by his regulars. Tours at his workshop can be scheduled in advance.

Hawkes Crystal 207 S. Washington St. Tiffin, OH

Poignon Project

You know when serendipity rocks your world and you just love it? Well, that’s kind of what happened here. The Poignon Project was not originally on my itinerary, but when driving around looking for something else, we happened upon it.

Monica and Ryan Poignon are both creative and talented artists. They are living out their dream by making and selling what they love to create. They are just the cutest couple, always smiling and filled with hearts of gold.

You can watch Ryan create his amazing ornaments right there in the gallery. Each icicle ornament is unique dependent on the colors that are melted in and the tightness of the twist.

Ryan has taken his art to a new level by creating sculptures that create conversation and awareness about the national heroin epidemic. They have traveled to New York and Washington D.C. and have received quite a bit publicity. The sculptures are currently on display at the Tiffin Brewery.

Everyone knows about Willy Wonka’s golden ticket. Ryan has incorporated a similar annual event in Tiffin. 30 golden tickets are hidden around town, each representing a free glass ornament. The big event is being held December 12^th at 9:00am. Clues as to the whereabouts of these sought after tickets can be found on his Facebook page.

Poignon Project 227 E. Perry St. Tiffin, OH

Lodging

Bowe House Inn

We had the awesome experience of staying overnight at the historical Bowe House. It was one of the very first buildings erected in Tiffin after the War of 1812. This two-bedroom home is just adorable both inside and out. You can make your reservations through AirBnB.

Bowe House Inn 108 Franklin St. Tiffin, OH

Shopping

Antique Warehouse

This store is jam-packed with treasures! Old signs, skeleton keys, dressers and practically everything else you can image under one roof.

Antique Warehouse 56 E. Perry

Simply Susan’s

This place is so fun! Clothing with fun phrases, personized insulated tumblers, hot chocolate bombs and SO, SO much more!!

Simply Susan’s 70 S. Washington St. Tiffin, OH

Tom Rodger’s Flower Shop

A gorgeous window display sets the tone for what comes next when you walk through the doors of Tom’s. Currently, Christmas trees of multiple themes line the shop, each with its own cubby of matching decorative pieces. Everything is displayed so tastefully and festive.

Tom Rodger’s Flower Shop 245 S. Washington St. Tiffin, OH

Extras

Tiffin Train Depot

Built in 1862, this particular depot was one of six in the bustling town of Tiffin. As the railroad industry declined, many of the depots were dismantled. The current building is being renovated and there are multiple ponds and rock gardens surrounding the depot. It makes a great place for pictures or just a place to sit and relax.

Tiffin Train Depot 65 N. Monroe St. Tiffin, OH

Seneca County Courthouse

Be sure to read the Ohio Historical Marker out front. You’ll learn all about Ohio’s first female lawyers. Go Tiffin!

Franciscan Earth Literacy Center

A large squirrel statue welcomes you as you make your way back to the literacy center. The outdoor area is a sensory wonderland for children. All five senses (especially during the growing season) can be explored through hands-on activities. This place is quite cool and is a great stop if you’re traveling with children.

Franciscan Earth Literacy Center194 S. Francis St. Tiffin, OH

Local History

American Civil War Museum

The American Civil War Museum is housed inside the grand, old post office. The building resembles the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., just without Lincoln sitting there. The museum is a fantastic collection of donated items displayed and noted with detail. I couldn’t believe how much I learned going through the various rooms.

There are some great hands-on centers set up throughout the museum. A favorite for me was the telegraph that tapped out the morse code. It’s so hard to imagine how a person learns to hear all of those dots and dashes at high speed.

A small gift shop has some neat items for kids and adults alike. There is also a selection of gently used Civil War books that are priced for only a few dollars each.

Volunteer Opportunity: The museum is run completely by volunteers. If you have an interest in history and would like to help, please contact the museum for further information.

American Civil War Museum 19 W Market

Indian Maiden Statue 149 Frost Pkwy. Tiffin, OH

Across the street from the Maiden Statue is the plaque marking the spot where Fort Ball once stood. The sycamore tree is literally growing around the metal plaque. Fort Ball was used during the War of 1812.

Grammes-Brown Victorian Home 172 Jefferson St. Tiffin, OH

9-11 Memorial

Kindness throughout the City

Home From the Library

This adorable statue sits outside the library. Beside it is a large aquarium-like container for which folded, Japanese cranes can be deposited. It’s a community project to promote worldwide peace. I found it to be pretty neat– check it out!

Home From the Library 78 Jefferson St. Tiffin, OH

Many communities have taken on the painted stone project. The idea is to paint stones that promote kindness and happiness. They then are placed around town for people to come across. The stones as fun to find as they are to ‘hide’. This is one we found downtown. It had a phone number on the back if you needed someone to talk to. I love this!

‘Be A Light’ is a Tiffin project currently underway. Free, battery powered candles can be picked up to be placed in a window. The idea is to give those that may not be able to afford Christmas lights the ability to still shine a light during the holiday season.

It’s the little things like these that really connects a community.

Fostoria

Art Walk

Fostoria’s self-guided art walk is an entertaining activity to engage in throughout the city. You can walk along the sidewalk and be surprised, or you can download the QR reader app and follow along as it guides you through the town. There are unique, varied sculptures, wall murals and quilt squares. Each quilt square is so nicely done. I’d love to know the name for each of the designs. If you enjoy quilting, you’ll love checking out this part in particular.

Iron Triangle Rail Park

Attention train lovers!! This place is for you. Pack a lunch and hang out on the platform for an afternoon of train watching. Over 100 trains rumble through Fostoria each day. There are multiple tracks giving you a 360-degree view of possible trains coming and going. In just the short time I was there, I was able to see multiple companies represented on the cars. It’s a safe way to be relatively close, yet comfortable. It gives you a great opportunity for photos as well. There is also a caboose on display for which you can look through the windows and get a better idea of what life is like riding in the caboose.

Iron Triangle Rail Park 499 S. Poplar

LE&W Train Depot 128 W. North St. Fostoria, OH

Fostoria Area Historical Society Museum 123 W. North Fostoria, OH

Glass Heritage Gallery 109 N. Main Fostoria, OH

New Riegel

If you love cemeteries, this is an incredibly unique one to visit. During the 1800s, monks and nuns from all over Europe came to this area and set up an orphanage. Due to their missionary work, many of the headstones have a cross on the top. As you walk through the cemetery toward the small church, you will encounter a sea of crosses of all different styles and sizes. It is pretty cool to say the least.

As you can tell, my visit was very full. If you’re looking for additional outdoor activities, such as disc golf or hiking, check out the Seneca County Visitor’s Bureau for a list of ideas.

I would like to thank the Seneca County Visitor’s Bureau for having me come visit their amazing area of Ohio. As with all of my trips, the experiences and opinions are my own.

Ohio is such a spectacular state. Check out my other articles on places to explore:

• Appalachian Byway of Ohio
• Belmont County
• Extreme Treats
• Hocking Hills Scenic Railway
• Miami County: Top Things to Do, See and Experience
• Tuscarawas County