Even though it is birthplace of famous book author Sherwood Anderson, Preble County is better known for its quaint rural scenery and beautiful farm land. A county filled with historical churches, buildings and other landmarks is the perfect place for a weekend drive.
Covered Bridges
Seven of Ohio’s 125 wooden covered bridges reside in Preble County. The oldest covered bridge in Ohio and the second oldest in the U.S. — the Roberts Bridge was restored in 1991 after being vandalized. The double-barrel bridge is located on Bruce Street about one block off of U.S. 127 on the south end of Eaton. If you are a motorcyclist, each June the Preble County Historical Society hosts a Bridges, Bikes & Blues event that features a bike tour through all the county’s covered bridges.
National Yard Sales
With the National Road cutting through the county from east to west, you can spot deals in the National Road Yard Sale held annually in late May or early June. In August, you can try again by heading north or south through the county when the World’s Largest Yard Sale is held on U.S. 127.
Antiques and Thrift Stores
If you enjoy shopping, but do not want to deal with the large crowds associated with the national yard sales, visit any time during the year at the numerous antique and vintage stores located throughout the county. For great deals and selections, be sure to stop by:
- Treasures in the center of West Alexandria
- Antique Mall on Main Street in New Paris
- National Trail Antique Market in Lewisburg
- Yesterday’s Treasures in Eaton.
Great Food and Crafts
Besides the county fair held at the end of July, the other large event for the county is the renowned Pork Festival held the third full weekend in September. The town overflows with thousands of visitors who drop by the free, two-day event to eat great food (especially the signature pork chops), walk through hundreds of craft booths or to enjoy live music and entertainment.
Whispering Christmas
Eaton is home to historic Fort Saint Clair. Built in 1782, the fort served as a supply depot for Fort Washington and Fort Jefferson and future President William Henry Harrison helped with the fort’s construction. Although the fort is no longer in existence, the area has been preserved as a public park and has been used for Civil War reenactments. Each winter, though, the fort is decorated in a winter wonderland theme and visitors can drive through the park to see the light display or stop at the center of the park for a hot cup of chocolate and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Haunted Cave
If you visit the county in the fall, stop by the Haunted Cave in Lewisburg. Located 80 feet below ground, this haunted attraction is home to 30,000 real, live bats. The cave made its way into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2010, when the Haunted Cave was ranked the World’s Longest Haunted House.
