National Tourism & Travel Week – Travel Matters for New Experiences

May 6, 2019

Contributed by Leiann Stewart
Group Sales Manager at the Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau

The words travel and experiences go hand in hand! Many of us choose our destinations based on the experiences that come with it. These experiences can be exploring a new place, attending an amazing event, checking something off your bucket list, tasting something unique and delicious, taking photos of beautiful artwork or historic architecture…and the list goes on and on. New experiences can create a feeling of happiness, a sense of accomplishment and memories that stay with you forever. Miami County promises many new experiences.

Soar in a WACO biplane or fall asleep to the gentle sway of the Great Miami River while sleeping in the world’s first-ever floating tent.

The WACO Aircraft Company was the largest manufacturer of civil aircraft in the country during the late 1920’s and early 30’s. The WACO Museum features two large hangars filled with vintage WACO aircraft, displays and history of the WACO Aircraft Company, a glider theater, a flight simulator and a gift shop. Onsite, visitors will also find a 2200 ft. runway and the new WACO Learning Center slated to open this year. After learning all about these magnificent planes and their rich aviation history, make sure to schedule your ride in one of them!  Lose track of time as you spend 30 minutes in the big blue sky in WACO’s newest plane, Sunny. Rides are $300/flight for up to two people and reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance by calling 937-335-9226 or visiting https://www.wacoairmuseum.org/sunny. This is one thrilling experience that you will never forget.

One thing you will want to make sure to check off that bucket list is a night on the river in a floating tent. The shoal tents were created by Troy entrepreneur, Ethan Smith, owner of SmithFly, and they are impressive. Reserve a night in one of these tents and enjoy an evening on the river, under the stars at Treasure Island Park in Troy. While at Treasure Island Park, you can also enjoy kayaking or canoeing, you can bring your bicycles along or rent a bicycle and enjoy the Great Miami River Recreational Trail that meanders along the river, and you can sit on the water by the floating fire pits and tell stories. This is truly an experience you will be telling family and friends about for years to come and one experience you cannot do anywhere else but in Miami County. Find out how you can reserve your night in the world’s first floating tent by calling Adventures on the Great Miami at 937-266-6252.

Sculptures on the Square welcomes an outdoor art exhibit of life-size sculptures, by Seward Johnson, to residents and visitors. As you venture around Troy’s downtown area, you will come upon a gentleman selling hot dogs, children playing Frisbee or a couple enjoying their coffee. These incredible works of art, from Johnson’s “Celebrating the Familiar”, depict lifelike people performing day-to-day activities. Two additional sculptures will be from Seward Johnson’s “Beyond the Frame” series which allows visitors to step into the painting and stroll amid the life scale bronze figures, becoming part of the scene. Finally, there will be two sculptures from Johnson’s “Icons Revisited” series. Enjoy these beautiful sculptures from June 14 – September 13, 2019.

Vintage in the Village is a new, re-imagined and exciting take on beloved festivals of the past in historic downtown Tipp City. On June 15th from 10am-6pm, bring your family to lovely downtown Tipp City to find one-of-a-kind vintage, antique and artisan treasures and while there, enjoy the wide variety of food trucks, entertainment and children’s activities.

Piqua Arts & Ale Fest brings together art, entertainment and craft beer for a dynamic, fun-filled experience in Canal Place in downtown Piqua. On Saturday, September 21st from 10am-8pm, event attendees will love the crafts and fine art for purchase, live entertainment on the stage, food and drinks from local vendors and food trucks, a plein air competition for artists and a kid’s zone. This event is one of the “can’t miss” attractions in the Piqua community this year.

These are just a few of the exciting opportunities for residents and visitors in Miami County! Make sure you put these Home.Grown.Experiences. on your to-do list for 2019!

#TravelMatters #nntw19