Spending one day in Sidney, Ohio is plenty of time to explore what this charming little town has to offer. Just off 1-75, you can find a lot to do to experience your fun-filled day!
Good Eats
If you are visiting with a small hungry group and want to get the most bang for your buck, I suggest heading over to Murphy’s Craft Bar and Kitchen and buying their giant nachos for $13 that feeds 2-4 people!
Afterward, stop by the famous SPOT restaurant and share a large strawberry pie or get hotdogs for 25 cents! Spot Miller started this restaurant by bringing in his mobile chuck wagon and parking it on the corner (like a food truck I guess), but this wasn’t allowed back then, so he took off the wheels and added awnings and they let him stay. The current building was erected in 1934.
Get Historical
After lunch, walk across the street to visit The Peoples Federal bank, one of the gorgeous last works of famed architect Louis Sullivan (1918), and notice the amazing stained glass windows, the hand-carved molding, and the giant eleven ton, stainless steel safe that looks like the kind in the movies! This was one of the first air-conditioned buildings in the USA. Secret info: if you are too cold, the bench seats are heated!
Next, cross kitty-corner to the Gothic revival Monumental Building (1877). Notice the three marble tablet plaques on the first floor, listing the county’s civil war dead. Go up to the third and fourth floors to see the old opera house that is now a courtroom. Some of the most famous vaudeville acts performed here; such as Bill Cody and His Wild West Show (1881) and Flying Cloud, “The Oldest War Chief of the Sioux Nation”. A giant elephant show featuring “Giant Men, Giant Women and Giant Animals from all corners of the globe” packed the opera house in 1882. Adults=25 cents and Children = 5 cents. The ceiling of cherubs and vases was uncovered under several layers of wallpaper. Look for the lady carrying wheat. As you are leaving, notice the 1890 blue man, Sergeant Baker in the niche in the gabled center of the east facade.
Walk in Nature
Don’t forget to take a walk in beautiful Tawawa park and see the covered bridge. Explore all of the cool bridges and the ruins of old bridges. This park is especially dream-like in fall with all the brilliant colors.
Where To Stay
If you are looking to stay overnight in Sidney, you could not do worse than the Great Stone Castle (1895). Some of its features include 100-year-old oak trees, 2 acres of lawn and gardens, 18 inches thick Bedford Indiana limestone walls, stone columns, and a wrap-around porch with a seated swing. And yes they do have breakfast and a spa with massages! In the evening catch a show at the historic Sidney Theater (see photo at top of the screen).
I hope you enjoy your one day in Sidney Ohio!
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