One year, more than a decade ago, Mike Fornataro and his wife decided to celebrate Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where they gathered with droves of onlookers to witness the spectacle of Punxatawny Phil emerging from the ground to predict the arrival of spring. That was when a germ of an idea occurred to Fornataro, a longtime Buckeye Lake resident and trustee for the Buckeye Lake Region Chamber of Commerce: If a small town in Pennsylvania can draw tens of thousands of visitors on a cold day in February when the only thing to see is a groundhog, what could that mean for Buckeye Lake? The wheels started turning, and at an ensuing meeting of the Buckeye Lake Region Chamber of Commerce — whose perennial dilemma was how to draw customers to lakeside businesses in the middle of winter — the idea began to blossom. “This community is a little bit different, and it embraces the unusual and creative,” Fornataro says, “and I believed it was going to be a success from the beginning.” Once the talks about a winter festival in Buckeye Lake began, Chamber president Tim Ryan was immediately on board.
Mike Fornataro (left) & Tim Ryan (right) - Winterfest - Buckeye Lake
Minnows are released into the tank, and Benny’s acceptance or rejection of them marks Buckeye Lake’s official determination about whether or not spring will arrive on time. Meanwhile, the festivities continue throughout town, with businesses opening their doors to customers for activities, shopping, food and drinks. At the Buckeye Lake Yacht Club, local artists set up displays of their work, and visitors can browse the artwork and stop into the dining room for a bite. “We encourage all the businesses to be involved,” Ryan says. “There’s a lot of new businesses that have opened at Buckeye Lake that are not just restaurants and bars, but they are businesses that are participating. So it’s something for everybody and it extends the entire region of the lake.” Ryan and Fornataro can recount numerous stories of area business owners who, because of Winterfest, have been able to survive what were formerly scarce months. Not only that, but the event is a bright spot in the year for families who are looking for an activity to break up the monotonous and cold days of winter. Designed to suit all ages, Ryan emphasizes that Winterfest isn’t just for the bar crowd — it’s for everyone. “It’s about food, entertainment, businesses,” Ryan says. “Bring your children, be involved and have a good time around the lake. And by the way, do some ice fishing, do some ice skating. Come to the polar plunge, jump in the water. The water is probably only ten degrees, but it’s refreshing.
Fornataro agrees, and is pleased with how far Winterfest has come from its early days. Pleased, but not surprised — because that’s how the Buckeye Lake community is. “I knew it would succeed. And that’s because the people around this region always are looking for something to do,” he says. “These people love it. And people embrace the reality of Buckeye Lake. Even in the winter.”
When it comes to Christmas tree farms, the Walsh family knows how to do business. Opened in 1958 by Martin and Carolyn Walsh, Christmas trees have been a family tradition for the Walshes — and, thus, their fellow Licking Countians for decades. Since Martin’s passing, Carolyn continues to have a hand in the operations of the family-owned establishment that spans more than 100 acres in northern Licking County. The St. Louisville farm specializes in Fraser Fir trees, a long-lasting variety that can heartily withstand winter’s dry days indoors and maintain its pliable, silver-green needles. Towering up to 12 feet in height, the trees are grown in varying sizes to suit all homes.
Experience a winter wonderland like never before at Dawes Arboretum, where even the barren trees offer a change of scenery when you’re looking to get out and about. Dawes Executive Director Luke Messinger says wintertime is the perfect time to bundle up and take advantage of unseasonably warm days or witness the beauty of a snowfall in a new setting. “You can bundle up and get outside and enjoy a walk through the woodlands and through the gardens — they’re still spectacular during the wintertime,” he says.
During the holidays, the arboretum hangs thousands of lights that showcase its trees as part of the Winter Wonders program; enjoy them on your own or as part of one of the scheduled hikes offered during the season. Throughout the winter, the arboretum’s American Holly collection particularly shines with its array of fruit; in the late winter, the witch hazels begin to bloom, offering a promise of the colors of spring. “January provides opportunities to see orange colors during the wintertime. A lot of times (witch hazels) go unnoticed, but there’s a great opportunity to see that ‘Hey, spring is around the corner,’” Messinger says. One of his favorite ways to experience the arboretum at wintertime is when it’s blanketed in white. “The arboretum is spectacular right after a new snowfall,” he says. “The snow seems to provide that sense of quiet that many people have experienced after a snowfall.”
Forget everything you know about pizza — there’s a new pie in town, and it’s a game changer. With an ever-changing lineup of out-of-the-box signature pizzas — and plenty of nostalgia (and ranch!) on the side — the ‘90s-themed Pizza Nerds may be a newer establishment in Licking County, but it continues to make waves with memorable pies and equally memorable relics of yesteryear (here’s looking at you, Rugrats).
After two years of operating a “pizza wagon” and honing his craft, owner Brendt Gargasz opened his brick-and-mortar store on Newark’s Cherry Valley Road in 2022 and hasn’t looked back since. With a crust intentionally billed as “between thick and thin” and a vast selection of unique toppings, Gargasz builds on ‘90s nostalgia and standout flavor to create a pizza joint that is equal parts unique and, well, delicious. Take, for example, the Donkey Kong, topped with ground beef, pickles, and a signature smash burger sauce. If that doesn’t whet your appetite, be assured that pizza isn’t the only thing that’s special about Pizza Nerds; the cookies are also to die for. Grab a house-baked or three to go and you’ll see what we mean.
Ice skating may be a quintessential wintertime activity, but at the Lou & Gib Reese Ice Arena, it happens all year long. With fresh paint and a slew of interior updates, Lou & Gib promises opportunities for skaters of all ages and abilities. At the weekly public skate sessions — bring your own skates or rent them on site — try your hand at laps around the ice, or sign up for a learn-to-skate class to expand your skills. Warm up between laps with a cup of hot chocolate or popcorn from the arena’s concession stand, and if you forgot a pair of gloves or incidentals, the pro shop has you covered. Winter also is prime season for hockey, so be sure to grab a seat in the bleachers to watch teams duke it out on the ice — the arena is home to Denison University’s “Big Red” Hockey team and the Newark Generals hockey program. Winter at the arena also holds a special treat for figure skating fans: Just before Christmas each year, Lou & Gib’s figure skating program presents its annual holiday show, showcasing the skills of figure skaters of all levels, in addition to its Arctic Snowflakes synchronized skating team.
Cherry Valley Hotel & Ohio Event Center - Igloo Dining
The unique touches that make Cherry Valley Hotel special are best experienced up close, and preferably over a weekend. The facility, also home to the Ohio Event Center, is laid out in a way that affords countless opportunities for intimate conversation and gatherings with friends, with dozens of nooks just waiting to be discovered. At Craftsman Kitchen & Terrace, enjoy casual American-style cuisine as you take in the view of the courtyard, lovely no matter the season. If you’re feeling adventurous, make a reservation to dine in one of Cherry Valley’s four heated igloos, situated in the courtyard with a 360-degree view of your surroundings (while you stay warm). The igloos will feature a dazzling winter themed prix-fixe threecourse meal with a choice of entrée and sides, as well as a festive holiday cocktail menu. Wanting to grab a quick drink? Duck into The CK Pub, where you can enjoy a cocktail and quick bite. In the lobby — accented with all the right rustic touches — curl up by the roaring fireplace with a glass of wine and a good conversation (or a good book); or stroll through the courtyard and take in the twinkling lights as you let the stress of the week melt away.
