Located in northeast Ohio, just 60 miles south of Cleveland, is a small city complex called Carroll County, of which Augusta Township is included. And while Augusta has lots of farmland and a population of around 1,500, its neighboring townships and region have an incredible amount of history, nature, and activities to offer Ohio residents. 

Not only is Augusta beautiful, but Carroll County prides itself on being inviting and down to earth to visitors and residents alike. “Retreat... relax... rejuvenate as you let your stress melt away,” reads their county visitors guide. And it is true! We’ve never seen a place more perfect to unplug from technology and explore the American landscape. (Did we mention there are Alpaca farms!?)

So whether you’re just passing through or thinking of moving to Augusta, here are some things we love about Augusta and Carroll County-- and some reasons why you’ll want to stay!

1. Augusta’s Historic Past

Learn about America’s past by visiting a number of museums and historical sights in and outside of Augusta.

As the 17th state to be admitted to the Union, Ohio has a rich history that is cemented in smaller towns like Augusta. And it is in these kinds of towns that communities comprised of some of the first European settlers found space to flourish as masters of industry and trade.

You can find a lot more information on Carroll County’s local history at the Haas Museum in nearby Minera. There you’ll be able to see archival documents, period clothing, 19th century technological devices, and much more. The Haas Museum has wonderful staff (friendly and willing to chat), in addition to household items, military surgical kits from the period, and other artifacts pertaining to Minerva and the surrounding townships. 

Aside from local history, you can find the McCook House Civil War Museum in Carrollton (just a quick 15 minute drive from Augusta), home of the famous “Fighting McCooks” family who participated in the armed services during the Civil War. ‍

The Ashton House Museum, also located in Carrollton, is another historic landmark to visit. Once owned by John and Evelyn Ashton, two philanthropists who wished to give back to their community, the museum house includes family items dating back to the early nineteenth century, as well as nostalgic items from surrounding communities. 

2. Parks and Recreation

The kids (and the adults) won’t be bored in Augusta with so much to do in and around Carroll County.

‍If museums aren’t your first choice in trying to find fun, don’t sweat it. In Carroll County, you can go golfing at the Carroll Meadows Golf Course, bowling at the Carroll Lanes bowling alley, or pitch your tent at Leesville North Fork Marina & Campground.

For those who like to soak up the sun in the summertime, Atwood lake is the place to go. Built from a reservoir between Tuscarawas and Carroll counties, Atwood Lake offers campgrounds, cabins, pavilions, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking trails, and geocaching. Dining options are also available. 

Throughout the year, Atwood Lake also runs special events, like Movies at the Lake, Moonlight Kayaking, and Bands on the Beach. It seems like every year the park adds more and more options for families to enjoy Ohio’s natural beauty and great outdoors. 

“The future is incredibly bright as we continue to expand and improve our amenities, infrastructure, unique opportunities, wide range of programming, and our beautiful natural setting,” says Aaron Stump, park manager at Atwood Lake. “From our festivals and special events, to camping, to our beach and outstanding lake, to our abundant green areas and trails, we look forward to serving you, your family, and your friends.” 

On top of all of these wonderful experiences, just 16 minutes south of Augusta is the Carroll County Park District that includes BlueBird Farm Park that houses pavilions for large events, a yoga study, a rentable, old fashioned cabin, and an amphitheater. Also included is the Carroll Community Park, which offers a baseball field, soccer field, walking trails, and a playground. 

3. Specialty Shops

From antiques to department stores, Augusta and Carroll County leave nothing to be desired. 

Drive a bit outside Augusta and you’ll find a number of shops to satisfy anyone’s inner shopaholic. Carroll County has truly  been blessed to have many mom-and-pop businesses that thrive in our small communities.

Ashton’s 5- and 10-cent Store offers many hard-to-find items, while Bud’s Farm Toys can help you find that special toy for your favorite person. Carroll County is also the home of several craft stores and antique stores where you can find gifts for that special occasion, such as Trunk N Treasures antiques, and a gift shop and office supply store called Paperworks and More. 

Another great local shop is Bud’s Flowers and Gifts,  a professional local florist proudly serving Carrollton, Ohio and surrounding areas whose friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you when you need flowers delivered (both locally and anywhere in the world). They also offer daily delivery service to local hospitals and funeral homes

If you’re feeling musically inspired, stop by the Minerva Music Center-- just a 10 minute drive north of Augusta! It’s been in business for 25 years, serving the community as a one-stop-shop for musical instruments and supplies. And if you need to brush up on your skills, Minerva Music Center offers in-house teachers that teach lessons on a full range of instruments, including guitar, piano, and also voice lessons. 

4. Culinary Experiences

Need to refuel? Get your fill at any of these local favorites offering home cooking at its finest.  

Don’t just grab-n-go. Sit down, stay awhile! Augusta Township is surrounded by plenty of fine eateries perfect for sit down meals where farm to table is the norm. Not to mention most establishments are locally owned and operated. 

In Carrollton, experience the classic small town restaurant vibe at Archers Restaurant, where breakfast is served all day. If you are looking for a home cooked meal in a family friendly atmosphere, look no further than Donna’s Deli. Everything is made from scratch and farm-to-fork, featuring a menu full of soups, salads, deli sandwiches, meat-and-cheese trays, deli meats and daily specials.

Visitors to Carollton can also enjoy Knicker’s Bar & Grill, located on the grounds of the Carroll Meadows golf course. As a laid back sports bar, Knicker’s specializes in burgers, sandwiches and beer. We recommend you try their battered green beans, their sweet potato waffle fries, or their Mushroom Swiss burger. 

Oh, and stop into Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ for some award-winning, mouth watering ribs. Their meats are hand rubbed and hickory smoked daily at each of their four locations, and our delicious homemade side dishes are prepared daily in our kitchens. Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ has won multiple Rib Competitions, Sauce Competitions, and Restaurant Competitions across Ohio, so you won’t be disappointed. 

Close by in Mechanicstown you’ll find Cathy's Mechanicstown Restaurant, which features a full menu and breakfast, including its popular breakfast burrito. 

If you want a new and historical dining experience, The Hart Mansion Restaurant in Minerva Township will transport you back to the Vicorian era. Built in 1869 high on a hill overlooking the heart of Minerva, this Victorian home has been transformed into a warm welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy a wide variety of fabulous American cuisine, with lunch and dinner menus, homemade desserts, and a children's menu. 
Though a 20 minute drive from Augusta, the Dellroy Drive-In is a must stop for couples and families. As an authentic drive in experience, the Dellroy Drive-in offers its "famous fish" dinners, pizza, and sandwiches, and features soft-serve ice cream in chocolate, vanilla and twist, as well as offering 2 flavors that change weekly through the summer. 

Even further (bu definitely worth the drive) is Overlooking Atwood Lake, the Lighthouse Bistro offers a full menu, chef's specials, seafood, soups, salads and sandwiches. Enjoy contemporary American cuisine served in a comfortably casual setting. Patio dining with outstanding lake views is available in warm weather. 

With such good food, no matter where you go in and around Augusta, we’re sure you’ll find something to enjoy. 

5. Farms! (And Alpacas!)

We love harvesting crops, nature, rolling hills and, yes, even big fluffy llama-like creatures 

With so much open land, rolling hills, and fresh air, it is no wonder that Carroll Count, Ohio has been a major agricultural producer since it was founded almost 200 years ago. Today, agriculture still drives the economy and gives community members and residents opportunities to educate others about the origin and production of their food. 

If you are looking for farm fresh produce and a nice weekend outing in the fall, look to Manfull Orchards Farmers Market, which has been serving the community for seven generations and continues to offer fresh produce today. The Manfull Market is right in Augusta and sells rustic country furniture, shelves, hutches, and dry sinks, all charmingly worn and locally made. And don’t forget to pick up delectable baked goods, james, fruit butters, honey, maple syrup, and apples (of course!) before you leave. 

Another farm to visit is The Minerva Dairy Farm, which has been producing vats of cheese and butter since 1935. The dairy store/lunch counter opened March 10, 1940, in a blinding snowstorm. Today, the Minerva Dairy is run by the fourth and fifth generations and is conveniently located off of U.S. Route 30, right in Minerva. 

Visitors can indulge in a large selection of natural cheeses, deli items, Amish-style butter, Ohio raw milk and goat cheeses, and even learn how they make the cheese by watching the process through a viewing window. And the best part about Minerva Dairy Farm? They are committed to making products that are hormone and antibiotics free. 

Another farm in the area includes Snodes Restored Country Barn and Farmer’s Market, where you can rent out the barn for special events like weddings, receptions, family reunions, or birthday parties. The market, which opens every August, sells fresh produce and melons.

Aside from agricultural farms, Carroll County has two two fully operational alpaca farms that offer items made of alpaca fiber, crafts, host local farmer’s markets, and raise alpaca herds, whose fur is groomed and harvested for profit.  

Lana Bella is located on 53 acres just south of Augusta Township and is a full service alpaca farm offering full lines of alpaca sweaters, accessories, yarn, and fleece. To see the babies (those cute, odd looking fluffy alpacas we LOVE), either call Lana Bella to make an appointment-- or just stop by to see them up close and have the chance to interact with them. 

Coffee Pot Farm is another alpaca farm located in the beautiful Atwood Lake Region of Carroll County Ohio, just thirty minutes south of Canton, two hours south of Cleveland. The farm raises beautiful Huacaya alpacas that are funny and entertaining to play with, Plan a farm visit and learn how people invest in alpacas for a living. 

Oh, and we hate to break this to you, but you can’t take one home (we know, we already tried). 

So, What Are You Waiting For?

With so much to offer, Augusta and the surrounding townships in Carroll County are a boatload of fun (or alpaca farm) just waiting to be discovered. So go ahead, pack those bags, get in that car, and settle into the comfort and natural beauty of Augusta, Ohio.