If you’re looking for a day trip, I suggest looking no further than the town of McConnelsville. You can stop at the Big Muskie Bucket on the drive there and stop in to catch a movie in the Twin City Opera House. There are multiple little shops to peruse on the town square and if you’re looking into making a weekend out of it, stop by the Mill Inn on the dam in Stockport. In no particular order here are some of the things you can’t miss:

JoAd’s Market

This quaint little Amish store is full of goodies. You can find items in bulk and a great selection of supplements. From loose leaf tea and old fashioned candy, to meats and cheeses you’ll be able to find something tasty in here. You can also get local honey and fresh ground peanut butter. In one side of the store they also have Amish made items for your home.

Stockport Mill Inn

If you’re looking for a place to stay you won’t go wrong with the Mill. It got its start as a grist mill and the owner Dottie has kept a lot of that old charm while still maintaining a cozy little bed and breakfast. If you happen to run into her, ask her about the history of the Mill and she’ll show you around. There is a restaurant attached so you don’t have to go far for dinner. Eagles are frequently seen from the dining room and you can watch them catch a fish from the dam if you’re lucky!

Twin City Opera House

Where else can you get a movie ticket, drink and some popcorn for under $10?! They only show one movie at a time so you’ll have to check out the schedule but the atmosphere is fantastic. The Opera House first opened its doors in May of 1892. It was one of the first buildings in the area to be lit by electric. Rich in history, it is said to be haunted and I’ve heard stories of it being used in the Underground Railroad. The inside is beautiful and there’s no place else you can enjoy a $4 movie. Be sure to check out the “Doughboy” on the square.

The Boondocks BBQ and Grill

The Boondocks has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2009. It’s not fancy but it boasts the best barbecue around. If you happen to catch them on the right day I hear they sometimes serve up alligator bites.

The Big Muskie Bucket

This is a local piece of history though it might not look like much. Used in coal mining, it could grab 325 tons of earth in a single swoop. It operated from 1969 -1991. AEP dismantled the Big Muskie in the late 90’s and this bucket is all that remains of the largest dragline ever built.

McConnelsville holds all the small town charm you could handle. There are festivals to check out in warmer weather and the community has been steadily invigorating the area with new things to do. It’s a town rich with history and character. Why not take a short drive and see what McConnelsville has to offer?
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