One of the great things about living in central Ohio is the abundance of high quality museums, historic house museums, and other places where you can get your history fix. Among these locations, you will find a display that will interest you and bring back many happy memories. This is where we’re talking about, the beautiful downtown area of Sandusky, Ohio – best known for its annual arts and crafts festival, The Sandusky Bay Bazaar.
The Birth Of An Institution
Located in the heart of downtown Sandusky, you will find the Pettigrew Museum of Art. The museum was founded in the 1960s by a couple who collected a broad range of artworks spanning from the late 19th century to the present day. They used to reside at No. 2 Maude Street before donating it to the city and opened the doors to the public in 1983.
What makes the little museum so special is that it houses a collection of art that is extremely diverse. It is quite an international collection with a mix of traditional and modern art. You’ll find artwork by famous artists like Matisse, Warhol, and Basquiat as well as pieces by lesser known yet equally talented creators. There are also many different styles of art, from realism to impressionism, so you are sure to find something that will suit your tastes. If you are an art fan, this museum is a must see because it will provide hours of entertainment. Also, considering the size of the collection, an entire day is enough to thoroughly enjoy the artwork and learn more about the history of art. If you’re into history, you will enjoy this museum as much as the next person. The only downside is that the place is not all that large, so it can get quite crowded during peak hours.
What Is The History Of The Site?
For as long as anyone can remember, the small downtown area of Sandusky has been the home of the Arts and Crafts Fair. The first edition was held in the early 20th century and the event grew in popularity each year. In 1949, the city fathers decided to make the annual festival an official holiday. Since then, the event has been held annually on the second Saturday of October.
The festival is one of the most iconic and well-known events in the city. It’s a great way for locals to get together and celebrate the arts. But the history of the site is much deeper and it goes back many years before the establishment of the festival. The first parade was held in 1884 and the original name of the street was Cleveland Avenue until 1890 when it was changed to honor a local mayor who helped to establish the festival in its present form. It is said that the name change was due to the many political cartoons that were published at the time which made fun of the mayor and his mayoral ambitions.
How Many Nights Does It Last?
The gates of the arts and crafts festival close at 5 p.m. on the final day of the festival. But if you are an art lover, you will not want the experience to end. Depending on how long you are planning on staying in downtown Sandusky, you will have the option of either leaving right after the festival has ended or checking out one of the local hotels and extending your stay for another night or two.
Is It Worth Visiting?
As amazing as the experience of walking through the arts and crafts festival is, there is a lot more that can be said about the city of Sandusky and its inhabitants. The food is excellent, particularly the funnel cakes and apple pies. There are also several charming B&Bs and vacation homes available in the city that you can stay in for very affordable rates. The beaches nearby are beautiful and there are plenty of hiking trails for those interested in getting some fresh air and scenery. If you are looking for a picturesque town to visit, you can’t go wrong with Sandusky. It’s a great place to be during the fall season and if you are a history buff, you will love the town’s museums and historic buildings.
If you are planning on moving there any time soon, you can find tons of information online. There are several real estate agencies that have the hots for the beach town and they will happily show you houses for sale or rent. You can also find a wide range of houses for sale in the city, from large 4 bedroom to small 1 bedroom apartments. While prices range from affordable to absolutely extravagant, you are sure to find something that suits your needs. Finally, if you are looking for a weekend getaway where you can visit museums and historic buildings, you should definitely consider purchasing a ticket to the arts and crafts festival and taking a trip to Sandusky, Ohio.