Blazing new trails in Wayne County

For travelers who enjoy a fun themed adventure to pursue, Richmond and Wayne County offer a number of appealing trails worth building an itinerary around.

The scenic stretch of the Old National Road/U.S. 40 in eastern Indiana and western Ohio — a.k.a. “Antique Alley” — brims with charming shops and malls full of vintage treasures just waiting to be discovered. Shoppers will find more than 1,000 dealers to browse, each offering their own unique collection of wares from quilts, glassware and pottery to retro toys, grandma core decor, furniture, cast-iron skillets and much, much more.

Got a sweet tooth? The Chocolate Trail meanders through some of Wayne County’s best bakeries, flagship candy stores and ice cream parlors and earn a Certified Chocolate Lovers t-shirt . Simply flash your Chocolate Trail passport to earn delicious discounts and complimentary samples all along the way. If your tastes lean more toward grown-up refreshments, raise a glass to the Heartland Wine and Ale Trail. Stops include wineries, cider producers, restaurants and craft breweries throughout Wayne County, and even a few across the state line into western Ohio.

The greater Richmond region is proud of its strong African-American heritage. Learn more about the lasting impacts and influence of this vital community through the Black History Trail. Locations touch on the role Wayne County played in the Underground Railroad movement, early Black settlements, historical markers, the first independent African Methodist Episcopal Church denomination in the country, the local presence of the historic Negro Baseball League, Gennett-label recording artists and colorful mural depictions.

And speaking of public art, the self-guided Murals Trail is a gorgeous way to experience the sights, legends and lore of Wayne County. More than 100 works adorn buildings and walls throughout Wayne County, each offering its own intriguing snapshot history lesson.

Making sure the littlest guests don’t feel left out, Indiana’s Original Fairy Trail lays out a whimsical scavenger hunt for the magical sprites in local libraries, gardens, green spaces, museums and restaurants.