Paying It Back
My Salute to Zanesville
As a major internet influencer, I get no shortage of unsolicited ideas for future blog articles. But, it was still surprising when the Mayor of Zanesville, Ohio, reached out to me with a idea pitch. To paraphrase, he said something like…”You always write up crappy little towns that have no connection to your life. For a change, why don’t you try paying it back by honoring your hometown with a blog post.” Well, as the Mayor actually dated my sister 40 years ago, I felt compelled to honor his request. So, I give you Zanesville, Ohio, the Famous Y-Bridge City.
As for the basics of the Y-Bridge, it was originally built way back in 1814. There have been 5 versions of the bridge since 1814. Its located in the center of town at the confluence of the Muskingum and Licking rivers. The bridge is along the Route 40 National Road. The folks of Zanesville love their Y-Bridge
The Wilds
On a much more recent note, in 1984, the Zanesville area got a large safari park, known as The Wilds. The Wilds is a private, non-profit, safari park spanning about 10,000 acres just southeast of Zanesville. The park has a wide variety of animals with a particular emphasis on threatened and endangered species. The animals roam free in the park while you cruise through in open-air vehicles driven by your knowledgeable guide.
Since PT is a wonderful son, I last took my parents to the Wilds when it reopened after COVID. We did the VIP Tour where you get a private showing of all the animals. The Wilds is the real deal. If someone asks me for ideas of things to do in Zanesville, The Wilds is the most solid and safe recommendation.
Tom’s Ice Bowl
After visiting The Wilds, the next best stop is Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl. By far, Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl…or just Tom’s…is the most iconic restaurant in Zanesville. The building that they are in today was built in the early 1950s. I can assure you that there are no noticeable changes in the building since the place was built. To be honest, the food is just OK. But, the homemade ice cream makes Tom’s the best ice cream shop in the state, if not the USA.
Allen Cottrill Studio/Gallery
Up until recently, I only recommended 3 points of interest (featured above) when visiting Zanesville. However, I now include a stop at the Allen Cottrill Studio and Gallery on my list of Zanesville must sees. Allan Cottrill is a world renown sculptor that works out of Zanesville, and happened to go to my high school as well. His most common form of art is life size (or larger) figurative bronze statues. His art is featured all over the USA…
As evidence of Mr. Cottrill’s fame, the US Capitol Building has a gallery called the National Statuary Hall. In this Hall, each state has a statue depicting one of their most prominent state citizens. For Ohio, there is a statue of Thomas Edison. Allan Cottrill is the sculptor of the Thomas Edison in the Capitol. Also, another favorite of mine is the Jack Hanna sculpture featured at the Columbus Zoo. But, you do not have to travel all over to see his work. Rather, just go to his studio…its free and open to the public…
Obviously, the final version of his sculptures goes to the paying customer. However, before making the final, full scale sculpture, he does a “rough draft” for approval. The “rough drafts” remain in the studio for all to see. So, you do not have to travel to the Doral Country Club in Florida to pay homage to the Golden Calf. Just make a visit to the Allan Cottrill Studio in Zanesville, Ohio. The prototype of the Golden Calf stands outside the studio on the sidewalk of 6th Street.
Wrap It Up
Enough said. My sister did not date the Mayor for very long. I think this post has met my commitment to paying it back to the Mayor and Zanesville, Ohio. I have given you a full day of tourism. Drive over the Y-Bridge. Then, go enjoy The Wilds for a couple hours. Stop by Tom’s on the way back to town to visit the Allan Cottrill Studio. Its a worthy, one day road trip. Have a wonderful day. PT
I hope you have enjoyed reading “Paying It Back” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.
Here’s another worthy road trip… https://travelingwithpt.com/most-interesting-town-in-america/
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