From a sunrise across Buckeye Lake to a sunset over the city, Licking County offers visitors fine dining and accommodations, rural charm and city conveniences. Conveniently located 25 miles east of Columbus, Licking County is easily accessed via Interstate 70, State Routes 13, 16 and 79.
While in the area for the Babe Ruth World Series, take the time to experience a wide range of activities. Nature enthusiasts may enjoy a picnic in the Japanese Garden at Dawes Arboretum, a hike through the challenging hills at Blackhand Gorge or a step back in time at Moundbuilders Earthworks. Golfers may take their pick from over a dozen courses, including the Donald Ross- designed Granville Golf Course.
There are several recreational hot spots, including the 7-story "basket building" and home office to the Longaberger Company, makers of world renowned handcrafted baskets. Race fans may enjoy dragstrip racing at its finest at National Trail Raceway. Or take the whole family to the newly renovated Heath Pool, with a lazy river, water slides and play center.
Downtown Newark is just minutes from the ballpark, with several restaurants, The Works Center for History, Art and Technology, and The Midland Theatre.
Just minutes away, the city of Heath offers many popular fast food and well known restaurants, as well as Indian Mound Mall. And just west of the city, the Village of Granville takes you back in time to New England Style shops and restaurants, including two historic inns.
Licking County has hosted more Babe Ruth Baseball 16-18 World Series than any community in the nation. And this year, we are proud to again welcome the Babe Ruth Baseball 16-18 World Series - the players, families and fans to The Babe Ruth League National Complex at Don Edwards Park. Don Edwards, a lifelong Babe Ruth volunteer, deeded the 28+ acre facility to Babe Ruth League, Inc. Since then, with the help of their national and local sponsors, and a generous grant from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund of Major League Baseball, major renovations have been completed with even more planned.
Electrical wiring from the 1960s was replaced with buried cable and updated control boxes, a brand new state-of-the-art Musco Lighting system has been installed, a new Electro-Mech scoreboard has been erected, seating has been replaced, irrigation systems installed, a solid metal fence has been placed in the outfield, all other fencing has been repaired or replaced, batting cages have been added, the press box and concession stand have been refurbished, and many, many more enhancements have either been completed or are planned.
With the initial gift from one individual has grown Babe Ruth League's own National Complex where not only World Series will be played, but camps will be held, training will be conducted, research will occur, and showcase camps and invitational tournaments will be scheduled.
We welcome you to experience the charm, beauty and small town hospitality this area is known for. From our natural excursions to the recreational hot spots, you'll have wonderful places to go and things to do between games. For more information call the Licking County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 800/589-8224 or check out the website www.lccvb.com for details.
Note: For more information on the Babe Ruth League National Complex at Don Edwards Park, contact Babe Ruth League, Inc. at 800.880.3142 or info@baberuthleague.org.
