Destination Hilliard | Local Update | Destination Hilliard Celebrates Five Honors at Ohio Tourism RUBY Awards

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‍Destination Hilliard brought home a RUBY Award, two Citations of Excellence and plenty of reasons to celebrate from the 2026 Ohio Conference on Travel!

Held October 7–9 in Wilmington, Ohio, the annual conference brought together tourism professionals from across the state to share ideas, explore industry trends and celebrate excellence in destination marketing.

This year, Destination Hilliard submitted five entries for the Ohio Travel Association's RUBY Awards, which recognize outstanding achievements in Ohio's tourism industry. We were over the moon to learn that all five entries were named finalists!

In each category, the Ohio Travel Association recognizes finalists, presents a Citation of Excellence and selects a RUBY Award winner.

Destination Hilliard's 2026 RUBY Awards Results

Website: RUBY Award Winner
Newsletter: Citation of Excellence
America 250 Activation: Citation of Excellence
Best New Experience (Iced Coffee Trail): Finalist
Spirit of Community Award: Finalist

Celebrating Our Work and Our Community

We're especially excited to bring home the RUBY Award for our website! Over the past four years, we've focused on making Destination Hilliard the go-to resource for people looking for things to do and places to visit in Hilliard. Working alongside designer Gabe Gunlock, we reimagined DestinationHilliard.org with a focus on user experience, creating an inviting and easy-to-navigate resource that inspires exploration and connects visitors with local businesses, attractions, events and experiences. Today, our website serves as a digital front door to everything that makes Hilliard a great place to visit.

Our Newsletter Citation of Excellence recognizes our efforts to keep visitors and residents informed about what's happening in Hilliard. Through our monthly newsletter, we strive to make discovering local events, businesses and experiences both easy and enjoyable.

The America 250 Activation Citation of Excellence celebrates our efforts to connect visitors with local history through initiatives like the Hilliard History Express, which brings Hilliard's stories to life through interactive experiences. Beyond our own programming, we worked with community partners to showcase America 250 activities happening throughout Hilliard, creating a central resource for residents and visitors to discover ways to participate in this historic celebration.

Our Iced Coffee Trail was recognized as a finalist for Best New Experience. As Hilliard continues to emerge as a destination for coffee lovers, this affordable experience encourages visitors and residents to explore the community one coffee shop at a time. Along the way, participants discover both new and established businesses while sampling some of the unique offerings that make Hilliard's coffee scene special.

Finally, being named a finalist for the Spirit of Community Award is especially meaningful. Community collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and the Hilliard History Express is a perfect example. Through partnerships with Hilliard City Schools, the local business community, the Hilliard Ohio Historical Society and the City of Hilliard, this initiative has grown into one of our most unique visitor experiences. We're excited to continue building on that success in 2027. Bringing people and organizations together is one of the most fundamental parts of our mission, and this recognition celebrates the power of those partnerships.

Recognition That Reflects Our Mission

While winning awards has never been the focus of Destination Hilliard's work, making a meaningful impact on our community certainly is. We prioritize investing our resources in promoting and elevating the Hilliard visitor experience, continually looking for creative ways to stretch our budget and maximize our impact.

As a small team with big goals, we put a tremendous amount of thought and effort into every initiative we undertake. While recognition isn't what drives our work, seeing those efforts celebrated alongside outstanding tourism initiatives from across Ohio was incredibly rewarding.

These honors also reinforce something we believe strongly: meaningful destination marketing doesn't require the largest budget or the biggest team. It requires creativity, collaboration and a genuine commitment to the community we serve.

Most importantly, these recognitions reflect the businesses, organizations, volunteers and community partners who help make Hilliard a welcoming and memorable destination. Our work is made stronger through collaboration and a shared commitment to showcasing everything our community has to offer.

We're grateful to the Ohio Travel Association for recognizing our efforts and to everyone who continues to support our mission of attracting visitors, encouraging exploration and strengthening Hilliard's visitor economy.

Five entries. Five finalist recognitions. One incredible hometown.

And we're just getting started!

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January

Ohio’s Firsts & Originals

Start the year by discovering what makes Hilliard unique. Explore local history, early industries, and places that helped shape the community. From innovation and transportation to education and settlement, these stories highlight how Hilliard developed from a small railroad stop into the city it is today.

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Recommended Activities

Discover Hilliard’s origins through the Hilliard History Express Scavenger Hunt Experience. Railroad tracks were laid through the area beginning around 1850, with rail service opening in 1853. Hilliard was established that same year as Hilliard’s Station, a true train stop town built around the railroad. The community was later known as Hilliards before becoming Hilliard. Enjoy an experiential learning experience through this unique multi-organization collaboration.
Explore the Early Television Museum. Hilliard is home to the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to the innovation and history of early television, showcasing Ohio’s role in technological advancement.
Visit Merchant Park. Learn about the Merchant family, one of the earliest known Black families connected to Hilliard. Interpretive signage at the park reflects both their presence in the community and the ongoing work to acknowledge histories that were not always fully documented.

February

Ohio Works: Innovation & Industry

Hilliard continues Ohio’s tradition of innovation. Learn about local employers, research and technology spaces, and the people driving progress today. Explore how Hilliard’s workforce, businesses, and infrastructure support the future of Ohio.

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Recommended Activities

Follow Destination Hilliard’s Weekly Fun Facts
Discover stories of innovation, progress, and problem-solving in Hilliard through weekly social media features highlighting people, places, and moments that shaped the community.
Explore the Ohio Innovation Trail
Follow Ohio’s story of innovation through trail stops in Hilliard, including the Early Television Museum, which preserves the state’s role in shaping early broadcast technology.

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March

Ohio Entertains: Music, Entertainment & Movies

Experience the creative side of Hilliard. From live performances and community arts to Ohio connections in film and entertainment, March celebrates the storytellers and performers who bring culture to life.

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Recommended Activities

Visit Old Hilliard Coin & Fine Art. Located in Downtown Hilliard, this gallery represents museum artists while also promoting local artists, alongside a selection of numismatic coins and related items.
Get ticket to The Little Mermaid Jr. presented by the Hilliard Arts Council
Opening March 6, 2026 at the Hilliard Cultural Arts & Civic Center, this youth theater production brings a beloved story to the stage. The building, once part of the Russell Grain Company adjacent to the railroad, now serves as a welcoming venue showcasing local artistic talent. Purchase tickets early, as youth theater performances typically sell out.
Enjoy live music in a local bar or restaurant. Check the Destination Hilliard events calendar for live music listings. Crooked Can Brewing Company, Otie’s Tavern & Grill, Wilson’s, HillGarten, and Louie’s frequently feature live performances as part of the dining experience.

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April

Ohio Moves: Transportation

Transportation helped Ohio grow, and Hilliard is no exception. From railroads to modern roadways, movement has shaped the community and connected people, businesses, and neighborhoods. Walkable districts, trails, and transportation history all tell the story of how Hilliard moves.

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Recommended Activities

All Aboard the Hilliard History Express…AGAIN! Each year, a new class of third-grade students partners with local businesses to share the history of Hilliard spaces through their own lens. The 2025–2026 students will debut their storytelling through the Hilliard History Passport in late April.
Check out BOTH cabooses in Hilliard. One caboose sits at Homestead Park, with a second on display in the Historical Village, offering two unique ways to explore Hilliard’s railroad roots‍
It’s all about Trains, Planes & Automobiles at the Hilliard America 250 & HOHS 60^th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration! Join the Hilliard America 250 and Hilliard Ohio Historical Society 60th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration on April 25 at the Historical Village at Weaver Park. This event marks the official launch of Hilliard’s America 250 efforts with a transportation-themed celebration.
Celebration a once-in-a-lifetime celebration on 4/30/26...43026 Day! The Special Edition Celebration at the Station will feature local favorite, North to Nashville 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

May

Ohio Creates: Arts, Culture & Literature

Celebrate creativity in Hilliard. Visit local makers, artists, libraries, and cultural spaces that reflect the community’s creative spirit. This month highlights how art, storytelling, and creative expression continue to strengthen Hilliard’s identity.

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Recommended Activities

Immerse yourself in comics on Free Comic Book Day May 2, 2026. At Packrat Comics, Free Comic Book Day is more than just a free book. The event features activities, cosplay, and author and artist meet-and-greets. Packrat Comics has been serving residents and visitors from across the United States and beyond since 1993.
Shop Ohio-made items at MAK Home Furnishings. Located in Downtown Hilliard, MAK Home Furnishings features work from all-Ohio artisans, offering handmade decor, gifts, and functional art that highlight creativity across the state‍
Explore public art throughout Hilliard. Stroll through Downtown Hilliard and take a drive through Greater Hilliard to discover murals and painted traffic boxes that showcase local creativity and bring art into everyday spaces.

June

Ohio Outdoors: Exploring Ohio’s Natural Resources

Get outside in Hilliard and enjoy parks, trails, and green spaces that showcase Ohio’s natural beauty. June is a great time to explore outdoor recreation and experience the important role nature plays in our quality of life.

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Recommended Activities

Take a bike ride on the Heritage Trail. Spanning from the trailhead at Center Street to Plain City, enjoy the fresh air as you bike along the former railroad corridor that helped shape Hilliard’s early growth.
Explore the parks through one of Destination Hilliard’s Park Itineraries. Why visit just one park when you can make a day of it? Follow a curated itinerary to experience multiple parks, trails, and outdoor spaces across the city‍
Go on an Ephemeral Wildflower Hunt. Visit the City of Hilliard’s website to help identify native wildflowers found throughout the community. Early June may still offer lingering spring blooms in shaded areas, while other seasonal wildflowers begin to emerge across parks and trails.
Take the kids to Hilliard's Station Park on Sunday, June 14 from 4-6 p.m. for a patriotic-themed Sprouts Night Out.

July

Ohio Gathers: Statewide Homecoming & Picnics

Community is at the heart of Hilliard. July celebrates gatherings, traditions, and shared experiences through festivals, family activities, and spaces where people come together to connect and celebrate.

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Recommended Activities

Unfold your chair along the Hilliard Independence Day Parade Route. The Fourth of July Parade is a local favorite. All you need is a chair or blanket, water, and maybe a bag to collect candy from parade participants.
Celebrate at the City of Hilliard’s Freedom Fest and Hilliard’s Homecoming Picnic. Hilliard’s Freedom Fest is the city’s most highly attended one-day event, drawing crowds with well-known musical artists and an impressive fireworks display. This year, the celebration is elevated with the official Homecoming Picnic taking place at Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park.
Visit the Franklin County Fair. While August is traditionally associated with county fairs, the Franklin County Fair (July 20-26, 2026) features themed activities that celebrate the semiquincentennial, offering a July opportunity to experience this Ohio tradition.
Fill the park with vibrant chalk art and enjoy free ice cream, and splash in the fountains at Scoop, Chalk, and Celebrate Ohio 250 Goes to the Fair on Sunday, July 26 from 1-3 p.m.

August

Ohio Goes to the Fair: County Fairs & Festivals

From local festivals to agricultural traditions, August highlights the fairgoing spirit of Ohio. Explore events, food, and experiences that reflect Hilliard’s connection to Ohio’s rich fair and festival culture.

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Recommended Activities

‍Sample the tastes of the fair at the Columbus Food Truck Festival. The Columbus Food Truck Festival returns to the Franklin County Fairgrounds on August 14 and 15. With more than 50 food trucks, a kid zone, live music and performances, and local makers and artisans, this festival offers something for the entire family.‍
Hilliard is YOUR home base for the Ohio State Fair. Just 15 miles from the Ohio State Fairgrounds, Hilliard is a convenient and welcoming place to stay while visiting the fair. Known as Everyone’s Hometown, Hilliard offers a relaxed, small-town feel when you are ready to unwind after a full day of high-energy fair fun.

September

Ohio Plays: Sports & Fitness

Celebrate movement, recreation, and wellness. Hilliard offers opportunities to play, compete, and stay active through sports facilities, trails, and community fitness experiences designed for all ages and abilities.

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Recommended Activities

Spend a day at The Well. Hilliard’s state-of-the-art community wellness center opened in 2025 and offers fitness, aquatics, and recreation opportunities for both residents and visitors. Guests can enjoy the space through day passes or monthly and annual memberships.‍
Make memories with your team. An afternoon of team bonding at Dave & Buster’s or Ten Pin Alley is a fun way to celebrate wins, strengthen connections, or build unity during the season.‍
Attend Heritage Day. Held September 26, Heritage Day invites visitors to explore Hilliard’s history through demonstrations, activities, and hands-on experiences. While the event aligns closely with October’s “Ohio Grows” theme, it also reflects how people gather, move, and engage with community spaces through active participation

Ohio Grows: Food & Farms

October highlights Ohio’s agricultural roots alongside its modern food scene. Explore local farms, markets, and restaurants that connect Hilliard to Ohio’s farming heritage and celebrate how food continues to bring people together.

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Recommended Activities

Spend the weekend at the Columbus Coffee Festival. Celebrate Ohio’s growing coffee culture at the Columbus Coffee Festival, featuring roasters, makers, and local food vendors from across the state.
Visit Teas Your Spirits for a farm to table experience. The flavors of the Dominican Republic and Bolivia are woven into the menu at Teas Your Spirits. First introduced to Hilliard through teas sold at the Hilliard Farm Market, this local business uses its farm connections to incorporate fresh ingredients into many of its offerings.
Purchase local offerings at Kuhlweins Market: fruits, vegetables, and locally sourced goods that highlight Ohio’s agricultural tradition.

November

Ohio Serves: Remembering Veterans, First Responders & Front-Line Heroes

Honor those who serve our community and country. November is a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude, recognizing the people who protect, care for, and support Ohio communities.

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Recommended Activities

Attend the Hilliard Veterans Day Parade. Join the community in honoring local veterans during Hilliard’s Veterans Day Parade. This annual tradition brings residents and visitors together to show appreciation for those who have served in the armed forces. Check the Destination Hilliard events calendar for 2026 details closer to the time of the event.
Visit First Responders Park. First Responders Park features steel from the World Trade Center site, honoring the first responders and front-line heroes who perished during the September 11, 2001 attacks and those who continue to serve their communities today.
Pause for reflection at Hilliard’s Veterans Memorial. Located within Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park, this memorial offers opportunities to reflect, remember, and express gratitude for service and sacrifice.

December

Future Ohio: Projecting Ohio in 2076

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, December looks ahead. Explore how Hilliard is planning for the future through innovation, community vision, and forward-thinking development. This theme invites imagination, conversation, and inspiration about what Hilliard could be in 2076.

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Recommended Activities

Check out the tree planted by the City of Hilliard for America 250. Few symbols capture time and change better than a tree, a living time capsule that will grow alongside the community for generations to come. Stay tuned for details.

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