Lily fest started in1992 in Rockbridge by Bobbi and Bruce Bishop. At their home with 5 artists to display their work and the bishops gardens for viewing. Somehow this little festival drew enough of a crowd to continue. Over 8000 people attended Lily fest last year. The artist displaying their work has increased to over 75 local artists. You can purchase plants and receive expert gardening advice from OSU Master Gardeners at Lily fest. Local musical talent including Appalachian Blue Grass music,and bagpipers are provided.
As the Bishops are retired art teachers all proceeds of The Lily fest go towards scholarships. The Event is free to the public and they ask for donations. It is a very nice small festival. Parking is limited and can be a challenge. No pets are allowed on the premises and I would not recommend taking children either. They plan no children’s events and the festival is definitely more adult oriented.
I especially enjoyed the adorable green house and the Bamboo trail. The premises cover three acres and throughout the gardens you will notice small ponds, waterfalls and an enviable outdoor art collection. The grounds are very well kept. This festival features only one food vendor Annie’s Cheesecake’s based in Lancaster Ohio. I recommend you try their Buckeye Cheesecake it is wonderful! They do offer wonderful food but don’t expect a hamburger or something like that!
You can walk the entire grounds and visit the vendors in a matter of 1 hour or maybe 2 hours if you linger. It is a lovely way to get out and experience the Hocking Hills. The Bishops have really turned this little gathering into a lovely event ! If you enjoy yard saling, it adds another element to your trip to Lily fest. The neighbors all put on yard sales that weekend in the beginning of July and you can find some nice treasures here.
The trip out is pretty easy , chances are you will be able to find it without trouble. You will notice signs along the way to guide you. Simply take State Route 180 from 33. Go out 180 for about 10 miles. Turn onto Big Cola road , keep following the signs, then turn onto Little Cola road and follow it for about 7 miles. It is a dirt road so use caution!
Nestled in the beautiful Hocking Hills this festival is sure to please art and garden lovers alike! While in the area you might visit Rockbridge’s beautiful Cantwell Cliffs located off State Route 374 or you might like to continue on 180 until you reach Laurelville a charming small town. If Annie’s Cheesecake was not what you had in mind for lunch I would recommend you stop by South Perry’s Carryout. The owners operate the carry out open every day except Mondays. You can buy beer and wine, grocery items, and they have a deli. The Texas Tenderloin is fantastic, as are the cheesy bread sticks.
In Laurelville you can get a view of small town life. Visit Bower & Daughters Fruit Company for a refreshing Apple Cider Slushy. The Dollar discount Store is also worth visiting. People in Laurelville are nice and friendly and life moves at a slower pace. On Friday and Saturday they offer a flea market where you can get incredible deals on just about anything!
