Begin at the Van Wert County Historical Society & Museum downtown, allowing 45–60 minutes to browse local exhibits and get a feel for the county’s agricultural, industrial, and community history. Confirm the museum’s Friday hours before setting out, since small local museums sometimes keep limited schedules; admission is generally modest or donation-based. From there, walk to the Van Wert County Courthouse and Downtown Historic District for an easy half-hour loop around the square. This is a pleasant stretch-your-legs stop, with historic architecture, independent storefronts, and convenient parking around the courthouse.
Continue to the Wassenberg Art Center, also downtown, for 45–60 minutes of regional art in a distinctive historic setting. Exhibition and gallery hours can vary, so check the current Friday schedule before visiting. The three downtown stops are close enough to connect by car in a few minutes, but walking between them is more enjoyable if the July heat is manageable; allow roughly 10–15 minutes between venues and keep water with you.
For the main group meal, head to El Azteca Mexican Restaurant, where a party of five should find plenty of familiar choices, from tacos and enchiladas to combination plates. Budget about $12–$25 per person before drinks and tip, and arrive around 5:00–5:30 p.m. to minimize any wait. After dinner, use The Grill at Orchard Hills in west Van Wert as the relaxed evening stop for American fare or drinks rather than trying to make it another full meal. It is a short drive from downtown—roughly 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic—and a good place to linger; expect approximately $15–$30 per person if ordering food. Check both restaurants’ Friday hours and whether they accept reservations, especially for a group of five.