LongWeekends Spring-Summer 2026

Illinois • Indiana • Kentucky • Michigan • New York • Ohio • Ontario • Pennsylvania • Tennessee • West Virginia

FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 2 6

G R E A T L A K E S & O H I O R I V E R VA L L E Y E D I T I O N

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WINTER WONDERLANDS

8 Great Ski Resorts for Fun and Adventure Plus 28 More Destinations to Explore this Fall and Beyond HOLIDAY VALLEY SKI RESORT, NEW YORK

A GUIDE TO 48 HOURS IN ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN

VISIT A FACTORY TURNED DISTILLERY IN INDIANA

PLAY ALL DAY AT THIS PINBALL MUSEUM

EXPLORE, CONNECT, AND DISCOVER in Greene County, where nature, tradition, and adventure come alive.

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A SEASON OF ADVENTURE AWAITS IN GREENE COUNTY When the seasons change, Greene County, Ohio, transforms into one of the Midwest’s most inviting destinations for a long weekend getaway. Crisp autumn air brings brilliant foliage to miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, and family farm markets overflowing with pumpkins, mums and local treats. Discover cozy breweries and charming downtowns just waiting to be explored. Wander the eclectic shops and restaurants of Yellow Springs, enjoy a handcrafted latte along the Greene County Coffee Trail or spend the afternoon discovering local art, history and unique boutiques throughout our welcoming communities.

As winter arrives, the adventure continues. Explore the quiet beauty of Greene County’s parks and nature preserves on a peaceful winter hike, discover excellent birdwatching opportunities throughout the Beaver Creek Wetlands or experience the magic of the legendary Clifton Mill holiday lights and the festive drive-through light trail at Caesar Ford Park. From cozy cafes and holiday traditions to unique shopping experiences and the birthplace of aviation, Greene County invites you to create new memories around every corner.

Conveniently located between Columbus and Cincinnati, Greene County offers the perfect blend of outdoor recreation, small-town charm and memorable experiences.

Whether you’re chasing vibrant fall colors or creating new holiday traditions, you’ll find countless ways to explore.

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A GETAWAY

SNOW DAYS

Hit the road for ski resorts in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia that promise adventure and fun.

page 16

48 HOURS IN ANN ARBOR, MI

Whether you want to experience Big Ten football or immerse yourself in art, a trip to this Michigan college town is for you.

[ destinations ]

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FOOD & DRINK

Shop at Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s historic Central Market, and pay a visit to Buddy’s Pizza in Detroit.

Visit an Indiana church that is a testament to Tiffany & Co. glass, and learn about the lives of Ohio’s early pioneers in Marietta.

ROMANTIC GETAWAYS

Book a stay at a former Gilded Age summer home in Geneva, New York, and experience Chicago-style magic in the Windy City.

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Ski trail through the pine trees at Holiday Valley Ski Resort in Ellicottville, NY. PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLIDAY VALLEY SKI RESORT

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FAMILY FUN

Play all day at a Kentucky pinball museum, and go beneath the waves at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.

NATURE & OUTDOORS

See how an Illinois wildlife rehabilitation facility helps animals, and explore this trio of waterfalls near Ithaca, New York.

SKI: COURTESY OF BOYNE MOUNTAIN; ANN ARBOR: ISTOCK/DEE LIU; BERNHEIM: COURTESY OF BERNHEIM FOREST

HISTORY & CULTURE

President & Publisher Lute Harmon Jr.

editorial

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Guaranteed to add more Beauty, Adventure and Fun to your Life!

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All dates, times and locations are subject to change. Please call ahead before traveling.

WEEKEND 4-15

Good Cheer!

From fun fall festivals to dazzling holiday happenings, the changing of the seasons brings plenty to enjoy together.

By Gracie Ehrick, Makenna Halm and Zion Williams

DEC. 19

Vienna Light Orchestra Tour Celebrate the magic of the holidays with the Vienna Light Orchestra as it brings its Christmas Tour to Louisville.

Set beneath the glow of candlelight, the performance features world-class musicians and vocalists performing beloved seasonal classics in a theatrical show that blends symphonic music, festive decor and timeless holiday tradition. viennalightorchestra.com 4

WEEKENDCALENDAR

JEFF FAY

KY

SEPT. 3–6

Chicago Jazz Festival

IL

This Labor Day tradition promotes all forms of jazz in a free, three-day showcase. Presented by the Millennium Park Foundation with support from the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, the festival blends Chicago’s local talent with national and international artists, aiming to raise awareness and foster appreciation for the long-beloved art form. chicago.gov SEPT. 11–13

Irish Festival

PA

Launched in 1991, this three-day festival is known for bringing together 25,000 people of all ages each year. The festival features a lineup of talented Irish dancers, live music and an authentic taste of Ireland from craft-made cocktails to custard.

This year’s festival brings new activities and itineraries with a Celtic Wellness event and more. pghirishfest.org

TOP: PATRICK L. PYSZKA; BOTTOM COURETSY OF THE BIG FOUR ARTS FESTIVAL

SEPT. 12–13

The Big Four Arts Festival

KY

Celebrate the Big Four Arts Festival’s 10th anniversary at Louisville’s Waterfront Park.

Nearly 200 juried artists showcase paintings, jewelry, ceramics and more alongside live music, food trucks and interactive art activities.

Set beside the Ohio River and Big Four Bridge, the festival blends creativity, entertainment and scenic riverfront views. bigfourbridgeartsfestival.com 5

SEPT. 19

Woodly’s Great Gravel Adventure

WV

The West Virginia Gravel Series features six gravel cycling events across the state’s back roads and mountain terrain. Riders of all levels can choose different distances while exploring scenic climbs and rugged routes from Shinnston to Terra Alta. With a strong cycling community and challenging courses, the series highlights West Virginia’s natural beauty and adventureriding culture. wvgravelseries.com SEPT. 25–OCT. 17

Kitchener Waterloo Oktoberfest 2026

ON

Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is Canada’s largest Bavarian-style festival, celebrating German heritage with music, food, beer halls and family events.

Held from late September through midOctober, it includes signature attractions like the Thanksgiving Day Parade, KIDtoberfest and Willkommen Platz. The festival transforms the region into a lively cultural celebration for all ages. oktoberfest.ca

SEPT. 23–27

Detroit Black Film Festival

MI

This five-day annual celebration of Black filmmakers and actors is in its seventh year. Kicking off with a red-carpet, opening-night reception and concluding with an awards and honors ceremony, the festival offers screenings and other related programming, including workshops and discussions. filmfreeway.com

OCT. 1–4

IN

For 32 years, the Lotus World Music & Arts Festival has made a name for itself as a showcase for international talent.

The four-day celebration hosts both musical performances and visual art showcases from local and international artists alongside vendors and includes an illuminated nighttime parade. lotusfest.org OCT. 3

Annual Galena Oktoberfest

IL

Located in historic Galena, this German-focused fall tradition is in its 19th year. The festival boasts classic Oktoberfest offerings with a stein-hoisting contest and an abundance of bratwurst, beer and lederhosen. Don’t miss the tradition of the famous Galena Wiener Dog Races, held throughout the day. galenalions.org

OCT. 8–11

Blink Cincinnati

OH

Returning to Cincinnati every two years, Blink is the nation’s largest public art festival. The event features hundreds of art installations, interactive displays and a drone show. The fourday festival features over 80 large-scale projections on some of the city’s most iconic architecture. The event’s goal is to foster a sense of community and connection through public art. blinkcincinnati.com OCT. 9–18

Parke County Covered Bridge Festival

IN

Since 1957, this 10-day celebration spanning 10 different festival communities showcases Parke County’s 31 covered bridges. Take in the fall foliage as SEPT. 25–27

Ithaca Apple Festival

NY

Ithaca’s annual apple festival celebrates its 44th anniversary in 2026, featuring a variety of vendors and farmers selling goods that range from ciders and pies to handmade crafts.

This year also features live entertainment and community activities. The festival celebrates the businesses and community partners that make Ithaca a year-round destination. downtownithaca.com 6

WEEKENDCALENDAR

TOP: COURTESY OF DETROIT BLACK FILM FESTIVAL; BOTTOM: COURTESY OF VISIT ITHACA

Lotus World Music & Arts Festival

your backdrop while you walk one of the 10 festival locations in Parke County. Enjoy food and arts vendors at each location and check out their unique specialties. coveredbridges.com OCT. 16–18

The Ninth Annual Nostalgia Fall Classic

KY

Experience a full weekend of nostalgic racing at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky, during the Nostalgia Fall Classic. The event features classic drag racing, a car show and swap meet, all set against a backdrop of vintage hot rods and high-speed competition. Fans can enjoy multiple days of racing action, with qualifying, eliminations and plenty of old-school motorsports fun. beechbend.com

NOV. 7

Mac and Cheese Cook Off

WV

Bring your appetite to Capitol Market’s Mac & Cheese CookOff in Charleston. Sample creative takes on the comfort-food classic from local chefs, then vote for your favorite to help crown the People’s Choice winner. This family-friendly event combines delicious bites, community fun and a chance to celebrate the region’s culinary talent. capitolmarket.net NOV. 6 & 13

Mary M. Miller Steamboat Supper

KY

Celebrate the season aboard the Mary M. Miller, one of Louisville’s historic riverboats. This evening cruise with dinner features music from the Derby City Dandies and scenic views of the Ohio River.

It’s a unique way to gather with friends or make new ones while enjoying time on the water. belleoflouisville.org NOV. 13–15

Motor City Comic Con MAC AND CHEESE: ISTOCK

MI

This three-day convention welcomes fans of all ages to celebrate their favorite franchises. As the central hub for all things pop culture, Motor City Comic Con invites fans to explore Artist Alley, watch or participate in the cosplay contests and meet favorite actors and comic artists. Families can enjoy the free kids room, where little ones can make crafts. motorcitycomiccon.com 7

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SEE WHAT EXPLORE. DISCOVER. RELAX.

FALL IS HERE! IT’S TIME TO PLAN A ROAD TRIP TO OHIO. From outdoor adventures and amazing arts scenes to engaging events and family fun, Ohio has so many unique destinations to explore. Here’s a look at some of our most popular and recommended areas of Ohio

- the Heart of it all!

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1. COSHOCTON COUNTY

Experience the magic in Historic Roscoe Village!

Shop, dine, stay, and celebrate the spirit of the holiday season at the 56th Annual Candlelighting Ceremony, December 5th & 12th.

Coshocton County visitcoshocton.com

6. LICKING COUNTY

From acclaimed indoor and outdoor experiences to the arts, food and beverage, and two of Ohio’s World Heritage sites, this is the year to find your way to Licking County.

Licking County explorelc.org

HI O 2. OHIO AMISH COUNTRY

Ohio Amish Country invites you to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. Enjoy farmstead adventures, handcrafted treasures, and Amish inspired meals. Discover Holmes County, where tradition and hospitality come naturally.

Holmes County visitamishcountry.com

7. LEHMAN’S

Experience fall at Lehman’s in Kidron, Ohio.

Surrounded by Amish Country’s colorful scenery, discover wood stoves, pantry essentials, housewares, and unique finds in a shopping experience unlike any other.

Wayne County/Kidron lehmans.com

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HAS TO OFFER 3. VISIT CANTON

This season, trade busy schedules for meaningful moments. Explore Canton’s festive downtown, experience a full calendar of holiday events, and create moments that become cherished traditions.

Stark County visitcanton.com

8. GERVASI

Escape to Gervasi Vineyard this fall and winter for award-winning dining, luxurious accommodations, handcrafted wines, relaxing spa experiences, festive events, and unforgettable moments on our beautiful Tuscan-inspired estate.

Stark County/Canton gervasivineyard.com

4. VINTON COUNTY

Nestled in the Hocking Hills Region, Vinton County is your escape to Ohio’s great outdoors.

Discover Ohio’s Wonderland.

Vinton County discovervintoncounty.com

5. ROSS CHILLICOTHE

Find your next long weekend in Chillicothe.

Discover UNESCO World Heritage wonders, festive events, scenic beauty, and welcoming experiences that turn a simple getaway into something extraordinary.

Ross County/Chillicothe VisitChillicotheOhio.com

9. STREETSBORO

Experience the beauty of fall in Streetsboro, where vibrant autumn colors, scenic parks, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and seasonal festivals create the perfect getaway for families and couples. Visit today!

Portage County/Streetsboro StreetsboroVCB.com

10. TUSCARAWAS COUNTY

Tuscarawas County, Ohio delivers fun in every season—Swiss festival charm, ghost tours, fall flair, Christmas magic, cozy fires, great food, brews, and wine. Ride the Polar Express, skate under the stars, or savor small-town charm. Find your perfect escape here!

Tuscarawas County TravelTusc.com

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Winter Festival of Lights

NY

Taking place from midNovember through late January, this annual festival is widely considered one of the most enchanting of the area’s attractions.

The festival features captivating displays, fireworks and a total of over 3 million lights. Catch the magical light show “Sparkling Winter Lights” presented by the Niagara Falls Illumination Board. wfol.com NOV. 21–DEC. 30

‘A Christmas Story’ Comes Home

IN

Six animatronic window displays from Macy’s department store in New York City appear in Hammond, Indiana, this holiday season. The displays depict different scenes from the classic holiday movie “A Christmas Story,” which takes place in a fictionalized version of author Jean Shepherd’s hometown of Hammond. Get in the holiday spirit as you gaze at the displays, browse the gift shop and grab a photo with Santa. southshorecva.com NOV. 28–DEC 30

Christmas at the Seiberling

IN

This walk-through tour of Kokomo’s Seiberling Mansion kicks off with a lighting ceremony on Nov. 28 that invites guests to tour the house with Santa Claus. Those who can’t make it the first night can tour the home as it dressed up for the holidays during evenings in December. howardcountymuseum.org

NOV. 6–14

JAN. 30

Traverse City Beer Week

OH

Head to central Ohio and the shores of Buckeye Lake to see if Benny the Bass takes the bait or refuses, predicting an early spring or signifying six more weeks of winter. Buckeye Lake Winterfest offers fun for the whole family with live music, food trucks and even a polar plunge the day after the festivities. escapetobuckeyelake.com

MI

Get ready for this annual fall celebration of northern Michigan’s craft brewery scene. The week-long event features special releases from Traverse City favorites, prizes to win, group tours to join and a beer passport to fill out as visitors take in the sights and flavors of Traverse City in late autumn. traversecity. com/tcbw

DEC. 2–6

Dutch Winterfest

MI

This seasonal holiday celebration in downtown Holland fully immerses visitors in a festive winter atmosphere and includes many different holiday favorites to enjoy. With curated tours, ice skating, tastings and more, Dutch Winterfest captures the feel of a European Christmas and helps visitors learn about Dutch holiday traditions. holland.org DEC. 4–5

Christmas in the Village of Elizabeth

IL

Nothing beats small-town holiday magic, and during this two-day celebration, there’s plenty of it. Stroll through the idyllic town of Elizabeth as it is decked out for the holidays. Families can enjoy the season kickoff with lights NOV. 27–DEC. 23

Buffalo Holiday Market

NY

Reserve your igloo or plan a visit with Santa Claus for you and your family this winter during the annual Buffalo Holiday Market. This fiveweek event focuses on bringing a very European Christmas to western New York, featuring crafted foods from the region, such as pierogies, Dutch mini pancakes and more. This year’s market features a variety of vendors selling treats, crafts and artisan works. buffaloholiday market.com

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Buckeye Lake Winterfest

WEEKENDCALENDAR

FEB. 2

Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney and local cheer throughout the village, creating a Christmas-movie atmosphere. visitgalena.org DEC. 18–19

Hayes Home Holidays

OH

The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums celebrates the holidays in presidential style. Hosted for just two nights at the Fremont estate of the 19th President of the United States, this experience allows visitors to see the Victorian mansion decorated for the holidays.

Learn about Christmas traditions celebrated in the White House by various U.S. presidents. rbhayes.org DEC. 31

First Night Pittsburgh

PA

This free New Year’s Eve party spans 14 blocks of Pittsburgh’s cultural district and invites people of all ages to ring in 2027 together. The First Night party is focused on showcasing the arts of Pittsburgh through live music, dance, theater and more. The party also includes a fireworks display at 8 p.m. and midnight. firstnightpgh. trustarts.org JAN. 30

Fire & Ice Festival

ON

Experience the best of a Canadian winter at the Fire & Ice Festival in downtown Bracebridge. This one-day celebration features thrilling snow tubing down the town’s main street, live fire performances, ice sculptures, skating, fireworks and cozy fire pits. Family-friendly activities and local vendors make this tradition a memorable way to embrace the season. facebook. com/fireandicebracebridge

PA

Come and party with Punxsutawney Phil and see if he sees his shadow during the annual Groundhog Day festival in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

The day starts at Gobbler’s Knob, where Phil makes his prediction, and notable related events include Lunch with Phil, the Groundhog Ball and the annual Groundhog Banquet. groundhog.org FEB 5–7

Illinois PolkaFest

IL

Since 1988, Illinois Polkafest has welcomed polka fans for a weekend of dancing and performances by top Clevelandstyle polka bands. Now led by founder Bob Doszak’s son, Chris, the annual tradition continues in Schaumburg, bringing together fans from across the country for great music and family-friendly fun. illinoispolkafest.com MARCH 4–7

Arnold Sports Festival

OH

Featuring over 500 booths of the latest sports equipment, the Arnold Sports Festival returns to Columbus, Ohio, each March. Created by Arnold Schwarzenegger, this year’s event features competitions, entertainment, vendors and plenty of inspiration to ensure attendees walk away feeling fueled up to become their strongest selves. arnoldsports.com MARCH 14

Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Run

ON

Take part in the 2027 Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Run at Evergreen Brick Works, a spring tradition supporting Achilles Canada. Choose from a 5K, 10K or kids 1K and enjoy the scenic route along the Don Valley. Finish with festive Irish music, a celebratory atmosphere and post-race food and drinks. raceroster.com

BEER: ISTOCK; BOTTOM: JILLIAN CANNAN

NOV. 14–JAN. 10

Plan your trip with the help of our index on page 55.

FOOD&

Fresh History COURTESY OF CENTRAL MARKET TRUST

The Lancaster Central Market Lancaster, Pennsylvania began in the first half of the

18th century. Today, shoppers can browse fare from nearly 70 vendors.

Your next grocery run could take place at a nearly 300-yearold establishment. Lancaster Central Market, in the Pennsylvania city of the same name, was established in 1730 on a plot of land conveyed by Ann and Andrew Hamilton.

After over a century without a permanent structure, the city commissioned English architect James Warner to envision one. The red-brick building was completed

in 1889 and houses nearly 70 vendors today. Customers can purchase over 14 lettuce varieties from longstanding vendor Groff’s Vegetables, which has been here since 1946, or take home a jar of a small-batch condiment from Long’s Horseradish, which got its start in 1902 and still uses its original grinder.

Plenty of new faces have found their way to the market though, including mushroom grower The Norris Farmstand as well as Nord Scandinavian Food & Hygge, which sells readyto-eat Danishes and open-faced “smørrebrød” sandwiches.

Visitors can also pick up a treat from a dozen bakedgoods and sweets stands, buy a bouquet from a pair of local flower merchants or peruse handmade wares by makers such as Berry Basket Boutique or candlemaker Pineapple House Creations. Open year-round Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. 23 N. Market St., Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603, 717/735-6890, centralmarketlancaster.com — Kelly Larson 11

Beyond the Dome.

Beyond Expected.

Detroit, Michigan

Pizza Pioneer

visitfrankfort.com

The Birthplace of Bourbon In 1789, at Royal Spring Park in Historic Downtown Georgetown, KY, Reverend Elijah Craig began aging whiskey and lit a fire under it, literally, in new charred oak barrels. His bold innovation didn’t just spark a spirit, it shaped an entire industry.

Start your pilgrimage where bourbon began.

BOURBONGENESIS.COM | 844.863.8600

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FOOD&DRINK

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n 1946, Buddy’s Rendezvous made the first Detroit-style pizza, creating a beloved cuisine that is quintessential Motown, and the restaurant where it started still serves up these mouthwatering pizzas today.

When Gus Guerra needed to serve food at his Detroit bar, Buddy’s Rendezvous, his mother-in-law taught him her family’s Sicilian pizza recipe, a rectangular pizza baked in pans.

Guerra borrowed some blue steel pans from one of the local auto plants and began baking. The result was the birth of the Detroit-style pizza, a delectable crispy crust on the outside, fluffy on the inside with cheese caramelized in all the right places and toppings underneath.

For the past 80 years, Buddy’s Pizza has been a Michigan legend, expanding to locations throughout southeast Michigan and becoming a nationally recognized favorite. The inside of the original location at Conant Street and Sixth Mile is vintage Detroit.

Red-and-white checkered tablecloths cover the tables, and paintings depicting scenes from Italy, as well as newspaper articles and awards, decorate the space. Vintage Stroh’s and Vernor’s logos are painted on the walls.

Metal tiles line the ceiling and above the cozy booths hang vintage black-and-white photos of Tiger Stadium and Detroit Tigers players.

Outside, customers can play bocce ball on the court while waiting for their pizza.

The menu features four-square, eight-square and all-corner pizzas. Diners can opt to build their own creation or pick from a list of Detroitnamed pies, such as the Detroit Zoo, the Henry Ford, the Greektown and the Motown Museum.

Round out the meal with a Vernor’s float or a Cream Puff Sundae — a cream puff shell filled with Michigan’s Hudsonville vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and whipped cream. 17125 Conant St., Detroit, Michigan 48212, 313/892-9001, buddyspizza.com — Kristina Smith

KRISTINA SMITH

More than Kentucky’s Capital City. Historic streets, local shops, vibrant arts, exceptional dining, bourbon heritage, and scenic river views come together in the HEART of KENTUCKY.

Buddy’s Pizza gave the world Detroit-style pizza in 1946, and it honors that claim to fame at its original location filled with Motor City charm.

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ONE WEEKEND. ALL KENTUCKY.

What if you could experience the very best of Kentucky without spending your weekend on the road? In Frankfort, the Commonwealth’s capital city, you’ll find history, outdoor adventure, local flavor and authentic Bluegrass charm all in one unforgettable destination.

Spend the morning exploring scenic trails or paddling the Kentucky River. Wander through a walkable downtown filled with locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants. Tour iconic landmarks, discover inspiring public art, and experience the welcoming spirit that has made Frankfort the heart of Kentucky for generations.

As the day winds down, enjoy exceptional dining, sip a handcrafted cocktail or Kentucky bourbon, and take in views that remind you why this river city has captivated visitors for centuries.

Centrally located and easy to reach, Frankfort makes the perfect home base for a relaxing getaway filled with memorable experiences. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a weekend with friends or a family adventure, you’ll discover that Kentucky’s history, beauty, creativity and hospitality all come together here.

One destination. Countless experiences. Learn more at visitfrankfort.com.

Shelbyville, Kentucky

Barrel Bound

Kentucky-grown heirloom corn and a family farming tradition shape every bottle of bourbon made at Jeptha Creed Distillery.

Valparaiso, Indiana

Spirited Revival

The American Factory by Journeyman Distillery offers a beautiful space to gather, dine and experience the brand’s core and limitedrelease organic spirits.

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uilt in 1866 and originally operating as the Woolen Mill Factory, this sprawling complex of buildings in Valparaiso, Indiana, now houses The American Factory by Journeyman Distillery. The structures were abandoned over 30 years ago when the 140,000-square-foot ANCO wiper-blade factory shut its doors, and there was talk of demolishing the property.

Bill Welter, who was born and raised in Valparaiso, had a different idea: He honored the complex’s structural and manufacturing heritage while creating his second organic and certified kosher distillery (the first being Journeyman in Three Oaks, Michigan).

The original estimate ranged from $12 million to $25 million, but, as with most construction projects, it took longer and cost more, bringing the final cost to $40 million. The result is a stunning series of spaces that blends original flooring and industrial light fixtures with ultracontemporary soaring windows and sleekly styled furniture crafted by local artisans. Visitors can schedule a tour to check out the gleaming 35-foot-tall Vendome copper still where the distilling gets done, dine in the spacious Union 14

FOOD&DRINK

Hall and sip a cocktail on the patio. Patrons can stop by the Sea of Monsters Brewery. Located in The American Factory, its entrance is marked by a large octopus mural.

The gift shop stocks Journeyman’s approximately 30 core and limited-release organic craft spirits. Select from the distillery’s national awardwinning Corsets, Whips & Whiskey and unique offerings such as the Humdinger Jalapeño Spirit and Pit Spitter Cherry Whiskey as well as Popcorn Bourbon Cream Liqueur (and yes, it does taste like popcorn), which pays homage to Orville Redenbacher who hailed from Valparaiso. 258 S. Campbell St., Valparaiso, Indiana 46383, 219/5101300, journeyman.com — Jane Simon Ammeson

Interior of The American Factory by Journeyman Distillery (above); barrels at Jeptha Creek Distillery

he owners at Jeptha Creed Distillery take the word heirloom to heart when it comes to the amber spirits they create. Several generations of the family have tilled Kentucky soil and the family’s farm grows most of the corn used at the distillery, including all the heirloom bloody butcher corn, a red varietal that gives the bourbons a distinct flavor.

Master distiller Joyce Nethery co-owns Jeptha Creed with her daughter Autumn Nethery, who is vice president of operations.

Joyce’s husband, Bruce, runs the farm. It produces some of the varietals used in its Red, White and Blue bourbon, a complex, buttery spirit that’s released in November each year.

Jeptha Creed Distillery’s limited-edition Bloody Butchers Creed bourbon is made with 90% red corn for a woody, robust sip.

In March 2026, the 10-year-old distillery created a new tour offering that gives visitors a chance to taste directly from a barrel selected by Joyce. After a look at the distilling process, the intimate tour finishes in a cozy room right out of a hunting lodge. You’ll taste a few Jeptha Creed bourbons and then use a whiskey thief — a copper tool used to pull bourbon out of a barrel — to pour a taste of a single barrel selected by Joyce for the experience.

After the tour, head back to the lodge-style visitor center, which includes a gift shop and the Jeptha Creed Bar & Cafe serving cocktails and seasonal food items, including pizza. The distillery also regularly hosts concerts in the summer, and the vibe is quite family friendly, which isn’t always the case at bourbon distilleries.

500 Gordon Lane, Shelbyville, Kentucky 40065, 502/487-5007, jepthacreed.com — Jason Brill

TOP: JANE SIMON AMMESSON; BOTTOM: COURTESY OF JEPTHA CREED DISTILLERY

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Suttons Bay, Michigan

Snowy Sips

Hop Lot Brewing Co. invites beer fans to enjoy the beauty of a northern Michigan winter from the comfort of reservable heated igloos.

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nvision a snow globe with a group of friends inside enjoying food, beer, games and conversation, and you’ll get a good idea of the winter igloo experience at Hop Lot Brewing Co. in Suttons Bay, Michigan.

Starting around mid-November through the first week of April, the brewery sets 18 igloos across its landscape filled with trees and often draped in snow, while a glowing communal campfire welcomes guests to step outside and roast marshmallows.

Steve, Sarah and Drew Lutke founded Hop Lot Brewing Co. in 2015 to pair handcrafted beer with northern Michigan’s outdoor lifestyle, establishing a wooded beer garden on the Leelanau Peninsula. With seating for up to eight, the brewery’s igloos allow groups and families to

immerse themselves in a natural setting. They can enjoy good conversation, eat great food, play their favorite games and try a new beer, wine, cocktail or local soda in their comfortably furnished and heated private space.

Reserved for 90 minutes per group, each igloo has a QR code for ordering food and drink.

Guests keep warm inside, while servers deliver their orders to them. Sundays are family days, with half off the kids food and free s’mores and hot chocolate. For adults, there are happy hours and daily specials during the week in the winter.

Hop Lot’s beer list pairs dependable favorites with rotating seasonal releases. Year-round pours include the Highway Robbery Blonde Ale, Rough Sawn Amber Ale and German Pils, while cooler weather often brings richer offerings such as the Tilted Radars American Stout and Woad Warrior Scotch Ale. Hop Lot Brewing Co. also sits alongside the Traverse Area Recreation Trail, with cross-country skiers and hikers regularly gathering at the brewery.

658 S. W. Bay Shore Dr., Suttons Bay, Michigan 49682, hoplotbrewing.com — Theresa Russell

TOP: THERESA RUSSELL; BOTTOM: COURTESY OF HOP LOT BREWING CO.

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Plan your trip with the help of our index on page 55.

HISTORY&

Haunted History The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum was once a real-life horror show. In 2007, private owners bought it to turn it into a Halloweenseason destination.

Weston, West Virginia

FRANK POLIEVKA

The massive stone building measures just shy of a quarter mile long. Construction on the southern end of the TransAllegheny Lunatic Asylum began in 1858, with the northern end completed in 1881, and while the facility was intended to hold just 250 residents, it packed in more than 2,400 at its overcrowded worst.

The institution had good intentions at the start, built in accordance with the design principles of Dr. Thomas Story Kirkbride, whose work highlighted the influence of fresh air, sunlight and open space on mental health. After the asylum’s closure in 1994, the state of West Virginia, who owned the sprawling building, left the property mostly empty until auctioning it off in 2007.

Soon after, the new owners started offering tours, as well as public and private ghost hunts. Tour participants can now see six sections of the asylum restored to their original appearance and filled with period-appropriate furniture.

Those interested in the paranormal can reserve tickets for lobotomy, morgue and seclusion tours, as well as try an overnight experience that runs from 11:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.

— if they dare. 50 S. River Ave., Weston, West Virginia 26452, 304/269-5070, trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com

— Kelly Larson 17

Marietta, Ohio

Frontier Focus

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tepping into this red-brick building in Marietta, Ohio, one quickly discovers the enormity of the story within. Not only was Campus Martius where the state of Ohio began, it was the pivotal settlement that opened the rugged frontier to the later formation of the states of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The museum itself was erected in 1928 and is named after the original stockade where members of the Ohio Company of Associates lived after arriving at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers in 1788. It was built to protect the pioneers during the Northwest Indian Wars, and a portion of the fortification remains well preserved for visitors to see firsthand: the home of Marietta founder and Revolutionary War veteran Gen. Rufus Putnam.

After the Treaty of Greenville was signed in 1795, the stockade was dismantled, but Putnam and his family stayed in their home. Today, the structure still sits on its original foundation, although it is now contained within an enclosed pavilion that is part of the museum. Visitors can

see the home during regularly scheduled docentled tours. The home, which was dedicated as a national landmark in 1972, offers visitors a look into how Ohio’s pioneers lived.

The rest of the museum tells the story of not only the Ohio Company of Associates, but also the Indigenous history of the area as well as that of early Washington County.

Visitors should be sure not to miss the opportunity to walk through the Ohio Company Land Office, which sits out back. It is the oldest building in Ohio and the very space in which Putnam and his men worked as they surveyed the Northwest Territory for settlement. 601 Second St., Marietta, Ohio 45750, 740/373-3750, mariettamuseums.org — Lainey Novak

White House Fruit Farm

autumm adventures Discover vibrant foliage, crisp air, and the charm of scenic landscapes.

Savor local wineries, breweries, dining, and attractions as Mahoning County comes alive this fall.

800.447.8201 exploremahoning.com

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HISTORY&CULTURE

Scan to uncover your next Mahoning County adventure!

COURTESY OF MARIETTA-WASHINGTON COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

The Campus Martius Museum tells the story of the pioneers who founded the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory.

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LEAVES ARE FALLING, ADVENTURE IS CALLING Take in the views of the incredible fall foliage or take your pick of the pumpkin patch during your autumn adventure in Mahoning County. From family-friendly fall festivals to getting lost in excitement in a corn maze, you’ll fall in love with Youngstown … and the blueberry donuts.

Autumn is one of the best times to experience Lanterman’s Mill in Mill Creek Metro Parks. The trees surrounding the mill transform into a vibrant palette of red, orange and gold. Walking paths and the nearby boardwalk provide scenic views of the colorful foliage surrounding the historic mill.

No fall visit to Mahoning County is complete without a stop at White House Fruit Farm.

Their Fall Harvest Weekends are perfect with horse-drawn wagons, fresh apples and sweet apple cider. There is a children’s petting zoo and play area, budgie bird barn, gift barn, pumpkins and don’t forget their famous blueberry donuts!

Get lost at Maze Craze, a nationally recognized corn maze where adventure-seekers can unplug and explore. Each season features a brand-new corn maze, transforming acres of farmland into an immersive outdoor adventure.

Start planning your autumn escape! Visit exploremahoning.com for our full events calendar.

Huntington, West Virginia

Tuning In

The Museum of Radio and Technology in West Virginia houses artifacts that show how we have consumed media over the years.

DAY Sips

NIGHT CAPS

Savor your way through Mansfield’s Wine & Ale Trail and discover Mansfield’s newest small-batch distillery, Ohio Shine Co., or head upstairs to The Spirit Room at The Phoenix Brewing Company to experience a world of whiskey.

A spirit selection As Real As It Gets.

DestinationMansfield.com

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HISTORY&CULTURE

f viewing the original Star Wars movie on LaserDisc, playing the iconic NBC chimes on a xylophone or watching guides demonstrate the impressive sound quality of a 1915 phonograph cylinder sounds like your thing, the hands-on and interactive Museum of Radio and Technology in Huntington, West Virginia, is waiting.

The 3,000 objects in the collection here include vintage radios, televisions, telephones, computers, telegraph equipment and record players. Visitors can also find more eclectic items such as a tabletop hearing aid and dangerous toys from the past, like an atomic energy lab, though that is kept safely behind glass.

A nonprofit organization founded the museum in 1991, and it is located in a 10,000-squarefoot former school dating to the 1920s. Although the attraction does have a focus on local and regional broadcast memorabilia, artifacts of national fame can be found here, too, like a 1927 RCA Radiola from the Wrigley family home in Chicago. The pride of the museum is the only remaining TV camera from the 1939 New York World’s Fair.

Licensed amateur radio operators can work and play in the state-of-the-art listening shack, and the museum offers summer STEM camps and Christmas programs for kids. Museum volunteers teach classes on the basics of electronics and host swap meets and auctions three times a year.

Attributing much of its massive collection to donations, the museum is increasingly becoming a place filmmakers turn to when looking to find old radio and TV props. (Items from the museum’s collection appeared in director Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.”)

The museum is open only on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. and is free to visit although donations are welcome. 1640 Florence Ave., Huntington, West Virginia 25701, 304/525-8890, mrtwv.org — Amanda Larch Hinchman

COURTESY OF MUSEUM OF RADIO AND TECHNOLOGY

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HOLMES COUNTY OHIO AMISH COUNTRY Nestled among the hills of east-central Ohio is Holmes County, home to the world’s second-largest Amish settlement. Here visitors discover a culture rooted in simplicity, faith, and purpose. A journey through Ohio Amish Country offers more than scenic backroads and picturesque farms, it provides a glimpse into a way of life lived with intention.

Begin your visit at Behalt Amish Mennonite Heritage Center to learn about the history and traditions celebrated throughout the area. Explore the shops and eateries in Millersburg, Berlin, Walnut Creek, Mount Hope and Charm, where craftsmen create heirloom-quality furniture, quilters transform fabric into works of art, and family recipes produce baked goods perfected over generations. The area’s commitment to food independence is reflected in thriving gardens, farm-fresh markets and locally produced cheeses, meats and preserves.

Discover the seamless blend of Amish heritage with a vibrant community of modern-day artisans, cafes and inviting boutiques. Together, they create an authentic destination where tradition and creativity coexist. Whether exploring handcrafted treasures, savoring locally made foods or simply slowing down to appreciate the area’s beauty, a visit to Ohio Amish Country will inspire a deeper appreciation for the simple life.

Glass Legacy

Outfitted with 62 stained-glass windows made

by Tiffany & Co., this former Presbyterian church now hosts live music and other events.

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ne of only a handful of churches in the United States that can claim the honor, The Reid Center in Richmond, Indiana, boasts a stunning interior outfitted entirely with authen-

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HISTORY&CULTURE

tic Tiffany & Co. stained-glass windows. Daniel Reid, a native son of Richmond who became a tinplate industrialist and eventual New York financier, commissioned the Gothic-style structure in 1904 as a loving tribute to his parents. (He also donated funds to establish Reid Hospital and support Earlham College, the Richmond Art Association and other local organizations.)

Sparing no expense on construction, Reid contracted Louis Comfort Tiffany himself to manage the project design, including 62 original art windows. The property also boasts meticulously detailed woodwork, a bell tower, a spectacular 1906 pipe organ from Hook and Hastings House of Boston, and a 1905 Starr concert grand piano built in Richmond (the only known instrument of its kind still in existence).

At the time of their installation during 1905 and 1906, each favrile (meaning “made by hand”) stained-glass window was estimated to cost between $2,000 and $3,000, which would translate to a a range of $73,000 to $110,000 by modern standards. In total, Daniel Reid spent about what would be equivalent to around $7.5 million today on the structure.

Dedicated on May 13, 1906, the Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church operated until 2017. Now, it functions as a historic performing arts venue for live music, seasonal events and silent-film screenings with organ accompaniment. Visitors can admire the colorful collection of windows during free monthly tours and a lunchtime concert series. And that’s not Richmond’s only Tiffany & Co. claim to fame.

Morrison-Reeves Library just a few blocks up the street houses a Tiffany window installed in 1895 that overlooks its Reading Garden. 1004 N. A St., Richmond, Indiana 47374, 765/966-7618, reidcenter.org — Amy Lynch

JANE D. HOLMAN

Richmond, Indiana

Chicago, Illinois

Gallery of Giants The Art Institute of Chicago offers an array of famous paintings in a building that could take all day to explore.

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ne of the Windy City’s most iconic attractions, the Art Institute of Chicago houses an encyclopedic collection of 300,000 pieces spanning more than 5,000 years and representing some of the most recognizable artists in the world. Flanked by a pair of bronze lion sculptures at its Michigan Avenue entrance, the landmark museum continuously rotates its 10,000 items on display, making each visit a new experience even for longtime members.

The world-renowned institution was founded as the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts in 1879, a time during which Chicago was trying to rebuild from the Great Fire of 1871 that decimated the city. The Chicago Art Institute moved into its current Beaux-Arts building just after the World’s Columbian Exposition concluded in 1893. The museum’s Modern Wing opened in 2009 (one of eight major expansions the building has undergone). In recent years, the museum has updated its lobby, added new European galleries and has plans to unveil its new Grainger Center for Conservation and Science in 2027.

Tucked within the sprawling maze of gallery spaces, a few of the museum’s most popular holdings include instantly recognizable masterpieces, such as George Seurat’s wall-size “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,” Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies,” Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks,” Pablo Picasso’s Blue Period work “The Old Guitarist” and Grant Wood’s “American Gothic.”

It’s easy to spend an entire day exploring and admiring with a lunch break in the middle at the on-site cafe. For those who are on a bit of a tighter timetable, the self-guided “What to see in an hour” tour option hits the highlights of this incredible art collection. 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60603, 312/443-3600, artic.edu

— Amy Lynch

Bradford, Pennsylvania

Carrying the Flame

The Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store offers the chance to explore two American-made products that have deep ties to our culture.

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uring World War II, the only people who could get their hands on a Zippo lighter were U.S. soldiers fighting for the Allies.

Although George G. Blaisdell had founded the Zippo manufacturing company in Bradford, Pennsylvania, in 1932, it was the product’s role in the war effort that made it an American icon.

The Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store in Bradford, Pennsylvania, tells that story in a permanent exhibition called “An Ally for the Allies,” which focuses on how both Zippo lighters and Case knives were used internationally for the first time by American soldiers during the war. The lighters and knives were reminders of home but

also tools that worked consistently and well.

The exhibition is the centerpiece of the 15,000-square-foot museum that tells the story of these two beloved brands. Visitors can take a self-guided tour that offers a trip through the various makes and models of Zippo lighters and Case knives over the years.

The museum is an extension of the original Zippo store that the Blaisdell family founded in 1993. That same year, they also purchased the Case knives brand from W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Co., combining two iconic, Pennsylvania-based American brands in one company.

If you plan to visit the museum and happen to own a Zippo lighter that isn’t working correctly, bring it along. An on-site repair clinic fixes Zippo brand lighters free of charge, and visitors can watch the repair technicians as they work. If you don’t yet own a Zippo lighter, the flagship store has you covered; it’s stocked with a wide variety of Zippo and Case products.

1932 Zippo Dr., Bradford, Pennsylvania 16701, 814/368-1932, zippo.com — Zion Williams Chicago Art Institute (above); Zippo Case Flagship Museum exhibit and historic lighter (left)

COURTESY OF DESTINATIONS LISTED

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ROMANTIC

Noble Nights

Once a Gilded Age summer home, Belhurst Castle and Winery offers overnight stays, distinctive suites and on-site dining.

Geneva, New York

Although the property where Belhurst Castle and Winery sits has ties to 1738, its current form began when Carrie Collins purchased the property in 1885 with ambitious plans.

Collins tore down the dilapidated family home that occupied the land and hired 50 men to construct a castle.

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Completed in 1889, it acted as Collins’ summer home until her death in 1926. The castle changed hands several times over the years, going to Collins’ grandson Hal Harron Jr. and then restaurateur and bootlegger Red Dwyer, until current owners Duane and Deb Reeder bought it in 1992.

Today, their Belhurst Castle and Winery includes the pubstyle Stonecutter’s Tavern and the Vinifera Inn (a 20-room addition to the castle), a wine shop, a salon and spa, and Edgar’s Restaurant, an upscale spot named after Duane’s father.

Those who want to live like royalty can stay at the Chambers in the Castle suites or choose from nine other distinctive guest rooms that include the Bamboo Room (outfitted with a bed original to the 1889 castle) and the Bronze Room, with a cast-bronze fireplace. 4069 W. Lake Rd., Geneva, New York 14456, 315/781-0201, belhurst.com — Kelly Larson

VASILIY BAZIUK, VISIT FINGER LAKES

Plan your trip with the help of our index on page 55.

Chicago, Illinois

TOP: JAMES MURPHY/TRAINMAN PHOTOGRAPHY; BOTTOM: COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE AT GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS

Close Encounters

Chicago Magic Lounge, a cleverly hidden spot in the city’s Andersonville neighborhood, reveals a world of mind-blowing tricks.

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aking your date to the laundromat may not seem like the ideal night out, but nothing is as it seems at the Chicago Magic Lounge.

Washers and dryers, complete with spinning clothes, are what you’ll first see when you arrive, but a closer look reveals a knob.

Pull it open and a doorway opens to a world of magic. These just aren’t any tricks though.

This is Chicago-style magic, which is fast, funny, closeup and, for many, enjoyed with a cocktail in hand. Once popular throughout the city, this craft, which favors intimate interactions and classic sleights of hand over grand theatrical Vegas-styled shows, had all but died out until being revived at this Andersonville spot.

The passion for Chicago magic is evident in every aspect of the venue, from the intimacy of the theaters to the secret doors. Shows take place in three distinct venues: the 107-seat cabaret theater, where guests can enjoy drinks and appetizers as they take in the show; the 654 Club, an intimate 43-seat theater; and the Performance Bar. All offer mind-blowing magic acts, but it’s the bar magic that most personifies the city’s signature style. Inside the warm and inviting bar, the magician stands behind a green felt table and banters with customers, who are standing close enough to touch him. Tricks come fast

and furious and smiles quickly turn into cries of disbelief.

All the while, bartenders serve up cocktails, including one called How Houdini Died, a version of a rum punch, named for the blow that ultimately killed the famed escape artist. Who knew a date night that starts in a laundromat could be so magical? 5050 N. Clark St., Chicago, Illinois, 312/366-4500, chicagomagiclounge.com

— Jennifer Merrick Traverse City, Michigan

Historic Revival

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons turned a storied Victorian-era landmark into a destination filled with boutiques, coffee shops and great restaurants.

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here aren’t any ghost stories at the former Northern Michigan Asylum. Instead, the tours that tour director Kate Angove leads through the Victorian Italianate-style building aim to honor the staff and patients of the former hospital that operated here until 1989.

After sitting vacant for the 13 years that followed its closure, the imposing yet beautiful campus was transformed into the inviting Village at Grand Traverse Commons, a mixed-use rede-

velopment featuring must-try restaurants, cute boutiques, apartments and more.

When it opened in 1885, the asylum was intended to be a place where patients were cared for and comforted. Now in its second life, the building and its lush, green surroundings live up to those ideals as a home for enjoyment, relaxation and entertainment.

Walking the long, winding hallways now feels like exploring a vibrant neighborhood, with surprising little shops that pop up around corners or along corridors. There’s Sweet Asylum, a candy shop that offers bulk purchase of favorite candies as well as two coffee shops. Higher Grounds roasts its own beans, while Cuppa Joe offers pastries, breakfast sandwiches and smoothies.

Check out Moonstruck Gardens, a delightful gift shop with stickers, pins and stationery, or Haven: A Clothing Market that stocks stylish T-shirts, maxi dresses and crocheted sweaters.

The dozen food and drink options include Earthen Ales Taproom & Brewery, the Mexicanstyle restaurant Spanglish and Red Spire Brunch House. The seasonally rotating menu at Trattoria Stella, one of the first businesses here, features dishes such as ravioli with parsnip and goat cheese filling and Lake Superior walleye served with farro, scamorza cheese and wild mushrooms. Pizza, seafood and a cheese board round out the menu. 1200 W. 11th St., Traverse City, Michigan, 49684, 231/941-1900, thevillagetc.com

— Jason Brill 25

Seven Springs Ski Resort, Champion

Hit the road for ski resorts in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia that offer beginner-friendly slopes, cozy lodging and plenty of off-mountain fun.

SNOW

BY LAINEY NOVAK

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ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DESTINATIONS LISTED

DAYS

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MICHIGAN Boyne Mountain Resort,

Boyne Falls

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ocated halfway between Traverse City and the Mackinaw Bridge in Michigan, Boyne Mountain Resort offers the charm of a European chalet and easy access to the lakeshore communities of Petoskey and Charlevoix. Many travelers pass through on their way to other places, but the village of Boyne Falls’ full-service, four-season resort is a destination unto itself.

Skiing is the winter draw here, and Boyne Mountain has the terrain to host every level of skier and snowboarder, from the beginner-friendly Boyneland area to the McLouth, Hemlock, Meadows and Superbowl blackdiamond run. Novices can sign up for a variety of lessons and programs through the on-site Snowsports School.

The sprawling resort offers activities for all ages, great dining options and unique ways to experience winter.

One of those is Skybridge Michigan, the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge. In the winter, visitors ride a chairlift to walk the illuminated pedestrian bridge and end up at The Iglu, a freestanding structure made entirely of ice and snow. Those who want to explore the outdoors behind a pair of handlebars can try MoonBikes, fat-tired, fully electric snow bicycles.

The weather outside isn’t a concern at the indoor Avalanche Bay Waterpark, where the temperature is always in the 80s. From the Rip Zone surf simulator to the winding lazy river, this waterpark offers a perfect on-site escape from the cold.

Boyne Mountain Resort’s luxurious options include the slopeside Chalet Edelweiss with a Nordic Cirque Sauna experience, a variety of room styles and even a ski valet service. Or pick from vacation rentals ranging from roomy winter cabins to quaint villas. 1 Boyne Mountain Rd., Boyne Falls, Michigan 49713, 855/6887024, boynemountain.com

NUB’S NOB,

HARBOR SPRINGS

This family-owned ski hill has hosted skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels since 1958. Nub’s Nob provides 248 acres of skiable terrain with 53 runs ranging from expert to easy.

Visitors can rent all the equipment they need, including cross-country skis and snowshoes, at the on-site rental shop. First-time skiers can enroll in the Odyssey program which specializes in teaching total beginners to get up and moving. 500 Nubs Nob Rd., Harbor Springs, Michigan 49740, 231/526-2131, nubsnob.com 28

CLAYSBURG

With the highest skiable mountain in the state, Blue Knob All Seasons Resort in Claysburg offers an inviting winter destination for thrill seekers. Blue Knob is packed with black-diamond runs with names like the Upper and Lower Extrovert and the Ditch Glades for experienced skiers, providing the perfect terrain for challenging yourself.

Blue Knob manages a variety of rentals ranging from cozy condos to grand chalets after your day on the slopes.

1424 Overland Pass, Claysburg, Pennsylvania 16625, 814/239-5111, blueknob.com

PENNSYLVANIA

BLUE KNOB ALL SEASONS RESORT,

Seven Springs Ski Resort, Champion

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bout an hour southeast of Pittsburgh sits a prime spot for skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels and winter fans of all ages. Seven Springs Ski Resort holds the distinction of being the largest in the state, with 285 skiable acres.

Beginner-friendly routes like the Village and Boomerang trails let beginners get the hang of things, and the Seven Springs Ski & Ride School helps newbies build skills and confidence before they strike out on their own.

Families love the snow tubing (which requires no skill at all), as they race down the hill together at the region’s largest tubing park. A conveyor belt at the bottom takes riders to the top and is great for those who want to make multiple runs.

Away from the slopes, there is plenty to explore on the grounds of the resort. Stop by the Foggy Goggle for an après-ski bar that serves up comfort food favorites in a fun and casual space.

Located right next to the slopes, this hot spot is a full-service family restaurant by day and nightlife hub after the sun goes down.

Wind down with a round of indoor, 18-hole mini golf or grab a group and head to the bowling alley, both at the Main Lodge. Or, have some alone time at the Trillium Spa, with services from manicures to full body massages.

Seven Springs Ski Resort has lodging that ranges from hotel rooms to larger cabin rentals. Stay at the newly renovated Slopeside Hotel, connected to the Main Lodge. Or choose from a variety of vacation rentals with amenities that include private chairlifts and mountain views. 777 Water Wheel Dr., Champion, Pennsylvania 15622, 814/352-7777, 7springs.com

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WEST VIRGINIA

Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Davis

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SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN RESORT, SNOWSHOE

Located deep in the Allegheny Mountains, the road trip to get to this winter destination may be a little more arduous, but it’s totally worth it.

Snowshoe Mountain Resort is one of West Virginia’s premier winter-sports destinations due to its plentiful natural snowfall and 257 acres of skiable terrain. The slopes range in difficulty to offer variety for all skill levels, with the more difficult runs offering some of the longest black-diamond routes in the region. 10 Snowshoe Dr., Snowshoe, West Virginia 26209, 877/441-4386, snowshoemtn.com

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his unique, state park resort nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, West Virginia, provides the perfect winter getaway for skiers, snowboarders and outdoor enthusiasts. Canaan Valley Resort State Park is home to 26 trails of unique terrain including meadows and tree runs alongside beginnerfriendly slopes.

This ski destination prides itself on being the perfect place to learn to ski or snowboard, with about 30 percent of the terrain dedicated to beginners. Canaan Snowsports School offers lessons ranging from private sessions to group adventures. Beginners start by taking on the Critters Crawl, then progress to the Bunny Buster trail and the longer Timber Trail run.

Another favorite here is the 1,200-foot snow tubing park. With multiple lanes serviced by a lift, you can reach the bottom and get right

back to the top for another go. Or grab a pair of skates and head to Canaan Valley Resort State Park’s ice-skating rink, which is located near the outdoor pavilion and open all winter long.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Alleghenies while skating before warming up beside the rink’s outdoor fireplace.

The lodging experience at Canaan Valley Resort State Park can be as restful or as adventurous as you choose. Stay in one of the 160 luxurious guest rooms at the main lodge that provide all the necessities for a relaxing stay. Or immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the valley by staying at one of the cabins or cottages.

Located about a half mile from the main lodge, guests who stay here also have access to the resort’s amenities including on-site dining, a pool and fitness center, the arcade and more.

230 Main Lodge Rd., Davis, West Virginia 26260, 304/866-4121, canaanresort.com

NEW YORK PEEK’N PEAK RESORT, CLYMER

Holiday Valley Ski Resort, Ellicottville

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his iconic ski resort in Cattaraugus County, New York, is famous for its exceptional slope conditions and the quaint village of Ellicottville it calls home. Holiday Valley Ski Resort combines thrilling winter sports with access to a great nightlife scene and plenty of family-friendly activities.

Situated about 50 miles south of Buffalo, the destination benefits from lake-effect snow and accumulates an average of 180 inches each year.

Approachable for beginners, the resort offers lessons with an emphasis on turning firsttimers into lifelong skiers and snowboarders.

In addition to the downhill skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing is popular here with rentals available at an on-site shop and miles of terrain to traverse over the lower slopes and golf course. Cross-country skiing trails are abundant at Holiday Valley as well as at the Art Roscoe

Trails at the nearby Allegheny State Park. The latter provides over 20 miles of well-maintained double-tracked trails through the forest.

After a day on the mountain, discover all that the village of Ellicottville has to offer. This idyllic and walkable town offers a multitude of of activities, shops and food-and-drink offerings. It is home to a flourishing nightlife scene that offers comfy, laid-back vibes to complement a day on the slopes.

Holiday Valley’s lodging has options for various group sizes. Be at the center of the action when you stay at the Inn at Holiday Valley, which has ski-in, ski-out access, meaning your room has quick access to the slopes. Another option is the Tamarack Club, the luxurious premier hotel next to the resort’s main base area.

6557 Holiday Valley Rd., Ellicottville, New York 14731, 716/699-2345, holidayvalley.com

This destination characterizes itself as the ultimate winter playground.

With terrain for all experience levels, there is something for everyone at Peek’n Peak Resort. Boasting 26 runs and an average of 180 inches of snowfall a year, the resort is a winter-sports destination. The progressive terrain parks are a draw here as well. The resort holds freestyle competitions throughout the season, where riders can show off their skills. 1405 Olde Road, Clymer, New York 14724, 716/3554141, pknpk.com

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48 HOURS IN...

Ann Arbor, Michigan

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN STADIUM 32

Whether you want to experience Big Ten college football, immerse yourself in the arts or indulge in great food, this city has plenty to explore.

BY KRISTINA SMITH UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN STADIUM Fall in Ann Arbor means football, and on home-game weekends, that means a trip to The Big House. The University of Michigan has the largest football stadium in the country with a seating capacity of 107,601. Get there early to grab a parking spot to tailgate, or grab a bite inside the stadium, where fare ranges from Buddy’s Detroit-style pizza to barbecue. As the marching band takes the field, tens of thousands of fans decked out in maize and blue sing “The Victors,” which John Philip Sousa called the “best college march ever written.” Make sure to be in your seat at the break between the third and fourth quarters for the “Mr. Brightside” stadium singalong. 1201 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, mgoblue.com

STADIUM: AUSTIN THOMASON AT THE BEHEST OF MICHIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY, THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN; ZINGERMAN’S: COURTESY OF ZINGERMAN’S DELI; UMMA: CHARLOTTE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

GERALD R. FORD PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY Gerald Ford chose the University of Michigan as the site for his presidential library because it was his alma mater. He graduated in 1935 with a degree in economics and was a football player on the 1932 and 1933 national championship teams. The archives also include First Lady Betty Ford’s papers and presidential records from the era. Small exhibit areas tell the story of the president and first lady through photos, artifacts, newspaper and magazine clippings and their own words (from scans of handwritten notes as well as White House memos). To view the research archives, a prearranged appointment is required. The library is closed on Saturday and Sunday, so a visit is a good bookend to a long weekend. 1000 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, 734/205-0555, fordlibrarymusuem.gov/visit/library ZINGERMAN’S DELI In 1982, Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig opened their deli, where they served sandwiches on fresh-baked bread that were piled

high with premium meats, cheeses and toppings. Zingerman’s Deli quickly became an institution and has garnered a national reputation for its artisan sandwiches. Located in a historic building in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown neighborhood, the deli is a destination for sandwiches so big you’ll need both hands to hold them. Pick up some bread, artisan cheese and spices in the grocery section. Then stop at Zingerman’s Next Door Cafe for a treat and some fresh-brewed coffee. In more of a breakfast mood? Start at the Next Door Cafe and try a breakfast burrito or sandwich. 422 Detroit St., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, 734/663-3354, zingermansdeli.com DAWN TREADER BOOK SHOP Since 1976, the Dawn Treader Book Shop (named after the ship in the third installment of author C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia series) has been buying and selling rare, antique books, as well as used books in dozens of collecting areas. An Ann Arbor institution, the shop is filled will titles on topics ranging from cooking to history, philosophy to American Indian studies and science fiction to the occult. A walk through the shelves reveals interesting finds at every turn, including a replica Egyptian sarcophagus and a wooden pirate figure. When actor LeVar Burton of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and the PBS series ”Reading Rainbow” visited the shop in 2012, he called it the “best bookstore ever.” 514 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, 734/995-1008, dawntreaderbooks.com UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MUSEUM OF ART See the world through art that includes drawings, paintings, sculptures and more from cultures spanning the globe. The University of Michigan Museum of Art houses a collection of more than 23,000 works of art, including Chinese carvings dating to the seventh century, a Thai Buddhist altar and a Japanese armor and helmet set crafted sometime between 1615 and 1868. There are also paintings by Pablo Picasso and modern African art that tells the story of countries fighting for independence from colonial occupiers. The special exhibition “American Sampler: Activating the Archive” features politicaldissent and social-change materials from around the world, including posters, magazines and newspaper articles from the civil rights movement of the 1960s, the Vietnam War and the Kent State University shootings. 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, 734/764-0395, umma.umich.edu ZINGERMAN’S DELI (LEFT); UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MUSEUM OF ART

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PICTURE YOURSELF CATCHING THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT IN MEDINA COUNTY Picture yourself catching the holiday spirit in Medina County, where special events make every season worth celebrating. The city of Medina’s annual Candlelight Walk, held Nov. 20 through 22, serves as its kickoff to the holiday season. From the lighting of the annual gazebo Christmas tree and historic uptown district to carriage rides, caroling, shopping, visits with Santa and the Holiday Parade of Lights, the event is a visitor’s dream and is sure to spice up your holiday cheer. It’s also a great way to plan your holiday gift and meal prep while enjoying destinations like Castle Noel or Boyert’s Farm, where you can pick out your family Christmas tree and browse gifts and décor for your holiday gatherings.

The seasonal fun continues Feb. 19 through 21, when the city of Medina partners with Elegant Ice Creations to present the 33rd annual Medina Ice Festival. The event welcomes guests from near and far, creating a magical winter backdrop while showcasing all the amenities the city has to offer, including lodging, a vibrant food scene, entertainment and shopping. As title sponsor, the Medina County Convention & Visitors Bureau also plans activities and celebrations throughout the weekend, making the festival another great reason to plan a winter getaway to Medina County.

Plan your trip with the help of our index on page 55.

Fall Favorite Maize Valley began drawing visitors with its corn stand in the 1990s. These days, it welcomes families as a much-loved autumn destination.

Hartville, Ohio

MATT SHIFFLER

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ay and Donna Vaughan always had a knack for farming, from milling grain to milking cows. Then, in the 1990s, they tried something new: selling their “super-sweet” corn along the side of the road. Soon, they were selling other produce to the public as well.

FAMILY

Around that time, the Vaughans’ daughter, Michelle Bakan, and her husband, Bill, began operating a farm stand there and experimenting with a seasonal corn maze. Now, the combination agricultural winery, brewery, restaurant and farm in Hartville known as Maize Valley transforms into a fall paradise for over a month each autumn.

Families can take a wagon ride, tackle the straw-bale mountain or navigate the corn maze, while the littlest visitors love petting livestock at the Goat-A-Palooza animal area.

Adults can drive push carts and pedal trikes, and all ages love the duck races in which visitors are divided into teams to cheer on the Indian Runner breed of ducks that compete on a track. Maize Valley is also known for its fall cannons, one of which launches pumpkins a half mile through the air. The 2026 season runs Sept. 19 through Oct. 31. 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville, Ohio 44632, 330/877-8344, maizevalley.com — Kelly Powell 35

Always in Season? IT’S A SHORE THING Shores & Islands Ohio is more than just a place... it’s a feeling. Immerse yourself in aquatic fun at one of our three water park resorts. Priceless memories for the entire family! Find your Lake Erie Love and local discounts at SHORESandISLANDS.com.

Columbus, Ohio

New World

Step beyond the everyday into an expansive space filled with interactive art, hidden puzzles and imaginative storytelling at Otherworld.

DISCOUNTS

Lock 4, photo by Shane Wynn

Your mobile resource for all that is great about hotel & lodging in Akron. Find, explore and book your adventure, learn about local partner experiences and take part in events. Find out more information about lodging options in Akron and Summit County online at StayInAkron.com.

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Book Your Stay at

StayInAkron.com

GREATER AKRON LODGING COUNCIL

t first glance, visitors arrive at what appears to be an ordinary research facility. But after entering as “beta testers” in a fictional sleep study, they find themselves transported into Otherworld, a 32,000-square-foot immersive art experience where glowing caves, mysterious laboratories and secret passageways invite exploration. Rather than simply viewing artwork, visitors become part of the story, uncovering clues and solving puzzles as they move from room to room.

Created by entrepreneur Jordan Renda, whose background includes haunted houses and escape rooms, Otherworld grew from a desire to create an attraction where visitors interact with art instead of simply observing it, resulting in two Otherworld locations: one in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the other in Columbus, Ohio. The ambitious idea blends technology, storytelling and hands-on creativity, bringing together more than 40 artists, builders and designers to transform an empty space into a fully immersive world.

Since opening, Otherworld has evolved with new installations, changing storylines and the work of local artists alongside the in-house team of builders, artists and technicians. Existing spaces are refined and new elements are added regularly, with the Columbus attraction now spanning 47 rooms. The updates and hidden details encourage Otherworld visitors to return and discover something new.

Whether you spend an hour wandering through the surreal environments or much longer freely exploring the rooms to piece together the attraction’s larger mysteries, no two visits feel the same. The immersive and fun experience makes it easy for families, art lovers and curious travelers to have a visit that will stick with them long after their journey to Otherworld is over. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. 5819 Chantry Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43232, 614/808-6433, otherworld.com — Gracie Ehrick

COURTESY OF OTHERWORLD COLUMBUS

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Always in Season?

IT’S A SHORE THING Experience Shores & Islands Ohio, a year-round destination just a short drive away! Indulge in local cuisine, from upscale to casual, even dine by the lakeside. Take a ferry ride to a Lake Erie island, explore miles of natural beaches and trails, enjoy quaint downtowns and museums, and admire the beauty of the changing seasons in the region.

Make memories that’ll last a lifetime. Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com.

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G R E AT E R

AKRON

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Summit Metro Parks

Hale Farm & Village Hale Farm & Village comes alive in fall and winter with harvest traditions, candlelit evenings, and historic winter experiences that bring early American life to the season. halefarm.org

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Experience the magic of Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet on select nights, Nov. 27–Dec. 30. Stroll dazzling holiday displays, enjoy festive dining, family traditions, and make lasting holiday memories. Get tickets at stanhywet.org. stanhywet.org

MAPS Air Museum The MAPS Air Museum is a nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about history, particularly aviation history, and its impact upon society.

Come for the aircraft — Stay for the history! mapsairmuseum.org

visitakron-summit.org

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers a heritage rail experience that connects people with history, community, nature, family and friends, all within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. cvsr.org

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FALL & WINTER ADVENTURES AWAIT IN GREATER AKRON Soak up the beauty of autumn at Summit Metro Parks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. With hundreds of miles of trails, you’ll find scenic hikes through colorful forests, bike rides along the Towpath Trail and breathtaking overlooks ideal for fall photos. Step back in time at Hale Farm & Village during their annual Harvest Festival, featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and fresh apple cider.

As the seasons change, experience some of the area’s most beloved holiday traditions. Stroll through Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, where more than one million lights illuminate the historic estate in spectacular fashion. At the Akron Zoo’s Wild Lights, families can explore themed light displays, seasonal treats and more than one million twinkling lights throughout the zoo. For a classic holiday tradition, climb aboard Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s North Pole Adventure and enjoy festive storytelling, cookies and a visit from Santa. Thrill-seekers can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing at Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resorts.

From fall foliage and outdoor adventure to cherished holiday traditions, Summit County is the perfect place to make memories all season long. Plan your getaway at visitakron-summit.org and come Savor the Scenic in Summit! (Top left: Harvest Festival, Hale Farm & Village; Bottom left: Summit Metro Parks; Center image: Deck the Hall, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens)

Owner Jim Bruso says some of his earliest childhood memories are from playing games at an arcade called Time-Out Family Amusement

Center. That experience helped create a lifelong love of arcade games that eventually led to his museum in downtown Corbin.

Bruso says the most popular pinball games are themed around Pokémon, Beetlejuice and Godzilla. The Pinball Museum of Corbin also houses Hercules. Made by Atari, it’s currently the world’s largest pinball machine at 7 feet long and 91 inches tall. It also has the distinction of being the treasure that traveled the farthest. Bruso hauled it back from Colorado.

Bruso’s personal arcade favorites are “Galaga” and “Tron,” two classic video games from the 1980s that still spark the same thrill today that they did in the golden age of arcades.

The play-all-day option is the best deal and offers the ability to leave and come back. Those who can only make a quick visit can get an hour of unlimited arcade play for $10. 112 S. Main St., Corbin, Kentucky 40701, 606/2807253, pinballcorbin.com — Kathy Witt

blends the prismatic world of coral reefs with bold wall murals painted by street artists.

Make time to see one of four daily dive shows at Rainbow Reef or Ray Bay, the stingray habitat. Scuba divers enter the water to feed the aquatic residents while staff educators stand by to share cool facts about the various species and answer questions. Hands-on activities, especially for kids, are abundant. Visitors are welcome to lean into shallow pools to touch the

velvety skin of stingrays and the rough texture of sea stars, or crawl into a pint-sized underwater viewing bubble.

The aquarium enjoys a prime downtown location in Toronto’s family-friendly Entertainment District, clustered with CN Tower, Rogers Centre ballpark and the Roundhouse Railway Museum.

288 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, Ontario M5V 3L9, 647/351-3474, ripleys.com/attractions

— Pamela Dittmer McKuen

Corbin, Kentucky

Bumper Star Jim Bruso’s Pinball Museum of Corbin offers a downtown destination that includes a wonderland of classic pinball and arcade games.

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glow of neon spills across the floor as you step into the Pinball Museum of Corbin, where more than 120 pinball machines and 80 arcade games wait to be brought to life. Part arcade, part time capsule, this interactive downtown destination offers a riot of color, sound and nostalgia.

The Kentucky attraction offers two different experiences — a play-allday-for-$20 pinball and video game side and a free-admission, old-style amusement side with quarter-fed arcade and ticket-redemption games.

Both offer a wonderful mix of color, sound and nostalgia. Some visit to relive childhood memories, while others are discovering the joy of classic arcade games for the first time.

Toronto, Ontario

Under the Sea

Dive into the wonders of the aquatic world during a visit to the immersive and educational Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. he moving sidewalk transports visitors through a transparent underwater tunnel as stingrays, tiger sharks, a green turtle and other majestic sea creatures glide around them.

Such is the trip through the Dangerous Lagoon, the marquee experience at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in downtown Toronto.

The aquarium houses more than 20,000 freshwater and exotic sea animals representing more than 450 species from habitats around the world. Ten themed galleries and dozens of live exhibits deliver a mesmerizing and educational experience for all ages.

Start with the Canadian Waters gallery in which thousands of schooling alewives follow one other in tight formation in a cylindrical tank. Rainbow Reef, a fan favorite, re-creates the warm coral seas of the Indo-Pacific Ocean for a kaleidoscope of more than 100 vibrantly hued species.

Planet Jellies provides a serene space where slow-moving jellyfish expand and contract as they drift through the water. The newest exhibit, Graffiti Reef, is an eye-popping gallery that 40

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TOP: KATHY WITT; RIPLEY’S: CNW GROUP: RIPLEY’S AQUARIUM OF CANADA

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Rochester, New York

Think Bigger

Founded from a generous gift, the Rochester Museum & Science Center continues to ignite curiosity with hands-on STEM exhibits, insightful demonstrations and regional history.

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COURTESY OF ROCHESTER MUSEUM & SCIENCE CENTER

n 1941, Rochester businessman Edward Bausch donated both land and money for a new museum along the city’s East Avenue. What was then known as the Rochester Museum of Arts and Sciences had existed in one form or another since 1912, but the donation marked the beginning of the campus that the popular family attraction still occupies today.

A museum visit offers a multitude of opportunities to learn, with interactive exhibits, a planetarium and live science shows that spark curiosity in the minds of young and old alike.

The museum covers three floors packed with more than 120 hands-on STEM and historybased displays.

Visitors can travel back to the Ice Age at “Expedition Earth,” which explores what the region may have looked like millions of years ago, or gaze at a full-scale Albertosaurus skeleton. Kids will be mesmerized by the Electricity Theater, where they can watch zaps of lightning created by twin solid-state Tesla coils. The lightning strikes are coordinated with music ranging from Vivaldi’s “Spring” to contemporary pop hits. The soundtrack changes regularly, creating a new experience for return visitors.

Kids can discover the nature of light in the Germanow Gallery with “Illumination: The World of Light and Optics.” Visitors can immerse themselves in 15 interactive exhibits that demonstrate the science behind light through fun experiments with lasers, lenses and mirrors.

The Rochester Museum & Science Center also offers deep insight into the region’s history. Its newest permanent exhibition — “Hodinöšyö:nih Continuity | Innovation | Resilience” — connects visitors with the Indigenous people who inhabited the region through a collaboration with contemporary Hodinöšyö:nih (Haudenosaunee) artists. 657 East Ave., Rochester, New York 14607, 585/271-4320, rmsc.org — Makenna Halm 41

Cheer Here!

The Peoples Gas Holiday Market hosts a traditional European-inspired Christmas shopping experience beginning in late November.

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is the season for eating, shopping and merry-making, and Pittsburgh’s Peoples Gas Holiday Market provides a destination for all things holiday cheer. Each year, the enticing tastes, scents and sounds of a European-style Christmas market pop up in the city’s historic Market Square beginning in late November. It’s an event that promises nostalgia and yuletide fun around every corner.

Aromas of roasted nuts, spiced sausages and pleasantly pungent melty cheeses waft from a maze of wooden chalet stalls nestled among twinkling lights in the shadow of the city’s modern skyline. In addition to winter-warming foods, vendors sell imported and locally made artisan items like knit clothing, sports-themed merchandise, pottery and confections. This is the place to pick up a few must-have signature souvenirs including blown-glass pierogi and pickle ornaments (iconic symbols of Pittsburgh’s food and culture).

In the Christkindlmarkt tradition, Peoples Gas Holiday Market features a gathering place to warm up with a mulled beverage or malty lager and a prime spot to enjoy live music and fireworks on select nights. Don’t miss the chance to snag a festive picture for your annual Christmas letter to family and friends in front of a towering Christmas tree or along one of Pittsburgh’s scenic bridges, which are beautifully illuminated for the season.

Santa makes regular appearances downtown 42

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for photographs, and the market is filled with hand-crafted items like wooden ornaments, nesting dolls and toys for kids of all ages. The Peoples Gas Holiday Market runs Friday, Nov. 21 through Dec. 24 in 2026. The market has expanded hours in the week leading up to Christmas. Market Square is at Forbes Avenue and Market Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222, 412/566-4190, downtownpittsburghholidays.com — Lisa Sands Somerset, Kentucky

Haunted Holdings

The Paranormal Roadtripper’s Nightmare Gallery offers visitors a trip into one man’s collection of the unusual, unexplained and unknown.

Every time the irrepressible adventurer visits a new destination, he brings back a piece of that place’s folklore, such as the elixir of eternal youth. One of Bales’ favorite pieces, the elixir was said to have been created using a formula found in a centuries-old alchemy lab that had been recently discovered.

Eye-catching maps and displays — all designed by Bales himself — share the legends and lore of ghosts, monsters and aliens Bales takes visitors on intriguing and unforgettable journeys into the unknown and unexplained.

The 30- to 40-minute tours are available by appointment and tailored to visitors’ interests, including highlighting folklore from the areas they hail from when possible. As the guided tour concludes, visitors may explore more on their own and browse the gift shop. Admission is free, but donations are accepted and welcomed. 462 Oak Hill Rd., Somerset, Kentucky 42503, 606/8750539, paranormalroadtripper.net. — Kathy Witt

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rom a purported elixir of eternal youth from the Czech Republic to Moroccan artwork related to genies of Arabian folklore and Islamic theology, there is always something unusual, and otherworldly to see at the Paranormal Roadtripper’s Nightmare Gallery in Somerset, Kentucky.

“These so-called haunted objects are truly unique with fascinating histories and mysteries,” remarks museum owner Zach Bales, and his collection is always growing. The author of six books, including The Paranormal Passport of South-Central Kentucky and The Amateur’s Guide to Ghost Hunting, Bales has amassed curiosities from behemoth Bigfoot silhouettes to life-size mannequins of horror-movie icons like Michael Myers of “Halloween” fame. These treasures — some of which are available for purchase — are presented in beautiful wooden cabinets that Bales built himself.

TOP: SARAH COKER; BOTTOM: KATHY WITT

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Plan your trip with the help of our index on page 55.

NATURE &

Branching Out Explore 16,000 acres of forests, trails, giant troll sculptures and a 17-acre play space at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum.

Clermont, Kentucky BERNHEIM FOREST AND ARBORETUM

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iming to connect Kentuckians to the outdoors, bourbon-maker Isaac Wolf Bernheim purchased 12,000 acres in 1929. Today known as Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, it spans a total of 16,000 acres and has more than 40 miles of hiking trails.

Options range from the challenging 15-mile Millenium Trail that weaves through oak-hickory and beech-maple forest to the Lake Nevin Loop, which offers a flat 1.3 miles.

Keep an eye out for the trio of Forest Giants, renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s large troll sculptures created from all-natural and recycled materials.

Kids will love the Playcosystem, a 17-acre area that encourages unstructured play. Children can compete in an obstacle course, dig into sand pits and enjoy an accessible treehouse and pathways.

For those who want to take things to new heights, Bernheim Forest and Arboretum offers a canopy tree walk 75 feet above the forest floor, as well as its fire tower. End the day at Isaac’s Cafe, where the seasonal menu pulls from the arboretum’s edible garden of its lineup of soups, salads and sandwiches. 2075 Clermont Rd., Clermont, Kentucky 40110, 502/955-8512, bernheim.org — Kelly Larson 43

WELCOME TO WINTER WONDER Explore the quiet side

of the season from a cozy cabin in Hocking Hills.

explorehockinghills.com

Port Elgin, Ontario

Snowy Stay

MacGregor Point Provincial Park along Lake Huron offers yurt camping, an illuminated skating trail and other winter adventures.

amily camping in winter? It’s not only doable, but fun when you’re staying in a yurt at MacGregor Point Provincial Park.

Situated along the shores of Lake Huron in Port Elgin, Ontario, this park has seven of these large, tent-like structures equipped with bunk beds, table and chairs, heating and even an electrical outlet. Outside the 16-foot-tall yurt, there’s a fire pit, picnic table and propane grill, with restrooms and showers nearby.

It’s a surprisingly warm and comfortable way to enjoy all the winter activities this Canadian park offers. Skate the 1,300-foot loop that winds through the mixed hardwood and evergreen forest, which is especially magical at night with its twinkling lights.

Activities include snowshoeing or crosscountry skiing on groomed trails, including the Old Shore Trail, which offers scenic views of the frozen shoreline, and the Deer Run Trail, which connects to the Tomsett Trail via the track-set Ski Trail.

Birdwatchers flock to the park as it lies along a migratory route used by more than 200 species each spring and fall. But winter has its own feathered residents, including cardinals, blue jays and the not-at-all shy chickadees, who will cheerfully feed from your hand.

Because of their affordability and stellar location, yurts book quickly. Reserve up to five months in advance of your arrival date. Be aware that you’ll need to bring your own bedding, 44

NATURE&OUTDOORS

COURTESY OF ONTARIO PARKS

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THE HILLS ON CHILL Snow-covered trails, frozen cliffs, and crisp air turn Hocking Hills into a completely different kind of getaway. This winter, spend your days chasing frozen waterfalls and the nights thawing out fireside.

explorehockinghills.com

Unbound means to be free of restraints and limitations. Endless possibilities and discoveries await as you are filled with a sense of freedom and renewal. Take in endless views from Lindy Point, Pendleton Point, Bald Knob, and Bear Rocks that seem to go on forever. Our Unbound scenery will transform you in Tucker County, West Virginia.

Find your unbound getaway in Tucker County, West Virginia.

gettuckered.com • 304.259.5315

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UNBOUND ADVENTURE AWAITS IN TUCKER COUNTY, WV There’s a place in West Virginia where the trails stretch for miles, waterfalls roar through rugged canyons, mountain towns welcome you with charm and creativity and every season offers a brand-new adventure. That place is Tucker County.

Tucker County is home to hundreds of miles of hiking and biking winding through state parks, national forests and protected wilderness areas. Mountain bikers from around the country travel here to tackle legendary trails, while hikers can discover breathtaking overlooks, hidden waterfalls and panoramic mountain vistas around every turn.

One of the area’s greatest treasures is its incredible natural beauty. Witness the power of iconic waterfalls like Blackwater Falls, take in awe-inspiring views from scenic overlooks such as Lindy Point, or simply breathe in the cool mountain air while exploring the region’s forests and valleys.

Beyond the outdoors, Tucker County’s mountain towns of Davis, Thomas and Parsons offer the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration. Browse local art galleries, enjoy live music, sip craft brews and discover one-of-a-kind restaurants filled with Appalachian hospitality and flavor. Your next adventure begins at gettuckered.com.

cooking utensils and dishes. If this is inconvenient or the yurts are not available, another great option is to book accommodations in Port Elgin, just 3 miles north of the park, and enjoy all the winter activities from there. 1593 Bruce Rd. 33, RR 1, Port Elgin, Ontario N0H 2C5, 519/3899056, ontarioparks.ca — Jennifer Merrick

WHERE HISTORY COMES TO LIFE Clermont County celebrates American history with vibrant murals, storytelling, and a new passport highlighting museums and heritage sites. Explore, collect your stamps, and be part of this once-in-a-generation celebration!

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Where are you going?

Use Ohio Magazine’s event search to learn what’s happening near you and across Ohio.

Start your search at ohiomagazine.com/events.

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Clarksville, Indiana

Hidden History Indiana’s Falls of the Ohio State Park has no towering waterfall. It does have ancient fossils, frontier history and one of the Ohio River’s most remarkable landscapes.

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rriving at Indiana’s Falls of the Ohio State Park prompts an immediate question: Where’s the waterfall? There is no thundering cascade here, but this Indiana spot just across from Louisville, Kentucky, holds stories about Indigenous cultures, important figures in American history and creatures from 390 million years ago.

The Falls of the Ohio encompasses a 2.5-mile stretch of the river that drops 26 feet over jagged limestone ledges. The site was important to Indigenous societies for farming and fishing and to settlers and explorers pushing west. Before water from modern dams covered the falls as they naturally existed, traversing them was serious business. Some historians say Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began their Louisiana Purchase expedition here. It is said they rendezvoused at the falls in 1803 before assembling their full crew near St. Louis, which explains the park’s landmark statue of the intrepid explorers.

The river’s rocky bottom here is one of the world’s largest Devonian fossil beds, with scientists having identified 600 different species. When alive, these fossilized animals and plants inhabited a tropical sea that sat south of the equator. Videos in the park’s elaborate interpretive center feature geologist William

TOM ADKINSON

PLAN YOUR LONG WEEKEND

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DISCOVER CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO Clermont County, located just east of Cincinnati, is a destination full of history, culture and small-town charm. Visitors can explore the county’s many museums and heritage sites with the Clermont County History & Museum Passport, an interactive experience that encourages travelers to discover the people, places and stories that have shaped the region. By visiting participating museums and collecting stamps along the way, visitors can turn a day trip into a memorable journey through Clermont County’s storied past.

Beyond history, Clermont County also offers beautiful outdoor recreation and vibrant communities, perfect for exploration. Hike, bike or paddle through destinations like East Fork State Park, or ride along the scenic Little Miami Scenic Trail before stopping in charming downtowns filled with local shops and restaurants.

Whether you’re seeking culture, adventure or a relaxing getaway, Clermont County invites you to explore, collect your museum passport stamps and experience a multitude of unique stories and attractions.

Start planning your trip at discoverclermont.com.

Andrews and explain the Earth’s amazing metamorphosis.

Poet Walt Whitman and author Mark Twain both wrote about the Falls of the Ohio, and naturalist John James Audubon made more than 200 sketches of 14 bird species here. What appealed to Whitman, Twain, Audubon and scientists continues to intrigue visitors today. Park activities include examining fossil beds (look, but don’t take), hiking the woodland trail and scouting for chattering birds. 201 W. Riverside Dr., Clarksville, Indiana 47129, 812/280-9970, in.gov/dnr — Tom Adkinson Spring Lake, Michigan

Natural Legacy Funded by local philanthropists, The Idema Explorers Camp at Michigan’s Ottawa Sands County Park offers year-round camping in yurts and treehouses.

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COURTESY OF OTTAWA COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

he Idema Explorers Camp, which opened in May 2025, offers overnight accommodations in Michigan’s Ottawa Sands County Park, complete with nature-inspired lodging and a wealth of amenities. Here you’ll find three treehouses and five yurts, each outfitted with beds, a kitchenette, electricity, Wi-Fi, heating and even air conditioning (for summer visitors), that are open year-round.

Although one treehouse and one yurt have bathrooms, the campground has a building that offers restroom, shower and laundry facilities.

The park also has 10 tent sites for those looking for a more budget-friendly stay or just want to rough it. (Of the county’s 42 parks, Ottawa

Sands is one of two that allows camping.) The camp also has grills and fire pits, a small camp store, a lending library and even fishing poles to borrow.

Formerly a sand mine, Ottawa Sands County Park was created in 2019. The treehouses and yurts were a far-off dream of the Ottawa County parks department and was seen as a goal that was still years in the future. But then the Grand River-based Bill and Bea Idema Foundation saw the plans and donated the $3.4 million needed to fast-track the plan.

The Idema camp is in a small section of this 345-acre park that is nestled among the trees, dunes, and wetlands along the Grand River, which spills into Lake Michigan. The camp is on the Sag, a small bay with minimal current, maximum beauty and resident swans. Bald eagles nest in trees along the river, and the water is popular not only for fishing but also canoeing and kayaking. The camp even has a universally accessible kayak launch. A 1.6-mile paved trail that is considered good for kids loops around an 80-acre manmade lake within the park and is open year-round. 18280 North Shore Dr., Spring Lake, Michigan 49456, 616/738-4810, miottawa. org/parks/IEC — Elizabeth Granger

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FRESH AIR & FESTIVAL FUN IN RANDOLPH COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA Here in West Virginia’s largest county you can find family fun in all four seasons.

Taste seasonal food and drink like fresh apple cider and everything from food trucks to fine dining. Experience diverse mountain cultures through music, dance and craft.

Discover local traditions and world-class entertainment in our historic communities with big culture and small-town prices. Find old-fashioned fun passed down through the generations at the Helvetia Community Fair or the best of contemporary entertainment at modern venues like the Railyard Event & Conference Center.

Celebrate our region’s rich history of forestry at the Mountain State Forest Festival, the oldest and largest festival in the state. See spectacular fall foliage on a historic train.

Hike, bike and explore our old-growth forests or revitalized red spruce groves, or make your base camp for adventure in the Monongahela National Forest. Find our spin on familiar holidays and unique events you can’t find anywhere else, all amidst scenic backdrops and endless outdoor adventure opportunities. Join as we celebrate what makes Randolph County festive by nature!

Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Healing Nature

DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center, the largest wildlife rehab center in Illinois, shows how vulnerable patients are returned to nature.

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COURTESY OF DUPAGE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER

ollowing a two-year hiatus for construction, Illinois’ DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center unveiled its allnew visitor and rehabilitation center in early 2026. It provides medical treatment and care to injured, orphaned and ailing wild animals and birds that are native to the region or passing through during migration.

Serving more than 11,000 patients and caring for over 200 species each year, the center is the largest of its kind in Illinois.

About 60% of the patients here are avian, 35% are mammals and the remainder are reptiles and amphibians. It is also the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s first net-zerodesigned building, which means it produces as much energy as it uses by way of solar and geothermal systems.

Because the center aims to ultimately return patients to their natural habitats, most are not on public display to minimize their human interaction, but there is still plenty to see. Six large observation windows allow visitors to watch the veterinarians and staffers at work. They repair broken wings caused by window collisions, extract stray fishing lures from waterfowl, patch up the fractured shells of turtles hit by cars and feed orphaned baby opossums. Every day brings new challenges.

Stationed throughout the center are educational exhibits about threats to wildlife and how to coexist peacefully with them in suburban communities. A colorful life-size wall mural titled “The Release” by local artist Joel Sheesley depicts a great horned owl taking flight after recovering from an injury.

Visitors have several opportunities to expand their experience outside. Behind the center is an easy three-quarter-mile hiking trail amid the flora and fauna of the surrounding 48-acre Willowbrook Forest Preserve. The reception desk is happy to loan binoculars and compasses. 525 S. Park Ave., Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137, 630/942-6200, dupageforest.org — Pamela Dittmer McKuen

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WHERE LONG WEEKENDS FEEL LONGER. Leave the rush behind and discover a place where mountain mornings begin in the mist, afternoons invite adventure, and evenings end around the fire beneath a sky full of stars. Whether you're exploring scenic trails, relaxing in a cozy cabin, or simply enjoying the quiet, Hampshire Highlands offers the kind of getaway you'll be talking about long after you return home.

PLAN YOUR GETAWAY HAMPSHIREHIGHLANDS.COM

Ithaca, New York

Rush Hour

Tompkins County offers a wealth of waterfalls, including these ones located at state parks that are all a short drive from one another.

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Enter the park from the upper entrance via Route 327. Take the 1-mile loop and climb up the stone staircases for the ideal view of the 115-foot cascade.

End the day at Taughannock Falls State Park, just 11 miles from Robert H. Treman State Park.

Its massive namesake waterfall plunges 215 feet down the rocky cliffs. The Gorge Trail provides multiple viewpoints along a 0.95-mile trail.

Once you’ve paid for parking at one park, keep your receipt, as it can be reused at any New York state park visited on the same day.

All three of these state parks are open during autumn, when the waterfalls can be viewed against the backdrop of the spectacular foliage that paints the area. For more information and addresses of individual park locations, visit parks.ny.gov. — Lainey Novak

TOP: STU GALLAGHER; BOTTOM: BRAD MARZOLF PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY OF VISIT ITHACA

n Ithaca, New York, one doesn’t look very far for a glimpse into the region’s geological past, as the the area boasts an impressive number of waterfalls. Between 10,000 and 12,000 years ago, enormous glaciers formed what are today known as New York’s Finger Lakes. As the ice sheets began to lessen, their meltwater cut down hillsides and created dramatic gorges.

Today visitors to Ithaca and Tompkins County, New York, can see a variety of aweinspiring falls at various state parks. Three of them are just a short drive from one another and provide a perfect day of waterfall watching.

Begin at Buttermilk Falls State Park, where you can see its namesake, 165-foot cascade immediately as you drive into the park. Hike the 0.65-mile Gorge Trail for the full experience.

Less than 2 miles from Buttermilk Falls State Park sits Robert H. Treman State Park.

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Please call ahead before traveling to confirm operating hours for each destination.

DESTINATION

Illinois

The Art Institute of Chicago artic.edu Page 23 IL1

ADVERTISER

Lucifer Falls, Ithaca, New York

INDEX/MAP For all locations, see map on page 56.

OH22 Shores & Islands Ohio shoresandislands.com Pages 36, 37

OH23 Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens stanhywet.org Page 38

IL2 Chicago Magic Lounge chicagomagiclounge.com Page 25

OH24 StayInAkron.com stayinakron.com Page 39

IL3 DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center dupageforest.org Page 52

OH25 Streetsboro Visitors & Convention Bureau streetsborovcb.com Pages 9, 44

Indiana

IN1 Falls of the Ohio State Park in.gov/dnr Page 48 IN2 Journeyman Spirits’ The American Factory journeyman.com Page 14 IN3 The Reid Center reidcenter.org Page 22

Kentucky

KY1 Bernheim Forest and Arboretum bernheim.org Page 43

Georgetown, KY/Scott County Tourism bourbongenesis.com Page 12 KY2

Jeptha Creed Distillery jepthacreed.com Page 14 KY3

Paranormal Roadtripper’s Nightmare Gallery paranormalroadtripper.net Page 42 KY4

Pinball Museum of Corbin pinballcorbin.com Page 40 KY5

Visit Frankfort visitfrankfort.com Pages 12, 13 KY6

OH26 Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau traveltusc.com Page 9

PLUS:

8 Great Ski Resorts for Winter Adventure

OH27 Visit Canton visitcanton.com Page 9 OH28 Visit Coshocton visitcoshocton.com Page 8

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48 Hours in Ann Arbor, Michigan Page 32

Michigan

MI1 Buddy’s Pizza buddyspizza.com Page 12

Hop Lot Brewing Co. hoplotbrewing.com Page 15 MI2

MI3 The Idema Explorers Camp miottawa.org/parks/IEC Page 50

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons thevillagetc.com Page 25 MI4

New York

Belhurst Castle and Winery belhurst.com Page 24 NY1

NY2 Rochester Museum & Science Center rmsc.org Page 41

Waterfalls of Ithaca parks.ny.gov Page 54 NY3

Ohio

OH1 Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau visitakron-summit.org Pages 38, 39 OH2 Campus Martius Museum mariettamuseums.org Page 18

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad cvsr.org Page 38 OH3

OH4 Destination Mansfield destinationmansfield.com Page 20

Discover Clermont discoverclermont.com Pages 48, 49 OH5

TOP LEFT: ROBERT TREMAN, COURTESY OF VISIT ITHACA; BOTTOM LEFT: SARAH COKE

Peoples Gas Holiday Market, Pittsburgh

OH6 Discover Vinton County discovervintoncounty.com Page 9 OH7 Explore Hocking Hills explorehockinghills.com Pages 44, 45

Explore Licking County explorelc.org Page 7 OH8

OH9 Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa gervasivineyard.com Page 9 OH10 Great Miami Riverway greatmiamiriverway.com Page 16

Greene County Convention & Visitors Bureau greenecountyohio.org Pages C2, 1 OH11

OH29 Visit Greater Lima visitgreaterlima.com Page 7

Ontario

ON1 MacGregor Point Provincial Park ontarioparks.ca Page 44 ON2 Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada ripleys.com/attractions Page 40

Pennsylvania

PA1 Lancaster Central Market centralmarketlancaster.com Page 11

OH12 Hale Farm & Village wrhs.org/plan-visit/places-to-visit/ hale-farm-village Page 38

PA2 Peoples Gas Holiday Market downtownpittsburghholidays.com

OH13 Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau visitknoxohio.org Page 6

PA3 Zippo/Case Museum zippo.com Page 23

OH14 Lehman’s lehmans.com Page 8

West Virginia

Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau exploremahoning.com Page 18 OH15

OH16 Maize Valley Farm maizevalley.com Page 35 OH17 MAPS Air Museum mapsairmuseum.org Page 38

Medina County Convention & Visitors Bureau visitmedinacounty.com Page 34, C4 OH18

Ohio Amish Country | Holmes County Chamber & Tourism Bureau visitamishcountry.com Pages 8, 20 OH19

OH20 Otherworld otherworld.com Page 36

Ross Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau visitchillicotheohio.com Page 9 OH21

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WV1 Elkins-Randolph County Tourism Convention & Visitors Bureau elkinsrandolphwv.com Pages 50, 51 WV2 Hampshire County Convention & Visitors Bureau hampshirehighlands.com Page 53 WV3 Museum of Radio and Technology mrtwv.org Page 20 WV4 Summersville Convention & Visitors Bureau summersvillecvb.com Page C3 WV5 Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com

Page 17 WV6 Tucker County Convention & Visitors Bureau gettuckered.com Page 46, 47

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MAP YOUR WEEKEND For location information, see index on page 55.

DESTINATION

ADVERTISER

MI2 MI4 ON1

ON2

NY2

MI3

NY1 NY3

MI1 IL3

IL2

PA3

IL1 IN2

OH22 OH18

OH4

OH29

OH13

IN3

OH10 OH11

OH20

OH21 OH5

IN1

OH15

OH14 OH19

OH26

PA2

OH28

OH8

OH7

PA1

OH2

WV2

OH6 WV5

WV3 KY3 KY6 KY2

OH3 OH25 OH12 OH23OH1 OH24 OH16 OH17 OH9 OH27

WV6 WV1

WV4

KY1

KY5

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DESTINATIONS LISTED

KY4

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Picture Yourself in Medina County

Experience the magic of the 2027 Medina Ice Festival February 19 - 22 in Medina, Ohio

VisitMedinaCounty.com VisitMedinaCounty.com