Long Weekends Fall/Winter 2023

FOOD

32 great to

32 great places to explore

21

FAMILY

Make a tasty trip to the city where the Buffalo wing was created, and try the popular Kentucky dish that was first made at The Brown Hotel during the 1920s.

Immerse yourself in an illuminated wonderland at Indiana’s Winterlights in Newfield, and explore a Guinness World Record collection of troll dolls at a unique Ohio museum.

GIRLFRIEND GETAWAYS 39

Walk in the footsteps of freedom in Ontario’s Niagara Region, and venture into a Cold War-era bunker that was built beneath The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia.

& OUTDOORS

Explore the quiet beauty of Indiana Dunes National Park in winter, and visit the iconic waterfall at the

Relax and unwind

Relax and unwind at Saint

John’s Resort in Michigan, and experience Nashville’s Broadway alive at night with music, drinks and dancing.

Hang out with penguins at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh. Experience the rush of luge at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park in Michigan. Pages 36 and 60

New Presque Isle Lighthouse in Michigan

Photo by Felicia Fullwood

Exactly where you should be.

President & Publisher Lute Harmon Jr.

editorial

Editor Jim Vickers

Associate Editors Erin Finan, Gracie Wilson

DIgital Content Assistant Kelly Powell

Art Director Rachael Jirousek

Contributing Artists Felicia Fullwood

Editorial Interns Jenna Nahhas

Tate Raub

Sean Repuyan

Contributing Writers: Tom Adkinson, Jane Simon Ammeson, Amy Bizzarri, Kellie B. Gormly, Nathan Havenner, Amy Lynch, Brooke McCaffrey, Pamela Dittmer McKuen, Jennifer Merrick, Sarah Miller, Damaine Vonada, Rich Warren, Kathy Witt

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WHERE ARE YOU GOING THIS FALL?

We all love the prospect of summer when the leaves start to bud each spring, but a er a few months of sweltering temperatures and soaring humidity, you can’t blame us for daydreaming about the upcoming sweater weather.

Give me a pumpkin beer and changing leaves, throw some fresh apples in there, too, while you’re at it. How about a cup of co ee on the patio on a cool October morning? Who is up for the roar of a football stadium on a Saturday or Sunday a ernoon? Same goes for me.

Autumn is incredible throughout the Great Lakes and Ohio River Valley, and this part of the year is the perfect time to plan some getaways that stretch beyond the weekend. is issue includes a collection of travel ideas that we hope will inspire you to carve out some time to hit the road this season.

Head to northeast Michigan to explore historic lighthouses that stand tall against the backdrop of Lake Huron or plan a trip to the birthplace of Bu alo wings to try a variety of traditional and creative takes. at is just the start of the ideas found in this issue of LongWeekends We hope it helps you nd adventure and fun out there among the changing leaves.

JIM VICKERS, EDITOR

Fall in Love With Us?

IT’S A SHORE THING

Shores & Islands Ohio has something for everyone. Hike and bike miles of natural trails, explore quaint downtowns and museums, witness fall bird migration, and enjoy the beauty of changing colors.

Visit an orchard to pick a peck of apples or sample other fresh-from-thefarm produce at a farmer’s market. Take a tour of a local winery at the peak of harvest season and taste craft beverages at a brewery or distillery on the Shores & Islands Cheers Trail.

Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com.

Cheers! Relax & Sip

Looking for your next favorite craft beverage? A fun way to sample the area’s craft beverage scene is through the selfguided Shores & Islands Ohio Cheers Trail, featuring over 20 locations. It makes it easy to nd suds, ciders and other sippers made with local ingredients while visiting Ohio’s fun coast, which also has agricultural roots that run deep. That means you can take a peach to the beach, but also wash it down with a cold beer at the pier or a wine among the vines.

No matter what a perfect getaway to the region looks like, you’re bound to get a thirst for the local avor. Luckily, there is a growing number of craft breweries, cider houses and distilleries joining the already well-established wineries in the region.

Want someone else to do the planning for you? Consider coordinating your wine tour with Firelands Adventure Tours. Explore the excitement of Sandusky and the Firelands in comfort and style aboard the comfortable, ADA-compliant, 18-passenger bus.

Download our free Cheers Trail pass, then visit, check-in, sample locally-made craft beverages and wines, and earn points for prizes year-round.

Orchard Farm Stand Catawba, Ohio

Bloomington, Indiana: A Rich, Refreshing Getaway Destination for Every Season.

Boasting breathtaking natural wonders, the most impressive ethnic food scene in the Midwest, a lively downtown atmosphere, an eclectic assortment of events throughout the year, and the world-renowned Indiana University, Bloomington offers an unforgettable experience for every type of traveler. Book a trip today to experience the very best of Bloomington.

By Jenna Nahhas, Tate Raub and Sean Repuyan

SEPT 1–NOV 4: All Hallows’ Eve Terror Town

OH Experience the haunted, Old West town of Bravado in this immersive attraction on Friday and Saturday evenings. With an emphasis on detail, realism and narrative, the trail seeks to provide visitors with an emotional experience aimed at every sense. Not for the faint of heart, this attraction is recommended for those ages 16 and up. Williamsburg, allhallowsevellc.com

SEPT 7–10: Erie’s Wild Rib Cook Off & Music Festival

PA

This long-running rib fest is one of Erie’s signature events. Held at Perry Square Park in the middle of downtown, the festival features all things barbecue, including awardwinning rib-cooking teams, a variety of vendors and plenty of family fun. Erie, erieribfest.com

SEPT 8–9: Nicholas County Potato

Festival

WV Celebrate spuds at the Nicholas County Potato Festival. The festivities include tractor shows, pet pageants, potato displays, fireworks and more, as well as performances this year from acts such as Mitch Rossell and Hunter Girl. Summersville, nicholascountypotatofestival.com

SEPT 8-10: Festival of the Vine

SEPT 14-17: Frankenmuth Oktoberfest MI

The sounds and sights of Germany fill the beer hall at the annual Frankenmuth Oktoberfest. Sip on authentic German brews, watch 100 wiener dogs race across the wooden dance floor and enjoy live music from German bands. Frankenmuth, frankenmuth.org

music. Set up outside under tents, local restaurants share their specialties. Along with wine and dinner events, browse the artsand-crafts show, take a horsedrawn carriage ride and walk through the stunning flower market. Geneva, genevachamber.com

SEPT 15–17: Kentucky Bourbon Festival KY

SEPT 23: Jackson International Food & Art Festival

ALL ABOUT Apple FESTIVALS

SEPT 16–17: Johnny Appleseed Festival

IN

TN

Head to Fort Wayne to learn about John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, and enjoy a two-day celebration of his life at this festival featuring handmade crafts, children’s games, delicious food, a farmers market and more. Fort Wayne, johnnyappleseedfest.com

IL

For over 40 years, the Festival of the Vine has celebrated the harvest in historic downtown Geneva with wine, food and live

If you’re 21 or older and love bourbon, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is the perfect place to learn more about the signature spirit of the Bluegrass State. With five different tasting packages to choose from, try a wide variety of bourbons from over 50 distilleries. Bardstown, kybourbonfestival.com

SEPT 7–10: Niagara County Peach Festival NY

In addition to all kinds of peach dishes to try, this annual celebration also features rides, games, live entertainment, a 5K run and more. A peach taste-off and a Peach Queen pageant are also among the festivities at this event. Lewiston, niagaracountypeachfestival.org

Founded in 2013 with the mission to spread cultural awareness, the Jackson International Food and Art Festival brings together the community for a celebration of unity that fosters engagement across cultures and recognizes the diverse backgrounds of western Tennessee residents. Jackson, jifaf.com

SEPT 30-OCT 1: Port Elgin Pumpkinfest

ONGrab some poutine and kettle corn from the food vendors and wonder at the giant vegetable weigh-offs at this year’s Pumpkinfest in downtown Port Elgin. Between the classic car show, the carnival games and the petting zoo, the festival offers entertainment for all ages. Port Elgin, pumpkinfest.org

SEPT 30-OCT 8: Autumn Leaf Festival

SEPT 29–OCT 1: Apple Harvest Festival

NY Nothing says fall in central New York quite like the annual Apple Harvest Festival in Ithaca. The festival kicks off Cider Week New York with offerings that include apple-themed dishes from food trucks, a craft fair, live entertainment and more. Ithaca, downtownithaca.com

PA

This award-winning and long-standing event features “9 days of fun for the whole family,” complete with live entertainment, carnival rides, a parade and an antique tractor show. This year’s theme is “Groovin’ into Autumn.” Clarion, clarionpa.com

OCT 5–29: Headless Horseman Festival IN

On Thursdays through Sundays during the month of October, the Headless Horseman

OCT 7–8: Heartland Apple Festival

IN Beasley’s Orchard in Danville offers all sorts of applerelated and fall-fun activities. Pick your own apples, hop on a hayride and get lost in a corn maze. Feeling especially adventurous? Try your hand at hitting a bullseye with the apple cannons. Danville, visithendrickscounty.com

Festival is in full swing at Conner Prairie. With a cozy bed-andbreakfast right around the corner and a fun scarecrow contest, this festival promises a hearty serving of seasonal fun. Fishers, connerprairie.org

OCT 6-8: Paul Bunyan Show OH

The Paul Bunyan Show shares information on forest industries, natural resources and lifestyles through various educational exhibits, presentations, research and products. With roots dating back to 1957 in McArthur, Ohio, the event seeks to enhance the quality of life and market competitiveness of families, industries and communities. Cambridge, ohioforest.org

OCT 6–8: St. James Court

Art Show

OCT 7–8: Great Cortland

Pumpkinfest NY

Held in the heart of downtown Cortland, New York, this pumpkin festival is worthy of a shoutout from Charlie Brown himself. Grab a bite to eat, check out locally made crafts and pick out the best pumpkins of the season at this beloved, volunteer-run local festival. Cortland, cortlandpumpkinfest.org

OCT 13–15: Fort Ligonier

Days PA

Fort Ligonier Days brings visitors to the quaint town of Ligonier to commemorate a key battle of the French and Indian War on Oct. 12, 1758. This threeday event covers historic battle re-enactments, juried crafts, music entertainment, a parade and a 5K. Ligonier, fortligonierdays.com

OCT 7: Harpers Ferry

Highland Games WV

KY

Located in Historic Old Louisville, the St. James Court Art Show features over 600 artists among the largest collection of Victorian houses in the United States. With vendors on-site to purchase food from while out walking around, this event is a great way to spend a fall day. Historic Old Louisville, stjamescourtartshow.com

OCT 13–15: Oxford

Renaissance Festival

ONDiscover a time of knights and royalty with a weekend of jousts, theater and live entertainment. Buy a costume or souvenir from artisan vendors, try your hand at archery and have a drink at the pub as you enjoy live music. After grabbing food from a themed vendor, catch

Participate in an age-old Scottish tradition and competition that is welcoming to all who wish to experience Celtic heritage and culture. This outdoor experience is held at Sam Michaels Park and features vendors, live music and traditional games. Harpers Ferry, harpersferryceltic culturesociety.com

NOV 5–DEC 23: Shaw Festival

Presents “A Christmas Carol”

ONAmong the many theater options the cozy town of Niagara-onthe-Lake offers, don’t miss the classic tale “A Christmas Carol.” Grab a ticket and be transported to Victorian England and back in an evening of ghosts and Christmas joy. Niagara-on-the-Lake, shawfest.com

OCT 25–29: Sycamore Pumpkin Festival

the best holiday markets in the U.S. and features handmade artisan works and festive fun. This year will highlight Käthe Wohlfahrt, offering handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and collectibles from Germany. Bethlehem, christmascity.org

NOV 18–JAN 1: Candy Land

Gone to the Birds

IL

From the opening cake-cutting ceremony to the grand Sunday parade, experience this year’s theme, “Pumpkins of History.”

Over 1,000 decorated pumpkins adorn the courthouse lawn, surrounded by two indoor craft shows, two carnivals and an array of nonprofit vendors. Sycamore, sycamorepumpkinfestival.com

acrobatic and comic performances. Dorchester, oxfordrenfest.com

OCT 28: Detroit Fall Beer Festival

malt silos with decades of brewing history. Detroit, mibeer.com

NOV 9–FEB 18: Pigeon Forge Winterfest

and Sevierville, the Smoky Mountains shine with months of winter family fun. Pigeon Forge, pigeonforgewinterfest.com

OHThis indoor holiday attraction features fun for the whole family, bringing the “Candy Land” game to life with a wild birding adventure. Enjoy displays, scavenger hunts, hands-on exhibits and much more. Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com

DEC 1–JAN 7: Bright Lights

Windsor

MI

Sip craft beers from Michigan breweries in the historic Eastern Market. Grab food from Detroit restaurants and enjoy performances from stellar local musicians while surrounded by

Experience the beauty of a winter wonderland in eastern Tennessee. With various events, shows, theater performances, parades and light tours throughout Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg

TN

NOV 17–DEC 17: Christkindlmarkt

PA

Celebrate the spirit of the season in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, at Christkindlmarkt. This event is recognized as one of

At

ONWinter seems to have less of a chill under the canopy of rainbow lights at Windsor’s annual Christmas-season exhibition. Trees covered in lights illuminate the winding path dotted with glowing reindeer, geese and moose. Listen to Christmas carols from the comfort of a mini train car while chugging past snowmen and a towering Christmas tree. Windsor, facebook.com/brightlightswindsor

A

Plan

SHAW FESTIVAL: DAVID COOPER

FEB 3: Vermilion

Ice A Fair OH

Enjoy a day of familyfriendly fun at this lakeshore town during its annual ice-sculpture festival. See ice carvers at work, and take in the gallery of glistening ice sculptures throughout downtown while visiting local shops and restaurants. Vermilion, mainstreetvermilion.org

NOV 25–DEC 10: Holly Dickens Festival

NOV 24–DEC 30: ChristmasTown at the Creation Museum

KY

For those in need of some Christmas spirit, look no further than ChristmasTown. Every Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 8:30 p.m. starting Nov. 24, check out the twinkling lights, indoor nativity and more at this free event. Petersburg, creationmuseum.org/ christmas

DEC 1–JAN 1: Holiday Lights at Buffalo Trace Distillery

KY

Want to check out beautiful holiday lights without leaving the car? Enjoy Buffalo Trace Distillery’s holiday light display from the comfort of your automobile every night of the month in December (and New Year’s Day) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Frankfort, buffalotracedistillerycom

DEC 8–9: Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival

WV

Based on the 2005 graphic novel of the same name by Marion County, West Virginia,

MI

Travel back to Victorian England and celebrate the time of author Charles Dickens at this historic holiday festival. Follow the scents of hot chocolate and roasting chestnuts through unique shops and cozy diners. Watch choirs and street-theater performances while riding through the historic downtown in a horse-drawn carriage. Be sure to keep an eye out for Scrooge and Tiny Tim. Holly, hollydickensfestival.org

FEB. 9–11: Culver

Winterfest IN

Visit this lakefront town for a threeday celebration of free family fun. With a walking tour of local merchant-sponsored ice sculptures, sledding, a polar plunge and more, there is plenty in store to spruce up a winter weekend. Culver, findculver.com

native Robert “Bob” Tinnel, the Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival is chock full of annual traditions celebrated by those of Italian heritage during the holiday season. Fairmont, marioncvb.com

JAN 6: Alton Eagle Ice Festival IL

As American Bald Eagles flock to Illinois for the winter, celebrate our national bird with an eagle-watching shuttle tour and an eagle meet and greet photo session. After eating s’mores, sampling food truck fare and watching live ice-carving, visit the National Great Rivers Museum to

learn about eagles from experts, make crafts and spot eagle nests. Alton, riversandroutes.com

JAN 25-28: Winterfest

Morgantown, chocolatewine shine.com

FEB. 15–25: Syracuse

Winterfest

MI

Experience everything snowy and cozy during this fourday festival. Build and race your own cardboard sled, pull on your pajamas for the Sleepwalker Run and warm up with cider, beer and hot chocolate at the Bonfire Bash. Kids can participate in a snow angel contest, and the whole family can cheer each other on during the family dog pull. Grand Haven, grandhavenwinterfest.org

FEB 10: WV Chocolate, Wine & Shine Festival

WV Enjoy “a sweet taste of the mountains” at the WV Chocolate, Wine and Shine Festival, featuring chocolates, wineries, distilleries and games. During chocolatier showcases, sample the best of the decadent chocolates produced by these West Virginia makers.

NY

Head to Upstate New York for winter fun, including unique contests like a Chowder Cook-Off and a Bloody Mary Mix-Off as well as ice-carving demonstrations, trivia, dog-sled races and more. Syracuse, syracusewinterfest.com

food&drink

Pews and Brews

THE CHURCH BREW WORKS PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

Inside a former Catholic church in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, you won’t find wine on the altar. Instead, you’ll find brewing tanks filled with Celestial Gold, a German-style pilsner, and Pious Monk Dunkel, a ruby-hued dark lager. Housed inside a deconsecrated church that opened its doors to worshippers around the turn of the 20th century, Pittsburgh’s The Church Brew Works has become a destination for craft brew fans. The building became available after various churches merged into a new parish. In 1996, owner Sean Casey bought it, filling the space with beer-making equipment and opening a kitchen. Food options include specialties like the Kobe Cheesesteak and Lobster Mac and Cheese. On a cool autumn day, order the seven-onion soup made with Pious Monk Dunkel, which has had a spot on the food menu since the day the place opened. 3525 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201, 412/688-8200, churchbrew.com —

Gracie Wilson

It’s easy to embrace the fall season in Findlay! Get active and take a scenic hike where you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of changing leaves. Indulge in pumpkin picking and fresh apple cider at local farms, or get lost in a corn maze for a dose of family fun. Stroll through the shops downtown and unwind with an autumn ale from a local brewery. There are endless ways to enjoy fall in Findlay! VisitFindlay.com

Foodie Find

Flavors of the world merge at Warda Patisserie on Midtown Detroit’s trendy Alexandrine Street.

is James Beard Award-winning destination is where Warda Bouguettaya, who grew up learning to cook in her mother’s Algerian kitchen, creates savories and sweets re ective of her travels in the Middle East, Asia and France.

Bouguettaya, who moved to Detroit in 2004, got her start selling Algerian desserts at Detroit’s venerable Eastern Market while dreaming of opening an Algerian restaurant. ose dreams changed a er studying at Restaurant-École Institut Paul Bocuse in Shanghai, founded by famed French chef Paul Bocuse. Embracing French pastry techniques and Asian and Algerian ingredients, along with what can be sourced locally, Bouguettaya creates winning combinations. In 2022, she won the James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef award, and Food & Wine named her one of the 10 Best New Chefs in America that same year.

Her stylish patisserie is lled with o erings such as makrouds, which Bouguettaya describes as a traditional Algerian and Tunisian pastry made using semolina our with such llings as orange blossom water, cinnamon and clovespiced date paste dipped in an orange blossom syrup; and Koh Lanta, a tropical tart made with pineapple, salted lime curd and coconut frangipane baked in a sweet dough.

Savories include her Persian torta — pu pastry stu ed with roasted sweet potatoes, baharat spices and goat cheese — quiches and gluten-free pastries.

If the weather is nice, enjoy your treats outside at the sidewalk cafe. To get a rst crack at the selection of what’s available on any given day, be sure to visit early. 70 W. Alexandrine St., Detroit, Michigan 48201, 313/262-6977, wardapatisserie-midtown.square.site

Jane Simon Ammeson

COURTESY OF WARDA PATISSERIE

VISIT FINDLAY

As the vibrant colors of fall begin to emerge, Findlay, Ohio becomes a charming haven for those seeking the perfect fall experience. With a wide range of activities and attractions, Findlay offers something for everyone.

Start your morning by grabbing a fresh cup of coffee and a delicious pastry from Coffee Amici or The Baker’s Cafe. Spend the day strolling through Downtown Findlay and explore local boutiques. Grab a cozy candle from Elida Candle Company, a soft sweater from River + Road, or a piece of locally made pottery from Hand + Home Co.

Unwind in the evening at one of Findlay’s celebrated local breweries. Enjoy Findlay Brewing Company’s heated beer garden, or stop by False Chord Brewing to catch their rotating lineup of food trucks.

Embrace the autumn season in Findlay and leave with cherished memories and a heart filled with the warmth of the season. Plan your visit today. 419-422-3315, visitfindlay.com

Chicken Winner

BUFFALO WING TRAIL BUFFALO, NEW YORK

Never ask for ranch. at’s the only rule to remember on the Bu alo Wing Trail. Bu alo’s culinary scene has blossomed with chef-driven restaurants and multicultural o erings, but the humble chicken wing remains an enduring legacy. e dish was invented here a er all.

It’s di cult to imagine now, but chicken wings were once considered unappealing and used only for stock. at perception changed forever in 1964 when Bu alo resident Teressa Bellissimo, owner of Anchor Bar, served up a plate of the now-famous food in her special sauce with a side of blue cheese and some celery.

Anchor Bar is one of 14 restaurants on the selfguided culinary tour and the spot where hungry travelers can taste the original, hot-pepper-butter-sauced dish that started it all. At other stops, sample creative variations such as Glen Park Tavern’s Sicilian wings covered with Parmesan cheese, garlic, basil and oregano or Lenox Grill’s Korean BBQ wings. ose looking to stick to more classic styles will like the Painted Wings (each piece is hand-brushed with house-made sauce) available at Bar-Bill Tavern, or the old-school, crispy wings with a splash of Frank’s Red Hot served at Gabriel’s Gate.

It’s not only the tasty wings that are appealing on the Bu alo Wing Trail, but also the chance to explore and get to know the city itself. Sitting on the back patio of the historic Irish tavern Gene McCarthy’s, visitors can catch a view of the grain elevators that once fed the East Coast. e spot’s specialty is the McCarthy’s sauce, in which blue cheese is combined with hot sauce before it’s dumped over juicy, succulent wings. Other sauces include BBQ, ai Chili and Mandarin Sesame, but just keep in mind: #NeverRanch. For more information about stops on the Bu alo Wing Trail, go to bu alowingtrail.com.

— Jennifer Merrick

Buffalo’s Nine-Eleven Tavern (above) and Bar-Bill Tavern (below)

Local Legend

THE BROWN HOTEL’S HOT BROWN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

4

In the 1920s, up to 1,200 guests would gather at the opulent Brown Hotel in Louisville for its weekend dinner dances. When the patrons grew weary of dancing, they would head to the hotel’s restaurant for a bite to eat. One night, chef Fred Schmidt grew tired of the same old ham and eggs and threw together a brand-new concoction using ingredients he had on hand in the hotel’s kitchen.

Little did he know at the time, he was creating a dish that would go on to become just as synonymous with the state as bourbon and horses.

To this day, the creation Schmidt assembled is called the Hot Brown. e sandwich is deceptively simple: thick-sliced turkey piled atop Texas toast and stacked with bacon, tomato and cheesy Mornay sauce and then baked until it’s golden and bubbly. e Hot Brown has become a staple of Kentucky cuisine and can be found throughout the Bluegrass State.

Visitors to Louisville, however, would be remiss not to try this delicacy at its point of origin, the still-swanky Brown Hotel. e hotel serves more than 70,000 Hot Browns annually in both its elegant Lobby Bar & Grill as well as in the more informal J. Graham’s Cafe. ere are only a few hours on any given day when guests can’t get a Hot Brown since it’s available starting at 7 a.m. up until closing hours in the late evening. No matter when you order one, be forewarned: Hot Browns are lling, so come hungry. 335 W. Broadway, Louisville Kentucky 40202, 888/888-5252, brownhotel.com — Rich Warren

IMAGINE THIS…

an experience centered around seven Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® Distilleries: Augusta Distillery, New Riff Distilling, Boone County Distilling Co., Neeley Family Distillery, The Old Pogue Distillery, Pensive Distilling Co., and Second Sight Spirits.

Local bourbon-centric bars, all with a culture of their own, and all named to The Bourbon Review’s list of The Best Bourbon Bars in America. Finally, mix in amazing restaurants cultivating the freshest tastes in bourbon culinary delights and you’re on the The B Line®

EXPERIENCE

AKRON/SUMMIT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Fall fun and winter wonderlands await you and your family in Summit County! Visit Hale Farm & Village or explore the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to take in the captivating seasonal fall colors. Feeling festive? Be sure to go to Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens or the Akron Zoo for their dazzling holiday displays.

800-245-4254 AKRON.TRAVEL

CARROLL COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Just a short scenic drive from the city, Carroll County has something for everyone. Join us this fall and explore our three fall festivals. Come explore our many hidden gems and experience the small-town charm!

330-627-4811 CARROLLCOUNTYOHIO.COM

TUSCARAWAS COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Fall in the other side of Amish country brightens your soul with colorful landscapes and decor while time spent tasting your way through wineries, breweries and luscious local dining delights your tastebuds! Cap off your weekend with boutique shopping, hiking and rediscovering museum exhibits!

800-527-3387 TRAVELTUSC.COM

FAMILY FUN

Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in a rich culture, hop on a tour, enjoy a little comfort food, or find your bliss away from the everyday, you’ll find what you are looking for here in Ohio Amish Country.

330-674-3975 VISITAMISHCOUNTRY.COM

YOUR

ADVENTURE

DISCOVER

YOUNGSTOWN LIVE — MAHONING COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Plan your autumn adventure in Youngstown! Explore beautiful fall color in Mill Creek MetroParks. Enjoy Fall Harvest Weekends at White House Fruit Farm with plenty of pumpkin picking and fun activities. Relax on the outdoor patio at one of our local wineries with scenic fall views. Request your free travel guide at youngstownlive.com. 800-447-8201 YOUNGSTOWNLIVE.COM

ENJOY

STREETSBORO VISITORS & CONVENTION BUREAU

Come Experience, Explore and Enjoy the abundance of fun in Streetsboro and Portage County. Indulge in the over 60 nearby attractions, 50+ restaurants, specialty stores, affordable hotels, serene campgrounds and special events. Who’s ready for a memorable trip to Streetsboro?

888-558-5580 STREETSBOROVCB.COM

FALL FUN!

AWAITS!

VISIT CANTON

Sip in Stark County! Sightsee, explore national historic sites, and tour worldclass museums. Take in the autumn foliage and enjoy fall festivals. Then, cozy up to the fireside and sip on locally crafted brew, wine, and spirits. Take a timeout and visit America’s Playing Field! 800-552-6051 VISITCANTON.COM

WHAT WILL YOU DISCOVER?

HOLMES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & TOURISM BUREAU

familyfun

Illuminating Evenings

OGLEBAY RESORT’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA

What started in a local high school’s welding and wood-shop classes has grown into a seasonal favorite featuring over 1 million LED lights across more than 100 displays. Since 1985, the Festival of Lights at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia, has wowed families with its 6 miles of dazzling installations — from immersive drive-through tunnels to a towering, 70-foot Christmas tree. Enjoy 18 light displays that are synched to audio, ranging from the roars of a dinosaur park to seasonal sounds that accompany an illuminated globe surrounded by 6-foot-tall candy canes on Schenk Lake. Travelers can opt to stay for the weekend by booking one of Oglebay Resort’s 250 lodge rooms or a lakeside cottage. Those who stay will be greeted by even more holiday cheer thanks to visits by Santa Claus and nightly entertainment. Visit website for festival dates; 465 Lodge Dr., Wheeling, West Virginia 26003, 877/436-1797, oglebay.com —

Gracie Wilson

5

Bright Idea

WINTERLIGHTS AT NEWFIELDS INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

Winterlights transforms the 152-acre New elds cultural campus in Indianapolis into a holiday destination brimming with twinkling lights and seasonal charm that welcomes visitors from anksgiving through the New Year.

Several months of work go into installing the 1.5 million individual bulbs that make up the various displays, with volunteers wrapping strings of lights around trees and draping them across outdoor structures throughout the grounds to create the stunning results. Discussions on how to make each year’s event bigger and better than the previous one begin soon a er the exhibit shuts down for the season, and so does the tall order of disassembly.

e visitor experience begins with entry through e Garden. Winterlights winds around and exits through the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the cornerstone building of New elds. Visitors rst pass by a collection of local vendors selling themed snacks and refreshments cre-

ated speci cally for the event. roughout the evening, hot chocolate, s’mores and adult beverages are available at warming stations positioned along the outdoor path for an extra dose of holiday cheer.

Once across the Snow ake Bridge, visitors gravitate toward the Landscape of Light, a blanket of pulsing bulbs synchronized to music that graces the spacious lawn in front of the historic Lilly House. Step inside the home to admire the Christmas trees and clever decorations made using recycled materials. Pucker up at the Kissing Arbor for a sweet sel e and take a stroll through the blue-lit Ice Storm Walk tunnel. Before heading home, don’t forget to purchase a poinsettia at the New elds greenhouse.

Reservations for timed entry slots are required and tend to book up fast, so plan to reserve your desired time as early as possible. 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, 317/923-1331, discovernew elds.org — Amy Lynch

Enchanting Productions

All the world’s a stage, or at least it appears that way in Toronto, where the city’s entertainment district boasts the third-largest English-speaking theater locale in the world after the West End in London and Broadway in New York City. Visitors revel in its bigname musicals, concerts and productions, but perhaps the city’s best-kept thespian secret is Young People’s Theatre, Canada’s oldest and largest theater geared specifically to children.

Established in 1966, its philosophy was and is that “only the best is good enough for children.” The group’s high-quality, professional productions of both classic and contemporary plays have enchanted and inspired kids of all ages.

As a registered charity, the subsidized costs have remained reasonable, comparable to an outing at the movies, but unlike the silver screen, Young People’s Theatre’s productions engage young audiences. Children are invited to ask questions after the performance to learn more about the show and the art of theater.

The 2023-24 lineup includes “Pop! Pop!”, a colorful underwater adventure featuring live music and puppetry for toddlers and preschoolers; “Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish,” a First Nation’s tale of a cheese-swiping mouse that is recommended for ages 5 through 8; and “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” a heartwarming adaptation of the holiday classic geared to older kids.

Located on downtown’s Front Street, the theater is within walking distance to many of Toronto’s top attractions. Just west lies the historic St. Lawrence Market, where the whole family can grab a bite to eat. Enjoy market goodies at the nearby Berczy Park with its quirky dog fountain or on Toronto Islands, just a short ferry ride away. Also nearby are family-friendly attractions like the Hockey Hall of Fame, the CN Tower and the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. 165 Front St. E., Toronto, Ontario M5A 3Z4, 416/862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.org — Jennifer Merrick

Living History

The Seneca people founded an agricultural community called Ganondagan on a hilltop near the eleven narrow bodies of water that give New York’s Finger Lakes region its name.

Ganondagan blossomed into a community where some 4,000 Seneca dwelled in 150 bark longhouses. In 1687, it was destroyed during the ongoing Beaver Wars that French, English and Native American forces waged to control the lucrative fur trade.

Today, Ganondagan’s former locale is a National Historic Landmark, and its serene landscape is punctuated not only by a reproduction longhouse outfitted with 17th-century items ranging from moccasins and leggings to trade goods, but also by the modern Seneca Art & Culture Center where visitors can listen to Native American interpreters reciting age-old stories and

view the fascinating “Iroquois Creation Story” film about the Earth being formed on the back of a great turtle.

The site’s rich storytelling continues outdoors. Follow the Earth Is Our Mother Trail to appreciate the Seneca people’s profound respect for nature or walk the Trail of Peace for lessons in their history and traditions.

For the Seneca people, the arrival of snowflakes each year means outdoor fun, and thanks to the Native American Winter Games held at the Ganondagan State Historic Site every February, winter visitors can experience the same seasonal activities that those of the culture have enjoyed for generations.

Besides snowshoeing, dog sledding and maple-syrup making, the family-friendly event offers a rare opportunity to discover pastimes such as snowsnake, a favorite Seneca sport in which teams compete to see how far they can throw carefully crafted sticks that slither and slide down a slick trough of snow. 7000 County Road 41, Victor, New York 14564, 585/924-5848, ganondagan.org

Damaine Vonada

“Pop! Pop!” at Toronto’s Young People’s Theatre (above); interpreter at Ganondagan State Historic Site in New York (left)

GRAB LIFE RIGHT HERE

1) Cuyahoga Falls

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season in Cuyahoga Falls. Enjoy shopping, dining, and ice skating in our historic downtown with views of the Cuyahoga River. For winter adventurers, explore the outdoors and take in the beautiful winter scenery in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Summit Metro Parks. cityofcf.com

2) Akron Zoo

The fun continues at the Akron Zoo after the summer! Dress up your ghosts and goblins to trick-or-treat during Boo at the Zoo on Oct. 14-15, 21-22 and 2829. Get into the spirit with our holiday lighting event, Wild Lights, running Nov. 24-Dec. 29. Perhaps a simple day at the zoo to enjoy the cooler temperatures and animals. Whatever is your preference, the Akron Zoo is worth your wild! akronzoo.org | 330-375-2550

3) Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Tour the historic manor house and enjoy the gardens through fall, then return for Deck the Hall! Through 11/22, open Tue-Sun, 10 a.m - 6 p.m., last entry 4 p.m. From 11/2412/30, open select dates for Deck the Hall, 3-8 p.m. Closed 12/31/23-3/31/24. stanhywet.org | 330-836-5533

5) Hale Farm & Village

4)

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Make Cuyahoga Valley National Park your front porch with a stay at the historic Stanford House. Let breathtaking scenery and nearby Brandywine Falls complement your relaxing visit. Plan your getaway to the park today!

forcvnp.org/stanfordhouse 330-657-2909 ext. 130

An outdoor living history museum of the Western Reserve Historical Society, creates immersive opportunities to explore the Hale family story. Take a walk through our historic grounds and buildings, meet heritage breed farm animals, and get hands-on with historic demonstrations! Hours of operation: (JuneOct.) Wed-Sun, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. wrhs.org/plan-your-visit/hale-farm

6) Visit Downtown Akron

The holidays are when downtown Akron really shines — with atmosphere, art, shows, food, shopping, and festive activities for everyone. Whether you’re seeking family fun, a romantic night out, exciting live music with friends, or an autumn afternoon shopping for treasures from local artisans, let Downtown Akron Partnership be your guide to everything our neighborhood has to offer. Visit downtownakron.com/guides for an ongoing collection of downtown guides for every taste and need.

CITY LIFE. OUTDOOR LIFE. GRAB LIFE RIGHT HERE!

Crisp autumn air. Leaves changing colors. Magical holiday lights. The possibilities for fall and winter fun in Summit County, OH are endless and are closer to home than you may think.

Hale Farm & Village, a living history museum highlighting 19th-century life in the Western Reserve, hosts their annual Harvest Festival in October. This event is full of the best of autumn, including wagon rides, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and a seasonal staple – apple cider! Hiking the trails of the Summit Metro Parks or the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the fall season. Take the family out for a hike or a bike ride to explore the wonder of nature.

Akron is home to Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, the former estate of Goodyear Tire & Rubber cofounder F.A. Seiberling. Don’t miss their Deck the Hall event, which celebrates the holiday season with one million lights decorating the estate and grounds. Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo has fun for the whole family, with dazzling light displays throughout the zoo and fun photo ops to capture special memories.

Begin your family adventure at visitakron-summit.org and check out our Visitors Guide!

Brandywine Falls

Gingerbread Land, Deck the Hall

Seiberling Nature Realm

Mountain Magic

ANAKEESTA MOUNTAINTOP ADVENTURE PARK GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE

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Up above the tourist-driven city of Gatlinburg is a world that feels all its own, lled with expansive mountaintop views, daring skywalks and warm Edison lights in the trees. Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park sits on 70 acres and boasts opportunities for dining and shopping, a mountain coaster and a treetop walk. Just hop on the chondola — a continuous chair li that transports riders 600 feet up into the Great Smoky Mountains — or grab a seat on the Ridge Rambler bus for a trip up the mountainside.

Take the family to e Smokehouse for southern barbecue favorites like pulled pork and brisket. (Mom and dad can grab a specialty cocktail at the Bar at the Top of the World.) A erward, enjoy fresh homemade pie at Pearl’s Pie in the Sky before kicking back in one of the rocking chairs to take in the scenery of eastern Tennessee.

While the mountaintop views are breathtaking year-round, a visit at Christmastime provides a magical memory for the family under the glow of thousands of twinkling lights. e Enchanted Christmas season brings additional attractions to the mountaintop, including weekend-morning breakfasts with Santa — a personalized event in which the jolly old elf knows the names of the children who visit to share what they want for Christmas — complete with hot chocolate with all the xings

and a hot breakfast of pancakes, eggs and bacon. A erward, enjoy carolers singing holiday favorites or visit in the evening for Astra Lumina, a mile-long lighted nighttime walk that tells the story of stars that fall to the Earth (available with a $15.99 addon to a regular Anakeesta ticket). At the end of the night, return to the heart of Gatlinburg in a chondola lit up in red and green for the Christmas season. 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738, 865/325-2400, anakeesta.com — Gracie Wilson

HEAD HILLS

Christmas Classic

e unenlightened version of Ebenezer Scrooge would likely turn up his nose at the level of cooperation and dedication that goes into assembling the city of Cambridge’s Dickens Victorian Village each holiday season. e event, which began in 2006, is made possible thanks to a legion of volunteers who dedicate hundreds of hours annually to bring a avor of the Victorian-era England that author Charles Dickens depicted in his most famous work, “A Christmas Carol,” to downtown Cambridge.

In all, 92 scenes featuring 180 life-size gures in vintage attire are set up at each lamppost and bench along Wheeling Avenue between Sixth and 11th Streets. Scenes are also presented in street-level and second-story windows.

e idea originated with local business owner Bob Ley and his wife, Sue, a teacher.

Inspired by the city’s historic architecture, Sue had the idea of creating a Victorian-era village during the holidays for residents and visitors alike. Bob made the rst mannequin before recruiting the community volunteers needed to bring the event to life. It runs each year from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31.

Since Dickens Victorian Village’s inaugural year, another new element to the holidays in Cambridge has been added: a nightly, hourlong light show on the exterior of the 1881 Guernsey County Courthouse. It is synchronized to holiday music and runs continuously from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. nightly (most weekends it runs until 11 p.m.). Tea service events and trolley tours are part of the seasonal fun as well.

Be sure to visit e Welcome Center, home to e Curiosity Shoppe, which stocks handcra ed items, Victorian hats for men and women and Christmas tree ornaments. ere is also a photo-op station that invites visitors to dress up in Victorian-era garb. Welcome Center: 647 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge, Ohio 43725, 740/421-4956, dickensvictorianvillage.com

Jim Vickers

DICKENS VICTORIAN VILLAGE CAMBRIDGE, OHIO

HEAD HILLS

Travelers from around the globe are discovering the natural beauty of Ohio’s Hocking Hills. Marked by stunning craggy caves and rushing waterfalls, this one-of-kind destination boasts extraordinary experiences, from adventure-packed zip lines to pampering spas and fully-loaded luxury cabins. Galleries and antique malls pepper the hills and stargazers will love exploring some of Ohio’s darkest night skies at the John Glenn Astronomy Park. You’ll find all this and more in the Hocking Hills, Ohio’s Natural Crown Jewels.

| ExploreHockingHills.com

If you’re in search of a fall family friendly getaway, looking for heart-pumping adventure, or just trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of it all...

VENTURE IN AND Adventure on Adventure on

VISIT GROVE CITY

If you’re on the lookout for a family-friendly adventure this fall, look no further than Grove City, Ohio. Just 10 minutes from the center of downtown Columbus, Grove City offers a small-town feel with a plethora of family-friendly options.

Fall and wintertime in Grove City mean there are plenty of local events and outdoor activities with an annual Arts in the Alley Music and Arts Festival, Shop Hop and Food Truck Festivals, snow sledding at Fryer Park, or cross-country skiing at both Scioto Grove Metro Park and Big Darby Creek Metro Park.

Take advantage of the prime fall foliage and hike through Scioto Grove Metro Park and venture across the rope bridge on the REI River Trail. Paddle down a national scenic river at Trapper John’s Canoe Livery, or take aim on the largest paintball castle in the midwest at LVL UP Sports.

Taste and shop your way through both our Pizza Trek and Pumpkin Trek featuring local hot spots like Tammy’s Pizza and Grove City Brewing Company. Once you’ve purchased from different Trek locations, turn in your guide for a free prize. Details at visitgrovecityoh.com/pizza and visitgrovecityoh.com/pumpkin.

Plan your next “Altogether Adventure” at VisitGroveCityOH.com or call 800-539-8747.

Enjoy a Holmes County, Ohio, Getaway!

Come and spend the weekend in Ohio Amish Country exploring the countryside dotted with farms, animals and owers. After you are done exploring, allow us to treat you to dinner and a show at the Ohio Star Theater located on the beautiful Dutch Valley Campus in Sugarcreek, Ohio.

4 Getaways up for grabs!

Please circle the numbers corresponding to the advertisers you’d like more information about, then drop the card in the mail or ll out online at LongWeekends.com/win.Your request will be forwarded to the advertisers without cost or obligation.This offer expires Sept. 30, 2023.

Experience Bloomington, Indiana!

Looking for a road trip getaway lled with smallcity charm and worldly culture? Your winning entry includes a two-night stay at the iconic Grant Street Inn, a wine-and-picnic package for two at Oliver Winery and $200 in gift cards to some of Bloomington’s best local restaurants!

Getaway to Greater Akron

The best of both worlds, Greater Akron offers the excitement of city life and the serenity of the outdoors. See a show at the Akron Civic Theatre and experience the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Package includes a one-night stay in one of Akron’s unique downtown hotels, dining and shopping gift certi cates, and tickets to some of our iconic points of interest, including Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, MAPS Air Museum and Akron Zoo.

15. Hale Farm & Village (OH)

16. Hocking Hills Tourism Association (OH)

17. Huntington Area CVB (WV) 18. Knox County CVB (OH)

19. Martinsburg-Berkeley County CVB (WV) 20. Muncie Delaware County Visitors Bureau (IN) 21. Northern Kentucky Convention & Visitors Bureau (KY)

Enjoy a Butler County, Ohio Getaway!

Find your next adventure in Butler County, Ohio!

Experience the world’s largest indoor train display, EnterTRAINment Junction, enjoy a delicious brunch at Northstar Café, and play the afternoon away at Pinball Garage. Your weekend getaway includes a complimentary one-night stay at the Courtyard Cincinnati North in West Chester.

30. Streetsboro Visitors & Convention Bureau (OH)

31. Summersville CVB (WV)

32. Travel Butler County (OH)

33. Traverse City Tourism (MI)

34. Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau (OH)

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(IN)

ELIGIBILITY: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO WIN Sweepstakes is open to anyone 18 years or older at the time of entry. Employees of the sponsor, its parent and their immediate families (spouse, parents, children, siblings and their spouses) and individuals living in the same household as such employees are ineligible. Sweepstakes subject to all applicable federal, Ohio, local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. HOW TO ENTER: Sweepstakes begins on April 1, 2023 and ends on September 30, 2023 (“Sweepstakes Period”). During the Sweepstakes Period, ll out and return this card. (Limit one entry during Sweepstakes Period.) HOW TO WIN: At the end of the Sweepstakes Period, 5 name(s) will be drawn at random from all eligible entries received. PRIZES AND ODDS: There will be ve winners. The winner(s) will receive the prizes detailed on the opposite page. The odds of winning depend upon number of eligible entries received. NOTIFICATION: Winner will be noti ed by phone and will be required to accept prize within ve days of noti cation. Failure to accept within ve days will result in forfeiture of prize. GENERAL CONDITIONS: By participating in this contest and submitting an entry, entrants agree to be bound by these Of cial Rules and the decision of the sponsor in conducting the contest. By entering the contest, winners agree to waive any and all claims against the sponsor, its parent, employees and representatives for a personal injury or loss that may occur from the participation in this contest or from the receipt or use of any prize. Winner is responsible for any applicable taxes and gratuity. Sponsor, its parent, employees and representatives are not responsible for incorrect, inaccurate transcription or loss of entry information for any reason whatsoever. By entering, entrants acknowledge compliance with these Of cial Rules including all eligibility requirements. WINNERS LIST: For names of winners, mail a self-addressed stamped envelope to: LongWeekends Spring/Summer Sweepstakes, 1422 Euclid Ave, Suite 730, Cleveland, OH 44115. SPONSOR: The sponsor of this sweepstakes is LongWeekends Magazine.

Living Large

GIANT PUBLIC ART SCULPTURES

CASEY, ILLINOIS

In the tiny town of Casey, Illinois, (population: 2,404) the motto is “Big Things in a Small Town.” The community’s collection of 32 giant public art sculptures draws travelers to the quirky village just south of Interstate 70.

From a towering barber pole to a giant golf tee, the intricate details and bright colors of the unusual works capture visitors’ imaginations. A bright green bookworm adorned with round spectacles is nestled in front of the public library, while a giant pencil installed downtown is so inviting it almost makes you want to tackle a sheet of math problems.

A dozen of Casey’s whimsical creations have achieved the designation of the world’s largest from Guinness World Records. The World’s Largest Rocking Chair rises 56 feet above the ground and weighs 46,200 pounds, while the World’s Largest Mailbox allows visitors to climb up inside and send some snail mail of their own. Other fan favorites include

the Big Birdcage, where families can sit on the human-sized perch for an afternoon swing. The collection began after local resident Jim Bolin finished building the World’s Largest Windchime in 2011. Since then, it has grown to an attraction that draws families in off the highway to get fun photo ops with the larger-than-life items.

When it’s time for dinner, look for the big taco on Northwest 1st Street. Standing in front of Cilantro’s Grill and Cantina, the giant hard-shell sculpture pulls in hungry travelers for tacos as well as burritos, chimichangas and quesadillas.

Along with taking in the enormous pieces of art, travelers can explore the shopping and food scene in Casey’s historic downtown. For an overnight stay, check out the EighteenNinety Sleepover, a former meeting hall from 1890 converted into a family-friendly bed-and-breakfast. For more information, visit bigthingssmalltown.com. — Kellie B. Gormly

Weekends are for exploration. With cozy cabin stays, outdoor activities and unique local flavors, the Huntington area makes for an exciting adventure.

Redefine your next family getaway in H-Town.

Small World

THE GREAT AMERICAN DOLLHOUSE MUSEUM DANVILLE, KENTUCKY

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A bunch of tiny grapes the size of seed pearls rest on a miniscule charcuterie board. Nearby, a working brass corkscrew the length of a lima bean sits alongside an itsy-bitsy bottle of wine, and apples as small as baby peas ll a wee silver serving bowl. It’s all part of e Great American Dollhouse Museum experience in Danville, Kentucky, which portrays the social history of the United States in miniature.

e scenes portrayed through vignettes in more than 200 fully furnished dollhouses and room boxes — a mix of artisan, antique, contemporary and historical pieces — exhibit the tiniest, most exquisite details, right down to the miniscule, red-topped matchsticks spilling from a matchbox the size of a pinkie tip.

Travel through history told by dolls as tastes change, fashions transform and technology alters the landscape. Peek through the windows to see how people lived, worked, played and got into mischief, from the Native American and Colonial eras to the Civil War and the Old West periods, onward into the 20th century and beyond into the realm of fantasy.

Outside Mummert’s Castle — a sprawling 14th-century piece of Celtic architecture — an elaborate medieval quest unfolds through the Fraewood, a wildland full of tree people, unicorns, dragons and fantastical creatures. In the Dorothy Johnson Henry Dollhouse, the museum’s most recent acquisition, visitors can

see work by internationally acclaimed artists from the United States and Europe. e house originally belonged to the daughter of restaurant and hotel magnate Howard Johnson.

Visit the gi shop on the way out to nd everything needed to ll your own dollhouse, ranging from wallpapers to rugs to dishes. Travelers can even purchase a small-scale dollhouse to begin furnishing their own mini abode. 344 Swope Dr., Danville, Kentucky 40422, 859/236-1883, thedollhousemuseum.com

Kathy Witt

REDEFINE YOUR FALL IN H-TOWN

Take in the vibrant fall foliage at one of our local parks –complete with hiking trails, picturesque lakes and picnic areas. Hop on the renowned Hatfield-McCoy Trails in Cabwaylingo State Forest for nearly 100 rugged miles to explore. And with more than 3,000 intricately carved jack-o’-lanterns, you don’t want to miss the world-famous Pumpkin House in Kenova during the fall.

For a full weekend getaway, head to Rustic Ravines. Soar through the trees on a zipline adventure, test out your archery skills at the resort’s bow range, then unwind in the evenings at a unique cabin in the woods. Plan your getaway to the Huntington area now. Contact us at visithuntingtonwv.org or 304-525-7333.

Winged Wonders

NATIONAL AVIARY PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

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If birds of a feather ock together, then the National Aviary in Pittsburgh is the best place for birding enthusiasts and those new to birding to experience hundreds of species in ight. Over 500 birds, many unique and endangered,

live in this expansive aviary in downtown Pittsburgh where parents and children alike can nd enjoyment.

As the only independent, indoor zoo dedicated to birds in the nation, visitors can be immersed in the world of ight, regardless of the weather outside. e National Aviary’s Tropical Rainforest habitat is a colorful environment brimming with birds from around the world that y among towering palms. Originally built in 1952, the newly remodeled rainforest wows with a 15-foot tiered waterfall

that meanders into pools for wading waterfowl. Penguins are a family favorite at the aviary. Pop your head into a plastic bubble for an up-close, comedic encounter with the dapper birds. Wheelchair-accessible acrylic tubes allow Penguin Point visitors to see swimming African Penguins whiz by or hear the sounds as they chat in their colony.

Newly renovated in 2022, the Wetlands is the largest habitat at the National Aviary. e expansive space is covered from the outside by 20,000 square feet of glass and includes a pond with hundreds of plants and trees that these free- ight birds call home. More than 100 birds inhabit the Wetlands, including American amingos and the blue-billed curassow.

e National Aviary provides additional up-close animal encounters, classes, feedings and shows. ese special programs are worth looking into before planning your visit. e National Aviary plays a pivotal role in contributing to the preservation of the endangered bird population, and appreciating these winged wonders is part of the aviary’s mission along with conservation.

Whether feeling the wind from a falcon apping overhead or listening to Hyacinth Macaws calling from their roost, this natural paradise promises a day lled with discovery. 700 Arch St., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, 412/323-7235, aviary.org — Sarah Miller

Magical Museum

THE TROLL HOLE MUSEUM ALLIANCE, OHIO

Trolls get a bad name these days now that the word has become synonymous with Internet loudmouths and bullies. But there was a time when trolls — specifically, the wild-haired dolls and pencil-toppers many of us remember from our youth — held a special place in our hearts with their adorable brand of, dare we say it, ugliness.

The Troll Hole Museum in the northeast Ohio city of Alliance embraces that nostalgia across the first and second floors of two adjoining storefronts in the center of town. But it also delves into the Scandinavian lore surrounding trolls that makes a visit educational as well. The backstory on how troll dolls became part of pop culture and remained so for years is particularly interesting. The museum is the creation of Sherry Groom, who started as merely a collector of troll dolls before her collection grew to the point where it could serve as the cornerstone of a small attraction. Tours are guided, and tickets can be

purchased in advance for those who want to visit at a certain time.

During the first stop of the guided portion of the tour, visitors are invited to head upstairs and explore fun displays that include a trollsize version of Canton’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, complete with troll dolls representing various NFL teams filling the stands.

The guided tour covers folklore related to trolls — including a cabin-like room where a “troll tooth” is on display — while also delving into how the 1960s toy fad grew into a pop-culture phenomenon that lasted well into the 1990s and became the basis for three DreamWorks animated movies, beginning with “Trolls” in 2016.

The highlight of the visit is the finale: the opportunity to spend some time browsing Groom’s Guinness World Record collection of more than 9,000 troll dolls — displayed on row upon row of shelving that stretches wall to wall, floor to ceiling. 228 E. Main St., Alliance, Ohio 44601, 330/596-1157, thetrollhole.com

Jim Vickers

girlfriend getaways

Rest and Restore

INN AND SPA AT WALDEN • AURORA, OHIO

Beyond the stone pillars that mark the entryway to the Inn and Spa at Walden, travelers are treated to a resort oasis with all the necessities for a relaxing weekend. Lounge within one of the six styles of suites, including the 1,250-square-foot loft suite, which is bathed in natural light and offers views of the surrounding golf course. Or head to the spa for luxury treatments. Walden prides itself on giving its guests time to unwind, providing a spa suite where they can relax with a soak in a bubbler tub or steam shower after their massage, manicure or haircut. For dinner, opt for a more casual meal at The Club or get dressed up and head to The Barn. Housed in a restored 175-year-old structure, the restaurant serves dishes ranging from lobster mac and cheese to prime cuts of beef. 1119 Aurora Hudson Rd., Aurora, Ohio 44202, 330/562-5508, yourwalden.com — Gracie Wilson

Northern Getaway

SAINT JOHN’S RESORT PLYMOUTH, MICHIGAN

What started in the 1940s as a seminary is now a luxurious, overnight destination for those seeking a relaxing stay. Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth, Michigan, is a convenient, 25-minute drive from Detroit and boasts a range of accommodations, from deluxe rooms with king-size beds to a two-level presidential suite. Rooms also feature lush bedding, kitchenettes or full-size kitchens, a Nespresso co ee machine and Molton Brown toiletries.

Upgrade opportunities abound, and a stay makes for a perfect getaway for friends, a bachelorette party weekend or bridal shower. Saint John’s Resort’s Cherry on Top upgrade includes a personalized cake and bottle of champagne or wine. For those seeking to maximize the self-care aspect of their trip, the Relax & Renew experience includes in-suite spa treatments and breakfast. Guests can also head three minutes down the road and get in some mindful movements with the White Bu alo Yoga upgrade. For those who would rather hit a few golf balls, the Five & Drive package sets guests up with passes to the resort’s driving range.

On-site dining is o ered at Five Steakhouse, named for the culinary team’s belief that dining should stimulate all ve senses. e restaurant, which is also open to the public if you’re not staying on-site, o ers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, as well as weekend brunch. Enjoy the autumn weather with a meal outside on the restaurant’s terrace.

Also be sure to visit e Grotto, a wine cave and bar with the feel of a speakeasy that is located on the lower level of the hotel. With a selection of over 150 bottles of wine, as well as a lineup of bourbon and scotch options, there is something for every palate. e bar also o ers a wine-friendly, small-plates menu, providing something to nosh while you sip. 44045 Five Mile Rd., Plymouth, Michigan 48170, 734/414-0600, saintjohnsresort.com

Tate Raub

Country Capital BROADWAY NIGHTLIFE NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Visitors to Tennessee’s country-loving capital can visit more than 180 live music venues that prove why Nashville is known as Music City. On any given night, musicians can be found belting out country favorites from a variety of small stages throughout town. Plus, the city’s honky-tonks invite patrons to enjoy live music free of charge, making them a popular destination for bachelorette parties and weekend getaways alike.

Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Roo op Bar invites patrons to enjoy its Southern-style cuisine while watching sports and listening to live music throughout the four- oor saloon. Pick from classics like Chicken & Wa es and Grandma’s Pot Roast, or opt for Jason’s Mac and Cheese, with cavatappi pasta, chicken, bock beer, bacon and breadcrumbs all topped with creamy pepper jack sauce. Home to Broadway’s largest roo op patio, the venue provides picture-perfect perspectives thanks to its panoramic views of the city.

Just across the street, Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa serves up tacos, tequila and Tex-Mex. e restaurant and roo op bar also serves drinks inspired by some of the Grammy-winning artist’s most famous songs, including “Tequila Does,” “Bluebird” and “Little Red Wagon.” Pink lights and umbrellas decorate the place inside and out, making for an Instagramworthy stop during a night out on the town.

Just o Broadway on Second Avenue sits Wildhorse Saloon, a spot that boasts the city’s largest dance oor. e venue covers 66,000 square feet and welcomes dancers of any age and ability to take complimentary linedancing lessons Wednesday through Saturday.

While in town, be sure to take a stroll to Fi h + Broadway, one of

Nashville’s largest mixed-use developments and home to a variety of retail and restaurants. Shop name-brand retailers such as Kendra Scott and Free People or family-owned businesses such as Hollie Ray Boutique and Molly Green, which feature chic and stylish clothing, jewelry and accessories. For more information about Broadway’s nightlife, go to visitmusiccity.com.

Brooke McCa rey

history&

culture

Tune Town

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Less than a 1-mile walk from the honky-tonk music and flowing beer of Nashville’s Broadway sits the hallowed hall of country music legends. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a treasure trove for fans both young and old, with artifacts like Elvis Presley’s 1960 gold Cadillac, Taylor Swift’s silver bejeweled guitar, handwritten lyrics by Luke Combs and an array of Dolly Parton’s over-the-top stage wardrobe featured in the museum’s permanent “Sing me Back Home: Folk Roots to the Present” exhibition. Learn about country music legends across the decades in the hall of fame, where names like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks are honored. For an additional fee, visitors can step into the Historic RCA Studio B, the recording space known as the birthplace of the Nashville Sound. 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S., Nashville, Tennessee 37203, 615/416-2001, countrymusichalloffame.org

Gracie Wilson

DIANA CARNIATO PHOTOGRAPHY; COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

LIVE Your ADVENTURE

History Unearthed

Since 1778, e Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, has been known as one of the nation’s pre-eminent luxury resorts, a place where both U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries have gathered to enjoy the landmark’s elegant public spaces and experience epicurean dining.

What’s not so well known is that in 1962, a top-secret government bunker was completed deep underneath the resort’s West Virginia Wing, a huge 112,000-square-foot facility that was intended to be used as a fallout shelter for members of the U.S. Congress in the event of a nuclear war. It was maintained in readiness until 1992, when it was decommissioned a er an article in e Washington Post revealed its existence to the world.

Easy access on I-81

Now members of the general public, not just those staying at the resort, can take a 90-minute tour of this sobering Cold War relic. Entering through one of the massive doors built to protect against a nuclear blast, visitors 10 years and older can view the rows of metal bunk beds where members of Congress would have slept, the spartan cafeteria where they would have dined and auditoriums where the Senate and House of Representatives would have carried on their duties. e bunker’s hospital facilities, broadcast center and huge power plant can also be seen as part of the tour.

Perhaps most sobering are the decontamination chambers, where arriving Congress members would have been scrubbed down

before being issued military-style fatigues, and an incinerator that would have disposed of garbage, classi ed documents and even human bodies had that gruesome eventuality arisen.

Be advised that the highly popular bunker tours frequently sell out many days in advance, making a three-week advance reservation highly recommended. A er the tour, head upstairs to enjoy a carriage ride on the resort grounds or happy hour at the luxurious Twelve Oaks cocktail lounge. 101 Main St. W., White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia 24986, 855/453-4858, greenbrier.com — Rich Warren

Common area inside the Greenbrier Bunker; the heavy door at the entrance to the bunker (below)

LIVE YOUR ADVENTURE

From breathtaking outdoors to unique local eats, world-class geocaching and thriving local culture, Martinsburg-Berkeley County, West Virginia, is a fantastic place to “Live Your Adventure.”

Spring brings longer, sunny days dedicated to creating memorable experiences for yourself and the whole family.

Berkeley County offers fantastic outdoor experiences, from our rugged hiking paths to scenic nature paths, public parks, fishing streams and nature preserves. Adventurers can explore the 23,000-acre Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, which contains extensive primitive camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking opportunities.

The Route 9 walking and biking trail stretches between Martinsburg and the Charles Town/Ranson area and offers users wide-open views and diverse terrain, from flat land to sloping hills.

If observing nature is more your style, Berkeley County has two nature preserves that house various birds and native plants. Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve, in Back Creek Valley, and the Yankauer Nature Preserve, located adjacent to the Potomac River, offer easy walking trails that allow easy observation.

Dark Ages

In the early medieval ages, torture was a way of getting rid of heretics — anyone practicing a religion the king didn’t like. A er seeing its e ectiveness in getting confessions (though they o en weren’t true) and how crowds gathered to watch executions, torture was expanded. Before long, the victims were anyone the king disliked. e 6,000-square-foot Medieval Torture Museum in Chicago’s Loop takes visitors into that thankfully long-forgotten world. e Medieval Torture Museum showcases more than 100 macabre devices — 30% of which are original to their time, while the rest are replicas that give visitors an idea of their cra and use.

Painstakingly researched, vignettes presented throughout the museum use mannequins to showcase how the machines worked, and the dimly lit rooms create an eerie atmosphere, adding to the authenticity of the experience. Admission includes an audio guide and a ghosttracking app. While the place is said to be haunted, the ghosts here are reported to be

mischievous rather than mean — pulling hair, relighting candles and just creating a general aura of playfulness.

e same can’t be said of the torture devices on display. e endishly designed equipment includes such standards as an iron maiden with nails for impaling and racks for stretching victims past their breaking point. ere are also gruesome collections of knives, chains and pliers. Creativity gone mad resulted in such torture devices as the Sicilian Bull, a hollow bronze bull in which a person was locked in its belly and a re started underneath. e variety of implements allowed kings and rulers choices when it came to how to punish their subjects.

Although the museum is a perfect, if not gory, way to celebrate Halloween, the Medieval Torture Museum, represents some of the darkest days of humanity and is a learning experience as well. 177 N. State St., Chicago, Illinois 60601, 773/241-7777, medievaltorturemuseum.com

Jane Simon Ammeson

Plan Your Weekend

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN JUST ONE WEEKEND?

From a historical island with an infamous past to a brand new museum where children can discover the world, Parkersburg has family-friendly attractions and outdoor adventures that allow you to recharge and reconnect.

Step Into the Past at Parkersburg’s museums and historical sites, from the mansion where Aaron Burr hatched a treasonous plot on Blennerhassett Island, to the meticulously-preserved home of a friend of our founding fathers, to the region’s industrial roots at the Oil & Gas museum.

Seek Adventure, Family Style at the new Discovery World on Market children’s museum, or on one of our many familyfriendly hiking, biking or paddling routes.

Support Local Arts and Culture with a performance at the gorgeous Vaudeville-era Smoot Theatre, a play at the Actors Guild, a concert by the West Virginia Symphony, or an exhibit at the Parkersburg Art Center.

So, what can your family fit into one weekend? Use the QR code or visit greaterparkersburg.com/weekends to plan your next weekend adventure.

SPACE FOR

It’s all happening at DESTINATIONMANSFIELD.COM

Legacy of Light

Originally built in 1858, Michigan City’s old lighthouse has been transformed into a museum depicting the extensive and colorful maritime history of the city and its citizenry. During the mid-to-late 1800s, the harbor was one of the Great Lakes’ busiest for trade and transportation.

e brick-and-stone lighthouse remained a beacon and keeper’s residence until the early 1940s, when it was abandoned. e Michigan City Historical Society took the helm of the property in 1965 and refurbished the historic building before opening it as a museum in 1973.

Today, the Old Lighthouse Museum brims with artifacts, memorabilia, maps and photographs from the past throughout its galleries and across its grounds. Solemn tribute is paid to one of the worst nautical disasters in American history, the capsizing of the SS Eastland in Chicago. More than 2,500 employees of Western Electric Co. and their families boarded the passenger ship for a picnic in Michigan City on July 24, 1915. ey never arrived. e vessel rolled over into the Chicago River and 844 people perished. Outside the museum, an anchor-chain fence made up of 844 links represents each victim. e chain is 262 feet long, the length of the ship.

Other exhibits commemorate the life of lightkeeper Harriet Colfax, who faithfully guided sailors for 43 years, and the funeral train of President Abraham Lincoln, which stopped in Michigan City. Adventurous visitors can climb the narrow spiral staircase to the compact lantern room above the roo op for far-reaching views of the city.

Visitors are sure to wonder why the lighthouse sits so far back from the lake. Originally, it stood along the shore, but over the years, strong wind and water currents caused so much sand to accumulate that a new beach was formed. 100 Heisman Harbor, Michigan City, Indiana 46360, 219/872-6133, mchistorical.org

Pamela Dittmer McKuen

Invigorate all five senses from underground to rooftop at Mansfield’s Hudson & Essex. Taste gourmet flavors. Feel the coolness of Prohibition at The Caverns. See perfectly plated food as art in the upscale dining room. Smell the vintages of Cypress Hill Winery. Hear invigorating conversations on the panoramic patio on this perfect weekend getaway.

Learning Lincoln

Visitors to the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research are so taken with the presentation room’s immersive atmosphere that when they see its 180-degree projection of Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural ball and hear the accompanying music from the 1860s, some have been known to start dancing.

Housed at the Allen County Public Library in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana, the center delivers 21st-century experiences that combine its world-class collection of more than 20,000 historic artifacts with modern technology.

Although the Rolland Center opened in 2022, it dates to 1905, when Robert Todd Lincoln sent a photo of his father along with a letter granting a fledgling Fort Wayne insurance company permission to use President Lincoln’s name and likeness for a museum. After that museum closed in 2008, the Smithsonian and Library of Congress wanted to acquire its comprehensive collection, but because of Lincoln National CEO Ian Rolland’s support and the foundation’s desire to make the collection accessible to the public, it remained in town.

The Rolland Center’s array of Lincoln-related possessions ranges from newspapers and diaries to political cartoons. Its largest interactive display, “Lincoln’s Time & Place,” uses timelines of the president’s life plus maps of his inauguration and funeral-train routes to provide center visitors informative, turn-back-the-clock adventures that begin by tapping a screen.

Physical artifacts such as Tad Lincoln’s toy soldiers are displayed behind glass, while digital kiosks let visitors examine larger-than-life versions of items such as the famous photo that purports to show Mary Todd Lincoln and the ghost of her assassinated husband.

Because the Rolland Center is the only place in the world with the contents of the Lincoln family photo album, its original photographs are a must-see for history buffs. The Rolland Center is free to visit, and its expert Lincoln librarians give guided tours. 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802, 260/421-1200, friendsofthelincolncollection.org

Damaine Vonada

Seeking Freedom

NIAGARA BOUND TOURS NIAGARA REGION, ONTARIO

In the 1800s, the Canadian city of St. Catharines and the Niagara Region were a recognized haven for those seeking freedom from slavery and one of the endpoints of the Underground Railroad, an informal resistance network of safe houses.

Today, Lezlie Harper, a direct descendant of one of the approximately 40,000 freedom seekers who used the Underground Railroad to escape slavery in the mid-19th century, shares personal family anecdotes and her extensive historical knowledge. She recounts that history intimately and passionately on a car caravan tour through the region that retraces the paths traveled by those who sought freedom.

Every stop on the tour has a riveting story. Groups learn about Richard Pierpoint, a Senegalese boy who was forced into slavery and later granted his

freedom to fight on the side of the British during the American Revolution before ultimately settling in a Black community in Canada. Harper also explains some of the methods freedom seekers used to escape and the dangers involved. The operation was perilous, particularly after the passing of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which gave slaveholders the right to capture those who had fled.

A highlight of the tour is Salem Chapel, a British Methodist Episcopal church, which was the first Black church in St. Catharines and quite likely the oldest in the province. Built in 1855, it was a focal point of the civil rights movement in Canada. It was also where Harriet Tubman, a celebrated hero who risked her life leading hundreds of people from bondage to safety, worshipped on and off over 11 years.

Today, it is still a church as well as a national historic site. Downstairs in the basement, the walls are filled with memorabilia — aged newspaper clippings, photographs, paintings and maps of the freedom seekers’ journeys. For more information, visit niagaraboundtours.com. — Jennifer Merrick

The Rolland Center for Lincoln Research dates to 1905 (above). Niagara Bound Tours delves into Ontario’s role in helping freedom seekers escape slavery (left).

Flying High outdoors

Catch a glimpse of one of Kentucky’s most famous natural landmarks in a new way by zip lining above Red River Gorge during the height of fall. Red River Gorge Ziplines offers a canopy-tour experience for adventurers of all ages between 70 and 250 pounds. The experience includes five zips and lasts between one to two hours depending on group size, with the longest zip running 1,900 feet. Experienced guides lead visitors on a journey that takes them 300 feet above Kentucky’s famous Red River Gorge, sharing information on the flora and fauna that call Daniel Boone National Forest home. Travelers can also book a stay at the on-site Cliffview Resort. Because autumn is a particularly busy time at Red River Gorge due to the region’s natural beauty and the popularity of the zip lining experience, reservations are essential. 455 Cliffview Rd., Campton, Kentucky 41301, 606/6689930, redrivergorgezipline.com

Gracie Wilson

24 nature&

RED RIVER GORGE ZIPLINES CAMPTON, KENTUCKY

Trail Mix

HIKING IN THE FINGER LAKES REGION

WEST-CENTRAL NEW YORK

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Winding around the long lakes that give the region its name, the Finger Lakes Trail travels across 580 miles of upstate New York from Allegany State Park to the top of Slide Mountain in the Catskills.

e region’s annual grape harvest attracts many visitors to the area during the fall months, and countless hiking adventures under the colorful bursts of autumnal forest foliage keep them coming back.

Start the journey by downloading one of three passport booklets courtesy of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference to nd a variety of short, family-friendly hikes. ese include a walk through the Grand Canyon of the East in Letchworth State Park. Take the rim trail beneath the bright orange and yellow trees lining the top of the gorge. e stone walls sweep hundreds of feet down towards the Genesee River, which crashes over three major waterfalls.

For the more experienced hiker, many trails take visitors over adventurous terrain. e Tompkins County

Abbott Loop trail covers an 8-mile trek over hilly woods and a valley overlook before circling back to the parking area. (Southern Tier Balloon Tours o ers the option of getting an aerial view of the autumn forest.)

At the south end of Seneca Lake, take the Gorge Trail, a 2-mile-round-trip hike in Watkins Glen State Park. e goldenorange hues of falling leaves and the mossy stone walls of the gorge enclose hikers as they climb over 800 stone steps along Glen Creek. Some of the 19 waterfalls dotting the trail trickle over the gorge walls. For those who want to stay overnight, branching trails connect with places to camp.

e return trip takes hikers downhill towards downtown Watkins Glen, where the Queen Catherine Marsh Loop o ers spots for bird-watching as ocks migrate for the winter. For more information about the Finger Lakes Trail Conference passports, visit ngerlakestrail.org.

Jenna Nahhas

Snowy Season

INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK IN WINTER PORTER, INDIANA

Situated on a 15-mile stretch along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes holds the title of the United States’ 61st national park, following its redesignation in 2019. With oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers and forests, plus 1,100 owering plant species and ferns, it is one of the most biodiverse national parks in the country.

Over 11,000 years ago, the Wisconsin glacier, the last glacier to cover this region during the Ice Age, began the slow process of melting. is gave rise to the park’s four signi cant dunes — landforms made up of wind- or water-driven sand — and formed Lake Michigan. In the wintertime, the park’s more than 15,000 acres are typically blanketed with snow. Over 50 miles of hiking trails that are perfect for all skill levels meander among the covered dunes, the icy lakefront and through the forests, where evergreens add a touch of holiday magic.

Begin the journey at the Dorothy Buell Visitor Center to purchase a Park Entrance Pass, pick up maps and chat with a ranger.

e best way to explore the park during the winter is on crosscountry skis or snowshoes. Free snowshoe rentals are available at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, located within the park.

Indiana Dunes National Park is known for its bird-watching year-round, with more than 350 types of birds spotted within the park. Some species, like the dark-eyed junco and snowy owl, migrate from the north to enjoy a milder winter on the northern

Indiana shore. Spot other animals on the ground such as wood frogs, which can survive in the wintry bogs because of the natural antifreeze in their bodies.

Be on the lookout for fresh animal tracks too. More than 37 animal species call this beautiful park home, including the white-tailed deer and red fox. Dorothy Buell Visitor Center: 1215 N. Indiana 49, Porter, Indiana 46304, 219/395-1882, nps.gov/indu

Amy Bizzarri

FIND LIFE’S FIND

Simple JOYS

PHOTO LOCATION: STATE STRRET ST. JOSEPH

For the Birds

BALD EAGLE WATCHING SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS

Southwest Illinois comes alive at the turn of the New Year with events dedicated to spotting and celebrating the United States’ national bird, the bald eagle. is entire region of the state is one of the prime winter nesting sites in the Midwest for American bald eagles, and this season’s bird-watching kicks o on Jan. 6, 2024, with Eagle Fest.

is annual event, held at Flock Food Truck Park in downtown Alton near the banks of the Mississippi River, brings together birders of all ages for festival fun. Although it may seem the weather is too chilly to have an outdoor party, the timing is all about when eagles (as well as other magni cent birds like white swans) ock to the region.

Eagle Fest — complete with live music, food trucks, re pits and s’mores kits — also has its own star guest, Liberty, an American bald eagle accompanied by her handler from the World Bird Sanctuary for a live eagle meet-and-greet.

Travelers can also head out to spot eagles independently. When driving along the Mississippi River, remember to look not just up but also down, as eagles o en plop down on the ice waiting for sh to jump. Board one of the shuttles leaving Gra on and Alton, two river ports with brick-lined historic downtowns just 17 miles apart, for guided sightings to learn more about the birds and why this area is prime for nesting.

Bald Eagle Days at the nearly 8,000-acre Pere Marquette State Park, the largest in Illinois, o er eagle-sighting options, including sessions to learn about the birds’ habits and how to track them followed by a ranger-led observational drive. Flock Food Truck Park: 210 Ridge St., Alton, Illinois 62002, riversandroutes.com; Pere Marquette State Park, 13112 Visitor Center Ln. Gra on, Illinois 62047, dnr.illinois.gov

Jane Simon Ammeson

SCOTT EVERS

Starry Nights

CHERRY SPRINGS STATE PARK COUDERSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA 28

Northwestern Pennsylvania is home to a wealth of areas for outdoor adventure, ranging from the 85-mile Susquehannock Trail to the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania (also known as the Pine Creek Gorge) to the Kinzua Sky Walk, a reinvention of the landmark viaduct that provides travelers a glimpse into the structure’s history.

It is also where travelers will nd Susquehannock State Forest, 262,000 acres of remote woodlands in Potter County. Contained within the state forest is the 82-acre Cherry Springs State Park, named for the thick stands of black cherry trees originally found there.

Cherry Springs State Park is known as a destination for stargazers thanks to the low levels of light pollution in the area, with Potter County having some of the darkest skies in the eastern United States. Cherry Springs is on the International Dark-Sky Association’s list of Dark Sky Parks and o ers programs that help stargazers make the most of their visit, even beyond the summer months that most of us commonly associate with stargazing.

e park is open year-round for public night-sky viewing, although the view of the sky shi s with the changing seasons. A glimpse of the expansive, star-studded Milky Way is visible through October, while constellations like the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia can be seen year-round. During the winter, Orion appears with its easy-to-spot band of three stars on the mythological hunter’s belt. For visitors seeking an overnight stay at Cherry Springs State Park, the Cherry Springs Rustic Campground takes reservations through October and has 30 sites without electricity. ( e astronomy eld does o er electrical connections that must be shared when in heavy use.) Campers are encouraged to keep arti cial lights low to preserve the integrity of the area’s night-sky viewing, and camp res are prohibited. 4639 Cherry Springs Rd., Coudersport, Pennsylvania 16915, 814/435-1037, dcnr.pa.gov

Sean Repuyan

Cherry Springs State Park has 30 campsites. The park welcomes stargazers year-round (right).

S S n

Stark Count Stark County

Trail. Trail.

Enjoy bike trails and Enjoy bike trails and waterways and refresh along waterways and refresh along the way at Dragonfly Winery the way at Dragonfly Winery and Cherry Road Winery. and Cherry Road Winery.

n n n n

Relax on the farm at Maize Relax on the farm at Maize Valley Winery & Brewery. Valley Winery & Brewery. Continue on to the Continue on to the Adirondack inspired Lost Adirondack inspired Lost Trail Winery for more fresh Trail Winery for more fresh autumn air, live music, and autumn air, live music, and wine. wine. n n

Escape for a luxurious spa Escape for a luxurious spa retreat at Gervasi Vineyard retreat at Gervasi Vineyard Winery & Resort, and save Winery & Resort, and save time to visit nearby Forever time to visit nearby Forever Craft Urban Winery. Craft Urban Winery.

Quake Lake

Tucked into the far northwest corner of Tennessee lies Reelfoot Lake, an unassuming, 15,000-acre expanse of water with a big history. Earthquakes in the region during 1811 and 1812 were so violent they sank a lowland cypress swamp in the area, causing the Mississippi River to reverse course and ll the basin.

Gnarly cypress trees, some predating the earthquakes, rise around the lake, while others are submerged in the shallows — their vegetation creating a great habitat for crappie and bluegill to ourish. For more than a century, Reelfoot Lake has attracted anglers and waterfowl hunters, but visitors have discovered a whole new reason to explore: It is a prime spot for bald eagles.

Pollution from the insecticide DDT eliminated almost all nesting bald eagles in the Lower 48 states by the 1960s, but a few would spend the winter here. ey were such a rarity that Reelfoot Lake State Park initiated eagle

tours in 1973. A hacking program (human–assisted hatching and rearing of eagles) began in 1981, and those eagles saw this area as their home. Park rangers estimate there are 40 nests on the lake and approximately 150 nearby, making it a great location for eager birders.

e state park o ers eagle tours by van and bus in January and February and organizes an eagle festival the rst week of February. Fishing guides become eagle guides in winter to lead visitors through the tour, sharing knowledge about the birds and showing o the best places to spot them.

Lodging choices on the lake are modest. Campers will nd two campgrounds at the park that have electricity. For something cozier, cabins at the state park are available as well as rooms at privately owned locations in the area. Reelfoot Lake State Park: 2595 Highway 21 E., Tiptonville, Tennessee 38079, 731/885-5455, tnstateparks.com — Tom Adkinson

Meander along the Meander along the Canal Country Wine Canal Country Wine

TOP: TOM ADKINSON; BOTTOM: DAVID HAGGARD

VISIT CANTON

Autumn is for fall foliage, harvest festivals, and FOOTBALL! It is the perfect time of year to plan a road trip with your crew, furry friends included. Pack up and hit the road for a long weekend in Canton, Ohio. Whether you’re a fan of state parks, presidential museums, or halls of fame, visit Canton and check a few destinations off your wanderlust wish list.

Plan for overtime because there is also a full playbook of local wineries and breweries. Visit eight local wineries on the Canal Country Wine Trail and craft breweries across Stark County, from a local farm to a luxurious spa resort. Prefer spirits? There’s a distillery too! Recuperate after a full day of play and stay overnight nearby, or even on-property, in your choice of unique accommodations. Take a timeout and huddle up in America’s playing field this season!

Spirit of Adventure

MUSKEGON LUGE ADVENTURE SPORTS PARK MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN

Forget the chill, and experience Olympic-style thrills with a visit to Michigan’s Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park — one of only four facilities of its kind in the United States. Located in Muskegon State Park, along the shores of Lake Michigan, this adventure center lures people out of hibernation and into a winter wonderland packed with activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, hockey and, of course, luge.

Race down the 850-foot track while reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Three-time Olympian Frank Masley designed the track, which uses natural ice instead of refrigeration. Although shorter in length than the Olympic tracks in Lake Placid and Salt Lake City, this luge is well-suited for beginners. Equipment and training are provided to teach how to maneuver and zip through the course’s six curves.

Those not interested in trying the luge can merely visit as a spectator or experience the beauty of Muskegon State Park on skis. Visitors can crosscountry ski through forests and over dunes on one of the many trails by day or zip through the lighted paths at night. (The park also offers adaptive rentals for those with lower-body mobility issues.) Snowshoes and skate rentals also allow for hours of hiking or gliding over the western Michigan ice and snow. Tall pines envelop several natural ice areas with designated rinks for various interests, whether it’s hockey or family skating.

Nightfall doesn’t stop the fun, either. The luge track is lit for evening runs, and there is a quarter-mile illuminated figure-eight loop through the white pines. Then it’s time to cozy up at the bonfire garden and listen to the crackling fire while sipping a hot chocolate with family and friends. 462 N. Scenic Dr., Muskegon, Michigan 49445, 877/879-5843, msports.org — Sarah Miller

Famous Falls

Situated in the Allegheny Mountains of rural Tucker County, West Virginia, the 2,358-acre Blackwater Falls State Park gets its name from the dark-hued water flowing over its iconic 57-foot main waterfall, but that is just the beginning of the natural beauty found here. It has remained one of West Virginia’s most popular state parks since opening in 1937, and those visiting during autumn can enjoy the colorful views as Blackwater Canyon transforms from its

summertime shades of green to an explosion of oranges, reds and yellows.

The park’s main waterfall gets its amber color from red spruce and hemlock needles that fall into the Blackwater River. It is accessible by way of a 214-step boardwalk with scenic overlooks or the quarter-mile Gentle Trail located on the opposite side of the falls. The park is also home to other waterfalls, including the picturesque Elakala Falls, which is accessible by the halfmile, out-and-back Elakala Trail that starts near Blackwater Falls State Park lodge.

With 20 miles of hiking trails, Blackwater Falls State Park offers up some of the most scenic vistas in the Mountain State. At an elevation of 3,000 feet, Lindy Point Lookout offers views of

Blackwater Canyon and is accessible by a 0.3mile out-and-back trail. Those seeking a more difficult hike can opt for the 1.5-mile Balsam Fir Trail. Beginning at the Harold Walters Nature Center, hikers traverse groves of beech and maple trees before passing through a stand of balsam fir and looping back to the park’s recreation building.

With accommodations ranging from the recently renovated 54-room lodge featuring an indoor swimming pool and fitness center to 39 cabins to primitive and electric camping sites, travelers can choose their ideal overnight stay. 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd., Davis, West Virginia 26260, 304/259-5216, wvstateparks.com

Nathan Havenner

Shining On

e lighthouses along Michigan’s northeast shoreline have helped guide more than a century’s worth of sailors. Of the seven that dot this stretch, the ones north and south of Alpena

invite travelers to visit and learn more. Take the 7 Lighthouse Adventure, which includes stops at ve locations along nearly 78 miles of U.S. Route 23. ( e other two lighthouses, found on under Bay Island and Middle Island, can be seen only by private charter boat.)

Begin the driving tour at the northernmost 40-Mile Point Lighthouse in Rogers City, Michigan. Named for its distance 40 miles southeast of Old Mackinaw Point and 40 miles

northwest of under Bay, this tower houses a museum and a shipwreck trail. Visitors can also climb to the top of the tower between Memorial Day and when the lighthouse closes in October.

Next, head south to visit both the Old Presque Isle and New Presque Isle lighthouses. Located on Lake Huron’s Presque Isle, each light has unique features. e Old Presque Isle Lighthouse is perfect for a fall visit with its haunted past. e New Presque Isle Lighthouse is the tallest on the Great Lakes that travelers can ascend (for a small fee). Visit on a clear autumn day to take in views of the surrounding fall color and perhaps Duck Island across the lake in Canada.

e next stop heading south along the shore brings travelers into the city limits of Alpena for a glimpse of the Little Red Lighthouse. While the grounds are not accessible to the public, the lighthouse’s cherry-red exterior can be spotted from Alpena’s marina and breakwall.

e nal and southernmost stop of the driving tour is the towering white column and red windows of Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, which guards a notoriously rocky shoreline. Travelers over 48 inches tall can ascend the tower for a small fee when a volunteer is on-site. For more information about the 7 Lighthouse Adventure, go to visitalpena.com.

— Gracie Wilson

Michigan’s northeast shore is home to several lighthouses including the Little Red Lighthouse (above).

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

DESTINATION ADVERTISER

Illinois

IL1 Bald Eagle Watching, riversandroutes.com PAGE 54

IL2 Giant Public Art Sculptures, bigthingssmalltown.com PAGE 33

IL3 Medieval Torture Museum, medievaltorturemuseum.com PAGE 46

Indiana

IN1 Indiana Dunes National Park, nps.gov/indu PAGE 53

IN2 Muncie Delaware County Visitors Bureau, visitmuncie.org

PAGES 54, 55

IN3 Old Lighthouse Museum, mchistorical.org PAGE 48

IN4 Rolland Center for Lincoln Research, friendsofthelincolncollection.org

PAGE 50

IN5 Visit Bloomington, visitbloomington.com PAGES 8, 37

IN6 Winterlights at Newfields, discovernewfields.org PAGE 22

Kentucky

KY1 The Brown Hotel, brownhotel.com PAGE 19

KY2 Danville-Boyle County Convention & Visitors Bureau, danvillekentucky.com PAGE 16

KY3 The Great American Dollhouse Museum, thedollhousemuseum.com PAGE 34

KY4 Northern Kentucky Convention & Visitors Bureau, meetnky.com PAGE 19

KY5 Paducah CVB, paducah.travel

PAGE 12

KY6 Red River Gorge Ziplines, redrivergorgezipline.com PAGE 51

KY7 Visit Bowling Green, KY, visitbgky.com PAGE 52

Michigan

MI1 Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, msports.org PAGE 60

MI2 Saint John’s Resort, saintjohnsresort.com PAGE 40

MI3 Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, swmichigan.org

PAGE 53

MI4 Traverse City Tourism, traversecity.com PAGE 2

MI5 Warda Patisserie, warda-patisserie-midtown.square.site

PAGE 16

MI6 7 Lighthouse Adventure, visitalpena.com PAGE 62

New York

NY1 Buffalo Wing Trail, buffalowingtrail.com PAGE 18

NY2 The Finger Lakes Region, fingerlakestrail.org PAGE 52

NY3 Ganondagan State Historic Site, ganondagan.org PAGE 23

Ohio

OH1 Adventures in NE Ohio, adventuresinnortheastohio.com

PAGE 20

For all locations, see map on page 64.

index/map

PA2 The Church Brew Works, churchbrew.com PAGE 15

PA3 GO Laurel Highlands, golaurelhighlands.com PAGE C2

PA4 National Aviary, aviary.org

PAGE 36

Tennessee

TN1 Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park, anakeesta.com

PAGE 27

TN2 Broadway Nightlife, visitmusiccity.com PAGE 41

TN3 Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, countrymusichalloffame.org PAGE 43

TN4 Reelfoot Lake, tnstateparks.com PAGE 58

OH2 Akron Zoo, akronzoo.org PAGE 24

OH3 Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, visitakron-summit. org PAGES 20, 24, 25

OH4 Carroll County Visitors Bureau, carrollcountyohio.com

PAGE 20

OH5 City of Cuyahoga Falls, cityofcf.com PAGE 24

OH6 Clermont County CVB, discoverclermont.com PAGE 11

OH7 Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, conservancyforcvnp.org PAGE 24

OH8 Destination Mansfield, destinationmansfield.com PAGE 48

OH9 Dickens Victorian Village, dickensvictorianvillage.com PAGE 28

OH10 Downtown Akron Partnership, downtownakron.com PAGE 24

OH11 Experience Columbus, experiencecolumbus.com PAGE 42

OH12 Gervasi Vineyard, gervasivineyard.com PAGE 40

OH13 Hale Farm & Village, wrhs.org/ plan-your-visit/hale-farm PAGE 24

OH14 Hocking Hills Tourism Association, explorehockinghills.com

PAGES 28, 29

OH15 Inn and Spa at Walden, yourwalden.com PAGE 39

OH16 Knox County CVB, visitknoxohio.org PAGE 28

OH17 Ohio Amish Country, visitamishcountry.com

PAGES 20, 60, 61, C3

OH18 Portsmouth Area CVB, portsmouth.org/travel-tourism PAGE 46

OH19 Ross Chillicothe CVB, visitchillicotheohio.com PAGE 36

OH20 Shores & Islands Ohio, shoresandislands.com PAGE 6

OH21 Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, stanhywet.org PAGE 24

OH22 StayInAkron.com, stayinakron.com PAGE 26

OH23 Streetsboro Visitors & Convention Bureau, streetsborovcb.com PAGE 20

OH24 Travel Butler County, travelbutlercounty.com PAGE 13

OH25 The Troll Hole Museum, thetrollhole.com PAGE 38

OH26 Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau, traveltusc.com PAGE 20

OH27 Visit Canton, visitcanton.com

PAGES 20, 58, 59

OH28 Visit Cincy, visitcincy.com PAGE 5

OH29 Visit Findlay, visitfindlay.com

PAGES 16, 17

OH30 Visit Greater Lima, visitgreaterlima.com PAGES 56, 57

OH31 Visit Grove City, visitgrovecityoh.com PAGES 30, 31

OH32 Youngstown Live - Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau, youngstownlive.com PAGE 20

Ontario

ON1 Niagara Bound Tours, niagaraboundtours.com PAGE 50

ON2 Young People’s Theatre, youngpeoplestheatre.org PAGE 23

Pennsylvania

PA1 Cherry Springs State Park, dcnr.pa.gov PAGE 56

West Virginia

WV1 Blackwater Falls, wvstateparks.com PAGE 61

WV2 Greater Parkersburg CVB, greaterparkersburg.com PAGE 47

WV3 The Greenbrier, greenbrier.com

PAGE 44

WV4 Huntington Area CVB, visithuntingtonwv.org PAGES 34, 35

WV5 Martinsburg-Berkeley County CVB, travelwv.com PAGES 44, 45

WV6 Oglebay Resort, oglebay.com

PAGE 21

WV7 Summersville CVB, summersvillecvb.com PAGE 48

WV8 Visit Southern West Virginia, visitwv.com PAGE C4

CAMBRIDGE: RICK LEE; REELFOOT: TOM ADKINSON

Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee

Dickens Victorian Village, Cambridge

More than buggies

Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in a rich culture, hop on a tour, enjoy a little comfort food or find your bliss away from the everyday, you’ll find what you are looking for here in Ohio’s Amish Country.

Living life simply. Holmes County & beyond.