Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace, Columbus
Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park
JULY/AUG
FEATURES //
Hot Dogs
Baseball, fireworks and hot dogs are a can’t-miss summer trio. Put these spots on your road-trip list.
Ohio Courthouses
The stories beyond these architectural landmarks offer insights into state history and the cities where they stand. 44
July 4, 1976
Here is how Ohioans celebrated and documented our nation’s bicentennial in the summer of ’76.
25
Farm & Table
Lily’s in Dayton offers tasty food in a fun space, while Tiki Underground goes big on classic creations. 104
Backstory
Our 1989 feature looked at the historic village of Zoar and the people who were working to save it.
Rachel DB Creative merges original art with
One of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s Inifinity Mirror Rooms comes to the Cincinnati Art Museum.
of Events
CONNECT
RETRO Eats: Summer means it’s time to fuel up and hit the road, and when you’re out there, you’re going to get hungry. Check out these diners, driveins and root beer stands that serve up nostalgia with every plate. Whether you’re looking for places that have been around for decades or new finds with vintage vibes, we’ve got you covered. ohiomagazine.com/retroeats
CANAL DAYS: A grounbreaking idea began to take shape in in the 1820s, as the simultaneous creation of two major canals ultimately opened the state to trade and transformed the place we call home. July 4, 2026, marks 201 years since the first shoveful of dirt for the Ohio & Erie Canal was scooped. Our state has never been the same. ohiomagazine.com/canaldays
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In This Issue:
Akron, p. 73
Ashland, p. 83
Barnesville, p. 82
Bellefontaine, p. 43
Bowling Green, p. 40
Bryan, p. 41
Canton, p. 67
Chillicothe, p. 41
Cincinnati, p. 7, 12
Columbus, p. Cover, 11, 14
Coshocton, p. 14
Cuyahoga Falls, p. 27
Dayton, p. 8, 25
Georgetown, p. 43
Green, p. 86
Marietta, p. 10
Mount Vernon, p. 83
North Ridgeville, p. 14
We went in search of the last time we put a hot dog on the cover, and we believe it to be this festive July 2011 edition of Ohio Magazine.
15 Hot Dog Spots How Ohio Celebrated our Country’s Bicentennial 12 Finds Across Appalachian Ohio
Toledo, p. 49
Troy, p. 42
Warren, p. 40
Wellington, p. 9
West Chester, p. 14
Yellow Springs, p. 86
Zanesville, p. 39
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Chairman Lute Harmon Sr. President & Publisher Lute Harmon Jr.
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Dog Days
July 4 conjures a lot of things, including names like Joey Chestnut and Patrick Bertoletti. Yes, each year that I’m in front of a television around 1 p.m. on our nation’s birthday, I am sure to fire up coverage of the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Brooklyn, New York.
The competition is a grotesque display for sure, but something about the sheer fortitude it would take to eat somewhere between 40 and 70 hot dogs (bun and all) in the span of 10 minutes makes it compelling viewing. My best attempt at such as feat was a dollar-dog night at the ballpark, where I took down about eight hot dogs over the course of the game.
Hot dogs are our national comfort food, especially during the season of cookouts and campfires, days at the lake and nights on the back patio. They are simple, portable and delicious and can be dressed as uniquely as our imaginations allow.
That’s thanks, at least in part, to the rise of the gourmet hot-dog joint. My first experience at such an establishment came with the opening of Happy Dog in Cleveland’s Gordon Square Arts District. I loved the possibility that the list of dozens of toppings promised, although I nearly always leaned on the list of suggested combinations that Happy Dog graciously provides.
For years, I even had one of the paper menus that you mark when ordering made into a large magnet that hung on my refrigerator. The magnet has been lost to time and moves, but the memory of my visits to Happy Dog and its welcoming neighborhood vibe still hang in there brightly.
So, this month’s cover story delves into 15 hot-dog joints that range from culinarily adventurous to totally classic. We examine how Tony Packo’s invented the Hungarian hot dog for the world to enjoy, and how Cincinnati-style chili cemented the coney dog as a local institution. Then, there are the spots that have been serving chili-covered dogs for generations, with the atmosphere and repeat customers to prove it.
Hot dogs are just a part of this month’s celebration of America, though. We also take a trip back into the past to the Sunday of July 4, 1976, to see how Ohioans were marking the occasion of our nation’s bicentennial. It included parades, parties and red, white and blue everything. You can visit on page 44.
JIM VICKERS
Ohio Celebrates America’s 250th
AMERICA WOULDN’T BE THE SAME WITHOUT OHIO’S VAST CONTRIBUTIONS. JOIN IN CELEBRATIONS ALL YEAR LONG IN ALL OF OHIO’S 88 COUNTIES. EVERY MONTH, WE’RE EXPLORING A DIFFERENT WAY OHIO HAS CONTRIBUTED TO U.S. HISTORY — FROM TRANSPORTATION TO MUSIC TO THE MOVIES. VISIT AMERICA250-OHIO.ORG TO FIND EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES NEAR YOU AND WHEN YOU TRAVEL AROUND THE STATE.
Red, White & BOOM!, Columbus
Trails & Tales
Learn about Ohio’s contributions to world history. Celebrate the origins of flight and space’s earliest pioneers on the Ohio’s Air & Space Trail. Be inspired by innovative artists, musicians, and others on the Creativity Trail. Discover how rivers, canals and Lake Erie shaped the state on the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail. Get your creativity sparked on the Ohio Innovation Trail. Climb aboard Ohio’s Transportation Trail to explore railroads, automobiles, airplanes that move the nation. Visit america250-ohio.org/trails-and-tales.
Mark Your Calendar
Murals Across Ohio
Ohio’s walls tell meaningful stories. From colorful walls that celebrate hometown heroes to bold images that reflect local culture and innovation, murals are powerful expressions of community pride. Murals Across Ohio aims to honor the artists, the stories and the places that make Ohio unique. From the massive Glass City River Wall mural by Gabe Gault in Toledo to Oxford Hive by Joseph Prescher in Oxford, colorful murals can be found around the state using the interactive map on america250-ohio.org/murals-across-ohio.
Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic
Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic is an America 250-Ohio program with 150+ events where Ohioans will celebrate, reconnect and honor the nation’s 250th anniversary. Learn more at america250-ohio.org/picnic.
Ohio Goes to the Movies
Movie stars Paul Newman and Clark Gable along with Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg are just a few of the film industry celebrities who hail from Ohio. See them on screens around the state during Ohio Goes to the Movies through October 2026. More than 300 screenings are scheduled, featuring Ohioans in front of and behind the camera. The free ticketed showings feature fun elements like movie trivia, Q&A’s, etc. Visit ohiogoestothemovies.org for a complete schedule of films and locations.
Join in the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary during events held all year long in all 88 counties. From festivals and historical reenactments to art exhibitions and civic conversations, the events calendar is your guide to statewide moments of inspiration and celebration. Scan the QR code above for a complete calendar of events.
JULY 4 Columbus Homecoming & Picnic featuring the Columbus Symphony
JULY 4 Ohio Department of Resource’s 4th of July Jubilee Marblehead, Ohio
JULY 8 Sharing the Spirit of America – Statewide public reading of the Declaration of Independence
JULY 11 Toledo Museum of Art Picnic
JULY 18 Great Parks – Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor Homecoming & Picnic Harrison, Ohio
AUGUST 1-2 Declaration 250 Festival Put-In-Bay, Ohio
AUGUST 15-16 Revolutionary War Encampment Portsmouth, Ohio
There will be hundreds of events happening statewide through December 2026. Visit america250-ohio.org/ events-calendar to find events near you.
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BY ELLIE ERICH |
Do you enjoy a cool glass of wine at the end of a hot, summer day? Treat your senses to aromatic wines from these delightful Ohio locations.
Feel the breeze on the porch of Baltic Mill Winery in Baltic while enjoying a glass of their Sauvignon Blanc. With a fresh, clean taste, and a crisp finish, it is the perfect glass to cap your night. Invite your friends and family to jam out in the rustic interior and enjoy a wine flight, or two! Feeling sporty? Ride over to Rhonemus Cellars in Lancaster to experience their top-notch Cabernet Sauvignon after a round of golf on their on-site course. Highlighted as “jammy and elegant,” it is sure to satisfy your inner wine connoisseur. Let the notes of leather and currant dance across your palette while enjoying summer sunsets across the beautiful landscape.
Going back to school has never been so fun than at Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery in Eaton. Listen to live music on summer weekends while you sip on the Roberts Red, a dry red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Make your way to Merry Family Winery in Bidwell and sip their Sauvignon Blanc while you take in the stunning, country scenery. Stroll through the vineyard before taking a seat on the airy patio to catch up with friends and enjoy the balmy evenings. Take a deep breath of clear, open air at Laurentia Vineyard & Winery in Madison. Amble around the pond before cozying up fireside with a glass of their Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
Rhonemus Cellars
Baltic Mill Winery
Laurentia Vineyard & Winery
Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery
Roll On
Any river town needs a namesake riverboat, and Cincinnati has just that in a modern sternwheeler that recalls the days when steam-powered boats chugged up and down the Ohio River. As a part of the BB Riverboats fleet based in Kentucky, the diesel-powered Belle of Cincinnati hosts themed events, lunch and dinner cruises, and regularly scheduled excursions against the backdrop of Cincinnati’s skyline. Belle of Cincinnati has three climate-controlled decks and an open-air top deck for soaking in the sun. Boards at 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, Kentucky 41071, 800/261-8586, bbriverboats.com
Drawn In: Rachel Dominguez-Benner of Dayton uses traditional screen-printing techniques to turn her original artwork into kitchen towels, bags and cards
National Treasure: Archibald Willard painted several depictions of “The Spirit of ’76,” and a three-story museum in the Ohio town where he lived shares his story.
Drawn In
Rachel Dominguez-Benner uses traditional screen-printing techniques to turn her original artwork into kitchen towels, bags and cards that she sells under the name Rachel DB Creative.
Ask Rachel Dominguez-Benner for two words that describe her work, and she’ll tell you that “practical” is the first, with “beautiful” running a close second. In 2014, she and her husband moved to Dayton from Portland, Oregon. Four years later, she found herself craving a creative outlet, so she enrolled at Penland School of Craft in Bakersville, North Carolina, with a focus in yardage screen printing — the process of repeating the same pattern over lengths of fabric.
Today, under the name Rachel DB Creative, Dominguez-Benner sells kitchen towels, tote bags, napkins, greeting cards and other products that display her original illustrations.
“We’re so separated from the hands that actually make almost all of the goods that we use in our lives,” Dominguez-Benner says. “I’m not just sourcing these from the Internet. These are my illustrations, my drawings I’ve done.”
The towels are her bestsellers, and she is particularly fond of her native plant line featuring images of purple coneflowers, royal catchflies and swamp milkweed.
“Now I’m really looking around me and seeing what is blooming when,” Dominguez-Benner says. “[I’m] hoping to get that inspiration right as it’s happening.”
She begins by sketching a miniature version of her design and then draws it full size on poster paper. She then puts a blank screen on top of the sketch, leaving a little space, and traces the design with blue drawing fluid. If she is using multiple colors, each hue gets its own screen. Once the fluid dries, she covers the piece with screen filler and sprays it with water. All the spots that had the drawing fluid rinse out, leaving bare screen so the ink can pass through.
Although you can buy her towels and other products online, Dominguez-Benner loves meeting customers in the real world. She’s at Dayton’s Oakwood Farmers Market on Saturday mornings during the season, as well as at makers markets in Columbus and Cincinnati. (Look for her “misfits bin,” filled with items that didn’t quite pass quality assurance, heavily discounted at $5.)
“They can be hung up as art, or they’re actually a really useful thing,” Dominguez-Benner says of her towels. “It helps people get art into their everyday lives.”
— Kelly Larson
For more information, visit racheldb.com.
National Treasure
Archibald Willard painted several depictions of his now-iconic “The Spirit of ’76,” and a three-story museum in the Ohio town where he lived shares his story.
Three figures standing shoulder to shoulder march across a gray landscape.
A cloud of fog billows behind them, shrouding soldiers and the faint outline of an American flag. Two of the subjects tap on drums while the third plays a small woodwind instrument. The trio serves as the centerpiece of “The Spirit of ’76,” one of roughly a dozen similar paintings created by artist Archibald Willard between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
As a teenager, Willard moved to the Ohio town of Wellington, where he worked as a painter for local carriage and furniture companies. His skills as an artist evolved over time, leading him to amass a large body of work, including the first rendition of “The Spirit of ’76.”
It began as a sketch of the Brighton Drum and Fife Corps, which Willard originally titled “Yankee Doodle.” However, a Cleveland art dealer suggested that he make the painting more patriotic to have an entry into the centennial celebration in Philadelphia in 1876. Today, the original painting is housed in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
Willard went on to re-create his original painting several times, including the one now prominently displayed at The Spirit of ’76 Museum in Wellington. Based on his-
torical descriptions, it is believed that the painting once belonged to our 18th President Ulysses S. Grant, who Willard served under during the Civil War.
“[Each painting] is considered an original because he does something different,” says Tim Rolfe, president of the Southern Lorain County Historical Society, which oversees operations for The Spirit of ’76 Museum. “No two are alike.”
The three-story museum, which opened in 1968, is built around Willard’s body of work and contributions from the commu-
nity. In addition to “The Spirit of ’76,” the museum houses dozens of other works by the artist, many of which were donated.
In addition to displaying Willlard’s art, the museum pays tribute to local and regional history. There are thousands of pieces on display, ranging from personal belongings to Native American artifacts, each sharing a personal story of individuals or families in the area. — Erin Finan
201 N. Main St., Wellington 44090, 440/647-4367, thespiritof76museum.org
FASCINATING OBJECTS FROM OUR PAST
William Huston Williams was born in Portsmouth, and at the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in the 39th Ohio Infantry at Camp Colerain and Camp Dennison near Cincinnati.
Williams and the 39th saw considerable action as part of the Army of the Mississippi, before winding up their service alongside William Tecumseh Sherman in Atlanta.
After being discharged, Williams returned home, where he worked as a painter and contractor, until his health began to fail. Williams had several stays in the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Sandusky, where he died and was buried in 1915.
This 32-inch sword was one of many like it imported by the Union and marked for Clauberg, a renowned manufacturer of edged weapons in Solingen, Prussia (now Germany). This is typical of presentation swords, which were of a higher quality than the standard service weapons, and they
officer’s family or friends. Williams’ sword was presented to him by his neighbors.
$5,015 SOLD
Hollie Davis is a co-owner of Meander Auctions in Whipple, Ohio.
— Hollie Davis
River Roots
A lifelong rower, Eric Dowler heads up Marietta’s Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival, an annual summer event that celebrates adventure in this Ohio River community by offering organized outdoor experiences.
Since being asked by a friend in high school to fill a spot on the rowing team, Eric Dowler has had a love for being on the water. Growing up along the Ohio River, the native of Parkersburg, West Virginia, attended Marietta College, and after finding a sense of community and a shared appreciation for the outdoors, he moved to Marietta permanently.
Having now lived there nearly half his life, Dowler serves as president of the Harmar Rowing Club and, in 2017, he was appointed director of the Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival (Aug. 6 through 9). Marietta Adventure Co. co-owners Ryan Smith and Hallie Taylor created the event in 2010.
“The festival is designed fully to be enjoyed by any person,” Dowler says. “Whether you’re a cyclist that does century rides, or you’re a paddler that does miles and miles, or you’re brand new to any kind of physical activity; whatever age you are, we have an event for you.”
Attendees can explore the area through the roughly more than 75 organized activities, including cycling, paddling, yoga and trail runs. We talked with Dowler about the meaning behind the festival and his personal passion for outdoor recreation. — Erin Finan
Why did rowing connect with you and why has it remained important to you?
A: I grew up literally on the Ohio River in West Virginia, so out the front door down the hill a little bit is the river. So, I’ve always been around water ever since I was born. … That’s why I have such a love for the water in the region — just understanding how much rowing has shaped me as a human and helped get me to the places I’ve gotten now, and the travels I’ve been able to do because of it as well.
Why do you think rivers, trails and the outdoors sit so squarely at the heart of the Marietta community?
A: You can look at it different ways. [One is] being out in nature, enjoying God’s creation, if it’s on the water or the hills of the area, that’s just good for your body and for your soul. … Marietta is [also] the first settlement of the Northwest Territory, so that pioneering spirit [that settled] the area, I think that spirit and that community has just continued … and we’re here just picking it up and keeping it going.
What would you tell someone unsure about whether this festival is for them?
A: I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody that has showed up to attend or do some of the events and just simply not been happy. So, I would encourage anybody that’s reading this, if they have just even one ounce of an interest in any of the events you might see as part of this festival, just go out and try it. … It’s going to be a very positive, happy experience.
For more information, visit rtafest.com.
Eric Dowler grew up along the Ohio River in West Virginia. He has been director of the Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival since 2017.
DATEBOOK
America 250-Ohio
Signature Homecoming & Picnic
Columbus: July 4
Celebrate the Fourth of July at three destinations across our capital city during this patriotic event. The day begins at 11 a.m. with a cannon firing, vintage baseball, live music and historical reenactors on the grounds of the Ohio Statehouse. Then, throughout the afternoon, visitors can head to the Ohio Theatre for free performances, movie screenings (including “Cars” and “Forrest Gump”) and educational presentations. The day of festivities concludes with an evening performance by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at Columbus Commons, featuring classic tunes, special guest performers and a fireworks show. capa.com
Calendar of Events: Your summer plans start here. Check out our guide to festivals, shows and other happenings scheduled between now and the end of August.
Infinity & Beyond: Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms have captivated viewers for decades. One is coming to the Cincinnati Art Museum this summer.
“ALL THE ETERNAL LOVE I HAVE FOR THE PUMPKINS,” YAYOI KUSAMA
DATEBOOK INFINITY
Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms have captivated viewers for decades. One is coming to the Cincinnati Art Museum this summer.
By Lainey Novak
Stepping inside Yayoi Kusama’s “All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins,” visitors enter a dark, mirrored room where glowing yellow gourds with black polka dots seem to recede into the distance. Reflections bounce across every surface, surrounding those who enter the space with a kaleidoscopic pattern of infinite repetition.
Infinity Mirror Rooms have been captivating art lovers and casual viewers alike since the renowned Japanese artist unveiled her first one in 1965. Titled “Infinity Mirror Room—Phalli’s Field,” that installation featured mirrored walls and a floor covered with hundreds of white stuffed tubes with red dots.
The first mirror room created by Kusama in over two decades, “All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins” opened at the Dallas Museum of Art in 2017 and is part of the museum’s permanent collection. It is on loan for the Cincinnati Art Museum exhibition, which runs July 17 through Oct. 18. After more than six decades of making them, Kusama’s signature creation remains a distinctive art experience for viewers.
“There is an urgent need around us to create community and define joy and to use experiencing art as a healing and connective thread,” says Ainsley M. Cameron, director of curatorial affairs and initiatives at the Cincinnati Art Museum. “Kusama’s work can do that.”
While waiting for their timed entry to the Infinity Mirror Room that serves as the centerpiece of “All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins,” exhibition visitors can view a dozen acrylic-on-canvas works Kusama made between 1990 and 2004. The paintings depict one of the artist’s quintessential symbols: pumpkins, which she has described as a form of self-portraiture. Two visitors at a time enter the Infinity Mirror Room for just 1 minute, 30 seconds, providing a personalized moment within the installation.
“I think the Infinity Rooms are this really sort of awe-inspiring moment that you have — that you’re connecting with Kusama’s work,” Cameron says. “There are so many different aspects to her practice … [It] really helps you to understand who she is as an artist.
953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati 45202, 513/721-2787, cincinnatiartmuseum.org
&BEYOND
DATEBOOK
North Ridgeville Corn Festival
North Ridgeville: Aug. 7–9
There is nothing more quintessentially Ohio than sweet corn in the summer. Whatever way you like your corn prepared, you can probably find it at a stall lining Bainbridge Road during the North Ridgeville Corn Festival the second weekend of August.
The tradition started in 1975, as the Lorain County city was looking to hold a celebration for the United States’ bicentennial the following year. John Butkowski answered the call to form a committee and with the area’s long history of corn farming, his idea was clear.
“I suggested to the group that maybe we have a corn festival … it could be a fun thing,” recalls Butkowski, president of the North Ridgeville Corn Festival. So, they held the first one in 1975 and had just 13
vendor booths, but Butkowski says it was well attended. Today, the North Ridgeville Corn Festival (Aug. 7 to 9 this year) offers three days packed with vendors, live entertainment and, of course, corn.
The festival committee sells locally grown sweet with a secret method of preparation that comes from an Amish community in southern Ohio. Other stalls sell grilled corn, popcorn and Mexican street corn.
Instead of a traditional fireworks display, the festival kicks off on Friday with a show featuring 100 glowing drones that form animations in the sky. Saturday starts with a classic car show in the morning and the ever-popular corn-eating contest in the afternoon. The festivities close out on Sunday with the mile-long Grand Parade.
“It’s a way to bring the community together and give people a great time without asking them to spend a lot of money,” Butkowski says. — Lainey Novak
7565 Avon Belden Rd., North Ridgeville 44039, 440/218-9802, nrcornfest.org
Coshocton Sunflower Festival Coshocton: Aug. 8, 14–16, 22
Brighten your summer with a visit to the Coshocton KOA Holiday campground. The main weekend is Aug. 14 through 16 and features sunflower and zinnia picking, live music, a wine and beer garden, craft vendors and U-Pick opportunities. A family day is scheduled the weekend prior (Aug. 8) and features tie-dyeing and ceramic painting, while an America 250-Ohio celebration concludes the festivities the final weekend (Aug. 22) with a day themed around the Coshocton County Fair. coshoctonsunflowerfestival.com
music
Voice of America Country Music Fest
West Chester: Aug. 6–9
Prepare for four days of legendary country music at Voice of America MetroPark. A powerhouse group of more than 20 musicians gather to perform throughout the weekend, including headliners Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton and Jordan Davis. Plus, take time to explore the festival grounds and enjoy a variety of food and drink vendors. voacountry musicfest.com
Theater
Pippin
Columbus: Aug. 6–30
Follow along with the journey of a young prince on his quest for greatness. This four-time Tony Awardwinning musical features a score from Stephen Schwartz. Audiences follow Pippin as he learns that fame and glory isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and that sometimes true happiness is found in simple moments. capa.com
CALENDAR
JULY
Central
FESTIVALS
JULY 11–12
Columbus Book Festival
This festival hosts more than 200 authors, author talks and panels. Check out Indie Author Alley and the Festival Marketplace with vendors, entertainment and food. Main Library and Topiary Park, 96 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, 614/6452275. columbusbookfestival.org. Free. Visit website for times.
JULY 29–AUG 9
Ohio State Fair
The Ohio State Fair returns. Explore the new imAGine agriculture exhibit and Shaping Ohio showcase. Plus, enjoy live music, the butter cow, livestock shows and more. Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, 888/646-3976. ohiostatefair.com. Visit website for times and prices.
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
THRU AUG 16
East of the Pacific: Making Histories of Asian American Art
Organized by important moments in Asian American history, this exhibition spans the mid19th century to present day. “East of the Pacific” reframes the geography of the United States as west of the Atlantic, shifting viewers’ perception of works by Asian American artists. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614/221-6801. columbusmuseum.org. Visit website for times. Visit website for prices.
MUSIC + THEATER
JULY 17–18
Cody Johnson
Cody Johnson brings his brand of modern country rooted in tradition and highlighted by songs from “Banks of the Trinity.” Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, 614/246-2000. nationwidearena.com. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JULY 18
LeAnn Rimes with the Columbus Symphony
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of her debut album “Blue,” LeAnn Rimes showcases her powerful vocals and wide-ranging repertoire in this performance with the Columbus Symphony. Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JULY 18
Wilco
With a catalog spanning 13 studio releases, Wilco remains a live powerhouse known for dynamic performances. Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices.
Leslie Odom, Jr.
Known for his role in “Hamilton” and acclaimed work across film, television and Broadway, Tony and Grammy Award-winning performer Leslie Odom Jr. comes to Columbus for a one-nightonly evening featuring a fireside chat and a special musical performance. Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. , Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. 5:30 p.m. $167
OTHER EVENTS
JULY 4
America 250-Ohio Columbus 4th of July Celebration
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with music, food, games, movies, patriotic moments and more. The event will be capped off with a performance by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (a free ticket is required) and fireworks. Ohio Statehouse grounds, Ohio Theatre and Columbus Commons, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, 43215, 614/469-0939, america250-ohio.org/ picnic, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Free.
State Regions
Because dates, times and locations are subject to change, please call ahead to confirm all details before traveling. For a more complete listing of events, visit ohiomagazine.com/events.
To submit event information, visit ohiomagazine.com/submit. Events must be submitted at least 8 weeks in advance. Include the date, cost, address of the event, phone number and website, as well as a brief description of the event. Events are published on a space-available basis; however, all events submitted 8 weeks in advance appear on ohiomagazine. com/events.
Some listings were written with the help of AI. Listings with photos are paid for by advertisers. Email us at adsales@ohiomagazine.com for more information on enhanced listings.
Northeast
FESTIVALS
JULY 3–5
The 180th Trumbull County Fair
Enjoy truck and tractor pulls, a rodeo and a demolition derby, along with a variety of food, vendors and more. Trumbull County Fairgrounds, 899 Everett Hull Rd., Cortland, 330/637-6010. trulytrumbull.com. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. $3–$14
JULY 11
65th Annual Valley City Frog Jump Festival
Frogs jump individually from a marked parachute starting point with distance measured after three jumps. Winners advance to a championship jump-off to determine the Grand Champion and longest jump awards. Mill Stream Park, 1200 Maple St., Valley City, valleycity.org/frogjump. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.
JULY 18
Willoughby ArtsFest
This festival features over 170 artists from across the region. The event includes food, music, a kids studio, wine samples and more. Downtown Willoughby, 440/942-1632. willoughbyartsfest. com. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
THRU JULY 5
Manet & Morisot
Explore the artistic exchange between Édouard Manet and Berthe Morisot, tracing their 15-year relationship through paintings and works on paper that reveal collaboration, influence and contrasting perspectives. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/4217350. clevelandart.org. Tues., Thurs., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.– 5 p.m., Wed., Fri. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Visit website for prices.
THRU SEPT 7
Glass in Flight 2
Experience a vibrant outdoor exhibit where luminous glass takes flight across Kingwood’s historic gardens. Alex Heveri’s “Glass in Flight 2” soars with over 40 stunning sculptures. Kingwood Center Gardens, 50 N. Trimble Rd., Mansfield, 419/522-0211, kingwoodcenter.org
THRU SEPT 20
DinoTrek
See 30 dinosaurs on display at the Akron Zoo and learn about the adaptations dinosaurs used to protect themselves. Many of the dinosaurs in the display are animatronic. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, 330/375-2550. akronzoo.org 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $11–$21
THRU OCT 18
Driving Forces:
The Lincoln Highway Journey
The nation’s first coast-to-coast highway runs through Ohio . This exhibition explores the significance and history of the Lincoln Highway and how it shaped our nation. Massillon Museum,
121 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, 330/833-4061. massillonmuseum.org Visit website for museum hours. Free
MUSIC + THEATER
THRU NOV 5
Ohio Star Theater Presents Elijah: Prophet of Fire
Follow the story of Elijah as he stands against the most wicked rulers of Israel and leads people from all walks of life in this original stage production. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39 NE, Sugarcreek, 855/344-7547. dhgroup.com/ events/elijah-prophet-of-fire Visit website for times. $49.95–$70.94
JULY 2
Greggie & The Jets Concert
Experience the unforgettable energy of Greggie and The Jets as they bring Elton John’s hits to life for an evening of music, wine and vineyard ambiance in The Pavilion. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000, gervasivineyard.com. 8 p.m. $31–$41.
JULY 9
Thurston Howell: Yacht Rock Concert
Cruise into an unforgettable evening of music as Thurston Howell delivers the ultimate yacht rock soundtrack, featuring classic hits from the ’70s and ’80s. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St. NE Canton, 330/497-1000, gervasivineyard.com, 8 p.m. $31–$41.
OTHER EVENTS
JULY 17–18
720 Market & Taco Party
Always in Season?
IT’S A SHORE THING
Experience Shores & Islands Ohio, a year‑round destination just a short drive away. Immerse yourself in culturally diverse events. Take a ferry ride to a Lake Erie island. Indulge in local cuisine, from upscale to casual, even dine by the lakeside. Enjoy quaint downtowns and interactive museums. Explore miles of serene trails and beaches that showcase the beauty of the changing seasons in the region. Plan your trip and find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com
The beloved 720 Market Taco Party returns to
Port Clinton, OH
Hoover Park at Walsh University in North Canton for another two-day, family- and pet-friendly shopping fiesta. Walsh University Hoover Park, 1875 E. Maple St., North Canton, eventsby720. com. Fri. 4–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free.
Northwest
FESTIVALS
JULY 14–19
Summer Moon Festival
This festival celebrates Neil Armstrong with events throughout town, including live music, food trucks, contests and a large vendor market. Venues throughout the city, Wapakoneta, 419/738-2911. summermoonfestival.com. Visit website for information. Free
JULY 17–19
Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest
This festival features hot air balloons, balloon glows, tethered rides, live entertainment, Heritage Day celebrations, food vendors, family
activities and pyro-musical fireworks. I-75 & Turnpike Exit 64, Rossford, 855/765-5451, rossfordbff.com. Fri. & Sat. 5–11 p.m. Sun. 2– 10 p.m. Free
JULY 24–26
Celina Lake Festival
This three-day celebration along the shore of Grand Lake St. Marys in downtown Celina features fireworks and live entertainment as well as the Amphicar Swim-In and a Cruise-In with more than 250 cars. Downtown Celina, Lake Shore Drive, Celina, celinalakefest.com. Visit website for times. Free
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
THRU AUG 28
Birds in Art: Devotion & Decadence
From delicate hummingbirds to soaring eagles, birds have long inspired human imagination. This exhibition invites viewers to explore birds as symbols of spirituality and objects of consumption. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, 419/255-8000. toledomuseum.org. Visit website for museum hours. Free
OTHER EVENTS
JULY 15
Paddle & Groove: Dustin Dale Gaspard
A band performs from a pontoon boat as participants paddle along by kayak or canoe. International Cove at Glass City Metropark, 1505 Front St., Toledo , 419/407-9700. metroparks toledo.com. 6–7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.
Southeast
FESTIVALS
JULY 25–26
Frankfort Sunflower Festival
This event includes a car show, kiddie tractor pull, games, live music, 5K race, sunflower contest, cornhole tournament, pie auction and craft tent. Downtown Frankfort, Springfield Street, Frankfort, sunflowerfestival.net. Sat. 8 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Free.
MUSIC + THEATER
THRU SEPT. 7
Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama
Experience the thunder of galloping horses, impressive battle scenes and breathtaking storytelling under the stars during Ohio’s legendary outdoor drama experience. Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, 866/775-0700, tecumsehdrama.com. 8 p.m. $35–$75.
JULY 17
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives Country Music Hall of Famer Marty Stuart’s career reflects a deep commitment to preserving country’s legacy. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/731-5152. peoples banktheatre.com. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JULY 25
Rick Springfield
The legendary ’80s rocker performs an acoustic show. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/731-5152. peoplesbanktheatre. com. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.
OTHER EVENTS
JULY 18
Ross County’s America 250-Ohio Homecoming and Picnic
The Muffins and the Worthingtons vintage baseball teams face off using 1860 rules at this community picnic. Adena Mansion and Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, 740/253-1067. visitchillicotheohio.com. Noon–4 p.m. Free.
Southwest MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
AUG 8–NOV 26
Unfolding Elegance: European Fans from the Taft Collection. Featuring sumptuous decoration and beautifully detailed paintings, the nine 18th-century fans
in this exhibition represent the pinnacle of fanmaking in Europe and a level of craftsmanship that was unrivaled in later periods. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Cincinnati, 513/241-0343. taftmuseum.org. Visit website for times. Visit website for prices.
MUSIC + THEATER
JULY 8
Jack Johnson
Multiplatinum recording artist Jack Johnson brings his North American Surfilmusic Tour to Cincinnati. Marking his first return to the road since 2022, Johnson’s summer tour celebrates a new era of music, film and environmental connection. Hermanos Gutiérrez opens the show. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, 513/232-5882. riverbend.com. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JULY 10
Bob Dylan
The icon returns to Cincinnati joined by openers Lucinda Williams and The John Doe Folk Trio. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, 513/232-5882. riverbend.com.
7 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JULY 16
Trampled By Turtles
Formed by Dave Simonett, this group’s sound is rooted in bluegrass, folk, and rock influences. Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners open the show. Rose Music Center at the Heights, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, 937/610-0288.
rosemusiccenter.com. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JULY 19
Harry Connick Jr.
With a celebrated career marked by Grammy and Emmy awards and Tony nominations, Harry Connick Jr.’s artistry shines through his deeply personal recordings. Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, 937/296-330. fraze.com.
7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JULY 19
John Mellencamp
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer will perform many of his most beloved songs in a single evening. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, 513/232-5882. riverbend.com.
8 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JULY 21
Sarah McLachlan
Three-time Grammy Award-winner Sarah McLachlan presents an evening of deeply personal songs and lush pop-rock sounds. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, 513/232-5882. riverbend.com.
7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JULY 25
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
The six-time Grammy Award winner brings his acclaimed songwriting to the stage, showcasing songs marked by thoughtful, heartfelt, and sometimes brutal honesty. Rose Music Center at the Heights, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber
Heights, 937/610-0288. rosemusiccenter.com. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JULY 25–AUG 2
Carmen
The fiercely independent Carmen lives and loves on her own terms. When she sets her sights on Don Jose, a straitlaced soldier, he quickly unravels, abandoning everything for her. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/241-2742. cincinnatiopera.org. Visit website for times. Visit website for prices.
JULY 28–AUG 1
Orpheus and Euridice
The Cincinnati Opera presents this intimate interpretation of the timeless Greek myth. Orpheus loses his beloved Euridice too soon and is granted one impossible chance to bring her back from the underworld. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/241-2742. cincinnatiopera.org/orpheus. Visit website for times. Visit website for prices.
OTHER EVENTS
THRU DEC 31
Ohio: Wild at Heart
The Buckeye State is packed with natural beauty, and this uplifting film explores our parks and waterways. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Pkwy., Dayton, 937/275-7431. boonshoft.org. 3 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JULY 24
Forest Bathing
This evidence-based practice from Japan quiets the mind and gently re-wakens your senses through slow walking, soothing nature-based readings, moments of stillness and poetry. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1659 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 513/868-8336. pyramidhill.org. 6–7:30 p.m. $25–$35
AUGUST
Central FESTIVALS
AUG 8
Grove City Town Center Bourbon & Spirits Festival
Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or just looking for a lively summer day out, the Grove City Town Center Bourbon & Spirits Festival is
for you. Grove City Town Center, Town Center Park, 3359 Park St., Grove City, 614/539-8762, visitgrovecity.com. 1–10 p.m. Visit website for prices.
AUG 13–15
Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival
Celebrate over 60 years of tradition at the Tomato Festival. Enjoy three days of live entertainment, food, unique contests, family-friendly fun, local vendors and festivities honoring the Birthplace of the Tomato. Huber Park, 1640 Davidson Dr., Reynoldsburg, 614/322-6819, reytomatofest.com. Thurs.–Fri. 4 –10 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Free.
AUG 22–23
Festival Latino
This free, family-friendly event celebrates community with two days of children’s activities, music, food, fashion, art and dance from the heart of Latin America. Columbus Commons and the Ohio Theatre, 160 S. High St., Columbus, festivallatino.net. Noon–7 p.m. Free.
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
AUG 1–OCT 9
Metamorphosis
The Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery presents the exhibition Metamorphosis curated by Tracy Longley-Cook, featuring 12 Ohio Artists exploring the complex and layered nature of change. Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery, 77 S. High St., Columbus, 614/644-9624, riffegallery.org. Tues. –Fri. noon –5 p.m. Free.
MUSIC + THEATER
AUG 2
Barry Manilow
Fans can expect an evening to remember as the renowned Grammy-, Tony- and Emmy-awardwinning songwriter performs a show filled with timeless hits and incredible showmanship. Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, 614/246-2000. nationwidearena. com. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices.
AUG 14 Zac Brown Band
The multiplatinum-selling, Grammy Awardwinning Zac Brown Band brings its electrifying live show and genre-crossing musicianship to the stage. Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, 614/246-2000. nationwidearena.com. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices.
AUG 14–16
Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival
The Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival returns to the city’s historic downtown, bringing a free, three-day celebration of live music, visual arts, artisan vendors, food and community. Downtown Mount Vernon, 740/507-0193, mvmaf.org. Visit website for times. Free.
AUG 15
Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers
The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and pianist performs music spanning his celebrated career, from “The Way It Is” to newer material from his forthcoming album, “Indigo Park.” Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St.,
Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. 8:30 p.m. Free
AUG 23
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
This action-packed spectacle features Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, Gunkster and the new Skelesaurus. The show also includes freestyle motocross and a transforming robot. Special pre-show experiences are available. Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, 614/246-2000. nationwide arena.com. Visit website for times and prices.
OTHER EVENTS
AUG 8
Black Men’s Wellness Day
Join us in Columbus for Black Men's Wellness Day, a movement for healthier lives. Enjoy free screenings, family activities, entertainment and community while taking charge of your health. Long Street Business Association, Long Street and Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, 614/5459890. aawellness.org. 7 a.m.– noon. Free.
Northeast
FESTIVALS
AUG 15–16
Props and Pistons Festival
Experience two high-flying days of family fun. Enjoy air shows, historic aircraft, classic cars, hands-on activities, food vendors and aviation excitement for all ages. Akron Fulton Airport, 1210 Massillon Rd., Akron, flyohio.org, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. $6.32–$25.40.
MUSIC + THEATER
AUG 1
The U.S. Bee Gees
This tribute band re-creates the classic look, feel and sound of the Bee Gees in their prime, performing a full catalog of hits. Brothers Todd Pitts and Greg Pitts perform alongside their nephew Adam Ignacio. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39 NE, Sugarcreek, 855/344-7547. dhgroup. com. 7–9 p.m. $39
AUG 15
A Neil Diamond Tribute
Experience the sounds of Neil Diamond from tribute performer Keith Allynn. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39 NE, Sugarcreek, 855/3447547. dhgroup.com 1 & 7 p.m. $35.
AUG 24
Motley Crue
The classic rockers perform hits from throughout their career. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 333/9208040. blossommusic.com. 6:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.
OTHER Events
AUG 1
Beach Party and Fireworks at the Lake
Celebrate summer with fireworks over the lake, live music, food trucks and a foam party at the beach. Charles Mill Lake Park, 3431 St. Rte. 430 Mansfield, 419/368-6885, mwcd.org. 2–10:30 p.m. $15 per carload.
AUG 5-9
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Enshrinement Weekend
Enjoy live music, interactive exhibits, tailgatestyle games, food and drink vendors and activities for fans of all ages. Pro Football Hall of Fame, 2121 George Halas Dr. NW, 330/456-8207, profootballhof.com. Free.
AUG 15
America 250 Celebration and Ox Roast
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the Smithville Ox Roast. This cherished tradition gathers the community together around deli-
METAMORPHOSIS
CURATOR: TRACY LONGLEY-COOK
Smithville Park, Park Drive, Smithville, 330/669-2311, thevillageofsmithville.com/
Streetsboro’s Annual Brew & BBQ Bash features live music, craft brewers, award-winning barbecue, food trucks, vendors, kids activities, grill-master competitions and more. Streetsboro City Park, 8970 Kirby Lane, Streetsboro, 330/ 221-6291, cityofstreetsboro.com. Noon–7 p.m. Free (tickets must be purchased for sampling).
Lehman’s Classic Car Show
Explore Lehman’s in Kidron, Ohio, where there’s always something to see, shop for and experience. Lehman’s, 4779 Kidron Rd., Dalton, 800/438-5346, lehmans.com, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Free for spectators, $10 to register your car.
Northwest
FESTIVALS
AUG 21–29
Allen County Fair
Since 1851, the Allen County Fair has been the premier showcase for agriculture in west-central Ohio. Allen County Fairgrounds, 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, 419/228-7141. allencofair.com. 7 a.m.–11 p.m. $10
MUSIC + THEATER
AUG 5
Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters
Founded by Billy Bob Thornton and J.D. Andrew, this band blends influences from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Big Star and cosmic country traditions. Valentine Theater, 410 Adams St., Toledo, 419/381-8851. valentine theatre.com/events. 6:30 p.m. $58–$103.
AUG 15
Liverpool Legends:
The Complete Beatles Experience
Personally curated by Louise Harrison, sister of George Harrison, Liverpool Legends celebrates
the music and legacy of The Beatles. Marathon Performing Arts Center, 200 W. Main Cross St., Findlay, 419/423-2787, mcpa.org. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.
AUG 22
Koe Wetzel
Performing during the Allen County Fair, this Texas-based singer-songwriter has earned a following for songs that mix country, rock, hiphop and ’90s grunge. Allen County Fairgrounds, 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, 419/228-7141, allencofair.com. 8 p.m. $50–$105
Southeast FESTIVALS
AUG 6–9
Rivers, Trails & Ales Festival
This festival is a down-home celebration of paddling, road and mountain biking, and fine local ales in a top Ohio destination for outdoor adventure: Marietta. East Muskingum Park, 300
Front St., Marietta, 740/373-5178, rtafest.com. Visit website for times. Free.
AUG 21
BeachFest: Yacht Rock Edition
This year, Beachfest welcomes Monsters of Yacht from Nashville, Tennessee, who will take audiences on a journey through the ’70s- and ’80s-era of yacht rock. Downtown Chillicothe, 1 N. Paint St., Chillicothe, downtownchillicothe. com. 6:30–9:30 p.m. Free.
AUG 22
Beverly-Waterford Sweetcorn Festival
This all-ages festival features Witten’s sweet corn, family activities, contests, delicious food, and live entertainment that celebrate community spirit and summer fun. Dodge Park, 4 St. Rte. 339, Beverly, 740/373-5178, facebook.com/ Beverly.Waterford.Ohio. 4–9 p.m. Free.
AUG 8–15
Ross County Fair
This year’s fair promises to thrill the children, entertain adults and feed the masses. This
event showcases several acts that are sure to please fairgoers young and old. Ross County Fairgrounds, 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe, 740/775-5083. rosscountyfair.com. Visit website for times. $5–$25
MUSIC + THEATER
AUG 9
G. Love & Special Sauce
This Philadelphia trio performs songs from the ”Lemonade” album alongside fan favorites from across its catalog, delivering the grooves, bluesy guitar work and distinctive style that have defined the group's career. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/731-5152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. 7 p.m. $42.50–$69.
AUG 20
Steve Earle
The singer-songwriter brings his masterful storytelling and celebrated catalog to the stage. A protégé of Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, Earle is a legend in his own right. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/731-5152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. 8 p.m. $37–$103
AUG 23
Home Free: Highways & High Seas Tour
Enjoy an evening of upbeat pop hits, country and western standards, and great harmonies. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/371-5152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. 7–9 p.m. $52–$132
Southwest
FESTIVALS
AUG 28–29
Clifton Gorge Music & Arts Festival
Enjoy two days of back-to-back live music, displays of artworks, food and craft vendors, activities for the kids and a beer tent. Don’t miss the cruise-in Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Clifton Union School, 100 North St., Clifton, 937/342-2175. villageofclifton.com Fri. 4–11 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Free
MUSIC + THEATER
AUG 9
Goo Goo Dolls
The Goo Goo Dolls perform the hits that ushered them to fame in the 1990s. Rose Music Center at the Heights, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, 937/610-0288. rosemusiccenter.com. .7:30 p.m. $68.50–$118.50
AUG 27
Tim McGraw
The three-time Grammy Award-winning superstar brings his 2026 North American Pawn Shop Guitar Tour to town, joined by special guests 49 Winchester and Timothy Wayne. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, 513/232-5882. riverbend.com. 7 p.m. $45–$298
AUG 28
Brothers Osborne
Known for blending country, rock and soul, John and TJ Osborne deliver powerful vocals and standout musicianship.. Rose Music Center at the Heights, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, 937/610-0288. rosemusiccenter.com. 8 p.m. $38.50–$68.50
AUG 30
ZZ Top
For more than five decades, ZZ Top has delivered its signature blend of blues-driven rock, sharp songwriting and unmistakable style, from early classics like to chart-topping hits. Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, 937/296-330. fraze.com 7:30 p.m. $70–$109.
OTHER EVENTS
AUG 1
Down a River, Down a Beer
Choose from over 100 craft beers, while enjoying food trucks, a silent auction, entertainment and more along the Great Miami River. Downtown Piqua, 919 S. Main St., Piqua, 937/7739355, downariverdownabeer.com, 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Visit website for prices.
FARM & TABLE
Comfort & Charm
Located in Dayton’s Oregon District, Lily’s serves tasty fare and fun cocktails in a colorful setting filled with personality.
Tucked into a century-old, labyrinthine building at the western end of Dayton’s hip Oregon District, Lily’s epitomizes what makes the city’s culinary scene so much fun: The food here is delicious, and there’s a total lack of pretentiousness in the dining experience.
“It’s like going to your quirky friend’s house down the street with the best thrifted or vintage decor,” says Sara George Roseberry, assistant general manager at Lily’s. “There’s a basis in Southern hospitality in our service, drinks and food.”
Gold Stars: Mustard is a must when it comes to summer cookout season. These two longtime Ohio-made brands should be in your refrigerator.
Tiki Underground, Cuyahoga Falls: Sean and Jessie Coffey’s downtown spot transports patrons with strong drinks, tropical flavors and Polynesian-inspired decor.
CHICKEN AND WAFFLES
FARM & TABLE
The back courtyard patio, with its weathered brick walls and greenery, makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a cafe in the French Quarter. Emily Mendenhall and her family opened Lily’s in 2013 after a few years living in New Orleans. (When Emily moved on in early 2026, her brother Nate took over.) Meals at the bistro are always best started with an order of beignets, which are inspired by those offered at New Orleans’ famed Cafe du Monde.
The menu at Lily’s is simple but thoughtful. Overseen by kitchen manager Olivia Feior, it includes Southern classics like shrimp and grits, as well as typical pub favorites like cheeseburgers, but also sees rotating items come and go, such as Japanese pot roast with yuzu glaze. The restaurant’s fried chicken has developed a bit of a following, and it can also be found on the brunch menu in the form of chicken and waffles. The kitchen also offers as many vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options as possible.
“We always say, no matter what, it’s just dinner, but it is dinner,” Roseberry says of the service staff’s attentive but relaxed vibe. “It may be as simple as dinner with a partner or celebrating an anniversary, but these are memories you’re including us in.”
The bar program, run by bar manager Jaime Heck, features a rotating list of local craft beer and a thoughtful wine list, but the focus is on the eclectic and always-changing cocktail list. There’s an emphasis on older
drink recipes, biased toward tiki classics.
“We always work to be fun and fanciful with our cocktails,” Roseberry says.
Finally, be sure to check out the 70-footlong, exterior mural featuring portraits of 100 cats on the building’s western side. Tiffany Clark organized a team of artists to paint the portraits, which were commissioned by locals who paid to have their felines immortalized. (Money raised went to local animal organizations.) It’s one more colorful and unexpected detail of this quirky establishment. — David Nilsen
329 E. Fifth St., Dayton 45402, 937/723-7637, lilysdayton.com
Gold Stars
Mustard is a must when it comes to cookout season. These two Ohio-made brands should be in your refrigerator.
Mister Mustard
Woeber’s got its start making mustard in 1905, but it wasn’t until 1949 that the Springfield-based company unveiled its hot Mister Mustard. The stone-ground brown mustard is packed with secret spices that set it apart. We love it for dressing hot dogs and sausages during cookout season, but don’t just take our word for it. In 2018, acclaimed French chef Eric Rippert named Mister Mustard as his favorite American mustard in a Wall Street Journal article woebermustard.com
Bertman Ball Park Mustard has long been associated with baseball in Cleveland. Still, some swear by Authentic Stadium Mustard as the real deal. Both are sold in stores today, and the split identity was born of an early 1980s dispute with the company that did retail distribution for the mustard that Joseph Bertman invented in the 1920s. When you go to Progressive Field, you’ll find Bertman Ball Park Mustard. bertmanballparkmustard.com
Shrimp and grits (above); Lilly’s tropicalinspired dining room
Bertman Ball Park Mustard
Tiki Underground, Cuyahoga Falls
Sean and Jessie Coffey’s downtown spot transports patrons with strong drinks, tropical flavors and Polynesian-inspired decor.
Husband-and-wife duo Sean and Jessie Coffey caught the tiki bug in 2017.
For them, the cure was opening Tiki Underground, a Polynesian-inspired dive bar originally located on the border of Hudson and Boston Heights. The couple moved the bar to Cuyahoga Falls in 2023, and the new space transports patrons to the interior of a fictional ship adorned with grass skirting, hand-carved Witco furniture and nautical netting.
Sean Coffey says his interest in tiki culture began while decorating his basement bar at home. A Google search led him to Don the Beachcomber, a Hollywood bar that opened in the 1930s soon after Prohibition ended. The establishment melded strong rum drinks, tropical vibes and immersive decor into the tiki bar culture we know today.
“I found this whole world of tiki. Thousands of people follow [it],” he says. “They still, to this day, have conventions and get-togethers. … It’s an entire universe on its own.”
Tiki Underground’s drink list spans over 25 cocktails while also including draft beer, wine, spirits and alcohol-free options. Bartender Travis Bergman’s lineup includes classics like the Kahiki Kai (a drink from Frankie’s Tiki Room in Las Vegas that is made with coconut rum, coconut cream, banana spirts and pineapple with a dark rum float) and the Tropical Itch (a 1957
Hilton Hawaiian Gardens favorite featuring bourbon, rum, orange curacao, passion fruit, pineapple, lemon and a dark rum float). Then, there’s the Luau Scorpion Bowl, a 1958 concoction made with rum, gin, orange, lime, brandy and orgeat syrup. It’s meant to be split between two to four people and arrives at the table on fire.
“We’re not just rum; it’s rum, bourbon, tequila,” Coffey says of Bergman’s ability to merge a variety of spirits into a tasty result. “He’s got a very inventive way of making cocktails, and they turn out incredible.”
Because the drinks here are seriously strong, be sure to order from chef Justin Collins’ menu at the on-site One Bite Kitchen. Collins’ tiki bar-inspired fare ranges from panko-crusted Crab Rangoon Mozzarella Sticks to Tiki Tots to the customer-favorite Luau Sandwich (slow-roasted Kalua pork with jicama slaw and pineapple on a pretzel bun). — Kelly Larson
1832 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls 44221, 234/380-5398, tikiunderground.com
Nothing says summer in the United States quite like baseball, fireworks and ... you guessed it. Make these hot-dog joints part of your travel plans.
By
James Bigley II, Jason Brill, Nicholas Dekker, Erin Finan, Vince Guerrieri and Kristina Smith
Scooter’s World Famous Dawg House
MENTOR
This popular summertime spot offers 24 specialty dogs in three different sizes and piles of fries sure to feed everyone in your crew.
This hot dog joint near Mentor Headlands State Park has been serving summer-season visitors since 2000. Just be forewarned when you order the fries: Of the five size options available (Tiny, Jr., Small, Medium and Family), each will probably net you more fries than you expected — not that we’re complaining.
“The family fry could easily feed 20 people,” says Emily Blauman, who has owned Scooter’s since 2022. “It’s a ton of fries, and it’s memorable. … It’s just wild how many fries we go through a day.”
Over the course of an entire season, Scooter’s goes through 85,000 to 87,000 pounds of potatoes, Blauman notes. They are hand-cut daily, often by a team of two, to get those larger-than-life fry orders out the door.
The fries ride along with the nearly 500 hot dogs Scooter’s serves each day the sun is shining. The restaurant offers 24 specialty hot dogs, available in three sizes: Short (standard quarter pound), Long (footlong) and the Homewrecker (footlong, half pound).
If you like heat, go with the Flame Dog. Created by Blauman’s brother (a former owner who bought the place from Scott and Diane Hagara in 2016), the dog is topped with nacho cheese, ranch dressing, jalapeños and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Other favorites include the LA Dog (a bacon-wrapped dog with ketchup, mayonnaise, grilled onions and peppers) and the Chicago Dog (yellow mustard, tomato, dill pickle, relish, onions, cucumber, celery and jalapeños). 9500 Blackbrook Rd., Mentor 44060, 440/3548480, scootersworldfamousdawghouse.com
Village Coney, COLUMBUS
Among the menu of burgers, sandwiches and gyros, Village Coney diners find a smallbut-mighty offering of coney dogs. When the place is called Village Coney, you should order the namesake, right? That’s a safe bet at this neighborhood spot in Columbus’ German Village. For over a decade, the place has dished out inexpensive and easyto-love coney dogs dowsed in mustard, onions and chili. The rest of the hot dog roster takes you on a journey across America, including New York City for mustard, onions and sauerkraut; and Cleveland for a Polish sausage topped with fries, barbecue sauce and slaw. 418 E. Whittier St., Columbus 43206, 614/445-9633, villageconey.com
Mr. Gene’s Dog House
CINCINNATI
Mr. Gene’s Dog House specializes in a Cincinnati staple, just not the one you’re expecting. The hot dog stand slings a Chili Cheese Mett (short for mettwurst), a German-inspired pork sausage with a satisfying snap. Topped with chili that’s not as sweet as Cincinnati’s namesake style, cheese and onions, the mett comes in mild or hot spice levels. The Reuben Dog, topped with pastrami and sauerkraut, is another must-have at this walkup window. Gene Kuester opened the place in 1962, and his family runs the stand today with the help of longtime employee Zerita Andrew, who has worked there since 1966. 3703 Beekman St., Cincinnati 45223, 513/5417636, mrgenesdoghouse.com
You might not think hot dogs and burlesque go together, but at O’Betty’s Red Hot in Athens, the two concepts collide in a way that makes total sense once you walk through the door. Owner Bob Satmary opened this hot-dog joint on the college town’s West State Street in June 2003, and it’s been a go-to for an easy lunch, dinner or latenight bite ever since.
“The hot dog itself has been around since the turn of the 20th century, and it’s part of Americana,” Satmary says. “Burlesque is pretty much an American phenomenon too. So, I was like, ‘Oh, they blend together.’ ”
The decor at O’Betty’s isn’t that of your typical hot dog stand. Rather, it feels like stepping into a moody speakeasy, with soft red lighting, beaded drapes and photographs of burlesque stars evoking old Hollywood glamour. Head father into the restaurant and the atmosphere changes as you enter the Hot Dog Museum.
Along the walls surrounding the dining tables, Satmary displays a collection of hotdog artifacts and memorabilia that he either collected himself or that have been donated to the restaurant. Items include vintage hotdog cookers from various decades, as well as tchotchkes like hot-dog phones, clothing, toys, radios and soap.
The menu is equally as eccentric with roughly a dozen hot dogs named for burlesque dancers. The toppings for each are inspired by regional hot-dog styles from across the United States. The Dixie offers a classic dog topped with chili sauce, cheddar cheese, onion and mustard. Other favorites include the Blaze (topped with bacon bits and creamy coleslaw) and the Varla (bacon bits, coleslaw, horseradish and 1000 Island dressing). Customers can substitute a veggie dog if they so choose.
“Everybody can relate to a hot dog, no matter how much or little money you make, and no matter where you’re from.” Satmary says. “Hot dogs have been part of your life.” 15 W. State St., Athens 45701, 740/589-6111, obettys.com
FULLY DRESSED
Located in the college town of Athens, O’Betty’s Red Hot showcases an unlikely pairing: hot dogs and classic American burlesque.
LOADED UP
Happy Dog in Cleveland offers the chance to build your own creation from a list of more than 50 toppings that range from mild to wild.
At Happy Dog, everything is on the table, and you’ll never run out of toppings. This neighborhood bar has operated under Sean Watterson’s leadership since 2009, and the popular Cleveland spot has more than 50 mix-and-match toppings on the menu — from house-made sloppy joe to a sunny-side-up fried egg to bourbon pork-n-beans.
“If you try out a combination of flavors and don’t like what you ordered, it’s not the end of the world,” Watterson says. “You can get another hot dog under $10 and try out something else.”
Can’t make up your mind? Don’t worry. You can choose one of the predetermined options, like the “Killer” Kilbane Dog. It’s smothered in a neon green “alien” relish, house-made crunchy peanut butter and sriracha.
“Never in a million years would I have even considered that combination,” Watterson says with a laugh. “But if you think it through, it’s like a Thai peanut sauce that’s offset by the sweet and sour of the relish.”
Happy Dog encourages first-timers to ex periment with different combinations. And, yes, technically you can get a hot dog with all 50 toppings, but we suggest you think twice before going whole hog.
“We don’t charge extra and it’ll take time for our chefs to put it together,” Waterson says. “But they’ll make you pay by loading it up with our hottest hot sauce.”
If you want a plain, old run-ofthe-mill hot dog, you can have that, too. Or, test out some of the toppings that are also available on the tots and fries until you find a combination you like.
“We’ll always have bacon, chili and onions — the stuff you expect to put on a hot dog at a hot-dog place,” Watterson says. “But we’ll also never get rid of Froot Loops or SpaghettiOs because people have come to know us for that.” 5801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland 44102, 216/651-9474, happydogcleveland.com
How Toledo Invented the Hungarian Hot Dog
Tony Packo innovated this now-legendary creation during the Great Depression to serve tasty eats while also being able to keep them affordable.
The Hungarian hot dog was invented in Toledo. It may seem far-fetched but it’s true.
“I don’t think you can get a Hungarian hot dog in Hungary,” says Lindsey Bond, executive director of Tony Packo’s. (In fact, the Hungarian ambassador visited the Toledo restaurant in 1973 and said there was nothing like it in his native land.)
Tony Packo’s namesake, the son of Hungarian immigrants, opened his restaurant in Toledo’s Birmingham neighborhood, not far from where he grew up, during the Great Depression. At just 10 cents, his sandwiches — made using a spiced Hungarian sausage called Kolbasz — outpriced his customers. So, he split the sausage in half, put it in a hot dog bun, topped it with chili sauce and called it a “Hungarian hot dog,” even trademarking the name. The innovation has sustained the restaurant ever since.
“We’re serving the same recipe that Tony created, 94 years later,” Bond says.
The seasoning for the sauce remains the key to the hot dog’s appeal. Although it’s not public information, Bond will give one hint: “We’re Hun-
garians, so we’re big fans of paprika.”
The restaurant and its fare (it’s also notable for its chicken paprikash and beanless chili) were merely a local treasure until the 1970s, when Tony Packo’s became famous for two things: The first was its collection of autographed hot dog buns (starting when Burt Reynolds, in a local theater production at the Masonic Auditorium, came for dinner and signed one).
The second was its on-screen fandom by Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger, a character played by actor Jamie Farr on the hit television series “M*A*S*H.” Like Farr, Klinger was a Toledo native, so the actor got the name of his hometown spot worked into several episodes during the show’s run.
Today, Tony Packo’s original Front Street location is dotted with “M*A*S*H” memorabilia, but fans will get a chance to see even more this summer, as a new museum is opening on the restaurant’s second floor.
“There’s a ton more history to Tony Packo’s that I think people aren’t aware of,” Bond says. Tony Packo’s original location: 1902 Front St., Toledo 43605, 419/691-6054, tonypackos.com
Hot Dog Shoppe WARREN
Greg Vojnovic bought this landmark Trumbull County spot from founder Paul Trevelline, who opened the place after returning from World War II.
This old-school restaurant’s spinning sign, which was installed on the roof of the Hot Dog Shoppe in the mid-1970s, hasn’t moved recently. The mechanism that makes it rotate and light up broke in 2025, but that hasn’t stopped the faithful from finding the place.
Senate at Holiday Liquor Bar
CINCINNATI
Chef Dan Wright gave the hot-dog list from his former restaurant the greatest-hits treatment at this walk-up service window.
The original Senate restaurant closed in 2021 to make way for Dan and Lana Wright’s Abigail Street. But in a postpandemic world, demand for grab-and-go late-night food inspired them to carry over their greatest-hits list of gourmet hot dogs to the Holiday Liquor Bar in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood
“I’ve always been in pursuit of great hot dogs,” says Dan Wright, who grew up in Chicago. “We wanted to do something fun and do different riffs on the hot dog compared to what else was out there.”
You’ll find a service window tucked at the back of the bar and a takeout window on West Liberty Street. Both offer four varieties of all-beef hot dogs every day but Monday. Dan’s favorite for first-timers remains the Trailer Park dog with bacon, American cheese, coleslaw and crushed Grippo’s potato chips for a hot-and-spicy crunch. The Spuds McKenzie piles on french fries, sour cream, beer cheese, scallions and bacon. There’s a fifth rotating option available only on weekends.
“Sometimes we’ll bring back old favorites like a Korean dog with braised short rib, house-made kimchi and spicy mayo,” Wright says.
“It’s really up to whatever the kitchen crew is feeling that day. One time, we used crab rangoon as a topping, and it worked.” 1538 Race St., Cincinnati 45202, 513/818-9020, senatepub.com
“It’s like the Bat Signal,” says co-owner Greg Vojnovic, who bought the shop, along with locations in East Liverpool and Girard in 2021. He credits the longevity of the Warren location to general manager Annette White, who has worked there for over 40 years. Vojnovic bought the Hot Dog Shoppe from the family of Paul
Trevelline, who opened it in 1946 after fighting in World War II, and they keep it as original as possible. The Hot Dog Shoppe still uses the same local suppliers such as Massillon-based Sugardale for hot dogs, and Youngstown’s Schwebel’s Bakery for buns, and potatoes are hand-cut daily for the french fries. The smoky dogs have a slight char and are served on warm, soft buns.
Order like a pro and ask for a “sauce dog,” which is what locals call the chili dog. The all-beef chili is somewhere between a Cincinnati-style sauce and hearty chili, making it an ideal topping for the dogs, according to Vojnovic.
“Hot dogs are uncomplicated, and you feel comfortable while you’re eating one,” Vojnovic says. “We can’t fix your day, but we can make it a little better.” 740 W. Market St., Warren 44481, 330/3957057, hotdogshoppe.com
FRANKLY SPEAKING
Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace has grown into a Columbus phenomenon, with five locations, stands at two major stadiums and a menu of tasty creations.
When Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace opened in 2009, it quickly became a Columbus favorite for creative hot dogs. The downtown space feels like a dive bar and overflows with colorful decorations and cartoonish renderings of rock stars and art on skateboards.
Locals flock here for the tater tots, mac and cheese, Frostop root beer on tap and an expansive, often-kooky roster of creative hot dogs. Over the years, Dirty Frank’s has expanded to five Columbus locations, a food truck and stands at two major stadiums.
“I like to tell people that it’s not a hot-dog place, it’s a hot-dog palace,” says Miriam Ailabouni, who co-owns Dirty Frank’s with her husband, Nick.
It’s hard to argue with that, when you can order the Classy Lady (crushed potato chips and cheese sauce), the Ohioana (sweet-corn relish and celery salt) or the Pittsburgh Princess (fries, slaw and malt vinegar). Although meat is front and center, there are hot dogs for everyone.
“We pride ourselves on being able to serve every palate: vegetarian, vegan, if you love meat, you’re gluten free,” Ailabouni says. “We’re always so happy we can seat and serve a group of people with a variety of dietary restrictions.”
Ailabouni’s personal pick is The Westside, Bestside, decked out with bar cheese, cheddar cheese, brown mustard and pretzel bites. She also points customers to the Doginator, a bacon-wrapped dog topped with brisket, onion rings, cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce.
So, what’s the continuing draw of hot dogs? Ailabouni says she believes it thanks to how the food has become a core part of American life over the years, from baseball games to birthday parties.
“It’s a part of our culture, it’s a part of every celebration,” she adds. “I’ve never had a hot dog at an event where I’m not supposed to be having fun.” Downtown: 248 S. Fourth St., Columbus 43215, 614/824-4673, dirtyfranks.com
How the Coney Became a Cincinnati Favorite
It all started with the beginning of Cincinnati-style chili in 1922, but it didn’t take long for the city’s signature creation to show up on a hot dog.
For more than a century, Cincinna ti chili has been a way of life in the Queen City of the Midwest, and for almost that long, so has the Cincinnati coney.
Three brothers from Macedonia (the coun try, not the town in northeast Ohio) — John, Tom and Argiro Kiradjieff — opened Empress Chili in 1922, selling a variation of saltsa kima a Mediterranean stew notable for its cinna mon-forward mix of 18 spices.
“It’s based on the spices of the Levant,” says Dann Woellert, who’s literally written the book on the topic, The Authentic History of Cincinnati Chili
Its most popularly served over spaghetti, but it didn’t take long before the chili found a home on hot dogs, and then took its current form of a dog topped with chili and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
“In 1932, a customer said put some cheese on it, and that’s been the most popular version of the [Cincinnati] coney,” Woellert says.
But it’s not the only version. Without the cheese, it’s a Naked Coney. If you add mustard and chopped onions, it’s an Original Coney.
Chili, across the Ohio Riv er in Newport, Kentucky, has an Alligator Coney served with a pickle spear. In the fall, you can get an Oktoberfest Coney with a white bratwurst, topped with chili and sauerkraut, and Camp Washington Chili has a Hot Mett Coney that uses a local spiced sausage.
Empress Chili opened in a corner of Cincinnati’s Empress Burlesque House, and for years, the business model for most chili parlors was to be located near a the-
Tasty Dawg
COLUMBUS
Sitting along High Street in downtown Columbus, this spot just across the street from the Ohio Statehouse plies hungry patrons with chicken sandwiches, mac and cheese bowls and the real house specialty: hot dogs. Like the historic theaters nearby, Tasty Dawg announces itself with bright letters on top of a curving marquee. Owner Mark Boughton (known as “Teddybear”) bought the hot dog joint from its original owners in 2023. Traditionalists will love Sweet Teddy’s Coney Dog with Boughton’s coney sauce, diced onions and yellow mustard. Or maybe a piled-high chili cheese dog with a housemade beef chili, brown mustard, onions and cheddar is more your speed.107 S. High St., Columbus 43215, 614/962-6967, trytastydawg.com
ater, with some even taking the name of the theater. There are a few independents left, Woellert says, but the two main Cincinnati chili-parlor chains remain Skyline and Gold Star.
“Most people have a fond memory of growing up near one and going there after high school football games or family events,” he says. “Chili parlors are a special place to Cincinnatians. It’s ingrained in our psyche, and we’ll defend it to the last.”
George’s Coneys and Gyros
GROVE CITY
George’s Coneys and Gyros has been a central Ohio staple since 1948, starting first in Columbus on West Broad Street before moving a couple times and finally settling on Old Stringtown Road in Grove City. Owner Dawn Mavromatis, whose father-in-law purchased the restaurant from founder George Petropoulos, now oversees the coney shop. Generations of customers have passed through the doors, all drawn by classic coney dogs topped with house-made coney sauce, onions and mustard. Diners can also layer dogs with colby jack cheese or slaw. 2396 Old Stringtown Rd., Grove City 43123, 614/539-4976
CHILI DOG CENTRAL
Netty’s Famous Chili Dogs have been a Toledo tradition since 1978, with five locations across the city and one in Marblehead.
Even on a rainy Friday night, customers line up at Netty’s Famous Chili Dogs in Marblehead. Couples, dads and daughters dressed for a school dance and dog walkers alike wait patiently outside the service window for Netty’s beloved, secret-recipe chili dogs, french fries and ice cream.
Most Friday nights (and most nights in general, especially during the spring and summer) have been like this as long as Tammy Bartzen can remember. Bartzen, who started working at Netty’s when she was in eighth grade at Danbury Local Schools across the street, co-owns the Marblehead Netty’s with her husband, Joe.
Bartzen learned the business from the original Marblehead Netty’s owner, who was a good friend of Al Netterfield, the man who started the franchise in Toledo in 1978. Netterfield and his
wife owned the popular Netterfield’s Famous Fish & Chips before retiring. They decided to convert their restaurant to a seasonal business that would close in the winter. So, Netterfield took his family’s chili-dog recipe, added root beer and ice cream to the menu and began opening Netty’s stands across Toledo. Today, there are five locations in the city and one in Marblehead.
“The chili dogs obviously are the most popular,” Bartzen says. “They’re made with a family-owned recipe from the [Netterfield] family in Toledo. They make the sauce there and ship it to us.”
The recipe for the chili-dog sauce is such closely guarded secret that even Bartzen doesn’t know it. Ice cream is also popular at the various Netty’s locations across the region, and the Marblehead spot is the only Netty’s that has french fries.
“We have chili cheese fries,” Bartzen says. “The people go crazy for our fries. They’re always hot and fresh when you get them.” 9410 E. Harbor Rd., Marblehead 43440, 419/798-5050, nettys.com
Rudy’s Hot Dog TOLEDO
Rudy “Uncle Rudy” Poturedes opened Rudy’s Hot Dog in 1920, and the Toledo favorite now has five family-owned franchises.
When Rudy “Uncle Rudy” Poturedes started his Toledo hot-dog stand in 1920, he served the American classic topped with his family’s secret-recipe chili sauce. More than a century later, Rudy’s Hot Dog’s five family-owned locations throughout Toledo still use that same recipe in their wildly popular Rudy Dog, a coney-style, steamed beef-and-pork hot dog served on a steamed bun and topped with mustard, onions and chili sauce.
Dog Daze
Gourmet Hot Dogs
CANTON
Since 2011, Peter Schiller has run Canton’s Dog Daze Gourmet Hot Dogs like a pit stop for adventurous hot dog connoisseurs. His menu of 24 all-beef hot dogs pull inspiration from cross-country travels. The Texan holds a heaping portion of spicy chili, jalapeños, onions and sour cream to offset the heat, while the newest dog is a milder, funky take on the Chicago. The JYD Junk Yard Dog melts Swiss cheese with chunks of tomato, pickle, grilled onions and, of course, celery salt. 5808 Fulton Dr. NW, Canton 44718, 330/497-3647
“It’s actually handwritten and kept in a safe,” Mara Dionyssiou, great-niece of Uncle Rudy and owner of the Rudy’s on Alexis Road, says of the family’s chili sauce recipe. “We were making it by hand back in the day and when I was a young girl and still in college. My dad and my cousins would go into the commissary and make the sauce for all the restaurants.”
Today, Rudy’s uses a company that has perfected making the sauce for them, but the recipe remains a secret to which the family stays true. The restaurants also serve King Dogs, which are all-beef dogs made any way the customer likes.
“I have pride in making them and making them correctly,” Dionyssiou says, “the perfectly steamed bun and perfectly steamed dog.”
Even though Rudy’s locations are individually owned, Dionyssiou says each franchisee has a long history with the restaurant.
“Pretty much everyone’s been working at Rudy’s since we were young in some way shape or form,” she says of the various franchise owners. “Everyone takes pride in their own location.” 3208 Alexis Rd., Toledo 43613, 419/471-9159, rudyshotdog.com
Hometown Hot Dogs
MILLERSPORT
This lone Ohio outpost of a small chain that started in West Virginia opened in 1998 and today still has a dedicated following of regulars, according to owners Jacob Schmidt who bought the sit-down spot with his fiancée, Alanna Gabriel, in 2023. Hometown Hot Dog’s go-to choice is the West Virginia Dog served with onions, mustard and coney-sauce-style chili topped with creamy coleslaw. The chili, which is made in house using a spice blend sent monthly by the franchiser in West Virginia, is available in mild, medium or hot. It has a peppery kick without being overpowering, especially when paired with the tangy coleslaw. 12031 Lancaster St., Millersport 43046, 740/467-1310
Where History Presides
Ohio’s courthouses tell a story of our state’s growth and evolution but also one of the communities where they stand.
By Vince Guerrieri
Muskingum County Courthouse, Zanesville
For one legislative session, from 1810 to 1812, the Muskingum County seat of Zanesville supplanted Chillicothe as Ohio’s capital. The building that served as the state capitol during those years later became the Muskingum County Courthouse. It was added onto in 1833, but even before the Civil War, it was determined a new courthouse would be needed. A 1869 fire made it a necessity. Construction of the new courthouse was not without controversy though, from arguments over its site to
questions of the lack of local employment on the project. Architect Harry Myer, who had previously designed the Stark County Courthouse and would also design courthouses in Licking and Athens counties, embraced the French Second Empire style for the building’s design, most notably its mansard roof. Construction began in 1874, with the cornerstone laid the following year.
The courthouse is notable for being one of the first buildings to use American-made ceramic tile, a product for which Zanesville would become famous.
County officials moved into the courthouse in 1877, and it has withstood threats to its existence over the years, from the Great Flood of 1913 to a 1955 fire, and is still in use today. 27 N. Fifth St., Zanesville 43701
Trumbull County Courthouse, Warren
Even before there was a state of Ohio, there was a Trumbull County. Formed from part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, the county was founded in 1800, but it took another 15 years for its first courthouse to be built. After outgrowing it, the county built a second structure in 1854, but it was destroyed by fire in 1895.
Locals were looking for something more permanent and more majestic, so they turned to La Belle and French, an architectural firm in Marion, Indiana, to design the new courthouse. Its cornerstone was laid on Thanksgiving 1895, and the new building opened in 1897, featuring Amherst sandstone (leading to its nickname “The Rock Palace”), a copper roof, textured rustification, inset turrets, a clock tower and arches that were hallmarks of the Richardsonian Romanesque style.
Wood County Courthouse, Bowling Green
The Wood County Courthouse was born out of an oil boom. Once oil was struck in Lima in 1885, wells popped up throughout northwest Ohio. By the 1890s, Standard Oil alone provided 10 percent of the tax revenue collected in Wood County.
Clearly, a new courthouse was needed in Bowling Green, which had become the county seat in 1868, with offices moving from Perrysburg two years later.
The courthouse was one of three in Ohio designed by Yost and Packard, a firm most notable for its work on Ohio State University’s campus. (It also designed the oversized front porch added to future president Warren G. Harding’s home in Marion.)
The cornerstone was laid for the Richardsonian Romanesque Revival courthouse in 1894, with crowds estimated at around 15,000. The courthouse, which was built with sandstone quarried in Amherst and includes a 185-foot clock tower, opened two years later (and not without controversy, as county commissioners, contractors and the architectural firm were all indicted for corruption and kickbacks).
When the courthouse opened, it was estimated that 30,000 barrels of oil were being taken daily from Wood County — reflected in a courthouse mural showing a field of oil wells, supposedly a view looking south from the train depot in nearby Portage. 1 Court House Square, Bowling Green 43402
“They saw themselves within the county as having this imposing structure that could really make a statement,” says Meghan Reed, executive director of the Trumbull County Historical Society.
The courthouse was at one point home to the city’s library, as well as the local Grand Army of the Republic post and the National Women’s Suffrage Association. It’s also notable for having the largest courtroom in the state, Courtroom #1. Among those who argued there was famed defense attorney Clarence Darrow, himself a Trumbull County native. 161 N. High St. NW, Warren 44481
Williams County Courthouse, Bryan
A county-seat war was brewing as Williams County officials considered the construction of a new courthouse in the late 19th century. Bryan had been the county seat since 1840, but Montpelier was making a push. It was more centrally located, and its case was bolstered by the arrival of the Wabash Railroad in 1881.
The two towns traded lawsuits, and Bryan officials believed the best way to solidify their case for the county seat was to build a new courthouse, even tearing down the current courthouse to build on the same site.
Toledo architect E.O. Fallis, whose works can be seen throughout northwest Ohio today, designed the building, which contains elements of Richardsonian Romanesque and French Baroque styles. The cornerstone was laid in 1889, and construction was completed in 1891.
The brick-and-sandstone building resembles a castle, with its 165-foot-tall clock tower that is visible from outside of town. The central tower, featuring a clock that was refurbished in 1976, is the largest of 12 towers atop the courthouse. Inside Georgian marble was used for the floors and wainscoting, as well as the courthouse’s detailed railings. 1 Courthouse Square, Bryan 43506
Ross County Courthouse, Chillicothe
Chillicothe served as the first capital of Ohio, and its first courthouse, built in its territorial days, held the state’s seat of government. (A replica of that structure was completed in 1940 on Chillicothe’s Main Street, and it is currently used as an office building.)
Ultimately, Columbus became the state’s permanent capital, and Ross County used its original courthouse until the 1850s, when a new one was built, designed by Edward Collins and Charles Autinrieth in the Greek Revival style.
“The idea was to tie the developing American republic to old republics like Greece and Rome,” says Andrew Hall, executive director of the Ross County Historical Society.
The courthouse is like a temple, Hall says, adding that it is unique for its central portion’s large white facade — made from stone quarried from the nearby village of Bainbridge — that includes Corinthian columns and a clock tower, and wings on either side for county offices. (The wings can be confusing to navigate today, Hall notes, because office titles engraved inside the building do not necessarily coincide with what is in those offices anymore.)
“The courthouse really captures a lot of people’s attention and imagination,” Hall says. 2 N. Paint St., Chillicothe 45601
Miami County Courthouse, Troy
During the 1880s, when Miami County was looking for a designer to summon grandeur for its fourth courthouse in Troy, they turned to Joseph W. Yost, who had designed several throughout Ohio individually and with his firm, Yost & Packard.
Yost designed the Miami County Courthouse, which was completed in 1888 at a cost of $400,000, in the Beaux-Arts style, and named it for the French school where it started, L’ecole Des Beaux Arts. The design style is known for its ornamental elements, which can be seen in the courthouse’s raised pediments, Corinthian
columns and grand archway over the main entrance. It boasts a 185-foot-tall dome with a copper statue of Lady Justice atop it and a third-floor rotunda beneath it, as well as smaller corner domes, each topped with statues representing agriculture, education, industry and transportation.
Features inside include encaustic floor tiles, cast-iron stairs, plaster ceilings and polychrome reliefs of busts showing the diversity of mankind. A $6 million, three-year exterior renovation that ended in 1998 saw all seven exterior copper statues renovated. It was, at the time, the largest cast-iron facade restoration ever done. An interior renovation is currently ongoing. 401 W. Main St., Troy 45373
Logan County Courthouse, Bellefontaine
In the early days of Logan County, court proceedings were held in a tavern on South Main Street. But in the late 1860s, as the county was considering its third courthouse — to be built on the site of the second one, in the Bellefontaine town square — something more grandiose was demanded.
“It was the point where people were coming back from the Civil War and realizing the focal point was the courthouse,” explains retired Logan County Judge C. Douglas Chamberlain.
County Commissioners tapped Alexander Koehler, a German immigrant whose architecture work could be seen all over Cleveland. He designed a massive sandstone-andiron structure in the Second Empire style, a a baroque-influenced architecture so named for its origin in the second French Empire. The centerpiece of the courthouse was a massive courtroom, 70 feet wide and 55 feet long, with a 35-foot barrel-vaulted ceiling (another hallmark of Second Empire architecture).
In 2012, a derecho hit Logan County, and the 58-ton clock tower of the courthouse was moved as much as seven inches. County offices were relocated for fear of building collapse, and the courthouse reopened in 2018 following a $16 million renovation that upgraded the courthouse’s utilities while restoring it to its former grandeur. 101 S. Main St., Bellefontaine 43311
Brown County Courthouse, Georgetown
The Brown County Courthouse faced a crossroads after it was set afire early June 18, 1977. (Arson was suspected, but nobody was ever charged.) The courthouse’s interior, roof, stairway and cupola were extensively damaged in a second-floor blaze fought by 11 different fire companies. Was it time to tear down the 127-year-old structure and rebuild fresh? Or was the old courthouse worth saving?
The courthouse, designed by local architect Hubbard Baker and opened in 1851, is the second one that has stood on the square in Georgetown. The first opened in 1824 and lasted for 25 years before commissioners sought a new one.
Baker’s courthouse embraced the Greek Revival style, with white painted brick, Doric columns on the building’s exterior, Greek moldings and a cupola. Two additions were made in 1910 for various county offices and courthouse space and kept with the initial design. The courthouse sustained minor damage in a fire in 1888 (also suspicious), but nothing like the 1977 fire, with a damage estimate of $450,000 (nearly $2.5 million today).
Ultimately, the decision was made to restore the courthouse, and it remains a landmark on the square in Georgetown to this day 101 S. Main St., Georgetown 45121
Party Like It’s
Fifty years ago, our nation decked everything out in red, white and blue and threw a celebration the likes of which haven’t been seen since. As part of its duties that year, the Ohio American Revolution Bicentennial Advisory Committee held a photo contest. Today, a large number of those photos are immortalized in an Ohio History Connection collection that offers a look into how we celebrated 200 years of freedom — 1970s style.
By Jim Vickers
Newman Townsend Jr.’s photo of a stiltwalking Uncle Sam in Dayton’s July 4 parade was among 500 submitted to the Spirit of Ohio Bicentennial Photo Contest in 1976.
The parade in downtown Dayton began at 2 p.m., as bells across the city and the United States rang out, commemorating the time the Declaration of Independence had been signed 200 years earlier in Philadelphia.
Overhead, four F-100 fighter planes, 18 biplanes and a helicopter trailing red, white and blue smoke crossed the sky. The weather that Sunday, July 4, was warm and breezy, providing excellent conditions for the 150unit parade happening on the streets below.
An estimated 300,000 people came to downtown Dayton that day — nearly half of the metro area’s population at the time. They lined the parade route nearly 20 deep in areas. Some leaned out windows and lined rooftops. Others tried to gain a vantage point from the parking garage of downtown’s Rike’s department store.
Dayton Daily News staff writer Maida Odom captured the scene for the July 5, 1976, edition of the newspaper. During her reporting, she encountered Mayor James McGee at the reviewing stand.
“I think the city can be justifiably proud,” he told her. “I can’t remember when I’ve seen this many people downtown for something like this.”
That day, Newman Townsend Jr. took a photograph of a man dressed as Uncle Sam walking on stilts and waving a flag. Three men clad in colonial garb follow as spectators line the route. The image is just one of many that today serve as a window into how we celebrated.
In August 1976, a month after the bicentennial celebration, the Ohio American Revolution Bicentennial Advisory Committee announced a Spirit of Ohio Bicentennial Photo Contest to document “the spirit and character of the people and places which represent Ohio during [the] bicentennial year.”
(Clockwise from top): kids in Yellow Springs; Bingo the dog; July 2, 1976, performance at the McKinley National Memorial; Bicentennial Wagon Train in Cincinnati; Scott Shaffer and Kathy Orr; patriotic boaters at East Harbor State Park
The contest received 500 submissions of which 140 are today documented in an Ohio History Connection online collection. Submissions ranged from a portrait of Bingo (a Cincinnati-based canine dressed in a patriotic hat, scarf and gloves) to a slice-oflife moment of a young girl and a boy from Yellow Springs sharing an umbrella. (He’s wearing a shirt that says, “Your Country Needs Love Too!”)
Another shows the Bicentennial Wagon Train — an only-in-the-1970s idea in which Americans traveled in Conestoga wagons from routes across the country to converge on Valley Forge by July 4 — lined up outside Riverfront Stadium as the procession reached Cincinnati in late May.
Although photos were only required to have been captured within the bicentennial year, many of the submissions were tied to the weekend that included July 4, 1976, which fell on a Sunday.
The 2 p.m. bell ringing that marked the start of Dayton’s July 4 parade was carried out across Ohio and the nation. A photograph by Marcus T. Orr of Columbus shows 13-year-old Scott Shaffer and 14-yearold Kathy Orr preparing to ring the bell at Mount Pleasant United Presbyterian Church, which was built in the Ross County village of Kingston in 1798.
“Proud old bells in Ohio’s rural towns and farms joined others across the nation when the Liberty Bell was rung at 2 p.m., July
4, 1976, in observance of the Bicentennial,” the photographer noted in a caption.
Another image shows a harpist in the foreground with the McKinley National Memorial rising in the background and people filling the steps all the way up to where the structure’s dome rises behind them. Photographer R.C. Bixler captured the moment during the Friday, July 2 concert by the Canton Symphony and Civic Opera Chorus.
The winners of the contest weren’t what one would expect for a year bursting with red, white and blue. The professional category winner was John G. Kenney of Elyria for his black-and-white image of children playing with a parachute.
The amateur top prize went to Roger Graham of Barberton. His artistically framed black-and-white photo of a mural of the Statue of Liberty on a wall next to scaffolding gives the composition just the right amount of under-construction energy.
The nation was, after all, dealing with the aftermath of Vietnam, an energy crisis, the Nixon resignation and a recession, but you wouldn’t know it from the photographs.
We painted things red, white and blue — from covered bridges to steel bridges to fire hydrants. Kids proudly waved flags and decorated their bicycles.
They are all flashes now, out-of-context images that show glimpses of who we were. They do offer clues, though. Sifting through the photos that are often blurry and soft from time — like memories — one thing is clear: We were proud to be Americans.
For more information, visit ohiomemory.org.
A girl waves two flags while walking in the Worthington July 4 parade (left). Kids decorate their bikes in East Palestine (above).
A group of partiers in Trumbull County create an epic bicentennial photo. (below)
TOLEDO
The Glass City celebrates in style this summer with five festivals honoring the region’s heritage, culture and creative spirit. By Kristina Smith
TOLEDO
Toledo Jeep Fest
Fans of the iconic vehicle gather here each summer to celebrate its origins.
When the U.S. military needed a sturdy utility 4-by-4 vehicle for World War II, it turned to the Willys-Overland plant in Toledo. Ever since that first Jeep rolled off the factory’s assembly line in 1941, Jeep and Toledo have been inextricably linked.
Aug. 6-9
Eight-five years later, Jeep remains an integral part of Toledo’s history and identity, as well as a source of pride, as Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators are still made at the Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex.
“So many people who have worked there for years get it and know all of the components that go into one Jeep,” says Whitney Rofkar, organizer of Toledo Jeep Fest. “It’s a huge ecosystem.”
Toledo Jeep Fest celebrates that rich history each summer with three days of festivities regarding all things Jeep, including live music, a Jeep parade, Strongman contest, a kids zone, vendors, food trucks and more. For the Jeep’s 85th anniversary in 2026, the festival is taking over Party in the Park at Toledo’s Promenade Park, featuring a Garth Brooks cover band and a drone show cus-
tomized to Jeep. The festival, which started in 2016, is in its ninth year, having only took a break in 2020.
Last year, more than 100,000 people attended from across the United States and around the world, including Canada, Mexico and Brazil. Some drive their Jeeps from as far as California, Montana and Florida.
“Bringing your Jeep home to where it all started is really special for Jeepers,” Rofkar says. “There’s a camaraderie there unlike any other group I’ve been around.”
One of the festival’s signature events, the Jeep parade sees 1,400 Jeeps drive through
downtown Toledo each year. The rides range from tricked-out and lifted Wranglers and Gladiators to standard Patriots and Cherokees. Visit toledojeepfest.com for more information.
Glass City JazzFest
The city’s jazz history comes to life as this popular event expands to a second day.
Aug. 14: Toledo Zoo Amphitheater
Aug. 15: Glass City Metropark
Since 2021, thousands of people have gathered at Glass City Metropark to celebrate Toledo’s deep jazz roots during the Glass City JazzFest. This year, the festival expands to a day and a half and will include a focus on Toledo jazz legend Art Tatum, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest jazz pianists ever.
“We’re trying to showcase Toledo’s rich history,” says Cheryl Catlin, one of the festival’s organizers. “We like to make sure we showcase different genres in jazz and different instruments and international and regional artists. We’re not just smooth or traditional or contemporary. Every act is different. It brings a different flavor and a different kind of jazz.”
The festival starts Aug. 14 at the Toledo Zoo Amphitheater with performances by nationally known vocalist Lindsey Webster, jazz pianist Bob Baldwin and saxophonist Mike Williams. (The only paid event, tickets are $10 in advance, and $20 at the door.)
The music continues Aug. 15 with free jazz performances from noon to sunset at
RESHAPING THE GLASS CITY
More places to explore. More moments by the water. More of what brings people together.
The Glass City Riverwalk is transforming Toledo’s downtown waterfront into a place where discovery, recreation, and connection happen naturally. With 300 acres of green space upon completion, our riverwalk features year-round events and activations, expanded boat access, and a 1,000 ft. skating ribbon.
There's something for everyone to enjoy. And it's only the beginning.
Glass City Metropark. Performers include British jazz guitarist Chris Standring, jazz duo Minas, singer Michon Young and jazz pianists Johnny O’Neal and Kandace Springs. Food trucks with a variety of cuisine will be on-site, and beer and wine will be available. For more information, visit glasscityjazzfest.com.
German-American Festival
A decades-long Toledo tradition continues with authentic German food, drink and games.
Seven Toledo ethnic clubs joined forces in 1966 to launch the German-American Festival, which has grown into a threeday celebration in Oregon that draws thousands of people to enjoy authentic German food, beer, music, dancing and games.
In 2026, the festival celebrates its diamond anniversary by adding even more to the festivities. The Old-World Bier Garten will feature a curated list of 60 beers, includ-
ing German imports. Grammy-nominated musician Alex Meixner, who is known nationally for his German music ranging from polka to rock played on the accordion, performs Aug. 28.
“He can play anything,” says Mike Willinger, festival chairman. “You have not heard music until you’ve heard him play
rock ’n’ roll on an accordion — like [Ozzy Osbourne’s] ‘Crazy Train’ and songs you didn’t think you could do on an accordion.”
The authentic German food made fresh for the festival include schnitzel and a variety of bratwursts. Attendees can try their hand at German games like Swiss Steintossen (stone-throwing) and Masskrugstem-
Reliable Connections Across
sen (stone-throwing) and Masskrugstemmen (a stein-lifting contest in which participants see who can hold up a liter of beer as long as possible).
“There are two reasons why we’ve lasted 60 years,” Willinger says. “No. 1 is that people enjoy the food, the beer, the atmosphere, the bands ... The second reason is the people who have volunteered and worked at our festival.” Oak Shade Grove, 3624 Seaman Rd., Oregon 43616, germanamericanfestival.org.
Toledo Lighthouse Festival
Fans of the city’s historic structure gather at Maumee Bay State Park for an event supporting its preservation.
Sitting 5 miles from shore, the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse has guided ships through the Port of Toledo and Maumee Bay for more than a century. The self-contained, four-story residence standing atop a crib in the middle of Lake Erie captures the imagination. Perhaps that’s why the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse Preservation Society has been so successful in its efforts to preserve the structure. Each year, the society celebrates
from the East Coast and Ireland. [The Toledo Lighthouse] is so unique and so different that it’s attractive to the lighthouse-loving community.”
If a project to install new dock access is completed on time and weather allows, tickets will be sold for a boat trip to the lighthouse that will take people inside the structure for the first time in a decade.
“We’ve had people begging to go out,” Bihn says. “People just love it.” Maumee Bay State Park, 1400 State Park Rd., Oregon 43616,
Artomatic 419
This art gathering brings novice artists and seasoned creatives together in one place.
For three days in September 2025, 330 artists of every skill level assembled at the Erie Street Market to display their work. There were films, dance groups, bands, musicians, painters, puppetry artists and poets. First timers shared their works alongside seasoned artists who regularly show in art galleries.
The Arts Commission brought the festival back, after it had been gone for almost a decade. (It had previously been held in 2006 and then every other year from 2007 to 2015.) This year, the popular festival, which drew 3,000 people in 2025, returns to the Erie Street Market and is expected to draw even more attendees this time out.
Artomatic 419 is special for members of the public because it allows them to interact with the artists beyond the typical art gallery or museum setting, while the artists have more of any opportunity to discuss and share their work.
“Everyone was just so excited to be the same room with the like-minded people who were just excited to make stuff and show their passions,” says Tess Healy, Artomatic 419 organizer and events manager for The Arts Commission. “There’s a lot of buildup for this year. Folks kind of want to up the ante this year and create new ideas.” For more information, visit theartscommission.org.
Local, national and international concert and theatrical events in our intimate and historic 130 year-old performing arts center.
Local, national and international concert and theatrical events in our intimate and historic 130 year-old performing arts center.
For event listing, rental, and ticket information, call The Valentine Box Office at 419-242-2787 or visit online at valentinetheatre.com.
For event listing, rental, and ticket information, call The Valentine Box Office at 419-242-2787 or visit online at valentinetheatre.com.
400 N. Superior Street, Downtown Toledo
400 N. Superior Street, Downtown Toledo
Stay in the heart of downtown at the Hiltons at Toledo, featuring stylish guestrooms and suites, modern amenities, and onsite dining at Assembly. Steps from Toledo’s top a ractions, including Imagination Station, Fifth Third Field and Huntington Arena.
101 N. Summit St. Toledo, OH 43604
Scan to learn more
GRAVITY’S GREATEST HITS
What starts as a whisper at the top of the cliff ends in a roar below. In between? Pure spectacle — carved through time to its inevitable crescendo. Welcome to wonder.
APPALACHIA
Immerse yourself in Ohio’s 32-county Appalachian region with new stays for outdoor adventurers, connections to U.S. history and tasty food finds. By Jason Brill
WAYNE NATIONAL FOREST
HOCKING HILLS
13178 St. Rt. 664 S.Logan 43138 800-462-5464 explorehockinghills.com
Cascading waterfalls, iconic caves, starlit skies, and small-town warmth. Hocking Hills has it all. Explore iconic state park trails, zip through the forest canopy, and unwind in historic downtown Logan. Ohio’s most breathtaking region is waiting for you.
230 N. Plaza Blvd. Chillicothe 45601, 740-702-7677 visitchillicotheohio.com
Spend the day exploring ancient earthworks, local shops, breweries, and scenic trails before settling in for an unforgettable outdoor drama beneath the stars. With lively summer evenings, great food, and plenty to discover, Chillicothe makes it easy to turn one night into a memorable summer weekend escape.
Stay and play in Coshocton,
432 N. Whitewoman St. Coshocton 43812, 800-338-4724 visitcoshocton.com
Winding roads, rolling hills, rivers and creeks, plus some of the best food in the Midwest - it can all be found in Ohio’s Appalachian Country. Plan your trip today.
627 Wheeling Ave., Suite 200 Cambridge 43725, 740-432-2022 visitguernseycounty.com
From safaris and scenic lakes to Bigfoot and Ohio’s only outdoor passion play, Guernsey County offers attractions where adventure meets imagination—and every visit brings a story to share. Start planning your visit today!
VISIT ATHENS COUNTY
8 W. Stimson Avenue, Suite 100 Athens 45701, 740-592-1819 athensohio.com
We offer outdoor adventures, arts and culture, great food, live entertainment, fun festivals, but most of all we offer a feeling of acceptance. Come experience the hospitality of our friendly community. Visit Athens County, Ohio. “It’s more than a place. It’s a place to belong.”
MAHONING COUNTY CONVENTION
&
VISITORS BUREAU
21 W. Boardman St. Youngstown 44503, 800-447-8201 exploremahoning.com
Summer festivals and outdoor music events await in Mahoning County! We have an exciting lineup of live performances, and fun fairs and festivals celebrating local food, art, entertainment and traditions all summer long. Plan your next summer adventure in the Youngstown area!
COUNTY
124 E High Ave. New Philadelphia 44663 800-527-3387 traveltusc250.com
Big Celebrations! Bold History! Endless reasons to visit! You’ll find it all at TravelTusc250.com. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime anniversary where Ohio’s first settlement rose and the state’s only Revolutionary War for stood. Celebrate America’s 250th in the place that feels like Home!
241 Front St. Marietta 45750, 740-373-5178 mariettaohio.org
Climb aboard the Historic Marietta Trolley Tour and journey through centuries of charm. Explore pioneer history, river views, ancient mounds and Victorian neighborhoods. Knowledgeable guides bring the past to life during this 90-minute narrated ride through Ohio’s oldest city.
APPALACHIA
Outdoors & Nature
Ohio Department of Natural Resources director Mary Mertz describes the state’s Appalachian region as a crescent of outdoor adventure, offering a chance to slow down and appreciate nature. She sees new overnight-stay experiences at The Wilds and Jesse Owens State Park as a way for visitors to more fully immerse themselves in the region.
“We want people to live it and experience it,” she says. “Relaxing, taking it in and appreciating it are things that you might not be able to do with a quick visit.”
For example, the 10 new Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired cabins at Jesse Owens State Park offer 900 square feet of space with amenities such as a full kitchen, gas fireplace, outdoor fire ring, cozy bedding and plenty of natural aura. It’s no coincidence that ODNR drew inspiration from Wright’s Prairie Style, which blends architecture with the surrounding landscape.
Nearby, ODNR also collaborated with
The Wilds safari park, providing funding for its 75-acre Hellbender RV Campground. It has 47 full-service recreational vehicle sites, 26 primitive camping spots, trails, a camp store and more.
Sharing a border with The Wilds is the Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area, which surrounds Jesse Owens State Park. The more
than 54,000-acre wildlife area’s two-story visitor center, which opened in April 2026, features floor-to-ceiling windows, interactive displays and programing about the region’s history and wildlife. From the second-floor balcony, visitors can observe a small herd of bison that roam a pasture nearby, as well as the surrounding wilder-
ness, which had formerly been mined.
“The visitor center is our opportunity to tell the story of reclaiming this former stripmine land,” Mertz says.
Farther south, Wayne National Forest also tells a story of reclaimed lands that were once used for mining and logging. The 244,000-acre forest features 470 miles of trails, including part of the Buckeye Trail, through second-growth forests. Along the Ohio River in Scioto County, Shawnee State Park is home to the Ohio River Campground with 80 full-service sites and a lodge with recently updated rooms and amenities.
U.S. History
The only Revolutionary War-era fort in what would become Ohio, Fort Laurens was built in 1778 as a staging point for an eventual attack on the British at Fort Detroit. Following a nearby ambush, the fort came under a monthlong siege from British and Native American forces during a harsh winter, resulting in an estimated 21 American casualties.
Although the original fort is gone, the
site where it stood in Bolivar is home to a small museum that tells the story of what happened here. Outside, a recently restored Tomb of the Unknown Patriot of the Amer-
ican Revolution serves as the final resting place of one of the fort’s soldiers who was unable to be identified. (A plan to reconstruct a portion of the fort is underway.)
Wayne National Forest features 470 miles of trails (opposite page). Fort Laurens in Bolivar is the site of the state’s only Revolutionary War fort (above).
RIVERS ALES
Rivers, Trails & Ales Festival
August 6-9th, 2026 • Marietta, Ohio
Live Music • Scenic Bike Rides • Scenic Paddling • Craft Brews
With scenic riverfront paths and easy access to hiking, biking, and paddling, Marietta has become a hub for outdoor adventure in southeastern Ohio.
740-373-5178 • MariettaOhio.org • info@mariettaohio.org
“Fort Laurens is our state’s connection to the country’s independence,” says Tracy Britton, Fort Laurens site coordinator. “It’s hallowed ground because American soldiers fought and died here.”
To see another Revolutionary War-era site in Tuscarawas County, visit nearby Schoenbrunn Village in New Philadelphia. It features 16 reconstructed log-built structures and the original cemetery of the village that Moravian missionary David Zeisberger and his Delaware (or Lenape) followers established in 1772 before abandoning five years later.
Along the Ohio River in Marietta sits the Campus Martius Museum, which tells the story of the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory. The museum sits on the site of the original stockade that The Ohio Company built between 1788 and 1791 to serve as a defensive fortification during the Ohio Indian Wars. Today, you can see artifacts such as a Conestoga wagon, items belonging to George Washington and France’s Marquis de Lafayette, as well as the two oldest extant buildings in Ohio: the Rufus Putnam House and The Ohio Company Land Office.
Visit Point Pleasant along the Ohio River in Ripley and see the one-story U.S. Grant Birthplace, where 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant got his start. At the U.S. Grant Boyhood Home and Schoolhouse in nearby Georgetown, visitors can see an animatronic figure of Grant depicted at age 15 and a pair of binoculars he used during the Civil War.
Campus Martius Museum in Marietta (above); Wooly Pig Farm Brewery in Coshocton County (opposite page)
Food & Drink
Casa Nueva in Athens reflect the artsy quirk of the inclusive Appalachian college town it calls home. Using as many ingredients from local producers as possible, the employee-owned restaurant is as popular with locals as it is with Ohio University students.
The menu showcases the region’s produce with past seasonal dishes including the Rampy Deluxe Breakfast (scrambled eggs served with onions, ramps, strawberry habanero salsa and home fries). Try the biscuits and gravy with house-made biscuits and soy sausage gravy. For lunch or dinner, get the enchilada verde made with corn tortillas, cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, onions, local green chilies and your choice of filling.
“It’s topped off with our wildly popular — hands down — verde salsa that we haven’t changed the recipe of in years,” says Grace Corbin, a co-owner of Casa Nueva.
For a classic burger, fries and milkshake combo, head to 360 Burger in Cambridge, near Salt Fork State Park. Serving burgers made with beef from Red Hill Farm, the spot’s smash burger-inspired 360 Burger is a year-round favorite. Stop in monthly for specials such as a burger topped with fried bologna, onion rings and smoky mustard barbecue sauce.
For a taste of the region’s rural side, Wooly Pig Farm Brewery in Coshocton County offers German-inspired beers such as the clean, malty Rustic Helles or a local honey-brewed Honey Bock, in a pastoral setting. Order ahead, and you can take home farm-raised pork products such as bacon, chops or chorizo.
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN CANTON
25. Experience Columbus 26. Explore Ashland
27. Explore Scioto County Visitors Bureau
28. Fayette County Travel & Tourism Bureau
29. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa
30. Glenmoor Country Club
31. GoBus - HAPCAP
32. Grandpa’s Cheesebarn
33. Greene County CVB
34. Hale Farm & Village
35. Hatfield and McCoy CVB (WV)
36. Hiltons and Assembly
37. Hocking Hills Tourism Association
38. Holiday Inn Express NW Akron/Fairlawn
39. Hollywood Casino Toledo (Penn Entertainment)
40. Jefferson County West Virginia CVB
41. Kentucky Dept. of Tourism
42. Kingwood Center Gardens
43. Knox County CVB
44. Lehman’s
45. Louisville Area Chamber of CommerceStark County
46. Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau
47. MAPS Air Museum
48. Marietta, Washington County CVB
49. Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention (WV) CVB
50. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
51. Miami County VCB
52. National First Ladies Library & Museum
53. Nitro Convention & Visitors Bureau (WV)
54. Northfield Park Racino
55. OHIO CAVERNS
56. Ohio Grape Industries (OGIC)
57. Ohio State Fair
58. Paddle The River
59. Putnam County Tourism (WV)
60. Riffe Gallery
61. Ross Chillicothe CVB
62. Sauder Village
63. Sheraton Suites Akron/ Cuyahoga Falls
64. Shores & Islands Ohio
65. Soap Box Derby
66. Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn
67. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
68. StayinAkron.com
69. Stonewall Country Lewis Co. CVB (WV)
70. Summit Choral Society
71. The Scioto Society Inc. - Tecumseh Drama/Haunted Mountain
72. The Summit County Historical Society of Akron
73. Toledo Zoo
74. Travel Butler County, OH
75. Trumbull County Tourism Bureau
76. Tucker County CVB (WV)
77. Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau
78. Uniontown Brewing Company
79. Valentine Theatre
80. Visit Athens County CVB
81. Visit BG (Bowling Green)
82. Visit Canton
83. Visit Cincy
84. Visit Dublin Ohio
85. Visit Greater Lima
86. Visit Grove City (Grove City Area CVB)
87. Wayne County Convention & Visitors Bureau
88. Visit Coshocton
89. Visit Greater Summersville West Virginia
90. Visit Zanesville Muskingum County
APPALACHIA
50 West Brewing Co.’s Chillicothe location offers beer lovers 16 drafts on tap, including year-round favorites such as its American Lager, Coast to Coast IPA and Main Street Amber as well as seasonals. (The spot also offers vodka seltzers and hard lemonade). The full menu of themed burgers inspired by states that U.S. Route 50 passes through, fries, hot dogs and milkshakes keeps the vibe family friendly.
When You Go
NATURE & OUTDOORS
Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area ohiodnr.gov
Hellbender RV Campground thewilds.org
Jesse Owens State Park ohiodnr.gov
Shawnee State Park ohiodnr.gov
Wayne National Forest fs.usda.gov
U.S. HISTORY
Campus Martius Museum mariettamuseums.org
Fort Laurens Museum fortlaurensmuseum.org
Schoenbrunn Village ohiohistory.org
Ulysses S. Grant Birthplace, Boyhood Home & School thelandofusgrant.org
FOOD & DRINK
360 Burger the360burger.com
Casa Nueva casanueva.com
Wooly Pig Farm Brewery woolypigfarmbrewery.com
50 West Brewing Co. fiftywestbrew.com
FROM SPORTS TO ARTS, STARK COUNTY OFFERS EVERYONE
EXPLORE AMERICA’S PLAYING FIELD IN CANTON
Visit Canton, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame! Experience national attractions, learn from beautiful historic sites and museums, discover vibrant art and terrific live music venues, unique shopping and places to stay! visitcanton.com
3. BELDEN VILLAGE MALL
Visit the area’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination! Shop at American Eagle, Chico’s, Pandora, PINK, Sephora, OFFLINE by Aerie, Windsor, Dillard’s, Macy’s, Dave & Busters, and DICK’s Sporting Goods/Golf Galaxy. Dine in the robust food court while you shop. beldenvillagemall.com
1. CANTON ART WALK
Discover downtown Canton through guided public art walking tours featuring murals, sculptures, local history, and creative placemaking. Experience the stories, artists, and culture shaping one of Ohio’s most vibrant arts destinations. CantonArtWalk.com
4. McKINLEY PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM
Explore presidential history, a life-sized Street of Shops, the Hoover-Price Planetarium, live animals, hands-on science in Discover World, changing exhibits in the Keller Gallery, and President McKinley’s final resting place. McKinleyMuseum.org
2. NATIONAL FIRST LADIES LIBRARY & MUSEUM
Discover the First Ladies National Historic Site and Museum in Canton, Ohio—where inspiring exhibits, engaging programs, and powerful stories bring the legacies of America’s First Ladies to life. FirstLadies.org
5. GLENMOOR COUNTRY CLUB
Escape to Glenmoor, where luxury meets leisure. Enjoy our PUBLIC Spa and Hotel, exclusive Stay and Play packages, championship 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course, and premier club amenities— all designed to deliver an unforgettable getaway experience. glenmoorcc.com
CANTON/AKRON
Plan to visit to these neighboring northeast Ohio cities for summer celebrations, a tradition of competition, live music and ways to explore our nation’s history. By Lainey Novak
CENTENNIAL PLAZA, CANTON
CANTON/AKRON
CANTON
Explore the Arts
Take a tour of the city’s collection of public art, watch painters face off during the Creator Games and see an exhibition featuring the work of Ernie Barnes.
Those looking to explore Canton’s collection of vibrant public art can follow ArtsinStark’s online map that guides visitors to 17 public art pieces displayed throughout downtown. Works range from football-themed murals by artists like Paul Collins and Joseph Close to “Morning Breeze,” an abstract aluminum sculpture by artist Jerry Peart.
Those interested in seeing local artists in action can head to the Creator Games host-
“Saxophone Gesso” by Ernie Barnes (above) is part of the Canton Museum of Art exhibition. ”Driving Forces: The Lincoln Highway Journey” (opposite page)
Creator Games take place from 5 to 10 p.m. and are part of the gallery’s Christmas in July party. (Tickets are $40 and include dinner and a beer from Starflyer Brewing Co. A cash bar will also be available.)
On Aug. 18, the Canton Museum of Art opens a new exhibition titled “Good Times — The Artistic Journey of Ernie Barnes.” A professional football player turned prolific painter, Barnes, is well known for his unique portrayal of
MAKERS BAKERS BREWERS GROWERS
CANTON/AKRON
Check Out Live Music
Gather downtown for a summer concert series, check out local talent during the All Love Music Festival and get a ticket to the city’s legendary annual summer concert.
Head to downtown Canton this summer for a live music series at the city’s outdoor amphitheater. The Centennial Plaza Summer Concert Series has seven concerts on its schedule from June to September, with genres and acts for everyone.
“The atmosphere is just electric … it’s just a phenomenal event,” says Wendy Heslink, event manager at Centennial Plaza.
Four of this season’s concerts are ticketed, while the rest are free. Check out country band Parmalee on July 23 (tickets are available for purchase through Ticketmaster) or catch 1980s cover band New Wave Nation for free Aug. 21.
New for 2026, the All Love Music Festival comes to Centennial Plaza on Aug. 15. This free show provides a place for local talent to connect with new audiences. See 11 dynamic northeast Ohio acts, like soul band Apostle Jones and punk rock group Guiche.
The family- and pet-friendly festival is free of charge, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets.
There will also be a bar, local food trucks and other vendors on-site during the event. Celebrate Hall of Fame weekend at the Concert for Legends featuring country star Lainey Wilson as this year’s headliner. Wilson takes the stage Aug. 9 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium as part of a packed weekend of festivities at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
After performances in previous years by huge names such as Nickelback, Journey, Aerosmith and Maroon 5, the Concert for Legends has become a centerpiece of Hall
of Fame weekend. With the Enshrinement Ceremony for the class of 2026 at noon on Saturday, the Sunday concert is the perfect way to end the biggest weekend in Canton.
Sample Local Craft Beer
Take a self-guided tour of the city’s brewery scene at new spots and old favorites that serve creative beers in welcoming taprooms.
The Canton brewery scene is booming with both new additions and mainstays that offer brews for every type of connoisseur. Those seeking distinctive and unique drafts will love Woodshop on Walnut Avenue. A project from Louisville, Ohio-based Unhitched Brewing Co., the brewery focuses on the fermentation of beers in wooden vessels with an emphasis on lagers, saisons and sours.
Woodshop is a part of the Fourth Street Collective, which also houses Deli Ohio and Mike’s Pizza. During the day you can grab a sandwich from Deli Ohio, and, in the evening, Mike’s Pizza serves up New-Yorkstyle pies that go great with beer.
Starflyer Brewing Co., one of the city’s newest breweries, is in downtown’s Canton Arts District. The brewery and taproom
opened in December 2025 with the aim of providing unique craft brews and a social space for the local community.
“We wanted [the taproom] to feel like a cozy living room where you never want to leave — just a hangout with a good vibe” says co-founder Bailey Archer.
Starflyer offers a dozen beers from the crisp and clean Starlager Pilsner to the Shoog Haze Hazy IPA. Archer says one of the brewery’s most popular styles is the Chai in the Sky Spiced Red Ale, which was supposed to be a winter seasonal but has become a mainstay.
When You Go
For more information about these and other destinations in Canton and Stark County, go to visitcanton.com.
All Love Music Festival alllovefestival.com
ArtsinStark artsinstark.com
Canton Museum of Art cantonart.org
Centennial Plaza Summer Concert Series cantonohio.gov
Concert for Legends profootballhof.com
Muskellunge Brewing Co. muskellungebrewingcompany.com
Second April Studios facebook.com/secondaprilstudios
Starflyer Brewing Co. starflyerbrewing.com
Unfused Brew Hall unfusedbrewhall.com
Woodshop facebook.com/woodshopcanton
Other downtown Canton breweries that provide diversity to the local beer scene are Unfused Brew Hall on Third Street and Muskellunge Brewing Co. on Fifth Street. Unfused Brew Hall, which opened in March 2026, blends German-fusion food and an expansive draft list with a friendly and community-oriented vibe.
Muskellunge Brewing Co. describes itself as an old-school brewery with a fisherman’s flair. The award-winning craft brewery produces 12 beers available to drink on tap or in cans. Each beer on its menu is named after freshwater fish or local lakes.
Starflyer Brewing Co. beer (above); Unfused Brew Hall (bottom); Centennial Plaza (opposite page top); Lainey Wilson (opposite page bottom)
CANTON/AKRON
AKRON
Events & Festivals
The All-American Soap Box Derby is an Akron tradition. The Props & Pistons Festival is set for Aug. 15 and 16 (below).
Experience a racing tradition in Akron, get moving at the Props & Pistons Festival and do a double take at the largest gathering of twins on the globe.
Some kinds of fun never get old, and that is especially true at the All-American Soap Box Derby championships July 18. This youth gravity-racing program has been an Ohio tradition since 1933. The Akron championship race is in its 88th year and hosts young racers from as far away as Japan. Spectators can attend the races for $10 to soak in the competitive atmosphere and enjoy the on-site vendors and activities.
“We have a little bit of a festival that goes on outside the actual race. We’ll have entertainment for the kids, like bounce houses and food trucks,” says Dennis VanFossen Jr., president and CEO of the International Soap Box Derby. “Swenson’s will be here serving
their Galley Boys, because you can’t come to Akron without [getting] a Galley Boy.”
Aviation and automobile enthusiasts love the Props & Pistons Festival at Akron Fulton Airport on Aug. 15 and 16. Attendees are treated to aerial shows, aircraft displays and a car and bike cruise-in.
Beyond planes and cars, the Props & Pistons Festival hosts a lineup of local food trucks to feed hungry attendees. Kids at the festival can check out the bounce houses, crafts and educational projects at the free Family Fun Zone hosted by the Akron Children’s Museum.
Akron Zoo
Meet the new friends at your Akron Zoo! Axolotl, mountain lion cubs, saki monkeys and more – there are a lot of new faces. Visit today!
akronzoo.org
The MAPS Air Museum is a nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about history, particularly aviation history, and its impact upon society. Come for the aircraft –Stay for the history!
mapsairmuseum.org
Hale Farm & Village
Hale Farm & Village brings early American history to life while joining America 250 celebrations, honoring 250 years of heritage, community, and storytelling. halefarm.org
Paddle the River
Paddle the river in a single kayak, tandem kayak or a raft. Our paddling options are perfect for all skill levels to embrace nature and make unforgettable memories. Reserve your adventure today!
paddletheriver.com
Brandywine Falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Akron History Center
Akron’s 200-year history is interpreted through historic relics using modern technology. Three floors showcase 62 exhibits, more than 150 artifacts, and 30 flat screen videos, punctuated with striking graphics.
akronhistorycenter.org
Akron Glass Works
Akron’s HOTTEST destination!
Shop for one-of-a-kind glass gifts and decor made in our studio. Try a glass experience workshop. Special events, demonstrations, private parties, custom lighting, stained glass, awards, and unity glass for weddings.
akronglassworks.com
Summit Choral Society
Now registering students in grades K-12 for the Children’s Choir Program. Inspire confidence, friendship and a love of music! Program offering runs September - May. * Full Tuition Scholarships available for qualifying families.
summitchoralsociety.org
Summit Co. Historical Society
Visit the Historic Homes of Mutton Hill (Perkins Stone Mansion & John Brown House) overlooking the City of Akron along the historic Native American portage path and stagecoach route. summithistory.org
CANTON/AKRON
Aug. 7 through 9, head to Twinsburg for the largest annual gathering of multiples in the world during the Twins Days Festival. This event hosts thousands of twins, triplets, quadruplets and other multiples for a celebration of their special sibling bonds.
Multiples from around the globe come to Twinsburg to show off their biological connections by participating in talent shows, look-a-like contests, parades, cornhole tournaments and other twin-focused events. Even if you aren’t a twin, this event is packed with live entertainment, dining options and plenty of good people-watching.
Outdoor Adventures
Explore Ohio’s only national park on foot or by rail, and check out the Akron Zoo’s special summer events for kids and adults alike.
Explore the natural beauty of Ohio’s only national park on the many treks available within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. With over 125 miles of hiking trails,
there is a path for every age and skill level. One of the most popular hikes is the Ledges Trail, a 1.8-mile loop that takes you around a plateau of rock formations. To start, park
at the Ledges Trailhead in Peninsula and refer to the map on the bulletin board near the parking area.
Another popular trail is the Brandywine
Make Your Stay with
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers a full schedule of excursions through Ohio’s only national park, including themed rides.
Akron Zoo
Portage Lakes
Akron RubberDucks
Summit Metro Parks Images Courtesy of Akron/Summit CVB
GREATER AKRON LODGING COUNCIL
CANTON/AKRON
Gorge Loop due to its great views of Brandywine Falls. This 1.5-mile hike begins at the Brandywine Falls trailhead in Sagamore Hills and gains 160 feet in elevation. Take this hike early or later in the day to avoid larger crowds.
Another way to take in the beauty of Summit County’s river valley is aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which hosts several themed events and excursions throughout the summer. On select Fridays, the railroad hosts themed rides during the evenings that features different activities happening in each car aboard the train.
For example, during the July 24 excursion, one car will host a murder-mystery event, while another hosts a floral-arranging workshop, and a third serves up aloha spirit in the form of tiki drinks from Cuyahoga Falls’ Tiki Underground.
Those who want to get up-close to wildlife can check out one of the many events that the Akron Zoo puts on during the summer. One family-friendly event that is returning this summer is Dino Trek, which will be
on display through Sep. 20. The attraction features 30 life-size dinosaurs (some with animatronic movement) to teach visitors about the adaptations that allowed dinosaurs to protect themselves and survive.
For a little bit of grown-up fun, the Akron Zoo hosts its first 21-and-older Margarita Crawl. Explore the zoo after-hours with a drink in hand July 11 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Akron Art Museum (above); Mustill Store Museum on the Towpath Trail (opposite page)
When You Go
For more information about this and other destinations in Akron and Summit County, go to visitakron-summit.org
Akron Zoo akronzoo.org
America 250-Ohio Trails america250-ohio.org
Cuyahoga Valley National Park nps.gov/cuva
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad cvsr.org
All-American Soapbox Derby soapboxderby.org
Props & Pistons Festival flyohio.org
Twins Days Festival twinsdays.org
Start your weekend with
The $45 (nonmember) ticket lets attendees roam the zoo against the backdrop of food trucks and a live DJ and includes samples of eight unique margaritas.
American History
Follow the road-trip routes mapped out by America 250-Ohio to see the multitude of ways Summit County helped influence the direction of our nation.
Learn about Summit County’s contributions to the United States along one of the themed trails presented by America 250-Ohio. The Transportation Trail includes six Summit County stops at locations that teach visitors about the characters and companies that transformed how people traveled, traded and connected.
Stop by Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron to view the America 250 exhibition “The Families That Built Akron.” The exhibition traces the stories of those who helped shape the city through their lives, work and traditions.
Other stops on the Transportation Trail include MAPS Air Museum in Green, Portage Lakes State Park and the Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame in Akron.
There are also six Summit County sites along the Creativity Trail, a route that links museums, public murals, libraries and studios to showcase the impact that the creative voices of Ohioans have had on the
your visit to the
70-acre estate of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company co-founder F.A. Seiberling. From the 65-room Manor House to our signature events, there’s always something new to discover. | stanhywet.org
evolution of our nation.
One of those locations is the Akron Art Museum, where you can see pieces from famed artists such as Andy Warhol, Chuck Close, Mickalene Thomas and many others that are part of the institution’s permanent collection. The special exhibition “Kent Monkman: History is Painted by the Victors,” offers a collection of works by the Fisher River Cree Nation artist, who explores modern societal concerns such as the climate crisis and impact of government policies on Indigenous communities. It is on display through Aug. 16.
While in Akron, visit another trail location at Don Drumm Studios and Gallery to see works by the influential Akron-based sculptor known for pioneering the use of cast-aluminum in art. His namesake gallery represents over 500 North American artists, and there is always something beautiful to look at and perhaps even take home with you.
Other routes that share our state’s role in shaping the nation include the America 250-Ohio Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail, with Summit County stops that span historic canal locks, the Towpath Trail and the Mustill Store Museum (a former 19th-century supply store that now houses artifacts that tell the area’s story). Summit County sites on the Air & Space Trail and Innovation Trail offer even more ways to learn about the region’s significant contributions to the nation.
Off the Vine | July 31
Plan
historic
Ohio Mart | Oct 1–4
Deck the Hall | Nov 27–Dec 30
OH Shakespeare Fest | July–Aug
BEST HOMETOWNS
From a Texas Longhorn cattle ranch in Appalachia to a whimsical dog fountain in the heart of Knox County, our Best Hometowns 2025-26 offer destinations you’ll love. By Erin Finan, Gracie Metz, Lainey Novak and Kelly Larson
SOUTH MAIN PLAZA
DOG FOUNTAIN, MOUNT VERNON
Cow Country
Dickinson Cattle Co. offers visitors the chance to take a tour and learn about the hundreds of Texas Longhorn and BueLingo cattle raised there.
In our modern era, it can be rare to have the chance to see where our food comes from, but at Dickinson Cattle Co. near Barnesville, ranching is a way of life. This sprawling 5,000-acre destination sits on reclaimed mining lands in Belmont County, where the Dickinson family has been herding hundreds of Texas Longhorns and other cattle breeds since 1994.
“We raised our family in Colorado, but Colorado was prone to drought and blizzards ...,” says general manager Darol Dickinson. “Ohio was a clean place, and the grass was good here, the water was good.”
Darol and his wife, office manager Linda, live on the ranch where they work with other members of their family and dedicated staff to breed, herd and sell livestock.
Dickinson Cattle Co. hosts fun public tours where visitors can get a taste of the cowboy life and even order some beef if they so desire. Participants board a bus for a 75-minute narrated tour to get an up-close look at the ranch’s BueLingo and Texas Longhorn breeds. Visitors can even purchase “cow candy” to feed the cattle through the windows of the bus during the tour.
Experienced tour narrators teach visi-
tors about the day-to-day work that is done on the ranch and what it takes to care for hundreds of heads of cattle.
“[We] work every day, 24 hours a day, guarding the herd from all disease, or lack of nutrition or minerals, and you do everything to make them healthy and comfortable,” Dickinson says.
The tour also teaches visitors about the fascinating people tied to the land. Dickinson says two famous and controversial Ohioans — Gov. Wilson Shannon and his great-nephew “Hanging Judge” Isaac Parker — were born on the property. He adds that William Boyd, who portrayed Hopalong Cassidy, grew up nearby, and one of Johnny Appleseed’s famed apple orchards once flourished just 4 miles northeast.
“There’s so much history here,” Dickinson says. 35000 Muskrat Rd., Barnesville 43713, 740/7585050, texaslonghorn.com
Say Cheese
nature to point the car toward the exit and make a visit to this favorite family-owned spot in Ashland.
Grandpa’s Cheesebarn in Ashland needs no introduction, but if you haven’t visited in a while (or ever) this is your sign to fix that.
Adairy barn just off the highway in Ohio isn’t usually anything to get excited about. But when you see letters on top spelling out “Cheesebarn,” it’s nearly second
Open since 1978, Grandpa’s Cheesebarn sells more than 100 varieties of cheese as well as a selection of meats, spreads, dips, snack mixes and gifts. The business began the way a lot of great ideas do: around the breakfast table.
“[My parents] were sitting over at Perkins, and they were like ‘that old dairy farm over there looks like a good place, maybe we could put a business [there,]’ ” recalls Mistie Hray, manager of Grandpa’s Cheesebarn, as well as its satellite locations in Norton and at Summit Mall in Akron.
So, her parents, Dick and Ronda Poorbaugh, bought the property, which had both a dairy barn and a farmhouse on it. They named their business in honor of Hray’s grandfather, who had once operated a small shop called Wonderland of Foods.
Easily accessible from both U.S. 250 and Interstate 71, Grandpa’s Cheesebarn has grown to include Sweetie’s Chocolates, which opened in 1994. Sweetie’s stocks unique candies and fudge flavors, including an unusual banana cream pie fudge.
A walking deck and turfed courtyard welcome visitors to relax and enjoy occasional live entertainment, while the on-site
Dickinson Cattle Co. (opposite page top); Grandpa’s Cheesebarn (opposite page bottom); South Main Plaza Dog Fountain
cafe offers sandwiches and homemade ice cream. Today, the business is often one of the first places that comes to mind when people think of Ashland.
“That’s meant a lot to my parents,” Hray says. “That’s one of the main reasons, too, that they want to make sure that anyone’s first impression is: Wow, our employees are the nicest, and that must be because they’re from Ashland.” 668 U.S. 250, Ashland 44805, 419/281-3202, grandpascheesebarn.com
Dog Days
Mount Vernon’s South Main Plaza Dog Fountain draws visitors in with its playful statutes of canines that have made the installation a destination onto itself.
Eighteen dogs gather at Mount Vernon’s South Main Plaza. They aren’t playing fetch, but they cause a stir, even though they never stray from their spots. These 18 cast-aluminum statutes stand steady, spouting arcs of water from their mouths.
The fountain is at once unusual and captivating. Since it opened June 30, 2020, the South Main Plaza Dog Fountain has grown into both a spot loved by locals and
a pitstop for those passing through. It’s on property owned by Mount Vernon Nazarene University and sits next door to the college’s Schnormeir Gallery. Although it is on university property, retired Gambier resident Phil Samuell spearheaded the project.
Samuell retired from the Ariel Corp., which funded construction of the fountain, and was friends with the company’s former CEO, the late Karen Buchwald Wright.
“Karen and I inline skated every day, and I would talk to her about these crazy ideas, and I showed her pictures of this fountain in Toronto,” Samuell says. “She liked the idea and thought it would be a draw for dog people and a place to relax in an urban setting.”
Claude Cormier, the artist behind the Toronto fountain, scaled his design to fit the fountain basin at South Main Plaza, after meeting with Samuell, his wife, Mary, and the couple’s golden retriever, Sandy. Cormier used the same statue castings as he did for the fountain in Toronto, which were then painted by Manfield-based artist Jeff Ritchie.
“I think many downtown areas don’t have that sort of attraction,” Samuell says. “It does draw people in. I assume many people will fill their car up with gas while they’re here or they may have lunch or dinner, so I know it’s a draw for tourism, but it’s also
meant for local people just to relax and enjoy looking at the dogs.” 201 S. Main St., Mount Vernon 43050
Nature Getaway
Glen Helen Nature Preserve sits tucked away near the heart of downtown Yellow Springs, offering an easy afternoon adventure.
Located less than half a mile away from Yellow Springs’ village hall, Glen Helen Nature Preserve offers a haven of biodiversity. The 1,125-acre preserve, which abuts John Bryan State Park, offers a mix of interesting geological formations, including limestone outcroppings and waterfalls.
Visitors can venture into the preserve to see these features, as well as the town’s namesake. The natural spring, which colors the surrounding rocks yellow and orange, can be seen from the 1.5-mile loop Inman Trail, which also takes hikers along the boardwalk and past a beaver dam.
Kat Christen, deputy director of Glen Helen Nature Preserve, says the beavers moved into the preserve in 2021, creating a dam, pond and lodge, near the entrance along Corry Street. Other visitor wildlife
Photo:
MAIN STREET
If it’s happening in Ashland, it’s happening downtown! From fun events to great shopping to award-winning dining, our beautiful downtown is THE destination for a great getaway with your besties, a wonderful weekend with your family, or a terrific time with your sweetie!
We are your premier Ohio destination for delicious cheese, meats, homemade chocolates, fudge, ice cream, lunch, & so much more! Follow us on Facebook for all our latest updates at www. facebook.com/cheesebarn! Wishing you happy summer travels, the Grandpa’s Cheesebarn & Sweeties Chocolates Family. gcbarn.com
The perfect complement to cheese, Sweeties Chocolates is located at the same property as Grandpa’s Cheesebarn & features their signature chocolate creations like buckeyes, turtles, fudge, & more to make life sweet!
gcbarn.com
We’re a family-owned and operated brewery and fullservice restaurant located on Main Street in downtown Ashland! Join us for our awardwinning craft beer, seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients, and our new cocktail and whiskey bar, The Third Place!
uniontownbrewing.com
ASHLAND
GRANDPA’S CHEESEBARN
UNIONTOWN BREWING CO.
BEST HOMETOWNS
sightings have included foxes, coyotes and deer. The preserve also provides a great habit for bird-watching, with more than 200 species having been documented throughout the year.
“I really hope that folks get a chance to connect to the local biodiversity,” Christen says. “We live in a really unique part of the world, and connecting to and understanding where you are is connected to understanding the plants and animals that live here and call this place home.”
In addition to exploring the wildlife in
the preserve, visitors can check out the Glen Helen Raptor Center. Currently home to more than 20 native raptors representing 15 species, the center focuses on bird rehabilitation. It offers educational raptor programs and occasionally hosts public releases of rehabilitated birds.
“Certainly, the features of the glen are gorgeous to see, but I also think our work as a nonprofit is pretty compelling,” Christen says. “We have the outdoor education center where we serve school children from the region. They can learn about native plants and
animals and really immerse themselves.” 405 Corry St., Yellow Springs 45387, 937/7691902, glenhelen.org
Place of Honor
Visit MAPS Air Museum in Green to discover 67 historic aircraft, artifacts and inspiring exhibits that celebrate aviation history and military service.
Within minutes of stepping inside the roughly 13,000-square-foot aviation center, visitors are immersed in a massive hangar that houses dozens of historic aircraft. This one space covers nearly 70 percent of MAPS Air Museum’s footprint, with the collection assembled here ranging from pioneering aircraft like the 1908 Martin Glider to the gondola of the Loral GZ-22, better known as Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s The Spirit of Akron.
Spearheaded by member Wesley Shank, a group of 14 founders established the Military Aviation Preservation Society in 1990. Shank originally received two Douglas SBD Dauntless airframes from restaurateur David Tallichet under the condition that MAPS Air Museum would restore them at their original brick building on the west side of the Akron-Canton Airport.
The museum’s present-day location is much larger, boasting educational exhibits in four display rooms, including a Gallery of Heroes, which highlights locals, such as Henry J. Fuller of Akron, who landed in Normandy on D-Day with the 101st Airborne Division. Central to this room are the Medal of Honor displays, showcasing seven decorations belonging to Ohioans.
“MAPS is here to tell the stories of the people that can no longer tell them themselves,” says volunteer Reed Kimball, who has been at the museum since 2010. “We try to preserve them.”
Make sure to stop by the Airwaves Radio Corner, which was designed by member Rick Willaman and puts a spotlight on 20th-century military communication, including teletype and Morse code. Visitors can browse the military vehicle collection, as well as step inside five aircraft, including two helicopters, when weather cooperates.
“Most people see airplanes here as simply pieces of metal,” Kimball says. “For us, each one of those airplanes has its own story.” 2260 International Pkwy., North Canton 44720, 330/896-6332, mapsairmuseum.org
Cascades waterfall at Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs. MAPS Air Museum pays tribute to military aircraft and service members (below).
WEST VIRGINIA
Summer is perfect for a Mountain State getaway, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, history and culture or food-and-drink finds that offer a flavor of Appalachia. By Jenna Nahhas LONG
THE GREAT BUNGEE CO., HARPERS FERRY
Unbound means to be free of restraints and limitations. Endless possibilities and discoveries await as you are filled with a sense of freedom and renewal. The endless view from a mountain top or the pulsing sound of thousands of gallons of rushing water spilling into a mountain canyon. Our Unbound scenery will transform you in Tucker County, West Virginia.
Find your unbound getaway in Tucker County, West Virginia.
Operating Wednesday through Sunday, the Pipestem Aerial Tram provides riders 360-degree views of the stunning scenery through glass walls. Plus, the tram is the best way to access the remote Mountain Creek Lodge on the western bank of the Bluestone River. 3405 Pipestem Dr., Pipestem, West Virginia 25979, 304/466-1800, wvstateparks. com/parks
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
The biodiverse New River Gorge National Park and Preserve boasts an equally varied array of sights and activities, becoming a destination for thrill-seeking adventurers and sharp-eyed birders alike. Birdwatchers can look for bald eagle nests, while climbers love the rock faces and hikers can explore the roughly 73,000-acre park’s approximately 100 miles of trails.
As clouds lift from the gorge at the Grandview Main Overlook, vis-
itors can catch sights of the New River as it curves into the distance below. Although it is one of the oldest rivers in the world, the waterway got its name when early surveyors saw an unmapped river and simply called it the New River.
From the Canyon Rim boardwalk, birders can see raptors soaring over the river’s Class III and IV whitewater rafting rapids, while the calmer Class I and II rapids invite tubing. Farther south, visitors hike out to the expansive Sandstone Falls, the largest waterfall on the river. Canyon Rim Visitor Center, 162 Visitor Center Rd., Lansing, West Virginia 25862, 304/574-2115, nps.gov/neri
Summersville Lake State Park
Rock climbers from across the United States travel to Summersville Lake State Park in central West Virginia to try take on one or more of the 200 climbing routes on the lakeside cliffs. A 2.8-mile, multiuse loop trail circles the entire 177-acre park on the lake’s northern shore and connects to the Climbers Trail, which leads to the Colosse-
The Pipestem Aerial Tram is the best way to access the remote Mountain Creek Lodge on the western bank of the Bluestone River.
Eventually, all things merge into one.
At the con uence of the Potomac and Shenandoah, two rivers have created endless adventures and timeless memories.
Explore the unexpected in Je erson County, West Virginia.
HARPERS FERRY SHEPHERDSTOWN CHARLES TOWN RANSON BOLIVAR
Harpers Ferry Waterpark isn’t your average waterpark. e quarry setting gives you beautiful views while being able to cool o in its crystal clear waters!
The Buzz
Discover more stories about the incredible outdoor adventures in Jefferson County at WHEREALMOSTHEAVENBEGINS.COM/OUTDOORS
“Known as the “psychological midpoint” of the AT, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters in Harpers Ferry also serves as the starting point for a solid day hike.” — Garden & Gun
WEST VIRGINIA
um, the park’s primary rock-climbing area. When the lake is lowered each winter to prevent flooding, the drop in water reveals additional bouldering opportunities.
Across Route 19 from the park, the Salmon Run boat launch and swimming area offers direct access to Summersville Lake’s clear blue waters. On weekends in September and October, the U.S. Corps of Engineers opens the Summersville Dam, and whitewater rafters take to the rushing Gauley River.
Back on the state park’s grounds, Joe Branch Campground offers 26 secluded sites selectively spaced among the laurel thickets. Each creekside site has a tent platform, fire pit and picnic table. 36 Park Rd., Summersville, West Virginia 26651, 681/355-0328, wvstateparks.com
History & Culture
Explore history in Harpers Ferry and at two live-music venues that have become West Virginia institutions.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry was a deeply contested town during the Civil War, changing hands between Union and Confederate armies eight times. Today, trails circle the earthworks and cannons where champions of American freedom stood their ground at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.
Almost Heaven Swingo Challenge • Various Locations
Explore West Virginia’s natural beauty by completing the Almost Heaven Swingo Challenge, a game of Bingo that takes travelers to the farthest corners of the state. After downloading a digital 25-spot Swingo card from the West Virginia Tourism website, explorers can choose from 53 swings to fulfill categories such as proximity to a historical site or seasonal visits. To mark a spot on their Swingo card, travelers check in at each location by mobile phone (and snap a selfie while they’re there) to achieve a Bingo and win prizes. wvtourism.com
“The story that stands out is Harpers Ferry as a place where people kept pushing America to live up to its promises,” says Isaac Wickenheiser, park ranger at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
At Lower Town, visitors connect to the past through living-history programs. Orig-
inal 19th-century buildings share the town’s history, including John Brown’s 1859 abolitionist raid on the federal arsenal here that became an early spark of the oncoming Civil War. The town was also home to the first integrated school in West Virginia, Storer College. The Bolivar Heights Trail loops the plateau where the Union planted their flag at the 1861 Battle of Bolivar Heights. A year later, President Lincoln walked the battlefield where troops still held the line.
“When visitors come here, I hope they do more than take in the view,” Wickenheiser says. “I hope they ask what freedom meant here, who fought for it, who was denied it and what responsibility we have to protect these stories now.” 171 Shoreline Dr., Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 25425, 304/535-6029, www.nps.gov/hafe
Mountain Stage
Mountain Stage primarily records live in Charleston from the historic Culture Center Theatre, filling the intimate 460-seat venue with over two hours of live music on select Sunday evenings. The show, which is broadcast nationwide on NPR Music, invites audiences to discover musical legends and new artists playing soaring bluegrass, genre-defying indie and everything in between.
Grammy Award-winning host Kathy
The Bolivar Heights Trail loops the plateau where the Union planted their flag in 1861.
Time together becomes more precious everyday. Stroll our historic downtown or explore country roads full of lovingly preserved manors. Try a wine flight, a beer flight, or a spirits flight prior to enjoying a delicious meal. Take in an outdoor concert or a live performance at our historic theater. All just a short drive away in Berkeley County, West Virginia. get closer no need to go far to
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Mattea introduces five featured artists and hosts a menu of musical variety with a passion for sharing novel music from West Virginia and beyond. To close the show, Mattea invites the performers back on stage for a collaborative song that celebrates live music’s special spark of spontaneity. Ohio’s own singer-songwriter David Mayfield guest hosts on occasion, bringing his unique comedic presence between sets. This August, take a weekend to explore Charleston and experience the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys’ traditional bluegrass melodies or Tony Trischka’s inventive banjo tunes live on the Mountain Stage. 1900 Kanawha Blvd., Charleston, West Virginia 25305, mountainstage.org
The Purple Fiddle
Over the last two decades The Purple Fiddle has hosted hundreds of musical acts, from the Grammy Award-winning Sierra Ferrell to the Avett Brothers. On Saturdays and Sundays, the venue fills with the thrum of stringed instruments as popular bands take to the intimate stage.
At the Fiddle, musicians and audiences are treated like royalty, connecting through live music and separated by only the low stage. Solo artists perform free at afternoon shows, and patrons enjoy deli sandwiches and ice cream from Lakeside Creamery that is made fresh from the milk of local cows.
Faithful to the bluegrass of Appalachia, the Fiddle also features international artists and genres. This summer, sip from a collection of local and world-class beers and dance to The Plate Scrapers, Cincinnati’s own Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle, S.G. Goodman, Jocelyn and the Sweet Compression, and many other acts. 96 State Highway 32, Thomas, West Virginia 26292, 304/463-4040, purplefiddle.com
NPR Music broadcasts Mountain Stage nationwide.
The Purple Fiddle in Thomas (below)
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Food and Drink
Discover award-winning chefs, local ingredients, craft beer and Appalachian hospitality at these Mountain State favorites.
Chef Paul Smith’s Paulie’s Fine Italian
The smell of fresh bread and the sound of a boisterous family gathering greet diners at James Beard Award winner Paul Smith’s Paulie’s Fine Italian.
Those familiar with the chef’s fine dining establishment 1010 Bridge in Charleston can find here the same seasonal ingredients freshly paired with Italian cuisine just down the street. Smith cultivated a menu of nostalgic comfort food with recipes from his and his wife Carrie’s families.
“Some of the recipes in our recipe book we had to laminate because they’re so brittle that they would fall apart: my grandfather’s Sunday gravy, Carrie’s family lasagna, the alfredo sauce. It’s an homage to all our Italian families,” Smith says.
Wood-fired pizzas, chicken parmesan and lasagna pair well with the lemon vinaigrette arugula salad. Daily features celebrate seasonal vegetables, and springtime
ramps appear in pestos and vinaigrettes. On the sleek wood bar sits an antique handcrank cocktail shaker for mixing the signature Paulie’s Pick, a bourbon-forward drink
PAULIE’S FINE ITALIAN
Tygart Adventure Lake • Grafton
After a day of hiking the scenic Ridge or Dogwood trails at Tygart Lake State Park, relax at the sandy beaches and cool waters of Adventure Lake. Thirty miles south of Morgantown, the Tygart Valley River slows and widens to form this long, 10-mile lake. Visitors of all ages can clamber over 25 inflatable platforms and slides floating in the peaceful waters. Beyond swimming, paddleboard and kayak rentals offer an easy way to get on the water. A picnic on the beach followed by a nap on the lounge chairs make for a picturesque lakeside day wvstateparks.com
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made with Smooth Ambler distillery barrels served exclusively at Paulie’s.
“It’s really just about coming in and feeling comfortable and joining our family,” Smith says of how hospitality defines Appalachian-Italian culture. “When people say this is ‘our place’ that means we’re doing something right.” 915 Bridge Rd., Charleston, West Virginia 25314, 681/205-2210, pauliesitalian.com
Chef Scott MacGregor’s Appalachia Kitchen
Located in the Corduroy Inn on the vacation destination of Snowshoe Mountain, Appalachia Kitchen welcomes mountain bikers and
skiers still in their biking gear and ski boots to a casual fine dining experience. Led by James Beard Award semifinalist Scott MacGregor, the kitchen serves diners Friday and Saturday evenings, inviting guests to experience a menu shaped by the seasons.
The scratch kitchen sources ingredients from local farmers and backyard gardens, stewarding the mountain’s abundant provisions and unique produce. Trout from a local hatchery as well as rabbit and quail can be found on the menu, which changes regularly throughout the summer. Freshness is central, from the house-made pasta and trout ceviche to the seasonally picked morels and ramps. Game meats such as
The Great Bungee Co. • Harpers Ferry
Near Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, a bungee jumping tower rises over the Old Standard Quarry. The Great Bungee Co. location opened in May 2026, offering adventurers a high-adrenaline drop through fresh mountain air. Jumpers ascend the tower and step out over the cliff to hover above the rock-quarry lake. Diving headfirst with an ankle harness or falling forward or backward with a body harness, thrill seekers fall 150 feet. The cord stretches out to dip jumpers into the water before tugging them back up 120 feet into the air. greatbungee.com
Historic Roots,
Nitro History & Wars Museum
braised elk pair with a smooth, warm polen ta. Along with a vast wine selection of 400 bottles, the drink menu incorporates fresh fruits and berries. 5811 Snowshoe Dr., Snow shoe, West Virginia 26209, 304/572-2030, appalachiakitchen.com
Mountain State Brewing Co.
When Brian Arnett and Willie Lehmann founded the Mountain State Brewing Co. over two decades ago, they filled a niche in the market for easy-drinking ales. Now with four locations, their original Thomas, West Virginia, microbrewery and restaurant re mains an integral part of the mountain town.
In the summer, Thomas boasts tempera tures that average 10 degrees cooler than outlying towns. There, at the top of the wa tershed, the brewery’s four flagship beers are crafted from fresh mountain water. Along with the brewery’s Cold Trail Blonde Ale, Almost Heaven Amber Ale, Seneca Indian Pale Ale and Miner’s Daughter Stout, the seasonal Otter Creek (hopped American lager) carries the clean, crisp quality of its local creek namesake.
The kegged, house-made sangria on tap offers a fizzy and fruity alternative to beer. The restaurant serves handmade flatbread pizzas, including the classic Fire on the Mountain with smoked gouda and housemade chipotle hot sauce. 1 Nelson Blvd., Thomas, West Virginia 26292, 304/4634500, mountainstatebrewing.com
Mountain State Brewing Co. now has four locations, but its original microberwery and restaurant is in Thomas.
TRAVEL DIRECTORY
TRAVEL DIRECTORY
BACKSTORY
From A to Zoar
Zoar Village has enough history for a hundred towns and enough citizens who see its present value.
This is an excerpt from a story that ran in our August 1989 issue. Read the entire story at ohiomagazine.com/zoar1989.
It was a beautiful day for an auction in the historic village of Zoar. The old houses looked splendid in the winter sunlight, and the narrow streets were crowded with spectators. It’s not every day that an 1830s hotel comes on the block, and this was a very fine specimen — five stories high, if you count the octagonal cupola and eight-windowed tower above it — an eccentric, one-ofa-kind hotel as remarkable as the people who’d built it.
For this was the hotel the Zoarites constructed for those longago tourists who came down from the cities to see Ohio’s most famous religious commune, the Society of Separatists of Zoar. When they built their hotel in 1833, their community was already 16 years old and going strong. They wanted tourists to come — to spend their money buying Zoar-made products — because theirs was a communist society with capitalist leanings, and they combined the
The Society endured from 1819 to 1898, far outlasting nearly all the other communistic societies that sprang up on the American Midwest in the 1800s. The Zoarites did not suspect, when they built their hotel, that tourism would be their undoing.
The hotel was successful for a time, even after the Zoarites disbanded, because the little town was still attractive to tourists who came down from the cities. But tourism declined eventually, and the guest rooms were closed. The hotel dining room suffered, the food going from bad to worse, until the diners dwindled to a desperate few. Owners came and went, and the hotel fell into receivership in 1983. That’s what precipitated the excitement that fine winter day in 1984 when the Zoar Hotel was about to be sold at auction.
The townspeople were hopeful that someone would buy and restore it so that Zoar might become once again an inviting place for tourists to stay. Don Wallick, the auctioneer, began his spiel, and the bids commenced, very low at first — the building was in terrible shape — then climbing rapidly as a stranger kept upping the ante. “Who is that man?” people asked one another, but nobody knew.
When Wallick finally banged down the gavel, the stranger had bought the decrepit hotel for $220,000. “That’s crazy,” people said. — Sue Gorisek
From A to Zoar ran in the August 1989 issue of Ohio Magazine
