Ohio Magazine June 2026

KIDS ADVENTURES

Our state is filled with funsize summer experiences that help children of all ages connect with nature.

54 Steam Showdown

In 1901, two rival shipping companies raced their steamers across Lake Erie in a high-profile contest.

58 Ancient Return

With roots stretching back to the age of dinosaurs, lake sturgeon are making a comeback in Ohio.

Dani Fraley makes natural home products, and Maureen Gatewood remembers her greatgrandmother. 9 Datebook

See Scandinavian artwork in Cincinnati, and help identify and document creatures at Mosquito Lake State Park. 13 Calendar of Events

Dine under a canopy of leaves in Columbus, and bring your dog along to this watering hole in Cleveland.

Our 1985 essay explored how Pete Rose embodied hustle and Cincinnati pride as he eyed Ty Cobb’s record.

CONNECT

hit the trail: From towering cliffs and hidden waterfalls to peaceful forest loops and Lake Erie shoreline strolls, Ohio’s trails promise plenty of adventure. Our guide to 25 great hikes highlights family-friendly walks, rugged treks and scenic escapes across the state, whether you’re looking for great views, wildlife sightings or just a reason to explore. ohiomagazine.com/trails

for the birds: Glowing city skylines are an alluring sight, especially if you’re a migrating bird. But an epidemic of collisions with buildings has led groups across Ohio, including Lights Out Cleveland, to form rescue squads and help raise public awareness about the problem. Volunteers walk the city streets searching for and documenting birds. ohiomagazine.com/birds

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JUNE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

27 OHIO GRAPE INDUSTRIES

Celebrate Ohio Wine Month at wineries and vineyards across the state.

81 FAMILY FIELD TRIPS

These destinations offer plenty of opportunities for family fun this summer.

98 SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO

Enjoy dining, community events, outdoor activities and more.

Ashtabula, p. 12

Beallsville, p. 5

Canal Fulton, p. 24

Cincinnati, p. 6, 10

Cleveland, p. 25, 54

Columbus, Cover, 23, 69

Cortland, p. 12

Dayton, p. 9, 75

Dublin, p. 12

Lakeview, p. 12

Maineville, p. 24

Springfield, p. 7

Swanton, p. 24

Toledo, p. 58

Ohio Magazine encourages you to recycle this magazine. Great Lakes Publishing supports the use of paper milled from replanted forests as a renewable resource and purchases paper from FSC sources when available. We have also taken steps to reduce the amount of plastic used when mailing issues to our subscribers.

Chairman Lute Harmon Sr.

President

&

Publisher

Lute Harmon Jr.

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL@OHIOMAGAZINE.COM

Editor Jim Vickers

Senior Editor Erin Finan

Associate Editor Lainey Novak

Contributing Writers James Bigley II, Jason Brill, Hollie Davis, Nicholas Dekker, Vince Guerrieri, David Nilsen, Lauren Serge, Kristina Smith, lona Westfall

Digital Content Assistant Kelly Larson

Editorial Interns Brandon Gross, Natalie Saddler

Art Director Rachael Jirousek

Contributing Artists CLEWITHKIDS, Laura Watilo Blake, Arthur O’Leary, Jeff Suntala

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Managing Editor Claudia Plumley

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Art Director Emily Gommel

Associate Art Director Sel James

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Wonder Years

When I was in early grade school, I had a stint where I was drawn to archaeology. Maybe it was the effect of Indiana Jones on my young brain, mixed with some dinosaur fascination and the pull that the idea of unearthing something ancient from the ground held over me.

I even had one of those pocket-size Golden Guides on fossils, so I could identify anything I found. I didn’t have much luck making any discoveries, but it didn’t lessen my interest in searching. Years later, when I ran up against math and science classes that confirmed writing and editing was the correct route for my career path, I still held an interest in science.

Over the years, some of the most rewarding stories I’ve written have been ones in which I have taken a complicated scientific topic and explained it for the casual reader — be it a look into the work NASA is doing to take us back to the moon or how a University of Akron researcher explored caves hidden deep underground to find what could be the building blocks of the medicines of tomorrow.

All these years later, my fascination with the world of discovery can be tied back to fruitlessly looking for fossils in my neighborhood.

So, when we began discussing this year’s Outdoor Issue, our idea of assembling a guide to great kid-size adventures got me thinking about those grade school days of wonder. Whether your little ones just started walking around or they’re ready to take the training wheels off and go for a ride on a kid-size bicycling course, we have outdoor adventures for all ages, abilities and levels of daringness.

This month, we also delve into a scientific topic with roots that reach back millions of years. The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium and the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife have been working together to revive lake sturgeon populations in Lake Erie and its tributaries. Although we won’t know for years whether their efforts will have lasting effects, early signs are promising. Freelance writer Kristina Smith’s feature, which starts on page 58, offers a fascinating look into the efforts being made to restore populations of this armored fish in Ohio waters and how you can take part in these efforts yourself.

Adventure is out there, and you’re never too young to start looking for it.

JIM VICKERS

Lasting Sanctuary

The wooded ravines, meandering streams and spectacular rock formations known as Raven Rocks Preserve offers a hidden natural getaway in Monroe County. That beauty did not escape the notice of 19 locals who, in 1970, helped purchase and preserve the then-843-acre natural area. Today, Raven Rocks Preserve spans a total of 1,268 acres, and in 2015, the group that saved it entered a conservation easement with the Barnesville-based Captina Conservancy to protect around 1,015 acres of the land from future development. 54099 Crum Rd., Beallsville 43716, ravenrocksoh.com

Natural Grain: Cincinnati-based artist Dani Fraley crafts all-natural products, from wooden plant stands and cutting boards to cotton towels and bags.

Blazing a Trail: Maureen Gatewood, great-granddaughter of Ohioan and legendary hiker Emma “Grandma” Gatewood, shares how she got involved with the Buckeye Trail.

Natural Grain

Cincinnati-based artist Dani Fraley crafts items from all-natural materials. Her products range from wooden plant stands and cutting boards to cotton towels and bags.

Dani Fraley’s knack for interior design led her to study the subject at the University of Cincinnati. That opened the door to five years of carpentry. She started with a small, women-owned design company that specialized in custom furniture and restaurant build-outs. Since 2023, Fraley has carved out a niche for herself with her solo business, Suncraft Collective.

The Cincinnati-based artist focuses on quality, locally handcrafted items for the home.

Her plant stands and cutting boards are made using wood sourced from

Ohio and Indiana and finished with nontoxic food-grade oil. She also creates the designs that adorn the 100% cotton bags and tea towels made in partnership with a local screen-printing company.

Her cutting boards are solid-slab, meaning they are crafted from one large piece of wood and do not use any glue. Each piece begins as a plank bought at a local mill and is shaped by hand, resulting in cutting boards of slightly varying sizes. It’s a reminder that Fraley’s inventory comes from her own handiwork, rather than a machine.

“I just fell in love with working with my hands,” she says, “and using my creativity and problem solving.”

Nature scenery and fun food items adorn the various tea towels and bags currently on the Suncraft Collective website, and Fraley says she enjoys playing with the geometries and colors of a given design to make it just right.

“It’s helpful to take a step away, take a zoom out, and look at it from across the room,” she says. “‘Does this make me happy? Or what does this evoke? Or how does this feel?’”

The last few years have earned Fraley many repeat customers, some of whom shop her goods at Algin Furniture in Cincinnati’s Overthe-Rhine neighborhood or her weekend pop-up tent at the city’s Findlay Market.

“The overall goal has been the same: to provide quality, handmade home goods at reasonable prices,” Fraley says. “Things that are going to last you for life.” — Kelly Larson

For more information, visit suncraftcollective.net.

COURTESY OF DANI FRALEY

Historic Harvest

Tended to by volunteers and overseen by Ohio State University, Clark County’s Early Ohio Settlers Garden re-creates how our pioneers grew plants.

One may easily miss the unassuming garden surrounded by a picket fence while strolling through the 83 acres at Snyder Park Gardens & Arboretum in Springfield, but these small plots offer insight into our shared history. A painted sign with the message “Thou Shalt Not Steal, As We Are Seed Savers” warns visitors as they pass through the gate of the Early Ohio Settlers Garden, an area within the arboretum that shows what the backyard gardens of Ohio’s pioneers looked like.

“It’s all done by hand, so [the volunteers] won’t use any modern technology,” says Pam Bennett, professor at Ohio State University and director of the Master Gardener volunteer program. “When they’re planting, everything is pretty much identical to what would have been done on Ohio prairies when settlers were coming in.”

The garden was first planted in 2008 at its former site at the Clark County Extension Office on Gateway Boulevard, before moving to its current location in 2014, where it is tended to by a group of volunteers from the Master Gardener program at Ohio State University.

The garden plots, which are separated into quadrants, have their own purposes. A medicinal herb plot holds plants like tansy, a flower that when dried and steeped can help reduce fever and headache.

Another corner of the garden has vegetables that would have been common in the early 19th century, like cow peas, calabash tomatoes and squash varieties. Crops like early wonder beets were especially favored because they could be jarred and stored for winter.

The dyer garden showcases plants settlers used to dye their garments, while the flower garden produces varieties that are attractive to both humans and pollinators.

On the first Saturday of August, Snyder Park holds an annual Garden Jubilee, where volunteers dressed in period clothing are on hand to demonstrate historic cooking and pickling processes, in addition to hosting hands-on programs during which participants can learn how to use various plants to color fabrics.

“The garden itself has a lot of meat behind it,” Bennett says, “because there’s education, there’s information and there’s connecting it back in history.” — Lainey Novak

1900 Park St., Springfield 45504, 937/398-7600, clark.osu.edu

MODEL OF CAPE GIRARDEAU

36-inch replica of the historic packet boat

While Ohio’s rivers are typically used for recreation today, in the 19th century, steam power transformed the Ohio River Valley into a system of superhighways.

Packet boats, like the Cape Girardeau, ranged in size from large sternwheelers to smaller vessels able to navigate tributaries as they moved passengers, freight and mail.

The heyday of steamboats was short-lived, however, with railroads significantly impacting their profitability by the mid-1800s. Still, packet boats remained an important part of life in towns along Ohio’s many rivers into the early 20th century.

The Cape Girardeau was built in Indiana in 1923, spending roughly a decade as a packet boat before being refitted as an excursion boat and renamed the Gordon C. Greene. After being replaced by the Delta Queen in 1948, it served as a floating restaurant before ultimately sinking in St. Louis in 1967.

An unidentified man in Wellsburg, Ohio, created this model depicting the Cape Girardeau in the 1960s. It appears as it was originally built and how the artist remembered seeing it when he was a child. It is believed to be one of about half a dozen such models he created. — Hollie Davis

$1,159 SOLD

Hollie Davis is a co-owner of Meander Auctions in Whipple, Ohio.

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Blazing a Trail

Maureen Gatewood, greatgranddaughter of Ohioan Emma “Grandma” Gatewood, shares her involvement with the Buckeye Trail.

You may not have heard of Maureen Gatewood, current president of the Buckeye Trail Association Board, but you’ve probably heard of her great-grandmother. Ohio native Emma “Grandma” Gatewood was the first woman to through-hike the Appalachian Trail and a founding member of the Buckeye Trail Association, which maintains a 1,444-mile route throughout our state.

“She had very strong values,” Maureen Gatewood says of her great-grandmother. “She didn’t smoke. She didn’t chew. She didn’t drink. She didn’t cuss. And she held that standard, not just for herself. She tried to hold that for her children and those around her.”

With such a lineage, it’s no wonder that Maureen Gatewood, who lives in central Ohio, naturally has a deep affinity for the outdoors. Inspired by her great-grandmother, Gatewood instilled an appreciation for the outdoors in her own children. In 2021, she joined her daughter in participating in the Buckeye Trail Association’s annual hiking challenge, which offers participants the opportunity to attempt 20-, 40-, 60-, and 80-mile hikes each June.

Gatewood was elected President of the Buckeye Trail Association Board in fall 2025. Her role involves land and trail management as well as advocacy work. — Erin Finan

What lessons can hikers today take away from Grandma Gatewood’s journey?

A: I think one of the key lessons that hikers can take away from Grandma Gatewood’s journey is to never give up and to persevere. Continue to move forward; there’s always a path forward. Things are never stagnant. Things change in life if you just wait long enough, but you can impact how that change transforms things. … I think the lessons learned throughout her life are all culminated in that journey on the trail.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to attempt long-distance hiking?

A: Grandma Gatewood knew that nature was her healing power. It gave her much healing, much peace in her lifetime. Even as a small child, she would go out into nature to find that peace. … And I think a long-distance hike for people, what they don’t realize is how much of themselves they will find by the end of the trip. … I believe that with an understanding of what that trip has in front of you, you can overcome a lot of things. You can find yourself along that journey.

How has Grandma Gatewood influenced your passion for the outdoors?

A: She helped my family. A gift that she gave to all her children, and then they gave to their children is the gift of enjoying the outdoors. Hocking Hills was one of her favorite areas, and I started going down there when I was three or four years old. … She would start teaching us at a very young age about things in the outdoors. So, it was very instrumental in my passion for the outdoors, and it connects me back to my family.

For more information, visit buckeyetrail.org.

Maureen Gatewood was named president of the Buckeye Trail Association Board in 2025.

DATEBOOK

Carillon Rail Festival

June 27–28: Dayton

Each June, Dayton’s Carillon Historical Park celebrates all things railroad with model train displays, authentic steam engines and both miniature and full-size train rides. The Carillon Rail Festival, presented by the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society, also offers a narrated tour of the park and its features from the comfort of a replica 1851 locomotive on the Carillon Park Railroad. History buffs will love seeing a vintage Barney & Smith wooden parlor car and the oldest-surviving American-built locomotive, the B&O No. 1. John Quincy Adams 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton 45409, 937/293-2841, daytonhistory.org

Northern Glow: “The Scandinavian Home: Landscape and Lore” examines how identity and place intertwine in Nordic culture through paintings, textiles and decorative arts.

Calendar of Events: Your summer plans start here. Check out our guide to exhibitions, shows and other happenings scheduled between now and the end of July.

DATEBOOK

“The Scandinavian Home: Landscape and Lore” brings together paintings, textiles and decorative arts that reveal how identity and place intertwine in Nordic culture.

By Erin Finan

Apurple haze surrounds the mountains in the distance, while the glassy surface of the lake absorbs the pinks, oranges and yellows of an unseen sunset. In the foreground, a smattering of colored splotches coat the rocks, and in the background, a small church sits still and silent, enveloped in the grandeur of the natural world.

Swedish artist Hilding Werner created “Glafsfjörd. Evening” in the early 20th century. The striking oil painting reflects Werner’s passion for capturing the countryside of Hammartjärnet, where he established his artistic practice in 1907.

It is one of approximately 75 works on display in “The Scandinavian Home: Landscape and Lore,” which runs June 13 through Sept. 20 at the Taft Museum of Art in Cincinnati. Assembled by The Frick Pittsburgh, the exhibition features pieces from Susan and David Werner, who own what is considered one of the best collections of Nordic artwork in the United States.

The exhibition unites fine art, decorative art and folk art from Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden through paintings, tapestries, ceramics, furniture and silver. Together, the pieces present a view of Nordic culture between the 1880s and 1900s, a period defined by national pride, craft and embracing the home as a cultural core.

“The exhibition invites visitors to explore how ideas of home shaped Nordic art,” says Ann Glasscock, associate curator at the Taft Museum of Art. “Specifically, home as a domestic space, home as the landscape around you and home as a national identity.”

Storytelling and folklore were prominent themes in Nordic culture during this time as well, appearing across a range of artwork, even

household items like pottery and furniture. Visitors can see this at the beginning of the exhibition, which highlights rural craft traditions. Next, they encounter landscape paintings from multiple Nordic countries before exploring works that touch on different artistic movements, including Norwegian Revival and the Vitalism movement.

“The home really functioned as an extension of those that lived in them,” Glasscock says. “They were not meant to be show places, but rather places of sanctuary and comfort. … I think that’s reflected in this exhibition.”

316 Pike St., Cincinnati 45202, 513/241-0343, taftmuseum.org

DATEBOOK

Ohio BioBlitz 250 at Mosquito Lake State Park

June 13: Cortland

Who’s ready for a critter scavenger hunt? This summer, Ohio State Parks are hosting BioBlitz 250 events that encourage Ohioans to explore with family and friends. The version at Mosquito Lake State Park in Cortland challenges participants to identify more than 250 species over the course of one day, June 13.

“We have a lot of different habitats surrounding Mosquito Lake. They give way to a variety of different wildlife,” says park naturalist Jason Lee. “We have birding, we have fish, macroinvertebrates and a crazy number of amphibians — all different aspects of life.”

Participants set out into the park’s 2,483 acres of forests and marshes and along the shore of its over 7,000-surface-acre lake to discover and catalogue as many creatures as possible. Using the iNaturalist smartphone app, they can document every frog, turtle, duck or butterfly they spot.

“It doesn’t take somebody with a doctorate in botany to go out there and identify these wildflowers anymore because we have a lot of tools at our hands that we can use,” Lee says. “You can be the one out there doing the work and really giving us an accurate study of the landscape.”

At the BioBlitz Bash later in the evening, attendees gather around a campfire and share their discoveries, which will then be tallied. Lee says the event is a great opportunity to build camaraderie around being what he calls “citizen scientists.”

BioBlitz also features an opportunity for guided surveys with wildlife experts to spot birds and other animals, as well as a Lake to Plate program, where visitors can try fishing for walleye, bass, crappie and northern pike. If the fish are of legal size, Lee and others will teach participants how to clean, filet and cook their catch in an outdoor kitchen.

“There are a lot of things that go into this country over 250 years, and conservation and the world around us is one of them,” Lee says. “It’s nice that we can appreciate where we are today and that we still have all these species.” — Jason Brill

1439 St. Rte. 305, Cortland 44410, ohiodnr.gov

Ashtabula Beach Glass Festival June 27–28: Ashtabula

Celebrate the beauty of beach glass and other art forms during this festival held in historic Ashtabula Harbor. Founded by the owners of Beaches Inc. in 2010, the festival celebrates polished glass created with nature’s help. Visitors can shop wares from more than 100 artists, vendors and collectors, while also visiting boutiques and restaurants along Bridge Street. Attendees can get out on the water with the help of local kayaking or charter-fishing outfitters or comb the beach for some glass of their own. greatlakesbeachglass.com/ashtabula

festival

Fore!Fest

June 5–6: Dublin

Celebrating 50 years of the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, this free festival brings live music and food trucks to the city’s Bridge Park. Attendees can test their skills in a mobile golf simulator, snap pictures in the instant-print photo booth and take part in outdoor games at the Pins Playground. forefest.com

event

Art on the Beach at Indian Lake

June 7: Logan County

Hosted by the Logan County Art League, visitors to this single-day festival can peruse art along the shores of Indian Lake. Vendors set up on Old Field Beach to present fine art in a variety of mediums, including painting, pottery, woodcarving and jewelry. Check out the artist demonstrations or grab a bite from the on-site food vendors. logancounty artleague.org

festival

CALENDAR

JUNE

Central

festivalS

JUNE 12–14

Columbus Arts Festival

Columbus’ welcome-to-summer event pairs the finest visual artists from around the country with four stages of entertainment, activities for all ages and great food on the city’s stunning downtown riverfront. Scioto Riverfront, 200 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, 614/224-2606. columbusartsfestival.org . Fri. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

THRU JUNE 14

We Cover New York: The Photo League

This rotating installation draws from the Columbus Museum of Art’s Photo League Collection to highlight the New York-based photography group that was active from 1936 to 1951. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614/221-6801. columbusmuseum. org. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

THRU AUG 9

Naeem Mohaiemen: Corinthians

Centered on the film “Through a Mirror, Darkly,” this exhibition examines memory, trauma and historical perception through a three-screen installation. Weaving archival footage with contemporary scenes, it contrasts moments of crisis and remembrance. Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St., Columbus, 614/292-3535. wexarts.org. Visit website for times and prices.

THRU AUG 16

East of the Pacific: Making Histories of Asian American Art

View this exhibition organized by important moments in Asian American history, spanning the mid-19th century to the present day. Explore ceramics, paintings, drawings, photographs and prints from Asian American artists. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614/221-6801. columbusmuseum.org. Visit website for times and prices.

THRU JAN 3

Tavares Strachan: The Day Tomorrow Began

This exhibition highlights Tavares Strachan’s fusion of art, science and cultural inquiry through immersive installations, sculpture and sound. The works explore overlooked histories while inviting engagement through a multisensory environment. CMA at the Pizzuti, 623 Park St., Columbus, 614/221-6801. columbusmuseum. org. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

THRU JAN 3

Chris Ware: Life Is Complicated

After touring major European museums, Chris Ware’s work makes its only American appearance at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. Designed and annotated by the artist, the exhibition features original drawings, notes, sculptures and rarely seen objects. Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, 1813 N. High St., Columbus, 614/292-0538. cartoons.osu.edu. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

MUSIC + THEATER

JUNE 9–14

Water for Elephants

A young man finds unexpected purpose after loss when he joins a traveling circus, discovering love and a new life along the way. This visually rich musical features a book by Rick Elice and a score by PigPen Theatre Co. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa. com. Visit website for times and prices.

JUNE 13–14

Ancient Gods

Join The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus for this show that explores ancient gods from different religions and cultures by way of popular music. Looking at myths and legends through a modern lens, this vibrant performance celebrates storytelling, culture and creativity. Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St., Columbus, 614/4690939. capa.com. Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Visit website for prices.

JUNE 20

Wyclef John with the Columbus Symphony Grammy Award-winning artist Wyclef Jean returns with a dynamic performance shaped by decades as a solo star and founding member of the Fugees. Blending styles from jazz to reggae to rock, he delivers hits like “Gone Till November” and “We Trying to Stay Alive.” Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Columbus, 614/4690939. capa.com. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices.

JUNE 27

Windborne: The Music of Tom Petty

This show celebrates the music of Tom Petty with symphonic arrangements of classics like “Free Fallin’” and “American Girl” performed by the Columbus Symphony accompanied by a

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.

rock band. Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices.

OTHER EVENTS

JUNE 7

An Evening With Peter Segal

NPR host Peter Sagal brings his signature wit and storytelling to the stage, offering sharp, humorous insights on politics, culture and comedy. Featuring an audience Q&A, this engaging event invites fans to connect with one of radio’s most distinctive voices in a lively, conversational setting. Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.

JUNE 17

Ilana Glazer

The acclaimed comedian, actor and “Broad City” co-creator brings her sharp, socially aware standup to the stage. Known for her special “Human Magic” and podcast “It’s Open,” Glazer delivers bold, insightful comedy shaped by her work across television and film. Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices.

JUNE 20

Brains On! Live: Your Brain Is Magic

The popular kids podcast comes to the stage with a lively, science-filled adventure exploring how the brain works. Featuring hosts Molly Bloom, Marc Sanchez and Sanden Totten, this interactive show blends comedy, games and hands-on fun to entertain curious kids. Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., Columbus, 614/4690939. capa.com. 1 p.m. Visit website for prices.

Northeast

festivals

JUNE 13

Taste of Braceville

Join in this community-centered event bringing together local vendors, food trucks and small businesses. Attendees can take guided tours of the Braceville African American History Museum and sample dishes featured in the museum’s cookbook. Braceville African American Heritage Museum, 1250 Cedar St. SW, Braceville, 330/373-8395. baahm.org. Noon–6 p.m. Free.

JUNE 21

Father’s Day Car Show & Festival at Hale Farm and Village

This patriotic festival features historic demonstrations, live music, food and drink, children’s activities and classic automobiles from the golden age of American industry. Don’t miss the chance to meet Washington and Lincoln. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Akron, ohiocarfestival.com. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $15, children $7.50.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

ONGOING

Cleveland Starts Here

Discover how a small wilderness town on the shore of Lake Erie became an industrial giant, the home of immigrants, a world-class center for arts and a world-renowned innovator in medicine and health care. This is a permanent exhibit, although artifacts on display may change. Cleveland History Center, 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/721-5722. wrhs.org. Visit website for times and prices.

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, 216/421-7350. clevelandart.org. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

THRU JULY 5

Transfiguration: Rachel Liebskind and the Tiffany Window

View this restored Tiffany stained-glass window from Rachel Libeskind that depicts the transfiguration of Christ, as well as new details. The work recontextualizes how the unimaginable is depicted in media. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron, 330/376-9186. akronartmuseum.org. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

THRU JULY 26

On the Threshold of the Great Lakes

See prints, books and large-scale mixed-media by artist and educator Geo Rutherford. Her pieces explore themes of impermanence, invasiveness and unseen elements of the Great Lakes. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton, 330/453-7666. cantonart.org. Visit website for times and prices.

THRU AUG 9

Martin Puryear: Nexus

Explore Martin Puryear’s innovations in sculpture, prints and drawings in this career-spanning

exhibition that showcases new works and iconic pieces. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/421-7350. clevelandart. org. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

THRU OCT 16

Fashion & Feather

This exhibition uses cultural objects, student concepts, ornithological specimens and historical garments to show the link between design and the natural world. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Dr., Kent, 330/672-3450. kent.edu/museum. Visit website for museum hours and 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 this summer with over 40 stunning sculptures. Kingwood Center Gardens, 50 N. Trimble Rd., Mansfield, 419/522-0211. kingwoodcenter. org. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Adults $10, children 7–18 $5, children 6 and under free.

THRU JAN 18

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

This immersive exhibition explores the legendary ship through more than 200 authentic artifacts, life-size room reconstructions and a cutting-edge VR experience. Discover powerful passenger stories, including connections to Ohio, and the ship’s enduring historical legacy. Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, 216/694-2000. greatscience.com. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

JUNE 6–13

Zoar Towpath Trail History Tours

Walk the scenic Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail between Zoar and Fort Laurens, Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort, while exploring the rich history of the Ohio & Erie Canal. This guided tour highlights the canal’s vital role in the growth of Zoar as a thriving communal village. Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 330/874-3011. historiczoarvillage.com. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $12.

MUSIC + THEATER

THRU NOV 5

Ohio Star Theater Presents Elijah: Prophet of Fire

Follow along with the story of Elijah as he stands against the most wicked rulers of Israel and leads people from all walks of life. Experience the story of an ordinary man climbing mountains of great faith to become God’s prophet of fire. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39 NE, Sugarcreek, 855/344-7547. dhgroup.com. Visit website for times. $49.95–$70.94.

JUNE 4–26

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

For two decades, this group has been sharing songs of hope in four-part harmony. They have earned four Grammy Award nominations, as well as numerous Gold and Platinum DVDs and six GMA Dove Awards. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39 NE, Sugarcreek, 855/344-7547. dhgroup.com. 7–9 p.m. $53–$73.99.

JUNE 20

Sounds of Summer: A Beach Boys Tribute

Based in southern Indiana, Sounds of Summer has been paying tribute to The Beach Boys since 2015, delivering audiences an authentic look and sound and taking them back to memories of the 1960s. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39 NE, Sugarcreek, 855/344-7547. dhgroup.com. 1–3 p.m., 7–9 p.m. $39.

JUNE 25–28

1776: The Musical

Witness the pivotal moments that forged our nation in this witty musical about the Continental Congress, where the monumental decision was

made to declare independence. Firehouse Theater, 450 E. Market St., Alliance, 330/821-8712. carnationcityplayers.org. Visit website for show times. $15.15–$17.25.

JULY 24–AUG 16

Big The Musical at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

This musical adaptation brings the beloved 1988 film to life on stage. Watch as Josh navigates the bewildering world of adulthood, from landing a dream job at a toy company to navigating the complexities of grown-up relationships. Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, 40 River St., Chagrin Falls, 440/247-8955. cvlt.org. Visit website for times. Adults $24, seniors and students $21.

OTHER EVENTS

JUNE 18

Be Kind & Rewind: Ultimate ’90s Experience Concert

Relive the ultimate ’90s throwback with this event at Gervasi Vineyard. Enjoy iconic hits,

nostalgic vibes and an unforgettable night of live music in a beautiful vineyard setting. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard.com. 8 p.m. $31–$41.

JUNE 21

Bourbon and BBQ Father’s Day Event

Celebrate Father’s Day with a flavorful bourbon and barbecue pairing at Gervasi Vineyard. Enjoy four chef-crafted bites paired with premium bourbons in a festive, unforgettable experience. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard. com. 1 p.m. $45.

JUNE 21

Father’s Day Car Show

ENDURING LEGACY

Celebrate “A Century of Mopar.” The Annual Father’s Day Classic, Antique and Collector Car Show showcases over 400 classic cars on the grounds of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330/836-5533. stanhywet.org. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $6–$16.

Northwest

festivals

JUNE 5–6

Van Wert Peony Festival

This family-friendly festival offers a full weekend of free entertainment, including a car show, children’s fishing derby, live performances, and a grand parade. Attendees can also enjoy Food Truck Alley, a vendor fair and a beer garden. Downtown Van Wert,, Central Avenue and Jefferson Street, Van Wert, vwpeonyfestival.com. Visit website for times. Free.

JUNE 13

Toast of Ohio Wine Festival

This festival features a variety of regional wineries, local food trucks and artisan vendors. Attendees can enjoy tastings, live music and a festive waterfront setting, with proceeds benefiting the Merry Go Round Museum. Jackson Street Pier, 221 W. Shoreline Dr. , Sandusky, 419/6266111. merrygoroundmuseum.com. Noon–9 p.m. Visit website for prices.

JUNE 20

Ohio’s Island Wine Fest

Savor Ohio’s finest wines at this third annual festival held at Heineman’s Winery at Put-inBay. Enjoy tastings, live entertainment, food, a silent auction and more. Heineman’s Winery, 978 Catawba Ave., Put-In-Bay, 419/285-2832. visitputinbay.com. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., $10–$30.

JUNE 26–28

Pyrate Fest

Calling all pirates and their families to attend the 18th year of this swashbuckling festival held in scenic Put-In-Bay. Enjoy cannons firing, ven-

dors, treasure hunts, pirates and much more. DeRivera Park, 341 Bayview Ave., Put-In-Bay, 419/285-2832. visitputinbay.com. Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.

JUNE 27

GroveFest

This festival invites families to explore nature through live animal encounters, hands-on crafts and interactive games with regional organizations. Held on the grounds of Spiegel Grove, the event celebrates wildlife and environmental education in a relaxed setting. Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museum, Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 419/332-2081. rbhayes.org. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

THRU JULY 5

Cursed! The Power of Magic in the Ancient World

Explore ancient magic through spells, amulets, papyri and curse tablets that reveal how Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek and Roman cultures sought protection, healing and power. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, 419/255-8000. toledomuseum.org. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

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 consump-

tion, examining themes of reverence, luxury, game and scientific study. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, 419/255-8000. toledomuseum.org. Visit website for museum hours. Free.

MUSIC + THEATER

JUNE 7

Toledo Guitar Show

This old-school, swap-meet-style event welcomes dealers, vendors, collectors and musicians to buy, sell or trade instruments. Attendees can browse a wide selection or bring their own gear to exchange. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, 419/3818851. thestranahan.com. Visit website for times and prices.

JUNE 16–21

A Beautiful Noise

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond, this uplifting musical traces the journey of a Brooklyn kid who became a chart-topping American rock icon. Featuring beloved hits like “America,” “Forever in Blue Jeans” and “Sweet Caroline,” the production brings his celebrated career to life on stage. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, 419/381-8851. thestranahan. com. Visit website for show times and prices.

JUNE 26–28

Maria Stein Country Fest

Held on the historic shrine grounds, this familyfriendly event features live entertainment, food vendors and activities for all ages. Maria Stein

The Journey by Ryan Sarfati and Eric Skotne

Unplug. Saddle up. Unwind.

Shrine of the Holy Relics, 2291 Saint Johns Rd., Maria Stein, 567/890-8092. facebook.com/ mscountryfest. Visit website for festival schedule and prices.

OTHER EVENTS

JUNE 12

Party in the Park: Riverwalk Celebration & Hot Air Balloon Glow

Party in the Park expands along the Glass City Riverwalk during Watershed Weekend, connecting Promenade Park to new riverfront spaces. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, food trucks and a balloon glow spanning both sides of the Maumee River. Promenade Park at Glass City Riverwalk, 400 Water St., Toledo, 419/407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com. 6–9 p.m. Free.

JUNE 26–27 Lima Half Mile Motorcycle Races

The Lima Half Mile is the area’s premier motorcycle racing event. Over 7,000 racing fans gather in Lima to watch the Grand National Circuit’s top racers participate in the 0.5-mile dirt track race at the fairgrounds. Allen County Fairgrounds, 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, 419/991-1491. limahalf-mile.com. 6:30–10 p.m. $65.

Southeast festivals

JUNE 6

Chillicothe BrewFest

This is your chance to talk to brewers, distillers and vintners from all around Ohio and sample their offerings while listening to live local music. Majestic Theatre Courtyard, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, downtownchillicothe.com. 1:30–7 p.m. $20–$75.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

THRU JUNE 7

Ink in the Valley

This special exhibition features work from artists Bobby Rosenstock and Logan Schmitt. Together, they’ve created a series of pieces highlighting day-to-day life, landscapes and Appalachian wildlife. Dairy Barn Arts Center, 8000 Dairy Lane, Athens, 740/592-4981. dairybarn. org. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

THRU AUG 30

Enduring Legacy: Celebrating 25 Years of Ohio Decorative Arts

This exhibit honors Ohio’s deep-rooted craft tradition, bringing together artists working in glass, fiber, wood, metal and clay. Drawing from gen-

erations of tradition, these artists reimagine the past through a contemporary lens. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster, 740/681-1423. decartsohio.org. Wed.–Fri. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 1–4 p.m. Free.

MUSIC + THEATER

JUNE 4–SEPT 6

Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama

Witness the epic life story of the legendary Shawnee leader as he defends his homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s. “Tecumseh!” has been labeled as one of the most mesmerizing dramas in the nation. Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, 866/775-0700. tecumsehdrama. com. 8 p.m. $35–$75.

JUNE 18–20

Nelsonville Music Festival 2026

Set in the beautiful rolling hills of southeast Ohio and surrounded by the Wayne National Forest, this laid-back weekend offers a carefully curated, diverse lineup of national, regional and local acts in an intimate setting. Snow Fork Event Center, 5685 Happy Hollow Rd., Nelsonville, 740/753-1924. nelsonvillefest.org. Visit website for times and prices.

JUNE 26

LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes brings her powerhouse vocals and multiplatinum success to the stage. Backed by a career that spans global hits, Grammy Award wins and television appearances, she

continues to connect with audiences through heartfelt performances. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/731-5152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. 8 p.m. $73–$153.

JUNE 30

Straight No Chaser Beach Bash

This group redefines the male a cappella genre with a dynamic blend of vocal precision and humor. With multiple gold-certified albums and a massive fanbase, the nine-member ensemble delivers engaging performances driven entirely by the power and creativity of the human voice. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/731-5152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. 8 p.m. $57–$133.

OTHER EVENTS

JUNE 4

Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks: Landscape Monuments of the Ancient Ohio Valley Book Launch

Author John Hancock launches a re-edited version of his book, which features illustrated descriptions and stories of these Indigenous masterpieces. A reception, presentation and book signing are included in the evening’s events. Stevenson Learning Center, Ohio University Chillicothe, 101 University Dr., Chillicothe, 740/253-1067. friendsofhopewell.org. Visit website for times and prices.

JUNE 6

Chillicothe Half Marathon & 5K

Take part in a half marathon or 5K race that takes

runners from downtown Chillicothe onto the paved trails. This out-and-back style course is made for pace pushing and challenging yourself. Fifty West Brewing Company, 1 N. Paint St., Chillicothe, chillicothehalfmarathon.com. 7 a.m. $40–$80.

JUNE 11–13

Southern Ohio Forest Rally

This event transforms the rolling hills and forests of southern Ohio into a high-octane playground for rally enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Chillicothe High School, 421 Yoctangee Pkwy., Chillicothe, southernohioforestrally.com. Visit website for times. Free.

JUNE 13–14

Revolutionary Family Experience

This event brings history to life with 18th-century military demonstrations, reenactors, games, cooking demonstrations, a flag retirement, beer making and more. Adena Mansion and Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, 740/7721500. visitchillicotheohio.com. Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. Noon–4 p.m. Free.

DISCOVER THE NEW GUIDE! Insider s

JUNE 27

Battle of the Beast Rodeo

Rockin A Bucking Bulls brings top riders, fierce bulls and nonstop excitement to the arena. Experience the thrill of professional bull riding, barrel racing, family fun and hometown pride as the best in the business go head-to-head for the top spot. Ross County Fairgrounds, 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe, 740/775-5083. rockinabuckingbulls.com. 8 p.m. $20–$25.

JUNE 28

Tour of the Canal Route Through Chillicothe

Follow this fascinating route with knowledgeable guides stationed at key sites along the way, ready to share stories and insights about the canal’s past. Downtown Chillicothe, Water Street, Chillicothe, 740/702-7677. visitchillicotheohio. com. 1–4 p.m. $15–$20.

Southwest

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

THRU JUNE 7

Longing: Painting from the Pahari Kingdoms of the Northwest Himalayas

This exhibition explores devotion, romance and power through colorful court paintings from 17th- to 19th-century India. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, 513/7212787. cincinnatiartmuseum.org. Visit website for museum hours. Free.

THRU JUNE 13

Folk Art: Self-Taught Artists, Self-Told Stories

See over 200 artworks by more than 40 nationally known folk artists and 40 additional unknown early Warren County folk artists from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The Harmon Museum, 105 S. Broadway St., Lebanon, 513/932-1817. wchsmuseum.org. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $10.

THRU JULY 26

Beyond the Picturesque: The American Landscape as a Site of Memory, Identity and Continuity

Painter Ayana Ross presents seven emotionally resonant figural works that reflect the quiet strength of Black life shaped by memory, culture and contemporary experience. Taft Museum of Art , 316 Pike St., Cincinnati, 513/241-0343. taftmuseum.org. Wed.–Mon. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit website for prices.

THRU JAN 3

Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection

See 30 works that span eight decades, showcasing tradition and innovation in Japanese ceramics. Dayton Art Institute , 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton, 937/223-4278. daytonartinstitute. org. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

JUNE 13–SEPT 20

The Scandinavian Home: Landscape and Lore

Explore 19th-century Scandanavian landscapes, portraits, furniture and decorative arts from Denmark, Findland, Norway and Sweden,

revealing how artists helped shape national identity. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Cincinnati, 513/241-0343. taftmuseum.org. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

MUSIC + THEATER

JUNE 9

David Lee Roth

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer returns to the stage with a high-energy tour. Known as the voice of Van Halen, Roth brings his legendary presence and era-defining hits, showcasing a lasting impact on rock through unforgettable performances and iconic songs. Eagles of Death Metal open the show. Rose Music Center at the Heights, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, 937/610-0288. rosemusiccenter.com. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices.

JUNE 18–20

Salome

The Cincinnati Opera presents Richard Strauss’ “Salome,” based on Oscar Wilde’s scandalous play. The teenage princess of Judea becomes dangerously fixated on the imprisoned prophet John the Baptist. When he rejects her advances, her desire curdles into obsession. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/2412742. cincinnatiopera.org/salome. 7:30 p.m. $25–$257.

JUNE 20

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country and Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives

This co-headlining performance celebrates inventive musicianship and deep roots in country music. Blending adventurous sound with storied legacy, the show highlights distinctive styles, instrumental virtuosity and a shared passion for an evolving musical tradition. Rose Music Center at the Heights, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, 937/610-0288. rosemusiccenter.com. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices.

JUNE 25

Studio Sessions: Soul & Sound 2.0

The Cincinnati Opera welcomes back poet and host Tifara Brown and pianist Kevin Miller, along with pianist Donald Lee III and countertenor G. Thomas Allen, for an invigorating evening of music drawn from the vast array of AfricanAmerican musical traditions. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/241-2742. cincinnatiopera.org. 8 p.m. $47–$70.

JUNE 30

Wynonna Judge & Melissa Ethridge Melissa Etheridge and Wynonna Judd’s Raised On Radio Tour unites two Grammy Awardwinning icons for a co-headlining performance, delivering the signature sounds that defined their celebrated careers in an unforgettable live experience. Rose Music Center at the Heights, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, 937/6100288. rosemusiccenter.com. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.

OTHER EVENTS

JUNE 6

MOAM Presents: Crafternoon Delight From kitsch to high-end decor, farmhouse to

modern, homemade to heirloom-quality, this market is a love letter to making. Sip on beer from Gravel Road while browsing a full craft show and watching artisans work live at the Watch-a-Crafter demonstrations. Middletown Open Air Market, 916 First Ave., Middletown, 513/760-8053. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.

JUNE 6

Dogs & Donuts: Tie Dye Bandanas

This summer series kicks off with a project that allows attendees to create a tie-dye bandana for their furry friend. Treats for people and pups will be provided. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 513/868-8336. pyramidhill.org. 10:30 a.m.–Noon. Visit website for prices.

JUNE 20

MOAM Presents: Red, White & Bloom

This vibrant summer evening celebrates local food, vendors, flowers and makers with a patriotic twist. Expect farm-fresh goods, festive food trucks, music, a kids wagon parade and a flagmaking craft tent. Middletown Open Air Market, 916 First Ave., Middletown, 513/760-8053. facebook.com/moamohio. 2–7 p.m. Free.

JUNE 20

Vintage in the Village

Downtown Tipp City comes alive with shopping for vintage, antique and artisan treasures. Plus, enjoy a wide array of food trucks and activities. Downtown Tipp City, Main Street, 937/667-0883. homegrowngreat.com. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free.

JULY

Central festivals

JULY 5–6

Grove City Town Center Wine & Arts Festival

Sip, shop and stay awhile at the Grove City Town Center Wine & Arts Festival. Spend the day exploring artists, enjoying live entertainment and

sipping your favorite Ohio wines. Town Center Park, 3359 Park St., Grove City, 614/539-8762. visitgrovecity.com. Fri. 5–10 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Free. Tasting tickets $30.

JULY 11–12

Columbus Book Festival

Check out more than 200 authors and enjoy talks, panels and book signings. Explore Indie Author Alley and the Festival Marketplace for vendors, activities, music and food. Main Library and Topiary Park, 96 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, 614/645-2275. columbusbookfesitval.org. Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.

JULY 29–AUG 9 Ohio State Fair

The Ohio State Fair returns this summer. Visitors can explore the new imAGine agriculture exhibit and Shaping Ohio showcase. Plus, enjoy live music, butter cow, livestock shows, kayaking and more. Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, 888/646-3976. ohiostatefair.com. Visit website for times and 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.” Reflecting on personal history and growth, his music blends influences across the genre while maintaining a distinctive voice. 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. Blending country roots with pop influences, the show features intimate moments and sweeping musical scale. Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices.

JULY 23

Lil Wayne

This five-time Grammy Award-winning rap icon’s career is defined by chart-topping albums. With a catalog spanning the “Tha Carter” series and beyond, Lil Wayne’s influence and cultural impact continue to shape hip-hop. Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, 614/246-2000. nationwidearena. com. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices.

other events

JULY 11

The Event 5

Visit Ariel-Foundation Park for this event benefiting Make-A-Wish. Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon featuring displays of hypercars and supercars, as well as the opportunity to get up close with never-before-seen visuals. ArielFoundation Park, 10 Pittsburgh Ave., Mount Vernon, 740/462-4278. mvac.org. Noon–4 p.m. $22–$155.

Northeast festivals

JULY 19

65th Annual Valley City Frog Jump Festival

Experience this all-day event where frogs jump individually from a marked 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/frog-jump. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

JULY 25–26

Zoar Antiques and Artisans Show

Discover timeless treasures at this event, considered to be one of Ohio’s fastest-growing antique shows in terms of attendance. The show features over 60 dealers, artisans and folk artists throughout the village showcasing stoneware, furniture, metalwork designs, watercolor painting and more. Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 330/874-3011. historiczoarvillage.com. Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $12.

MUSIC + THEATER

JULY 8–11

BorderLight Theatre Festival

Experience four days of performances, street shows and family-friendly activities at this vibrant festival celebrating Cleveland’s performing arts scene. From captivating street performances to

family-friendly activities, this event brings a celebration of imagination and artistry. Playhouse Square District, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216/356-6485. borderlightcle.org. Visit website for times and prices.

JULY 25

Jeff Allen

A live comedy favorite, Jeff Allen’s rapid-fire humor, which centers on marriage and family, is a hit with all ages. His Dry Bar Comedy videos have amassed a total of over a billion views on YouTube and other platforms. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39 NE, Sugarcreek, 855/3447547. dhgroup.com. 1–3 p.m., 7–9 p.m. $55.

JULY 30

Alter Eagles: A Tribute to the Eagles

For over 15 years, the Alter Eagles have been astonishing audiences across the United States with their inspiring tribute to one of the greatest rock groups of all time. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39 NE, Sugarcreek, 855/344-7547. dhgroup.com. 1–3 p.m., 7–9 p.m. $55.

JULY 31

Bad Moon Rising: A Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival

Take a trip into the past with Bad Moon Rising as the group pays tribute to the iconic American rock band. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39 NE, Sugarcreek, 855/344-7547. dhgroup.com. 1–3 p.m., 7–9 p.m. $39.

Northwest

festivals

JULY 14–19

Summer Moon Festival

This weeklong festival celebrates Neil Armstrong with events throughout town, including live music, food trucks, contests and a large vendor market. Plus, enjoy exhibits and interactive experiences that highlight community spirit and a shared connection to space exploration. Various venues throughout the city, Wapakoneta, 419/738-2911. summermoonfestival.com. Visit website for information. Free.

JULY 24–26

Celina Lake Festival

This three-day celebration along the shores 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. Enjoy a parade, races, tournaments, family-friendly contests and lakeside fun all weekend long. Downtown Celina, Lake Shore Dr., Celina, celinalakefest.com. Visit website for times. Free

OTHER EVENTS

JULY 15

Paddle & Groove: Dustin Dale Gaspard Black Swamp Conservancy and KeyBank National Association Trustee for the Walter E. Terhune Memorial Fund present this summer series. A band performs from a pontoon boat as guests paddle along by kayak or canoe. International Cove at Glass City Metropark, 1505 Front

St., Toledo , 419/407-9700. metroparkstoledo. com. 6–7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.

Southeast

festivals

JULY 10–12

Lilyfest

Gather in Rockbridge for this festival celebrating art, music, gardening and nature. Visitors can enjoy handcrafted artwork, live performances, educational hikes, manicured gardens, local food and family-friendly activities.Bishop Educational Gardens, 13200 Little Cola Rd., Rockbridge, 740/385-3016. lilyfest.com. Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit website for prices.

JULY 25–26

Frankfort Sunflower Festival

This sunny event includes a car show, a 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.

JULY 31–AUG 1

Y-Bridge Arts Festival

Celebrate creativity at this weekend festival featuring regional artists, live music, food trucks, artisan vendors, live entertainment, kids activities and more throughout downtown Zanesville. Zane State College Campus, 1555 Newark Rd., Zanesville, 740/819-3716. artcoz.org. Visit website for festival times and prices.

MUseums + exhibits

JULY 5–AUG 30

Tender Machines and Soft Structures

Inspired by Midwestern landscapes and everyday patterns, artist Kim Eichler-Messmer creates vibrant quilts that balance a time-honored tradition with improvisation and experimentation. Using color, texture and abstract design, the works reflects themes of memory, change, joy and loss. Dairy Barn Arts Center, 8000 Dairy Lane, Athens, 740/592-4981. dairybarn.org. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

MUSIC + THEATER

JULY 5

Marietta Symphony Orchestra: Red, White & Blue Extravaganze

Audiences will be immersed in this patriotic program celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with beloved classics, including marches by John Philip Sousa and the “1812 Overture.” Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/731-5152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. 3 p.m. $14–$29.

JULY 17

Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives

Catch a performance from Country Music Hall of Famer Marty Stuart at Peoples Bank Theatre. Stuart brings Grammy Award-winning music, hit albums and a deep commitment to preserving country’s legacy. With a career

spanning four decades, he continues to shape the genre through his music and influence. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/731-5152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. 8 p.m. $54–$234.

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 in a lively, old-fashioned matchup. Enjoy games, history trivia, giveaways and more during this community-oriented picnic event. Adena Mansion & Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, 740/253-1067. visitchillicotheohio.com. Noon–4 p.m. Free.

Southwest festivals

JULY 4

Cardboard Boat Regatta

Discover the quirky Cardboard Boat Museum in New Richmond, home to handmade boats crafted from cardboard and tape. This annual event sees these colorful creations hit the water for a celebration of creativity, ingenuity and family-friendly fun on the Ohio River. Cardboard Boat Museum, 311 Front St., New Richmond, cardboardboatmuseum.com. Visit website for times and prices.

JULY 24–26

Annie Oakley Festival

This festival honors the Darke County native and legendary sharpshooter with contests, including the Annie’s Memorial Shoot, live entertainment, shooting demonstrations, a car show, kiddie tractor pull, historical tours and more. Darke County Fairgrounds, 800 Sweitzer St., Greenville, annieoakleyfestival.org. Visit website for times and prices.

museums + exhibits

JULY 17–OCT 18

Yayoi Kusama: All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins

Experience an immersive mirror installation featuring glowing yellow polka-dotted pumpkins in a variety of sizes. The exhibition also includes rare pumpkin paintings exploring themes of infinity, repetition and self-portraiture. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, 513/721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum.org. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

MUSIC + THEATER

JULY 1

Studio Sessions: Matthew White in Recital

Following his performance in “Tosca” and in anticipation of his appearance as Don José in the Cincinnati Opera’s production of “Carmen,” tenor Matthew White takes to the cabaret stage for his first solo recital. Expect an enthralling evening of music, from opera arias to Appalachian folk tunes, accompanied by pianist James

Maverick. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/241-2742. cincinnatiopera.org. 8 p.m. $47–$70.

JULY 9

Mickey Dolenz

The former vocalist and drummer of The Monkees brings a legacy of pop success shaped by the band’s chart-topping albums and hits like “Last Train to Clarksville” and “I’m A Believer.” A multifaceted performer, his career spans television, music and beyond, reflecting decades of entertainment achievement. Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, 937/296-330. fraze.com. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices.

JULY 9–11

Lalovavi

The Cincinnati Opera presents the world premiere of this thrilling adventure. Set 400 years in the future, the opera follows Persephone, the youngest daughter of a tyrannical ruler. When she is discovered to possess a gene that confers immortality, she is thrust into an epic journey, uncovering a hidden past that leads her to discover the true meaning of love. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/2412742. cincinnatiopera.org. 7:30 p.m. $25–$257.

JULY 16

Trampled By Turtles

Trampled by Turtles’ sound is rooted in bluegrass, folk and rock. Formed by Dave Simonett, the group embraces acoustic approaches and a high-energy style. 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.

Harry Connick, Jr. brings a celebrated career spanning music, film, television and Broadway, marked by Grammy and Emmy awards. Rooted in New Orleans, his artistry shines through multiplatinum albums and deeply personal recordings showcasing his range. Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, 937/296-330. fraze.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 human, poetic songs marked by thoughtfulness and brutal honesty. He’s backed by his longtime band, The 400 Unit. Rose Music Center at the Heights, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, 937/610-0288. rosemusiccenter.com. 7 p.m. 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. Guided by music and memory, he descends into a realm of shadows to bring her back. Cincinnati Opera, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/241-2742. cincinnatiopera. org. Visit website for times. $83–$88.

FARM & TABLE

Patio Provisions

The outdoor space at Understory in Columbus sits beneath a canopy of leaves, offering a welcoming place for diners to enjoy reinvented pub classics.

Midwesterners know how to make use of a good patio, and Understory in Columbus offers one of the best in Ohio’s capital city. Operated by the team behind Wolf’s Ridge Brewing and the reimagined Worthington Inn, Understory sits in the historic Open Air School building in Columbus’ Old North neighborhood. »

Thirst Aid: Make a pit stop for a beer, a bite and a breather at these spots located directly alongside some of our favorite hiking and biking trails

Taps & Tails, Cleveland: This Tremont neighborhood dog-park bar lets you sip cocktails while your pup plays. It has indoor and outdoor spaces and a focus on safety.

FARM & TABLE

Designed a century ago as a school and recovery space for tuberculosis patients, the beautifully preserved structure is now home to a cafe, event space, studios and Understory itself. Diners are sure to experience flashbacks to their school days, with the large hallways, terrazzo floors and wood-trimmed doorways.

Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner, Understory features a food menu of reinvented pub classics, from dill pickle cheese curds and pork sliders to Wagyu burgers and udon noodle bowls piled high with veggies. Brunch is offered 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, with a menu that includes an Understory Platter of breakfast favorites and a hearty Hangover Burger. Then there’s Understory’s drink menu, which includes classic cocktails and beers from Wolf’s Ridge Brewing.

Understory is split into an upstairs Lounge and lower floor Commons that opens onto the patio. Centered around a curving bar and filled with plush booths and couches, the Lounge

feels like a cozy cocktail bar, even with its tall windows and open layout. The real draw at Understory is the Commons and its giant patio lined with flagstone and surrounded by trees. Diners order at the window inside, pick up their drinks, snag a number and find their seat at one of the two- and four-top tables.

“That location of the patio is the reasoning for the name, where it sits in the forest,” says Bob Szuter, who co-owns Understory along with Wolf’s Ridge Brewing and the Worthington Inn. “It isn’t the canopy, it’s the understory. That is the crux of the whole space for us.”

The Olentangy River is down the hill, and a path connects the patio to the Olentangy Trail.

“It’s an oasis in an urban environment,” Szuter adds. “I love riding my bike down on the trail, popping in, getting a beer, relaxing on the patio.” — Nicholas Dekker

2571 Neil Ave., Columbus 43202, 614/972-6006, understorycbus.com

THIRST AID

Make a pit stop for a beer and a breather at these spots alongside some of our favorite trails.

Canal Boat Lounge • Canal Fulton

There was a time when Canal Fulton was a flurry of activity. Of course, that time was the 1840s and James Polk was president. This town along the Ohio & Erie Canal still holds that history close, and this watering hole just off the Towpath Trail offers a welcome respite for bicyclists or those riding the St. Helena III canalboat. Familyowned-and-operated since 1994, the restaurant serves up burgers, sandwiches and a full lineup of cold drinks. facebook.com/canalboatlounge

Cartridge Brewing • Maineville

This former ammunition factory turned brewery sits alongside the Little Miami Scenic Trail in the Warren County village of Maineville. The 10,000-squarefoot space carries the touches of its industrial past, while a large wall of windows frames the forest. The menu offers starters like pretzels and beer cheese to mains like burgers and Detroit-style pizzas. Owned by Saucy Brew Works since 2022, Cartridge Brewing’s beer list ranges from crispy lagers perfect for summertime to hop-forward IPAs. cartridgebrewing.com

Understory is split into an upstairs Lounge (above) and the Commons. The menu features reinvented pub classics (left).

The Wheelhouse • Swanton

Located in the Beach Ridge Area of Metroparks Toledo’s Oak Openings Preserve, The Wheelhouse serves bicyclists and park visitors. Operated by Earnest Brew Works, the combination taproom and coffee shop serves up to a dozen of the Toledo-based brewery’s beers along with snacks and packaged soft and sports drinks. Located at a popular mountain-biking trailhead, The Wheelhouse is near a mountain-biking skills course, playground and the Cannaley Treehouse Village. earnestbrewworks.com

Taps & Tails, Cleveland

This dog-park bar lets you sip cocktails while your pup plays. It has indoor and outdoor spaces and a focus on safety.

Dog owners are often faced with a tough question in their free time: Do I stay in with my pup or go out with my friends? At Taps & Tails, you don’t have to make that choice.

Nestled in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, this dog-park bar offers an opportunity to socialize your dog and yourself. The spot has a total of 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for pets and includes a full-service bar for owners.

Co-owners Eric and Lisa Hollender were raising their high-energy puppy in the winter of 2017 and saw the need for a space that dogs and owners alike could interact in, especially for those living in the city.

“I tell people: Think of this as your yard,” Eric says.

The outdoor area is fenced in and turfed, providing plenty of space for play. An outdoor patio deck connects to the bar, and seats with tables and umbrellas line the yard.

For the Hollanders, safety is a top priority. To visit Taps & Tails, dogs must be registered in advance with records of their vaccines. All dogs six months or older must be spayed or neutered prior to visiting.

“We want to make sure that our reputation is upheld as far as safety, moreso than anything else,” Eric says.

Whether patrons are sitting in the indoor or outdoor areas, a server stops by to take their order and deliver drinks, so dog owners can focus on their pups.

The drink menu changes four times a year and presents dog-themed cocktails like the floral and refreshing Frenchie 75 (gin, lavender, lemon and champagne). Or try the bar’s twist on the classic Old Fashioned with the Old Dog, New Trick, which combines Bulleit Bourbon with smoked brown sugar and bitters.

Wines and beer in cans or bottles are available, as are a selection of draft beers that includes a collaboration between Great Lakes Brewing Co. and Taps & Tails called No Dog Left Behind IPA. A portion of proceeds from the sales of this beer goes toward supporting local dog shelters.

Taps & Tails also offers a small menu of classic bar snacks like fried pickles, tater tots and pretzel bites. Don’t have a dog? Don’t worry, you are still welcome to stop by.

“If you love dogs, if you love the company of dogs, you can come and still hang out and just enjoy watching them play,” Eric says. “And you get to know them. It’s fun.”

— Lainey Novak

1901 Train Ave., Cleveland 44113, 216/417-7384, tapsandtailsdogbar.com

Discover breathtaking lakes, endless outdoor adventures and unique cultural attractions in Chautauqua & Lake Erie NY.

Plan Your Summer Vacation today!

TourChautauqua.com

Sat, June 6th, 2026 | 4-8pm

TownCenter at Firestone Farms 101 TownCenter Ave. Columbiana, OH 44408

Online Presale $35 | $40 at the Door

⭐ VIP $50: Bonus 3-4pm - exclusive pre-event tasting. (Only300tickets available)

Scan for ticket information!

Columbiana Area Tourism Bureau tourcolumbianaohio.org

330.482.2282

Local Artisans Must be 21 or older to participate in wine tastings.

Taps & Tails’ outdoor area for dogs and their owners (top); Romeo and Mule-iet and the Frenchie 75 (above, left and right)

S������������S��������

BY ELLIE ERICH | This summer, enjoy the evening and forget about the journey back as you enjoy these wineries with overnight accommodations.

Cozy up on your own cabin patio with a glass of Opulent Chardonnay at Manchester Hill Winery and Vineyard in Circleville. Wake up to the sounds of morning birds chirping and stretch your worries away after a good night’s rest.

For a more relaxed neighborly feel, visit Greene Eagle Winery in Greene Township to listen to live local music and have a glass of Blackjack, a Cabernet made with fresh blackberries. Stay the night in the Eagle’s Nest Cabin that offers a countryside coziness that’s sure to make you feel right at home.

Head over to Headley Inn Winery & Vineyard in Zanesville to immerse yourself in the serene, wooded surroundings and enjoy a bottle of their full-bodied red

Battlesburgh 1835 or a blackberry wine. Stay the night in the Amelia Suite or Chestnut Cabin and wake up to a full breakfast.

Visit Wyandotte Winery in Columbus to listen to live music on the weekends and partake in special events like their cooking classes. Toast to good times with a glass of their popular Sweet William red blend, and stay overnight in The Quarters, a spacious, three-bedroom guesthouse.

Stroll through the vineyard, enjoy wine tastings, and listen to live music at Buccia Vineyards in Conneaut. Relax in your indoor jacuzzi at the end of the night with lingering notes of their estategrown grapes echoing across your tastebuds.

Buccia Vineyards

Greene Eagle Winery

OHIO WINE MONTH

Summer provides a great time to get out and explore the winemakers that dot our state. Plan a visit around one of these regularly scheduled offerings and experiences. By Lainey Novak

Ideally situated upon 48 acres of estate vineyards, which cultivate our abundant varietals.

Laurentia’s award-winning wines may be perfectly paired with a variety of boards, shared plates, and artisan flatbreads.

Please visit our website for Hours of Operation, Events, Menus, to Join the Club, Tours and Tasting Experiences, and to Shop our Wines.

OHIO WINE MONTH

Brunch

Gervasi Vineyard & Resort • Canton

This 55-acre Tuscan-inspired vineyard and resort in Canton hosts a Jazz Brunch at its on-site restaurant, The Bistro, every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy live music on each level of the beautifully restored 19th-century barn and choose from a curated brunch menu to pair with Gervasi wines. Try the quiche Lorraine with a mimosa featuring Gervasi prosecco and your choice of juice. There’s also the option to dine family style on dishes such as house-made sausage and rosemary ham, and parmesan breakfast potatoes. Reservations are recommended but not required. 1700 55th St., Canton 44721, 330/497-1000, gervasivineyard.com

Gideon Owen Wine Co. • Port Clinton

Take in the charming history at this Port Clinton property that offers a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. “It’s not only the food that’s great, but the ambiance,” says general manager and director of events Lorraine

Karl. The original stone wine cellars here date to the 1870s, and that winemaking heritage serves as the backdrop to a brunch menu that has shareables for the table and entrees you’ll want to keep all to yourself. Karl recommends the Short Rib Breakfast,

RAISE A GLASS

Brunch at Gideon Owen Wine Co. (above); musician at Gervasi Vineyard & Resort’s weekend brunch in The Bistro (right)

with smash browns and a braised short rib topped with eggs your way and gravy. Pair it with a mimosa made with Gideon Owen’s Bubbly Chardonnay. 3845 E. Wine Cellar Rd., Port Clinton 43452, 419/797-4445, gideonowenwine.com

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante • Geneva

This family-run vineyard and restaurant in northeast Ohio’s beautiful Grand River Valley offers a selection of sweet and savory brunch items every Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., along with its regular menu. The lat-

Just 40 minutes from Columbus and 30 minutes from Hocking Hills, Rhonemus Cellars is a destination that’s as inviting as it is

A Unique Experience Awaits You

•World-Class Wines from three distinct terroirs – Finger Lakes, NY; Napa Valley, CA; and Ohio

•Locally-Focused and Seasonally-Inspired Cuisine paired perfectly with handcrafted wines

•Private Dining Room & unique event spaces

•Wine Tastings

•Vineyard & Wine Production Tours

•Live Music & Family Fun on the lawn over the weekends

Nestled on the grounds of The View Golf Club, visitors can enjoy the scenic, challenging 18-hole course or simply take in the views from the patio.

Where Wine, Food and Golf Meet.

er start and end times let diners ease into their day. Menu favorites include the Filet and Hash, which features sliced filet mignon with roasted potato hash, roasted garlic aioli, two sunny-side-up eggs and toast points. Ferrante has a variety of bubblies and juices for those looking for an afternoon mimosa. 5585 St. Rte. 307, Geneva 44041, 440/4668466, ferrantewinery.com

Live Music

Revel OTR • Cincinnati

This urban winery in Cincinnati’s Over-TheRhine neighborhood contains a lot of life inside its cozy, industrial space, and live music has become a large part of that social atmosphere. Revel OTR hosts performers on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with a variety of acts taking the stage. “What we do is curate unique, positive experiences to tie to our brand,” explains founder and co-owner Anthony Maieron, “and one of the best ways of doing that is through music and art.” Wednesday evening brings the blues, featuring local musicians playing from 7 to 10 p.m. and half off all Revel bottles. 111 E.

Wednesday is blues night at Revel OTR in Cincinnati. Labels on bottles at Cote Winery feature owner Brittni Hall’s original oil paintings (opposite page).

12th St., Cincinnati 45202, 513/579-9463, revelotr.com

Debonné Vineyards • Madison

Spanning 175 acres, this Grand River Valley favorite features live music four days a week. The rotating lineup of local musicians are featured at Debonné Vineyards on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with acts ranging from country duos to classic rock cover bands. Founded in 1972, this estate winery is known for varietals ranging from its sweet, award-winning vidal blanc ice wine to robust reds like the cabernet franc. The popular blend Threesome combines riesling, sémillon and chardonnay for a great summer sipper. 7840 Doty Rd., Madison 44057, 440/466-3485, debonne.com

Hocking Hills Winery • Logan

Tucked along the Hocking River about a 20-minute drive from Old Man’s Cave, state park explorers will find a peaceful escape after a day on the trails. Hocking Hills Winery in Logan hosts live music Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the summer on its pavilion stage, with acts ranging from upbeat rock and country groups to acoustic-based musicians.

Order from the selection of charcuterie, pizzas and handhelds, and order a glass of the pinot grigio to pair with the music and summer air. 30402 Freeman Rd., Logan 43138, 740/385-7117, hockinghillswinery.com

Unique Events

Cote Winery• Mount Gilead

Every bottle at this boutique winery in Mount Gilead bears label art derived from one of owner Brittni Hall’s original oil paintings. “I’m the owner and the winemaker and also the artist. Sometimes a plumber. You never know,” she says. The walls of the winery display many of those original artworks, and Hall teaches visitors how to paint with acrylic and oil paints during monthly events. Beyond classes, line-dancing nights and themed markets have also been offered alongside the winery’s 10 varietals. 5102 U.S. Route 42, Mount Gilead 43338, 419/210-3639, cotewinery.com

Good Vibes Winery • Westerville

Good Vibes Winery has been around since 2012, but Tonjia Coverdale became owner

in 2025. From hosting book clubs to calligraphy classes, this spot in Uptown Westerville offers experiences alongside its 20 varietals. “The goal for Good Vibes is to be a community space,” Coverdale says, “where the wine is an accessory but not necessarily the vibe. … You’re the vibe as the person.” Get cre-

Also serving craft beer and hard ciders!

Located in rural Wayne County, we invite you to Find Your Wine Time® with us. Come sit relax and enjoy our wine, hard cider, real fruit based wine slushies and more.

See our website or Facebook for upcoming events, as well as food trucks and entertainment on weekends year-round plus Thursdays in summer. Firepit, igloo (winter), meeting/event space rentals available see website. Harvest Host member site.

www.lincolnwayvineyards.com

Ticketed Guided Vineyard and Winery tours available.

Year round hours: Th/Fr 12-9 • Sat 11-9

Others by appt.

lincolnwayvineyards @lincolnwayvineyards

9050 W. Old Lincoln Way • Wooster • 330-804-WINE (9463)

Summer hours:

Above plus Tu/Wed 12-6

Celebrating Ohio Wine Month

ative at monthly events, such as the ever-popular paint-and-sip held with the Westerville Arts Council or find your Zen during Soul Sundays with offerings that range from yoga

cused events that occur monthly. The popular jigsaw-puzzle competition sees groups of four go head-to-head. (Your entry fee covers a bottle of wine for your foursome and winners

Historic Spots

Baltic Mill Winery • Baltic Housed in a former turn-of-the-century

Located in the heart of the Grand River Valley in Geneva, Ohio, Laurello Vineyards is a small, family-owned cantina where guests can relax and enjoy award-winning wines and wood-fired pizzas. Cozy up by the fireplace in the winter or take in the lively atmosphere on our large patio during the summer. Join us for weekend entertainment or host your next event with us—featuring two indoor rooms and a tented outdoor space available in the summer and fall. Since 2002, Larry and Kim Laurello have created a place where friends and family gather.

Good Vibes Winery in Columbus puts hosting events at the center of its concept (left). Baltic Mill Winery in Baltic still holds much of the machinery it did when it made flour (above).

Ohio Wineries Fine Wine, Festivals, Wine Trails, and Fun

Join us for the Vintage Ohio Wine Festival, Kirtland, the first Friday and Saturday in August

Winter Wine Affair, Youngstown, April ● Ohio’s Island Wine Festival, Put-in-Bay, June Miami Ohio Festival, Fairborn, June ● Vintage Market Days, Dayton/Cincinnati & Wooster, October ● V.I.N.O. Wine & Food Festival, Bowling Green, November

Take a Day Trip and discover the remarkable wineries in your own backyard. Information at OhioWines.org/day-trips

Thoughout the year, watch for wine trail events: Chocolate & Wine Trail, Cookies & Corks Trail, Tannenbaum Trail, Fall into Spring Trail, Herb & Wine Trail, Wine n’ Bloom Trail

To be the first to learn about these and other events, sign up for our e-letter or visit OhioWines.org/events

before owners Judy and Dan Garver bought the place in 2013, renovated it and opened the winery the following autumn. Their son, Matt Garver, makes the winery’s 13 varieties. 111 E. Main St., Baltic 43804, 330/365-0524, balticmillwinery.com

Olde Schoolhouse Winery • Eaton

Built in 1890 and formerly known as Oklahoma Schoolhouse No. 4, this building welcomed students for 30 years and later housed a seed company. Today, it’s the home of Olde Schoolhouse Winery, which offers a taste of a slower era alongside its over 30 wines. “There’s nothing else like it around,” says co-owner and winemaker Mark Zdobinski.

“A lot of wineries are new and are ground-up projects, but this one has character and history.” Though modernized and renovated, Olde Schoolhouse Winery exudes historic charm with stonework meant to mimic the original and a vintage grain elevator in the tasting room. 152 St. Rte. 726, Eaton 45320, 937/472-9463, oshwinery.com

Pleasant Hill Vineyard • Athens

Take in countryside views at this family-owned winery on land that was used as a horse farm in the 19th century. The property’s original 1832 American chestnut log cabin houses Pleasant Hill Vineyards. Co-owner, Sandra Corder, along with her husband, son and daughter-in-law, worked to restore and renovate the property before opening in 2014. Many of the cabin’s original features were preserved, such as the poplar and oak plank floors. Corder recommends a glass of the soft, red De Chaunac while taking in a sunset on the ridge. “You are looking at a big sky and a lot of nature,” she says. 5015 Pleasant Hill Rd., Athens 45701 740/5023525, pleasanthillvineyardsllc.com

The Olde Schoolhouse Winery in Eaton is housed within a former school built in 1890.

Ohio’s AVAs

Due to Ohio’s distinct growing areas, the state is home to five nationally recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), grape-growing regions with specific geographic or climatic features that distinguish them and affect how grapes grow. The five AVAs are shown on the Ohio map, and wineries found within each AVA are denoted in the listings by the following abbreviations:

Scan to search Ohio’s wineries by their amenities.

Please enjoy Ohio Wines responsibly.

OHIO-GROWN

Grand River Valley (GRV), Isle St. George (ISG), Lake Erie (LE), Loramie Creek (LC), and Ohio River Valley (ORV).

OHIO RIVER VALLEY AVA

LORAMIE CREEK AVA

Appalachian Canal Country

Killing Tree Winery

PHOTO BY BECCA SPERLING

1. 58 West

58 W. Second St., Logan, OH 43138 (740) 216-5360, 58west.com

58 West provides the region with a friendly gathering place for visitors to enjoy the company of their friends and family while experiencing family-produced, quality beverages that will endure for generations to come.

2. Athens West End Ciderhouse

234 W. Washington St., Athens, OH 45701 (740) 590-5364, athenswestend.com/ciderhouse

A full-service bar featuring our Ohio-made ciders and spirits from our sister company, Athens West End Distillery. We offer popular local cheeses, nuts, crackers, and cured meats for snacks. Customers can order food from local providers or bring their own to enjoy with our beverages. ORV

3. Athens West End Ciderworks & Distillery

237 W. State St., Athens, OH 45701 (740) 416-6380, athenswestend.com

Proudly offering ciders, wines, and spirits crafted from 100% Ohio-grown and wild harvested grains, fruits, herbs, and roots. ORV

4. Bethany Ridge Winery

6176 Bethany Ridge Rd., Guysville, OH 45735 (740) 517-1678, bethanyridgewinery.com

A family-owned business committed to producing quality wines for your enjoyment. Come see us. ORV

5. Black Sheep Vineyard

1454 U.S. Rte. 250, Adena, OH 43901 (740) 546-3741, blacksheepvineyard.com

Located on a scenic, eastern Ohio farm. Tasting room and outside deck in an antique peg and beam barn. Vineyard-tobottle choices.

6. Brewery 33 & Winery Hocking Hills 12684 College Prospect Dr., Logan, OH 43138 (740) 385-6033, brewery33.com

Brewery 33 offers beer, cider, seltzer, and wine — all house made. Our wines vary from red, white, fruity, dry, and sweet.

7. Dutch Creek Winery

12157 St. Rte. 690, Athens, OH 45701 (740) 818-4699, dutchcreekwinery.com

Specializing in grape and fruit wines, ciders, and meads made from bee to bottle right on the farm. Also serving local beers and pizza. ORV

8. French Ridge Vineyards

2586 Twp. Rd. 34, Killbuck, OH 44637 (330) 377-4962, frenchridgevineyards.com

Enjoy estate-grown wines in the hills of Holmes County. Spend the night in a cabin overlooking the vineyards.

9. Georgetown Vineyards & Tavern 62920 Georgetown Rd., Cambridge, OH 43725 (740) 435-3222, georgetowntavern.com Winery and restaurant with scenic vineyard views.

17. Rainbow Hills Winery, Brewery & Pizzeria

56280 U.S. Rte. 36, West Lafayette, OH 43845 (740) 545-9305, rainbowhillswinery.com

Rainbow Hills has been in business since 1988. Eric and Traci Dennis purchased the business in 2018, where they added a pizzeria in 2019 and a brewery in 2022. All items are handcrafted in house, on site, in the same location.

18. Raven’s Glenn Winery 56183 Co. Rd. 143, West Lafayette, OH 43845 (740) 545-1000, ravensglenn.com

Whether for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, Raven’s Glenn is your perfect destination for the celebration of good food, good wine, and good friends.

19. Revolution Rockbridge Winery 26557 Miller Rd., Rockbridge, OH 43149 (740) 819-2524, rxrwinery.com

Experience our unique craft winery with over 40 handcrafted artisan wines located in the scenic Hocking Hills.

20. Shade Winery

401 Gilkey Ridge Rd., Shade, OH 45776 (740) 696-1323, shadewinery.com

Enjoy estate-grown and other in-house produced wines. Restaurant now serving lunch and dinner. Beer available. ORV

21. Stone Crest Vineyard 10310 O’Dell Rd., Frazeysburg, OH 43822 (740) 828-9463, stonecrestwinery.com

Relax in a country setting and enjoy our wonderful wines and view of our waterfall. Visit our website for food events.

10. Headley Inn Winery & Vineyard 5345 W. Pike, Zanesville, OH 43701 (740) 487-1446, headleyinn.com

Experience historic charm in our unique tasting room while sipping a glass of handcrafted wine.

11. Heritage Vineyard 27561 Twp. Rd. 45, Warsaw, OH 43844 (740) 824-4314, heritagevineyardwinery.com

Family-owned and -operated winery and vineyard. Complete your visit with an overnight stay in our guest house.

12. Hocking Hills Winery

30402 Freeman Rd., Logan, OH 43138 (740) 385-7117, hockinghillswinery.com

Family-owned. We provide a friendly gathering place to enjoy the company of friends and family.

13. Killing Tree Winery

16688 Co. Rd. 4, Dresden, OH 43821 (740) 327-6100, killingtreewinery.com

Where you’re made to feel like family. Cultivating community and connections in Coshocton County for years to come. The Knocking Boots cabin is now open and taking reservations.

14. Le Petit Chevalier Farm Winery

26328 Locust Grove Rd., Creola, OH 45622 (740) 988-6150, lepetitchev.com

A real working farm with acres of grapes and 50 miles of elbow room. We are one of the largest growers in the region and just minutes away from Hocking Hills. Enjoy handcrafted wines and breathtaking views, or spend the night in our winery loft.

15. Merry Family Winery

2376 St. Rte. 850, Bidwell, OH 45614 (740) 245-9463, merrywinery.com

Come wine in the countryside at Gallia County’s first winery. Sample wines in our charming tasting room. Relax on the spacious patio or stroll in the vineyard. Food trucks Fri.–Sat. ORV

16. Pleasant Hill Vineyards

5015 Pleasant Hill Rd., Athens, OH 45701 (740) 502-3525, pleasanthillvineyardsllc.com

Located on a beautiful ridge outside Athens. Boutique winery inside an 1840s original log cabin. Decks and picnic area. ORV

22. Twisted Vine Family Vineyard 1375 Carter Rd., Patriot, OH 45658 (740) 256-1923, twistedvine.wine

Wine and nature unite, a magical experience, Ohio native wildflowers “pre-settlement” (circa 1750), fields buzzing with pollinators, ponds, forests, wildlife, and trails. ORV

23. Unicorn Wine Guild 1816 Washington Blvd., Belpre, OH 45714 (740) 423-1300, unicornwineguild.com

Urban winery with 50 wines, tea room, wine/beer supplies, events, gifts, classes, u-vin, and gourmet teas/coffees. Ohio-sourced foods/gifts. Friendly atmosphere.

ORV

24. Valley View Hills Winery

29176 Klump Rd., Sugar Grove, OH 43155 (740) 746-8704, valleyviewhillswinery.com

We are here to help you discover the perfect wine and create unforgettable memories at Valley View Hills Winery. Complete with cabin rentals and wedding venues on property.

25. Vines on Hillside

26000 Hillside Dr., Quaker City, OH 43773 (740) 679-2785, vinesonhillside.com

Situated in the Appalachia foothills, near Seneca Lake, our boutique winery offers fine wines in a very relaxing setting.

26. Vino di Piccin Winery & Tasting House

55155 National Rd., Lansing, OH 43934 (740) 738-0261, vinodipiccin.com

Family-owned winery making delicious wines for all palates from the best grapes. Serving superior quality charcuterie and cheeses.

27. Wellstone Winery

28945 Riley Rd., Freeport, OH 43973 (330) 432-3029, wellstonewinery.com

Charming tasting room, inviting fire patio, and covered, stone-adorned terrace are all designed to promote warm, welcoming experiences.

28. White Eyes Creek Winery 9065 Clay Pike, Chandlersville, OH 43727 (740) 221-2546, whiteeyescreekwinery.com

Winery and vineyard producing estate-grown wines, as well as wines from regionally purchased fruit and juice. We have a selection of red, white, dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wines as well as sweet fruit wines. We have indoor and outdoor space for showers, birthdays, meetings, and other special occasions.

29. Wolftree 13526 Swett Hollow Rd., Millfield, OH 45761 (740) 448-3009, wolftreewinery.com

Producing mead, fruit mead, fruit wines, ciders, pyment, and other unusual wines. You may bring food. ORV

1. 1875 Winery + Event Center

109 St. Rte. 44, Hartville, OH 44632 (330) 935-2100, 1875ohiowinery.com

2. Baltic Mill Winery

111 E. Main St., Baltic, OH 43804 (330) 365-0524, balticmillwinery.com

Unique winery located in a 100-plus-year-old historic flour mill. Handcrafted wines in the heart of Amish Country. Building tours.

3. Bent Ladder Cider and Wine 13550 Mt. Eaton Rd., Doylestown, OH 44230 (330) 485-1089, bentladder.com

Handcrafted hard ciders and wines from premium estategrown fruit served in a rustic-chic setting overlooking Mother Nature’s best scenery.

4. Breitenbach Wine Cellar & Vineyards 5934 Old St. Rte. 39 N.W., Dover, OH 44622 (330) 343-3603, breitenbachwine.com

The best of Amish Country with 40 years of excellence. Enjoy an outdoor amphitheater, Port-aging cellar, wedding venue, guest houses, and trails. Check our website for festivals and events.

5. Carso Rosso Winery

19583 Hunt Rd., Strongsville, OH 44136 (440) 879-1099, carsorossowinery.com

Visit Strongsville’s winery. Wine, beer, food, and music. Please visit our website for all event information. Featuring cheese from Grampa’s Cheese Barn. Come enjoy our new tasting room.

6. Casella Winery & Distillery 1039 Roxford Church Rd. S.E., Dennison, OH 44621 (330) 440-7444, casellawinery.com

Our wines, food, music, and park. Rent our 1918 one-room schoolhouse for events at roxfordpark.com. Open year-round.

7. Cherry Road Winery

1133 27th St. N.W., Massillon, OH 44647 (330) 265-5807, cherryroadwinery.com

Massillon's west-side winery featuring wines reflective of Ohio's grape regions and Massillon's rich culture and past. We are now serving craft beers made on-site.

8. Crafted Artisan Meadery

1292 Waterloo Rd., Mogadore, OH 44260 (330) 628-4444, craftedmead.com

Located in a restored 1880s church, you will experience our internationally award-winning mead that is sold by retailers around the country. Enjoy local guest craft brews, honeyinspired cocktails, and our full pizza kitchen with shareables and salads at our 100% family-friendly historic space!

9. Das Weinhaus

3232 Erhart Rd., Litchfield, OH 44253 (330) 391-9400, dasweinhausllc.com

Come visit our scenic country winery sitting by a lake and enjoy our large selection of wines.

10. Doughty Glen Winery

5025 St. Rte. 557, Millersburg, OH 44654 (330) 893-3600, guggisbergswissinn.com

Award-winning winery in Amish Country. Live entertainment Fri.–Sat. evenings. On-premise lodging. Horseback riding by appointment.

11. Dragonfly Winery

215 Market St. W., Canal Fulton, OH 44614 (330) 854-4832, dragonflyontheriver.com

Located along the Tuscarawas River in historic Canal Fulton. Enjoy delicious food while sampling our wide variety of wines.

12. Feisty Brood Meadery

145 W. Aurora Rd., Ste. B, Northfield, OH 44067 (440) 590-6909, feistymead.com

A small family-run meadery that specializes in award-winning honey wines with tours and tastings by appointment.

13. Filia Cellars

3059 Greenwich Rd., Wadsworth, OH 44281 (330) 331-7522, filiacellars.com

Family-owned winery in a restored Victorian, specializing in local Ohio/dry California wines. Dog-friendly outdoors and live music. Picnics are welcome.

14. Gervasi Vineyard

1700 55th St. N.E., Canton, OH 44721 (330) 497-1000, gervasivineyard.com

Experience an upscale, winery resort featuring overnight suites, spa and wine cave, award-winning wines and spirits, a coffeehouse and cocktail lounge, along with exceptional cuisine in three restaurants.

15. Holy Moley Brewing Company

306 Grant St., Dennison, OH 44621 (330) 904-9371, holymoleybrewing.com

Housed within the walls of a beautiful 19th-century church.

16. It’s Your Winery

1484 Medina Rd., Ste. 113, Medina, OH 44256 (330) 419-3437, itsyourwinery.com

Enjoy the unique experience of creating your own wine at It’s Your Winery tasting room and retail sales.

17. Lake Milton Brewery, Winery and Bourbon Bar

17762 Mahoning Ave., Lake Milton, OH 44429 (330) 612-6196, facebook.com/lakemiltonbrewery

Enjoy a red, white, or fruit wine at the lake. Games inside and out, including our regulation pickleball court.

18. Lincoln Way Vineyards (& Brewery)

9050 W. Old Lincoln Way, Wooster, OH 44691 (330) 804-9463, lincolnwayvineyards.com

Family-owned and operated. Estate and 100% Ohio-grown award-winning wines, hard ciders, and now craft beers. Music/food trucks weekends. Tours/tastings.

19. Lost Trail Winery

5228 State St. N.E., Canton, OH 44721 (330) 754-9643, losttrailwinery.com

An Adirondack-inspired, USMC veteran-owned, boutique farm winery offering handcrafted, small batch wines with its own food truck, The Hungry Hiker.

20. L’uva Bella Winery

6597 Center Rd., Lowellville, OH 44436 (330) 536-6450, luvabella.com

L’uva Bella Winery believes in crafting high-quality, unique wines for the everyday consumer.

21. Maize Valley Winery

6193 Edison St. N.E., Hartville, OH 44632 (330) 877-8344, maizevalley.com

Visit Maize Valley Winery, craft brewery, and gourmet market. Open six days a week.

22. Mastropietro Winery

14558 Ellsworth Rd., Berlin Center, OH 44401 (330) 547-2151, mastropietrowinery.com

Visit our website for information regarding winery and sports bar hours, music, food, and events.

23. Maze Craze Winery

14070 Woodworth Rd., New Springfield, OH 44443 (330) 549-9000, getlostatmazecraze.com

Our winery is open in the months of September and October during our annual corn maze. We specialize in sweet wines that are featured at our fall venue.

24. McKim's Honeyvine Winery

20 ½ S. Main St., Columbiana, OH 44408 (330) 398-7662, Facebook @mckimshoneyvine

Please check Google or Facebook for current hours.

25. Michael Angelo’s Winery & Bakery 5515 Broadview Rd., Richfield, OH 44286 (440) 552-2815, michaelangeloswinery.com

Voted Best of Cleveland. Enjoy award-winning wines and house-made cuisine and bakery at northeast Ohio’s preferred wine destination with outdoor seating and fireplaces.

Michael Angelo’s Winery & Bakery

26. Nauti Vine Winery

3950 S. Main St., Green, OH 44319 (330) 644-5444, nautivine.com

Nauti Vine Winery, a lakeside winery in Portage Lakes, offers an exceptional experience for drinks, dining, special events, and weddings.

27. Planted Flag Brewing

3594 Pearl Rd., Medina, OH 44256 (330) 952-2739, plantedflag.com

Family and veteran owned. Crafting food, beer, wine, and cider with Ohio-grown ingredients.

28. Rohr’s Wine Room LLC

28 Charles Ave. S.E., Massillon, OH 44646 (330) 620-9757, Facebook @RohrsWineRoom

We are a little city winery located in downtown Massillon. Live music Friday and Saturday nights. We allow food to be brought in. Come check us out!

29. S&M Winery

2022 Locust St., Canal Fulton, OH 44614 (330) 933-5037, smwineryoh.com

We are a boutique winery that takes great pride in producing the very best sweet, semi-sweet, and dry wines.

30. Salvage Winery

9817 St. Rte. 44, Mantua, OH 44255 (234) 379-8222, salvagewinery.com

We are a boutique winery focused on craft wines. We specialize in West Coast varietals as well as local favorites. Visit us to experience our beautiful property and outstanding wines.

31. Sarah’s Vineyard

1204 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223 (330) 929-8057, sarahsvineyardwinery.com

Situated in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the main tasting room is located in an 1840s hand-hewn post and beam barn. Enjoy wine tastings, several food options, and wood-fired pizzas weekly after 4 p.m.

32. School House Winery

455 Schneiders Crossing Rd. N.W., Dover, OH 44622 (330) 602-9463, schoolhousewine.com/building6wine.com

Boutique winery located in a renovated 1886 one-room schoolhouse. Home of “Building 6” wines.

33. Silver Moon Winery

4915 Old Rte. 39 N.W., Dover, OH 44662 (330) 602-6040, silvermoonwinery.com

Sample all of our wines daily. All wines now served on tap!

34. Silver Run Vineyard & Winery

376 Eastern Rd., Doylestown, OH 44230 (330) 671-1115, silverrunwinery.com

Sip award-winning, handcrafted wine and relax by the fireplace in our cozy tasting room or on our covered porch in a peaceful country setting.

35. Sundog Ciderhouse and Winery

145 Town Center Ave., Columbiana, OH 44408 (330) 892-8039, sundogciderhouse.com Sundog Ciderhouse reinvents Ohio wine culture — small-batch ciders, crafted wines, sangrias, beer, liquor, plus live music most Saturdays.

36. Sunny Slope Winery

12245 St. Rte. 39, Big Prairie, OH 44611 (330) 378-4722, sunnyslopewinery.com Mom-and-pop winery nestled between Berlin and Mohican in the heart of Amish Country. Come enjoy good times and bright wines.

37. Swiss Heritage Winery 6011 Old Rte. 39 N.W., Dover, OH 44622 (330) 343-4108, broadruncheese.com

Browse through our gift shop, deli, and boutique, then come up to Hans’ Place and sample our wines and have lunch or dinner on our patio or wooded decks.

38. Tipsy Farmer Winery

32849 Speidel Rd., Hanoverton, OH 44423 (330) 222-9737, facebook.com/paynter.us

We are a small, country winery that specializes in sweet wines.

39. Ugly Bunny Winery 16104 St. Rte. 39, Loudonville, OH 44842 (419) 994-0587, uglybunnywinery.com

Nestled in the outskirts of Holmes County, Ugly Bunny Winery is a beautiful destination for anyone.

40. The Vineyards at Pine Lake 14101 Market St., Columbiana, OH 44408 (234) 759-3980, vineyardsatpinelake.com

Our expansive patio has a beautiful view of Pine Lake. Full-service restaurant featuring wine tastings and on-site brewery.

41. West Main St. Winery & Brewery

234 W. Main St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330) 839-8042, wmswinery.com

Where yesteryear meets today. Enjoy our wines, beers, and ciders — all made in the basement of our 150-year-old building — inside our tasting room or on our patio, weather permitting.

42. Weymouth Farms & Orchard, Winery 2398 Weymouth Rd., Hinckley, OH 44233 (330) 460-4565, weymouthfarms.com

Farm winery, 100% grown, double-gold and gold medal award-winning wines.

43. The Winery at Wolf Creek

2637 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Barberton, OH 44203 (330) 666-9285, wineryatwolfcreek.com

The Winery at Wolf Creek is one of Ohio’s oldest wineries that continues to please patrons all over the country with its breathtaking views and friendly farm animals. Our private rental space, The Great Room, offers a full bar, prep kitchen, fireplace, and private outside deck overlooking the property. The Winery at Wolf Creek is perfect for family, friends, and romance. Now carrying Troutman Vineyards' wines.

44. Winetagous

1910 St. Rte. 39, Sugarcreek, OH 44681 (330) 852-6016

A small winery inspired by faith and the friendship of four friends whose hobby is making wine together.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL ANGELO’S WINERY & BAKERY

PHOTO BY KEVIN KOPANSKI

Central Ohio Wine

Retreat 21

PHOTO BY KEVIN KOPANSKI

1. 1285 Winery

1285 W. Hanley Rd., Mansfield, OH 44904 (419) 884-1797, 1285winery.com

Full menu including wood-fired pizzas and full wine list. Large space for events. Wine available daily. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

2. Blend of Seven Winery

146 W. Center St., Marion, OH 43302 (740) 692-9003, blendofsevenwinery.com

Voted Delaware’s Best Winery every year since 2018! We strive every day to offer a warm, inviting atmosphere, plus great-tasting and unique wines. Please check website for hours and current/upcoming events. Snacks and baked good available or order from one of our great downtown restaurants.

3. Bokes Creek Winery

26211 St. Rte. 31, Raymond, OH 43067 (937) 358-2401, bokescreekwinery.com

Award-winning wines made from Ohio estate grapes and fruits. First Friday live music. Bring your food, no beer. Closed each January.

4. Brandeberry Winery

5118 W. Jackson Rd., Enon, OH 45323 (937) 767-9103, brandeberrywinery.com

Boutique winery that produces a wine for every palate. Offering wine tasting, appetizers, slushies, and live music every weekend. Located between Springfield and Dayton. Check website for events and hours.

5. Brothers Drake Meadery

1025 W. Third Ave., Columbus, OH 43212 (614) 388-8765, brothersdrake.com

We are an Ohio-based meadery that focuses on using approachable ingredients in its simplest form. Produced as local as we can find and handmade with love.

6. Buckeye Winery

25 N. Third St., Newark, OH 43055 (740) 788-9463, buckeyewinery.com

Select from over 50 wines with tastings daily. Enjoy our wines by the glass, bottle, or make your own custom batch of wine with personalized labels. Homemade pizzas, paninis, and other menu items. Visit website for events and more.

7. Bunker’s Mill Winery

102 E. Main St., Cardington, OH 43315 (419) 560-9854, bunkersmillwinery.com

An urban winery set in the quaint country village of Cardington. Enjoy locally crafted wines made from fresh grapes, juices, and juice concentrates from California and Ohio. Harvest Host and RV Overnight members.

8. Clearcreek Country Winery

9214 Westfall Rd. S.W., Amanda, OH 43102 (614) 395-0174, clearcreek.wine

Beautiful country setting. Occasional food trucks. Music bingo held monthly. Grape and fruit wines — at least twelve varieties, many blended. We offer a family-friendly and creepy corn maze in October and participate in the Lancaster Farmers Market starting in May through harvest season. We also offer pick up by appointment.

9. Cote Winery

5102 U.S. Rte. 42, Mt. Gilead, OH 43338 (419) 210-3639, cotewinery.com

Cote’s [côté] namesake pays homage to the Italian roots of our wine juice and translates to Whetstone, the original name of Mount Gilead. Enjoy nearly 10 acres of land and an on-site art gallery.

10. Cypress Hill Winery

51 E. Fourth St., Mansfield, OH 44902 (419) 513-5151, hudsonandessex.com

Urban winery with full-service restaurant featuring wine made on-site and aged approximately 30 ft. underground in historic caverns.

11. Dalton Union Winery & Brewery

21100 Shirk Rd., Marysville, OH 43040 (937) 645-5889, daltonunion.com

Enjoy a quaint, country atmosphere and a selection of wines, beer, cider, and mead for every palate.

All items are handcrafted on-premises and are available for tasting prior to purchase. Just a short drive from Columbus, and we have live music and various food trucks every weekend!

12. Dragonfly Vineyard and Wine Cellar

710 W. Herr Rd., Urbana, OH 43078 (937) 653-4377

Our countryside wine cellar is located in the Mad River Valley in Champaign County. Enjoy our estate wines with a scrumptious sandwich while seated on the patio overlooking the 4-acre vineyard or in front of the warm fireplace.

13. Folck Winery

6843 N. Urbana-Lisbon Rd. (St. Rte. 54), Mechanicsburg, OH 43044 (937) 869-2240, folckfamilyfarm.net

Dry and sweet estate wines made from handpicked berries on this historical Buck Creek Valley family farm with expansive patio. Valley view for all occasions.

14. Good Vibes Winery

2 S. State St., Westerville, OH 43081 (614) 392-2202, goodvibeswinery.com

This urban winery offers a large selection of dry and sweet wines and edible delights to pair with them.

15. KnoxView Farm Winery LLC 7524 Phillips Rd., Fredericktown, OH 43019 (740) 694-4019, knoxviewfarmwinery.com

Ohio farm winery featuring estate-grown grapes and fruit. Food trucks visit with occasional music. See website for Google calendar.

16. Manchester Hill Winery & Vineyard

13160 Tarlton Rd., Circleville, OH 43113 (845) 893-8724, manchesterhill.com

Handcrafting national and international award-winning wines and hard ciders from local fruit. Family-owned and -operated since 2011.

17. Michael Lynn Winery and Brewing Company

8842 Denman Rd., Mansfield, OH 44904 (330) 988-9057, innatmichaellynns.com

Quaint winery, brewery, and inn located minutes from Mid-Ohio Raceway. Focuses on quality wine and craft beer.

18. Mirabelle Farm & Vineyard

800 Winchester Southern Rd., Ashville, OH 43103 (614) 908-0202, mirabellewines.com

Enjoy estate wines at Mirabelle Farm & Vineyard, where every season offers something beautiful. From dry to sweet, there's a wine for everyone — and always a warm welcome. Hours vary by season.

19. National Road Winery LLC 13047 National Rd., Thornville, OH 43076 (740) 973-8171

A quiet, relaxing winery in a country setting located right on the historic National Road.

20. Our Kitchen Window Winery + Home Goods

223 N. Main St., Urbana, OH 43078 (937) 653-7627, ourkitchenwindowwinery.com

The Schetter Family invites you to enjoy their truly exceptional wines in their cozy downtown winery and retail store section.

21. Plum Run Winery and Brewery 3946 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123 (614) 991-0338, plumrunwinery.com

Conveniently located in downtown Grove City, just minutes from Columbus. Check website for our handcrafted wines, hours, and special events.

22. Ravenhurst Champagne Cellars 34477 Shertzer Rd., Mt. Victory, OH 43340 (937) 354-5151

Award-winning winemakers dedicated to traditional méthode champenoise Champagne and handcrafted dry wines, made from estate-grown Vinifera grapes.

23. Retreat 21

11433 Industrial Pkwy., Marysville, OH 43040 (614) 321-1713, retreat21.com

Retreat 21 delivers a scenic backdrop and elevated experiences to enjoy our hand-crafted cider and wine. Located minutes from Columbus, The Taphouse at Retreat 21 is an adventure waiting to be discovered. An immersive outdoor oasis surrounded by 64 acres of lush trees and rolling meadows. From intimate gatherings to corporate retreats and inclusive weekend packages, you can unwind and celebrate thoughtfully.

24. Rhetoric Brewing Co. 25420 Claibourne Rd., Richwood, OH 43344 (614) 400-7588, rhetoricbrewingco.com

A winery-brewery located in rural Union County that specializes in handcrafted small-batch wine, mead, cider, and beer.

25. Rhonemus Cellars 1511 George Rd. N.E., Lancaster, OH 43130 (740) 785-9900, rhonemuscellars.com

Rhonemus Cellars is a destination winery, restaurant, and event space designed to bring unforgettable experiences and exceptional wines to central Ohio.

26. Rockside Winery & Vineyards 2363 Lancaster-Newark Rd. N.E. (St. Rte. 37), Lancaster, OH 43130 (740) 687-4414, rocksidewinery.com

First winery in Lancaster, est. 2011. Enjoy estate-grown wine, brick oven pizzas, gourmet wine cakes, local honey and lavender, local craft brews, local bourbon, live music, happy hours, vineyard tours, and wine club. Voted “Best of CBUS.”

27. Seek No Further Cidery

126 E. Elm St., Granville, OH 43023 seeknofurthercider.com

In the heart of Granville, Seek No Further Cidery offers heirloom ciders, live music, and community events in a welcoming taproom.

28. Shamrock Vineyard

111 Co. Rd. 25 (Rengert Rd.), Waldo, OH 43356 (740) 726-2883, shamrockvineyard.com

Small vineyard winery with a 40-year history of delicious wines and welcoming hospitality. Home of the original Buckeye Red.

29. Slate Run Vineyard

1900 Winchester-Southern Rd., Canal Winchester, OH 43110 (614) 834-8577, slaterunwine.com

Winery is set amidst 4 acres of vineyard. Craft, traditional-style wines from our vineyard and select Ohio orchards and vineyards.

30. Three Oaks Vineyard 1591 Crosley Rd., Granville, OH 43023 (740) 535-6257, threeoaksvineyard.com

A beautiful vineyard, small orchard, and good wines crafted with care. Enjoy a relaxing visit with wine and friends.

31. White Barn Vineyard

6480 Woolard Rd. N.E., Pleasantville, OH 43148 (740) 243-8434, whitebarnvineyard.wixsite.com/ whitebarnvineyard

Picturesque farm winery and vineyard with an original 1800s barn. Our small batches are grown, produced, and sold on-site only.

32. The Winemaker’s Shop

3517 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214 (614) 263-1744, winemakersshop.com

Promoting winemaking with high-quality juices from all over the world. Also, winemaking on-premise. Come taste/make wine here.

33. Winery at Porter Central 8290 Porter Central Rd., Sunbury, OH 43074 (419) 571-6618, woolandvine.com

Providing you with an agritourism experience featuring locally made wines and hard ciders in a relaxed rural setting.

34. Wishmaker House B&B, Winery and Restaurant 116 Main St., Bellville, OH 44813 (419) 886-9463, wishmakerhouse.com

We have it all — B&B, restaurant, and winery. Something for everyone in a beautiful small-town setting.

35. Wyandotte Winery

4640 Wyandotte Dr., Columbus, OH 43230 (614) 476-3624, wyandottewinery.com

First winery in Central Ohio, est. 1977, located in a neighborhood setting just minutes from Easton. Handcrafted, small-batch wines made on premises. Pizzas, light bites, live music, wine club, Airbnb for up to six people.

36. Zen Bee Meadery

480 E. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. F, Worthington, OH 43085 (614) 526-4626, zenbeemeadery.com Drink the experience of now. Come enjoy our honey wine.

Cote Winery

PHOTO BY ELATED LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

Vino Lake Erie Shores & Islands

1. Chateau Winery & Vineyard

525 St. Rte. 635, Helena, OH 43435 (419) 638-5411, 419wine.com

Experience our French chateau, featuring a wide selection of wines, food, and weekend entertainment. Walk the vineyards, sit by the koi pond, or relax by the fireplace. LE

2. Cleveland Distillery

115 W. Herrick Ave., Wellington, OH 44090 (440) 728-0046, cleveland-distillery.com or humblebeevineyards.com Distillery, mead, and wine.

3. D&D Smith Winery

401 W. Main St., Norwalk, OH 44857 (419) 577-0242, ddsmithwinery.com

Visit this 1870 house-turned-winery. Taste 45-plus wines made on-site and enjoy brick oven pizza, music, and much more.

4. Firelands Winery

917 Bardshar Rd., Sandusky, OH 44870 (419) 625-5474, firelandswinery.com

Enjoy tastings, wines by the glass, our restaurant, and outdoor, pet-friendly patio. Celebrating 145 years of tradition! LE

5. Gideon Owen Wine Company

3845 E. Wine Cellar Rd., Port Clinton, OH 43452 (419) 797-4445, gideonowenwine.com

Historic winery and restaurant nestled on the southern shores of Catawba Island. Enjoy our award-winning wines made from 100% local Lake Erie AVA-grown grapes. Delicious food pairings and full menu available. Open year-round offering indoor/outdoor patio and firepit seating. Offering special wine tasting events, dinners, seasonal festivals, and weddings. LE

6. Heineman Winery

978 Catawba Ave., Put-In-Bay, OH 43456 (419) 285-2811, heinemanswinery.com

Take a ferry boat to this island winery serving up to 25 different wines and grape juice. Tour the winery and Crystal Cave — one of the largest geodes in the world. LE

7. Heron Creek Wine/ Brady Vineyards of Ohio

52185 W. Griggs Rd., Wellington, OH 44090 (440) 506-7022, heroncreekwine.com

Family-owned 14-acre vineyard, producing wines from our vines. Located in the Lake Erie region of north central Ohio.

8. John Christ Winery

32421 Walker Rd., Avon Lake, OH 44012 (440) 933-9672, laughingbomb.com

Craft winery and brewery with restaurant. From intimate to grand — every private event is elegantly tailored to you. LE

9. The Kelleys Island Wine Co. 418 Woodford Rd., Kelleys Island, OH 43438 (419) 746-2678, kelleysislandwineco.com

Run by three generations of family on 3 acres with winery, restaurant, gift shop, barnyard animals, and cantina. LE

10. Klingshirn Winery

33050 Webber Rd., Avon Lake, OH 44012 (440) 933-6666, klingshirnwine.com

Klingshirn is a third-generation family farm in existence since 1935. A wide selection of wines from viniferas to Pink Catawba assures a taste for everyone. LE

11. La Famiglia Winery

26095 Nichols Rd., Basement, Columbia Station, OH 44028 (440) 236-8700, lafamiglia.wine

Introducing The Cellar @ La Famiglia Winery: Your cozy, family-owned escape. Experience a speakeasy feel in comfort. LE

12. Matus Winery

15674 Gore Orphanage Rd., Wakeman, OH 44889 (440) 774-9463, matuswinery.com

More than 18 wines produced on-site. Beer, wine slushies, and bands every weekend year-round. Voted best in county and region last two years.

13. Monarch Winery

604 Division St., Kelleys Island, OH 43438 (419) 746-2899, monarchki.com

Monarch Winery is a working winery that specializes in fruit wines produced on-site. We also offer several wine slushies and a dog park on-site. LE

14. Mulberry Creek Winery

3312 Bogart Rd., Huron, OH 44839 (419) 602-2940

Grab a glass of wine and enjoy lush botanical gardens in the summer and toasty greenhouses in the winter. LE

15. Paper Moon Vineyards

2008 State Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089 (440) 967-2500, papermoonvineyards.com

Located in the historic harbor town of Vermilion, Paper Moon Vineyards is tucked away in the woods and provides an environment where guests can “escape from the same.”

Renovated and expanded porch and patio. Harvest Host participating location. LE

16. Quarry Hill Winery

8403 Mason Rd., #2, Berlin Heights, OH 44814 (419) 588-3179, quarryhillwinery.com

Estate-grown grapes and fruit wine from the pinnacle of Berlin Heights. LE

17. Rocky Point Winery

111 W. Main St., Marblehead, OH 43440 rockypointwinery.com

Rocky Point is located steps away from Lake Erie and the Marblehead Lighthouse. We are open year-round with an inn, too! LE

18. Vermilion Valley Vineyards

11005 Gore Orphanage Rd., Wakeman, OH 44889 (440) 965-5202, vermilion-valleyvineyards.com

Vermilion Valley Vineyards is an estate winery set into the rural landscape of the Vermilion River Watershed. Celebrating a four-part mission: produce world-class quality wines grown in north central Ohio; provide a warm and inviting atmosphere; to educate and promote sustainable building and land use practices; and to view our community through a philanthropic lens. LE

19. White Stag Winery

2381 Co. Rd. 38, Gibsonburg, OH 43431 (419) 637-2222, whitestagwine.com

White Stag is a small-batch winery crafting unique wines inspired by brave adventurers of the past. Situated on our family homestead, tucked far from the road with Sugar Creek running through the front yard. Escape to our geodesic dome tasting room and wine garden to taste, dream, and laugh with friends and family. LE

20. The Winerie 6413 Hayes Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870 (419) 502-1290, thewinerie.com

The Winerie is a family-owned business and destination vineyard, where grapes are 100% estate grown. LE

21. Wolfs Wine Company 50738 Telegraph Rd., Amherst, OH 44001 (440) 315-7436, wolfswinecompany.com

Nestled in the middle of a fruit orchard, Wolfs Wine Company has a relaxing, inviting, and friendly atmosphere. Offering varietals sourced from local vineyards and orchards.

1. American Winery/ American Brewery 15119 U.S. Rte. 20A, Wauseon, OH 43567 (419) 212-1014, americanwineryohio.com

American Winery/American Brewery, where there is a “unique experience in every glass.” Small-batch wines and beer made for everyone from the connoisseur to the first-taster. Enjoy our vineyard, deck, or inside atmosphere.

2. Benfield Wines

102 N. Main St., Swanton, OH 43558 (419) 780-9463

Quaint urban winery in the historic Pilliod Opera House building in Swanton. We create a great variety of wines, carry beer from two local breweries, and have a great specialty drink selection including 25 different kinds of bourbon, as well as pizzas, lasagna, and paninis.

3. Five Vines Winery LLC

12179 Buckland-Holden Rd., Wapakoneta, OH 45895 (419) 657-2675, fivevineswinerywapak.com

Picturesque winery and vineyard with a 100-year-old barn. Estate-grown grape wines, seasonal, and fruit wines available.

4. Gillig Winery

1720 Northridge Rd., Findlay, OH 45840 (419) 408-3230, gilligwinery.com

Wines produced and bottled on-site. Bistro food menu available. Conveniently located on Northridge Road a half-mile west of I-75.

5. GR8 Vines Winery

325 E. Spring St., St. Marys, OH 45885 (419) 778-7291, gr8vineswinery.com

Veteran-owned winery located in historic canal town, St. Marys. 20 wines, hard ciders, wine slushies, and flights. Open year-round.

6. Knotty Vines Farm & Winery

2920 Co. Rd. 19, Wauseon, OH 43567 (419) 446-9463, knottyvineswinery.com

Enjoy our unique wines in our guest areas overlooking the vineyard. Call ahead for groups larger than 10.

7. Leisure Time Winery

16982 Co. Rd. M2, Napoleon, OH 43545 (419) 758-3442, leisuretimewinery.com

Enjoy relaxing surroundings, good wine, beer, and food. Live music every Saturday night. Come visit us soon.

8. The Lumberyard Winery & Supply

118 W. Front St., Napoleon, OH 43545 (419) 599-9463, thelumberyardwinery.com

Offering a variety of wines and appetizers in a historic lumberyard with a large covered patio.

9. Michindoh Winery

3850 Co. Rd. 7, Edgerton, OH 43517 (419) 799-2097

Located in the far northwest corner of Ohio. We are a wholesaleonly winery. Direct sales to customers is by appt. only.

10. Myla Marcus Winery

133 S. Main St., Bowling Green, OH 43402 (419) 352-9463, mylamarcus.com

Located in vibrant downtown Bowling Green, our brand-new family-owned and -operated winery produces and bottles our wine and juice on-site. Come visit our gorgeous tasting room for sampling.

11. Stoney Ridge Winery 7144 Co. Rd. 16, Bryan, OH 43506 (419) 636-3500, stoneyridgewinery.com

Beautiful setting with a 13-acre vineyard. Offering estate wines, hard cider, beer, and cocktails. Weekend pizza menu and live music. Open all year.

12. Sycamore Lake Wine Co. 9660 Mayberry Rd., Columbus Grove, OH 45830 (419) 233-1581, sycamorelakewine.com

Enjoy a glass of wine in our winery, on our patio, or while strolling through our 3-acre vineyard surrounded by a 17-acre lake with a covered bridge.

13. Urban Pine Winery & Eatery 3415 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee, OH 43537 (567) 703-1281, urbanpinewinery.com

Producing wines from all over the world on site! Sample a flight, order by the glass or bottle, and enjoy the relaxing vibe. Offering ciders, local beers on draft, limited liquors, private parties, and a lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch menu.

14. Vine2Wine — Custom Winery of Toledo 7105 W. Central Ave., Toledo, OH 43617 (419) 720-3322

A winery dedicated to low-sulfite wines with a large variety from sweet to dry. LE

15. Vineyard at Evergreen Farm 4249 Siegrist-Jutte Rd., Coldwater, OH 45828 (419) 678-8027, evergreenwinery.net

Small-batch, unique varieties. Please check our Facebook or website for details. Members of Harvest Host. Newly renovated tasting room and patio.

16. The Winery at Harvest Moon Golf Course 26298 Mekus Rd., Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 219-0007

We offer live entertainment every weekend with a full bar. Located at a golf course.

PHOTO BY LISA CORY PHOTOGRAPHY

John Christ Winery

PHOTO BY MEGAN

Heron Creek Wine/ Brady Vineyards of Ohio PHOTO BY STEPHEN BRADY/BRADY DESIGN LIMITED

Ohio River Valley Vines & Wines

1. A.R. Winery

3564 Gordon Landis Rd., Arcanum, OH 45304 (937) 417-0565, arwinery.com

Come taste unique, award-winning wines on the farm and woodfired, brick-oven pizzas. Check website for events.

2. Bent Tree Winery

7405 Industrial Row Rd., Mason, OH 45040 (513) 204-6060, benttreewinery.com

Handcrafted, small-batch wines. Tastings 7–9 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month. Call for reservations. ORV

3. Bock Family Brewing

8150 Washington Village Dr., Dayton, OH 45458 (937) 813-2000, bockfamilybrewing.com

Bock Family Brewing makes handcrafted mead and cider, including traditional and a variety of flavors. We are a familyfriendly winery with a fireplace and outdoor seating.

4. Branch & Bone Artisan Ales 905 Wayne Ave., Dayton, OH 45410 (937) 723-7608, branchandboneales.com

Brewery and winery in Dayton producing natural wines, mead, and cider in addition to a wide selection of beer.

5. Burnet Ridge 6721 Richard Ave., North College Hill, OH 45224 (513) 522-4203, burnetridge.com

Family-owned winery specializing in high-quality dry table wines with grapes from northern California and Ohio. ORV

6. Burnt Out Winery LLC

1009A Halfacre Ave., Englewood, OH 45322 (937) 409-6084, burntoutwinery.com

Family-owned winery specializing in delicious wines for everyday people with quirky labels.

7. Caesar Creek Vineyards LLC

962 Long Rd., Xenia, OH 45385 (937) 952-9388, caesarcreekvineyards.com

Excellent estate wines and cider produced near the headwaters of historic Caesar Creek on a beautiful site with gorgeous vistas near Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati. Occasional music (ASCAP).

8. Chateau Tüken

15725 Eaton Pike, West Alexandria, OH 45381 (937) 687-3848, Facebook @ Tükens Orchard & Farm Market

Chateau Tüken specializes in pure fruit wines with no added sugar or flavorings. The fruit is sourced from our 20-acre orchard and fermented on-premise following our eastern European family tradition.

9. Cold Water Creek Winery

6790 Hamilton-Lebanon Rd., Middletown, OH 45044 (513) 539-6366, garverfarmmarket.com

Conveniently located in the heart of southwest Ohio, producing a range of farm-to-table wine. ORV

10. Fulton Grove Winery

3834 Fulton Grove Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45245 (513) 275-8368, thefultongrovewinery.com

Open Saturdays 1–5 p.m. or by reservation for small events. Hidden gem in bucolic setting near Cincinnati with awardwinning wines. ORV

11. Harmony Hill Vineyards & Winery

2534 Swings Corner Point Isabel Rd., Bethel, OH 45106 (513) 208-6721, harmonyhillvineyards.com

Boutique winery featuring award-winning wines, underground barrel cave, live local entertainment, small bites, and food trucks. ORV

12. Indian Spring Winery + Spear & Hatchet Distilling 10862 Fite Hauck Rd., Sardinia, OH 45171 (937) 446-9463, indianspringwinery.com

Family-owned and -operated since 2012. Laid-back, family- and pet-friendly setting featuring unique wines, small-batch liquors, and live music. ORV

13. Living Wright Wines

741 Greenlee Rd., Seaman, OH 45679 (937) 213-0633, livingwrightwines.godaddysites.com

Family-friendly atmosphere where when you stop by, you will see why our motto is, “We’re not fancy, we’re fun!” ORV

14. Meranda Nixon Winery 6517 Laycock Rd., Ripley, OH 45167 (937) 618-9381, merandanixonwinery.com

Celebrate life and the goodness of wine with us on our picturesque family-owned farm with stunning vineyard views. ORV

15. Old Mason Winery & Vineyard 4199 S. Iddings Rd., West Milton, OH 45383 (937) 698-1122, oldmason.com

Enjoy Old Mason’s quality wines in our cozy tasting room or while relaxing on our patio with a vineyard view.

16. Olde Schoolhouse

Vineyard & Winery

152 St. Rte. 726, Eaton, OH 45320 (937) 472-9463, oshwinery.com

Come visit Preble County’s first winery located in an original, one-room brick schoolhouse. Experience the beautiful tasting room featuring international award-winning wines made on-site.

17. Revel OTR Urban Winery

111 E. 12th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 579-9463, revelotr.com ORV

18. Seven Mile Winery, LLC

3526 Somerville Jacksonburg Rd., Middletown, OH 45042 (513) 212-1092, sevenmilewinery.com

Located in the heart of Butler County, the Mortenson family is proud to have built a community around the sharing of wine. ORV

20. Twenty One Barrels

9717 Horatio-Harris Creek Rd., Bradford, OH 45308 (937) 467-4498, 21barrels.com

Family-owned winery featuring a full range of wines and mead, our craft brewery, live music, steak cookouts, plus a kitchen menu in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

21. Valley Vineyards

2276 E. U.S. Rte. 22 & 3, Morrow, OH 45152 (513) 899-2485, valleyvineyards.com

Sip, savor, and unwind at our family-owned winery — where handcrafted wines, meads, and beers meet live music, steak cookouts, and great food in a warm, inviting setting. ORV

22. Vinoklet Winery

11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45252 (513) 385-9309, vinokletwines.com

Atop picturesque rolling hills, providing a panoramic view of surrounding vineyards and lakes, Vinoklet has a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere. ORV

23. The Winery at Versailles

6572 St. Rte. 47, Versailles, OH 45380 (937) 526-3232, wineryatversailles.com

Relax in our peaceful country setting. Specializing in small-batch hard ciders and wine, sure to please any palate.

24. Woodstone Creek Winery & Distillery

4712 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45217 (513) 569-0300, woodstonecreek.com

Grape varietal and fruit wines dry to sweet. Mead, port, and craft distillates. Ohio’s first microdistillery. Art gallery. Groups (10–20) by appointment. ORV

7800 Warner Rd., Madison, OH 44057 (440) 307-2224, baciwinery.com

Italian-inspired seasonal menu to pair with our wines. Craft cocktails and beer available. Live music and special events.

2. Bari Beauty & Health Plus Grapes

637 E. 185th St., Euclid, OH 44119

We offer Liddell's wine in Concord, Moscato, peach, strawberry, Merlot, and Zinfandel. LE

3. Benny Vino Urban Winery

834 S. County Line Rd., Geneva, OH 44041 (440) 361-3049, bennyvinourbanwinery.com

Stop in to our new location and visit the only tasting room located directly on the Grand River. GRV, LE

4. The Blind Squirrel Winery

7918 Pettibone Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 (216) 210-4946, theblindsquirrelwinery.com

Come visit our casual, rustic setting with good friends and fine wines, Thurs.–Sat. 4–9 p.m.

518 Gore Rd., Conneaut, OH 44030 (440) 593-5976, bucciavineyard.com

Buccia offers fine wines, a laid-back tasting room, live music, casually elegant lodging with vineyard views, weddings, and special events. LE

6. Cask 307

7259 Warner Rd., Madison, OH 44057 (440) 307-9586, cask307.com

Newer boutique winery features storytelling design with a timber frame building and covered deck. Deli known for impressive charcuterie and gourmet flatbreads. Craft beer and featured cocktails. GRV, LE

7. Cellars Key Winery

8085 Madison Rd., Thompson, OH 44086 (440) 553-5511, cellarskeywinery.com

Enjoy the picturesque scenery of the country, while sipping the greatest part that nature has to offer. LE

8. CLE Urban Winery

2180B Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 (216) 417-8313

A working winery and tasting room in the craft brewery style, produces Cleveland-branded wines from West Coast grapes. LE

9. Country Porch Winery

2282 Wilson Sharpsville Rd. (St. Rte. 305), Cortland, OH 44410 (330) 638-0000, countryporchwinery.com

Friends gather here in this comfortable country atmosphere with indoor/outdoor seating. Serving a variety of handcrafted wines made on-premise, locally crafted beer, and specialty drinks. Located ¼ mile from the lake.

10. Crooked River Wine

544 Pearl Rd., Brunswick Hills, OH 44212 (440) 628-9900, crookedriverwine.com

Established in 2020, specializing in the production of Ohio grape-based wines. Also, the home of Cleveland Jam. LE

11. Day Dream Farm Winery

5703 St. Rte. 166, Rock Creek, OH 44084 (216) 403-6218, ddfwinery.com

Day Dream Farm Winery is a charming countryside escape offering handcrafted wines, meads, live music, local food, and peaceful views.

12. Debonné Vineyards

7840 Doty Rd., Madison, OH 44057 (440) 466-3485, debonne.com

Ohio’s largest estate winery featuring award-winning wines and an on-site brewery, plus a great appetizer and sandwich menu. Special events and live entertainment year-round. GRV, LE

13. Emerine Estates Winery

5689 Loveland Rd., Jefferson, OH 44047 (440) 293-8199, emerineestates.com

Come taste the excellence of 100% all-natural, handcrafted fruit and traditional wine.

Fulton Grove Winery

PHOTO BY JEFF SEELEY / ARANDELL GRAPES / FULTON GROVE VINEYARD

14. Emerita Winery

5631 Ledge Rd., Madison, OH 44057 emeritawinery.com

We are a boutique winery crafting wines with an artisan focus on each and every bottle. GRV, LE

15. Ferrante Winery & Ristorante

5585 N. River Rd. W., Geneva, OH 44041 (440) 466-8466, ferrantewinery.com

One of Ohio’s premier estate-grown wineries in the Grand River Valley. Live weekend entertainment. Tasting room and restaurant open all year. GRV, LE

16. Fossil Creek Winery

5807 S. Madison Rd., Madison, OH 44057 (440) 298-6100, fossilcreekwine.com

New winery with fantastic creek views from our deck. Estategrown Riesling wines, local or imported charcuterie boards, and assorted pizzas. GRV, LE

17. Goddess Wine House

3054 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula, OH 44004 (440) 964-9993

Cozy winery located in a vintage tavern. Exotic fruit wines, as well as traditional favorites. Check us out. LE

18. Grand River Cellars

Winery & Restaurant

5750 Madison Rd. (St. Rte. 528), Madison, OH 44057 (440) 298-9838, grandrivercellars.com

Nestled into the woods, GRC offers a selection of quality wines from the region, locally crafted beers, specialty cocktails, and a large menu. Live music Thu.–Sun. GRV, LE

19. Greene Eagle Winery & Brew Pub

2576 Davis Peck Rd., Cortland, OH 44410 (330) 583-9463, greeneeagle.com

Enjoy the handcrafted wines and craft beer in our replica 18th-century post-and-beam Cape Cod winery. Take a sip back in time. Food available.

20. Happyland Winery

2920 Brown Rd., Ashtabula, OH 44004 (310) 849-6225, happylandwinery.com

This laid back open-air winery is a real hidden gem! LE

21. Harpersfield Vineyard

6387 N. River Rd., Geneva, OH 44041 (440) 466-4739, harpersfield.com

Enjoy estate-bottled wines such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris in a European-inspired tasting room. Dog friendly (outdoors) and offer Blues music Fri.–Sat. GRV, LE

22. Hartford Hill Winery

3864 Bushnell Campbell Rd., Fowler, OH 44418 (330) 772-8040, hartfordhillwinery.com

We serve 11 varietals of wine, including three fruit wines, inside our beautifully renovated 1800s-era barns. Harvest Host partner.

23. Hundley Cellars

6451 N. River Rd., Geneva, OH 44041 (440) 361-3088, hundleycellars.com

Uncork and unwind in this beautiful lodge-style winery. Enjoy expansive vineyard views, gourmet plates, and delicious wines. GRV, LE

24. It’s Sloe Good 15118 Sperry Rd., Novelty, OH 44072 (440) 759-7959

It’s Sloe Good, “a checkered past winery” where you can enjoy wine with cars and experience the event center. Book your next event today. LE

Rosabella Winery

25. Kosicek Vineyards

636 St. Rte. 534 S., Harpersfield, OH 44041 (440) 361-4573, kosicekvineyards.com

A third-generation vineyard founded in 1929. Our wines include locally grown vintages produced right here at our winery. Pet-friendly outdoors only and on leash. GRV, LE

26. The Lakehouse Inn Winery

5653 Lake Rd. E., Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041 (440) 466-8668, thelakehouseinn.com

A boutique winery producing hand-crafted, small-batch wines. Our wines are exclusively available to guests staying at the inn or visiting the spa or restaurant. GRV, LE

27. Laleure Vineyards

17335 Nash Rd. (St. Rte. 88), Parkman, OH 44080 (440) 548-5120, laleurevineyards.com

This small winery produces quality wines made primarily from vinifera grapes grown on the property. For GPS, use Middlefield, OH 44062.

28. Laurello Vineyards LLC

4573 St. Rte. 307 E., Geneva, OH 44041 (440) 415-0661, laurellovineyards.com

Boutique winery nestled in the heart of the Grand River Valley. Enjoy limited homemade food menu and handcrafted awardwinning wines. GRV, LE

29. Laurentia Winery

4599 S. Madison Rd., Madison, OH 44057 (440) 296-9175, laurentiawinery.com

Laurentia’s award-winning estate wines can be perfectly paired with our small and large plates, boards, and artisanal flatbreads. We also host live music and private events. GRV, LE

30. M Cellars

6193 S. River Rd. W., Geneva, OH 44041 (440) 361-4104, mcellars.com

At M Cellars, our mission is to provide an unparalleled guest experience, cultivate pristine vineyards, and produce worldclass estate-grown wines. GRV, LE

31. Maple Ridge Vineyard 6326 Dewey Rd., Madison, OH 44057 (440) 487-6187

Boutique winery, European-style, Ohio terroir. Enjoy a bottle in our pavilion. Open Fri.–Sat. 2–6 p.m. March–Dec. By appointment only Jan.–Feb. GRV, LE

32. Markko Vineyards

4500 S. Ridge Rd. W., Conneaut, OH 44030 (440) 593-3197, markko.com

Founded by Arnie Esterer, the beloved winemaker, mentor, friend, and leader to so many in Ohio’s wine industry. “If we don’t grow it, we don’t make it. The wines speak for themselves.” Enjoy estate wines from the Conneaut Creek and Lake Erie region. LE

33. Mentor Brewing Company

9528 Diamond Centre Dr., Mentor, OH 44060 (440) 951-2739, mentorbrewingcompany.com

Enjoy wines from our wide selection of varieties or make your own wine on premise. Pet-friendly patio. GRV, LE

34. North Coast Winery

30700 Bainbridge Rd., Solon, OH 44139 (440) 821-4822, northcoastwineclub.net

Boutique winery specializing in handcrafted dry wines from all over the world. Stop by and enjoy. LE

35. Old Firehouse Winery

5499 Lake Rd. E., Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041 (440) 466-9300, oldfirehousewinery.com

This quaint winery and restaurant is located on the Lake Erie shoreline in the village’s first fire station. Open seven days a week. LE

36. Regal Vineyards Farms

2678 County Line Rd., Madison, OH 44057 (440) 812-4936, regalvineyards.com

Regal Vineyards offers local wines, international wines, and cocktails. GRV, LE

37. Rosabella Winery

3951 St. Rte. 307, Austinburg, OH 44010 (440) 275-5218, rosabellawinery.com

Award-winning wines, cheesecake flights, appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches, and desserts. Wine floats, slushies, sangrias, bourbon, and cocktails. Live weekend music. GRV, LE

38. Sharon James Cellars 11303 Kinsman Rd., Newbury, OH 44065 (440) 739-4065, sharonjamescellars.com

Our winery is an inviting atmosphere in which to enjoy fine wines, appetizers, pizzas, and weekly specials. Live entertainment on Thurs.–Sat. evenings. Open on Sundays.

39. Silver Crest Cellars 4511 Bates Rd., Madison, OH 44057 (440) 428-0677, silvercrestcellars.com

We grow and specialize in dry red wines including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dornfelder, and Meritage blends. We also grow Riesling, Chardonnay, and other historical varieties and blends. GRV, LE

40. South River Winery & Red Eagle Distillery

6062 S. River Rd. W., Geneva, OH 44041 (440) 466-6676, southrivervineyard.com

Historic, picturesque winery building. Vineyards surround the tasting room and stretch as far as the eye can see. GRV, LE

41. Spring Hill Cider Works

6062 S. Ridge Rd. W., Geneva, OH 44041 (440) 466-0626, springhillciderworks.com

Crafting hard ciders using real fruits and methods. Where old fashioned and new-fangled flavors collide. GRV, LE

42. Stable Winery

5961 St. Rte. 7, Andover, OH 44003 (440) 965-6900, stablewinery.com

A family-owned winery offering locally sourced wines and craft beers, bourbon, food, and entertainment.

43. Stonegait Winery 4275 Bates Rd., Madison, OH 44057 (440) 307-9571, stonegaitwinery.com Woodfired pizza oven. Large outdoor seating area with outdoor bar. Indoor fireplace. GRV, LE

44. Vincent William Wine 1300 Belleair Ave., Madison, OH 44057 (440) 428-1300, vincentwilliamwine.com Nestled on Lake Erie’s shores, we offer elegant inn accommodations, fine wines and spirits, and exceptional dining in northeast Ohio. GRV, LE

45. Virant Family Winery 541 Atkins Rd., Geneva, OH 44041 (440) 466-6279

Where you are treated like family. A combination of dry, medium-sweet, and sweet wines to choose from. GRV, LE

46. Winery at Château Hough 1650 E. 66th St., Cleveland, OH 44103 (216) 438-0964, chateauhough.com

Urban winery with adjacent ¾-acre vineyard and a visitor capacity of 8–12 indoors and 50-plus outdoors (weather dependent), both by appointment. Service pets only. LE

47. The Winery at Spring Hill 6062 S. Ridge Rd. W., Geneva, OH 44041 (440) 466-0626, thewineryatspringhill.com

Country casual winery featuring Grand River Valley and Lake Erie-grown wines and hard ciders, tastings, patio, dog park, food, music, and fun. GRV, LE

PHOTO BY KEVIN KOPANSKI Buccia

PHOTO BRANDI PAPANIA

KIDS ADVENTURES

Summer break means it’s time to discover. Map out a season of adventure for your family with our guide to attractions and activities for all ages.

By James Bigley II, Erin Finan, Brandon Gross, Rachael Jirousek, Lainey Novak, Natalie Saddler, Lauren Serge, Kristina Smith, Jim Vickers and Ilona Westfall

The Wilds, Cumberland

FARMS & ANIMALS

Kids can be part of an adventure that seems a world away at The Wilds in Cumberland.

Safari Dreams

The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation park affiliated with the Columbus Zoo, offers everyday tour experiences and summer camps aimed at specific interests.

The nearly 10,000acre conservation park affiliated with the Columbus Zoo offers opportunities for families to interact with rare and endangered animals across a variety of adventures.

The open-air safari lets kids ride alongside ostriches, camels and zebras. Children 6 and older can take horseback tours through a restored prairie, while those ages 10 and up can rappel across the park on a zip-line tour.

“We host programs for families of all ages,” says Danny Lough, director of conservation education and engagement. “We have night hikes, stargazing programs, hands-on crafts — everything we do helps kids and their families connect to wildlife and nature.”

Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a unique offering such as The Wilds’ opportunity to stay overnight in a yurt, there’s plenty here for wide-eyed animal lovers, including all-inclusive summer camps for different age groups.

New for 2026 is a five-day Enrichment Mayhem camp for kids

ages 10 and 11. The experience lets campers shadow conservationists to see how they encourage animals to exhibit natural behaviors.

Junior explorers (ages 8 and 9) can take part in night hikes and safari tours, while the Safari Squad (ages 9 to 11) goes canoeing and learns archery. Those ages 12 to 14 can attend Adventure Camp, where they build their own shelters or serve as Eco Ambassadors that work with conservation biologists to monitor animal habitats.

The Wilds’ longest-running camp, Dirty Wild Jobs, has teens 15 through 18 shadowing veterinary procedures and having career talks with staff.

“Our older campers get to spend a whole day with our remote care team, helping fly drones to study and find new baby animals that are hard to find,” Lough says. “That’s just one unique opportunity that’s available to these kids.”

Future campers need to act fast, though, as tickets for upcoming summers start selling in December and tend to go quickly. 14000 International Rd., Cumberland 43732, 740/6385030, thewilds.org

African Safari Wildlife Park • Port clinton

With over 800 animals, this longtime northwest Ohio favorite invites families for a fun and photo-friendly experience.

In 1969, some Port Clinton locals established a lion zoo, but soon realized they had bitten off a bit too much. So, five years later, they sold the business to a family who had experience with exotic animals. Since then, Port Clinton’s African Safari Wildlife Park has grown into a family-friendly and immersive trek that is home to over 800 animals.

“It was originally modeled after Lion Country Safari in Florida,” says Kelsey Keller, chief operating officer of African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton. “If you spend any time with cats, they do one thing well: sleeping. Very quickly, the owners figured out that it is not fun to see sleeping cats every day.”

Today, the experience is a much more animated one and offers two different options for seeing the animals. The hourlong

drive-through tour invites visitors to roll the window down and feed alpacas, emus and bison from the windows of their car, while the walking tour guides visitors through habitats where they encounter animals such as wallabies, macaws and kangaroos. For one admission charge, visitors have the option to do each tour as many times as they’d like on the day of their visit.

GROWING + LEARNING

From living streams to animal ambassadors, exhibits at these nature centers in parks across Ohio turn lessons about the outdoors into an adventure for kids and families alike.

BLACKLICK WOODS METRO PARK NATURE CENTER • REYNOLDSBURG

Since 1978, this center’s wraparound windows have provided unobstructed views of a pond and wildlife among the park’s beech-maple forest. Little ones will love the nature center’s terrariums, wall of animal pelts, coloring sheets and sizable pond aquarium, which features several “animal ambassadors,” including turtles and fish. Invent a whole new world at the puppet theater before playing on a small-scale version of the Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk, which was added during interior restorations in 2025. metroparks.net

Add-on animal encounters offer chances to get up-close with capybaras, giraffes and tortoises (who love to be fed by visitors), while the Safari Secrets Barn Tour takes guests into the park’s giraffe barn for a be hind-the-scenes experience. Keller says the best part about working at the park is the happiness the animal interactions provide.

“It is fun to go out in the drivethrough on a Saturday and just listen to the customers have a good time,” she says. “It is sort of an infectious feeling. … [You] have fun too.” 267 S. Lightner Rd., Port Clinton 43452, 419/732-3606, africansafariwildlifepark.com

Freshwater Farms of Ohio • Urbana

There’s no denying that kids love getting close to furry animals but what about the less cuddly creatures in our world? Freshwater Farms of Ohio, the state’s largest indoor fish hatchery, offers kids a fascinating look into the world of fish at its farm in Urbana. Highlights include the Sturgeon Petting Zoo, which is stocked with the rare and endangered fish, and the Trout Feeding Frenzy, where visitors can gather around and watch the tank go wild when mealtime arrives. 2624 N. U.S. Hwy. 68, Urbana 43078, 937/652-3701, fwfarms.com

DR. JAMES K. BISSELL NATURE CENTER • ROCK CREEK

Open exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays from April through October, this Ashtabula County center along the Grand River teaches little visitors about the region. Once a month, naturalists educate families on topics like butterfly gardening and archaeology. Children can get a close look at native birds at the viewing window and crawl through a life-size beaver dam. The more adventurous can take a peek at the center’s eastern massasauga rattlesnake, the only rattlesnake found in northern Ohio. nature.org

FARMS & ANIMALS

HersHberger’s Farm & Bakery • MillersBurg

If there’s an animal petting zoo experience more adorable than Hershberger’s Farm in Holmes County, we’re haven’t found it yet. Admission to the Farm Animal Petting Area is inexpensive (kids under 2 are free), and for a nominal fee, you can buy feed or carrots to help you make friends along the way. The experience features more than 100 barnyard animals ranging from big horses to baby pigs. We promise you will fill your phone’s photo roll with adorable moments. 5452 St. Rte. 557, Millersburg 44654, 330/674-6096, hershbergersfarmandbakery.com

Lake Metroparks Farmpark • Kirtland

Lake County offers a barnyard experience that would be sure to get the Old MacDonald seal of approval. Known as Lake Metroparks Farmpark, the educational facility lets kids get up close to animals while learning about agriculture. Daily activities include sheep-herding and cow-milking demonstrations, and horse- or tractor-drawn wagon rides allow families to experience the 235-acre working farm in its entirety. Special events scheduled throughout the year provide youngsters the chance to marvel at vintage tractors or learn how sheep are sheared. 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland 44094, 440/256-2122, lakemetroparks.com

BRECKSVILLE NATURE CENTER • BRECKSVILLE

This historic nature center has remained virtually unchanged since the Civilian Conservation Corp. built it in 1937 as a Works Progress Administration-era trailside museum. (An adjacent educational facility called the Trailside Program Center was added in 2018.) Nestled in Cleveland Metroparks’ Brecksville Reservation, the rustic nature center provides animal encounters for little ones, including birdwatching from the center’s hickory rocking chairs and the opportunity to participate in seasonal opportunities like hand-feeding chickadees. clevelandmetroparks.com

SALT FORK ECO-DISCOVERY CENTER, LORE CITY

This Guernsey County nature center is among Ohio’s newest, celebrating its opening on Earth Day 2025. Families are greeted by a 7-foot-tall, chainsaw-carved Bigfoot, who acts as a guide through displays about ecology and interconnected relationships in nature. (Despite his size, Bigfoot wants to keep his environmental footprint small.) Kids can also crawl through a tunnel and check out the rainwater garden, one of the center’s many sustainable elements. ohiodnr.gov

Outlaw Express

The bad news is you’re being robbed by a group of marauding, Old West-style bandits on horseback. The good news is they’re polite, and the whole experience is a lot of fun. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway stages Ohio’s Friendliest Train Robbery several times a summer, and it’s one of the wildest train excursions you’re likely to take.

The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway stages Ohio’s Friendliest Train Robbery several times each summer, complete with play money and bandits with manners.

out of the region. Passenger service came in the decades to follow and ran until the end of 1949. In 1972, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway began operating historical train rides out of Nelsonville. Today, the nonprofit organization hosts regularly scheduled scenic excursions, as well as themed rides throughout the year.

Riders are given some play money before setting off on their evening trip from the Nelsonville Depot. Near the end of the ride, a group of robbers on horseback ride up alongside the train and stop it. After hopping aboard, the bandits collect the “money” from riders and then invite them outside to take a closer look at the horses.

“[People] enjoy the event because trains just naturally make everybody happy,” says Isaac Miller, a Hocking Valley Scenic Railway conductor and the organization’s director of marketing. “Then you have the element of surprise, which really appeals to people.”

The Hocking Valley Railway dates to the 1860s, when construction started on the line primarily to move salt and coal

Miller says Ohio’s Friendliest Train Robbery was conceived in 2005 to provide a more interactive train ride experience. It happens six times a summer, operating two dates each in June, July and August. Tickets tend to sell out fast, and its recommended riders be at the station 30 minutes in advance as the train departs promptly at 6 p.m. 33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville 45764, 855/323-3768, hvsry.org

RAILS & WHEELS

Cliffs Bike Park • Cuyahoga heightS

Sitting within Cleveland Metroparks’ Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, Cliffs Bike Park offers junior bicyclists a place to hone their skills. Opened in 2022, the park has two pump tracks with rolling hills and rounded berms, as well as a beginner skills area and both intermediate and advanced jump lines. The park welcomes riders year-round and is free to use, although they must adhere to park rules and etiquette, which includes wearing a helmet.

After building confidence, mountain bikers can take on the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation’s 0.2-mile Beginner Flow Trail, 1-mile Canal Trail or 2-mile Primitive Loop. 4514 E 49th St., Cuyahoga Heights 44125, clevelandmetroparks.com

Mountain Biking at John BRyan State Park • yellow SpRingS

Greene County’s John Bryan State Park offers mountain-biking adventures for riders of various ages and skill levels. The park has seven mountain biking trails with an “easy” difficulty rating, making them a fit for younger riders. The trail system is relatively flat and designed to be “challenge by choice,” meaning some trails contain optional obstacles. First-timers should start with the 1.1-mile Arboretum Trail and add trails as their confidence rises. 3790 St. Rte. 370, Yellow Springs 45387, 937/767-1274, ohiodnr.gov

Gators bike park • Worthington

When physical-education teacher Rick Armstrong noticed fewer of his students were riding bicycles, he set out to create a bike park to help them.

Kids trade screens for spokes at Gators Bike Park in Worthington, which has a mission of getting kids off their tablets and behind a pair of handlebars. Surprised by a lack of bike riding among his students, Rick Armstrong saw opportunity in a patch of woods behind Granby Elementary School, where he teaches physical education.

“We cleaned it all up, got ourselves a nice trail and — boom — it took off like crazy,”

Armstrong says of the effort that began in 2013. “Kids were just loving it.”

The concept quickly gained traction and volunteers and the park’s nonprofit, the Trail

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad • PeninSula

Families flock to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad during the holidays for its North Pole Adventure, but riding the rails during summer holds much to discover too. Special kid-friendly, themed excursions are scheduled throughout the season. Rail Rover highlights the natural beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, while Craft & Bingo focuses on creativity and fun. Train, Tracks & Trails delves into railroad history for all ages, while Create-A-Critter lets little ones make a stuffed animal during the trip. Check website for schedule and availability. cvsr.org

Gators Booster Association, built out the trails even more. Today, the park has around a mile of trails featuring obstacles for all skill levels, such as rocks, logs, hills, bridges and gravity-defying banked berms. There’s also a pump track featuring a roll-in deck where kids can hang out, cheer on friends or drop into the track.

Open to the public, the park is also home to the Gators Bike Team, consisting of 300 kids who learn biking skills from 76 coaches and compete in the Gators Race Series. While kids learn bike skills on the trails, Armstrong says it’s often about gaining the confidence to try something difficult that’s the real lesson.

“We got things out there that are challenging and a kid will try and try and when they finally get it, their face lights up,” he says. “They’re taking pride in working hard and persevering.” 1490 Hard Rd., Columbus 43253, 614/450-4500, thetrailgators.org

TREES & TRAILS

Beaver Marsh • Cuyahoga Valley NatioNal Park

For the shortest walk to Beaver Marsh, a boardwalk-covered area that is a favorite among Cuyahoga Valley National Park visitors, start at the Ira Trailhead parking lot along Riverview Road. The marsh is about a quarter-mile north on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. It’s an easy walk and benches and wooden railings along the boardwalk provide kids places to sit and lean as they keep an eye out for great blue herons, turtles, ducks and, of course, beavers. 3801 Riverview Rd., Peninsula 44264, nps.gov/cuva

BRUKNER NATURE CENTER • TROY

Namesake Clayton J. Brukner and his business partner E.J. “Sam” Junkin helped bring the aviation company that later became WACO Aircraft Co. to Troy in 1923. (At one point, WACO was among the nation’s leading civilian aircraft makers.) Forty-four years later, Brukner revealed plans for this nature center, which opened in 1974. Young visitors are welcome to borrow books from the Little Library to take along on their hikes, as well as view wildlife art exhibits and discover new species at the TreeTop Bird Vista. bruknernaturecenter.com

LAKE ERIE ISLANDS NATURE & WILDLIFE CENTER • PUT-IN-BAY

Take the ferry to this building full of educational stations, including an observation beehive, an exhibit on island geology and an interactive migratory bird display. The turtle pond is a favorite. It’s home to four shelled friends, a rock bass and bluegill, which can be seen on an underwater camera. View four murals from local artist Janet Steams; her latest acts as an “I Spy” game with 50 animals painted into an island scene. 255 Meechen Rd., Put-In-Bay 43456, 419/285-3037, lakeerieislandswildlife.com

TRAILS & TREES

Troll Trek

Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm’s whimsical woodland trail leads families to three giant trolls created by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

Founded as a nature center, educational farm and wildlife sanctuary, Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm in Dayton also offers a trek through the woods, where kids and adults alike can meet some of the world’s most famous trolls.

Danish artist Thomas Dambo has been creating larger-than-life recycled wooden trolls around the globe since 2014, and in 2021 Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm. The installa tion, titled “The Troll that Hatched an Egg,” focuses on the story of the daughter troll, Bibbi, who mis takes an airplane for a bird who has laid eggs. She and her parents, Bo and Bodil, construct a nest and Bibbi attempts to fly to find the bird.

“The trolls’ story is all about protecting birds and the history of flight to honor Dayton’s history with the Wright brothers,” says Laurie Cothran, commu nity building coordinator at Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm. “It’s all about birds, adventure and being in the woods.”

Families can take the Warbler Way and the Woodpecker trails to see all three trolls, and the entire journey spans around 2 miles round-trip. Each stop along the way makes for great photos, as visitors are encouraged to hug the trolls.

“In the world we live in today, it’s really import ant to have an adventure,” Cothran says. “I always hear families get so excited about finding the trolls. I think people get a lot of joy out of the wonder, of seeing something like these beautiful trolls.”

Each troll has defining physical character istics: Bibbi grins as she prepares to take flight, Bodil inquisitively inspects the “eggs,” and Bo smiles softly as he is seated. The experi has prompted an influx of visitors to seek out the sculptures when traveling through Dayton.

“It really lifted us up and is now a destination,” Cothran says. “If you’re com ing to Dayton, you’ve got to go to the Air Force Museum and you’ve got to see the trolls.” 1000 Aullwood Rd., Dayton 45414, 937/8907360, audubon.org/aullwood

Blacklick Woods canopy Walk •

reynoldsburg

This elevated forest boardwalk with a giant cargo net and a treehouse invites kids to explore Blacklick Woods from above.

Winding a one-eighth-mile loop through the treetops, the Blacklick Woods Metro Parks’ Canopy Walk offers a fun and easy way to explore the treetops, especially if you have little ones or strollers in tow. A 72-step staircase takes visitors up to the elevated walkway, but there is also an elevator, ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can reach the top.

An observation platform at the top of the elevator tower offers views from 55 feet above the forest floor and buttonbush swamp below. The boardwalk offers ample shade under a tree canopy

ash Cave gorge • hocking hills state Park

There may be no other easy hike in Ohio with a payoff as rewarding as the one that comes with making the brief trek back to Ash Cave at Hocking Hills State Park. Nearby parking and a paved path open the experience to even the youngest explorers.

The flat, quarter-mile gorge trail ends in a sandy area under the enormous overhang of the nearly 700-foot-wide recessed cave (the state’s largest), providing great summertime shade 26400 Ste. Rte. 56, South Bloomingville 43152, ohiodnr.gov

Bird-watching at Magee Marsh • Oak harbOr

Bring your kids to learn about the wonders of Ohio’s wetlands and the wealth of birds that pass through this area along the Lake Erie Marsh Wildlife Area is considered one of our state’s top bird-watching sites and kids can get in on the fun too. The Magee Marsh Boardwalk is an accessible, roughly 1-mile walking path that offers easy ways for visitors of all ages to be in the heart of the action. 13229 St. Rte. 2, Oak Harbor, 43449, 419/898-0960, ohiodnr.gov

that spans beech and shagbark hickory as well as red, white and pin oak trees.

“It’s just a different way to experience a forest and to take a different vantage point higher up in the trees, says Cody Berkebile, senior naturalist at Blacklick Woods Metro Park.

Features of the Canopy Walk also include a giant cargo net that can be used for play as well as rope bridges (for those who feel up to it) and a treehouse. Four feeders along the way encourage birds from warblers to woodpeckers to stop by for a quick bite to eat.

The Canopy Walk opened in May 2024, after years of discussion among Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks planners about bringing such an attraction to the area.

“There was this idea that we could make a nature center multiple stories, Berkebile says.” “It’s a really unique feature in Ohio, especially in central Ohio.” 6711 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg 43068, 614/208-4247, metroparks.net

GRANGE INSURANCE AUDUBON CENTER • COLUMBUS

Covering an impressive 18,000 square feet, this expansive center opened in 2009 as part of a land restoration project by the City of Columbus, the National Audubon Society and Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks. Little ones can explore the indoor playroom outfitted with a climbing wall or pick up a pair of binoculars and an Ohio bird guide to search for species in the Important Bird Area. Make sure not to leave before meeting the center’s ambassador turtles. audubon.org/grange

BATTELLE DARBY CREEK METRO PARK NATURE CENTER • GALLOWAY

After checking out the bison at this Franklin County park’s two enclosed pastures, stop by its interactive center to see natural and cultural history exhibits about the region. Kids quickly gravitate to the 53-foot living stream, which runs through the building’s displays and is well-stocked with the sort of fauna found in nearby Big Darby Creek. A short drive away, families can visit a 9-acre natural area where children can play alongside a creek, ravine and trees. metroparks.net

ROCKS & SAND

Hidden Wonder

Explore one of Put-in-Bay’s most enduring attractions at the Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, a place where history meets a kids maze, gem mining and mini golf.

Chip Duggan is a fourth-generation islander. He grew up on Put-inBay and part of that meant exploring caves across South Bass Island during his youth. So, when the opportunity to buy the island’s most famous cave came about, it was a chance to merge his longtime interest with taking care of a Put-in-Bay landmark he first visited as a boy.

“The cave has been open to the public since the 1870s,” Duggan says. “It came up for sale, and it was a business opportunity besides the interest I had in caves.”

Duggan and his sister, Dee Dee Duggan, co-own Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center along Catawba Avenue, just a short golf cart ride from downtown Put-in-Bay. Along with its namesake cave, which is believed to have been used by Oliver Hazard Perry’s men during the War of 1812’s Battle of Lake Erie, the destination spans a butterfly house, a kids maze (with towers where parents can watch), a rock

Fossil Park • sylvania

Fossil Park invites kids to dig through piles of shale in search of what remains of 375-millionyear-old organisms from Ohio’s prehistoric past.

Admission to the outdoor attraction is free, and the site is regularly restocked with fossil-rich rock from a nearby quarry. Signs on-site feature photos and QR codes to aid in identifying finds, and visitors are encouraged to take their discoveries home at no charge. 5705 Centennial Rd., Sylvania 43560, 419/882-8313, outdoorsylvania.com/fossil-park

climbing wall, gem mining, an 18-hole miniature golf course and a small antique car museum. There are also a couple gift shops and a burger stand. Visitors can buy individual admission tickets or combination packs that cover a range of experiences for a single price.

The cave is, naturally, the big draw here, with guided tours leaving regularly throughout the day. The subterranean, dome-shaped space sits about 50 feet below ground and measures around an acre in size. Visitors can see the small natural lake that is believed to have provided drinking water to Perry’s men during the war, as well as stalactites and stalagmites that have formed within the cave.

“Being in a room underground that’s completely natural, not man-made, is an experience,” Duggan says. “Everyone is generally excited the minute they get down there.” 979 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay 43456, 419/284-2283, perryscave.com

East Harbor StatE Park Beach • LakeSidE-MarbLehEad

Families looking for a kid-friendly beach along Lake Erie will find it at East Harbor State Park. Stone breakwaters protect the park’s 1,500-foot bathing beach, helping create calm waters, and the gentle sandy slope makes it easy for even young kids to wade and play. Beyond the beach, families can paddle the park’s calmer inland waters, keep an eye out for bald eagles and herons or stop by the nature center to learn more. Bike rentals and an on-site campground add to the family appeal. 1169 N. Buck Rd., Lakeside-Marblehead 43440, ohiodnr.gov

Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation children’s Garden • Columbus

On a hot summer day, kids flock to Sandstone Creek within the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory. Littles ones can play in shallow water, pass by the Misting Boulder (where sunshine and water droplets combine to form rainbows in the air) or explore rock formations and fossils along the bluff walls. That’s just the start of the features here — others include Wetland Explore and Pollywog Pond — that connect kids to the natural world through educational and interactive outdoor features. 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus 43202, 614/715-8000, fpconservatory.org

nature play at penitentiary glen • kirtland

The 1-acre play area at this Lake Metroparks’ reservation lets little ones dig, splash, climb and even try their hand at gardening.

The sand pit within the Nature Play area of Penitentiary Glen Reservation invites kids of all ages to dig, build and dream up entire worlds. But it’s just one small part of a largerthan-life sandbox where children can connect with nature and let their imaginations run wild.

“We wanted kids to come up with creative ways to explore and interact with nature,” says site facility manager Kristin Snider. “Rules can really dampen how kids explore, so we wanted to create a space where parents could be hands-off.”

Once inside the fenced-in, 1-acre play area, kids can trek across balancing beams, explore the hidden depths of leaf-covered tunnels and build their own teepees using bamboo sticks. A small, 3 1/2-foot-deep wading pond offers up-close interaction with frogs and salamanders, while a canvas-covered yurt provides sanctuary from the sun.

A perennial favorite remains the youth community garden where children can get hands-on experience planting mint, strawberries, tomatoes and other seasonal fruits and vegetables.

“We supply materials every year, or they can bring their own, and they can actually see what it’s like to take care of a garden,” says Snider. “It’s constantly evolving. When kids return throughout the year, it becomes a completely new experience.” 8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd., Kirtland 44094, 440/354-3434, lakemetroparks.com

TRAUTMAN NATURE CENTER AT MAUMEE BAY STATE PARK • OREGON

Located at the trailhead for the wetland-system boardwalk, this interactive center features a display of the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse as well as a kids area with a touch table and turtles, frogs and snakes that serve as ambassador animals. Stop by the wingspan-measuring exhibit to compare yours to that of a trumpeter swan, and consider attending a Birdy Brunch, where kids accompanied by an adult are welcome to help document and identify species to add to a citizen science count. ohiodnr.gov

FORD NATURE CENTER • YOUNGSTOWN

Judge John W. Ford’s children gave this 1912-built stone mansion to Mill Creek Metro Parks in 1968. Four years later, it opened as the Ford Nature Education Center before being redeveloped in 2023. Kids will have fun at this 9,615-square-foot center that features a nature exhibit hall, bird observation room and living rooftop garden. Explore the center’s native wildflower meadow, which showcases over two dozen species of local flora and grasses, and the nearby two-story education building. millcreekmetroparks.org

Steam Showdown

In June 1901, two rival shipping companies raced their steamers across Lake Erie in a high-stakes contest that drew thousands to the lakefront and ended with a thrilling finish.

Story by Vince Guerrieri | Illustration by Jeff Suntala

As dawn broke the morning of June 4, 1901, crowds were already starting to gather in downtown Cleveland for what was being billed as the greatest race on the Great Lakes. By 7 a.m., crowds were amassing at the Cleveland & Buffalo Transit Co. pier and taking perches at buildings overlooking the harbor. Thousands more could be found in parks downtown along the lakefront. (Unfortunately, the smoke of the city would obscure their view of the start of the race.) And yet more spectators could be found on a ship named City of Cleveland and various other boats and yachts on the water.

Although steamboats had been effectively supplanted as a main mode of transportation on American rivers, they remained popular for hauling people and cargo throughout the Great Lakes. The two boats believed to be the fastest — the Tashmoo (owned and operated by Detroit’s White Star Line) and the Cleveland-based Cleveland and Buffalo Transit Co.’s City of Erie — were set to race from downtown Cleveland to the Presque Isle Lighthouse in Erie, Pennsylvania.

From the time it was launched in 1898, City of Erie was touted by its owners as the fastest ship on the Great Lakes. But a year later, the Tashmoo launched. Built at American Shipbuilding Co.’s Wyandotte Yards in Michigan, the Tashmoo was designed for passengers to sail the Saint Clair River.

Yet when the Cleveland and Buffalo Transit Co. proclaimed the City of Erie would take on any challenger in a race, the Tashmoo was happy to oblige. Each company put up $1,000, with the loser donating that amount to a charity of the winner’s choosing.

The boats, both designed by Frank E. Kirby, were unlikely competitors. The City of Erie was an enormous cruiser, built with four decks of staterooms for overnight excursions across the lake. The Tashmoo  was an overall lighter ship, with a hull built like a yacht, to cut through the water. The City of Erie was four feet longer than the Tashmoo (324 feet to 320) but outweighed it 2,000 tons to 1,200 tons and had more than twice the engine capacity, 6,000 horsepower to 2,800 horsepower. Kirby, for his part, favored the Tashmoo, saying it “has never yet been run her fastest.”

The City of Erie, which regularly made runs between Cleveland and Buffalo, arrived in Cleveland around 5 a.m. the day of the race, having finished its regular route from Buffalo. The Tashmoo had come in the day before, fresh off being scraped and oiled in dry dock.

A crowd of partisans from Detroit had also arrived, taking up residence at Cleveland’s Colonial Hotel (now the Residence Inn) along Prospect Avenue.

On the morning of the race, the two ships took their places a half mile west of the starting line on the placid lake, “as smooth as sacred pools of Corinth,” the Buffalo Courier wrote. At 9:35 a.m., a small brass cannon was fired on the deck of the judges’ ship. The racers got off to a “flying start” across the starting line, which was crossed by the City of Erie at four seconds before 9:38 a.m., and the Tashmoo 35 seconds later.

“The most noteworthy contest ever sailed on freshwater,” as The New York Times called it, was underway.

The race drew interest throughout the Great Lakes and was also an inviting target for gambling. It was estimated that more than $100,000 was wagered on the race. The Buffalo Courier reported that the firemen who shoveled coal into the City of Erie’s boilers had pooled $500 — close to a year’s wages from them — to bet on their ship’s success.

Former Detroit Mayor John Pridgeon Jr., also a vice president at White Star Line, bet $1,000 with Cleveland shipping magnate Morris Bradley.

Arrangements were made for the race with great care, comparable to a yacht race in the preparation and standards. Two parallel courses were mapped out 2 miles offshore, with the ships no closer than a half mile apart. Lanes on the 95.5-mile race were marked with stakeboats and buoys, and a battery of three judges and five timekeepers were appointed to ensure the race would be run as fairly and accurately as possible.

Both ships were described as “fighting trim.” The City of Erie was laden with 100 tons of coal and 150 tons of ballast, barrels of oil and sugar to keep the ship at an even keel on the water. The ship was stripped down for the race, with chairs removed from the decks and lifeboats removed to lower wind resistance.

More than 100 tons of coal were hand-picked for the Tashmoo, with no imperfections allowed. The coal was stored in the front of the ship to keep its bow down and cutting through the water.

A coin was tossed to determine which path each

ship would take. The Tashmoo won the toss and opted for the outer path, putting the City of Erie at a disadvantage. It was built for deeper waters of the lake and would be on the shallower path, which meant it would run slower during the race.

The weather — bright blue skies and a calm lake — also appeared to favor the Tashmoo, but it was running behind the City of Erie in the early stages of the race. About 10 minutes in, it suddenly sped up, blowing past the larger ship.

A RACE ON LAKE ERIE

As the boats reached Fairport Harbor around 11 a.m., the Tashmoo was three to four boat lengths ahead, according to The New York Herald. The City of Erie was going slower in shallow waters. Once they were beyond Ashtabula, in deeper waters, the larger boat was able to speed up, its paddlewheel making up to 36 revolutions per minute.

Meanwhile, the Tashmoo’s coal supply was being depleted, lifting the ship’s prow higher out of the water and reducing its speed. By noon, the boats were running beside one another, but the City of Erie eventually pulled ahead.

Journalists aboard the racing ships and watching (either from the lake or on the shore) were doing everything possible to transmit their stories. That evening’s Cleveland Press carried the complete story of the racing, crediting “a score of staff correspondents, carrier pigeons, special dispatch boats, leased wires, buoys and box kite signals.”

Within 5 miles of the finish line, the Tashmoo made one last burst, but couldn’t catch up to the City of Erie, which finished the route in four hours, 19 minutes and nine seconds. The ship’s average speed during the race was a little over 22 mph.

The Tashmoo crossed the finish line 82 seconds later. Given that the City of Erie had crossed the starting line half a minute earlier than the Tashmoo, the margin of victory was just 45 seconds. “The Tashmoo struggled so gallantly that none but the timers knew she had lost,” wrote the Detroit Free Press.

Charles F. Bielman, the general manager of White Star Line, conceded that the City of Erie was more prepared for racing than was his Tashmoo.

“If we had been sensible, we would have stripped the Tashmoo as the Erie was stripped,” he said, also noting that the City of Erie had its condenser packed in ice, making it more efficient. Ironically, some Tashmoo backers said the ship would have won the race if it had taken the course closest to shore.

But Captain J.J.H. Brown, who’d been on the City of Erie, said if it had been cleaned and oiled in dry dock like the Tashmoo, it would have won more easily.

“I am of the opinion that such preparation would have added two miles an hour to her time,” he told The Cleveland Leader.

A rematch was talked about but never materialized. Both ships had lengthy careers on the Great Lakes. The City of Erie ended its service in 1939, when the Cleveland & Buffalo Transit Co. voted to liquidate. It was scrapped in 1941. A rock tore a hole in the Tashmoo’s hull while it was on a moonlight cruise in 1936. The ship was safely guided to port in Amherstburg, Ontario, with all 1,400 aboard being able to disembark before it sank.

The sinking incident prompted syndicated columnist Frank Parker Stockbridge to recall the race, which he had covered decades earlier for the Buffalo Courier-Express, in his “Today and Tomorrow” column, noting, “It was about as exciting a sporting event as I ever witnessed.”

The Cleveland and Buffalo Transit Co’s City of Erie faced off against White Star Line’s Tashmoo on a 95.5-mile course that stretched from Cleveland to the Presque Isle Lighthouse.

The Tashmoo (far left) and the City of Erie (far right) with spotter boats on Lake Erie

Ancient Return

With armored bodies, lifespans that can last a century and roots stretching back to the age of dinosaurs, lake sturgeon are making a comeback in Ohio after decades of absence.

By Kristina Smith

The group of kids and adults roll up their sleeves and stand beside the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium’s round freshwater tank, where prehistoric-looking fish swim leisurely. Some visitors eagerly dip their hands in the water, waiting for one of the fish to glide by so they can run two fingers — as instructed by the zoo interpreter — over its smooth skin and the bony plates that line its back.

A little girl squeals with delight as one of the creatures comes straight to her. Her aunt and grandfather stand nearby along the side of the tank, the former snapping photos and the other intently watching for an oncoming fish, which coasts under his fingers.

These fish are lake sturgeon, and they’re an Ohio endangered species that multiple wildlife agencies have worked together to reintroduce to Lake Erie in recent years. This exhibit offers a rare opportunity to see this remarkable and elusive species up close.

“They make a very charismatic conservation species,” says Matt Cross, director of vertebrate conservation at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. “Hundreds of thousands of people move through [the touch tank] annually just to see the sturgeon.”

Speaking through a mic, the zoo’s interpreter tells the gathered crowd about the sturgeon, explaining how they differ from other fish, that they were pushed to the brink of extinction in Lake Erie and its tributaries and what the zoo and its partners are doing to help restore their populations. The touch tank is just one aspect of Ohio’s partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to reintroduce sturgeon to Lake Erie. Efforts since 2018 have brought lake sturgeon back to Ohio, but because of the fish’s incredibly long lifespan, whether those efforts will spawn long-term results is still unfolding.

Sturgeon are ancient giants of the Great Lakes. They can live up to 100 years and usually grow to around 4 or 5 feet in length in Lake Erie, although they have been found at lengths of more than 6 feet and weighing well over 200 pounds.

“In 2021, the Fish and Wildlife Service was doing some sturgeon sampling in the Detroit River [which empties into Lake Erie], and they caught a fish that was 6-foot-11-inches long, 240 pounds in weight,” recalls Eric Weimer, fisheries biologist supervisor for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife. “It’s not the biggest lake sturgeon on record, but it’s certainly the biggest I’ve heard of in recent history.”

Sturgeon fossils have been found dating back to the time of the dinosaurs, and biologists consider sturgeon to be physiologically primitive, Weimer explains. Their skeleton is partially made of cartilage, much like a shark, and the bony plates on their body protect them. They also have barbels that look like whiskers that help them gather food.

Lake sturgeon are ancient fish native to the Great Lakes.

In adulthood, they usually grow up to 4 or 5 feet in length in Lake Erie.

“Once they reach a certain size, they’re basically armored tanks,” Cross says. “Nothing’s going to eat a lake sturgeon once it reaches a certain size. They really haven’t had pressure to change over time. Where we’ve seen they’re not resilient is when people get involved.”

In the early to mid-1800s — before major human intervention — sturgeon were so plentiful on the Maumee and Sandusky rivers, it’s been said in jest that a person could walk from one side of each river to the other on their backs. The fish were so prevalent that they regularly mangled the nets of commercial fishermen.

“If you accidentally caught one, you never turned it loose,” Weimer says. “They’d pile them up on the beach and burn them. There are even records of them being burned in the boilers of steamships on the Great Lakes.”

By the 1860s, German commercial fishermen in Sandusky realized sturgeon had business value and began harvesting them for their eggs, which they sold in Russia and Europe for caviar, according to the book Sandusky of To-Day, published in 1888. The fishes’ bladders were sold for use as isinglass, a refining agent in winemaking. Some parts were smoked, and undesirable remains were sold for glue and oil.

to the ones that historically lived in Ohio waters. And they needed the facilities and means to raise, release and track thousands of sturgeon over time to measure the success of their efforts.

Partnerships between the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and many other universities and organizations were crucial. U.S. Fish and Wildlife collected a somewhat local population of eggs from the large sturgeon population on the Saint Clair River in Michigan and took them to a facility in Wisconsin to incubate them.

To prepare them for release, the sturgeon eggs are taken to the Toledo Zoo’s streamside rearing facility — the first in Ohio — that pumps water in from the river.

“Anything that happens in the river happens in our facilities,” Cross says. “We need the fish to be exposed to that, to know they can survive. We’re exposing them to the conditions of the river, so they’re ready for it when we release them.”

This led to overfishing. Then other factors caused the near extirpation of sturgeon from Lake Erie, including pollution, dams and the dredging of rivers where the fish return from the lake in the spring to lay eggs and reproduce.

For years, biologists at agencies across Ohio and at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wanted to bring the lake sturgeon back. But reintroducing a fish isn’t as easy as getting some and dumping them in waters where they once thrived. Scientists needed to determine if the river spawning habitat as it exists today, which has changed due to human intervention, would work for the fish.

They had to find a stock of sturgeon genetically similar

Once the fish are 4 months old and about 6 to 8 inches long, they are tagged, and the zoo releases them.

“They’re microchipped like a cat or dog,” Weimer explains. “[When caught later,] we can scan them and determine if they’re a fish that we stocked and where it came from.”

In September 2018, the Toledo Zoo and other agencies gathered with members of the public at the Maumee River in Toledo to release the first batch of young sturgeon. Since then, 700 to 900 people have shown up each year to release a baby sturgeon at the event while enjoying food trucks and other activities. This year, the event will take place in September.

“This is one of the ways we get people hooked,” Cross says. “None of this happens without public support. It’s really important that we have their buy-in and their awareness.”

In 2025, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources expanded the program and began releasing young sturgeon in the Sandusky River in Fremont and in the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland and in Cuyahoga Falls. This

“One of the reasons the sturgeon are such an amazing story is it really speaks to how much of an influence we can have — positive or negative — when we put our minds to it.”

MATT CROSS, DIRECTOR OF VERTEBRATE CONSERVATION AT THE TOLEDO ZOO & AQUARIUM

Toledo Zoo & Aquarium’s lake sturgeon petting tank (opposite page); a tank of young sturgeon at the zoo’s streamside rearing facility.

fall, they plan to release sturgeon in the Scioto River near Circleville in southern Ohio, as the fish once were prevalent in the Ohio River and its tributaries.

to 12, and females at 15 to 20. So, it will be a few more years until the fish can start breeding. But there are some encouraging signs that the sturgeon are acclimating.

Ait’s still too early to know wheth er the fish will spawn and start reproducing en masse in the lake’s tributaries. That’s because sturgeon are very slow to mature, in part because they live so long.

Males reach sexual maturity at ages 8

“We have seen a pretty sharp increase in the number of lake sturgeon out in Lake Erie itself that are being caught accidentally,” Weimer says. “Anglers, especially perch anglers, catch them. The commercial fishermen who use the trap nets have seen the biggest number of incidental catches.”

Those fish are documented and released back into the lake, he says. One of them was a sturgeon released in 2018 on the Maumee River that had grown to 41

inches. More than 40 sturgeon are caught on Lake Erie each year, up from around 4 to 6 in 2018, he says.

“We know it’s having an effect,” Weimer says of the reintroduction program. “We’re watching them grow. Now, we just give it time to see if they will return to those historic spawning tributaries and if they will spawn there.”

He attributes the signs of success to several factors: the hardiness of the high-quality fish raised by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Toledo Zoo, the reduction in pollution in the rivers and improvements to habitat and water quality.

“One of the reasons the sturgeon are such an amazing story is it really speaks to how much of an influence we can have — positive or negative — when we put our minds to it, Cross says. “In less than 100 years, we almost wiped them out in Lake Erie, but we’ve also made some pretty positive steps in restoring them in a pretty short amount of time.”

A young lake sturgeon (top); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staffers measure a lake sturgeon during a catch-and-release program (above left). A girl releases a lake sturgeon on the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland (left).

LAKE COUNTY

New wineries, downtown destinations and summer festivals showcase the fresh flavors, creative energy and lakeside fun that draw visitors this time of year. By Erin Finan

LAKE ERIE SAND SCULPTURE TOUR

A visit to Lake County and the Grand River Valley wine region is about slow mornings, easy conversations and finding meaningful moments. From lakeside views and local favorites to hidden gems and familiar comforts. Lake County makes it easy to settle in and enjoy the day as it unfolds. At Tour Lake County, we’re here to share what we love about this place and help you feel comfortable the moment you arrive. No fluff, no pressure. Real hospitality and plenty of reasons to come back.

Vintage Ohio

Join Ohio wineries at the Vintage Ohio Wine Festival, happening August 7 and 8, at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, Kirtland, Ohio. You can enjoy live musical entertainment, scrumptious food, cooking demonstrations, artisans, shopping, and exhibits. For more information and to buy tickets head to VisitVintageOhio.com.

1 S. Broadway, Geneva OhioWines.org | 440-466-4417

Laurello Vineyards

Celebrate Ohio Wine Month at Laurello Vineyards all June long! Sip and savor handcrafted Ohio wines, wood-fired pizzas, live entertainment, and beautiful vineyard views in the heart of the Grand River Valley. From crisp whites to bold reds and sparkling favorites, discover why Ohio wine country is worth the visit this summer.

4573 State Route 307 E, Geneva laurellovineyards.com | 440-415-0661

Lake Metroparks

Step into the great outdoors at Lake Metroparks. With 40 parks and more than 60 miles of trails across Lake County, there is plenty to explore. Discover scenic destinations, hands-on learning opportunities, and inviting spaces to play and unwind, with countless ways to enjoy nature all year long.

11211 Spear Rd., Concord Twp lakemetroparks.com | 440-358-7275

Laurentia Vineyard

Laurentia Vineyard and Winery is located within the Grand River Valley. Situated upon 48 acres of estate vineyards, Laurentia’s award-winning wines, such as the Double Gold Stoltz Block Cabernet, may be perfectly paired with a variety of boards, shared plates and artisan flatbreads.

4599 S. Madison Rd., Madison laurentiawinery.com | 440-296-9175

Willoughby ArtsFest

The 2026 Willoughby ArtsFest is Saturday, July 18 from 10am-5pm. ArtsFest is a free event featuring 170+ juried artists, live music, wine samples, food trucks, kids’ studio and more! Presented by Olympus Aerospace, All Contractors Supply and Atrium Medical Group in partnership with the City of Willoughby and Tour Lake County OH. Located in Downtown Willoughby willoughbyartsfest.com | 440-942-1632

Stonegait Winery

Stonegait Winery is a family-owned winery, featuring estate and American wines all crafted on-site. We offer a full menu showcasing our wood fired pizzas, appetizers, sandwiches and more. Along with our large wine selection, we have beers on tap, bourbons and spedcialty drinks. We invite you in to enjoy our beautiful patio and relaxing atmosphere.

4275 Bates Rd., Madison stonegaitwinery.com | 440-307-9571

Vintage Ohio

Lake Metroparks

Willoughby ArtsFest

Laurello Vineyards

Laurentia Vineyard

Stonegait Winery

LAKE COUNTY

Tour Wineries

After looking for an activity to pursue in retirement, Kathy Crowley enrolled in an applied science program in viticulture and oenology (the study of wines) at Kent State University. In anticipation of her graduation from the program in 2015, Crowley purchased a 105-acre property in Madison, which became Emerita Winery

Since then, she and co-owner Ann Moore have made renovations to the ranch home on the property, transforming it into a welcoming tasting room that opened in November 2025. They also planted vines and rehabilitated the 15-acre vineyard.

“This is just a much smaller boutique winery,” Moore says. “We want to greet our guests and spend time with them and ask them about what they like and what they drink. … We’re happy to talk to them about that.”

In addition to sampling one of eight different wines and enjoying small plates in the pub-inspired tasting room, visitors also have the option to take part in the winery’s U-Pick, which allows them to harvest their own grapes or buy them by the pound. Current days of operation for Emerita Winery are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and Crowley hopes to offer live music during the summer months.

Another relative newcomer to Madison is Fossil Creek Winery. Owners Kevin and Don Jacobson used to ride dirt bikes around the property that would eventually become home to their vineyard and tasting room. Memories of riding down the ravine to the creek bed and finding fossils inspired the name.

Today, visitors can sample five different wine varieties in the airy, industrial-feeling tasting room, which was completed in November 2024. It features concrete walls, a metal roof and large interior windows

overlooking the ravine. (The winery has been growing grapes and producing wine since 2014.) In addition to wines and other drink options, Fossil Creek offers pizzas, charcuterie, bruschetta and caprese salad, shrimp cocktail and more.

Also in Madison, nestled along the Lake Erie shore sits Vincent William Winery

Candy being made at Jeff’s Candy Shop in Willoughby (above); Emerita Winery in Madison (top); a Willoughby Arts Collaborative installation (opposite page)

With a sprawling vineyard across the front lawn and an elegant dining and tasting room inside, this winery offers the experience of a waterfront vacation.

Explore Willoughby

Summer just got a little sweeter with the arrival of Jeff’s Candy Shop to Willoughby. Previously located on Waterloo Road in Cleveland, Jeff Morsfield moved his candy-making operation to the former Brandt’s Candies building on Lost Nation Road.

Morsfield started by making and selling toffee using his mother’s recipe and later began producing other items such as candied nuts and popular hard candies that come in a variety of flavors.

His Willoughby storefront offers all these products, as well as those made by other local candymakers, including gummy bears, vegan candy and soda. The shop also holds candy-making demonstrations for visitors on Saturday and Sunday.

“People light up around candy,” Morsfield says. “I have a lot of fun. I make candy every day, so it’s hard to be upset about that.”

Also new to Willoughby, Double D’s Honkytonk Country Restaurant & Bar brings the spirit of Nashville to the corner of Erie Street and Mentor Avenue. Dustin Dysktra opened the country-themed restaurant and bar in May 2026. It has a scratchmade southern barbecue restaurant on the ground floor and a honkytonk on the second floor that features live music, a dance floor and outdoor patio. Locally sourced and reclaimed corrugated metal and wood add to the rustic country vibes. The menu completes the overall atmosphere as well, with brisket, ribs, pulled pork, housesmoked kielbasa and a smash burger.

“I wanted to do my own thing, and I wanted it to be a little bit different,” Dysktra says. “I wanted to push the envelope a little bit in a very unique and intentional way.”

Erie & Vine arrived in downtown Willoughby last summer with Beanie Cap Coffee Co. for morning visitors, food by Tony’s Burger Shop, craft cocktails and a vibrant bar atmosphere.

While walking around downtown Willoughby, keep an eye out for colorful murals and art pieces by the Willoughby Arts Collaborative, which works with local artists to beautify downtown spaces. The nonprofit organization is also responsible for community events like the annual Chalkfest, which is held each August.

Celebrate Summer

All the country charm of Nashville returns to Willoughby Aug. 1 during NashWill Now in its second year, the all-day music festival features around 35 acts performing inside bars and restaurants throughout town. Tennessee-based artist Nick Walker kicks off the event at 1 p.m., and visitors are

LAKE COUNTY

welcome to walk around, dine and shop throughout the day. In past years, shops and boutiques have sold Nashville-themed merchandise, while restaurants, bars and cafes spice up their menus with themed food and drink offerings. This year also brings kids crafts and activities to West Point Park between 1 and 5 p.m.

“This was actually my brainchild,” says Tanja Bartulovic, co-president of the Downtown Willoughby Bar & Restaurant Association with Teanna Vitantonio. “I have always loved Nashville, and I thought the landscape in downtown Willoughby was perfect to host a nontraditional music fest where we could have each venue, bar and restaurant participate and kind of create a mini Broadway.”

WHEN YOU GO

Emerita Winery emeritawinery.com

Fossil Creek Winery fossilcreekwine.com

Vincent William Winery vincentwilliamwine.com

Jeff’s Candy Shop jeffscandyshop.com

Double D’s Honkytonk Country Restaurant & Bar ddhonkytonk.com

The Lake Erie Sand Sculpture Tour brings an annual tradition of sand artistry July 11. Originally held at Headlands Beach State Park, the event expanded to multiple beaches across Lake County for the first time last year. Drawing roughly 25,000 people, the event features a full day of artists molding and sculpting to create large-scale sand sculptures. Head to the Lake County Fairgrounds June 26 through 28 to travel back to the age of Vikings. Visitors to Ohio Viking Fest can take part in classes and workshops or immerse themselves in the Reenactment Village, where a group of dedicated reenac tors demonstrate traditional Viking crafting skills and combat techniques.

Check out live entertainment, including traditional music and instruments, jousting and a water-balloon battle. Shop from vendors selling handcrafted wares made from leather, glass, wood, bone, metal and fiber.

The Lake County Fair runs July 28 through Aug. 2, with a patriotic giveaway set for Aug. 1. The first 1,000 visitors through the gates receive a Frances Jennings Casement bobblehead, which honors the Painesville resident who was born in 1821 and played significant roles in both the abolitionist and women’s suffrage movements.

Erie + Vine erieandvine.com

Willoughby Arts Collaborative willoughbyartscollaborative.org NashWill dtwilloughby.com

Lake Erie Sand Sculpture Tour tourlakecounty.com

Ohio Viking Fest ohiovikingfestival.com

Lake County Fair lakecountyfair.org

The Ohio Viking (left); line dancers during the 2025 Nashwill festival (above); a work from the Lake Erie Sand Sculpture Tour (right)

COLUMBUS

From summer festivals to patriotic gatherings to fun fan conventions, our capital city has much to explore this summer. By Jason Brill

CANADIAN FORCES SNOWBIRDS

NEW YORK CHICAGO C O LUMBU S

Recently named one of the 10 Best Big Cities in the U.S. (#8) and one of the 10 Best Food Cities in the U.S. (#7) by Condé Nast Traveler, Columbus is earning national attention for all the right reasons. From can’t-miss festivals and world-class attractions to a culinary scene that continues to raise the bar, there’s always something new to discover. Plan your visit at ExperienceColumbus.com.

COLUMBUS

Cool Conventions

Animate! Columbus, June 12 through 14, turns the Columbus Convention Center into an anime, animation and cosplay wonderland, where fans can listen to and meet animators and voice actors from their favorite shows and movies. This year’s guests include actors from shows such as “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “The Legend of Korra” and Disney’s 1992 classic movie “Aladdin.” Disney fans will also be able to meet animator Peter Raymundo of “Mulan” and “Lilo & Stitch” fame. For night owls, late-night programming this year includes dance parties, karaoke and cosplay competitions. An exhibitors’ area will sell toys, comics and more.

Try your luck at Origins Game Fair, June 17 through 21. The gaming convention celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025 and is expected to welcome more than 20,000 tabletop gamers this year. There are more than 8,000 events scheduled across five days, including tournaments, panel discussions and free-play sessions. Games span favorites like “Pokémon” and “Magic: The Gathering” to board games based on properties such as Batman and Dune. Attendees will be able to meet artists, shop from on-site vendors and try escape rooms or live-action role playing.

“Origins is on a larger scale,” says April Hill, events manager at Columbus-based

GAMA: The Tabletop Game Association, which organizes the event, “but it has a hometown feel where people can experience everything they want to and play the games they want.”

Celebrate the peculiar at World Oddities Expo, June 27 and 28, which features tattoo artists and a Lost Curio Marketplace stocked with taxidermy, macabre art, jewelry and goth-themed home decor. Add-on convention workshops include taxidermy, diorama-making and insect-pinning.

Women’s Sports

The Columbus Fury women’s indoor volleyball team serves up high-energy action at Nationwide Arena. Cheer on our Major League Volleyball team as new mascot Lumi the Lightning Bug buzzes around the stands. After matches, players such as Ohio natives Raina Terry and Abby Walker, and Regan Pittman-Nelson, who is a frequent league leader in blocks, often sign autographs. Columbus Eagles games are another great way to connect with players. Competing in both the Women’s Premier Soccer League and Major Arena Soccer League Women, the Eagles take the pitch at Fortress Obetz. Cheer on 2024 leading scorer Nikki Cox and goalkeeper Celeste Sloma at the family-friendly and affordable matches.

With a National Women’s Soccer League team coming to Columbus in 2028, the NWSL 2026 Challenge Cup (June 26 at Columbus’ ScottsMiracle-Gro Field between top teams Gotham FC and Kansas City Current) introduces fans to one of the top women’s soccer leagues in the U.S. Gotham FC forward Khyah Harper is looking forward to her first Challenge Cup after playing in 12 regular-season games for the league champs in 2025. She’s eager to show fans how exciting an NWSL game is.

“It’s a great opportunity for Columbus to see some of the top teams in the league competing against each other to see how good women’s soccer can be,” she says. “[Cincinnati-born Gotham FC and United States women’s national soccer team midfielder] Rose Lavelle is a huge Ohio girl, so I think that a lot of fans will come there just for her.”

Festival Fun

One of the largest Pride festivals in the Midwest, Columbus Pride 2026 arrives June 19 and 20. Entertainment and exhibitors are part of the two-day event, and the heart of the celebration is the June 20 march.

Celebrate America on July 3 with Red, White & Boom! The enormous fireworks show brings more than 400,000 revelers to downtown Columbus. The 24-minute spectacle, which blasts off at 10:06 p.m., is just part of the fun. The all-day celebration fea-

Origins Game Fair comes to the Columbus Convention Center June 17 through 21 (above). The Columbus Eagles womens soccer team (below right) plays at Fortress Obetz.

COLUMBUS

tures music from Elaina Arthur, the Grove City Big Band and the Basement Bangers. Food vendors include Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, Donatos Pizza and others.

Bookworms visiting our capital city will want to check out the Columbus Book Festival July 11 and 12. Launched in 2023 for the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s 150th anniversary, the festival takes over the main library with author talks, book signings and a festival bookstore. The fun spills outside to neighboring Topiary Park with book-themed vendors, food, drink and entertainment. More than 200 authors will be in attendance.

“There’s something really exciting and powerful about being with your people,” says Mikalene Guiser, the library’s event manager. “These are people who love to read and open their minds to new worlds through stories.”

America 250

The Columbus Air Show lands at Rickenbacker International Airport from June 19 through 21. Featuring more than a dozen high-flying acts such as the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the event also offers attendees the chance to take flight themselves aboard a 1928 Ford Tri-Motor or a B-25 bomber.

The July 4 Signature Homecoming & Picnic in Columbus promises music, food, history and fireworks to ring in America’s 250th birthday across three city venues. During the day, music acts perform at the Ohio Statehouse alongside food trucks and artisan vendors. Movies such as “Cars” and “Forest Gump” will play at the Ohio Theatre, and Columbus Commons hosts a free evening concert from the Columbus Symphony.

For America 250-Ohio Commission cochair Doug Preisse, the public reading of the Declaration of Independence will be a personal highlight. His ancestor, John Hart, was one of its signers.

“It’s an important exercise and one that should happen more often,” he says. “It’s a foundational document with lofty, aspirational, memorable words — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It’s important to read it out loud.”

Catch “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” the 1980 movie about country singer Loretta Lynn that won Sissy Spacek the Oscar, July 22

Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw is among the lineup of authors scheduled to appear at the Columbus Book Festival (bottom).

WHEN YOU GO

For more information about these and other events and destinations in Columbus this summer, visit experiencecolumbus.com.

CONVENTIONS

Animate! Columbus galaxycon.com/pages/ animate-columbus

Origins Game Fair originsgamefair.com

World Oddities Expo worldodditiesexpo.com/ columbus-oh

WOMEN’S SPORTS

Columbus Eagles columbuseaglesfc.com

Columbus Fury provolleyball.com/teams/ columbus-fury

NWSL Challenge Cup nwslsoccer.com

FESTIVALS

Columbus Book Festival columbusbookfestival.org

Columbus Pride stonewallcolumbus.org/ pride

Red, White & Boom! redwhiteandboom.org

AMERICA 250

Columbus Air Show columbusairshow.com

Ohio Goes to the Movies ohiogoestothemovies.org

July 4 Signature

Homecoming & Picnic america250-ohio.org

FOOD FINDS

Metsi’s metsisitalian.com

Veritas veritasrestaurant.com

Columbus Pride (above); linguine al mari dish at Metsi’s (below); Peruvian tilefish at Veritas (opposite page). Backtalker author

at the Ohio Theatre in Columbus as part of America 250-Ohio’s Ohio Goes to the Movies series. The film also stars Columbus native Beverly D’Angelo as Patsy Cline.

Food Finds

Veritas has been part of the Columbus dining scene since opening downtown in 2012, and the restaurant continues to keep things interesting. Through July 3, it’s offering an Around the World tasting menu that features a sampling of street-food traditions from 16 countries, including Singapore, Mexico and Peru. The cocktail list has a similarly travel-inspired glow with drinks such as a lychee highball or banana soda made with rum.

One of the Short North Arts District’s newest hot spots, Metsi’s trades the traditional Italian red-sauce pastas for dishes such as radiatori alla amatriciana or linguine ai mare with poached lobster, mussels, clam soffritto and white wine sauce.

“Italy is a really big country and cuisine, and we landed on a different take than what you typically find,” says chef and owner BJ Lieberman, who opened the restaurant in June 2025.

Fans of traditional Italian cuisine will find Chef Greg’s Famous Bolognese, which Lieberman says is simple and incredible. The cocktail list has five takes on the negroni and wines are curated to pair with Metsi’s dishes.

The restaurant’s open kitchen includes a wood-fired hearth where a handful of dishes are made, such as the snapper acqua pazza and an osso buco pork shank served with creamy polenta and butter-braised carrots.

“We burn logs and we burn charcoal, and that’s how the food comes to life,” Lieberman says. “There’s a nostalgia and comfort to having a grilled piece of zucchini with Parmesan cheese and garlic oil that is kind of untouchable.”

Image courtesy: Veronica Bareman

| HipGrandma Life

DAYTON

This southwest Ohio city offers plenty in the way of summer fun, from a full lineup of outdoor concerts to heritage festivals to aviation history. By David Nilsen

LEVITT PAVILION

DAYTON

Festivals

Dayton comes to life with cultural festivals in July, August and September. The Dayton Celtic Festival brings live music, dance exhibitions and cultural workshops to Riverscape Metro Park July 24 through 26.

A few weeks later, the Germanfest Picnic takes over Bomberger Park in the St. Anne’s Hill neighborhood, Aug. 14 through 16, offering music, dancing, beer and eats.

“Food has always been the No. 1 reason people come to the festival,” says John Koern-

er, festival chairman and head of Dayton Liederkranz-Turner, a German cultural group.

The festival menu includes German potato salad, sausage and pretzels, as well as fair food like ice cream and funnel cakes. Costumed performers, live music, dancing and other activities round out the experience.

The Germanfest Picnic also hosts a cultural display on a specific theme (this year’s focuses on the history of the pretzel), and volunteers run an ancestry search where visitors can trace their genealogy. Plus, don’t miss out on the Dress Your Dog as a German contest and the Kinder Zone, which hosts activities for children and families. The entire festival captures what Koerner calls “Gemutlichkeit,” a German word that conveys a feeling of friendliness and good cheer.

“We are as authentically German as you can be in the States,” he says.

Visit the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Sept. 5 through 7 to take part in the Dayton Greek Festival. In addition to dancing and other cultural activities, this event promises an extensive menu of authentic Greek food, including lamb and chicken gyros, moussaka, tiropita, dolmades, souvlaki, hummus and Greek sausage.

Summer Concerts

Dayton has a thriving live music scene, and there are plenty of opportunities to catch shows in the city and beyond this summer.

Levitt Pavilion in downtown Dayton hosts free concerts and festivals all season long. In addition to shows on select Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, Levitt Pavilion will host three more themed festivals during the remainder of 2026, including Rock Fest (Aug. 1), Reggae Fest (Sept. 5) and Jazz Fest (Sept. 19). All shows at Levitt Pavilion are family friendly, and seating is on

a grassy lawn, so bring chairs or blankets.

“We want to be inclusive of the more specific genres within each genre,” says Abby Brown, the venue’s director of operations and programming, “In Rock Fest, for example, we’ll try to get several different kinds of rock: rockabilly, indie rock and others.”

In the Dayton suburb of Huber Heights, the Rose Music Center at the Heights offers a covered venue where audiences can enjoy a multitude of summer concerts. This year’s lineup includes David Lee Roth on June 9, Wynonna Judd and Melissa Ether-

Attendees at the Germanfest Picnic (opposite page); Wright Brothers National Museum at Carillon Park

idge on June 30, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit on July 25, the Goo Goo Dolls on Aug. 12 and plenty more. It is recommended that visitors arrive early to find parking and grab dinner at Warped Wing Brewery & Smokery just across the street before walking to the Rose Music Center for the show.

Fraze Music Pavilion in Kettering has been hosting live shows since 1991. Micky Dolenz, formerly of the Monkees, is slated to perform at the 4,300-seat amphitheater July 9, while crooner Harry Connick Jr. plays July 19 and Get the Led Out (one of the premier Led Zeppelin tribute bands in the country) rocks out Aug. 12.

Aviation Heritage

Dayton is well-known for its connection to the Wright brothers, the men who built and flew the first airplane in 1903. Fans of aviation can spend an entire weekend visiting the city’s museums and historical sites that are dedicated to the history of flight.

“It really does start here,” says Brady

(left)

DAYTON

Kress, president and CEO of Carillon Historical Park, home to the Wright Brothers National Museum. “[The Wright brothers] laid the path to all modern aviation today.”

Carillon Park’s collection includes more Wright family artifacts than any other museum in the world, as well as the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, the only airplane designated as a national historic landmark.

“Orville described it as the plane that taught the world to fly,” Kress says.

The Wright Flyer III was flown at Huffman Prairie, which is now adjacent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton. Also located on-site, the Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center offers informational displays, and visitors are invited to take self-guided tours of the prairie itself.

“It’s a good combination,” Kress says of both attractions. “You come to Carillon and learn the story and then head out to Huffman to see where those flights happened with the plane that’s here on display.”

The base is also home to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. With over

350 aircraft, spacecraft and missiles on display, along with thousands of artifacts, it is considered the world’s largest aviation museum. Visitors to the museum can even tour several retired presidential aircraft.

“It all comes back to Dayton, Ohio,” Kress says. “No one else in the world can claim what we claim here in Dayton with the birth of practical, heavier-than-air aviation.”

Outdoor Adventures

Trolls hide in the woods of Aullwood Audubon Center in the Dayton suburb of Englewood, but don’t worry: They’re gentle giants and they love company. Visitors can find the three trolls — Bo, Bodil and Bibbi — stationed along the park’s 2.5-mile Troll Trail. Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo using locally sourced, recycled materials,

Artist Thomas Dambo’s troll Bo reclines in the landscape.

each troll stands approximately 20 feet high. Together, they tell a story called “The Troll that Hatched an Egg” and lend enchantment to an already beautiful forest walk.

Sandy Libertini, a senior manager at Aullwood Audubon Center, says the trolls support the organization’s mission of making learning about nature fun and approachable.

“It’s an outdoor classroom,” she says. “We intentionally engage people with nature exploration outside. A lot of times people don’t even know how to begin, so we can give them some pointers through programs like our beginner bird walks.”

Aullwood also has an indoor nature center with live reptiles and other exhibits and offers what it calls “exploration backpacks,” which are filled with information and supplies to help children and adults explore and learn about the natural world.

For more outdoor fun, venture into one of Five Rivers MetroParks’ 18 parks. Named for the five rivers that converge in Dayton, this park system offers plenty of opportunities for water-based adventure, from canoeing to kayaking. Visitors might be sur-

WHEN YOU GO

For more information about these and other summer events in Dayton, visit destinationdayton.org.

FESTIVALS

Dayton Celtic Festival daytoncelticfestival.com

Dayton Greek Festival daytongreekfestival.com

Germanfest Picnic germanfestdayton.com

CONCERTS

Fraze Music Pavilion fraze.com

Levitt Pavilion levittdayton.org

Rose Music Center at the Heights rosemusiccenter.com

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Aullwood Audubon Center audubon.org/aullwood

prised to learn that surfing has carved out a niche in the Gem City as well.

Five Rivers Metroparks has installed three surf features on its local rivers. One is located on the Mad River, while two others can be found on the Great Miami along RiverScape MetroPark downtown. The difficulty of these features ranges from beginner to novice, making them fun for anyone

Five Rivers MetroParks metroparks.org

Surf Dayton surfdayton.com

AVIATION HERITAGE

Carillon Historical Park daytonhistory.org

Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center nps.gov/places/hpic.htm

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force nationalmuseum.af.mil

looking to ride some waves.

Those interested in surfing but who find the prospect intimidating, can take a lesson with Surf Dayton. Founded in 2019,

WHERE

FAMILY FIELD TRIPS

Ohio is no stranger to family-friendly destinations that embrace all that summer has to offer, from city adventures to small-town charm.

BAILEYS TRAIL SYSTEM, ATHENS COUNTY

Akron and Summit County

Discover fun, family-focused adventures in Akron and Summit County. From scenic train rides to car shows, there is something for everyone. Take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for the Family Fun Loop event series, which offers families railroad adventures featuring a tea party and a nature photography class.

Celebrate America’s 250th in Summit County along five themed trails that cover aviation history, creativity, innovation, transportation and the impact of Lake Erie and the Ohio River. One such destination is the MAPS Air Museum, which is part of America 250-Ohio’s Air & Space Trail.

Summit Metro Parks boasts paddling opportunities on still lakes and winding rivers for beginner boaters to advanced paddlers. Older kids can take the Intro to Kayaking course, available on June 13, to learn the basic skills and take a guided tour on Summit Lake.

For families of children with sensory sensitivities, Akron Zoo’s Zoothing Hour offers an opportunity for guests who do not like loud noises or crowds to visit the zoo for an hour before it opens.

Check out vintage vehicles at two different car shows. The Hale Farm Father’s Day Car Show features vehicles from 1886 through 2001. Another option is the 68th Annual Father’s Day Car Show at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. Both events are scheduled for June 21. For more information, go to visitakron-summit.org.

Grand Lake Region

Plan your next weekend trip as a summer family adventure in Ohio’s beautiful Grand Lake Region. A goldmine for affordable family fun, the Grand Lake Region has something for everyone.

Start the day at the Dairy Learning Center at MVP

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad hosts themed rides (above). Families can spend a day on Grand Lake (opposite page).

Dairy in Celina, where little ones can explore two levels of interactive games and displays and view the cows being milked via a state-of-the-art milking carousel.

Next, take off to the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta. Explore the 16 acres designed to resemble a futuristic moon base and discover the story of Neil Armstrong and how Ohio helped shape space exploration.

For an afternoon sweet treat, check out Lake City Ice Cream in Celina. Try the Buckeye Sundae, which includes three scoops of your choice of ice cream, peanut butter whip, peanut butter cups, crushed nuts, whipped cream and a cherry on top.

For dinner, head to Boardwalk Grill for a delicious dinner with a view. With a large menu of American fare and fresh seafood, along with a full-service bar, this spot has something for the whole family.

To end the day, soak in the 360-degree views of Grand Lake by getting on the water. You might even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, motorboats and more with Helton Lodge Rentals. For more information, visit seemore.org.

Marietta

Gather the family and head to Ohio’s first city for everything from outdoor adventures to hands-on history experiences. Marietta combines outdoor adventure with a safe, friendly and laid-back environment that

Create Create

To gether To gether

One trip is never enough to experience all that Muskingum County, Ohio has to offer From unforgettable adventures to sweet treats and small town charm, there is always more waiting for you Learn more at visitzanesville.com. ne

makes it ideal for a family getaway.

Check out the Children’s Toy and Doll Museum on Gilman Avenue to see collections of historical toys, games, dolls and dollhouses. Learn about items that entertained children in the 19th and 20th centuries as you stroll through the Queen Anne-style house museum.

If you’re looking for looking to get active, Marietta was designated an International Mountain Bicycling Association Trail Town in 2026. For visitors, the designation means that trailheads are easy to find, routes are clearly marked and options exist for a wide range of

skill levels. Take on the family-friendly trails at Gunlock Park, which features 20 acres of jump lines, skills areas and natural-surface trails optimized for mountain bikes. Discover more of Marietta’s natural beauty by taking a ride on the Valley Gem sternwheeler for a narrated tour or dinner cruise.

Enjoy everything Marietta has to offer in one packed weekend during the Rivers, Trails & Ales Festival on Aug. 7 through 9. The festival includes activities for people of all ages in a celebrate active lifestyles that showcases the beauty of the region. For more information, visit mariettaohio.org.

Nope. Not Florida.

Family trips this summer start with a short drive to Greater Parkersburg! Kids will love the sternwheeler ride and horse-drawn wagon ride at Blennerhassett Island. Continue the fun at Discovery World on Market.

Hocking Hills

Families heading to the Hocking Hills will find plenty of ways to keep kids curious, active and smiling all day long. Start at the Explore Hocking Hills Welcome Center, where you can pick up a Mother Nature Adventure Kit, which is designed to turn hiking and exploring into hands-on discovery.

While you’re there, check out the quirky and fun Pencil Sharpener Museum and try the scavenger hunt to locate treasures among the thousands of unique sharpeners.

For high-energy excitement, try Hocking Hills Canopy Tours’ DragonFly children’s zip-lining experience, which offers safe, guided thrills among the treetops. Then, slow things down with a visit to the Hocking Hills Children’s Museum, where interactive exhibits let kids learn through play.

When it’s time for classic family fun, head to Adventure Golf at Rempel’s Grove. Challenge each other to a game of miniature golf before cooling off with a scoop of ice cream. Don’t miss a stop at the Columbus Washboard Co., the last remaining manufacturer of washboards in the country. Finally, memories will be made as you rub a pig’s belly, cuddle a donkey and dig for hidden gems at Fox’s High Rock Farm.

With its mix of outdoor adventure, fun attractions and variety of hands-on learning, Hocking Hills makes it easy to build unforgettable family memories. For more information, visit explorehockinghills.com.

Youngstown and Mahoning County

Explore Youngstown’s cultural, educational and recreational destinations with the whole family this summer. With YoPass, Youngstown’s new digital passport program, families can discover 14 destinations across the city including museums, parks and other community spaces.

YoPass makes local discovery interactive and rewarding. The family-friendly digital scavenger hunt guides users and rewards them with digital stamps and prizes when they visit participating locations and complete missions. YoPass is free to use, although some individual sites charge admission.

Help the kids complete the exhibit challenge on the website, yopass.org, by checking out the Oh Wow! Children’s Center for Science & Technology. This interactive center encourages independent thinking through interactive STEM-based exhibits and programs.

Visit the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County and help your little ones complete the community puzzle and ancestry map. Plus, find resources like early literacy programs and creative areas like the DIY Space.

Get creative at SMARTS, Students Motivated by the Arts. SMARTS is a community-based art school with programming that includes visual arts, music, creative writing and more. Through YoPass, families can receive a stamp by completing the Thumbprint Pals Art Activity.

Explore the night sky at Ward Beecher Planetarium and earn a stamp by attending a show. The planetarium puts on free shows July 11 and 12 for Youngstown State University’s Festival of the Arts weekend, with regular shows returning in September. For more information, visit exploremahoning.com.

The Hocking Hills offers plenty of ways for curious kids to learn (above). Families can explore Youngstown using YoPass (below). Parkersburg’s Discovery World has hands-on exhibits and activities (opposite page).

Greater Parkersburg

With the expansive Ohio River as a backdrop, explore Greater Parkersburg this summer for family fun and memorable adventures for kids of all ages.

Hop on a scenic sternwheel ride to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park for a historical adventure. Families love the horse-drawn wagon rides, which provide tours of the scenic island and gardens. Take a tour of the reconstructed mansion and mingle with guides in period costumes or rent bikes to explore the island on your own.

Younger kids will love spending time at Discovery World on Market, located in the heart of downtown Parkersburg. The hands-on children’s museum is specially designed for children of all ages to learn through play. Discovery World also offers sensory-sensitive hours to accommodate all kids who want to visit.

Enjoy one of Greater Parkersburg’s sprawling parks that show off the natural beauty of the area. Take the kids for an easy hike to a fishing spot at North Bend State Park. The Fisherman Trail begins by the Cokeley Recreation Area boat dock and runs along the lake shore to the Jughandle Day-Use Area.

When the day ends, Greater Parkersburg offers lodging options

that range from quaint bed-and-breakfasts to historic hotels. Book a stay at the Blennerhassett Hotel & Spa and take in the old-world charm of this spot situated just blocks away from the downtown Parkersburg Arts District. For more information, visit greaterparkersburg.com.

Father’s Day Car Show at Hale Farm & Village

Step into a true celebration of American heritage at Hale Farm & Village, where the Father’s Day Car Show and Festival brings history vividly to life. This is far more than a traditional car show; it is a full-scale patriotic festival set within one of Ohio’s most immersive historical settings.

In partnership with the Providence House, the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum and the Western Reserve Historical Society, this event showcases hundreds of significant automobiles ranging from 1886 to 2001. From the earliest days of motoring to the height of automotive design, these vehicles tell the story of innovation, craftsmanship and industry.

Watch the origins of the automobile come to life before your eyes as you meet actors portraying Karl Benz, the father of the automobile, alongside a fascinating replica of the very first car. Enjoy engaging historical demonstrations throughout the grounds, including blacksmithing, glassblowing and pottery.

The festival atmosphere continues with live music, patriotic programming and appearances by George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Little ones can enjoy a wide range of children’s activities as well, while great food and drink are available throughout the

day. With on-site parking, expansive grounds and a unique blend of history and celebration, this event is more than a car show; it is a festival experience unlike any other. For more information, visit ohiocarfestival.com.

Make

Stay with

Blossom Music Center / Image courtesy of Akron/Summit CVB

Hale Farm & Village

Hale Farm & Village connects past to present, celebrating early American life as we approach United States Semiquincentennial - honoring 250 years of history, heritage, and community.

halefarm.org

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Begin your national park adventure in historic Boston, at the Visitor Center to meet a Ranger and learn about CVNP. Enjoy views of the Cuyahoga River, access the Towpath Trail, and visit Boston Store for snacks and souvenirs!

NPS.gov/CUVA

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

All aboard for summer fun with CVSR! From lively themed events to the iconic National Park Scenic ride, enjoy unforgettable views, adventure, and memory-making moments along the rails.

cvsr.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

Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo

Ross Chillicothe

Discover Chillicothe’s vibrant downtown with shopping, dining and breweries to explore and historical stops to enrich and entertain the little ones.

Experience the epic real-life story of the legendary Shawnee leader who defended his homeland in the Ohio country in the 18th century during “Tecumseh!” This outdoor drama has been playing at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre since 1973, and the season runs from June 4 to Sept. 6.

Explore Ohio’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. Learn about the network of earthworks that were built nearly 2000 years ago. Kids can join the Junior Ranger Program and receive a booklet to take on a self-guided tour of the park.

Celebrate America’s semiquincentennial with the Brigade of the American Revolution at Adena Mansion & Gardens on June 13 and 14. Immerse yourself in historical reenactments, including artillery demonstrations, musket and rifle drills, soldier’s kit presentations and military music. Kids can even meet with George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

After exploring the city, get a bite to eat at one of Chillicothe’s many eateries. Kids will love Carl’s Townhouse for its casual retro-diner vibes, classic kids menu, ice cream sundaes and hand-dipped milkshakes. Or try Bell Farms Homestead for an intimate dining experience

with a menu featuring slow-cooked brisket, chicken and pork alongside other home-cooked favorites. For more information, go to visitchillicotheohio.com.

Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest

Families looking for a summer adventure won’t want to miss the Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest, returning July 17 through 19 in 2026. This free, family-friendly

Learn about the ancient earthworks at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park (above). Watch hot air balloons fill the sky during the Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest (opposite page).

Photo by Kathy Greber

festival brings the magic of hot air balloons, high-energy entertainment and unforgettable fireworks together for a weekend designed with all ages in mind.

Kids will love the dedicated activity area filled with games, hands-on fun and plenty of space to play, while parents can relax and enjoy the live music, food trucks and beer garden. One of the highlights for families is the tethered balloon ride, which features an accessible basket with a door and viewing window, making it easy and safe for everyone to experience the thrill of rising to 100 feet in the air for a bird’s-eye view of the festivities.

Throughout the weekend, guests can watch colorful hot air balloons take flight during evening ascensions, then gather after dark for the glowing spectacle of illuminated balloons lighting up the night sky. The grand finale is a professional fireworks show that combines ground effects and aerial displays perfectly synchronized to music for a truly immersive experience.

With free admission and something for every member of the family, the Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest makes for a perfect summer field trip just outside Toledo. For more information, visit rossfordbff.com.

Adventure is out there!

At the Baileys Trail System in Athens County, Ohio, mountain biking is a kid-friendly adventure, with wellmarked trails that include smooth, beginner-level options for young riders building confidence. The system’s thoughtful design and scenic forest setting make it easy for families to enjoy a fun introduction to mountain biking together.

Learn more about all things bike at BIKEATHENSOHIO.COM

Zanesville and Muskingum County

Family fun comes naturally in Zanesville and throughout Muskingum County, where memorable experiences are easy to find in every season. A visit to The Wilds offers an unforgettable safari adventure. With different tour options available, families can enjoy spotting giraffes, rhinos and other rare animals roaming through open pastures. Head into town to check out the Zanesville Museum of Art, which invites visitors of all ages to explore inspiring exhibits and hands-on activities designed to spark creativity.

Outdoor recreation is a highlight across the county as well. Dillon State Park provides space to hike, swim, fish or simply enjoy a picnic by the water. In the heart of the community, Riverside Park is a favorite for playground time, scenic walks and family gatherings along the Muskingum River.

Downtown Zanesville adds even more charm with its walkable streets, unique shops and local dining options that welcome families. No visit is complete without seeing the iconic Y-Bridge, a one-of-a-kind structure that lets drivers cross the river and change direction mid-span.

Seasonal events and festivals bring the community together throughout the year, offering entertainment, food and activities for all ages. Whether planning a weekend getaway or a day trip, Zanesville and Muskingum County deliver family friendly fun and help create lasting memories. For more information, go to visitzanesville.com.

A FAMILY TRIP TO

OhioCarFestival.com

FATHER’S DAY TRADITION SINCE 1957

DON’T MISS Ohio’s 69th annual Father’s Day Car Show, now at Hale Farm & Village. June 21

Enjoy free, on-site parking, wide open space, and a full day of activities for the whole family. This is more than just a local car show… it is a Festival!

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the sounds of a live Big Band, appearances by George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and a patriotic atmosphere unlike any other. Explore a stunning display of historic military vehicles, antique fire apparatus, and working cars from over a century ago.

Step back in time with live demonstrations of glass blowing, pottery, and blacksmithing, or bring the kids for hands-on LEGO fun and activities designed just for them.

Join us for a day where history, craftsmanship, and classic motoring come together in one unforgettable patriotic celebration.

Greater Lima

Spend a summer exploring Greater Lima, which offers activities for the whole family, from educational experiences to outdoor recreation.

The Allen County Master Gardeners Children’s Garden is a great place to start. Located between the Allen County Museum and the Lima Public Library, this imaginative space features more than 30 miniature themed gardens along with whimsical artwork created by local children. Just steps away, the Allen County Museum offers a dedicated children’s discovery center with handson exhibits that bring local history to life in an engaging way.

Outdoor adventures are easy to find as well. Families can hike the Storybook Trail at Hermon Woodlands or enjoy kayaking and nature exploration at Ottawa Metro Park, both part of the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District.

For an affordable, family-friendly outing with a fun, laid-back atmosphere, catch a summer baseball game with the Lima Locos at Simmons Field. With select themed nights and plenty of ballpark snacks, it makes for an exciting outing for all ages.

Check out a classic and iconic local bite by visiting Kewpee Hamburgers. An institution in the city since 1928, this longtime favorite is known for its burgers, fries and frosted malts, which are always a hit with kids.

On rainy days, Westgate Entertainment Center offers all-in-one fun with bowling, bumper cars, virtual-reality gaming and an arcade, as well as an on-site restaurant that provides an easy dinner option at the end of a long day. For more information, go to visitgreaterlima.com.

Athens County

Athens County, Ohio, offers plenty of opportunities for families to embrace summer and let the young ones get out and explore arts and the outdoors.

At the Dairy Barn Arts Center, visitors can explore hands-on creativity through the “See • Touch • Build” exhibit, which runs through June 14. The gallery offers interactive art experiences that are sure to spark imagination. On a hot summer day, there’s no better place to cool off than visiting the Athena Cinema during its “Beat the Heat” children’s movie series, which offers family-friendly film screenings in a relaxed setting. Scientific discovery and play come together through engaging, kid-focused exhibits at the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery.

Outdoor recreation abounds in this region of Ohio as well. Hit the trails for family-friendly rides at the Baileys Trail System, which features 88 miles of trail. No matter your skill level, the trail system offers opportunities for cycling, hiking and trail running. For another adventure, try indoor climbing at Blockhouse Bouldering, a welcoming space for beginners and experienced kids alike.

For a more relaxing outing, take a historic journey aboard the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Or enjoy time on the water with boat rentals from the Boathouse at Stroud’s Run, ideal for paddling, picnicking and soaking up summer. For more information, visit athensohio.com.

Kids at the Dairy Barn Arts Center (above); Kewpee Hamburgers (left); Family at a MWCD park (opposite page)

BOTTOM: LAURA WATILO BLAKE

Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District invites families to experience Ohio’s great outdoors through unforgettable camping, boating, hiking and cabin getaway adventures across its scenic lakes and parks. Whether planning a day trip, weekend escape or summer vacation, MWCD destinations offer relaxing and affordable outdoor experiences for every kind of traveler.

Families can enjoy updated campgrounds featuring full-hookup RV sites, waterfront camping or cozy cabin rentals surrounded by nature. Days can be spent boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing or exploring miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through wooded landscapes and along beautiful lakeshores. A marina offering pontoon and kayak rentals is available at each lake.

MWCD also offers engaging seasonal programs and outdoor experiences for all ages, including guided kayak tours, nature programs, educational activities and day camps that encourage families to explore and connect with the outdoors together. These programs are open to all park guests and provide hands-on opportunities to learn about local wildlife, conservation and recreation while creating lasting memories on the water and in the parks.

From sunrise on the lake to evenings around the campfire, MWCD parks provide the perfect setting to unplug, relax and reconnect with nature. With multiple lakes and destinations throughout eastern Ohio, every visit offers something new to discover. For more information on upcoming programs and reservations, visit mwcd.org.

Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association

With a legacy spanning more than 130 years, the Ohio Hotel and Lodging Association has long supported the places where Ohio travelers rest, recharge and make memories. Founded in 1893, OHLA began as a small group of hotel leaders working to improve standards and support one another. Today, it continues that mission by advocating for quality lodging, strengthening the hospitality workforce and helping Ohio’s travel industry thrive. For families planning field trips and getaways, this history translates into something meaningful: trusted, comfortable places to stay across the state. OHLA’s network of hotels and lodging providers is rooted in a tradition of service, safety, and hospitality that has evolved with the needs of modern travelers.

closer to nature at Canopy Ridge Cabins and stay in a treehouse or one of the traditional log cabins.

Unique Lodging of Ohio is a community sector of the Ohio Hotel and Lodging Association with participating properties from hotels and inns to cabins and yurts. Sleep in a geodome, or a geometrically designed structure, at the participating Inn at Cedar Falls and feel like you are sleeping amongst the trees. Or, feel even

As Ohio has grown into a destination filled with educational attractions, outdoor adventures and vibrant cities, OHLA has remained a steady partner behind the scenes, helping ensure that every trip is supported by welcoming accommodations and a strong tourism community. For more information, visit ohiolodging.com.

Book a stay at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls (above). See goats at Wayne County’s Moreland Fruit Farm (opposite page)

Founded in 1788 as the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, Marietta invites you to experience the birthplace of America’s westward expansion. Cruise our scenic rivers aboard authentic sternwheelers, ride the charming trolley through historic streets, explore fascinating museums, and enjoy live music in a setting where history truly comes to

As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, discover the place where the pioneering spirit first took root.

Wayne County

Orrville and Wooster, two neighboring communities in Wayne County, blend small-town charm with classic summer attractions, turning a weekend visit into a complete getaway.

At the Orrville Railroad Heritage Society, families can explore engaging exhibits, take train rides and enjoy events celebrating the region’s railroad history. In the peak of summer, Lavender Trails draws visitors with 4 acres of vibrant purple blooms, as well as shelves stocked with lavender-infused products. At LincWay’s Kids Play, children can explore the tiny town exhibits, a riding track and sand play area, while adults can take advantage of the shopping and dining opportunities on-site. With a variety of ice cream flavors, burgers and hot dogs on the menu, Orr Valley Creamery is a perfect summer stop for families visiting the area.

At the Ohio State University campus in Wooster, the Bug Zoo introduces kids to the world of entomology through hands-on educational experiences that help dispel myths about insects. Families looking for classic summer entertainment can find it at Acres of

Fun, which offers rides, activities and seasonal attractions. Moreland Fruit Farms offers a farm market stocked with products, as well as U-Pick opportunities for seasonal produce. No summer visit to Wooster would be complete without grabbing a cone from Hartzler Family Dairy, a classic stop that serves up locally made ice cream. For more information, go to visitwaynecountyohio.com. ●

Season?

A SHORE THING

Shores & Islands Ohio is a year-round destination, just a short drive away. Climb to the top the oldest continuously-operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Immerse yourself in culture through a variety of diverse community events. Take a ferry ride to a Lake Erie island, explore miles of picturesque beaches and serene trails, enjoy quaint downtowns and interactive museums, and experience the beauty of the changing seasons in the region.

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

Commemorates 2 50 Years of American History

As Shores & Islands Ohio joins communities across the nation in celebrating America 250, we’re proud to say that our story begins long before 250 years ago. The lands and waters we call home (today known as Erie County and Ottawa County) have witnessed centuries of innovation, exploration, and first-of-their-kind moments that helped shape not only our region, but Ohio and the nation.

America 250 is a celebration of the people, places, and events that influenced our nation over the past 250 years. It’s an opportunity to explore local history, honor our heritage, and engage communities with fun and meaningful programs. In Shores & Islands Ohio, we’re telling our stories through interactive tours, historic talks, and unique experiences that bring history to life.

Ohio Firsts Found Here in Shores & Islands Ohio

This region has always been a place of discovery - where big ideas, bold thinkers, and everyday innovators carved new paths forward. Erie and Ottawa counties hold many claims to fame:

• The Marblehead Lighthouse (1822): The oldest continuouslyoperating lighthouse on the Great Lakes and an enduring symbol of the region.

• Johnson’s Island: The site of the only Union prison camp built specifically for Confederate officers - an original piece of Civil War history in Ohio.

• Early Tourism: Cedar Point welcomed its first bathhouse and beer garden in 1870, marking the beginning of its evolution into the world-renowned amusement park it is today. Cedar Point is the second-oldest continuously-operating amusement park in the U.S.

• Agricultural Innovation: Orchards, vineyards, and experimental farms along the shoreline helped pioneer techniques that influenced Ohio’s agricultural identity.

• A Birthplace of Genius: Thomas Edison, born in Milan, OH in 1847, remains one of America’s prolific inventors.

Introducing Two New America 250 Experiences in

As part of the America 250 celebration, we’re excited to launch two new heritage initiatives that highlight the stories that make our region extraordinary:

Shoreline Stories: Erie County’s America 250 Tour

This self-guided tour brings to life the people, places, and events that formed our county - from lighthouse keepers and quarry workers, to abolitionists, inventors, and early entrepreneurs. Every stop offers a window into a defining moment in our shared past.

Ottawa County’s History Mystery Tour

Part scavenger hunt, part historical treasure hunt, this tour invites visitors to unravel lesser-known stories hidden in plain sight. You’ll follow clues, uncover local legends, and learn about the county’s fascinating, and sometimes quirky, heritage along the way.

Both tours offer a fun, accessible way for residents and visitors to explore history at their own pace throughout 2026. These mobile exclusive passports offer a collection of curated sites – check in on your device as you tour the past, answer associated trivia questions, and earn a commemorative patch for completing each trail!

•

• Ensuite bathrooms

• Private balconies

• Chef-prepared breakfast included daily

• Impeccably clean and comfortable rooms are our sweet-spot

• Steps from

Snap the Past: A 2026

Selfie Scavenger Hunt

Also new this year, our Snap the Past: Selfie Scavenger Hunt challenge invites you to visit iconic historical locations and recreate old photographs with modern flair. It’s a playful way to connect with the past and celebrate the places that have stood the test of time. Complete this challenge and earn a prize by photographing at least 12 locations on the hunt.

Ohio’s story is woven into the fabric of our shoreline. And throughout 2026, we’ll continue to uncover, celebrate, and share the chapters that came before us. After all…our story begins long before 250 years ago.

Learn more about Shores & Islands America 250 initiatives at SHORESandISLANDS.com, under Events/America 250, and be sure to explore the rich history of the region via our new trails.

BACKSTORY

The Boy of Summer

Charlie Hustle, Ty Cobb and the great American game.

This is an excerpt from a story that ran in our July 1985 issue. Read the entire story at ohiomagazine.com/peterose.

We’re always closer to history than we are aware. The late Sixties, for instance, will be one of the most renowned times of the century, far more socially significant than Prohibition or the postwar years, and so many of us let them pass by — even those of us in the colleges then, going to classes like good kids and planning dates instead of demonstrations — without even getting a whiff of what it was all about.

We’re blinded by history when it happens, aware later that we should have stepped back and squinted. It’s the same with eternity’s people. Has anyone shaken the hand of John Glenn or Neil Armstrong? They will endure in the encyclopedias to the same extent that Charles Lindbergh and Wiley Post have,

or greater. Can you imagine your father or grandfather having hobnobbed with Lindbergh?

We all have the chance in our time.

We have a chance this very summer.

In the rollicking, beer-stained archive reserved for baseball, we can take in Pete Rose.

History is serving us a hanging curve ball this time. We have the opportunity this summer — have had for the last twenty-three — to be party to a piece and character of lore that our kids and grandkids will only be able to imagine; and then not sharply, legend distorting as it does. Once more, we can see Pete Rose at the ballpark. If it were 1921, we could see Cobb, whose all-time hit-record Rose ought to break sometime before fall, or Ruth, who a half-century from now will be the only player with a larger legacy than Pete Rose.

What holds Rose apart from the other record-breakers of the last six decades is not his staggering statistical accomplishments, but the tens of millions who have seen him make his legend — more than 70 million seats have been sold to the games he has played in, which is only one of his countless unwritten records — and the singular way that he has made us aware of what he was watching. — Lonnie Wheeler

“The Boy of Summer” appeared in the July 1985 issue of Ohio Magazine.

Find our bright yellow Adirondack chairs at 25 unique Lake County locations from beaches and lakefront parks to historic attractions and wineries. Take a seat, snap a photo, and share your story!