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State of Ohio Official Travel Guide

Ohio.org

ohio.org, The Heart of1-800-BUCKEYE it All Ohio.org

Creativity T H E H E A RT O F

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in Ohio!

Step into the spotlight at Playhouse Square — America’s second-largest performing arts center, where Broadway shows and concerts create unforgettable nights beneath the world’s largest outdoor chandelier. 1

OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL

VisitToledo.org

HHTA

welcome to

Wonder

Some vacations become part of us. The beauty and experiences come home with us and beckon us back. Ohio’s Hocking Hills is such a place. Breathtaking scenery, unlimited outdoor adventures, prehistoric caves, waterfalls, hills and ravines all combine, take root and call you back again and again. Bring your sense of adventure and your heart to the Hocking Hills and let the wonders unfold.

1-800-Hocking ExploreHockingHills.com

pictured: Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine in John Bryan State Park in Yellow Springs.

Ohio.org

OhioTheHeartofitAll Mike DeWine GOVERNOR

Jim Tressel

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Lydia Mihalik

THE HEART OF IT ALL! We love knowing that you’ve chosen to visit our great state.

As you plan your travels, we hope this guide inspires you to see Ohio not just as a place to visit, but also as a place where the past lives on — in the landscapes, the landmarks, and the communities that keep our shared story moving forward. This year’s edition is packed with ideas for getting out and exploring every corner of the state. From our vibrant cities and charming towns to hiking the trails at one of our award-winning state parks, Ohio is a remarkable place for connecting with both family and friends. Whether you’re looking to call Ohio home or visiting, you’ll discover a place where family, friends, and opportunity thrive.

Very respectfully yours, Mike DeWine | Governor

Fran DeWine | First Lady

DIRECTOR, OHIO DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT

Sarah Wickham

STATE TOURISM DIRECTOR & CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Lauren Seckel

DEPUTY CHIEF, MARKETING, OFFICE OF TOURISMOHIO

Dayna Brownfield

CONTENT COORDINATOR OFFICE OF TOURISMOHIO Copyright© 2026 by the Ohio Department of Development, Office of TourismOhio. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without permission of TourismOhio. The State of Ohio is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services. Advertisements and listings in this publication are provided as a public service to travelers. TourismOhio and the publisher are not responsible for errors or omissions, and inclusion does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Listings were created using data from the Ohio Listing & Events Database. Ohio travel entities are invited to submit listings, free of charge, to the database at Listings.Ohio.org. Maps were provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation. All information is subject to change. It is advisable to call ahead before traveling.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio

Ohio’s youngest explorers and their families can embark on a world of adventure with free books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio. By signing up, your child will receive one age-appropriate book each month, delivered right to your mailbox. To enroll and start your child’s journey of discovery, visit OhioImaginationLibrary.org. OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

For advertising information, please call 614-461-5083. Please recycle this guide or share it.

BUTLER COUNTY OHIO

travelbutlercounty Find your next adventure! Go on the delicious Donut Trail, explore a 400+ acre sculpture park, take a tandem leap from 13,000 feet, find unique shopping experiences, and more.

travelbutlercounty.com

BUTLER COUNTY DONUT TRAIL | START SKYDIVING | JUNGLE JIM’S INTERNATIONAL MARKET | PYRAMID HILL SCULPTURE PARK & MUSEUM | LIBERTY CENTER

travelbutlercounty.com

GreatOhioLodges.com 1-800-282-7275

so much to explore Hueston Woods

Salt Fork

Burr Oak • Deer Creek • Hocking Hills Hueston Woods • Maumee Bay • Mohican Punderson Manor • Salt Fork • Shawnee LODGES & CONFERENCE CENTERS

Columbus

Mohican

Punderson Manor Shawnee

OHIO STATE PARKS IS #1 IN THE NATION Deer Creek

Maumee Bay

Hocking Hills

Burr Oak

INSIDE

Picture yourself in Ohio. Our state truly is The Heart of it All. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™ in Dayton

Cincinnati Riverfront

Campus Martius Museum in Marietta

6 On the Cover Find out more about Cleveland’s Playhouse Square.

Plus, Even More Trip Ideas!

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE: MATTHEW ALLEN, CINCINNATI RIVERFRONT: MATTHEW ALLEN, CAMPUS MARTIUS MUSEUM: MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD

8 Win a Trip to Ohio Take our reader survey and enter to win. 18 Natural Attraction Across forests, wetlands, meadows, and lakes, Ohio’s diverse natural surroundings are certainly adventure-worthy.

Find out why Columbus has been called one of the best big cities in the U.S. on page 10. Plan a getaway to Shores & Islands Ohio on page 24. Check out Ohio’s America 250 celebrations on page 42.

30 It’s Eerie in Ohio With plenty of haunted spots along with Bigfoot, Frogman, and the Lake Erie monster, it’s always eerie in Ohio. 34 Ohio’s Spelled with Three Cs You can’t get a full taste of Ohio without the three Cs: Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus.

38 Arts in Ohio From iconic museums to inspiring murals, there’s art for every kind of adventurer.

Travel Ohio’s Five Regions

Plan your getaway trip with our regional travel guides that introduce you to the area’s top attractions, restaurants, and fascinating people.

Southwest

Culture reigns supreme in Cincinnati, along with the region’s other welcoming cities and attractions.

Central

Columbus, Ohio’s capital city, is surrounded by charming small towns and parks.

Southeast

A dream come true for nature lovers, southeast Ohio is filled with forests and rolling hills.

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118

Bursting with innovative spirit, Toledo is just one of the vibrant cities in northwest Ohio.

The heart of rock and roll is in Cleveland. Explore roads leading to gorgeous parks and charming towns.

Northwest

Northeast

Follow #OhioTheHeartofitAll for the latest travel ideas and seasonal event guides. Visit Ohio.org to subscribe to our newsletter for more trip ideas and to get next year’s free Ohio Travel Guide! OHIO.ORG

Cover ON THE

FROM BROADWAY SHOWS TO THE BALLET, Playhouse Square in Cleveland hosts more than 1,000 shows a year — creating unforgettable nights and memories that last a lifetime. With 12 venues, Playhouse Square is the second-largest performing arts center in the country, trailing only New York City. It’s easy to find the theaters — look for the dazzling 20-foot-tall outdoor chandelier with 4,200 shimmering crystals. Make it a weekend getaway in downtown Cleveland! Walk upside down at the Museum of Illusions, where you can stretch to new heights with their fun optical illusions. Keep your curiosity piqued at the Great Lakes Science Center where science comes alive with hundreds of interactive exhibits. Even the youngest kids can have fun with play areas designed just for them. Check into the boutique Kimpton Schofield Hotel or the Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square — both a short walk from the theaters. If it’s a date night, head to the elegant Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar or Southern Tier Brewery Cleveland for pints and burgers. Traveling with the kids? Enjoy family fare at Yours Truly, a Cleveland-area favorite for 30+ years. Before the show, treat yourself to cassata cake and cannoli from Corbo’s Bakery, a local institution since 1958. Impressed by what you’ve seen on stage? In the morning, head to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame where you can hear tunes from the best musicians in the world and jam on real instruments — drums, guitars, keyboards, and even ukuleles — in The Garage.

clockwise from top: Take your family to a show at Playhouse Square. Sit behind the drum kit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Get hands on at the Great Lakes Science Center. right: Bite into a cannoli from Corbo’s Bakery. OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

CHANDELIER: ANGELA STIFTAR PLAYHOUSE SQUARE, CORBO’S BAKERY: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER: GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER, ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME: ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME

COV E R P H OTO G RA P H Y BY LAU RA W AT I LO B LAK E

EXPERIENCE AMERICA’S 250TH ALONG OHIO’S BYWAYS

LET

MVS

NRB

OEC 80

HCB OMS

U S A

WRB

NAB LCC

OEC

TMT MEC

SOC JTB

LVP

DTB

HNR

HNR HNR

GSB

ABO ORB

QHB

ORB JTB

Jefferson Township Scenic Byway

JAH

Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway

LCC

Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches

LHB

Lincoln Highway Historic Byway

LVP

Lower Valley Pike Scenic Byway

MVS

Maumee Valley Scenic Byway

MEC

Miami and Erie Canal Scenic Byway

NAB

Neil Armstrong Scenic Byway

Ohio Byways:

NRB

North Ridge Scenic Byway

OMS

Old Mill Stream Scenic Byway

QHB

Quaker Heritage Byway

ABO Appalachian Byway

SOC

Scenic Olentangy Heritage Corridor

BDP Big Darby Plains Scenic Byway

SST

Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail

DTB Drovers’ Trail Scenic Byway

TMT

Tappan-Moravian Trail Scenic Byway

GSB Granville Scenic Byway

WRB

Wally Road Scenic Byway

HCB Heritage Corridors of Bath

WSB

Welsh Scenic Byway

SST ORB

America’s Byways: ACB

OhioByways.com

Amish Country Byway

HNR

Historic National Road – Ohio

HHB

Hocking Hills Byway

LET

Lake Erie Coastal Trail

OEC

Ohio & Erie Canalway

ORB

Ohio River Scenic Byway

ORB

Win a Trip to Ohio! We want to make sure you have everything you need for your next trip to Ohio. Take our short survey and be entered into the Ohio Travel Guide Reader Survey Sweepstakes,* where three lucky respondents will win a $100 travel certificate. We look forward to hearing from you and hope you have an amazing trip! Visit glstudios.com/ otgsurvey to participate. pictured: Stop for a pizza and a pint at Penguin City Brewing Company in Youngstown.

Visit the Historic Indian MillRoad Bridge Station Bridge

*No participation necessary to be entered to win. Find official rules and regulations at glstudios.com/otgsurvey. The sweepstakes, offered by Great Lakes Studios, begins March 26, 2026, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2026. Winners will be drawn randomly throughout the year.

(40.86327,-83.25370)

Your history adventure awaits Your history adventure awaits

OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

PENGUIN CITY BREWING COMPANY: LAURA WATILO BLAKE

Award-Winning Bridge Restoration

The Indian Mill Bridge, a historic 1913 pin-connected Pratt through truss built by The Modern Construction Company, is in Wyandot County where County Route 47 crosses the scenic Sandusky River. Recognized with Ohio Historic Award thein Thisa 2015 128-foot spanBridge bridge wasfrom built Federal Highway Administration, ODOT, and 1882 and closed to traﬃc in 1988.the It State Preservation Office, the bridge wasHistoric rehabilitated for pedestrian/bike underwent an innovative rehabilitation that use in the Cuyahoga Valley National preserved its late-19th-century ornate features while Park in 1992. modernizing its structure with a galvanized coating. This award-winning landmark is situated adjacent to the National Register-listed Indian Mill, providing visitors with a vivid, immersive 19th-century setting that combines industrial history with natural beauty.

READY FOR A CITY W

yes, COLUMBUS RED, WHITE & BOOM! Did you know Columbus was named a top 10 best big city, one of the best food cities, and one of the friendliest cities in the U.S., according to Condé Nast Traveler readers for a second year in a row? Yes, Columbus! The Arch City was also named one of the seven best value destinations in the country by Lonely Planet and one of AFAR’s favorite family destinations in the U.S. Whether you’re planning a weekend with friends or traveling with your family, Columbus is the perfect getaway. With exciting new experiences and major anniversaries in 2026, timeless Columbus classics, and a central location that makes it easy to get to, Ohio’s capital offers something for everyone. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, take part in statewide celebrations

in Columbus and plan your “All American Summer.” Take a tour at the Ohio Statehouse, visit the Ohio History Center, or attend the largest fireworks show in the Midwest at Red, White & BOOM! Don’t miss new exhibitions at top attractions like COSI or visit the city’s newest attraction — Prototype, an experimental museum for adults in Downtown Columbus where art, media, and technology collide. Also, Downtown in the Discovery District, The LOOM, a new fashion incubator and cultural hub, will bring makers together and tell Columbus’ fashion story. Celebrate the old and new this year. Columbus’ iconic North Market Downtown celebrates 150 years, while new buzzed-about restaurants open Downtown. See why national media outlets are raving about the city’s food scene. From food trucks to communal fine dining and from bakeries to breweries, Columbus has a fit for whatever you’re craving.

AGNI

PROTOTYPE: PROTOTYPE, AGNI: ERIKA GENE CLARK, RED, WHITE, & BOOM!: RED, WHITE, & BOOM!

Y WITH IT ALL?

Keep reading to learn more about what’s new in Columbus’ neighborhoods, what’s coming to top attractions, and the festivals and events that will keep you coming back all year long!

PROTOTYPE

FRANKLINTON ARTS DISTRICT

SHORT NORTH ARTS DISTRICT

KING-LINCOLN BRONZEVILLE

KNOW THE NEIGHBORHOODS

Columbus is a city full of character, shaped in large part by the “Five on High” — five distinct neighborhoods along a five-mile stretch of High Street, each brimming with charm and personality. The Short North Arts District is Columbus’ historic arts district, featuring boutique shopping, local galleries, and standout dining. Nearby, the Arena District is a hub for sports and entertainment, home to the city’s four professional teams, live music venues, and energetic nightlife. Downtown thrives with historic theaters, world-class museums, and green spaces along the scenic Scioto River. German Village, a 233-acre historic district, enchants with brick-lined streets, quaint homes, and buzzworthy shops and restaurants. In the University District, the energy

GERMAN VILLAGE, SHORT NORTH ARTS DISTRICT, PISTACIA VERA: EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS / LEVI ELY, FRANKLINTON ARTS DISTRICT: OSP IMAGES, KING-LINCOLN BRONZEVILLE: FRED BENDER, COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM: AMANDA CARBERRY, COSI: COSI

GERMAN VILLAGE

PISTACIA VERA

of The Ohio State University converges with cultural gems like the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum and the Wexner Center for the Arts. Just beyond Downtown, the Franklinton Arts District pulses with creativity, featuring galleries, breweries, and the monthly Franklinton Friday art events. The Peninsula is creating its own vibe, offering riverfront views and a strong sense of community anchored by the award-winning independent lifestyle hotel, The Junto. Nearby, Grandview and Olde Towne East offer unique shops, distilleries, cultural sites, and food halls for visitors to explore.

CAN’T-MISS ATTRACTIONS

Columbus is packed with experiences that will have you planning your next visit before you even leave. See the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s 10,000 animals, or let science spark your curiosity at COSI, a five-time USA Today 10Best award winner for best science museum in the country. Prototype: The Experimental Museum at Scioto Audubon blends art and technology in immersive exhibits. Honor U.S. service at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, wander Franklin Park Conservatory’s gardens and Dale Chihuly glasswork, or dive into Easton’s lively mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. In Columbus, every visit brings something new to discover.

PICTURED: COSI LEFT: COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM

TASTE YOUR WAY THROUGH THE

CULINARY

CAPITAL ISLA

You don’t have to travel to New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles to dine at restaurants praised by Forbes, Food & Wine, and Bon Appétit. Columbus is a culinary destination with everything from food halls to food tours to food trails. In fact, AFAR recently named Columbus one of America’s most thrilling food cities, noting the city’s “distinct neighborhoods, inclusive spirit, and Midwestern warmth.” Immerse yourself in some of the city’s best eats by visiting North Market, which

is celebrating 150 years in 2026 and was recognized by USA Today as one of the top 10 public markets in the country. New restaurants like Isla, where fine dining is transformed into a shared communal experience, give diners new reasons to return, while longtime favorites like Lindey’s and Barcelona in German Village beckon you back and invite you to unwind on charming patios. Coming in 2026 will be two new restaurants Downtown by Josh Dalton, chef/owner of beloved local restaurants Speck and Veritas.

LINDEY’S

NORTH MARKET: EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS, LINDEY’S: LEVI ELY, ISLA: ISLA, COLUMBUS COMMONS: INFINITEE IMPACT, SCIOTO MILE: ANDY SPESSARD

NORTH MARKET

250+ Artists 4 Stages Music, Dance, Theater and Spoken Word Great Food and Craft Beer Family Fun and more! POWERED BY

PRODUCED BY

As a four-season city, Columbus brims with year-round activity. Summer comes alive with events like the Columbus Arts Festival, produced by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, June 12–14, and Red, White & BOOM! on July 3. In fall, colorful foliage and spectacles like HighBall Halloween, the nation’s most elaborate costume party, take center stage. Winter brings snowy scenes and dazzling lights to major attractions, while spring bursts with beauty. In fact, Midwest Living named Columbus one of the best places to see cherry blossoms.

ColumbusArtsFestival

THE ARTS ARE ALWAYS HAPPENING IN COLUMBUS! For Columbus events and public art year round visit ColumbusMakesArt.com

ABOVE: SCIOTO MILE BELOW: COLUMBUS COMMONS

Spend a day in Hillard and see for yourself why the city is known as

Everyone’s Hometown! Stroll Through Today! DestinationHilliard.org

Photo by Terry Gilliam

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE — IN EVERY SEASON

ColumbusArtsFestival.org

SERVING OUR NATION Honoring all Veterans Elevating their stories Amplifying the power of service Scan to see courage up close and personal. NationalVMM.org COLUMBUS

LOCAL.

FRESH.

AUTHENTIC.

THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

FAMILY FUN AWAITS Columbus offers endless family fun for all ages, whether you’re seeking big adventures or smaller, more relaxed activities. Use Experience Columbus’ itineraries to plan your visit, from exciting things to do to great places to eat afterward. Find them at experiencecolumbus.com/ things-to-do/itineraries. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center at Easton is every kid’s dream vacation spot, packed with fun and adventure. Consider exploring Gamegrounds, an artist-designed carnival featuring

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

high-tech immersive room-scale games for the entire family. There’s something for everyone at the 32-room Book Loft in German Village, or you can catch a game with one of Columbus’ professional sports teams, including the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, MLS’s Columbus Crew, MiLB’s Columbus Clippers, or the Major League Volleyball’s Columbus Fury. The Columbus Aviators are a new professional American football team set to begin play in 2026 as part of the United Football League (UFL), with home games at Historic Crew Stadium.

THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES, COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS: GREATER COLUMBUS SPORTS COMMISSION, GROVE CITY: MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD, UNION COUNTY: KEVIN KOPANSKI

300 W. BROAD ST.

NEARBY ADVENTURES

Outside of Columbus, nearby regional adventures await. Explore Old Hilliard, a quaint city center with beautiful water features, locally owned shops, and a full calendar of annual events. Just south of Downtown, visit Grove City, a delightful town filled with murals and public art at every turn. A little further out is Fairfield County, famous for its Covered Bridge Trail. Nearby, Union County is home to Uptown Marysville, where you can explore a variety of unique shops.

GROVE CITY

5X WINNER CENTER OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

USA TODAY’S 10Best S C I E N C E M U S E U M IN THE NATION!

Plan your visit at cosi.org PLAN YOUR VISIT!

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BAR ITALIA • CARHARTT • JOYBIRD PORTLAND LEATHER • SKIMS STATE & LIBERTY • VUORI • AND MORE!

UNION COUNTY

For a complete list of all new brands visit eastontowncenter.com

Ohio’s state parks are the best in the country.

18 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

LAKE ALMA STATE PARK: LAURA WATILO BLAKE

Ohio State Parks was awarded the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association.

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(And it’s not just us saying it.)

Accessibility, Stargazing, & Rolling Hills

Natural

AT T R A C T I O N BY GWYNNIE KOWALSKI

Across forests, wetlands, meadows, and lakes, Ohio’s diverse natural surroundings are certainly adventure-worthy. There’s something for every kind of nature lover — unique plants and wildlife, trails for every ability level, and places to reconnect with the outdoors. Set out to explore 76 state parks and 152 state nature preserves, as well as city parks, beaches, and more. To truly soak in the experience, stay overnight at the state park lodges and cabins.

pictured: Bring your dog along when you visit Lake Alma State Park in Wellston.

SOUTHEAST Strouds Run State Park in Athens welcomes all ability levels with its new playground that has accessible swings and sensoryfriendly equipment. And with a new accessible beach walkway and kayak launch, anyone can get out and enjoy the water. Spend the night stargazing at Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area, a nearly 55,000-acre stretch of sprawling rugged terrain. Set up your telescope in Grieser Field to wonder at far away galaxies. Boaters, hikers, golfers, and equestrians flock to Salt Fork State Park in Lore City, tucked amidst the rolling hills. With its new Eco-Discovery Center, visitors of all ages can learn about nature. IN BLOOM Take a self-guided tour through Clary Gardens in Coshocton, a 20-acre botanical garden with trails leading past lush blossoms, water features, and geological formations. Tucked within a residential neighborhood in Zanesville, Mission Oaks Gardens features hundreds of rare and unusual plants, as well as a renowned conifer garden.

Beaches, Forests, & Waterfalls NORTHEAST With its mile-long natural sand beach — the largest sand beach in the state — there’s plenty of room for sandcastles at Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor. Keep an eye out for nesting bald eagles as you walk the shoreline to find beach glass. With its lush forests, Mohican State Park in Loudonville is a hiker’s paradise. Stop in the new visitor center before setting out for a day of biking, horseback riding, and paddling along the Mohican River. Get amazing views of Minnehaha Falls and sandstone cliff formations at NelsonKennedy Ledges State Park in OHIO.ORG

Nelson Township from along the new 137-foot-long, 50-foot-tall Falls Edge Glass Walkway.

IN BLOOM Meander through butterfly and wildflower gardens at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, then take in treetop views on the 65-foot-high Murch Canopy Walk or the 120-foothigh Kalberer Emergent Tower. At Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield, some unlikely residents live amidst the blooms. Peacocks roam the grounds, displaying their brilliant blue and green feathers.

pictured: Hike amid the towering rock formations at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park. left: Look at the ground far below on the Falls Edge Glass Walkway. right, top to bottom: Walk through the greenhouses at Kingwood Center Gardens. Kayak at Strounds Run State Park. Peer into the glacial grooves on Kelleys Island.

NORTHWEST Did you know that the Great Lakes contain about 20% of the world’s fresh water? Visit the interactive Aquatic Visitors Center in Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island to learn about just what makes Lake Erie so great. Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon is a haven for birders. A key location in the Biggest Week in American Birding every May, more than 300 species of birds have been spotted at the park. Stay at Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center. The Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve on Kelleys Island is a one-of-a-kind example of the movement of glaciers about 12,000 years ago. Trails lead alongside the grooves and past a field of rare Lakeside Daisies. IN BLOOM Take little ones to play, learn, and grow at The Children’s Garden in downtown Lima. For a modern treasure hunt, try geocaching your way through the Visit Greater Lima GeoTrail. Art and gardening go hand in hand at Schedel Arboretum and Gardens in Elmore. The gardens surround 25 large-scale sculptures created by world-renowned artists.

20 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

CARDINAL: SELWYN JAMES NELSON-KENNEDY LEDGES STATE PARK: KEVIN KOPANSKI, FALLS EDGE GLASS WALKWAY: OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, KINGWOOD CENTER GARDENS, GLACIAL XXXXXXXXXXXX GROOVES, PEG VANVLEET: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, STROUDS RUN STATE PARK: JOEL PRINCE

A Great Lake, Rare Daisies, & Birds

NOTA

BLE OHIOAN

A Reel Deal Inspire Your Inner Gardener

Peg VanVleet FOUNDER OF BLUE SKY CHARTERS

Captain Peg VanVleet’s earliest memories were out on the water. The founder of Blue Sky Charters in Port Clinton comes from generations of fishers and jokes that she has Lake Erie water running through her veins. She was honored as 2015 Captain of the Year by the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association and as an inductee into the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Hall of Fame in 2024. What makes fishing in Lake Erie so special? We have

2% of the freshwater in the Great Lakes, but 50% of the Lakes’ sport fish. Lake Erie is one of the top fisheries for walleye.

What are your favorite fishing memories? In my childhood,

we took my grandfather ice fishing on Lake Erie. We fished in little ice shanties and had a blast catching fish after fish. Recently, we surprised a kid who’s like a grandson to me by taxidermying a great catch he had. He lit up like there was no tomorrow when he saw his big fish!

How do you like to cook your catches? We fry them!

They’re so good cold as well. I like to have a cold fish sandwich out on the boat. OHIO.ORG

Lakes, Blooms, & Boating

IN BLOOM There’s no better place to stop and smell the roses than the Columbus Park of Roses! One of the largest public rose gardens in the nation, the 13-acre garden boasts over 7,500 roses. Every June, Schnormeier Gardens in Gambier opens for visitors to explore its gardens interspersed with art and centered around a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home.

Gorgeous Gorges, Earthworks, & Fossil Hunting SOUTHWEST Surrounding the Little Miami River, Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs is home to hiking trails through the beautiful gorge. Stop first at the new Exploration Center to see native fish and a replica cave. Home to one of the best-preserved examples of 2,000-year-old earthworks from the Hopewell culture, Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve in Hillsboro offers a look into life in Ohio preEuropean settlement. Live out your

22 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

pictured: Nature trails lead to stunning views at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve. below, top to bottom: Take in the views at Deer Creek State Park. Stop to smell the blooms at the Columbus Park of Roses.

Jurassic Park dreams — minus the bloodthirsty dinosaurs — at Hueston Woods State Park in College Corner, where fossil hunters can discover remnants of ancient marine life. Pass through a picturesque covered bridge to start your overnight getaway at the park’s lodge.

IN BLOOM Step straight into a fairytale at Highfield Discovery Garden in Cincinnati. Located in Glenwood Gardens, fairies, a sleeping dragon, and giant mushrooms adorn this whimsical play space. Introduce little ones to nature in the Children’s Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens in Dayton, where they can walk along the Swamp Forest Boardwalk to see the animals living there. Growing up in the Cleveland area, writer Gwynnie Kowalski was raised on Lake Erie sunsets and Mitchell’s Ice Cream. She loves running and hiking through Ohio’s beautiful natural spaces.

STATE PARK BADGES: ANGELA STIFTAR CLIFTON GORGE STATE NATURE PRESERVE: MATTHEW ALLEN, DEER CREEK STATE PARK: DEER CREEK STATE PARK, COLUMBUS PARK OF ROSES: RANDALL L. SCHIEBER, SOUTH BASS ISLAND STATE PARK, MARBLEHEAD LIGHTHOUSE STATE PARK: GABE LEIDY, ALUM CREEK STATE PARK: OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, HUESTON WOODS STATE PARK: LAURA WATILO BLAKE

CENTRAL Immerse yourself in nature at Deer Creek State Park in Mount Sterling. Book a room with panoramic views of the lake at the Deer Creek Lodge & Conference Center or settle into the upgraded cabins — complete with a fire ring to make s’mores. True to its name, Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve in Lancaster is home to the largest native population of rhododendrons in the state. Visit in late June or early July to see the blooms. Ohio’s oldest state park, Buckeye Lake in Millersport, offers endless opportunities for anyone looking to spend a day on the water, from speed boaters to kayakers and paddleboarders.

OhioCHECKLIST State Parks Use our handy parks list to inspire your adventures. Check them off as you explore!

Catawba Island, Port Clinton

Barkcamp, Belmont

East Harbor, Lakeside-Marblehead

Blue Rock, Blue Rock

Grand Lake St. Marys, St. Mary

Burr Oak, Glouster

Harrison Lake, Fayette Independence Dam, Defiance Kelleys Island, Kelleys Island Lake Loramie, Minster Marblehead Lighthouse, Marblehead Mary Jane Thurston, McClure Maumee Bay, Oregon Middle Bass Island, Middle Bass Island North Bass Island, Isle St. George Oak Point, Put-in-Bay

Beaver Creek, East Liverpool Findley, Wellington Geneva, Geneva

Alum Creek State Park

Buck Creek, Springfield Caesar Creek, Waynesville Cowan Lake, Wilmington

Headlands Beach, Mentor

East Fork, Bethel

Jefferson Lake, Richmond Lake Milton, Lake Milton Malabar Farm, Lucas Mohican, Loudonville Mosquito Lake, Cortland

Portage Lakes, Akron

A.W. Marion, Circleville

Great Council, Xenia

Buckeye Lake, Millersport

Hueston Woods, College Corner

Deer Creek, Mount Sterling Delaware, Delaware Indian Lake, Lakeview Madison Lake, London Mt. Gilead, Mt. Gilead

Punderson, Newbury

South Bass Island, Put-in-Bay

Pymatuning, Andover

Van Buren, Van Buren

Quail Hollow, Hartville

Use the new Ohio State Parks Passport Challenge on Ohio Trails+, powered by the free OuterSpatial app. Check in at each park to unlock a unique digital badge.

Kiser Lake, St. Paris Little Miami, Waynesville Paint Creek, Bainbridge Rocky Fork, Hillsboro Stonelick, Pleasant Plain

Hueston Wood s State Park

Dillon, Nashport Forked Run, Reedsville Great Seal, Chillicothe Hocking Hills, Logan Jackson Lake, Oak Hill Jesse Owens, McConnelsville Lake Alma, Wellston Lake Hope, McArthur Lake Logan, Logan Lake White, Waverly Muskingum River Parkway, Zanesville Paint Creek, Bainbridge Pike Lake, Bainbridge Scioto Trail, Chillicothe Shawnee, Portsmouth Strouds Run, Athens Tar Hollow, Laurelville

West Branch, Ravenna Wingfoot Lake, Mogadore

John Bryan, Yellow Springs

Sycamore, Trotwood

Tinkers Creek, Streetsboro

Get bragging rights when you visit!

Adams Lake, West Union

Guilford Lake, Lisbon

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges, Nelson Township South Bass Island State Park

Alum Creek, Delaware

Wolf Run, Caldwell Marblehead Lighthouse State Park

OHIO.ORG

Always in

eason? S IT’S A SHORE THING

Shores & Islands Ohio is a year-round destination, just a short drive away. 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 local events and attractions, things to do and places to stay, find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com.

Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com Shaping our Shores:

250 YEARS OF AMERICAN SPIRIT In 2026 our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. America 250 is a national commemoration designed to honor this milestone, reflect on our history, and inspire the next generation. Across Ohio, communities are prepared to mark the occasion with unique events, trails, and programs that highlight the state’s contributions to our country’s story. Communities and attractions with historical exhibits, events, and commemorations have contributed to that calendar. Together, these efforts exemplify how our region is embracing America 250 not only as a commemoration of the past, but also as a chance to celebrate who we are today. With trails, tours, performances, and celebrations, there will be countless opportunities to learn, explore, and connect. As the nation looks back to reflect and commemorate America 250 in 2026, our communities are ready to share their stories with pride. They create a powerful tapestry of freedom, innovation, and community spirit.

Connect to the Past with New Trails

Explore lighthouses, landmarks, and legacies along Shores & Islands Ohio’s Lake Erie coast on Shoreline Stories: Erie County’s America 250 Tour. Discover how Erie County helped shape a nation from freedom seekers to inventors and visionaries. Take the tour at your own pace. Each stop offers its own chapter in America’s story.

Ottawa County is also preparing for an exciting lineup. A new History Mystery Ottawa County self-guided driving tour will guide residents and visitors to historical sites across county communities, making exploring fun and engaging.

Snap the Past! Selfie Hunt - Discover the treasures of the past - one selfie at a time! This family-friendly scavenger hunt takes you to fascinating places throughout Shores & Islands Ohio where history happened. Your mission is to solve the clues, visit each site, and snap a selfie to prove you were there. Then stop by one of our Welcome Centers for a prize!

More information about Shores & Islands Ohio trails, state-wide trails, and local America 250-Ohio events can be found at SHORESandISLANDS.com/America-250. OHIO.ORG

anchorinnpib.com 419-285-5055

Whether you choose to walk on or bring a car or bicycle, your getaway begins when you board a Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay or Middle Bass Island. Miller offers the most frequent trips, ample free parking, and lowest fares. Find events, attractions and travel packages on our website. MillerFerry.com 800-500-2421

26 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Experience the Jet Express Ferry - quick, scenic, and fun for all ages. Pets are free, and kids love the trip! Enjoy beautiful water views, comfortable seating, latenight options, and handicap accessibility. Reserve your tickets online today and start your Lake Erie adventure! jet-express.com 800-245-1538

Discover the island that brings everyone together. From underground caves to sunset shores, Put-in-Bay is filled with discoveries for every age. Explore, relax, and reconnect on Ohio’s favorite island escape - where every visit becomes a memory. Plan your Every Day Island Getaway at visitputinbay.com. XXXXXXXXXXXX

“Your Perfect Island Escape” starts at the Anchor Inn Boutique Hotel in Put-in-Bay, Ohio—proudly named one of Lake Erie Living Magazine’s Top 25 Places to Stay. Steps from the boardwalk, dining, and nightlife, the Anchor Inn offers stylish rooms, relaxed coastal vibes, and an unforgettable Lake Erie getaway.

Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com

Like a Local Experience Shores & Islands Ohio

Located on the Marblehead Peninsula, this hidden gem on Lake Erie is an inviting destination for families to relax, reconnect and renew mind, body and spirit. Enjoy a mix of cultural arts, recreation, educational and spiritual programs, along with charming shops, unique restaurants and a wide range of accommodations that make every stay memorable. lakesideohio.com 419-798-4461

It’s easier than ever to plan your perfect escape to Shores & Islands Ohio with our Itineraries that Inspire, getting the most out of your visit - without the guesswork. Each itinerary is brimming with everything you need to make your trip one to remember, from the perfect places to stay to the most delectable restaurants to dine, and all of the can’t-miss activities and attractions our region has to offer that cater to every type of traveler.

Small Town. Great Lake. Welcome to Vermilion, where Lake Erie charm meets small-town adventure. Spend the day browsing unique shops, savoring local flavors, and soaking up the sun on our beautiful beach. Paddle or cruise the lake, uncover historic gems, and find something new at every turn. Start your trip with us your perfect Vermilion getaway begins here. mainstreetvermilion.org 440-963-0772

Adrenaline-seekers can enjoy world-class amusement rides and water attractions, while families will love indoor water parks filled with slides, wave pools, and fun activities for all ages. Nature enthusiasts can take scenic boat cruises, paddle along calm waters, or bike through peaceful trails that wind along the shoreline. Wine and craft beverage lovers can savor local flavors along our Cheers Trail. From action-packed adventures to relaxing lakefront retreats, Shores & Islands Ohio delivers the perfect blend of excitement and serenity for your dream getaway.

Scan for full Itineraries That Inspire OHIO.ORG

A new boutique hotel is opening in Vermilion! Brejé Inn is just steps away from Vermilion's dining and shopping scene and Main Street Beach. The property, named from the first initials of the owners’ children’s names, was once a lumber mill in the 1850s and has been converted into a 5-unit luxury inn and event center for up to 50 people. The inn is equipped with two full kitchens and high-end amenities throughout.

WHAT'S

NEW I N

2 0 2 6

More NEW Additions Here Check back often, exciting developments are added throughout the year!

Bay Bell Restaurant in Bay View has reopened under new ownership. A family-friendly, casual spot, Bay Bell features waterfront dining, allday breakfast, steaks, and seafood, along with occasional live entertainment.

Sora & Oak Sushi & Whiskey Bar debuted in late 2025 in Sandusky featuring fresh air and fresh sushi. Enjoy patio season steps away from the lake with incredible food, and plenty of space to relax and unwind. Sora & Oak is located in the former Everwild Distillery and shares space with Sandusky Pedal Co.

A gorgeous new mural has arrived to beautify one of the busiest intersections in Ottawa County. The 3,500 square-foot mural, on the NAPA Auto Parts building in Oak Harbor, celebrates the region’s heritage and natural beauty. Designed by Derek Brennan and the Cleveland Mural Company, the mural features wildlife of the Portage River, honoring the community’s deep connection to the river and its natural resources. It also highlights Oak Harbor’s growing appeal to birders and eco-tourists.

28 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com

OHIO.ORG

IT’S Wi

erie E

IN OHIO

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oot, Frogman, with Bigf g n o l aunted spots a ays eerie in Ohi and o. t’s alw i , r e the La t s n ke Erie mo

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Meet Ohio’s Monsters

30 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

pictured: Dare to enter the Ohio State Reformatory for a nighttime tour.

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NESSIE, FROGMAN, TROLL: ANGELA STIFTAR

Ohio ranks fourth in the U.S. in the number of Bigfoot sightings, according to the Bigfoot Research Organization. Explore the lore at The Ohio Bigfoot Conference at Salt Fork State Park Lodge on May 2. Snap a photo with the lodge’s own resident Bigfoot in the form of a giant carved statue. Nationally known speakers present their findings at the Hocking Hills Bigfoot Festival on Aug. 14–15 in McArthur, but this family-friendly event also has an array of Bigfoot-related items like Bigfoot Bath Bombs. Join in the fun by

participating in Bigfoot howling or contests like Walk Like a Squatch. Scotland may have its Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, but Ohio can boast of Bessie, the Lake Erie Monster, with multiple sightings dating back to 1793. Eyewitnesses describe her as a serpentine beast with a long neck and flippers. Bessie inspired the name of the Cleveland Monsters, an AHL hockey team, with its logo prominently featuring the yellow glare of the monster’s eyes. The Loveland Frogman supposedly inhabits the marshes and waterways near Loveland. Described

OHIO STATE REFORMATORY: LAURA WATILO BLAKE

BY RICH WARREN

clockwise from right: Get chills as you explore the new Ohio Museum of Horror. Put a smile on your face at the Troll Hole. Hike to see the giant trolls at Aullwood Audubon.

by witnesses as a 4-foot-tall frog-like creature that walks on two legs, the beast has even been seen wielding a wand that emits sparks. Help the city celebrate its connection with this local legend each March at the Frogman Festival, where visitors can buy Frogman plush toys complete with wands!

AULLWOOD AUDUBON, OHIO MUSEUM OF HORROR: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, TROLL HOLE: MATT SHIFFLER

More Wacky Wonders At Troll Hole in Alliance, owner Sherry Groom shows off the troll dolls she’s collected since childhood. In 2018, with over 8,000 dolls, she was recognized by Guinness World Records. Currently, there are more than 9,000 in the collection. The trolls are arranged in playful manners like the Rockin’ Troll Hall of Fame, featuring “trollified” musicians, celebrities, and athletes. At Aullwood Audubon in Dayton, the trolls are much larger. The baby, named Bibbi, is 17 feet tall, while her parents, Bodil and Bo, are even larger. All are made from recycled wood by the Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Bo straddles a stream and grips a tree like a walking staff; Bodil is crouching on the ground inviting people to crawl underneath; and Bibbi wears a pair of man-made wings and appears to be launching herself into flight. The Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick in Cleveland contains hundreds of artifacts celebrating the culture and history of witchcraft, paganism, and occult practices. Expect to see magic wands, crystal balls, tarot cards, and witches’ garments. The newly opened Ohio Museum of Horror in downtown Galion contains human skulls and bones and Ouija boards, along with a mummy’s jaw and memorabilia from TV shows like The X Files and movies like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. A unique twist is an on-site restaurant featuring menu items labeled “The Last Meal,” all true-to-life food items chosen by Death Row inmates prior to their execution.

Find More Spooky Spots!

OHIO.ORG, 1-800-BUCKEYE OHIO.ORG

Columbus-based freelance writer Rich Warren loves visiting quirky, offbeat places not only in his native state, but also in places around the world.

E OHIOAN

Big Thinker Jackee Pugh

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BELMONT COUNTY TOURISM

Jackee Pugh had a unique idea to draw visitors to Belmont County. In late 2023, she launched the Bigfoot GeoTour, a geocaching scavenger hunt that leads participants to unique caches that Pugh has designed herself — many of them are actually concrete feet made from a mold that resembles one of Bigfoot’s hefty paws. What inspired you to create this tour? Here in southeast Ohio,

with all its hills and forests, a lot of folks claim to have encountered Bigfoot. We’ve got lots of forests in our county, so I like to say that visitors may not actually find Bigfoot in our woods, but they’ll certainly have fun looking for our Bigfoot geocaches.

What’s been the response from the public so far?

top to bottom: Hear ghost tales on a Hidden Marietta tour. Punderson Manor Lodge is spooky even before you step inside.

People come from all over for this tour. We’ve had 10,000 caches found and logged by visitors from all over the U.S. and from as far away as New Zealand and China.

What are some of the places in the county people will see if they take this tour? Our tour takes geocachers to places like Dickinson Longhorn Cattle Ranch and to historic sites like the National Road and the Great Stone Viaduct along the Ohio River. There are also three separate caches inside Barkcamp State Park and also one at Dysart Woods, the largest remaining tract of old growth forest in the region.

32 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

BIGFOOT: ANGELA STIFTAR HIDDEN MARIETTA: BRUCE WUNDERLICH, PUNDERSON MANOR LODGE: PUNDERSON MANOR LODGE, JACKEE PUGH: BETH FLICK

Steps away from Mansfield’s Ohio State Reformatory, the site where prison scenes were filmed in The Shawshank Redemption, three former homes of guards are now available for overnight stays. One makes a nod to Shawshank with spaces called “The Warden’s Bedroom” and “Andy’s Cell.” At the Reformatory, try to get out of escape rooms or stay into the wee hours to detect ghostly activities. Guests at Punderson Manor Lodge near Burton sometimes hear children’s laughter and loud noises, or experience gusts of cold air and see objects flying through the air. Doors open and close, and both faucets and televisions turn themselves on and off. I personally can report an unseen hand trying to pull the covers off of me when I slept in one of the most haunted rooms. On the banks of the Ohio River, Marietta’s venerable Lafayette Hotel opened in 1918 and is replete with elegant touches of yesteryear. Keep your eyes open for a ghostly maid wearing a black dress in the hallways. Apparently, “Do Not Disturb” signs don’t deter her from entering the rooms! Take a walking tour with Hidden Marietta to hear other chilling stories in Ohio’s oldest town. The legendary Golden Lamb in Lebanon opened in 1803 as a stagecoach stop and tavern. Over the years, it’s welcomed 12 U.S. presidents, and the upstairs rooms have several well-known spectral residents, including a playful little girl who’s seen disappearing around corners or even passing through walls.

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Spooky Lodging (Sleep With One Eye Open)

READER RESPONSE

EAST HARBOR STATE PARK: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, NORTH MARKET: DAVE CHEN, DOWNTOWN MARIETTA: BRUCE WUNDERLICH

Start Planning

We have so many trip ideas!

For more information about these areas and attractions, simply circle the number on the Reader Response Card, mail it in, and the information you requested will be promptly sent to you. You also can fill out this form at glstudios.com/otgsurvey. Inquiries will be processed until Dec. 31, 2026. 1. The 720 Market 2. Belmont County Tourism 3. Bender’s Tavern 4. Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau 5. Canton Classic Car Museum 6. Central Portage County Visitors & Convention Bureau 7. Cincinnati Nature Center 8. Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park™ 9. Clermont County Convention & Visitors Bureau 10. Coshocton Visitors Bureau 11. COSI 12. Darke County Visitors Bureau 13. Destination Dayton 14. Destination Hilliard 15. Destination Mansfield 16. Discover Perry County 17. Easton Town Center 18. Experience Columbus 19. Fayette County Travel & Tourism Bureau 20. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa 21. Great Miami Riverway 22. Greater Columbus Arts Council | Columbus Arts Festival 23. Greater Grand Lake Visitor Region 24. Hartville Kitchen & Shops | Experience Hartville 25. Historic Downtown Millersburg 26. Hocking Hills Tourism Association 27. Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau 28. Marietta Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau 29. Massillon Museum 30. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum 31. Medina County Convention & Visitors Bureau 32. Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau 33. National First Ladies Library & Museum 34. National Veterans Memorial and Museum 35. North Market 36. Ohio Amish Country | Holmes County Chamber & Tourism Bureau 37. Pike County Chamber of Commerce 38. Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau 39. Streetsboro Visitors & Convention Bureau 40. Visit Canton 41. Visit Cincy 42. Visit Greater Lima 43. Visit Grove City 44. Visit Union County 45. Visit Wayne County 46. Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau 47. Wood County Museum Downtown Marietta

East Harbor State Park in Lakeside Marblehead Duplicate or illegible submissions will not be accepted. Limit one per household.

North Market in Columbus OHIO.ORG

Ohio’s Spelled with Three Cs BY NICHOLAS DEKKER

You can’t get a full taste of Ohio without the three Cs: Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus. From world-class arts to nationally ranked sports, acclaimed food and drink to exciting nightlife, stunning parks to historic sites, Ohio’s three major cities invite you to visit again and again to explore all they have to offer.

OHIO.THE THEHEART HEARTOF OFIT ITALL. ALL. 34 OHIO.

SHORT NORTH ARTS DISTRICT: RON BLUNT, THE JUNTO: THE JUNTO, XXXXXXXXXXXX COLUMBUS CREW: COLUMBUS CREW, YOHANNAN TERRELL: EMMA PARKER

pictured: Lighted arches brighten High Street throughout the Short North Arts District in Columbus. right: Make it a girls’ weekend at The Junto.

NOTA

COLUMBUS

With its diverse arts districts, excellent eats, and some of the top attractions in the country, there’s always plenty to explore in Columbus.

BLE OHIOAN

Style Maker

MUST-SEES — Columbus is home to two of the country’s top-rated attractions! At the acclaimed Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, you can feed giraffes, watch manatees swim, and see polar bears chase after fish. COSI has been voted the nation’s best science center five times. It features dinosaurs and room after room of inspiring scientific activities. SPORTS — It’s all football, all the time, every fall in Columbus, when thousands gather in the Horseshoe to cheer on The Ohio State Buckeyes. The Crew, three-time winners of the MLS Cup, welcomes lively soccer fans at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, while the Blue Jackets fill Nationwide Arena as they take the ice. The Fury, the city’s new professional women’s volleyball team, features powerhouse players battling through every bump, set, and spike.

Yohannan Terrell FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, COLUMBUS FASHION ALLIANCE CULTURE & NIGHTLIFE — The Short North Arts District has long been a destination for some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, galleries, and theaters. Gallery Hop, a monthly event running more than 40 years, is the first Saturday of every month. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet at Otherworld, a massive immersive arts experience with room after room of colorful, eye-popping galleries. FOODIE FAVS — Every foodie should visit the North Market, with dozens of vendors offering tastes from around the world. It’s produced some world-class makers, like Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. TAT Ristorante Di Famiglia has been an east-side institution since 1929, serving pizza and pasta. Make it your first stop on the Columbus-Style Pizza Trail. SPECIAL STAYS — The Junto in Franklinton sits across from COSI and offers beautiful views of the river and downtown Columbus. Rent kayaks to paddle the Scioto River, then relax with dinner and drinks at the Brass Eye rooftop restaurant. The South Wind Motel near German Village is lovingly restored to a sleek mid-century modern look. EXPLORE NEARBY — You won’t believe you’re in Ohio at The Wilds, a safari park covering more than 9,000 acres, where giraffes, rhinos, and bison roam free. Likewise, Hocking Hills State Park surprises visitors with its many hiking trails, caves, and waterfalls.

As founder and director of the Columbus Fashion Alliance, Yogi (as most people call him) Terrell has distinguished himself as a leader in Columbus’ nationally ranked fashion industry and supporter of the growth of fashion-based businesses. What inspires you about Columbus’ fashion scene?

The Columbus fashion scene is both seasoned and emerging at the same time and that is very exciting. We have some of the largest brands in the world headquartered here, but there is also a growing scene of the next generation of fashion leaders and disruptors. With the right infrastructure, Columbus has a chance to emerge as the fashion city of the future.

You’ve commented before about Columbus’ energy. Can you describe how it feels to you? Columbus is a city that is building energy by the day. If you visit our city for a couple of days, you will feel how palpable the energy is. The food scene is crazy with many small hubs where restaurants like Cobra or bars like Law Bird are giving us cool vibes, while culinary art is being created at restaurants like Agni and Butcher & Rose.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Cincy and Cleveland?

The three Cs offer so many different things to do that are different from each other. When I want high energy and excitement, I head to Cleveland and catch a game or party on The Flats. When I want to tap into some culture and history, I go to Cincinnati. Columbus Crew

OHIO.ORG

CLEVELAND Situated along the shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland has long been home to signature Ohio sports, a rich performing arts scene, beautiful parks, and famous eats.

MUST-SEES — The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame draws visitors from around the world to see its comprehensive collection of memorabilia from the world’s most famous rockers. Relive the holiday classic A Christmas Story by visiting the House from A Christmas Story used for filming the iconic movie that made leg lamps a holiday tradition. You can even stay the night! SPORTS — Cleveland is home to a trio of long-time favorite Ohio teams, all playing downtown where you can experience the city while you cheer them on. And their schedules ensure that the fun will last all throughout the year, from Browns football in the fall and early winter, Cavaliers basketball from late fall to spring, and Guardians baseball summer and fall. CULTURE & NIGHTLIFE — Cleveland is home to multiple exciting entertainment districts. Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts center in the country outside of New York City, with multiple venues hosting concerts, musicals, plays, and comedians. Club hop down at The Flats with its bustling nightlife, fun bars and restaurants, and concert venues. FOODIE FAVS — The Haunted House Restaurant is a delightfully over-the-top experience that should please any horror fan. Colorful and kooky décor provide the backdrop to a menu including items like the Texas Chainsaw burger or the vegan Children of the Street Corn. Mabel’s BBQ from Cleveland chef Michael Symon dishes out old-school barbecue. Gather at the communal tables to enjoy melt-inyour-mouth brisket and tender ribs.

36 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

EXPLORE NEARBY — A short drive away is Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a stunning restored river valley full of hiking and biking trails, historic sites, and even a scenic railroad. Explore the Lake Erie shore at the many beaches on either side of the city. The Cleveland Metroparks Lakefront Reservation includes parks with sandy beaches, fishing piers, boat launches, and running trails along miles of shoreline.

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top: Head to Cleveland’s The Flats for nighttime fun. above: Get a leg lamp at the House from A Christmas Story. right, top to bottom: Bite into giant sandwiches at Mabel’s BBQ. Get a photo outside the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Stay in style at Fidelity Hotel.

SPECIAL STAYS — The historic Glidden House dates back to 1910, and is now a boutique hotel with luxurious, modern amenities, all within walking distance of favorite attractions in University Circle. The swanky new Fidelity Hotel downtown makes its home in the former Fidelity Bank building and is a short walk from theaters and sports arenas.

THE FLATS: ERIK DROST, HOUSE FROM A CHRISTMAS STORY, SMALE RIVERFRONT PARK: KEVIN KOPANSKI, MABEL’S BBQ: CASEY REARICK, ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME: TOURISMOHIO, FIDELITY HOTEL: FIDELITY HOTEL, CINCINNATI RIVERFRONT: PETER COLINMAN, CINCINNATI UNION TERMINAL: ODINN MEDIA, 21C MUSEUM HOTEL: 21 C MUSEUM HOTEL, WILDWEED: CHRIS VON HOLLE

CINCINNATI

The Queen City really is a jewel along the Ohio River. It’s rich with history and architecture, awardwinning restaurants and museums, and markets that invite hours of exploring and shopping. MUST-SEES — The powerful National Underground Railroad Freedom Center documents and explores the history of the Underground Railroad and its continuing impact today. Experience the beauty of the Ohio River at Smale Riverfront Park with trails, pollinator gardens, a giant playable piano keyboard, a restored carousel, and access to the city’s scenic bridges. SPORTS — The stadiums along Cincinnati’s riverfront are always bustling with fans cheering on the Reds MLB team and the Bengals NFL team. It’s hard to beat a game with the city skyline and the Ohio River as a backdrop. FC Cincinnati, a newer addition to Major League Soccer, plays next to Over-the-Rhine. CULTURE & NIGHTLIFE — The gorgeous Art Deco Cincinnati Union Terminal served as the inspiration for the Hall of Justice in Superman! Nowadays it’s home to multiple museums highlighting history, art, transportation, science, and more. Explore more in Over-the-Rhine, one of the country’s best preserved historic districts, now humming with everything from award-winning restaurants and breweries to boutiques and vintage cocktail bars. FOODIE FAVS — The exquisite tasting menus and wine selection at Wildweed helped chef David Jackman earn a 2025 James Beard Award finalist nod for Best Chef in the Great Lakes. Try the amazing barbecue the city is known for at Montgomery Inn. The sauce is so good they sell bottles to take home. EXPLORE NEARBY — Spend an entire day wandering Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield, a veritable playground for food with aisles of cheese, a huge wine and beer selection, and rows of international foods. Kings Island in Mason features more than a dozen towering roller coasters, kids’ rides, and a water park.

pictured: Cincinnati’s riverfront is striking. above, top to bottom: Make music at Smale Riverfront Park. Explore the attractions inside Cincinnati Union Terminal. Snap a photo of the penguins at the 21C Museum Hotel. Order award-winning cuisine at Wildweed.

SPECIAL STAYS — The Graduate Hotel offers Ohio-themed rooms. Grab drinks or dinner at their restaurant, Fiona’s, named for the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s star hippo. The sleek 21c Museum Hotel features its own modern art collection.

Nicholas Dekker is a food and travel writer based in Columbus who has been exploring the state’s restaurants, parks, and museums with his family since 2007.

Follow Ohio’s Trail to Freedom OHIO.ORG, 1-800-BUCKEYE

AR S Tin Ohi Ohio Explore Ohio’s rich artistic heritage showcased on the Ohio Creativity Trail, featuring more than 100 destinations highlighting visual arts, music, literature, folk traditions, glass, pottery, and hand-carved carousels. Plan your travels on Ohio.org.

38 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

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BY LINDA FEAGLER

pictured: Be in awe of the giant crystal chandelier at the Toledo Museum of Art. right, top to bottom: Walk amid the colorful sculptures outside of the Columbus Museum of Art. Get inspired by the exhibits at The Butler Institute of American Art. See Andy Warhol’s take on Pete Rose at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

Picture This From iconic museums to inspiring murals, there’s art for every kind of adventurer. Admire more than 61,000 works at the Cleveland Museum of Art, internationally renowned for its collection of Asian and Egyptian art. See art spanning 6,000 years at the Cincinnati Art Museum, heralded as being the home of one of the most comprehensive collections in the Midwest. Marvel at the world-renowned collection of glassworks at the Toledo Museum of Art. Walk through centuries of history at The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown. Celebrate local talent like George Bellows and Elijah Pierce at the Columbus Museum of Art, alongside opportunities to create art in their Center for Creativity. Get acquainted with American watercolor masters at the Canton Museum of Art and see thrilling digital art at the Akron Art Museum. Be in awe of the contemporary art at the Dayton Art Institute. Learn about cutting-edge modern media at Cincinnati’s Contemporary Arts Center and the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland. Delight in perusing the world’s largest collection of original artworks by children’s book illustrators at the Mazza Museum on the University of Findlay campus.

Take an Ohio Art Road Trip

TOLEDO MUSEUM OF ART: MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD, COLUMBUS MUSEUM OF ART: COLUMBUS MUSEUM OF ART, THE BUTLER INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN ART: THE BUTLER INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN ART, CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM: MATTHEW ALLEN, PYRAMID HILL SCULPTURE PARK & MUSEUM: BUTLER COUNTY CVB

Outside(r) Arts Art abounds along the Murals Across Ohio trail where more than 250 murals grace the sides of barns, downtown structures, and other buildings. Find details at america250-ohio.org/murals-across-ohio. Commune with 470 acres of rolling hills, meadows, lakes, and hiking trails while admiring more than 70 monumental outdoor works of art at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum in Hamilton. Celebrate Ohio’s changing seasons at the Holmes County Open Air Art Museum in Millersburg, where art and nature complement original work that evolves with the weather. Greet Leatherlips, the 12-foot-high stone portrait of the Wyandot leader, that’s part of Dublin’s Art in Public Places collection of more than 70 pieces. Start your journey with a free Art in Public Places Pass.

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

OHIO.ORG, 1-800-BUCKEYE

Y o u ' ll

Our Art

Propose a toast à la Mad Men with mid-century glassware from Gay Fad Studios in Lancaster, and drink to your health at Bottoms Up, a festival of mixologist classes and midcentury modern décor on June 18–21.

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Crystal Clear Aidan J. Scully OWNER OF HAWKES CRYSTAL IN TIFFIN

Take home one-of-akind hand-blown glass creations by southern Ohio native Jack Pine. Visit in October when he crafts seasonal works during the annual Jack Pine Studio Glass Pumpkin Festival in Laurelville.

See Ohio's Colorful Pumpkin Patch

For Aidan J. Scully, the beauty of sparkling glass crystal is a wonder to behold. As one of only three Master Brilliant Cutters in the United States, Scully — a County Cork, Ireland, native who moved to Tiffin in 2000 — crafts exquisite crystal artwork at Hawkes Crystal. Along with being featured at the Smithsonian Institution and the Toledo Museum of Art, his work has been commissioned by former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Ronald Reagan, along with Pope John Paul II. How did you become interested in carving? After high school, I was offered an apprenticeship in glass cutting. I became fascinated by the ways in which brilliant cuts of glass trap light rather than reflect it. What inspires your patterns and work? Ideas come to me when I walk in the Hocking Hills, or see a bird that lands on a tree, and think, ‘Wouldn’t that be cool if I put that on glass?’ I tuck the ideas away in my head and they come back to me in my workshop. What are your favorite art attractions in Ohio? I love visiting museums, especially the Cleveland Museum of Art (right) and the Toledo Museum of Art’s Glass Pavilion.

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Perk up any meal with the stoneware dishes handmade by Mark Nafziger at Brush Creek Pottery in Archbold’s Sauder Village, where you can see him at work.

LISTEN UP Listen to the music of your life at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, then head upstairs to The Garage to jam on guitar and drums. Honor the legacy of musicians at the interactive Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. Don’t miss the chance to play drums with Cincy native Bootsy Collins. Enjoy Appalachian bluegrass and folk music when the Columbus Washboard Company holds the annual Washboard Fest in June. Leave with one of the handmade washboards the company has crafted since 1895. Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame

CAN’T-MISS MUSIC EVENTS

Kick up your heels at Buckeye Country Superfest on June 13 at Ohio Stadium, a single-day, family-friendly spectacular featuring the hottest names in the genre today. Relax amid the rolling hills of southeast Ohio, while listening to a lineup of more than 40 national, regional, and local musicians performing at the Nelsonville Music Festival on June 18–20. Listen to tunes from world-class musicians on three stages at the 27th annual Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival on June 19–21 in Gahanna. Tap your toes to classic tunes at the Country Concert on July 9–11 in Fort Loramie, where celebrated performers take four stages and are seen and heard on nine giant screens. Keep the faith at the Alive Music Festival on July 16–18 in Mineral City, an annual Christian fest featuring musicians.

AIDAN J. SCULLY, CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART, BRUSH CREEK POTTERY: MARK NAFZIGER, MUG: THAD PLUMLEY, GAY FAD STUDIOS: GAY FAD STUDIOS, JACK PINE STUDIO: JACK PINE STUDIO, CINCINNATI BLACK MUSIC WALK OF FAME: PATRICK MCNAMARA, BUCKEYE COUNTRY SUPERFEST: BAEG PRESENTS/ BUCKEYE COUNTRY SUPERFEST, NELSONVILLE MUSIC FESTIVAL: JOEL PRINCE

Create a look all your own after visiting the tattoo artists on hand during Inkcarceration July 17–19 at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, where The Shawshank Redemption was filmed. Listen to great music from the hottest stars in R&B, jazz, soul, and hip-hop, along with up-and-coming artists at the Cincinnati Music Festival on July 23–25 along the downtown riverfront. Meet a variety of musicians and hear tunes they’ve written at the annual Everwild Music Festival on July 30–Aug. 1 at Legend Valley in Thornville. Join the gathering of country music greats and hear the hits that made them famous at the Voices of America Country Music Fest on Aug. 6–9 in West Chester. Nelsonville Music Festival

Groove to the sound of world-renowned acts while swimming and camping at Neon Nights in North Lawrence on Aug. 14–15.

From theater to music to exhibitions, Linda Feagler is truly passionate about Ohio’s arts scene, a subject she has written about for more than 30 years. OHIO.ORG

Ohio Celebrates America’s 250 AMERICA WOULDN’T BE THE SAME WITHOUT OHIO’S VAST CONTRIBUTIONS. JOIN IN CELEBRATIONS ALL YEAR LONG.

Keep up-to-date about events happening throughout 2026 by following America 250-Ohio on social media and visiting america250-ohio.org.

@America 250-Ohio

@am250ohio

#America250Ohio

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am250ohcommission@ohiohistory.org

THE GLASS CITY RIVER WALL: NICK CORBIN

Stay Connected to America 250-Ohio

INSIDE Arts & Culture

Follow the Creativity Trail. See murals and movies around Ohio.

Innovation & Firsts

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Be inspired on the Ohio Innovation Trail.

Trains & Transportation

Join the Celebration

Adventure & Nature

More to Experience

Get moving with trains, planes, and automobiles.

Follow both the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail and the Air & Space Trail.

Mark your calendar with events all year around the state. Find out even more ways to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in Ohio!

THE GLASS CITY RIVER WALL, TOLEDO

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Creativity Trail EMBRACE ART, FROM FAMOUS PAINTINGS TO ROCK-STAR RIFFS, ALONG THIS ROUTE.

hioans have been innovators in the arts, be it bringing rock ’n’ roll to the masses or launching America’s studio glass art movement. From painters and sculptors to musicians and cartoonists, our state has long been a place where creativity abounds. America 250-Ohio’s Creativity Trail spans more than 100 sites, where you can explore the arts across six different categories: Visual Arts, On the Page, Music, Glass & Pottery, Carousels, and Folk & Traditional Arts. The collection of stops works together to highlight the multitude of ways that Ohioans have contributed to the arts, not just locally but also across the country and around the globe. Focus on the art of carousels, for example, and you’ll soon learn that Ohio boasts one of the United States’ largest collections of the iconic amusement ride. Or instead opt for a multimedia exploration of a particular region of Ohio to see how the communities within it have contributed to Ohio’s vibrant arts tradition. Get more details at america250-ohio.org/ohio-creativity-trail.

ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME, CLEVELAND

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OXFORD HIVE

SHINE ON OHIO, SHINE ON

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ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME: AERIAL AGENTS, OXFORD HIVE: RVP PHOTOGRAPHY, SHINE ON OHIO, SHINE ON: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, CIRCLEVILLE PUMPKIN SHOW 100TH ANNIVERSARY MURAL: PICKAWAY COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU, AMERICANS: YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO: THE BUTLER INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN ART

Murals Across Ohio Whether in Ohio’s big cities or the Buckeye State’s tiniest towns, public artworks have rich stories to tell. Through Murals Across Ohio, America 250-Ohio is shining a spotlight on the vibrant, inspiring stories told through public art in every corner of the state. The program, established by the Ohio Arts Council, highlights murals that depict historic milestones, celebrate unique cultures, and envision a brighter future. Murals are added to an interactive map on the America 250-Ohio website, where visitors can click on a plot point to see a photo, description, and address for each piece. Small towns are represented, with pieces such as Circleville’s Pumpkin Show 100th Anniversary, a work by Eric Henn that depicts one of our state’s beloved fall festivals, and Oxford Hive, a piece from Joseph Prescher that honors the town’s status as the birthplace of the modern beehive, invented in 1851 by apiarist L.L. Langstroth. Shine On Ohio, Shine On, a mural by Sarah Dugger, is visible outside the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, a National Historic Landmark, in Dennison. Dirk Rozich’s Ashville Fourth of July Parade mural also stands out for its depiction of a marching band in a parade that is packed with details for the viewer to uncover. “It’s just rich with hidden messages. Visitors can really spend hours there, discovering and interpreting the details,” says Donna Collins, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council. “It’s things like that that make this special. I may not have ever seen that mural if not for this project.” Ohio’s cities find their way onto the map with Grain to Glass, a Cincinnati mural by Jim Effler that portrays each step in the beer-making process and pays homage to the Queen City’s deep ties to the industry. The Glass City River Wall, a massive artwork designed by Gabe Gault, spans 28 silos along the Maumee River in Toledo and honors the area’s Indigenous history. CIRCLEVILLE’S PUMPKIN SHOW “You start seeing the entire picture of not just public art and 100TH ANNIVERSARY murals,” Collins says, “but the depiction of what’s going on in all corners of the state, how that’s impacted the history, evolution, and development of Ohio and its importance in the history of the U.S.” Get more details at america250-ohio.org/ murals-across-ohio.

Two Creativity Trail Stops to See

AMERICANS: YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO

The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown is dedicated exclusively to collecting, exhibiting, and preserving art from the United States. Several examples of works interpreting the Ohio story are showcased, including Americans: Youngstown, Ohio, a painting by Alfred Leslie depicting community members faced with uncertainties following a steel plant closure. Visit the Southern Ohio Museum & Cultural Center in Portsmouth to see an expansive collection spanning the works of American Scene painter Clarence Holbrook Carter to more than 10,000 artifacts from native Ohio Indigenous tribes — from practical objects to artwork made of the local environment.

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Ohio Goes to I

n 2026, movie screens across the state will light up with Ohio-centric films as Ohio Goes to the Movies. Through October, each of Ohio’s 88 counties will be represented among more than 280 screenings. These are movies recognizing Ohioans in front of and behind the camera throughout cinematic history. From actors such as Lillian Gish, Clark Gable, Dorothy Dandridge, Joel Gray, Ruby Dee, Doris Day, Burgess Meredith, and Paul Newman to directors like Steven Spielberg, Jim Jarmusch, and Julia Reichert. Musicians Henri Mancini, Trent Reznor, Mark Mothersbaugh, and The National. Animators such as pioneering Charles Csuri and Mark Henn of Disney fame, along with costume designers like Oscar winner Paul Tazewell and prop designer John Zabrucky. Even Ohio writers whose books have been turned into films and more — Ohio will celebrate them all at venues large and small across the state, including drive-ins, historic theaters, art houses, and independent and commercial cinemas, as well as community centers, museums, libraries, and more. These free ticketed events are open to the public and include a preview gathering (such as a red-carpet event, trivia, etc.), followed by watching the movie

and culminating with an audience participation Q&A. Movies will include independent film, Hollywood blockbusters, and industrial/special interest films, from rare archival footage to contemporary works. This series is the brainchild of former Ohio Bicentennial Commission executive director Stephen George, according to Molly Kreuzman, program director for Ohio Goes to the Movies. As he traveled around the state with his Ohio Bicentennial Commission duties, George noted how many people referenced locals who had made it big in Hollywood. They may be household names now, but many began their journeys, went to school, or gained career-building experience in Ohio. “We’re proud to spotlight these people from your own backyard who have done something pretty amazing in this one-of-a-kind movie series,” says Kreuzman.

From February through October 2026 — about 250 days of Ohio movie magic — will showcase Ohio’s contributions to America’s film industry and moviemaking.

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MAJESTIC THEATRE, CHILLICOTHE

MAJESTIC THEATRE: KEVIN KOPANSKI, GOV. MIKE AND FRAN DEWINE: TERRY GILLIAM

GOVERNOR AND MRS. DEWINE AT THE OHIO GOES TO THE MOVIES ANNOUNCEMENT AT THE LINCOLN THEATER IN COLUMBUS

the Movies Mark your calendar! Here are just a few featured movies.

April 18: Despicable Me (2010) Steve Carell is the voice of Gru and graduated from Denison University in Granville. Hillsboro Orpheum, 135 N. High St., Ste. 2, Hillsboro.

March 19: Philadelphia Story (1940) This Academy Awardwinning best picture was written by Columbus’ Donald Ogden Stewart. The museum will showcase costume designers who worked with Katharine Hepburn. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Dr., Kent.

April 22: Across the Universe Made in Ohio and co-written and directed by Julie Taymor (Oberlin College). Apollo Theatre, 19 E. College St., Oberlin.

March 21: A Man Called Otto (2022) The movie was filmed in part in northern Ohio. Director Marc Forster is from Columbus, as is actor Jon Osbeck, while actor Peter Lawson Jones is from Cleveland. Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee. March 27: Best in Show (2000) Actress Rachael Harris is from Worthington, attended Otterbein University, and plans to attend the screening. A local rescue will promote shelter dogs. McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St., Worthington. April 1: Rain Man (1988) Filmed in and around Greater Cincinnati, Rain Man helped spark the establishment of a film commission in Cincinnati. The Historic Plaza Theatre, 33 S. Main St., Miamisburg.

(2007)

August 14: A Raisin In The Sun (1961) The movie stars Cleveland actor Ruby Dee. Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati.

April 23: Draft Day (2014) The film was made in Ohio (Cleveland, Aurora, Kent) and stars Jennifer Garner (Denison University). Atlas Shaker Square Cinema, 13116 Shaker Square, Cleveland.

September 12: Broken Blossoms (1919) The movie stars Lillian Gish, who was born in Springfield. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N., Canton.

June 24: Toy Story 2 (1999) Academy Award-winning director and editor Lee Unkrich is from Chagrin Falls. CDFF on the Triangle 3½ N. Franklin St., Chagrin Falls. July 5: 1776 (1972) Ken Howard (Kent State University) portrayed Thomas Jefferson, and Cleveland’s Howard DaSilva portrayed Ben Franklin. Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe. July 10: Coal Miner’s Daughter The movie stars actress Beverly D’Angelo, a Columbus native. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus. (1980)

July 10: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) This blockbuster was directed by Trumbull County’s Chris Columbus. Robins Theatre, 160 E. Market St., Warren. July 11: Spider-Man (2002) The movie features a cameo and music performed by Stark County native Macy Gray. Lions Lincoln Theatre, 156 Lincoln Way E., Massillon.

September 19: The Rescuers (1977) A character is named after Orville Wright, one of Dayton’s Wright brothers. Public Library of Steubenville, Fort Steuben Amphitheater, 407 S. Fourth St., Steubenville. September 19–20: Train Film Fest Enjoy classic films featuring trains or depots with Ohio connections. Dennison Railroad Depot, 400 Center St., Dennison. October 2: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) Director and writer Wes Craven is from Cleveland. Briggs Lawrence County Public Library, 321 S. Fourth St., Ironton. October 2: Zombieland (2009) Actor Woody Harrelson graduated from Lebanon High School in Warren County. KeyBank Discovery Theater at Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way, Toledo.

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April 12: Cool Hand Luke (1967) Actor Paul Newman grew up in Shaker Heights and worked at Cedar Lee Theatre. His daughter, Melissa, will speak at the screening. Cedar Lee Theatre, 2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights.

August 10: E.T. the ExtraTerrestrial (1982) Director and producer Steven Spielberg was born in Cincinnati. Elm Road Triple Drive-In Theatre, 1895 Elm Rd. N.E., Warren.

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Innovation & Firsts SHOWCASING OHIO’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO INNOVATION, PROBLEM-SOLVING, AND INGENUITY.

elcome to Ohio, a state that turns imagination into working reality. With a prime location, deep infrastructure, and a “try it, fix it, make it better” mindset, Ohio has produced wave after wave of problem-solvers whose ideas reshape how we move, manufacture, protect, power, feed, and heal — then and now. This “drive your own adventure” experience connects you to the stories and places where you can explore some of the state’s innovation stories. After all, in the words of Garrett A. Morgan, the Cleveland inventor of the three-signal traffic light, precursor to the red, yellow, and green lights used today, “If you can be the best, then why not try to be the best?“ Find out more about the 81 featured stops and stories on the Innovation Trail at america250-ohio.org/ohio-innovation-trail.

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Invention With Intention Ohio’s best ideas start with real needs. When Dayton’s Ermal Fraze couldn’t open a beer, he created the pull-tab that reshaped packaging and convenience. Toledo teen Becky Schroeder invented the Glo-Sheet to study in the dark, inspiring low-light safety tools. New Carlisle’s Roy Plunkett discovered Teflon, unlocking nonstick, chemicalresistant coatings for cookware and medical devices.

ROY PLUNKETT AND TEAM

The Power of We Innovation in Ohio is a team sport. Charles Brush’s arc lights brightened Cleveland through city-utility-lab collaboration; James Ritty’s cash register became a global standard when John H. Patterson’s NCR paired engineering with training and service; Dr. Albert Sabin’s oral polio vaccine moved from Cincinnati labs to classrooms and worldwide partners; Hoover turned Spangler’s portable vacuum into a reliable household tool via design — factory coordination; and Granville T. Woods’ railway telegraph improved rail safety with railroads and manufacturers. Industry, academia, and government continue to find solutions for tough problems by working together.

Hands-on Ingenuity

GOODYEAR TIRE

Ohio’s make-test-improve habit keeps life safer and smoother. In Akron, innovators transformed rubber into dependable tires and materials that make cars safer and medical devices more reliable. In Toledo, Michael Owens automated glassmaking so safe containers became affordable and routine. Cleveland’s Garrett Morgan brought order to busy streets with a better traffic signal, and in Dayton, Charles Kettering replaced the hand crank with the electric starter. Together, Ohio’s workshops and labs influence what you buy, keep you safer and healthier, and continue to reshape everyday life.

Grit to Glory

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Ohio’s breakthroughs come from grit. Cincinnati-born Frederick McKinley Jones kept refining mobile refrigeration until food and medicine could travel safely year-round. In Toledo, physician-turned-tinkerer Allen DeVilbiss perfected the medical atomizer that evolved into the modern spray gun. Cleveland’s Sherwin-Williams pushed through failures to deliver ready-mix paint in resealable cans, changing home and industry. And Columbus-based Battelle stuck with xerography when others balked, helping turn a quirky lab process into Xerox’s workhorse. Persistence is Ohio’s signature.

Two Innovation Trail Stops to See Tour the Airstream Factory in Jackson Center to learn how these iconic silver travel trailers are made. Watch how these trailers are made on a special behind-the-scenes factory tour with parts in development right in front of you. Swing into the Heritage Center to see historical artifacts telling the Airstream innovation story. MAPS Air Museum in North Canton, a former Ohio Air Guard hangar, showcases aviation history in northeast Ohio. Local farmer William H. Martin created one of the first mono-winged glider aircrafts. See the glider and more than 60 other aircraft on display, along with aviation artifacts.

MAPS AIR MUSEUM

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DENNISON RAILROAD DEPOT MUSEUM: LAURA WATILO BLAKE

DENNISON RAILROAD DEPOT MUSEUM

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Trains & Transportation

ravel along the Ohio Transportation Trail to discover why America’s transportation story would be incomplete without Ohio. Ohio’s transportation history spans various transportation types and innovations, from railroads and airplanes to the invention of the first traffic signal. Air, ground, and water have all served as critical transportation routes across Ohio, and each mode has specialized vehicles to transport goods, ideas, and people. Beyond vehicles, Ohio has served as a central point in many transportation routes, from the railroads to the National Road. The driving trail connects places where visitors can learn more about transportation vehicles, inventions, and stories from, and associated with, Ohio.

Ohio’s Railroad Legacy In the heart of the U.S., Ohio’s railroads once whistled with abundant trains, each serving at

the forefront of 19th-century economic growth and expansion. With the rise of automobiles and the development of the interstate highway system, railroad’s popularity for personal travel gave way to automobiles and airplanes. Today, the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum celebrates and preserves Ohio’s railroad legacy. The Depot is a National Historic Landmark and the best example in the nation of a servicemen’s canteen. To honor America’s 250th anniversary, the Depot is offering round trips aboard their passenger trains and the museum has immersive railroad history and wartime exhibits. Watch as trains run in a large model train layout, depicting Dennison in its prime. The Panhandle Theater features a film on Dennison’s rich history, focusing on its role as a WWII-era railroad canteen. Steam locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars sit well-preserved for viewing. To make the most of your experience, purchase a Victory Pass. Get more details on dennisondepot.org.

MERRY-GO-ROUND MUSEUM: RACHAEL JIROUSEK

Tracing History on U.S. Route 250 More than 170 miles of U.S. Route 250 stretch through Ohio, from the lakeshore city of Sandusky to Bridgeport in Belmont County. When America 250-Ohio executive director Todd Kleismit learned this, he envisioned a fun road trip. “The more I looked into it, the more I loved what I saw there,” he says. “U.S. Route 250 connects Lake Erie to the Ohio River. It’s scenic in certain places and has a nice, diverse mix of communities.” Beginning less than a mile from the Lake Erie shore in Sandusky, the highway is known to many Cedar Point MERRY-GO-ROUND amusement park visitors and begins MUSEUM not far from the city’s Merry-GoRound Museum. From there it heads southeast, passing by Milan, the birthplace of inventor Thomas Edison, who is honored with a museum. U.S. 250 continues through Norwalk, a city that has connections to the American Revolution. It was

once part of the Firelands, land set aside at the edge of the Connecticut Western Reserve for those who had lost their homes to British-set fires during the Revolutionary War. Continue southeast toward the college towns of Ashland and Wooster, named after the American Revolution’s Gen. David Wooster. In Tuscarawas County, the Fort Laurens Museum, built on the site of a Revolutionary War outpost, can be seen by making a brief detour. Outside of New Philadelphia sits Schoenbrunn Village, where Moravian missionary David Zeisberger and his Delaware (or Lenape) Native American followers lived from 1772 to 1777. Today, it is home to 17 recreated structures built on their original sites. About 8 miles later is the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, which served as a World War II canteen that served food and drink to troops on their way to deployment or training. Before reaching Bridgeport on the Ohio River, U.S. Route 250 runs through Cadiz, the birthplace of actor Clark Gable, who starred in Gone with the Wind.

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Adventure & Nature WATERS MOVED A NATION, AND A GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND. Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail

iscover how rivers, canals, and our Great Lake shaped our state. Before the United States took to the rails, skies, and highways, our waterways were how people and goods reached far-off places. Many Ohio towns trace their roots to the roles they played in Great Lakes shipping or their connection to the canal systems that opened the interior of the state to trade during the 19th century. America 250-Ohio’s Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail has over 150 stops that celebrate how Ohio’s waterways contributed to the evolution of the state. It spans lighthouses, canal locks, maritime museums, and other

destinations that have a tie to our rivers, canals, and Lake Erie. These waterways were not just integral to the development of Ohio. They also helped support westward expansion and were vital to the success of abolitionists who helped freedom seekers make their way to freedom in Canada along Ohio’s portion of the Underground Railroad. Those who explore America 250-Ohio’s Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail will hear stories of the people and places that shaped our nation. These destinations along the route offer a flavor of the rich history. Get more details at america250-ohio.org/ lake-erie-to-ohio-river.

Two Lake Erie and Ohio River Trail Stops to See

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE GREAT LAKES, TOLEDO

CARILLON HISTORICAL PARK

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CARILLON HISTORICAL PARK: KEVIN KOPANSKI, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE GREAT LAKES: DOUG HINEBAUGH

Step back in time in Coshocton at Historic Roscoe Village, once a bustling 19th-century port along the Ohio & Erie Canal, where mule-drawn boats once fueled Ohio’s growth. Today, the Monticello III — a full-scale replica canal boat — offers a charming, 45-minute journey along a restored mile of canal, pulled by powerful draft horses. Step into the past in Dayton at Carillon Historical Park, where the toll collector once tallied the passage of passengers and freight, and the canal superintendent enforced order along the bustling waterway. Visit a Canal Superintendent’s office and explore Lock 17, nestled along a preserved section of the Miami & Erie Canal.

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Air & Space Trail Learn how Ohioans, from the Wright brothers onward, helped the world take flight. From taking flight to escaping our atmosphere, the stories of those who helped defy the bounds of gravity are woven into Ohio’s history. The Air & Space Trail spans more than 40 sites that highlight Ohioans’ contributions to aviation and space exploration, from the Wright brothers’ groundbreaking invention to astronaut Neil Armstrong’s giant leap for mankind. From large museums to small historic sites, the locations along the Air & Space Trail highlight bits of history you might not know, like how automobile technology helped with breakthroughs in airplane engine development or the stories of Ohio pilots who helped

defend the nation during wartime. Since the dawn of the space program, 25 astronauts have hailed from Ohio, and more than 550 companies that support aerospace manufacturing are in operation across Ohio today. The Air & Space Trail invites Ohioans to explore that rich heritage and learn how these stories form an interconnected tapestry that began with aviation’s first steps and now encompasses work being done to take us deeper into space. From the boyhood home of an American hero to our capital city’s beloved science center, these spots offer a glimpse of what the Air & Space Trail offers. Get more details at america250-ohio.org/ air-and-space-trail.

Two Air & Space Trail Stops to See Visit The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology in Newark where you can sit in the cockpit of a full-sized model of the Spirit of Columbus, the plane that Newark native Geraldine “Jerrie” Mock flew around the world in 1964. She set out on March 19 and returned 29 days later, becoming the first woman to fly solo around the world. Experience what it was like to build and maintain a WWII aircraft or to enter flight training and prepare for combat at the Champaign Aviation Museum in Urbana. See operational WWII aircraft, learn about the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots, and watch the ongoing restoration of the B-17 Champaign Lady as volunteers perform riveting and drilling, just like it was done in the 1940s.

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ARMSTRONG AIR & SPACE MUSEUM: LAURA

ARMSTRONG AIR & SPACE MUSEUM, WAPAKONETA

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Mark Your Calendars Great Council State Park Heritage Celebration June 6, 2026

The Heritage Celebration honors the history of the Shawnee people and early settlers at Xenia’s Great Council State Park. Step inside the 12,000-squarefoot interpretive center, designed to look like a historic Shawnee longhouse. Inside, immersive exhibits and historic interpretation share the experiences of the Shawnee people. It’s a place to learn, listen, and reflect.

Celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary from the oldest continuously operating beacon on the Great Lakes. Marblehead Lighthouse has been helping ships navigate the rocky shoreline of Lake Erie since 1822. The 65-foot limestone tower played a critical role in national defense, particularly during WWII when it was a key point for monitoring shipping traffic and guiding military vessels. Listen to a free outdoor concert led by the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, play lawn games, and learn about the geological history of the area, including the glacial movements that shaped the Marblehead Peninsula. Watch fireworks across the Sandusky Bay.

AMERICA250-OHIO.ORG

GREAT COUNCIL STATE PARK

MARBLEHEAD LIGHTHOUSE STATE PARK

GREAT COUNCIL STATE PARK, MARBLEHEAD LIGHTHOUSE STATE PARK: OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

A Patriotic Fourth at Marblehead Lighthouse State July 4, 2026 Park

Join the Celebration JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION OF AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY DURING EVENTS HELD ALL YEAR LONG IN ALL 88 COUNTIES. DENNISON RAILROAD DEPOT

DENNISON RAILROAD DEPOT: LAURA WATILO BLAKE

Transportation Celebration

April 25–26, 2026

ocated halfway between Columbus and Pittsburgh, the town of Dennison was dubbed Dreamsville, USA by the 1.3 million service members who passed through on their way to serve during World War II. Today, the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum is the only remaining example of the 242 nationwide trackside canteens that provided food and lifted the spirits of traveling soldiers. During the Transportation Celebration, you can chug along through time with trains, planes, and automobiles and commemorate how our state

helped shape U.S. history. Trace the evolution of the automobile at the Ohio 250 Car Show in Dennison, while vintage airplanes and modern military aircraft take to the skies in flyovers meant to reflect the spirit of World War II-era aviation history. See an Age of Steam locomotive, along with other rail cars and transportation-themed displays. Other highlights include WWII reenactors, a USO show reminiscent of the entertainment soldiers were treated to during deployment, and food trucks. Admission to the Transportation Festival is free. Get more details at dennisondepot.org.

From festivals and historical reenactments to art exhibitions and civic conversations, the events calendar is your guide to statewide moments of inspiration and celebration.

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WILLIAM MCKINLEY PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM, CANTON HEART 56 A M EOHIO. R I C ATHE 25 0-O HOF I OIT ALL.

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Celebrate All Year

Monthly Themes

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring all the ways that Ohio has contributed to U.S. history. During 2026, each month will focus on a different theme that reflects Ohio’s unique impact. Get details at america250-ohio.org/2026-celebration-themes.

Under-Told Stories

Share your stories with America 250-Ohio to help highlight the spectrum of experiences and contributions to Ohio’s evolution over 250+ years. All Ohioans are invited to share their personal stories, family histories, and community experiences. Find out details at america250-ohio.org/ undertold-stories.

4th Grade History Pass

Spark awe and wonder about Ohio’s amazing history with the 4th Grade History Pass Program. Valid at more than 60 museums and attractions statewide, this special program gives 4th graders the chance to visit participating museums and historic sites free of charge, with a paid adult. Download the pass at america250-ohio.org/fourth-grade-pass.

Revolutionary War Veterans Graves Project

Help America 250-Ohio honor the veterans from the Revolutionary War. This project seeks to identify, document, and map the final resting places of an estimated 7,000 Revolutionary War patriots buried in Ohio. Help ensure that the sacrifices of these patriots are remembered for generations to come.

Planting History

America 250-Ohio will plant a white oak tree in every Ohio county to honor our state’s role in the nation’s founding and commemorate the history of the location where it’s planted. As they grow, these trees will stand as a testament to Ohio’s commitment to conservation.

Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic

February: Ohio Works, Innovation & Industry March: Ohio Entertains, Music & Entertainment April: Ohio Moves, Transportation May: Ohio Creates, Arts, Culture, & Literature June: Ohio Outdoors, Exploring Ohio’s Natural Resources July: Ohio Gathers, Statewide Homecoming & Picnics August: Ohio Goes to the Fair, The Ohio State Fair, County Fairs & Festivals September: Ohio Plays, Sports & Wellness October: Ohio Grows: Food & Farms November: Ohio Serves, Remembering Veterans, First Responders & Front-Line Heroes December: Future Ohio, Projecting Ohio in 2076

July 2026

othing gets the summer sizzling quite like a picnic. Whether you plan your own or attend one of the organized Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic events across the state, the idea behind this America 250-Ohio initiative is to encourage friends and family to gather in July and celebrate our nation’s birth on its 250th anniversary. In a partnership with Cenovus Energy, signature gatherings are planned for Lima and Toledo, as well as the Ohio History Center in Columbus, Schoenbrunn Village in New Philadelphia, the Harding Presidential Sites in Marion, the Newark Earthworks in Newark, and the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center in Wilberforce. Groups who register to host an event will receive a picnic kit with ideas for games, trivia sessions, speakers, and even Spotify playlists, in addition to suggestions for activities such as reading the Declaration of Independence — something done frequently in public places for those who did not have access to newspapers and other public forums in 1776. Get details on Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic events and guidance on hosting a picnic in your community at america250-ohio.org/picnic.

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OHIO’S HOMECOMING & PICNIC: TERRY GILLIAM

January: Ohio’s Firsts & Originals

OHIO.ORG, A M E R1-800-BUCKEYE I C A 2 5 0-O H I O

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JOHN BRYAN STATE PARK: RON FOTH, WHEAT PENNY OVEN AND BAR: MATTHEW ALLEN, AMERICAN SIGN MUSEUM: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, NATIONAL U.S. AIR FORCE MUSEUM: TOURISMOHIO

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Southwest BY ANN FAZZINI

URBANA

TROY

GREENVILLE

SPRINGFIELD

DAYTON

EATON

XENIA

HAMILTON

LEBANON

WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE

WILMINGTON

CINCINNATI BATAVIA

HILLSBORO

GEORGETOWN

Top 20 Bucket List

Put a Fork in it

Charming Towns

pictured: Be in awe at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™ in Dayton. left, top to bottom: Hike in John Bryan State Park in Yellow Springs. Order a pizza at Wheat Penny Oven and Bar in Dayton. Get a fun take on history at the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati.

WEST UNION

Put these iconically Ohio spots on your must-see list. These restaurants will leave you with a taste for more. Experience the warmth of Ohioans in these communities.

Notable Ohioan

Meet Steven “The Worldwalker” Newman and hike a trail named in his honor.

Stay Awhile

Travel Inspiration

Unique spots to make your trip even more special. Additional places to explore in the region.

Born and raised in Richland County, Ann Fazzini loves adventuring in Ohio. Her favorite spots include Ohio’s state parks, Mansfield’s Kingwood Center, and quirky stops like Springfield’s Hartman Rock Garden. OHIO.ORG

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Top 20

Bucket List Put these iconically Ohio spots on your list.

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Pedal along the Little Miami Scenic Bikeway that winds 78 miles across five counties. It’s a great way to explore and take in the beauty of the Little Miami State Park and National Scenic River. Opening in the spring, the USS Cincinnati Cold War Memorial Peace Pavilion takes visitors inside a full-size replica of a Cold War-era nuclear submarine at West Chester’s Voice of America Park. Get wild at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, the second-oldest zoo in the U.S. and home to social mediasuperstar hippos Fiona and Fritz. In honor of the veterans of World War II, Batavia’s Tri-State Warbird Museum displays 11 aircraft and a host of vintage military vehicles, tracing the history of WWII aviation. American art from the 1700s to today is on display at the Springfield Museum of Art. Inspired? Check out their website for free DIY art lessons based on works in the collection. Dayton’s National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™ offers free admission to see the world’s largest military aviation museum, with more than 350 aircraft, NASA vehicles, and even presidential planes. Kings Island in Mason offers thrilling coasters, cool water slides at Soak City, and Camp Snoopy for the littles. The park transforms into a holiday wonderland during WinterFest. Glide over the treetops and get a bird’s-eye view of the Little Miami River from 125 feet in the air at Oregonia’s Ozone Zipline Adventures, one of the Midwest’s largest canopy zip tours. Founded in 1849, Bear’s Mill in Greenville is one of a handful of water-powered mills still operating in Ohio. Pick up flour made onsite to bake with at home and snap a selfie by the covered bridge. Housed in the Art Deco Union Terminal, the Cincinnati Museum Center could take days to explore. It’s home to multiple venues, including the Museum of Natural History & Science and The Children’s Museum. Trace the life of President Ulysses S. Grant with a visit to his birthplace in Point Pleasant and his boyhood home in Georgetown. See a Grant sculpture created by artist Tom Tsuchiya at the Bethel Historical Society & Museum. Take the ultimate adrenaline-rush adventure at Start Skydiving in Middletown, offering a safe, welcoming atmosphere for first-time jumpers and an accessible, inclusive experience for all abilities.

Roadside Photo Ops

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Known as Fairfield’s “theme park of food,” Jungle Jim’s International Market features a fire truck loaded with hot sauces, fun candies, and specialty eats from 70+ countries. Marvel at the Serpent Mound State Memorial in Peebles. A National Historic Landmark, the legendary snake-shaped effigy mound is one of the largest and most well-known mounds of its kind in the world. Delve into Underground Railroad history at the John P. Parker House and John Rankin House in Ripley — both safe houses that sheltered those seeking liberation as they crossed into Ohio. Once a gathering spot for Native American tribes, Oregonia’s Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve is the largest hilltop enclosure in North America and part of Ohio’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the stories of enslaved people and their road to freedom told through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and storytelling at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Explore Dayton’s storied past at Carillon Historical Park, an open-air history museum featuring the 1905 Wright Flyer III aircraft and the Carillon Brewing Co. that crafts beer like the 1850s. Experience a taste of Broadway in Springboro along with a scrumptious buffet meal at La Comedia, one of the largest professional dinner theaters in the U.S. Catch the Cincinnati Reds, one of Major League Baseball’s oldest teams, and “steal” a look at their history from the 1860s to today at the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum.

Hand-built in the 1930s, the Hartman Rock Garden (left) in Springfield is one man’s whimsical collection of more than 50 concrete-and-rock sculptures, including castles and a model of Independence Hall.

Take a retired Vietnam War-era helicopter, turn it into a dinosaur sculpture and you’ve got the Triceracopter, created by local artist Patricia Renick and on display inside Langsam Library at the University of Cincinnati.

Step back into the times of knights at Château Laroche (also known as Loveland Castle), a Medieval-style structure built by hand over a span of 50 years by Harry Delos Andrews.

CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER: JON CIOTTI, HARTMAN ROCK GARDEN: EMILY GOMMEL, CINCINNATI ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDEN: MICHELLE PETERS, JUNGLE JIM’S INTERNATIONAL MARKET, NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FREEDOM CENTER, CARILLON BREWING CO.: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, SPRINGFIELD MUSEUM OF ART, KINGS ISLAND: MATTHEW ALLEN, BEAR’S MILL: DARKE COUNTY CVB, SERPENT MOUND STATE MEMORIAL: STEVE GRIGGS, JOHN RANKIN HOUSE: CASEY REARICK, REDS HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM: RYAN DONNELL

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These eateries have a flair for food that will leave you with a taste for more. International Plates Savor the flavors of France in Milford at Chez Renée French Bistrot. Pair one of their toasted croque sandwiches with house-made ratatouille. Save room for sweet crêpes. Safi brings the eclectic flavors of Morocco to Cincinnati with small-plate samplers of spiced almonds, half-shell oysters, and lamb tagine.

Quirky Spots Sugar n’ Spice puts a whimsical twist on the 1950s diner at three colorful restaurants in Cincinnati (including a classic aluminum building at the Over-the-Rhine location). Wake up to fluffy pancakes, omelets, and milkshakes — and get a rubber duck with each meal. Have a sweet tooth? Don’t miss Terry’s Ice Cream Dairy Bar in Lynchburg, featuring outrageous Instagram-ready milkshakes piled high with “extras” like cotton candy, doughnuts, and popcorn.

Sweet Bakeries

Sweet Stops on the Donut Trail Local Favorites

pictured: Make a meal of the small plates at Safi. right, top to bottom: Sugar n’ Spice diner offers a fun ambience. Stop at Holtman’s Donuts on the Butler County Donut Trail. Feast on barbecue ribs at The Willow Restaurant.

62 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Beavercreek’s Cherry House Café dishes out home-cooked favorites with a twist, like cherry apricot chicken salad. Save room for fresh-baked cookies or a slice of peanut butter pie. The Willow Restaurant in Washington Court House is known for its steaks and barbecue ribs. Locals also come for the homemade sugar cream pie — one of many varieties baked daily.

Sipping Spots Urbana Brewing Company creates 12 handcrafted drafts on site. Try a flight paired with a pizza (the Costello Italian is a standout) and hot, fresh-baked cookies for dessert. There’s always something happening at Indian Spring Winery in Sardinia, with live music shows and food trucks. Sample homegrown wines including exclusives like Renegade white or Weekend Warrior red, both aged in bourbon barrels.

SAFI: CATIE VIOX, SUGAR N’ SPICE: MATTHEW ALLEN, HOLTMAN’S DONUTS: ROOTED CREATIVE, THE CONE: RVP PHOTOGRAPHY, THE WILLOW RESTAURANT, GOLD STAR CHILI, GOLD SPOON CREAMERY: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, MR. REDLEGS, GRAETER’S ICE CREAM: JON CIOTTI

Powdered, glazed, frosted, cream-filled — the Oxford Doughnut Shoppe serves up fresh-baked fritters and doughnuts. It’s a popular stop for Miami University students and one of the 12 stops on the Butler County Donut Trail. Yoder’s Bakery & Furniture in Seaman offers a unique combo of home goods and groceries, including giant doughnuts, fresh-baked Amish pies, and holiday fruitcakes.

ture Flavors Signa Nothing defines southwest Ohio flavor like Cincinnati chili — ground beef blended in a “secret sauce” of sweet-and-savory spices including cinnamon, cumin, and bay leaves and served 3-way (over spaghetti and topped with cheese), 4-way (add diced raw onions or kidney beans), or 5-way (with everything!). Give it a try at any Gold Star Chili and Skyline Chili. Camp Washington Chili has been a mainstay in the Cincy chili scene, serving diners 24 hours a day (except Sundays) since 1940. Family-owned and operated since 1962, Price Hill Chili Family Restaurant is a west-side landmark. Pleasant Ridge Chili’s piled-high plates of chili cheese fries are comfort food defined.

Gold Star Chili

Travel Tip: Visit in January for Findlay Market’s Annual Chili Fest and snap a pic with the Mr. Redlegs statue.

We All Scream for Ice Cream Satisfy your sweet tooth at these spots located along Ohio’s Ice Cream Trail. Sweet P’s Handcrafted Ice Pops are like summer on a stick. The Dayton-based shop creates icy treats from locally grown fruits in sunny flavors like strawberry lemonade and blueberry lavender. Taste why Graeter’s Ice Cream is a Cincinnati-based favorite (Oprah Winfrey called it “absolutely the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted.”) Can’t-miss originals are black cherry chocolate chip and Buckeye Blitz. Made in-house, Gold Spoon Creamery (above) in Blue Ash specializes in small-batch scoops with cotton candy clouds, plus vegan selections.

The Cone (right) has been a staple in West Chester since 1973, serving up egg-, soy-, and gluten-free soft serve and “Wizzards” in specialty blends like banana cream pie. Enjoy smooth, creamy Italian-style gelatos made from scratch daily in creative flavors like cannoli and Gooey Buttercake (complete with homemade cake chunks) at Dojo Gelato’s two Cincinnati locations. Jubie’s Creamery in Troy and Fairborn is awardwinning for a reason — their premium ice cream and soft custard are crafted with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

Ice Cream & Happiness Go Together!

Graeter’s Ice Cream OHIO.ORG

Southwest

g n i T m o r w a n h s C Troy

Eclectic and rich in history, Troy offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a vibrant and welcoming downtown. pictured: Spend the day shopping in downtown Troy. right, top to bottom: Learn the true story of Annie Oakley at the Garst Historical Museum. Stay in style at Hotel Versailles. Bring a toy cow and see real cows at Young’s Jersey Dairy.

More Day Trip Ideas in Troy 64 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

WHERE TO PLAY In 2026, the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center is celebrating 50 years of bringing concerts, art exhibits, gift markets, and more to the Troy community. Don’t miss the on-site Hayner Whiskey Museum to learn about the Hayner Distilling Co. that first opened 158 years ago. Pick berries and apples at Fulton Farms, one of the largest strawberry producers east of the Mississippi. Come back for the Troy Strawberry Festival, celebrating its 50th year on June 6–7. WHERE TO DINE The homestyle meals at Lincoln Square V Family Restaurant are a favorite for locals. Menu standouts include diner-style sandwich platters and deep-fried perch. K’s Hamburger Shop looks nearly the same as it did when it opened in 1935. Grab a stool at the lunch counter and watch the cooks prepare made-to-order burgers, fries, shakes, and malts. WHERE TO STAY Trails End Farm B&B, once a family farmhouse, feels like home away from home with a personalized breakfast served with fresh-baked pecan rolls. Take a break at WoodsWalk Farm B&B near Piqua. Explore the wooded grounds, fish in the pond, relax around an evening bonfire, and wake to a homemade breakfast featuring homemade maple syrup.

DOWNTOWN TROY: CASEY REARICK, GARST HISTORICAL MUSEUM: MATTHEW ALLEN, HOTEL VERSAILLES: HOTEL VERSAILLES, YOUNG’S JERSEY DAIRY: JIM CELUCH, WINDS CAFE: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, MULLEN DAIRY & CREAMERY: RVP PHOTOGRAPHY FARM & FIELD GRAPHIC: ANGELA STIFTAR

Experience the warmth of Ohioans in these charming communities.

Greenville

Once home to General Anthony Wayne’s fort and the site of the 1795 signing of the Treaty of Greenville, this charming community is packed with historical significance. WHERE TO PLAY Celebrate Greenville’s biggest star and folk heroine at the National Annie Oakley Center, part of the Garst Historical Museum. Explore the legendary sharpshooter’s life story through interactive exhibits and pick up a “Flat Annie” for photo ops along the Annie Oakley Trail. Get revved up for dirt-track racing in New Weston at Eldora Speedway, owned by NASCAR champ and hall-of-famer Tony Stewart. WHERE TO DINE For more than 90 years, the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe has dished out locally sourced sandwiches and decadent milkshakes. But they might be even more famous for their iconic Gum Wall — literally a wall dotted with chewing gum. Family recipes and made-from scratch pies, including German chocolate, make up the menu at Farmer’s Daughter Bakery, located at Brumbaugh Fruit & Fun Farm. WHERE TO STAY With its French boutique style and onsite farm-to-table restaurant, Silas, Hotel Versailles brings modern elegance to nearby Versailles. For convenience, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Greenville is located just five minutes from downtown and includes complimentary breakfast.

Yellow Springs

Artsy and eclectic with a walkable downtown, the loveable home of Antioch College radiates a friendly and inclusive spirit. WHERE TO PLAY In the early 1900s, Wilbur and Orville Wright made their dream of powered flight a reality after years of trial and error at Huffman Prairie Flying Field in Fairborn. Now a stop on Dayton’s Aviation Trail, the site includes an interpretive center and self-guided tours. Get up close and personal with owls, eagles, and other birds of prey at the Glen Helen Raptor Center, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center located in Glen Helen Nature Preserve. WHERE TO DINE Winds Cafe (above right) specializes in flavorful farm-to-table cuisine with seasonal menu offerings and an attached wine cellar offering an eclectic range of wine and spirits. Part eatery, part family fun center, Young’s Jersey Dairy is a working dairy farm with mini golf, a cow carousel, and a beloved ice cream shop with homemade flavors like honey lavender sugar cookie and lemon custard. WHERE TO STAY Feel right at home at the stately-but-cozy Mills Park Hotel, steps from the shops and restaurants. The big porch is perfect for enjoying a lemonade cocktail and people-watching. Jailhouse Suites once served as the town jail from 1878 to 1929, but the building has transformed into an inviting four-unit lodge perfect for a unique weekend stay.

Mullen Dairy & Creamery

Explore Ohio’s bounty at these spots. Heavenly scents fill the air

at Martinville’s newly renovated Peaceful Acres Lavender Farm where you can pick your own bundles, shop for homemade products, and even chill out with a meditation class or reiki session. Stop at the family-owned Mullen Dairy & Creamery in Okeana to see their small herd of cows. Take a tour of the barn, and then take home flavored milk (try the cookies & cream!), along with lotions, soaps, and lip balm — all made with their milk. Quiet Harmony Ranch in New Paris is home to a herd of 300+ elk. Take a drive-thru tour and purchase jerky for home. OHIO.ORG

Southwest

NOTA

BLE OHIOAN

Stay Awhile Unique spots to make your trip even more special.

Admire a tranquil view of the Ohio River from the porch or balcony at Riverhaven Bed and Breakfast in Manchester. Visit during fall foliage season to enjoy the breathtaking autumn colors.

Steven Newman

Steven “The Worldwalker” Newman began a four-year journey around the world in April 1983. That trek led the Bethel native through 21 countries across five continents, earned him a place in the 1988 Guinness World Records as the first man to walk solo around the world, and inspired a namesake trail back home in East Fork State Park. Listen to his story while you hike when the Steven Newman Audio Trail launches in April 2026. What inspired your walk around the world? Growing up along the Ohio

River watching the barges coming up the river made me want to see where they came from. My parents owned a nursing home and I heard the stories of the residents who came from all over. And I loved reading, especially Mark Twain.

What was it like to have the Steven Newman Worldwalker Perimeter Trail named after you? It meant more to me than the Guinness World Record.

I have a lot of memories from exploring the hills and creeks that eventually became East Fork State Park. I feel honored and hope it inspires other young people who grew up where I did to do big things with their lives.

What are your favorite Ohio hikes? The Glen Helen Nature Preserve (right) is a beautiful little walk and Yellow Springs is a cool town, Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve, and, of course, my trail! At 33 miles long, it happens to be the longest hiking trail in the Ohio state park system.

Any hidden gems to recommend? The Cincinnati Nature Center is a nice little day hike.

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Step back in time at Cincinnati’s Marion Hall Mansion (above), an elegant Beaux Arts-style building constructed in 1897.

Dolly's Pick

Follow the adventures of Governor Mike DeWine’s Springer Spaniel Dolly on Instagram, then take your own dog to Ohio’s pup-friendly hot spots, like Hamilton’s Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. Furry companions can romp around the 470 lush acres and 70 outdoor sculptures that blend nature with art.

DOLLY: ANGELA STIFTAR STEVEN NEWMAN: RVP PHOTOGRAPHY, GLEN HELEN NATURE PRESERVE: MATTHEW ALLEN, MARION HALL MANSION: SUMMER FRANK

Worldwalker

Relax and recharge amidst ancient woodlands and rock formations in the well-appointed cottages and suites at Highlands Nature Sanctuary near Bainbridge. Wake up to look for wildflowers along 16 miles of trails.

Tra vel Insp irati on Hueston Woods State Park Lodge in College Corner @kathrinenero

Mr. Dynamite mural by artist Jenny Ustick in Cincinnati @wendypramik

Flub’s Dariette in Hamilton @flubsicecream

OhioTheHeartofitAll

Use these listings, organized by county seat, to plan your next Ohio getaway. BATAVIA AREA

Local Resources

Clermont County Convention & Visitors Bureau

410 E. Main St., Batavia 513-732-3600, discoverclermont.com

Christian Waldschmidt Homestead & Civil War Museum 7567 Glendale Milford Rd., Camp Dennison 513-655-7948, ohiodar.org/waldindex Cincinnati Distilling 203 Mill St., Milford 513-835-3075, cincinnatidistilling.com Cincinnati Nature Center 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford 513-831-1711, cincynature.org Deer Track Golf Course 6160 St. Rte. 727, Goshen 513-625-2500, deertrackgolfcourse.com DVD Brew 1555 Loveland Madeira Rd., Loveland 513-677-2739, dvdbrew.com

Find your family’s next vacation destination in Clermont County’s warm and vibrant region of Ohio. Hike, bike, and paddle your way through state parks, picturesque trails, and scenic waterways. Visit regional attractions and museums, and explore rich history along the way.

Things to Do

Cardboard Boat Museum 311 Front St., New Richmond 513-910-9153, newrichmond.org Castle Skateland 980 Loveland Madeira Rd., Loveland 513-683-6666, castleskateland.com Cedar Trace Golf Club 5466 Hutchinson Rd., Batavia 513-625-4400, cedartracegolfclub.com Chilo Lock 34 Park 521 County Park Rd., Chilo 513-732-2977, clermontparks.org/chilo-lock-34-park

Eagles Nest Golf Course 1540 St. Rte. 28, Loveland 513-722-1241, eaglesnestgolfcourse.com East Fork State Park 3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel 513-734-4323, ohiodnr.gov Elks Run Golf Course 2000 Elklick Rd., Batavia 513-732-0295, elksrun.com Fifty West Brewing Company 7668 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati 513-834-8789, fiftywestbrew.com Fulton Grove Winery 3834 Fulton Grove Rd., Cincinnati 513-444-6020, thefultongrovewinery.com The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills 3155 Sherilyn Ln., Batavia 513-735-4653, stonelickhills.com Harmony Hill Vineyards 2534 Swings Corner Point Isabel Rd., Bethel 513-734-3548, hhwines.com

Hickory Woods Golf Course 1240 Hickory Woods Dr., Loveland 513-575-3900, hickorywoods.com Jungle Jim’s International Market Eastgate 4450 Eastgate S. Dr., Cincinnati 513-674-6000, junglejims.com Legendary Run Golf Course 915 E. Legendary Run, Cincinnati 513-753-1919, legendaryrungolf.com Loveland Bike Trail 206 Railroad Ave., Loveland 513-212-6958, lovelandbiketrail.com Loveland Castle-Chateau Laroche 12025 Shore Dr., Loveland 513-683-4686, lovelandcastle.com Loveland Museum Center 201 Riverside Dr., Loveland 513-683-5692, lovelandmuseum.org Loveland Paddlesports 174 Karl Brown Way, Loveland 513-683-4611, lovelandpaddlesports.com MCC Kartplex 2848 U.S. Rte. 50, Batavia 513-625-7223, mcckartplex.com Mt. Carmel Brewing Company 4362 Mt. Carmel Tobasco Rd., Cincinnati 513-240-2739, mtcarmelbrewing.com Narrow Path Brewing Co. 106 Karl Brown Way, Loveland 513-291-5503, narrowpathbrewing.com Paint Playground 1334 St. Rte. 131, Milford 513-239-6668, paintplaygroundexperience.com The Pin Deck 888 St. Rte. 28, Milford 513-965-4050, scene75.com/cincinnati

OHIO.ORG

Southwest President U.S. Grant Birthplace 1551 St. Rte. 232, Moscow 513-497-0492, usgrantbirthplace.org Scene 75 Entertainment Center 876 St. Rte. 28, Milford 513-965-4050, scene75.com/cincinnati Scenic River Canoe Excursions 4595 Round Bottom Rd., Cincinnati 513-576-9000, scenicrivercanoe.com Starlite Drive-In 2255 St. Rte. 125, Amelia 513-734-4001, starlitedriveinohio.com Stonelick State Park 2895 Lake Dr., Pleasant Plain 937-382-1096, ohiodnr.gov Tri-State Warbird Museum 4021 Borman Dr., Batavia 513-735-4500, tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org

CINCINNATI AREA

Things to Do American Construction Toy Museum 5230 Montgomery Rd., Norwood 414-736-6518, actmuseum.org Cincinnati Museum Center 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati 513-287-7000, cincymuseum.org

Cincinnati Nature Center

4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford 513-831-1711, cincynature.org

Discover what’s waiting at Cincinnati Nature Center — 1,800 acres of unfiltered beauty and 20+ miles of awardwinning trails. Explore features like the region’s first Ear-nocular, activities for all ages, and moments that turn into lifelong memories.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati 513-281-4700, cincinnatizoo.org Clifton Cultural Arts Center 3412 Clifton Ave., Cincinnati 513-497-2860, cliftonculturalarts.org Dead Low Brewing 5959 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati 513-800-1231, deadlowbrewing.com Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati 1127 Vine St., Cincinnati 513-421-3555, ensemblecincinnati.org Fretboard Brewing 108 Harrison Ave., Harrison 513-936-1515, fretboardbrewing.com Fretboard Brewing at Factory 52 2750 Park Ave., Ste. O, Norwood 513-366-4677, fretboardbrewing.com Fretboard Brewing Company 5800 Creek Rd., Blue Ash 513-914-4677, fretboardbrewing.com National Underground Railroad Freedom Center 50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati 513-333-7500, freedomcenter.org The Original Findlay Market Tour Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Cincinnati 513-602-5602, cincinnatifoodtours.com

OHIO.ORG

Southwest Riverside Food Tours 520 Vine St., Cincinnati 513-289-0035, riversidefoodtours.com

EATON AREA

Signature Over-the-Rhine Food Tour Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Cincinnati 513-602-5602, cincinnatifoodtours.com

Hueston Woods Lodge & Conference Center 5201 Lodge Rd., College Corner 513-664-3500, huestonwoodslodge.com

Tecumseh Bike Trail 404 N. Ohio St., Greenville 937-548-0165, darkecountyparks.org

Summermusik 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati 513-723-1182, summermusik.org

Hueston Woods State Park 6301 Park Office Rd., College Corner 513-523-6347, ohiodnr.gov

Tecumseh Point Preserve 100 N. Broadway, Greenville 937-548-0165, darkecountyparks.org

White Water Shaker Village 11813 Oxford Rd., Harrison 513-738-5928, whitewatervillage.org

GEORGETOWN AREA

Turkeyfoot Preserve 3998 Bishop Rd., Greenville 937-548-0165, darkecountyparks.org

DAYTON AREA

Things to Do Aullwood Audubon 1000 Aullwood Rd., Dayton 937-890-7360, aullwood.org Aviation Trail, Inc. 16 S. Williams St., Dayton 937-225-7705, aviationtrailinc.org Branch & Bone Artisan Ales 905 Wayne Ave., Dayton 937-723-7608, branchandboneales.com Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park 16 S. Williams St., Dayton 937-225-7705, nps.gov/daav Dayton Dragons Baseball 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton 937-228-2287, milb.com/dayton

Things to Do

Local Resources Visit Brown County 720 N. High St., Mount Orab 937-378-4784, browncountyohiochamber.com

Things to Do Sons of Toil Brewing 14090 Klein Rd., Mount Orab 513-473-7417, sonsoftoilbrewing.com

GREENVILLE AREA

Local Resources Darke County Visitors Bureau

421 S. Broadway St., Greenville 937-548-5158, visitdarkecounty.org

38 E. Monument Ave., Dayton 937-223-1271, greatmiamiriverway.com

Things to Do

National Aviation Hall of Fame 1100 Spaatz St., Dayton 937-256-0944, nationalaviation.org National Museum of the United States Air Force™ 1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson Air Force Base 937-255-3286, nationalmuseum.af.mil Star City Brewing Company 319 S. Second St., Miamisburg 937-701-7827, starcitybrewing.com Sycamore State Park 4675 N. Diamond Mill Rd., Trotwood 513-523-6347, ohiodnr.gov Toxic Brew Company 431 E. Fifth St., Dayton 937-985-3618, toxicbrewcompany.com

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HAMILTON AREA

Local Resources Enjoy Oxford 14 W. Park Pl., Ste. C., Oxford 513-523-8687, enjoyoxford.org Travel Butler County 8756 Union Centre Blvd., West Chester 513-860-4194, travelbutlercounty.com

Things to Do

Black Covered Bridge 5401 Corso Rd., Oxford 513-523-8005, oxfordmuseumassociation.com We’re the birthplace of famous sharpshooter Annie Oakley. The Great Darke County Fair is one of the state’s best. Explore the Garst Museum & Bradford Railroad Museum. Experience the world-famous Eldora Speedway. Enjoy the unique Whiskey, Wine, & Ale Trail.

The Loft Theatre 126 N. Main St., Third Floor, Dayton 937-637-8100, daytonlive.org/loft-theatre

Worth Family Nature Preserve 7801 Spring Hill Rd., Greenville 937-548-0165, darkecountyparks.org

Beckett Park 8545 Beckett Rd., West Chester Township 513-759-7303, westchesteroh.org

Great Miami Riverway

The Human Race Theatre Company 126 N. Main St. #300, Dayton 937-461-3823, humanracetheatre.org

Winterrowd Wetlands Old State Hwy. 47, Greenville 937-548-0165, darkecountyparks.org

BeauVerre Riordan Stained Glass Studio 1054 Central Ave., Middletown 513-425-7312, beauverre.net

Five Rivers MetroParks 409 E. Monument Ave., Third Floor, Dayton 937-275-7275, metroparks.org

The Great Miami Riverway is more than 99 miles of river, paved trails, and connected communities. Surf or paddle the river. Cycle the bike trail. Find your way through historic downtowns filled with local shops and awardwinning restaurants.

Shawnee Prairie Preserve & Nature Center 4267 St. Rte. 502, Greenville 937-548-0165, darkecountyparks.org

Alice Bish Park & Bish Discovery Center 404 N. Ohio St., Greenville 937-548-0165, darkecountyparks.org Arcanum Opera House 104 W. South St., Arcanum 937-459-1157, arcanumpreservationsociety.com Coppess Nature Sanctuary 10277 Young Rd., Union City 937-548-0165, darkecountyparks.org Donna May Campbell Preserve 9204 Greenville-St. Marys Rd., Ansonia 937-548-0165, darkecountyparks.org Edison Woods Preserve 1711 Ohio St., Ste. 502, Greenville 937-548-0165, darkecountyparks.org Historic Bear’s Mill 6450 Arcanum-Bears Mill Rd., Greenville 937-548-5112, darkecountyparks.org/bearsmill Holzapfel Preserve 199 Meadow Ln., Greenville 937-548-0165, darkecountyparks.org Prairie Ridge Meadow 100 N. Broadway, Greenville 937-548-0165, darkecountyparks.org Routzong Preserve 5352 Routzong Rd., Greenville 937-548-0165, darkecountyparks.org

Bull’s Run Arboretum 3909 Rosedale Rd., Middletown 513-279-8958, bullsrun.org Bunker Hill Universalist Pioneer Cemetery 5351 Reily-Millville Rd., Oxford 513-867-5835, yourmetroparks.net Butler County Warbirds Museum 2301 Wedekind Dr., Middletown 513-702-3062, bcwarbirds.com Canal Museum 1605 N. Verity Pkwy., Middletown 513-424-5539, middletownhistoricalsociety.com Class Axe Throwing 4814 Peter Pl., West Chester 513-268-2386, cincinnatiaxe.com Dayton Lane Historic District 712 Dayton St., Hamilton 513-844-8080, historicdaytonlane.org Doty Homestead 6924 Brown Rd., Oxford 513-523-8005, oxfordmuseumassociation.com/ doty-homestead-oxford-ohio-museum Dudley Memorial Park 5700 Yankee Rd., Liberty Township 513-759-7500, liberty-township.com Elisha Morgan Farm Mansion 6181 Ross Rd., Fairfield 513-867-5348, fairfield-city.org Fairfield Community Arts Center 411 Wessel Dr., Fairfield 513-867-5348, fairfield-city.org Fairfield Fun Center 6400 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield 513-870-9268, milesofgolf.com FigLeaf Brewing Co. 3387 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd., Middletown 513-378-5554, figleafbrewing.com

Southwest German Village Historic District 131 Village St., Hamilton 513-844-8080, germanvillagehamilton.com

Oxford Area Trails 5094 Bonham Rd., Oxford 513-523-6314, oxfordareatrails.org

Get Air Trampoline Park 7106 Office Park Dr., West Chester 513-717-1593, getairwestchester.com

Pendleton Art Center 1105 Central Ave., Middletown 513-852-2767, pendletonartcenter.com

Gilmore MetroPark 7950 Gilmore Rd., Hamilton 513-867-5835, yourmetroparks.net

Petals & Wicks Candle Bar & Gift Shop 119 Main St., Hamilton 513-316-2307, petalsnwicks.com

Governor Bebb MetroPark 1979 Bebb Park Ln., Okeana 513-867-5835, yourmetroparks.net

The Pickle Lodge North Shore 7373 Kingsgate Way, West Chester 513-759-8780, thepicklelodge.com

Grainworks Brewing Company 7790 Service Center Dr., Ste. B, West Chester Township 513-480-2337, grainworks.beer

Pinball Garage 113 N. Third St., Hamilton 513-300-0152, facebook.com/pinballgarage

Hanover Winery 2165 Morman Rd., Hamilton 513-863-3119, hanoverwinery.com

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton 513-868-8336, pyramidhill.org

Holiday Auto Theatre 1816 Old Oxford Rd., Hamilton 513-929-2999, holidayautotheatre.com

Rentschler Forest MetroPark 5701 Reigart Rd., Hamilton 513-867-5835, yourmetroparks.net

Immortal Vibes 230 Main St., Hamilton 513-856-8423, immortalvibes.com

Reserves Park 5119 Grandin Ridge Dr., Liberty Township 513-759-7500, liberty-township.com

Inside Out Studio 140 High St., Hamilton 513-857-5658, insideoutstudio.company.site

Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum 801 S. Patterson Ave., Oxford 513-529-2232, miamioh.edu/artmuseum

Joyce Park 25 Joe Nuxhall Way, Fairfield 513-785-7055, hamiltonparks.net/joyce-park

RiversEdge Amphitheatre 116 Dayton St., Hamilton 513-785-7055, riversedgelive.com

Jungle Jim’s International Market 5440 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield 513-674-6000, junglejims.com

Robert A. Hefner Museum of Natural History 100 Upham Hall, Oxford 513-529-4617, miamioh.edu

Karl E. Limper Geology Museum 126 Shideler Hall, Oxford 513-529-3220, miamioh.edu

Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument 1 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton 513-867-5823, bchistoricalsociety.com

Keehner Park 7411 Barret Rd., West Chester Township 513-759-7312, westchesteroh.org

Sonder Brewing Taphaus 9558 Civic Center Blvd., West Chester 513-779-2739, sonderbrewing.com

Land of Illusion 8762 Thomas Rd., Middletown 513-423-9960, landofillusion.com

Sorg Opera House 63 S. Main St., Middletown 513-428-5529, sorgoperahouse.org

Lane Hooven House 319 N. Third St., Hamilton 513-863-1717, hamiltonfoundation.org

Start Skydiving 1711 Run Way, Middletown 513-422-5867, startskydiving.com

Liberty Center 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township 513-644-0900, liberty-center.com

Swine City Brewing 4614 Industry Dr., Fairfield 513-201-7070, swinecitybrewing.com

Liberty Collective 6735 Lakota Ln., Liberty Township 513-860-4194, liberty-collective.com

Topgolf 9568 Water Front Dr., West Chester 513-342-6249, topgolf.com/us/west-chester

Main Event Entertainment 9477 Oxford Way, West Chester 513-777-1700, mainevent.com

USS Cincinnati Memorial Peace Pavilion 7850 VOA Park Dr., West Chester 513-867-5835, subcincy.org

Marcum Park 116 Dayton St., Hamilton 513-785-7055, hamiltonparks.net/marcum-park

Veterans Memorial Park 701 Wessel Dr., Fairfield 513-867-5348, fairfield-city.org

Middletown Arts Center 130 N. Verity Pkwy., Middletown 513-424-2417, middletownartscenter.com

Veterans Park 10 New London Rd., Hamilton 513-785-7055, hamiltonparks.net/veterans-park

Municipal Brew Works 20 High St., Hamilton 513-642-2424, municipalbrewworks.com

Village Green Park 301 Wessel Dr., Fairfield 513-867-5348, fairfield-city.org

Nation Road Horse Rental LLC 6484 Morning Sun Rd., Oxford 513-255-5752, nationroadhorserental.com

Voice of America MetroPark 7850 VOA Park Dr., West Chester 513-867-5835, yourmetroparks.net

National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting 8070 Tylersville Rd., West Chester 513-777-0027, voamuseum.org

The WEB Extreme Entertainment 7172 Cincinnati Dayton Rd., West Chester 513-860-2882, funattheweb.com

Niederman Family Farm 5110 Lesourdsville West Chester Rd., Liberty Township 513-779-6184, niedermanfamilyfarm.com Oxford Aquatic Center 701 Kay Rench Dr., Oxford 513-523-7946, oprd.recdesk.com

The WhiteDog Distilling Company 1357 Central Ave., Middletown 513-760-1845, whitedogdistilling.com

HILLSBORO AREA

Local Resources Visitors Bureau of Highland County 129 N. High St., Hillsboro 937-393-1111, visithighlandcounty.com

Things to Do Paint Creek State Park 280 Taylor Rd., Bainbridge 937-393-4284, ohiodnr.gov Rocky Fork State Park 9800 N. Shore Dr., Hillsboro 937-393-4284, ohiodnr.gov

LEBANON AREA

Things to Do

Caesar Creek State Park 8570 E. St. Rte. 73, Waynesville 513-897-3055, ohiodnr.gov Kings Island 6300 Kings Island Dr., Mason 513-754-5700, visitkingsisland.com Miami Valley Gaming 6000 St. Rte. 63, Lebanon 513-934-7070, miamivalleygaming.com Painting with a Twist 6196 Tylersville Rd., Mason 513-229-7700, paintingwithatwist.com/studio/mason Sonder Brewing 8584 Duke Blvd., Mason 513-779-2739, sonderbrewing.com Valley Vineyards Winery & Brewery 2276 E. U.S. 22 and 3, Morrow 513-899-2485, valleyvineyards.com

SPRINGFIELD AREA

Local Resources Visit Greater Springfield

20 S. Limestone St., Springfield 800-803-1553, visitgreaterspringfield.com

Greater Springfield is your weekend getaway destination for signature events, arts & culture, eclectic dining, and a vibrant public art scene. This is why we invite you to #FindYourUnwind in Greater Springfield!

William Harbin Park 1300 Hunter Rd., Fairfield 513-867-5348, fairfield-city.org OHIO.ORG

Southwest

Things to Do

Buck Creek State Park 1976 Buck Creek Ln., Springfield 937-322-5284, ohiodnr.gov

Adventures on the Great Miami 1995 Ross Rd., Tipp City 937-266-6252, greatmiami.net

Hartman Rock Garden 1905 Russell Ave., Springfield 937-325-7621, visitgreaterspringfield.com/ hartman-rock-garden

Bradford Railroad Museum 200 N. Miami Ave., Bradford 937-552-2196, bradfordrrmuseum.org Brukner Nature Center 5995 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Troy 937-698-6493, bruknernaturecenter.com

Hasting Farm Fest 4401 S. Charleston Pike, Springfield 937-215-3915, hastingfarmfest.com

Charleston Falls Preserve 2535 Ross Rd., Tipp City 937-335-6273, miamicountyparks.com

Springfield Museum of Art 107 Cliff Park Rd., Springfield 937-325-4673, springfieldart.net

Eldean Covered Bridge N. Co. Rd. 25A and Eldean Rd., Troy 937-339-1044, homegrowngreat.com

TROY AREA

Local Resources Miami County Visitors Bureau

405 S.W. Public Sq., Ste. 272, Troy 937-339-1044, homegrowngreat.com

Float Troy 409 N. Elm St., Troy 937-703-5397, float-troy.com

Old Mason Winery 4199 S. Iddings Rd., West Milton 937-698-1122, oldmason.com Troy-Hayner Cultural Center 301 W. Main St., Troy 937-339-0457, troyhayner.org Twenty One Barrels Cidery & Winery 9717 Horatio-Harris Creek Rd., Bradford 937-467-4498, 21barrels.com WACO Air Museum 1865 S. Co. Rd. 25A, Troy 937-335-9226, wacoairmuseum.org

URBANA AREA

Local Resources Champaign County Visitors Bureau 127 W. Court St., Urbana 937-653-5764, visitchampaignohio.com

Fulton Farms 2393 St. Rte. 202, Troy 937-335-6983, fultonfarms.com Idle Hour Ranch 4845 Fenner Rd., Troy 937-339-9731, idle-hourranch.com Indian Creek Distillery 7095 Staley Rd., New Carlisle 937-846-1443, indiancreekdistillery.com Johnston Farm and Indian Agency 9845 N. Hardin Rd., Piqua 937-773-2522, johnstonfarmohio.com

Embark on fabulous outdoor adventures while paddling the beautiful Great Miami River or cycling the Great Miami Recreational Trail. With a blend of unique attractions, familyfriendly events, delicious restaurants, and special shopping discoveries, every day in Miami County offers an opportunity for a new story.

Miami County Barn Quilts Throughout Miami County, Ohio, Troy 937-339-1044, homegrowngreat.com

Coffee takes flight in Champaign County, where 10+ locally owned coffee shops meet the soaring excitement of three free aviation museums. From handcrafted brews to historic aircraft, your adventure blends rich flavors with highflying fun!

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72 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Southwest

Things to Do Champaign Aviation Museum 1652 N. Main St., Urbana 937-652-4710, champaignaviationmuseum.org Freshwater Farms of Ohio 2624 N. U.S. Hwy. 68, Urbana 937-652-3701, fwfarms.com

WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE AREA Fayette County Travel & Tourism Bureau

101 E. East St., Washington Court House 740-335-8008, visitfayco.com

Fayette County Museum 517 Columbus Ave., Washington Court House 740-335-8008, visitfayco.com

WILMINGTON AREA

Paint Creek Recreational Trail 2820 Robinson Rd., Washington Court House 740-335-8008, determinedbrillian.wixsite.com/ dbgolfrange

Cowan Lake State Park 1750 Osborn Rd., Wilmington 937-382-1096, ohiodnr.gov

Things to Do

WEST UNION AREA

Onederings Lavender Farm 2195 S. Clarksville Rd., Clarksville 937-725-0830, onederings.com

Local Resources

XENIA AREA

Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau

14633 St. Rte. 41, West Union 937-544-5639, adamscountytravel.org

Things to Do

Clifton Opera House 5 S. Clay St., Clifton 937-342-2175, villageofclifton.com Dave Nolin Wetland Reserve S. Deer Hollow Trail, Xenia 937-320-9042, beavercreekwetlands.org Great American Rail Trail Eastern Ohio to Western Ohio, Yellow Springs 614-837-6782, railstotrails.org

Make Fayette County your next adventure! Explore scenic trails, discover rich history, and soak up small-town charm. Enjoy the outdoors, great local dining, unique shopping, and vibrant seasonal events that make every visit unforgettable.

Things to Do

Deer Creek State Park 20635 State Park Rd. 20, Mount Sterling 740-869-3124, ohiodnr.gov

Great Council State Park 1587 U.S. Rte. 68 N., Xenia 937-502-0057, ohiodnr.gov

Things to Do Adams Lake State Park 14633 St. Rte. 41, West Union 937-393-4284, ohiodnr.gov MoonDoggie LIVERee 4590 Brush Creek Rd., Manchester 513-713-5874, moondoggieliveree.com

Little Fairy Garden 224 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs 937-319-0590, littlefairygarden.com Silver Cup Lake Adventures 141 W. Xenia Ave., Cedarville 937-697-5026, silvercuplakescuba.com

Welcome to

GREENE COUNTY

GreeneCountyOhio.org

WHERE EVERY TRAIL LEADS TO ADVENTURE! OHIO.ORG

Live Work Play

pictured: Make a splash at Zoombezi Bay in Powell. left, top to bottom: Watch performers at the Columbus Asian Festival. Order a crafted cocktail at The Citizens Trust in downtown Columbus. Ride through Pottersburg Bridge in Union County.

Central BY LINDA FEAGLER

MARION BELLEFONTAINE

MOUNT GILEAD MOUNT 71 VERNON DELAWARE

MARYSVILLE 70

LONDON

NEWARK

COLUMBUS

LANCASTER CIRCLEVILLE

Top 20 Bucket List

Put a Fork in it

Charming Towns

COLUMBUS ASIAN FESTIVAL: RAINER ZIEHM, THE CITIZENS TRUST: JASON SMITH, POTTERSBURG BRIDGE: KEVIN KOPANSKI, ZOOMBEZI BAY: GRAHM JONES

Put these iconically Ohio spots on your must-see list. These restaurants will leave you with a taste for more. Experience the warmth of Ohioans in these communities.

Notable Ohioan

Meet the CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Library who’s passionate about books.

Stay Awhile

Travel Inspiration

Unique spots to make your trip even more special. Additional places to explore in the region.

Freelance writer Linda Feagler loves traveling to cultural destinations around Columbus. You’ll often find her attending musicals at the historic Palace Theatre and getting lost in the nooks and crannies of The Book Loft. OHIO.ORG

Central

Top 20

Bucket List Put these iconically Ohio spots on your list.

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Reopening in 2026 after a two-year renovation, the Ohio Village living history museum gives a firsthand look at life in the 19th-century. Stop in the Ohio History Center next door for more insights. Scale new heights skiing and tubing on Mad River Mountain in Zanesfield that has an elevation of 1,460 feet and a 300-foot drop. Fall in love with science in Columbus at COSI, named the best science museum in the nation five times by USA Today. It’s filled with hands-on fun including a thrilling high-wire unicycle ride. Explore the spell-binding passages inside the Ohio Caverns in West Liberty during a guided tour of the renowned landmark known as “America’s most colorful caverns” with passages descending up to 103 feet. Take your seat in the historic Marion Palace Theatre known for theater, concerts, and a Spanish Revival-style atmospheric auditorium with a night sky overhead. Have fun in the sun waterskiing, tubing, jet skiing, and kicking back on the beach at Lakeview’s Indian Lake State Park, the third-largest lake in Ohio, which also features a dog park for your pooch. Discover cutting-edge digital works, kinetic art, immersive films, sound studios, and worlds of sensory illusion at the new Prototype: The Experimental Museum in downtown Columbus. Be amazed by the River of Glass, a focal point at the 250-acre ArielFoundation Park in Mount Vernon, which also features a 140-foothigh observation deck, walking trails, steel sculptures, and a labyrinth. Test your climbing skills at Quarry Trails Metro Park in Columbus, which features six climbing routes and the nation’s first urban via ferrata. Take to the skies at Sparks Fly in Mount Gilead, where you’ll be paired with a trained instructor who will cover the basics of flying and safely ensure you are in control for your very first flight. Watch bison roaming the enclosed pastures amid 7,358 acres of forest, prairies, and wetlands at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park in Galloway, and don’t miss the 53-foot living stream and interactive exhibits in the nature center. Talk to the animals, including baby elephants, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, then travel to the new North America Trek to watch eagles and otters. Cool off at Zoombezi Bay in Powell with 19 state-of-the-art water attractions connected to the world-class Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Roadside Photo Ops

76 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

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Go boating and kayaking at Buckeye Lake, Ohio’s first state park. Come for special events, including the annual PirateFest on May 15–17, featuring treasure hunts, a playland, and live music. Watch master artists create crystal wonders at the Ohio Glass Museum & Glass Blowing Studio in Lancaster. Visit June 18–21 during Bottoms Up, a citywide midcentury-modern barware show. Celebrate the season to be jolly every December in Bellefontaine, Ohio’s Christmas Capital, which kicks off festivities with a parade, ugly sweater bar crawl, and appearances by Santa. Learn about the life of the 29th president at the Warren G. Harding Presidential Library & Museum in Marion, and visit Harding Memorial, a spectacular Greek temple that serves as his final resting place. Be a kid again at family-friendly LEGOLAND® Discovery Center in Columbus during adult nights featuring drinks, access to rides, attractions, and time with a master model builder. Chart your course along 7 miles of trails — including one across a swinging rope bridge — at Scioto Grove Metro Park in Grove City, which also sports a drone field and archery walking course. Connect to nature in beautiful ways at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, where 400 species of plants from around the world flourish, complemented by Dale Chihuly’s magnificent glasswork.

Meet a menagerie of 18 dogs, one cat, two pairs of birds, and a pony at the Dog Fountain in Mount Vernon. It’s inspired by the worldrenowned dog fountain in Toronto.

Be on the lookout for the trio of Scioto Deer (left) kicking back along the Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus. There’s even one of the deer sculptures overlooking the river on the Rich Street Bridge.

Say And They’re Off and pose beside the sculpture of thoroughbreds in Grove City’s new Beulah Park development commemorating the site of what was once a landmark racetrack.

OHIO GLASS MUSEUM & GLASS BLOWING STUDIO: OHIO GLASS MUSEUM & GLASS BLOWING STUDIO, SCIOTO DEER: LEVI ELY, COSI: COSI, OHIO CAVERNS: LOGAN COUNTY CVB, WARREN G. HARDING PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM, QUARRY TRAILS METRO PARK, FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY AND BOTANICAL GARDENS: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER: LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE: SUSIE JARVIS, BUCKEYE LAKE: REINE DOWN PHOTOGRAPHY, AERIAL-FOUNDATION PARK: CARRIE LARGENT

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Central

These eateries have a flair for food that will leave you with a taste for more.

Put a Fork in it

International Plates Taste authentic Mexican cuisine made from scratch paired with a trio of specially curated tequila flights at Flying Pepper Cantina in Bellefontaine. Relish the spirit of India at ROOH, the chic restaurant in Columbus’ Short North Arts District that balances rich traditional flavors with fresh, local ingredients.

Quirky Spots Start your day the delicious way at The Morning Riot in Bellefontaine with epic eats from the alien-disco themed brunch menu. Marvel at the creative way in which Seitan’s Realm in Columbus whips up delectable vegan comfort food in a setting inspired by classic horror movies and punk rock.

Local Favorites Calm your cravings for nostalgic dishes at Attaboys Comfort Cuisine in Marion, famous for serving generous portions of soul food, crispy fried chicken, collard greens, grits, and gumbo, complemented by a 1920s ambiance. Dig into the smoked barbecue The Grainery in Plain City is known for while enjoying live concerts of all genres performed by local bands and solo artists.

Sipping Spots pictured: ROOH offers upscale Indian cuisine. right, top to bottom: Sit outside at Flying Pepper Cantina. Sip on an espresso martini at The Morning Riot or a glass of wine at Rhonemus Cellars.

78 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Wine, dine, and tee off outdoors at Rhonemus Cellars in Lancaster, which overlooks an 18-hole golf course. Sip on their patio or stay inside by the cozy fireplace. Pause and refresh with custommade artisanal drinks at Soda Farm in Marysville, made from handmade syrups and teas, and crafted by owner and ethnobotanist Dawn Combs.

ROOH: ROOH, FLYING PEPPER CANTINA, THE MORNING RIOT: MATT SHIFFLER, RHONEMUS CELLARS: KEVIN KOPANSKI, JENI'S SPLENDID ICE CREAMS: JENI'S SPLENDID ICE CREAMS, DRIP DREAMS ICE CREAM: DRIP DREAMS ICE CREAM, ANTHONY-THOMAS CHOCOLATES: ANTHONY-THOMAS CHOCOLATES

Sweet Bakeries Don’t resist the sweet temptations of yummy pies and iced sweet rolls at Kitschen Bakery in Marysville, made from the freshest ingredients sourced from local farms. Delight in the flavor of fall all year long with pumpkin doughnuts from Lindsey’s Bakery in Circleville, home to a 6-foot pumpkin pie every October during the Circleville Pumpkin Show.

ture Flavors Signa Central Ohio is known for Buckeyes — both The Ohio State University sports teams and the luscious confections of peanut butter and chocolate. Get a taste of the iconic treat at these spots. Enjoy several varieties at Wittich’s Candy Shop in Circleville with buckeyes available in dark, milk, and white chocolate. Take a factory tour at Anthony-Thomas Chocolates (below) in Columbus to see how buckeyes are crafted before tasting one at the end of the tour. Stop at Schmidt’s Fudge House in historic German Village where buckeyes are hand-rolled and dipped — just like grandma would have done. Travel Tip: Snap a selfie with the giant Brutus Buckeye statues dotting the OSU campus. Don’t miss the band-themed Brutus who greets guests outside of College Traditions by the famed Varsity Club.

We All Scream for Ice Cream Satisfy your sweet tooth at these spots located along Ohio’s Ice Cream Trail. Introduce your tastebuds to dessert nachos and fourflavor flight boards that are specialties at Drip Dreams Ice Cream (above right) in Newark. Experience “joy in a cup” with the wide array at Eda’s Italian Ice and Gelato in Marysville, including sugar-free agave chocolate. Just try to pick a favorite among the specialty sundaes at Round Hill Dairy, family-owned and -operated in Mount Vernon dating back to 1946.

Put some zing in your ice cream by ordering the Affogato, which adds a shot of espresso to the creamy treats served at Coffee Hall and Creamery in Marysville. Discover why Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (above left) in Columbus is beloved around the country. Celebrate more than a century of homemade goodness at Velvet Ice Cream at Ye Olde Mill in Utica. Visit during the Utica Ice Cream Festival every Memorial Day weekend.

Ice Cream & Happiness Go Together!

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

OHIO.ORG

g n i T m o r w a n h s C

Central

Experience the warmth of Ohioans when you stay in these charming communities.

Dublin

Renowned for its Irish Festival on July 31–Aug. 2, this walkable community serves up outdoor adventures and arts.

WHERE TO PLAY Explore Historic Dublin, hiking to a nearby waterfall and admiring 19th-century architecture that has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Cross The Dublin Link — the longest span, single tower S-shaped suspension bridge in the world — to explore Bridge Park. On both sides of the river, you’ll find breweries and eateries. Pick up an Art in Public Places Pass and check out the public art installations, like the Field of Corn (with Osage Oranges), at parks around the city. Find 12 and claim a keepsake tote bag illustrated by local artist Bryan Moss. WHERE TO DINE Choose your favorite cuisine at North Market Bridge Park, including Bake Me Happy known for gluten-free cookies and Lan Viet Market specializing in Vietnamese dishes. Take home fresh produce on Saturdays at the seasonal outdoor Dublin Market at Bridge Park. Raise a glass with locals at Gene’s and savor the seasonal menu and luscious desserts. WHERE TO STAY Call it a day at the AC Marriott in Bridge Park after taking the glass elevator to VASO rooftop lounge for panoramic views of the Scioto River and creative cocktails. Stay in Bridge Park at the pet-friendly SpringHill Suites, where you wake up to a complimentary breakfast.

Field of Corn (with Osage Oranges) and VASO

pictured: Walk across the pedestrian bridge that connects two fun districts in Dublin. right, top to bottom: Order the namesake 1922 Burger made with beef tenderloin at 1922 on the Square. Wake up to a full breakfast at Mount Vernon Inn. Ride the paved paths on the Kokosing Gap Trail.

Newark

Home to generations of families, Newark’s bustling downtown is rich in history and the arts. WHERE TO PLAY Visit The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology to engage in hands-on discoveries about science and glassblowing, then journey to the stars in the SciDome planetarium. Reflect on the past on a guided tour at the Newark Earthworks — the Great Circle and Octagon — built by Native Americans 2,000 years ago, and newly designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. WHERE TO DINE Savor the flavor of casual American classics at Franks and Sammies Eclectic Eatery, where wieners are top dogs and pulled pork sandwiches are simply irresistible. Enjoy fine dining at 1922 On the Square, offering elevated cocktails, steaks, and even prime rib ravioli.

More Ways to Play in Newark

WHERE TO STAY Prepare to be pampered at Cherry Valley Hotel by indulging in fine dining, taking a dip in the heated pool, and strolling through the thriving garden in the center of the property. Relax and rejuvenate at the idyllic Welsh Hills Inn. With its beautiful guest rooms, gourmet meals, and spa services, it’s easy to see how the inn was named in USA Today’s 10Best list.

Mount Vernon

Named after the estate owned by President George Washington, Mount Vernon is filled with charming shops and natural beauty. WHERE TO PLAY Bike along the paved 14-mile Kokosing Gap Trail, built along the former Pennsylvania Railroad line connecting Mount Vernon and Danville and surrounded by scenic forests and wetlands. Explore miles of trails at the Brown Family Environmental Center and go stargazing on a full-moon hike. WHERE TO DINE Be in awe of the elegance at The Alcove, a plush restaurant known for exceptional, creative American cuisine including a coffee-crusted hangar steak. Burrata Woodfired is known for using locally sourced ingredients. Start with the huge handmade meatballs, before trying the Fungo pizza topped with bacon and cremini mushrooms. WHERE TO STAY Experience the Victorian splendor of days gone by at Mount Vernon Grand Hotel. Take the grand staircase to elegantly appointed guest rooms and start your morning with a complimentary breakfast. Find quiet serenity in the enchanting garden at the Mount Vernon Inn, a lovely bed and breakfast in the center of town offering a personalized breakfast.

VASO COCKTAIL, FARM & FIELD GRAPHIC: ANGELA STIFTAR THE DUBLIN LINK: ROBB MCCORMICK, FIELD OF CORN (WITH OSAGE ORANGES), MOUNT VERNON INN, MITCHELL’S BERRIES AND BLOOMS: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, 1922 ON THE SQUAURE: 1922 ON THE SQUARE, KOKOSING GAP TRAIL: KOKOSING GAP TRAIL, CIRCLEVILLE PUMPKIN SHOW: STEVE THOMPSON

Mitchell’s Be rries and Bl ooms

Circleville Pumpkin Show

Explore Ohio’s bounty at these spots. Fill your plate with

farm-to-table goodness at Mitchell’s Berries and Blooms in Plain City where you can pick asparagus, edamame, strawberries, raspberries, and daffodils to take home. Find the perfect jack-o’-lantern at Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm in Radnor, named the nation’s best by USA Today readers. Embrace autumn during the Circleville Pumpkin Show on Oct. 21–24. Savor the seasons in Marion at Lawrence Orchards, growers of 26 varieties of apples, along with pumpkins, squash, and even Christmas trees. OHIO.ORG

Central

NOT

ABLE OHIOAN

Stay Awhile Unique spots to make your trip even more special.

Settle in like a pioneer — but with all the comforts of home — at the Ohio Log House Bed & Breakfast in Canal Winchester. Stay in an original log cabin and take in the scenic views from Amish-built rocking chairs on the porch.

Page Turner Lauren Hagan

CEO, COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY

Rough it in style at Harding Cabin in Deer Creek State Park in Mount Sterling. The cabin was built at the close of World War I and contains original furnishings and modern conveniences. Or stay at Deer Creek Lodge, where the rooms have picturesque lake views. Down a cold one with your four-legged friend by your side at Doghouse Columbus Hotel (above) at BrewDog in Canal Winchester. Each room in the world’s first hotel inside a brewery has draft beer taps and beer-stocked fridges.

How did you become passionate about books? I loved going to the library, especially when school was out during the annual Summer Reading Club. I enjoyed reading The Baby-Sitter’s Club and Sweet Valley High series and am thrilled they’ve made a comeback.

Why is reading important? The value of reading for kids and adults is just

so fundamental and foundational. When you’re able to develop a love of reading and engage with books about different topics as an adult, it helps you build empathy, curiosity, and connection with other people.

Who are your favorite Ohio authors? I was a fan of

Goosebumps as a kid, so I put R.L. Stine on my list. A recent Ohio author I really like is Maggie Smith, who wrote You Could Make This Place Beautiful: A Memoir. And of course, Toni Morrison is iconic. Her books are tremendous and stand the test of time.

What are your favorite Columbus attractions? I love

Topiary Park (right). It’s the most beautiful park in Columbus. German Village is one of my favorite places. It’s quaint with great restaurants, shopping, and beautiful architecture.

82 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Dolly's Pick

Follow the adventures of Governor Mike DeWine’s Springer Spaniel Dolly on Instagram, then treat yourself and your favorite pup with a walk on the 4.6-mile Big Walnut Trail along Big Walnut Creek in Gahanna, followed by a stop at Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery for sweets both of you will love.

DOLLY: ANGELA STIFTAR LAUREN HAGAN: EMMA PARKER, DOGHOUSE COLUMBUS HOTEL: DOGHOUSE COLUMBUS HOTEL, TOPIARY PARK: MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD

Lauren Hagan can’t recall not being passionate about the printed word. As CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, the Hilliard native administers the library system’s 23 locations — and helps the annual Columbus Book Festival attract authors from around the country.

Alum Creek State Park in Delaware @ohstateparks

The Berry Farm in Richwood @unioncountyoh

Ohio State Fair in Columbus @ohiostatefair

OhioTheHeartofitAll

Use these listings, organized by county seat, to plan your next Ohio getaway. BELLEFONTAINE AREA

Things to Do

Indian Lake State Park 13156 St. Rte. 235 N., Lakeview 937-843-2717, ohiodnr.gov

Logan County History Center 521 E. Columbus Ave., Bellefontaine 937-593-7557, loganhistory.org Marmon Valley Farm 7754 St. Rte. 292 S., Zanesfield 937-593-8000, marmonvalley.com

COLUMBUS AREA

Visit Gahanna

110 Mill St., Gahanna 614-418-9114, visitgahanna.com

Local Resources

Destination Canal Winchester 10 S. High St., Canal Winchester 614-270-5053, destinationcw.org Destination Grandview 820 Goodale Blvd., Grandview Heights 614-453-4295, destinationgrandview.org

Experience Columbus

629 N. High St., Ste. 400, Columbus 866-397-2657, experiencecolumbus.com

CIRCLEVILLE AREA

Plan an unforgettable trip to Gahanna, home of the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Columbus, enjoy beautiful parks and miles of trails. Sip your way through the Herbal Cocktail Trail and discover how Gahanna became the Herb Capital of Ohio at the Ohio Herb Center.

Things to Do

A & R Alpaca Farm and Store 10981 U.S.-22, Williamsport 614-361-8789, openherd.com/farms/492 A.W. Marion State Park 7317 Warner Huffer Rd., Circleville 740-869-3124, ohiodnr.gov Canal Park 23352 Canal Rd., Circleville 740-420-5451, pickawaycountyparks.org Deer Creek Lodge & Conference Center 22300 St. Park Rd. 20, Mount Sterling 740-869-2020, deercreekstateparklodge.com

Visit Grove City Columbus shines as one of Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Top 10 Best Big Cities in the U.S. From its top-tier culinary offerings to the iconic North Market, Columbus is a destination that delivers unforgettable experiences. Start exploring at experiencecolumbus.com.

Manchester Hill Winery 13160 Tarlton Rd., Circleville 845-893-8724, manchesterhill.com

Experience Worthington 777 High St., Worthington 614-841-2545, experienceworthington.com

Mount Oval Historic House and Farm 3601 Emerson Rd., Circleville 740-474-1495, pickawayhistoricalsociety.org

Visit Dublin, Ohio 9 S. High St., Dublin 614-792-7666, visitdublinohio.com

Ohio’s Small Town Museum 34 Long St., Ashville 740-983-9864, ohiosmalltownmuseum.org

4060 Broadway, Grove City 614-539-8747, visitgrovecity.com

Plan an Altogether Adventure® in Grove City — a welcoming getaway where outdoor adventure meets small-town charm. Explore scenic parks, unique local shops, delicious eats, and art and history throughout the community. Whether you crave relaxation or excitement, start planning your warm, memorable Grove City escape today.

above: OHIO.ORG

Central

Things to Do

American Primate Educational Sanctuary 8380 Kennedy Rd., Blacklick 614-657-8944, apesohio.weebly.com Anthony-Thomas Candy Company Tour 1777 Arlingate Ln., Columbus 614-274-8405, anthony-thomas.com Art in Public Places 7125 Riverside Dr., Dublin 614-889-7444, visitdublinohio.com Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway 614-370-6254, metroparks.net Columbus Fashion Academy 122 N. Grant Ave., Columbus 614-975-0149, columbusfashionacademy.com Columbus Food Adventures 201 W. Hubbard Ave., Columbus 614-440-3177, columbusfoodadventures.com COSI 333 W. Broad St., Columbus 614-228-2674, cosi.org Early Television Museum 5396 Franklin St., Hilliard 614-771-0510, earlytelevision.org Echo Spirits Distilling Co. 985 W. Sixth Ave., Columbus 614-725-1955, echospirits.com Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus 614-715-8000, fpconservatory.org/ German Village Tours German Village, Columbus 614-642-8687, germanvillagetours.com Grange Insurance Audubon Center 505 W. Whittier St., Columbus 614-545-5480, grange.audubon.org Grove City Brewing Company 3946 Broadway, Grove City 614-991-0338, grovecitybrewingcompany.com Land-Grant Brewing Co. 424 W. Town St., Columbus 614-427-3946, landgrantbrewing.com LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus 157 Easton Town Center, Columbus 614-407-7721, legolanddiscoverycenter.com/columbus LVL UP Sports Paintball Park 5390 Harrisburg Pike, Grove City 614-313-1382, lvlupsports.com Middle West Spirits 1230 Courtland Ave., Columbus 614-947-1231, middlewestspirits.com National Veterans Memorial and Museum 300 W. Broad St., Columbus 614-362-2800, nationalvmm.org Nostalgia Brewing 81 Mill St., Gahanna 614-934-7039, nostalgiabrewing.com Ohio Craft Museum 1665 W. Fifth Ave., Columbus 614-486-4402, ohiocraft.org Ohio Statehouse 1 Capitol Square, Columbus 614-752-9777, ohiostatehouse.org Scioto Grove Metro Park 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City 614-949-1078, metroparks.net Thurber House 77 Jefferson Ave., Columbus 614-464-1032, thurberhouse.org

84 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

DELAWARE AREA

Things to Do

Alum Creek State Park 3305 S. Old State Rd., Delaware 740-548-4631, ohiodnr.gov The Arts Castle 190 W. Winter St., Delaware 740-369-2787, artscastle.org Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell 614-645-3400, columbuszoo.org Delaware State Park 5202 U.S. Rte. 23 N., Delaware 740-548-4631, ohiodnr.gov Gallant Woods Park 2151 Buttermilk Hill Rd., Delaware 740-524-8600, preservationparks.com Henmick Farm & Brewery 4380 N. Old State Rd., Delaware 864-301-5514, facebook.com/henmickfarmbrewery Ill Mannered Brewing Company 38 Grace Dr., Powell 614-859-6819, illmanneredbeer.com Mac Worthington Sculpture Park, Studio & Gallery 5935 Houseman Rd., Ostrander 614-582-6788, macworthington.com Nocterra Brewing Company 41 Depot St., Powell 614-896-8000, nocterrabrewing.com

Things to Do AHA! A Hands-On Adventure, A Children’s Museum 1708 River Valley Circle S., Lancaster 740-653-1010, aha4kids.org Gay Fad Studios and Glass Museum 137 W. Main St., Lancaster 740-277-6883, gayfadstudios.com Ohio Glass Museum & Glass Blowing Studio 124 W. Main St., Lancaster 740-687-0101, ohioglassmuseum.org Rockside Winery & Vineyards 2363 Lancaster Newark Rd., Lancaster 740-687-4414, rocksidewinery.com

LONDON AREA

Things to Do Madison Lake State Park 4860 E. Park Dr., London 740-869-3124, ohiodnr.gov

MARION AREA

Local Resources Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

198 W. Center St., Marion 740-389-9770, visitmarionohio.com

Old Dog Alehouse & Brewery 13 W. William St., Delaware 740-990-4506, olddogalehouse.com Olentangy Caverns 1779 Home Rd., Delaware 740-548-7917, olentangycaverns.com Perkins Observatory 3199 U.S. Rte. 23 S., Delaware 740-363-1257, owu.edu/perkins Restoration Brew Worx 25 N. Sandusky St., Delaware 740-990-7120, restorationbrewworx.com Staas Brewing Company 31 W. Winter St., Delaware 740-417-4690, staasbrewing.com Stratford Ecological Center 3083 Liberty Rd., Delaware 740-363-2548, stratfordecologicalcenter.org Topgolf Columbus 2000 Ikea Way, Columbus 614-317-1003, topgolf.com/us/columbus Zoombezi Bay 4850 Powell Rd., Powell 614-645-3400, zoombezibay.com

LANCASTER AREA

Local Resources Escape To Buckeye Lake

4894 Walnut Rd., Buckeye Lake, 740-438-2502, escapetobuckeyelake.com

Things to Do

Bluefusion Fun Center 1340 Mt. Vernon Ave., Marion 740-914-6092, bluefusionfun.com Harding Presidential Library & Museum 355 E. Church St., Marion 740-387-9630, hardingpresidentialsites.org Lincoln Park Family Aquatic Center 879 N. Prospect St., Marion 740-387-2118, marionohio.us/aquatics Wyandot Popcorn Museum 169 E. Church St., Marion 740-387-4255, wyandotpopcornmus.com

MARYSVILLE AREA

Local Resources Visit Union County Ohio

109 E. Fifth St., Marysville 937-642-6279, unioncountyoh.com

Time tends to lose its edge at Buckeye Lake, where communities along the shoreline feel lived-in, welcoming, and refreshingly unpretentious. Days unfold naturally with boating, patio meals, live music, and shoreline strolls.

Visit Fairfield County

128 N. Broad St., Lancaster 740-654-5929, visitfairfieldcounty.org Covered bridges, creative energy, and easygoing charm set the scene. Just beyond Columbus and at the doorstep of the Hocking Hills, Fairfield County serves up local flavors, craft brews, wineries, indie shopping, and legendary glass heritage.

Naturally crafted experiences come to life in Union County with picturesque covered bridges, hands-on U-Pick farms, local wineries and breweries, historic downtowns, trails, festivals, pastoral landscapes, and unexpected moments.

Central

Things to Do

Dalton Union Winery & Brewery 21100 Shirk Rd., Marysville 937-645-5889, daltonunion.com

MOUNT GILEAD AREA

Things to Do

Groovy Plants Ranch 4140 Co. Rd. 15, Marengo 740-675-2681, groovyplantsranch.com Mt. Gilead State Park 4119 St. Rte. 95, Mount Gilead 419-946-1961, ohiodnr.gov

MOUNT VERNON AREA

Local Resources Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau

501 S. Main St., Mount Vernon 740-392-6102, visitknoxohio.org

Let the backroads do the talking. Wide open spaces and scenic miles of trails call for the curious. Creative arts and exhilarating performances call for the inspired. Beyond one day, one show, or one mile, there’s more to Knox. #visitknoxohio

Things to Do KnoxView Farm Winery 7524 Phillips Rd., Fredericktown 740-694-4019, knoxviewfarmwinery.com

NEWARK AREA

Local Resources Explore Licking County 10 W. Main St., Newark 740-345-8224, explorelc.org

Start your Licking County adventure at the Sullivan Welcome Center in downtown Newark. This unique creation by Louis Sullivan houses Explore Licking County and should be your first stop for discovering all the attractions in Licking County.

Things to Do

DankHouse Brewing Co. 161 Forry St., Newark 740-915-6413, dankhousebrewing.com

Choose from over 50 sites for exploring, learning and more.

FIND AN ADVENTURE NEAR YOU!

Three Oaks Vineyard LLC 1591 Crosley Rd., Granville 740-535-6257, threeoaksvineyard.com Weathervane Playhouse 100 Price Rd., Newark 740-366-4616, weathervaneplayhouse.org OHIO.ORG

Work Play

pictured: Hike to Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills State Park in Logan. left, top to bottom: Celebrate the holidays in downtown Cambridge. Tour the Columbus Washboard Company in Logan. Take a stroll through time in Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton.

HOCKING HILLS STATE PARK: HIKING WITH HYKES, GUERNSEY COUNTY COURTHOUSE HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW: CAMBRIDGE GUERNSEY VCB, COLUMBUS WASHBOARD COMPANY: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, HISTORIC ROSCOE VILLAGE: CASEY REARICK

Live

Southeast BY WENDY + MIKE PRAMIK

COSHOCTON CAMBRIDGE 70

ST. CLAIRSVILLE

ZANESVILLE NEW LEXINGTON

WAVERLY

CALDWELL

WOODSFIELD

McCONNELSVILLE

LOGAN CHILLICOTHE

MARIETTA

McARTHUR ATHENS POMEROY

JACKSON

PORTSMOUTH

GALLIPOLIS

IRONTON

Top 20 Bucket List

Put these iconically Ohio spots on your must-see list.

Put a Fork in it

90 Charming Towns 92

These restaurants will leave you with a taste for more. Experience the warmth of Ohioans in these communities.

Notable Ohioan

Meet the founder of Passion Works Studio who helps grow the official flower of Athens.

Stay Awhile

Travel Inspiration

Unique spots to make your trip even more special. Additional places to explore in the region.

Freelance writers Wendy and Mike Pramik have a passion for exploring Ohio with their children, Rosie and Max. Learn more about their journeys at Ohio.org.

OHIO.ORG

Southeast

Top 20

Bucket List

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Rev your engines at Wayne National Forest near Athens, home to 145 miles of off-highway trails. Explore 250,000 acres of Appalachian foothills on ATVs, Jeeps, and dirt bikes. Play cowboy at Dogwood Pass in Beaver, a replica Wild West town with 30 frontier buildings, live reenactments, and a Roy Rogers Museum tucked into the hills. Learn with Bigfoot at the Salt Fork Eco-Discovery Center in Lore City. Take part in interactive exhibits, see live animals, and get sustainability tips — all guided by Ohio’s most legendary, big-footed tour companion. Discover frontier history at the Campus Martius Museum in Marietta, where Ohio’s first settlement comes to life. See a 1780s cabin, view ancient Adena and Hopewell artifacts, and learn stories nearly as old as the nation. Spark curiosity at Candyland Children’s Museum in Portsmouth, where kids build, race, and play in interactive exhibits. From wind tubes to farm-to-table play, every corner fosters creativity and teamwork. Saddle up at Ben’s Happy Trails in Otway for a horseback ride through Shawnee State Forest. Family-owned stables, gentle horses, and wooded trails make for classic adventures. Experience epic theater at Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama in Chillicothe, where pyrotechnics and a massive stage tell the famed Shawnee leader’s story. Sit beneath the stars and watch history come alive every summer. Step back in time at Historic Roscoe Village, a restored canal town in Coshocton. Stroll the cobblestone streets to meet craftspeople and stop in the charming shops, then learn about history at the JohnsonHumrickhouse Museum. Paddle the Muskingum River Water Trail from Dresden to Marietta along Ohio’s longest navigable river. Float past hand-operated locks, spot wildlife, and camp riverside along this 112-mile scenic stretch.

Roadside Photo Ops

OHIO. THE THE HEART HEART OFOF IT IT ALL. ALL. 88 OHIO. XX

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Explore The Wilds in Cumberland where rhinos, giraffes, and cheetahs thrive on 10,000 acres. Ride open-air Jeeps, zip above animal pastures, and spend the night in a yurt. Tour the Ohio River Scenic Byway, which spans 14 counties in southern Ohio. Rent an Indian motorcycle at North Star Polaris in St. Clairsville to cruise the byway in style. Hike to hidden waterfalls at Piatt Park near Woodsfield, where trails wind past caves, mossy cliffs, and old-growth trees, leading to cascading falls tucked inside a natural gorge. Cast a line at Seneca Lake in Noble and Guernsey counties, Ohio’s third-largest inland lake. Spend the day fishing, boating, splashing at the kids’ water pad, or hiking scenic trails. Cruise history at REACT Memorial Park in Coshocton, where the horse-drawn canal boat Monticello III travels through the canal. Step through restored locks to get an idea of how boats traveled in the 1800s, then hop on the canal boat. Challenge yourself at High Rock Adventures in Rockbridge, offering rappelling, rock climbing, and eco-tours. Squeeze through rock passages, try nature therapy, or solve a quirky Bigfoot-themed escape challenge. Trek into one of Ohio’s deepest gorges at Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve in Rockbridge, where sandstone cliffs rise 200 feet above the valley floor. The beauty is open to all abilities, as part of the trail is wheelchair accessible. Soar Superman-style at Hocking Hills Canopy Tours in Rockbridge, where the SuperZip ranks among the world’s best. Fly face-first across sandstone cliffs and forest valleys — high-flying bragging rights included! Stargaze at John Glenn Astronomy Park in Logan, where dark skies reveal galaxies, Saturn’s rings, and lunar craters. Peer through telescopes during weekend programs for dazzling cosmic views. Tap your toes at the Ohio Valley Opry in Belpre, where 25+ years of country, gospel, and bluegrass shows keep crowds clapping and singing along. Shape glass at Jack Pine Studio in Laurelville, where you can turn molten glass into pumpkins, ornaments, or hearts. Shop for vibrant creations or craft a masterpiece of your own.

Snap a photo beside the World’s Largest Acorn in Oak Hill. The massive 3,000-pound acorn in Central Memorial Park is a 12-foot nutty nod to the town’s oak-tree roots.

Step inside the Big Muskie’s (left) 240-ton bucket at Miners Memorial Park in Jesse Owens State Park in McConnelsville, imagining the colossal dragline that once scooped hundreds of tons daily.

Marvel at 4,500 quirky pencil sharpeners — from Mickey Mouse to space shuttles — at the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum in Logan. It’s the only collection of its kind in the world.

TECUMSEH! OUTDOOR DRAMA, BIG MUSKIE: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, DOGWOOD PASS: PIKE COUNTY CVB, CAMPUS MARTIUS MUSEUM: MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD, HISTORIC ROSCOE VILLAGE, MONTICELLO III: VISIT COSCHOTON, SENECA LAKE: MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, CONKLES HOLLOW STATE NATURE PRESERVE: LAURA SOWERS, HOCKING HILLS CANOPY TOURS: HOCKING HILLS CANOPY TOURS, JOHN GLENN ASTRONOMY PARK: BRAD HOEHNE, JACK PINE STUDIO: JACK PINE STUDIO

Put these iconically Ohio spots on your list.

OHIO.ORG

Southeast

Put a Fork in it

These eateries have a flair for food that will leave you with a taste for more. International Plates From sushi to shawarma, southeast Ohio’s global flavors shine. Mizu Sushi and Grill in Zanesville plates artfully presented rolls, hibachi favorites, and steaming bento boxes. In Athens, Restaurant Salaam takes patrons on a culinary journey from the Mediterranean to South Asia — think gyros, lamb wraps, curries, and tiramisu — served with worldly flair and small-town warmth.

Seek out O’ Betty’s Red Hot in Athens, where they turn the humble hot dog into edible art. Try the Varla, topped with bacon and horseradish sauce, then tour the quirky Hot Dog Museum. In Gallipolis, The Colony reimagines a historic theater as a lively restaurant, serving burgers, tacos, and decadent cakes under the glow of the silver screen.

Sweet Bakeries Fresh-baked traditions rise daily at Kennedy’s Bakery in Cambridge, a local favorite since 1925. Give into temptation with cookies, doughnuts, and cakes. Come for breakfast or lunch to Country Crust Bakery in Bainbridge, baking up Amish-inspired pies, cobblers, apple fritters, and sandwiches on fresh-made pretzel buns.

Local Favorites For hometown flavor, grab a Butterbeer Latte or café au lait at River Roasters Coffee Company in Pomeroy, where beans are roasted on site in small batches by founders Larry and Candice Hess. In Waverly, Diner 23 dishes up pork tenderloin sandwiches, hearty soups, and an all-day breakfast menu in a retro, chrome-trimmed setting that feels straight out of the 1950s. pictured: Enjoy the salads at Restaurant Salaam. right, top to bottom: Start your day at Diner 23. Make your taste buds happy at Kennedy’s Bakery. Try the creative flatbreads at Vinberige Vineyards.

90 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Sipping Spots Stay a while at Vinberige Vineyards near Thornville to enjoy panoramic vineyard views with a glass of semisweet Old Henry red and a tasty flatbread or wrap. Nearby in Frankfort, Austin Mill Brewing Company pours a flight of inventive craft beers for travelers, cyclists, and hikers along the Paint Creek Recreational Trail.

RESTAURANT SALAAM: JOEL PRINCE, DINER 23, TOM’S ICE CREAM BOWL: BETH FLICK, VINBERIGE VINEYARDS: PERRY COUNTY CVB, KENNEDY’S BAKERY: RICK LEE, ROWDY’S SMOKEHOUSE: ROWDY’S SMOKEHOUSE, OHIO PAWPAW FESTIVAL: OHIO PAWPAW FESTIVAL, MICHAEL’S ICE CREAM: MICHAEL’S ICE CREAM, PARKSIDE ICE CREAMERY: KEVIN KOPANSKI

Quirky Spots

ture Flavors Signa Southeast Ohio fires up its reputation with smoky barbecue — a mouthwatering staple of tender meats, tangy sauces, and hearty sides. Pile your plate high at Rowdy’s Smokehouse (RIGHT) in Jackson with brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and classic sides. The hearty sampler lets you try it all. Dig into hickory-smoked brisket, turkey, or pork at Millstone BBQ in Logan. Try the Smokehouse Quesadilla, stuffed with pulled pork, tomatoes, onions and cheese. Sink your teeth into hickory-smoked ribs, pork tenderloin sandwiches that spill off the plate, and Angus steaks at The Scioto Ribber in Portsmouth.

Travel Tip: Savor a pawpaw slathered in barbecue sauce at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival on Sept. 18–20 in Albany. Ohio’s native fruit is featured in everything from beer and ice cream to burritos.

We All Scream for Ice Cream Satisfy your sweet tooth at these spots located along Ohio’s Ice Cream Trail. Can’t make up your mind about which of the 80+ flavors to try at Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream in St. Clairsville? Opt for the four-scoop flight. Don’t miss the Bubble Sundae at Michael’s Ice Cream (above left) , a local favorite in Jackson since 1909. It’s a crave-worthy combo of house-made chocolate syrup on French vanilla ice cream, topped with marshmallow cream and crushed peanuts. Visit the old-fashioned walk-up stand at Minford Dairy Bar for soft serve, thick shakes, root beer floats, and Dole Whip. Return in the fall for pumpkin shakes.

Enjoy 30 hand-dipped flavors at ParkSide Ice Creamery (above right) in Chillicothe. Order it in a house-made waffle cone or over hot Amish apple dumplings. Beloved since the 1950s, Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl in Zanesville serves ice cream in soup bowls and cones. Try butter pecan or champagne sherbet. Take home fresh-roasted nuts and handmade chocolates. Order burgers and hot dogs along with shakes at The Shakery in Ironton, a 75-year-old local favorite. Try the Elvis, a mix of bananas, peanut butter, and graham cracker crumbles.

Ice Cream & Happiness Go Together!

Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl OHIO.ORG

g n i T m o r w a n h s C

Southeast

Experience the warmth of Ohioans when you stay in these charming communities.

Chillicothe

As Ohio’s first capital, Chillicothe blends deep historical roots with modern charm, offering landmark sites, hearty dining, and inviting stays in the foothills of Appalachia. WHERE TO PLAY Tour Adena Mansion & Gardens, the gorgeous home of Thomas Worthington, Ohio’s sixth governor, and see the views that inspired the state seal. Visit June 13–14 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with Brigade of the American Revolution. Step back in time at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, Ohio’s World Heritage Site that honors the Native American culture. Start at the visitor center at Mound City, where you can talk with park rangers before setting off to the other nearby locales.

WHERE TO DINE Feast on smoky brisket, ribs, and hearty sandwiches at Old Canal Smoke House, a welcoming downtown eatery tucked inside a restored 1850s forge. Sixteen taps showcase local craft beers, with growlers and rare bottles to take home. Enjoy chef-driven fare, craft cocktails, and Ohio brews at The Pour House at Machinery Hall. This 1881 landmark offers a rooftop terrace, along with creative options like their bourbon burger, blackened shrimp tacos, and raspberry black bean dip. WHERE TO STAY Set in a Federal-style home once owned by Boston Tea Party patriot Nathaniel Willis, The Willis-James Bed & Breakfast blends historic charm with a gourmet breakfast. Also just steps from downtown attractions, Atwood House Bed & Breakfast is a Greek Revival beauty from 1843, offering elegant décor and farm-fresh breakfasts.

More Ways to Play in Chillicothe 92 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

pictured: Make everyone in the family happy at The Pour House at Machinery Hall. right, top to bottom: Enjoy the scenic views at Georgetown Vineyards. Take a river ride on a sternwheeler. Relax in comfort at the Hackett Hotel.

Cambridge Set in the heart of Guernsey County, Cambridge blends hometown appeal with scenic trails, open-air adventure, and a lively food scene. WHERE TO PLAY Explore three floors of food vendors and co-working space when Midtown Market opens in 2026. Originally a car dealership built in 1920, it will offer up plenty of local flavor under one roof. Walk or cycle along the Great Guernsey Trail, a scenic paved rail-trail stretching from East Cambridge to Lore City. New for 2026, it will extend into downtown. WHERE TO DINE Enjoy lunch or dinner at The Forum, a fourth-generation favorite serving Greek and Italian specialties, hearty steaks, and classic burgers in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. Relax on the patio at Georgetown Vineyards & Tavern with a glass of their wine, craft beer, or a cooling adult slushee, best paired with one of the chef’s wood-fired pizzas. WHERE TO STAY Retreat to Black Bear Holler, a log home on 10 wooded acres with two private fishing ponds — a true back-to-nature escape. Choose a cabin or stay in the lodge at Salt Fork State Park Lodge. Hike along the many trails, stroll the whimsical Storybook Trail, and snap a selfie with Sasquatch, the park’s legendary guest.

Marietta

Great Guer nsey

Trail

Founded in 1788 as Ohio’s first city, Marietta charms visitors with cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a scenic riverside setting at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers. WHERE TO PLAY Set off on Major/Riviera or Valley Gem — both sternwheelers, cruising April through December with dinner theater, jazz outings, fall foliage tours, and guided history cruises. Sharpen your culinary skills and shop for cooking tools at The Cook’s Shop. One of many unique downtown boutiques, this shop offers hands-on cooking classes along with a full selection of cookware, bakeware, linens, and more.

STATE SEAL, FARM & FIELD GRAPHIC: ANGELA STIFTAR THE POUR HOUSE AT MACHINERY HALL: KEVIN KOPANSKI, GEORGETOWN VINEYARDS, HACKETT HOTEL, THE GALLEY: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, STERNWHEELER: CASEY REARICK, GREAT GUERNSEY TRAIL: CASSIE MOYER / HOCKING HILLS PORTRAITS, DICKINSON CATTLE COMPANY: CARRIE LARGENT

WHERE TO DINE A favorite of locals, the Busy Bee Restaurant in historic Harmar Village serves up farm-to-table breakfasts like Spicy Benedict on jalapeño cornbread and a rich lobster omelet. Dig into seafood, steaks, and creative pasta dishes at Levee House Bistro. Sit inside the historic building that dates to 1826 or get an in-demand seat outside to take in views of the Ohio River. WHERE TO STAY Sleep with views of the Ohio River at the historic Lafayette Hotel, a riverboat-era style hotel. Ask for one of the balcony rooms to take in views of downtown and the river. Perched above The Galley (above right), one of the city’s top restaurants, the Hackett Hotel offers five well-appointed rooms in its 1899 historic building.

Dickinson Cattle Company

Get up close with some of Ohio’s friendliest cows!

Take a guided tour of Dutton Cattle Company, a working ranch in St. Clairsville, where you can meet the friendly herd and spend the night surrounded by rolling pastures. Get your camera ready for plenty of photo ops at Dickinson Cattle Company in Barnesville, a sprawling Belmont County ranch that’s home to majestic longhorn cows. Experience pure pastoral charm in the Hocking Hills at Pfarr Farms Scottish Highlands in Laurelville, where you can bottle-feed calves and brush the shaggy coats of Highland cattle. OHIO.ORG

Southeast

NOTA

BLE OHIOAN

Stay Awhile Unique spots to make your trip even more special.

Experience small-town charm at The Inns at 8th and Main in McConnelsville, where two historic residences — one once a stagecoach stop — now offer boutique accommodations, modern touches, and a welcoming breakfast. Gather with friends or family at Somerset’s Groovy Craft Shack Retreat, a colorful ranch with a 1970s vibe. Outfitted for both painters and crafters alike, it’s a playful spot to relax and create.

Patty Mitchell is the executive director of Passion Works Studio in Athens, an inclusive art space that unites people of all abilities through creativity and collaboration. Its signature piece, the Passion Flower — crafted from repurposed aluminum printing plates and recognized as Athens’ official flower — has sold more than 35,000 pieces. Since you founded Passion Works in 1998, what are you most proud of? Working with Passion Works artists and experiencing their growth, confidence, and talent. We’ve grown into our collaborative approach, and our aesthetic is identifiable to the studio and Athens, Ohio.

How do you keep coming up with ideas? The more you do, the more you make, the more you think up new ideas. Our community participates in projects and brings great ideas.

What are your favorite moments? The joy in the studio — seeing people happy to work together and watching everything magically fall into place.

What does the Passion Flower’s recognition mean to you? It means a piece of our artwork represents our community and captures the spirit of Athens, which is a special place.

OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Dolly's Pick

Follow the adventures of Governor Mike DeWine’s Springer Spaniel Dolly on Instagram, then treat yourself and your pup with a walk along the 10-mile trail to Moonville Tunnel near Zaleski State Forest, sniffing along old railroad lines through scenic woods. This National Register landmark recalls Moonville’s ghost town past.

PATTY MITCHELL: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, HOCKING HILLS TREEHOUSE CABINS: HOCKING HILLS TREEHOUSE CABINS

Patty Mitchell

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PASSION WORKS STUDIO

DOLLY: ANGELA STIFTAR

Flower Power

Unwind at Hocking Hills Treehouse Cabins (above) in South Bloomingville, where eight elevated hideaways blend forest views with creature comforts. Each includes a wood-fired hot tub, and pets are invited to join the adventure.

Tra vel Insp irati on Lake Alma State Park in Wellston @ohiodnr

Fall View of Marietta @visitmariettaohio

Hocking Hills State Park in Logan @brucecooperwayne

OhioTheHeartofitAll

Use these listings, organized by county seat, to plan your next Ohio getaway. ATHENS AREA

Local Resources

GoBus 3 Cardaras Dr., Glouster 888-954-6287, ridegobus.com

Visit Athens County

667 E. State St., Athens 740-592-1819, athensohio.com

Pleasant Hill Vineyards 5015 Pleasant Hill Rd., Athens 740-502-3525, pleasanthillvineyardsllc.com

Noble County Historical Jail & Museum 419 West St., Caldwell 740-732-5288, visitnoblecountyohio.com

Strouds Run State Park 11661 State Park Rd., Athens 740-594-2628, ohiodnr.gov

Thorla-McKee Park St. Rte. 78 and St. Rte. 564, Caldwell 740-732-4645, visitnoblecountyohio.com

Wolftree Winery 13526 Swett Hollow Rd., Millfield 740-448-3009, wolftreewinery.com

CAMBRIDGE AREA

CALDWELL AREA

Local Resources Noble County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Local Resources Cambridge/Guernsey County Convention & Visitors Bureau

627 Wheeling Ave., Ste. 200, Cambridge 740-432-2022, visitguernseycounty.com

419 West St., Caldwell 740-732-5288, visitnoblecountyohio.com

Abundant with outdoor adventures, inspiring arts, and culture — Athens County offers something for everyone. Enjoy the uniquely local food, live entertainment, and nightlife in this beautiful college town setting. Experience the hospitality of our friendly community. We think you’ll find “it’s more than a place. It’s a place to belong.”

Things to Do Dutch Creek Winery 12157 St. Rte. 690, Athens 740-818-4699, dutchcreekwinery.com Jackie O’s Public House Restaurant 22 W. Union St., Athens 740-592-9686, jackieos.com Jackie O’s Taproom 25 Campbell St., Athens 740-447-9063, jackieos.com

Noble County was the last of Ohio’s 88 counties formed in 1851 using portions of Guernsey, Morgan, Monroe, and Washington counties. Use one of Caldwell’s fine hotels or Skyline Resorts for your home base as you explore southeastern Ohio, known for its rich history, outdoor recreation, and beautiful scenery.

Things to Do

Caldwell Lake 47044 Caldwell Lake Rd., Caldwell 740-732-4645, caldwellohio.org

Stars, stripes, and small-town charm await in Cambridge/ Guernsey County! Bring the entire family to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with fun events, historic sites, and cultural attractions. Experience points of interest like Salt Fork State Park, Seneca Lake, The Wilds, The National Road, and much more!

Things to Do Salt Fork Lodge & Conference Center Route 22 E., Cambridge 740-435-9000, saltforkparklodge.com

OHIO.ORG

Southeast Salt Fork State Park 14755 Cadiz Rd., Lore City 740-439-3521, ohiodnr.gov

Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe 866-775-0700, tecumsehdrama.com

French Art Colony 530 First Ave., Gallipolis 740-446-3834, frenchartcolony.org

Seneca Lake Park and Marina 22172 Park Rd., Senecaville 740-685-6013, mwcd.org

Tobacco Barn Hollow Preserve 700 Ewing Rd., Bainbridge 937-365-1935, arcofappalachia.org/ visit-tobacco-barn-hollow

Gallia Hike & Bike Trail Southeast Ohio, Gallipolis 740-446-6882, visitgallia.com

CHILLICOTHE AREA

Water’s Edge Canoe Livery 10807 St. Rte. 772, Chillicothe 740-779-3339, wecanoelivery.com

Local Resources

Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau 230 N. Plaza Blvd., Chillicothe 740-702-7677, visitchillicotheohio.com

Yoctangee Park Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe 740-772-5626, chillicotheoh.gov

Things to Do

COSHOCTON AREA

Adena Mansion & Gardens 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe 740-772-1500, ohiohistory.org Atomic Speedway 2535 Blain Hwy., Waverly 740-703-9749, atomicspeedway.net

Local Resources Coshocton Visitors Bureau

432 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton 740-622-4877, visitcoshocton.com

Gallipolis Railroad Freight Station Museum 918 Third Ave., Gallipolis 740-446-6882, gallipolisrailroad.org Gatewood Trail System 10 Bevo Francis Way, Rio Grande 740-446-6882, visitgallia.com/gatewood-trail-system John Gee Black Historical Center 48 Pine St., Gallipolis 740-578-9692, johngeeblackhistory.com Lambert Lands Memorial Greenlee Rd., Vinton 740-446-6882, visitgallia.com/lambert-lands-memorial Madog Center for Welsh Studies Corner of St. Rte. 325 and Lake Dr., Rio Grande 740-245-7186, madog.rio.edu

Bell Farms Homestead 59 E. Water St., Chillicothe 740-773-2767, bellfarmschillicothe.com

Merry Family Winery 2376 St. Rte. 588, Bidwell 740-245-9463, visitgallia.com/merry-family-winery

Buzzard’s Roost Nature Preserve 514 Redbird Ln., Chillicothe 740-773-8794, rosscountyparkdistrict.com

Mound Hill Cemetery St. Rte. 141, Gallipolis 740-446-1789, visitgallia.com/mound-hill-cemetery

Chillicothe Paints 17273 St. Rte. 104, Chillicothe 740-773-8326, chillicothepaints.com

Ohio Tattoo Museum 1928 Jackson Pike, Bidwell 740-441-8190, bicknee.com/ohio-tattoo-museum

Chillicothe Railroad Museum N. Paint St. and W. Water St., Chillicothe 740-702-7675, visitchillicotheohio.com Christopher Hotels 240 N. Plaza Blvd., Chillicothe christopherhotels.com Dogwood Hills Golf Course 1193 Debord Rd., Chillicothe 740-663-2700, facebook.com Great Seal State Park 4908 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe 740-887-4818, ohiodnr.gov Hopewell Culture National Historical Park 16062 St. Rte. 104, Chillicothe 740-774-1126, nps.gov/hocu Lucy Hayes Heritage Center 90 W. Sixth Street., Chillicothe 740-775-5829, facebook.com Majestic Theatre 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe 740-772-2041, majesticchillicothe.net Mighty Children’s Museum 21 E. Fourth St., Chillicothe 740-773-6444, mightymuseum.org

Fill your glass on the Three Rivers Wine Trail or shop and dine in Historic Roscoe Village. Get outside at Clary Gardens, play Eagle Ridge Disc Golf, or go geocaching, camping, or kayaking. Attend festivals, concerts, and weekend canal boat rides.

Things to Do

JACKSON AREA

The Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum 300 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton 740-622-8710, jhmuseum.org

Lake Alma State Park 422 Lake Alma Rd., Wellston 740-384-4474, ohiodnr.gov

Rainbow Hills Winery, Brewery & Pizzeria 56280 U.S. Hwy. 36, West Lafayette 740-545-9305, rainbowhillswinery.com Three Rivers Wine Trail 432 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton 740-622-4877, threeriverswinetrailohio.com Wooly Pig Farm Brewery 23631 Township Rd. 167, Fresno 740-693-5050, woolypigfarmbrewery.com

GALLIPOLIS AREA

Paint Creek Recreational Trail South Central Ohio, Chillicothe 740-702-3085, tricountytriangletrail.org

Gallia County Convention & Visitors Bureau 441 Second Ave., Gallipolis 740-446-6882, visitgallia.com The Village of Adamsville 10854 St. Rte. 588, Rio Grande 740-245-5305, visitgallia.com/the-village-of-adamsville

Pump House Center for the Arts 1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe 740-772-5783, thepumphouse.art

Things to Do

Tar Hollow State Park 16396 Tar Hollow Rd., Laurelville 740-887-4818, ohiodnr.gov

96 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Things to Do

LOGAN AREA

Local Resources Hocking Hills Tourism Association 13178 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan 740-385-9706, explorehockinghills.com

Local Resources

Paxton Theatre 133 E. Main St., Bainbridge 740-634-3333, onthestage.tickets/paxton-theatre

Scioto Trail State Park 144 Lake Rd., Chillicothe 740-887-4818, ohiodnr.gov

Twisted Vine Family Vineyard 1375 Carter Rd., Patriot 740-256-1923, visitgallia.com/ twisted-vine-family-vineyard

Coshocton Ring Geotrail 432 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton 740-622-4877, visitcoshocton.com/geotrail

Millennium Grove 129 N. Plaza Blvd., Chillicothe 740-772-5626, millenniumgrove.org

Salt Creek Kayak Adventures 1062 Main St., Richmond Dale 740-785-7258, kayaksaltcreek.com

Our House Tavern Museum 432 First Ave., Gallipolis 740-446-0586, visitgallia.com/our-house-tavern

Ariel Opera House-Ariel Theatre 426 Second Ave., Gallipolis 740-446-2787, arieltheatre.org Bob Evans Restaurant 10854 St. Rte. 588, Rio Grande 740-245-5324, bobevans.com Cliffside Golf Course 100 Cliffside Dr., Gallipolis 740-446-4653, visitgallia.com/cliffside-golf-course

Southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills is a scenic wonderland, renowned for its lush forests, deep gorges, and enchanting waterfalls. Visitors can explore hiking trails and outdoor excursions galore. You’ll find cozy accommodations surrounded by nature to accommodate any size group.

Things to Do 58 West 58 W. Second St., Logan 740-216-5360, 58west.com

Southeast Hocking Hills Canopy Tours Zipline Adventure

Adventure Golf at Rempel’s Grove 12793 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan 740-385-0400, golfinthegrove.com

10714 Jackson St., Rockbridge 740-385-9477, zipohio.com

Brewery 33 Hocking Hills 12684 College Prospect Dr., Logan 740-385-6033, brewery33.com

MARIETTA AREA

Local Resources Marietta/Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau 241 Front St., Ste. 7, Marietta 740-373-5178, mariettaohio.org

Cabins by the Caves

16391 Rocky Fork Rd., Logan 877-322-2283, cabinsbythecaves.com

Hocking Hills Children’s Museum 78 W. Main St., Logan 740-216-4013, hhchildrensmuseum.org

Fox’s High Rock Farm 14977 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan 740-370-0800, foxshighrockfarm.com High Rock Adventures – Hocking Hills Ecotours 10108 Opossum Hollow Rd., Rockbridge 740-385-9886, highrockadventures.com Hocking Hills Brewing Company 60 W. Second St., Logan 614-204-9692, hockinghillsbrewingco.com Hocking Hills Canoe Livery 12789 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan 740-385-0523, hockingriver.com

Hocking Hills State Park 19852 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan 740-385-6842, ohiodnr.gov Hocking Hills State Park Lodge & Conference Center 20020 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan 740-270-6100, hockinghillsparklodge.com Hocking Hills Winery 30402 Freeman Rd., Logan 740-385-7117, hockinghillswinery.com Hocking House Fine Craft Gallery & Art Gardens 29580 Big Pine Rd., Logan 740-385-4166, hockinghouse.com Lake Logan State Park 30443 Lake Logan Rd., Logan 740-385-3842, ohiodnr.gov Valley View Hills Winery 29176 Klump Rd., Sugar Grove 740-746-8704, valleyviewhillswinery.com

and more

GET YOUR BOOTS AT THE

Whether you’re looking for a window into our nation’s dramatic history, a destination that offers exciting outdoor excursions, family-friendly activities, or a weekend of top-notch dining, shopping, and relaxation, Marietta has more fun than you ever knew small towns could hold. Plan your visit today!

Things to Do

The Adelphia Music Hall 205 Second St., Marietta 740-374-8278, galleyadelphiahackett.com The Anchorage 424 George St., Marietta 740-516-2258, wchshistory.org Broughtons Nature and Wildlife Education Area 639 St. Rte. 821, Marietta 740-374-9396, thebroughtonfoundation.org

45 E. Canal St. Nelsonville, OH 740.753.3130 Mon. - Sat. 9am - 7pm Sun. 10am - 6pm

BUY 1 GET 2 FREE *ON SELECT STYLES. BOOTS INCLUDED IN AD MAY NOT BE IN SALE

OHIO.ORG

Southeast Campus Martius Museum 601 Second St., Marietta 740-373-3750, mariettamuseums.org/campus-martius The Castle 418 Fourth St., Marietta 740-373-4180, mariettacastle.org Children’s Toy and Doll Museum 206 Gilman Ave., Marietta 740-373-5900, facebook.com/ childrenstoyanddollmuseum

McARTHUR AREA

Local Resources Discover Vinton County

104 W. Main St., McArthur 740-978-2510, discovervintoncounty.com

Clutch Collective MOV 152 Front St., Marietta 740-525-5510, clutchcollectivemov.com The Foam Garage 175 Post St., Marietta 740-706-1650, thefoamgarage.com Hardly Able Carriage Co. Front St., Marietta 304-869-3051, facebook.com/ hardly-able-carriage-company Henry Fearing House 131 Gilman Ave., Harmar Village, Marietta 740-373-9437, wchshistory.org Hidden Hills Orchard 5680 St. Rte. 26, Marietta 740-376-9170, hiddenhillsorchard.com Hidden Marietta 424 George St., Marietta 740-629-0033, hiddenmarietta.com Marietta Adventure Company 219-B Second St., Marietta 740-538-0801, mariettaadventurecompany.com Mid-Ohio Valley Players Theater 229 Putnam St., Marietta 740-374-9434, midohiovalleyplayers.org Mound Cemetery Fifth and Scammel St., Marietta 740-373-4180, mariettacastle.org

Vinton County offers a quieter kind of adventure. Wander forested trails, explore charming rural communities, and unwind in cozy cabins under some of Ohio’s darkest skies. Discover an authentic, down-to-earth destination where nature leads the way.

Things to Do Lake Hope State Park 27331 St. Rte. 278, McArthur 740-596-4938, ohiodnr.gov Uncle Buck’s Riding Stable and Dance Barn 73930 Buck Lane, New Marshfield 740-677-9032, unclebucksstable.com

McCONNELSVILLE AREA

Things to Do Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center 10660 Burr Oak Lodge Rd., Glouster 740-767-2112, stayburroak.com

Oliver Tucker Museum 401 Fifth St., Beverly 740-984-4037, olivertuckermuseum.com

Burr Oak State Park 10220 Burr Oak Lodge Rd., Glouster 740-767-3570, ohiodnr.gov

Peoples Bank Theatre 222 Putnam St., Marietta 740-373-0894, peoplesbanktheatre.com

NEW LEXINGTON AREA

Peoples Mortuary Museum 408 Front St., Marietta 740-373-1111, cawleyandpeoples.com/ peoples-mortuary-museum Pioneer Family Golf 712 Pike St., Marietta 740-376-9009, pioneerfamilygolf.com

Local Resources Discover Perry County

212 S. Main St., New Lexington 740-342-2045, discoverperrycounty.com

Sewah Studios 190 Millcreek Rd., Marietta 740-373-2087, sewahstudios.com Sweetapple Farm 149 Sweetapple Rd., Vincent 740-678-7447, sweetapplefarm.com Trolley Tours 241 Front St., Marietta 740-373-5178, mariettaohio.org/trolleytours Unicorn Wine Guild 1816 Washington Blvd., Belpre 740-423-1300, unicornwineguild.com

We’ve got trails to hike and roads to bike. Drop by a local tavern for a cider and music. At the end of the day, relax by a fire in the woods. Listen to the owls and watch embers float up to the stars. Find yourself here.

Valley Gem Sternwheeler 601 Front St., Marietta 740-373-7862, valleygemsternwheeler.com

POMEROY AREA

Washington County Historical Society 346 Muskingum Dr., Marietta 740-373-1788, wchshistory.org Wayne National Forest 27750 St. Rte. 7, Marietta 740-753-0101, fs.usda.gov/r09/wayne Wildroot Flower Co. 321 Forshey Rd., Marietta 740-214-6006, facebook.com/wildrootblooms

98 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Things to Do Chester Court House & Academy 46454 St. Rte. 248, Chester 740-985-9822, chestercourthouse.com

Southeast PORTSMOUTH AREA

Local Resources Portsmouth-Scioto County Visitors Bureau 342 Second St., Portsmouth 740-353-1116, explorescioto.com

Discover Portsmouth-Scioto County, where you can be captivated by the stunning natural scenery of the “Little Smokies of Ohio” while also diving into a vibrant blend of arts, culture, and charm. Come visit us for an unforgettable journey!

Things to Do Candyland Children’s Museum 202 Market St., Portsmouth 740-876-8987, candylandmuseum.com Ohio’s Buckeye Trail P.O. Box 5, Shawnee 614-265-6891, ohiodnr.gov Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center 4404B St. Rte. 125, West Portsmouth 740-858-6621, shawneeparklodge.com Shawnee State Park 4404 St. Rte. 125, Portsmouth 740-858-6652, ohiodnr.gov

ST. CLAIRSVILLE AREA

Local Resources Belmont County Tourism

67800 Mall Ring Rd., Unit #485, St. Clairsville 740-695-4359, visitbelmontcounty.com

Experience Belmont County, where rolling hills, rich history, and warm hospitality meet. Travel the National Road, uncover stories of the Underground Railroad, explore outdoor trails, and see scenic river views. Authentic Appalachian charm awaits!

YOU BELONG HERE

Things to Do Barkcamp State Park 65330 Barkcamp Rd., Belmont 740-484-4064, ohiodnr.gov Belmont County Heritage Museum 101 E. Main St., St. Clairsville 740-298-7020, belmontcountyheritagemuseum.org Captina Creek Birding Trail 130 W. Main St., St. Clairsville 740-238-3415, captinacreek.org Concord Quaker Meeting House Negus Rd. (Twp. #456), Colerain 740-695-4359, visitbelmontcounty.com OHIO.ORG

Southeast Dysart Woods Dysart Woods Rd., Belmont 740-238-3415, captina.org Epworth Park 215 N. Main St., Bethesda 740-330-3047, epworthpark.org Longhorn Head to Tail Tour 3500 Muskrat Rd., Barnesville 740-758-5050, head2tail.com National Imperial Glass Museum 3200 Belmont St., Bellaire 740-671-3971, imperialglass.org

Dogwood Pass Old West Town 722 Adams Rd., Beaver 740-835-1130, facebook.com/dogwoodpass oldwesttown Lake White State Park 2767 St. Rte. 551, Waverly 740-493-2212, ohiodnr.gov

Long’s Retreat Family Resort 50 Bell Hollow Rd., Latham 937-588-3725, longsretreat.com

National Road Bikeway N. Market St., St. Clairsville 740-695-1324, stclairsville.com/for-residents/ national-road-bikeway Ohio Valley Mall 67800 Mall Rd., St. Clairsville 740-695-4526, ohiovalleymall.net Piedmont Lake Marina and Campground 32281 Marina Rd., Freeport 740-433-4847, mwcd.org Raven Rocks 54167-54271 Crum Rd., Beallsville 740-926-1481, raven-rocks.org

McGolf Custom Clubs 188 Kent Ln., Waverly 740-941-4653, mcgolf.net

The Sedgwick House Museum 627 Hanover St., Martins Ferry 740-633-2648, facebook.com

Pike Heritage Museum 110 S. Market St., Waverly 740-947-5281, visitpike.com/history-and-museums

Shaeffer Campbell Covered Bridge 45425 National Rd. W., St. Clairsville 740-695-4359, visitbelmontcounty.com/historical-sites

Pike Lake State Park 1847 Pike Lake Rd., Bainbridge 740-493-2212, ohiostateparksorg

Stillwater Meeting House 61826 Sandy Ridge Rd., Barnesville 740-425-9080, conservativefriend.org/

Pike State APV Area 2550 St. Rte. 124, Latham 740-493-2441, ohiodnr.gov

Tri-State Military Veterans Museum 101 E. Barrister St., Belmont 740-761-0155, tristatemvm.org

Samson/Obrist Woods Nature Preserve 717 Posey Ridge Rd., Beaver 937-365-1935, arcofappalachia.org/ samson-obrist-woods

The Underground Railroad Museum – Ohio Valley 121 High St., Flushing 740-968-2080, ugrrf.org Watt Center For History & The Arts 511 Watt Ave., Barnesville 740-926-1547, visitbelmontcounty.com/visit/ watt-center-for-history-the-arts

WAVERLY AREA

Local Resources Visit Pike County

12455 St. Rte. 104, Waverly 740-947-7715, visitpike.com

WOODSFIELD AREA

Local Resources Hannibal Locks & Dam and Visitors Center St. Rte. 7, Hannibal 740-472-2305, lrp.usace.army.mil/nav/hanni.htm Monroe Arts and Tourism Center 118 S. Paul St., Woodsfield 740-472-4848, visitmonroecountyohio.com

Things to Do

Kiedaisch Point Park Twp. Rd. 419, Clarington 740-472-1328, monroecountyohio.net Monroe County Court House 101 N. Main St., Woodsfield 740-472-1341, monroecountyohio.net Monroe County Historical Society 118 Home Ave., Woodsfield 740-472-1933, sites.rootsweb.com/~ohmchs Monroe County Patchwork Jewels Quilt Barns 118 S. Paul St., Woodsfield 740-472-4848, barnartist.com

Unwind and get away to southern Ohio’s Appalachian foothills. Take-in scenic drives and state parks, spend time with the family at Long’s Retreat, enjoy the “Old West” at Dogwood Pass, and experience the food, festivals, and fun in Pike County!

Things to Do Big Beaver Creek Golf Club 1762 Zahns Corner Rd., Piketon 740-289-3643, bigbeavercreekgolfclub.simdif.com

100 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Monroe Theatre 104 N. Main St., Woodsfield 866-537-0413, monroetheatretickets.com Parry Park Museums 217 Eastern Ave., Woodsfield 740-472-1933, sites.rootsweb.com/~ohmchs Piatt Park Twp. Rd. 2308, Woodsfield 740-472-1328, monroecountyohio.net

Southeast ZANESVILLE AREA

Local Resources Visit Zanesville

205 N. 5th St., Zanesville 740-455-8282, visitzanesville.com

Tucked in southeast Ohio, Zanesville-Muskingum County blends small-town charm with the ease and access of a thriving suburban community. Whether you’re looking to slow down and explore or fill your days with adventure, you’ll find everything you need.

Things to Do America’s Basket Festival 602 Main St., Dresden 740-888-1226, destinationdresden.com The Barn Zanesville 1947 Linden Ave., Zanesville 740-455-2276, thebarnzanesville.com Blue Rock State Park 7924 Cutler Lake Rd., Blue Rock 740-674-4794, ohiodnr.gov Dillon State Park 5265 Dillon Hills Dr., Nashport 740-453-4377, ohiodnr.gov Dr. Increase Mathews House Museum and Gardens 304 Woodlawn Ave., Zanesville 740-454-9500, muskingumcountyhistory.org

Your next favorite memory begins here. visitzanesville.com

The Elk’s Eye Art Market 22 S. Fourth St., Zanesville 740-487-0144, facebook.com/elkseyeendeavors Jesse Owens State Park & Wildlife Area 4470 E. St. Rte. 78, McConnelsville 740-439-3521, ohiodnr.gov John & Annie Glenn Museum 72 W. Main St., New Concord 800-752-2602, johnandannieglennmuseum.org Muskingum River State Park 1390 Ellis Dam Rd., Zanesville 740-767-3570, ohiodnr.gov National Road & Zane Grey Museum 8850 E. Pike, Norwich 800-752-2602, ohiohistory.org Stone Crest Vineyard 10310 Odell Rd., Frazeysburg 740-828-9463, stonecrestvine.com The Wilds 14000 International Rd., Cumberland 740-638-5030, thewilds.org

OHIO.ORG

101

Live Work Play

pictured: Get up close to the animals at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. left, top to bottom: Ride your bikes around downtown Sandusky. Meet the artisans at work in Sauder Village. Watch the sun set over Lake Erie from the shore of South Bass Island.

Northwest BY KRISTINA SMITH

TOLEDO

80/90

WAUSEON

BRYAN DEFIANCE

PORT CLINTON

NAPOLEON BOWLING GREEN

PAULDING

FINDLAY

OTTAWA 75

VAN WERT LIMA CELINA WAPAKONETA

FREMONT

SANDUSKY

NORWALK

TIFFIN

UPPER BUCYRUS SANDUSKY

KENTON

SIDNEY

104

Top 20 Bucket List

106

Put a Fork in it

108

Charming Towns

110

Notable Ohioan

Put these iconically Ohio spots on your must-see list. These restaurants will leave you with a taste for more. Experience the warmth of Ohioans in these communities. Meet the creator of Falcon Sails, maker of custom sails for kayaks.

SANDUSKY: MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD, SAUDER VILLAGE, SOUTH BASS ISLAND: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, TOLEDO ZOO & AQUARIUM: TOLEDO ZOO & AQUARIUM

Stay Awhile

110 111 Travel Inspiration

Unique spots to make your trip even more special.

Additional places to explore in the region.

Freelance writer and photographer Kristina Smith loves birding, wildlife watching, walking with her dog at northwest Ohio’s wildlife areas, and exploring its museums and historic sites.

OHIO.ORG

103

Northwest

Top 20

Bucket List

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Bask in the tranquility of 17 acres of blooming gardens at Schedel Arboretum & Gardens in Elmore. Don’t miss the world’s largest collection of 19th-century lithophanes, three-dimensional porcelain carvings. Hike the trails and boardwalk at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon on Lake Erie, a fantastic place to see birds, especially during spring migration. Take in the views from the new observation deck shaped like an eagle’s nest. Step into a simpler time at Lakeside Chautauqua, a gated community on Lake Erie where visitors play shuffleboard, ride bikes, take art and dance classes, and enjoy concerts and cultural programs. Defy gravity by riding a bicycle on a cable suspended 20 feet above the ground and learn the science behind how you did it at Imagination Station in Toledo. This museum combines science with fun. Be inspired by astronaut and Ohioan Neil Armstrong at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta. Learn why his steps on the moon, humanity’s first, were one of the most significant achievements in history. Experience the creepiness of the Sandusky County Historic Jail & Dungeon in Fremont. Tour the 1840s dungeon, which is reputed to be haunted, and 1890s jail during the day or at night with a flashlight for an extra spooky evening. See some of Airstream’s most iconic aluminum campers at the Airstream Heritage Center in Jackson Center. It’s easy to see how these silver campers have been a classic way to travel for 75+ years. Pick your own apples, strawberries, and sunflowers at The Pickwick Place in Bucyrus, where you can enjoy a hearty meal and shop for everything from jewelry to décor. Behold the natural beauty of the Toledo Botanical Garden, where blooms abound and the Doneghy Inclusive Garden offers wheelchair-accessible garden beds and a sensory waterfall. See a show at the historic Ritz Theatre in Tiffin, which is as much of a showpiece as the performances it features. The 1926 building features large murals and a 1,200-pound chandelier made of 20,000 crystals. Feel the thrill of watching cars racing through Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk at drag races held throughout the summer. Grab a pint or a meal on site or get the full experience by camping overnight.

Roadside Photo Ops

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Spend a 1950s-style evening watching a movie from the comfort of your car at the Tiffin Drive-in Theater, and indulge in a classic burger or hot dog from its Moonlite Diner. Feel the ultimate rush with Siren’s Curse™, North America’s tallest, fastest, and longest tilt roller coaster, at Cedar Point in Sandusky. With 67 rides and a mile-long beach, it’s the perfect mix of thrills and relaxation. Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with special events — from an Independence Day picnic and patriotic concert to a military dog exhibit — at America’s first presidential library, the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in Fremont. Get up close with the world’s largest rodent, the capybara, along with a sloth and giraffes during feeding experiences at African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton. Feed bison and other animals in the drive-thru area. Explore the wine cellars of the former Lonz Winery at Middle Bass Island State Park, see glacial grooves, and rent a bike to cruise the island. Raise a glass at Prohibition, the speakeasy in the Lonz Press House. Go zip lining and try the climbing wall above the African animals at Toledo Zoo & Aquarium’s Expedition Africa! Aerial Adventure Course, or ride through the area and see the ostriches, giraffes, and other safari animals on the Safari Railway. Experience Great Lakes history firsthand by stepping aboard the iron ore freighter Col. James M. Schoonmaker and firefighting tugboat Ohio at the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo. Stroll the accessible boardwalk and see some of the largest mature forest in the region at Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve in Kenton. It’s also home to some rare plants, including the herb heart-leaf plantain.

TIFFIN DRIVE-IN THEATER: TIFFIN DRIVE-IN THEATER, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE GREAT LAKES: DOUG HINEBAUGH, JACQUE, ARMSTRONG AIR & SPACE MUSEUM, PROHIBITION: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, IMAGINATION STATION: IMAGINATION STATION, AIRSTREAM HERITAGE TOURS, HAYES PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUMS: KEVIN KOPANSKI, TOLEDO BOTANICAL GARDEN: TOLEDO BOTANICAL GARDEN, CEDAR POINT: CEDAR POINT, AFRICAN SAFARI WILDLIFE PARK: AFRICAN SAFARI WILDLIFE PARK, GRAND LAKE ST. MARYS: MADE APPAREL

Put these iconically Ohio spots on your list.

Enjoy lake life at Grand Lake St. Marys, Ohio’s largest inland lake with 52 miles of pristine shoreline, plenty of boat launches, beaches for swimmers, excellent fishing and birding, and hiking trails.

With his white hat, immaculate pencil mustache, and giant hands, the dapper 32-foot-tall Jacque (left), welcomes visitors to the Marblehead Peninsula.

Who wouldn’t want to smile for a photo op with Nelson, the grinning, 30-foot wooden carved Bigfoot sitting next to a tractor at the Mercer County Fairgrounds in Celina?

The adorable Moorice, the new 25-foot wooden cow at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, wears a nametag and a cowbell to make him extra ready for selfies.

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Northwest

These eateries have a flair for food that will leave you with a taste for more.

Put a Fork in it

International Plates Try the lamb gyros and other Greek and Italian options at The Met in Lima. Save room for the melt-inyour-mouth bread pudding made with Lima’s Mello Crème Donuts. Savor Italian dishes created with locally grown ingredients at Don Tomasso’s Italian Kitchen in Upper Sandusky. Must-trys include the Mama’s Chicken, parmesan-breaded chicken with a lemon-herb sauce.

Quirky Spots Pair a pint of Kalida’s 1820 BrewWerks with a tasty wrap or handheld at Uptown Market & Café in Leipsic. Try the Hungarian hot dog made famous by Toledo native Jamie Farr in the hit 1970s TV show M*A*S*H at the original Tony Packo’s Cafe in Toledo. Don’t miss the wall of autographed hot dog buns.

Enjoy lattes and frappes that change seasonally at Grounded Coffee & Crumbs in Paulding along with freshbaked muffins, scones, and lemon squares. Indulge in sweets madefrom-scratch at Doughbox Bakery at Sauder Village in Archbold. Try the fan-favorite apple pie, cinnamon rolls, and freshly made doughnuts.

Local Favorites Relish the difference of a freshmade burger and satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade pie in the 1950s diner The Spot in Sidney, a local favorite since 1907. Dance to live music and enjoy great food at Danny’s Café in Rossford, where bands, great vibes, and a menu of American favorites create an upbeat environment.

Sipping Spots

pictured: Craft cocktails go with everything at The Met. right, top to bottom: Order a pizza to pair with a glass of wine at Stoney Ridge Winery. Put spicy pickles on your hot dog at Tony Packo’s Café. Take in the fun diner atmosphere along with the burgers at The Spot.

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Listen to live music and try a flight of the wide array of wines crafted at the family-owned Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan. Pair a glass of dry Marquette with a slice of pizza or try their Slap Happy Cider, a balance of apples, cinnamon, and sugar. Choose from several varieties of wine at Leisure Time Winery in Napoleon. Take in the views from the outdoor deck or cozy up by the fireplace.

TONY PACKO’S, THE MET, THE BOARDWALK, THE SPOT, STONEY RIDGE WINERY, WYLIE JR.: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, ERIN ANN’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM & JUICES: ERIN ANN’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM & JUICES, LAKE CITY CREAMERY & COFFEE: LAKE CITY CREAMERY & COFFEE

Sweet Bakeries

ture Flavors Signa Known as the walleye capital of the world, Lake Erie is the place for fresh fish and some of the best fishing in the world. Soak up gorgeous views of Put-in-Bay Harbor at the Upper Deck at the Boardwalk (RIGHT) in Put-in-Bay. This long-time island favorite is known for craveworthy lobster bisque, along with walleye and yellow perch dishes. Try Lake Erie walleye or perch at Port Clinton favorite Jolly Roger’s Seafood House with a lake view and housemade onion rings. Take your seafood upscale at The Ørchard on Catawba Island. Start with the coconut shrimp and savor the yellow perch served with garlic whipped potatoes. Travel Tip: Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Port Clinton, which drops a 600-pound fiberglass walleye at midnight. You’ll find the big fish, known as Wylie Jr., outside the Shores & Islands Welcome Center West. He’s a perfect selfie stop to remember where walleye is king.

We All Scream for Ice Cream Satisfy your sweet tooth at these spots located along Ohio’s Ice Cream Trail. Choose from more than 50 flavors — from classic strawberry to Tilly Tracks, named for the Toft’s cow mascot — at the original Toft’s Dairy in Sandusky, a local institution since 1900 and Ohio’s oldest dairy. Satisfy your sweet tooth with frozen yogurt at FroZone in Tiffin. Choose your yogurt flavor and your toppings from cereal to candy to granola. Power up with yummy protein bites with homemade gluten-free ice cream in a wide array of flavors, from vanilla to chocolate raspberry, at Erin Ann’s Homemade Ice Cream & Juices (above) in Sylvania.

Try an invigorating fresh pop, made with locally sourced fresh fruit and organic cane sugar, or homemade ice cream made fresh each week at Jacky’s Depot in Maumee. Coffee and ice cream go perfectly together at Lake City Creamery & Coffee (right) in Celina. Try creative ice cream flavors and sundaes, like the Coffee Lover’s Affogato with espresso shots and grounds. Indulge in your favorite flavors or some innovative tastes with 15 different rotating types, like s’mores and huckleberry, at Krave Ice Creamery in Wapakoneta. On a diet? Try the sugar-free ice cream.

Ice Cream & Happiness Go Together! OHIO.ORG

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g n i T m o r w a n h s C

Northwest

Experience the warmth of Ohioans when you stay in these charming communities.

Maumee

With its location along the Maumee River, this historic city pairs outdoor recreation with old-world charm.

WHERE TO PLAY Walk the trails at Side Cut Metropark and marvel at the natural beauty of the rock ledges that extend into the river. Visit Fallen Timbers Battlefield Metropark and learn about the little-known 1794 U.S. battle against Native American forces that allowed the nation to expand further west. Cross the river and see Fort Meigs, the reconstructed War of 1812 fort built above the river. WHERE TO DINE Live music, thin-crust pizza, and a wide range of beer on tap combine for a great night out at the Village Idiot. Stop in Levi & Lilac’s Coffee Pub and Whiskey Room in Lucas County’s oldest building, constructed in 1836 and full of local folklore. Pair the Lilac Lady latte with the chicken salad sandwich or select from a huge menu of Irish, Scottish, and American whiskeys with street tacos or burgers. WHERE TO STAY Relax in an historical setting at the Federal Inn, a boutique bed and breakfast circa 1830. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast with French-press coffee and homemade treats. Unwind at the Residence Inn by Marriott. Cool off in the indoor pool and get going early with a free breakfast.

pictured: Relive the War of 1812 at Fort Meigs. right, top to bottom: Shop for unique artwork at Linda’s Glass Gallery. Listen to live music at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. See stunning murals around Findlay.

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Defiance

Named for the 1794-built Fort Defiance and constructed around the confluence of the Maumee and Auglaize rivers, this city abounds with history and charming shops and restaurants. WHERE TO PLAY Stroll through the historic downtown, home to chic boutiques, antique shops, and home décor stores. Leave time to take a glass-making workshop at Linda’s Glass Gallery. Walk the Storybook Trail, a half-mile hike through preserved wetlands, at the Penney Nature Center. WHERE TO DINE Grab a hearty breakfast or burger at Bud’s Restaurant, a Defiance institution since 1939. Don’t leave without a piece of Bud’s famous pie. For a European twist on farm-to-table dining, make a reservation at the Dark Horse Social Club. For a fresh take, try the harvest pear and blue cheese flatbread. WHERE TO STAY Get back to nature and take in the calming views and sounds of the Maumee River after camping at Independence Dam State Park. Watch for nesting bald eagles and beavers. Stay overnight downtown in the well-appointed suites at The Second Story or The Inn on Third. Both are a short stroll to restaurants and shops.

Findlay Considered one of the top micropolitan communities in the nation, Findlay offers a wealth of vibrant locally owned businesses and places to explore. WHERE TO PLAY Get cultured at a Broadway show or concert at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. Take the kids to arts clubs that create printmaking and painting. Follow a guided trail ride through the 10-acre Triple T Ranch or take more formal horseback riding lessons. Watch for wildflowers, deer, and other wildlife. WHERE TO DINE Grab a seat on the rooftop or play a game of duckpin bowling at Alexandria’s. Munch on shareables and customize mac ‘n cheese with a wide range of toppings from hot honey sauce to jalapeños. Expand your palette with Asian fusion cuisine at Stix. Start with the charred Spanish octopus and choose from innovative dishes, like the duck and kimchi-bacon fried rice.

Play Your Way in Findlay

WHERE TO STAY Sleep in comfort close to the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts at the Hancock Hotel. Inside the hotel is a northwest Ohio favorite, Mancy’s Steakhouse, so you won’t have to go far for a delicious meal. Findlay’s vibrant nightlife and shopping are close by at the Findlay Inn & Conference Center. Enjoy a meal on the patio at the Tavern at the Inn Restaurant & Lounge.

FARM & FIELD GRAPHIC: ANGELA STIFTAR FORT MEIGS: MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD, LINDA’S GLASS GALLERY, FINDLAY MURAL: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, MARATHON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: MARATHON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, FARMER JONES FARM AT THE CHEF’S GARDEN MARKET: FARMER JONES FARM AT THE CHEF’S GARDEN MARKET

Farmer Jones Farm at The Chef’s Garden Market

Explore Ohio’s bounty at these spots. Pick your own peaches,

blackberries, and cherries in the warmer months and harvest apples in the fall at Burnham Orchards in Berlin Heights. Stop into Grandma Bea’s Bakery for a fresh-baked apple fritter. Pick strawberries in the summer at Lincoln Ridge Farms in Convoy. Come back in the fall to pluck your own apples. Pick fresh flowers and create a bouquet at Farmer Jones Farm at The Chef’s Garden Market in Huron. In season, harvest a lavender bundle and strawberries from the farm’s fields. OHIO.ORG

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Northwest

Stay Awhile Unique spots to make your trip even more special.

NOTAB

LE OHIOAN

Book a bright, modern room with views of Lake Erie and Cedar Point amusement park at The Wave (above) in Marblehead. It’s just around the corner from Marblehead Lighthouse and the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line that travels to Kelleys Island.

Patrick Forrester was already an experienced Lake Erie sailor when he discovered kayaking. He immediately fell in love with the simplicity and peace of paddling. After trying to combine the two, his thriving kayak sail business, Falcon Sails of Perrysburg, was born. It’s one of just a handful of businesses in the world that crafts custom sails for kayaks. Forrester has sold kayak sails to customers in 63 different countries and used them on numerous longer-distance sails himself. How did you get the idea to start your business?

When I first bought a kayak sail from Australia, I loved it, despite the sail not being made very well. Kayak sails were unusual at that time, so I decided to design and make my own.

What do you like best about kayaking with a sail? The intimacy between you and your kayak, the water, your sail, your paddle, the wind, and bringing it all together in a system that just works. It’s amazing.

What’s your advice for newbies to the sport?

For beginning kayak sailors, don’t fall for the myth that there is a certain best kayak out there you need to find. Choose a kayak that works for you and that you like. Most kayaks can be outfitted with kayak sails.

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Dolly's Pick

Follow the adventures of Governor Mike DeWine’s Springer Spaniel Dolly on Instagram, then treat yourself and your favorite pup with a walk along the North Coast Inland Trail in Huron County with trails that cross antique bridges, including the historic 1872 doublearch bridge over the Vermilion River.

PATRICK FORRESTER: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, THE WAVE: THE WAVE

Patrick Forrester

OWNER AND FOUNDER OF FALCON SAILS IN PERRYSBURG

Sleep among the treetops at the Cannaley Treehouse Village in Oak Openings Preserve in Swanton, the only public treehouse village in the country. Camp in a treehouse or book the tent and hammock platform for an even more rustic experience.

DOLLY: ANGELA STIFTAR

Set Sail

Take in a lakefront view of Grand Lake St. Marys and enjoy a private balcony from each of the 14 rooms in West Bank Inn in Celina. It’s an easy trip to Main Street’s shops and restaurants.

Tra vel Insp irati on America 250 Barn Mural in Fremont @thebarnartist

Vermilion in the Fall @scott.dommin

The Ribbon at Glass City Metropark in Toledo @glasscityriverwalk

OhioTheHeartofitAll

Use these listings, organized by county seat, to plan your next Ohio getaway. BOWLING GREEN AREA

Local Resources

Wood County Museum

13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green 419-352-0967, woodcountyhistory.org

Visit Bowling Green

217 S. Church St., Bowling Green 419-353-9445, visitbgohio.org

CELINA AREA

Things to Do

MVP Dairy Learning Center, Inc. 7124 U.S. Rte. 33, Celina 567-324-7100, dairylearningcenter.com Vineyard at Evergreen Farm 4249 Siegrist Jutte Rd., Coldwater 419-678-8027, evergreenwinery.net

DEFIANCE AREA

Local Resources

Bowling Green is a welcoming place to explore and connect. Enjoy nine city parks, two off-leash dog parks, and Wooster Green, a vibrant community space. With murals, local flavors, shops, and year-round events, BG offers memorable experiences for everyone.

Things to Do

Al-Mar Lanes 1010 N. Main St., Bowling Green 419-352-4637, almarlanes.com

Tour the 50-acre grounds of one of the last poor house sites in the state of Ohio. Located in the former Wood County Infirmary building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum features award-winning rotating exhibits, year-round events, and a gift shop. Follow us @woodcountymuseum.

325 Clinton St., Defiance 419-782-0739, visitdefianceohio.com

BRYAN AREA

Things to Do Bryan Theatre 140 S. Lynn St., Bryan 567-464-0386, saunderstheaterproperties.com

Beeker’s General Store 226 E. Front St., Pemberville 419-287-3274, beekersgeneralstore.com

Fountain City Amphitheater 526 Ave. B, Bryan 419-633-6030, fcamph.com

Black Swamp Games 175 N. Main St., Bowling Green 567-413-4456, blackswampgames.com

BUCYRUS AREA

Perrysburg Sculpture Walk 429 E. Boundary St., Perrysburg 419-902-2782, mainart-ery.com

Defiance Main Street & Visitors Bureau

Things to Do Bucyrus Copper Kettle Works 119 S. Walnut St., Bucyrus 567-409-4240, bckwmuseum.org Lowe Volk Nature Center at Crawford Park District 2401 St. Rte. 598, Crestline 419-683-9000, crawfordparkdistrict.org

Defiance is a hidden gem brimming with history, heart, and Midwest charm! Nestled along the banks of the Maumee and Auglaize rivers, this vibrant city embraces a delightful blend of cultural experiences and outdoor adventures! #itsournature

Things to Do

Auglaize Village 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance 419-990-0107, auglaizevillage.com

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Northwest The Compound 211 Carpenter Rd., Defiance 419-785-4434, thecompounddefiance.com

North Coast Inland Trail Northern Ohio, Fremont 419-334-4495, lovemyparks.com

The Crick Entertainment Center 211 Carpenter Rd., Defiance 419-576-5822, thecompounddefiance.com

KENTON AREA

Defiance Reservoir & Walking Trails 1261 Precision Way, Defiance 419-782-0739, visitdefianceohio.com Defiance Splash Park 2104 Power Dam Rd., Defiance 419-782-0739, visitdefianceohio.com Forked Crick Brewery 211 Carpenter Rd., Defiance 419-576-5822, thecompounddefiance.com The Fort Grounds 320 Fort St., Defiance 419-782-0739, visitdefianceohio.com Hicksville Nature Trail 9425 Casebeer Miller Rd., Hicksville 419-782-0739, facebook.com/hicksvilletrailassociation

Things to Do

Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve 13278 Co. Rd. 190, Ridgeway 419-445-1775, ohiodnr.gov

Erie-Ottawa International Airport (KPCW) 3255 E. State Rd., Port Clinton 419-734-6297, portclintonairport.com

LIMA AREA

Local Resources Visit Greater Lima

144 S. Main St., Ste 101, Lima 419-222-6075, visitgreaterlima.com

Welcome to Lima & Allen County! Discover diverse culture, delicious eats, stunning parks, and captivating shows. Immerse yourself in history and entertainment. Your perfect getaway awaits!

Black Heritage Library & Multicultural Center 817 Harmon St., Findlay 419-423-4954, blackheritagecenter.org

Things to Do

Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation and Riverside Train 12505 County Rd. 99, Findlay 419-423-2995, nworrp.org Van Buren State Park 12259 Twp. Rd. 218, Van Buren 419-832-7662, ohiodnr.gov

FREMONT AREA

Things to Do Hayes Presidential Library & Museums

Spiegel Grove, Fremont 419-332-2081, rbhayes.org

Visit President Rutherford and First Lady Lucy Hayes’ estate of Spiegel Grove, an arboretum and home of America’s first presidential library. Tour the couple’s mansion; visit the museum, library, and tomb; and walk the paved trails. Open year-round.

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Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau 148 Delaware St., Put-in-Bay 419-285-2832, visitputinbay.com

Things to Do BlackH2oDog Charters 2188 N. Buck Rd., Lakeside Marblehead 216-346-8331, blackh2odogcharters.com

Cosmic Rayz Atomic Emporium 200 Madison St., Port Clinton 419-732-0234, libertyaviationmuseum.org

Axe Ventura 401 S. Main St., Findlay 567-250-8132, axe-ventura.com/findlay

Mazza Museum 201 College St., Findlay 419-434-4560, mazzamuseum.org

Local Resources

Catawba Island State Park 4049 E. Moores Dock Rd., Port Clinton 419-734-4424, ohiodnr.gov

FINDLAY AREA

Findlay-Hancock County Mural Trail 123 E. Main Cross St., Findlay 419-422-3315, visitfindlay.com

Knueven Creamery & Market 207 Main St., Gilboa 419-890-1805, knuevencreamery.com

PORT CLINTON AREA

Independence Dam State Park 27722 St. Rte. 424, Defiance 419-782-0739, visitdefianceohio.com

False Chord Brewing 326 S. Main St., Findlay 567-301-2604, falsechordbrewing.com

Things to Do

Andreoff Wildlife Area 3373 Co. Rd. 215, Forest 419-424-5000, ohiodnr.gov

The Huber Opera House and Civic Center 157 E. High St., Hicksville 419-542-9553, huberoperahouse.org

Things to Do

OTTAWA AREA

East Harbor State Park 1169 N. Buck Rd., Lakeside Marblehead 419-734-4424, ohiodnr.gov

Lakeside Chautauqua

236 Walnut Ave., Lakeside 419-798-4461, lakesideohio.com

Delphos Canal Commission Museum 241 N. Main St., Delphos 419-695-7737, delphoscanalcommission.com Johnny Appleseed Park District 1682 Slabtown Rd., Lima 419-221-1232, jampd.com Limaland Motorsports Park 1500 Dutch Hollow Rd., Lima 419-998-3199, limaland.com Sycamore Lake Wine Company 9660 Mayberry Rd., Columbus Grove 419-659-2087, sycamorelakewineco.wixsite.com/winery Veterans Freedom Flag Monument 1191 Buckeye Rd., Lima 419-221-1232, uawfreedomflag.com

NAPOLEON AREA

Local Resources Napoleon & Henry County Visitors Bureau 611 N. Perry St., Napoleon 419-592-1786, henrycountychamber.org

Things to Do

Located on the Marblehead Peninsula, this hidden gem on Lake Erie is the perfect destination for families to reconnect and nurture mind, body, and spirit. Choose from any combination of cultural arts, education, recreation, and spiritual programs.

Liberty Aviation Museum 3515 E. State Rd., Port Clinton 419-732-0234, libertyaviationmuseum.org Marblehead Lighthouse State Park 110 Lighthouse Dr., Marblehead 419-734-4424, ohiodnr.gov Middle Bass Island State Park 1719 Fox Rd., Middle Bass Island 419-285-0311, ohiodnr.gov

Field of Dreams Drive-In Theater V602 Twp. Rd. 6, Liberty Center 419-579-5386, saunderstheaterproperties.com

Miller Ferries to Put-in-Bay & Middle Bass Island 5174 E. Water St., Port Clinton 800-500-2421, millerferry.com

Leisure Time Winery 16982 County Rd. M2, Napoleon 419-758-3442, leisuretimewinery.com

North Bass Island State Park 551 Kenny Rd., North Bass Island 419-734-4424, ohiodnr.gov

Mary Jane Thurston State Park 1466 St. Rte. 65, McClure 419-832-7662, ohiodnr.gov

Oak Point State Park Bayview Ave., Put-in-Bay 419-734-4424, ohiodnr.gov

NORWALK AREA

Twin Oast Brewing 3630 N.E. Catawba Rd., Port Clinton 419-573-6126, twinoast.com

Things to Do North Coast Inland Trail-Huron County 69 S. Ridge St., Monroeville 419-668-3027, frtti.org

Wolcott Keeper’s House 9999 E. Bayshore Rd., Danbury Township 440-655-8844, ottawacountyhistory.org

Northwest SANDUSKY AREA

Things to Do Cedar Point

1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky 419-627-2350, cedarpoint.com

Tawawa Park 12 Tawawa Dr., Sidney 937-498-8105, sidneyoh.com Wallace Family Learning & Innovation Center 115 E. North St., Sidney 937-498-1653, shelbycountyhistory.org

TOLEDO AREA

Local Resources Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau

855-765-5451, vistirossfordohio.com

TIFFIN AREA

Local Resources Destination Seneca County

96 S. Washington St., Tiffin 419-447-4141, destinationsenecacounty.org

Cedar Point® in Sandusky is an American summertime tradition on Lake Erie. The resort is home to 67 rides, including exhilarating attractions like the new Siren’s Curse™, record-breaking Top Thrill 2™, Millennium Force®, and Cedar Point Shores® Waterpark.

Charles Herndon Galleries and Sculpture Gardens 110 Laylin Ln., Kelleys Island 419-746-2249, charlesherndon.com Edison Birthplace Museum 9 N. Edison Dr., Milan 419-499-2135, tomedison.org Firelands Symphony Orchestra 1 University Dr., Huron 419-621-4800, firelandssymphony.com Ghostly Manor Thrill Center 3319 Milan Rd., Sandusky 419-626-4467, ghostlymanor.com

See the Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest – America 250, July 17–19, 2026, at the Crossroads of I-75 and 80/90 Ohio Turnpike just south of Toledo. Enjoy hot air balloons, “Disney level” pyro-musical fireworks, live music, food trucks, a kids’ zone, and more! Visit rossfordbff.com.

Things to Do Discover Tiffin’s award-winning revitalized downtown, where historic charm meets bustling boutiques, craft eateries, and vibrant arts. Explore two thriving universities, riverfront views, and year-round events that bring the community together.

Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau 342 Perry St., Fostoria 419-435-0486, fostoriaohio.org

SIDNEY AREA

Visit our historic city with museums dedicated to Fostoria Glass and our namesake’s Governor Charles Foster memorabilia. Train enthusiasts love beautiful Iron Triangle Rail Park for viewing 100-plus daily trains. Find a self-guided Downtown Art Walk on the PocketSights app.

Local Resources

Things to Do

The Glass Heritage Gallery 109 N. Main St., Fostoria 419-435-5077, fostoriaglass.com

Sidney Visitors Bureau 101 S. Ohio Ave., Floor 2, Sidney 937-492-9122, visitsidneyshelby.com Airstream Heritage Center 1001 W. Pike St., Jackson Center 937-596-6111, airstream.com/heritage-center Arrowhead Golf Club 2211 Dirksen Rd., Minster 419-628-3111, arrowhead-golf.com GreatStone Castle 429 N. Ohio Ave., Sidney 937-498-4728, greatstonecastle.com A Louis Sullivan Masterpiece – F & M Bank 101 E. Court St., Sidney 937-492-9122, sah-archipedia.org Monumental Building 133 S. Ohio Ave., Sidney 937-492-9122, shelbycountyhistory.org Moose Golf Course 1200 Broadway Ave., Sidney 937-492-5500, sidneymoose.com Shelby Oaks Golf Course 9900 Sidney-Freyburg Rd., Sidney 937-492-2883, shelbyoaks.com

Buffalo Rock Brewing Company 5002 Seaman Rd., Oregon 567-288-2080, buffalorockbrewing.com

Earnest Brew Works Wheelhouse 3520 Waterville Swanton Rd., Swanton 419-340-2589, earnestbrewworks.com

Goofy Golf 3020 Milan Rd., Sandusky 419-625-9935, goofy-golf.com

Tails of Vermilion 678 Main St., Vermilion 440-963-9660, tailsofvermilion.com

Buffalo Rock Brewing Company 345 Anthony Wayne Trail, Waterville 567-952-0392, buffalorockbrewing.com

Copper Moon Studio 8007 Airport Hwy., Holland 419-867-0683, coppermoonstudio.com

Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve 920 Division St., Kelleys Island 419-746-2546, ohiodnr.gov

Quarry Hill Orchards 8403 Mason Rd. #1, Berlin Heights 419-588-2858, quarryhillorchards.com

Adventus Climbing 2900 N. Reynolds Rd., Toledo 419-724-5510, adventusclimbing.com

Attica Raceway Park 15127 Twp. Rd. 12, Attica 419-426-8911, atticaracewaypark.com

The Historical Octagon House & Farm 7618 Township Rd. 32, Clyde 419-680-5970, historicaloctagonhouse.com Iron Triangle Rail Park 499 S. Poplar St., Fostoria 419-435-1781, fostoriairontriangle.com

Huron Street Studios 23 N. Huron St., Toledo 419-262-5501, huronstreetstudios.com Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center 1750 State Park Rd. #2, Oregon 419-836-1466, maumeebaylodge.com Maumee Bay State Park 1400 State Park Rd., Oregon 419-836-7758, ohiodnr.gov Maumee Bay State Park Golf Course 1750 State Park Rd. #2, Oregon 419-836-9009, maumeebaylodge.com/recreation/golf National Museum of the Great Lakes 1701 Front St., Toledo 419-214-5000, nmgl.org Oncore Brewing 14249 Airport Hwy., Swanton 419-215-5328, oncorebrewing.com

Toledo Zoo & Aquarium 2 Hippo Way, Toledo 419-385-5721, toledozoo.org

Mohawk Golf & Country Club 4399 S. State Rte. 231, Tiffin 419-447-5951, mohawkgolf.com Seneca Starvue Theater & Events 870 W. Market St., Tiffin 419-443-0897, senecastarvue.com Tiffin Art Guild 130 S. Washington St., Tiffin 419-443-0478, tiffinartguild.org The UrbanWoody Brewery & The HoneyBee Winery 105 E. Tiffin St., Fostoria 419-379-6015, theurbanwoody.com

You don’t have to roam very far to come face-to-face with fun at Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. Enjoy making memories as you explore indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring over 16,000 animals representing 680+ species!

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WHERE GREAT LAKES

Stories Come Alive

Sauder Village is celebrating 50 years of history and connection. Whether you visit the Historic Village where it all began, enjoy a meal with us or stay at our beautiful Inn or Campground — We hope to celebrate our 50th birthday with you. 22611 State Route 2, Archbold, OH

Call 800.590.9755 for details.

Plan your visit today at toledozoo.org

SauderVillage.org

ALL HISTORY IS LOCAL HISTORY let the poor house enrich you! WOOD COUNTY MUSEUM 13660 County Home Rd. Bowling Green, OH 419-352-0967 • woodcountyhistory.org

Northwest Upside Brewing 5692 Main St., Sylvania 419-882-6061, jandgpizzapalace.com Wabash Cannonball Trail Northwest Ohio, Toledo 419-407-9700, metroparkstoledo.com

UPPER SANDUSKY AREA

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES & URBAN DELIGHTS

Things to Do Carey Brewing Station 300 E. Findlay St., Carey 419-348-1896, careybrewingstation.com

VAN WERT AREA

Things to Do Van Wert Cinemas 10709 Lincoln Hwy., Van Wert 419-238-2100, saunderstheaterproperties.com Van-Del Drive-In Theater 19986 Lincoln Hwy., Middle Point 567-353-5386, saunderstheaterproperties.com

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WAPAKONETA AREA

Local Resources Airstream Factory Tour and Heritage Center, Jackson Center, Ohio

Ohio’s Grand Lake Region 900 Edgewater Dr., St. Marys 419-394-1294, seemore.org

VisitSidneyShelby.com

Need a break without breaking the bank? Ohio’s Grand Lake Region is your perfect escape — the quick, easy getaway where you can find a little more space in your mind, life, and soul.

Things to Do Armstrong Air & Space Museum 500 Apollo Dr., Wapakoneta 419-738-8811, armstrongmuseum.org

GR8 Vines Winery LLC 325 E. Spring St., St. Marys 419-778-7291, gr8vineswinery.com Grand Lakes St. Marys Bike Route Throughout St. Marys 419-394-1294, seemore.org Grand Lake St. Marys State Park 834 Edgewater Dr., St. Marys 419-394-3611, ohiodnr.gov Lake Loramie State Park 4401 Ft. Loramie Swanders Rd., Minster 937-295-2011, ohiodnr.gov

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Northwest WAUSEON AREA

Local Resources Fulton County Visitors Bureau 8848 St. Rte. 108, Wauseon 419-337-9669, visitfultoncounty.com

“The Place to Find Your Pace.” From wineries to rodeos to racetracks and a bison ranch, there’s much to discover in Fulton County. Find family fun at Sauder Village, the Fulton County Fairgrounds, and Harrison Lake State Park. We warmly welcome you!

Things to Do

Fulton County Quilt Barn Trail 8848 St. Rte. 108, Wauseon 419-337-9669, blackswamparts.com Harrison Lake State Park 26246 Harrison Lake Rd., Fayette 419-237-2593, ohiodnr.gov Knotty Vines Farm & Winery 2920 County Rd. 19, Wauseon 419-446-9463, knottyvineswinery.com

Museum of Fulton County

8848 St. Rte. 108, Wauseon 419-337-7922, museumoffultoncounty.org

Oak Openings Pottery 2520 Co. Rd. EF, Swanton 301-471-0296, oakopeningspottery.com

Find FUN in

Vanishing Magic Museum 113 S. Fulton St., Wauseon 419-822-1416, magicwithmessages.com

Findlay-Hancock Co. Mural Trail

With a historic downtown, hometown atmosphere, unique special events, and great attractions there is so much to do in the Findlay area. Enjoy shopping at local boutiques, unwind at a brewery, or create memorable moments by attending an event or visiting our museums. Find it all in Findlay.

VisitFindlay.com OHIO.ORG

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pictured: Stop to smell the blooms at Hummingbird Hill Flower Farm in Shreve. left, top to bottom: Spend the day at Edgewater Park in Cleveland. See the local Amish as you explore Holmes County. Bring the kids to play at Oh Wow!® The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology in Youngstown.

Live Work Play

Northeast BY LINDA FEAGLER

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PAINESVILLE CHARDON

CLEVELAND 80

WARREN

ELYRIA RAVENNA

MEDINA

AKRON

YOUNGSTOWN

ASHLAND MANSFIELD

CANTON

WOOSTER

MILLERSBURG

LISBON

CARROLTON STEUBENVILLE NEW PHILADELPHIA CADIZ

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Top 20 Bucket List

Put these iconically Ohio spots on your must-see list.

Put a Fork in it

122 Charming Towns 124

These restaurants will leave you with a taste for more.

EDGEWATER PARK, OH WOW! THE ROGER & GLORIA JONES CHILDREN’S CENTER FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, AMISH COUNTRY, HUMMINGBIRD HILL FLOWER FARM: LAURA WATILO BLAKE

Experience the warmth of Ohioans in these communities.

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Travel Inspiration

Find out why Ohio’s first Black enologist loves the state’s wine. Unique spots to make your trip even more special. Additional places to explore in the region.

Writer Linda Feagler is passionate about the arts. Her favorite pastimes include revisiting the glory days of Beatlemania at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, spending time with impressionists at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and attending musicals at Playhouse Square.

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Top 20

Bucket List Put these iconically Ohio spots on your list.

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Explore Akron’s opulent Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, built in 1915 by the co-founder of The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Take the Nooks & Crannies Tour to discover what it was like to live and work there. Learn to line dance to the tune of country music performed live on stage at Dusty Armadillo, one of Ohio’s largest country dance clubs in Rootstown. Spend the day hiking and admiring the falling waters at the historic and still-working Lanterman’s Mill in Youngstown. Pop into the store to purchase stone-ground cornmeal, buckwheat, and whole-wheat flour. Reflect on the legacy of the 25th President of the United States at the William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum in Canton. Reach for the stars in the planetarium and uncover new discoveries in the interactive science museum. Come nose-to-nose with more than 1,000 animals from around the world at the Akron Zoo. Get there early for the interactive Rise and Shine Safari to see how goats, lemurs, pandas, and bears start their days. Spend the day paddling the tranquil waters at Mentor Lagoons Marina. Go birdwatching along the ADA-accessible boardwalk and take in the views from the 92-foot-tall observation tower that will open in 2026. Experience the joys of fall at Mapleside Farms in Brunswick. Take a hayride through the apple orchard, wind your way through a corn maze, and glide down the 311-foot Super Slide. Get a new perspective (literally!) on nature at the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland on the Murch Canopy Walk stretching 65 feet above the forest, or by climbing 202 steps to the top of the Kalberer Emergent Tower for panoramic views. Relax on the beach at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park or head to Painesville Township Park to stroll the scenic, ADA-accessible lakefront trail that runs along Lake Erie. Admire the breathtaking vistas and waterfalls during a hike at Mohican State Park in Loudonville. Meander along the Hemlock Gorge Trail that leads across swinging and covered bridges. Take a train ride at the Dennison Railroad Museum, a National Historic Landmark, which was a stopover for soldiers during World War II. Ride the POLAR EXPRESS™ holiday excursion and special trips commemorating America’s 250th birthday.

Roadside Photo Ops

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Be introduced to the delightful species that call the Ohio Bird Sanctuary in Mansfield home during a guided tour, including owls, eagles, and falcons. Let your imagination soar at The Lodge at Geneva-On-The-Lake with Lake Erie Canopy Tours. Zip 60-feet high through the trees during the day or night and test yourself with more than 30 rope challenges on the Adventure Course. Get an up-close look at life under water at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium during feeding times, while keeping your eyes open for glimpses of a green moray eel and camouflaged tentacle snakes. Embrace autumn’s splendor near Akron at Cuyahoga Valley National Park that Condé Nast Traveler calls one of the seven best spots in the nation to see fall foliage. Hike to waterfalls or ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Relax and unwind aboard the Lady Caroline cruise ship while enjoying a sumptuous brunch, lunch, or dinner accompanied by picturesque views of Lake Erie and downtown Cleveland. Groove to your favorite music during 150+ concerts held annually at The Kent Stage, along with film, folk, blues, and reggae fests. Take a ghost tour to meet the unseen residents there. Experience science and nature in new ways at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the largest museum in Ohio dedicated to the natural sciences. The prestigious Prix Versailles awarded it as one of the 2025 World’s Most Beautiful Museums. Relax to live music at Debonné Vineyards in Madison with a glass of wine or a beer crafted in their Double Wing Brewery. It’s one of more than 30 wineries in the Grand River Valley region. Feel the beat at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland as you listen to timeless tunes by great artists and try your hand at playing musical instruments.

Take time to visit the 23-foot-tall World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock (left) in Sugarcreek and stay to watch the bird emerge every 30 minutes to the tune of Swiss polka music.

Ponder our country’s liberties in downtown Cleveland while posing in front of the 35-ton, bright red Free Stamp, the world’s largest office stamp.

Celebrate astronaut Neil Armstrong at the First Flight Lunar Module in Warren, a 13-foot-tall replica of the Apollo 11 lunar landing module, located where he took his first plane ride at age 6.

WORLD’S LARGEST CUCKOO CLOCK: TOURISMOHIO, ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME: ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME, OHIO BIRD SANCTUARY: JIM CELUCH, LANTERMAN’S MILL: MATT SHIFFLER, WILLIAM MCKINLEY PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM: TYLER CHURCH, HOLDEN ARBORETUM: KEVIN KOPANSKI, LAKE ERIE LAKEFRONT TRAIL: ANDREA RODRIGUEZ, GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM: GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM, CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK: HIKING WITH HYKES, LADY CAROLINE: WHISTLE COMMUNICATIONS, CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, DEBONNé VINEYARDS: CASEY REARICK

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Put a Fork in it

These eateries have a flair for food that will leave you with a taste for more. International Plates Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine at Casa di Canzonetta in downtown Youngstown, where featured specialties include house-made ricotta ravioli and spaghetti carbonara. Save room for strawberry cassata cake. Discover the flavor of Vietnamese cuisine at the familyrun Pho Ever Oberlin in Lorain.

Quirky Spots Go underground at the historic Prohibition at the Caverns in Mansfield to enjoy delectable dinners in intimate Civil War-era caves that pair wine with each course. Come for dinner-and-a-movie nights on select Thursdays and eight-course meals every Saturday. Create a new taste sensation at Happy Dog in Cleveland, where optional toppings for burgers and franks range from Froot Loops to Flaming Hot Cheetos®.

Treat yourself to yummy goodies, including melt-in-your-mouth glazed doughnuts and blackberry pie, in Steubenville at Downtown Bakery, a favorite since 1958. Indulge in sweet treats for any occasion at Hogan’s Baking Company in Columbiana, popular with the locals for cannoli, apple fritters, and kolachi.

Local Favorites Taste why customers have made Bella’s 220 in Ashland a gathering place for over a century. Try the tomato-basil pie or Italian sausage sandwich, followed by a slice of coconut cream pie or the aptly named Chocolate Dream Cake. Bite into thick-sliced bacon in a variety of flavors, including peppercorn, brown sugar, and honey barbecue, at The Millstone Grind & Café in Carrollton.

Sipping Spots pictured: Feast on the chicken scarpariello at Casa di Canzonetta. right, top to bottom: Try all kinds of creative toppings at Happy Dog. Finish your meal with the homemade cheesecake at Wishmaker House Bed & Breakfast. Head underground to dine at Prohibition at the Caverns.

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Unwind on the patio and listen to live music at Sharon James Cellars in Newbury while noshing on lasagna or fried perch. Plan the perfect getaway in Bellville at Wishmaker House Bed & Breakfast, home to wonderful homemade cheesecake — including one topped with pretzels — along with a wide array of house-made wine and a scrumptious breakfast you’ll love waking up to.

PROHIBITION AT THE CAVERNS, CASA DI CANZONETTA, HEAVENLY CREAMERY, CHILL ARTISAN ICE CREAM: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, HAPPY DOG: DESTINATION CLEVELAND, WISHMAKER HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST: JIM CELUCH, OLESIA’S TAVERNE: OLESIA’S TAVERNE, CAFE 422: STEPHANIE MAURIC, MILLER’S CREAMERY: KEVIN KOPANSKI

Sweet Bakeries

ture Flavors Signa Northeast Ohio is famous for pierogies — filled dumplings that are often flavored with a savory or sweet garnish. Try pierogies made to order at these notable spots. Discover new taste sensations at Pierogi Palace in Cleveland’s West Side Market and in Willoughby. Try a huge array of pierogi flavors like black bean with jalapeño and corn. Top your handmade pierogies with grilled kielbasa, along with other Ukrainian specialties at Olesia’s Taverne (RIGHT) of Richfield. Taste why Lena’s Pierogi House in Hubbard is known for preparing Polish and Hungarian dishes and pierogies just like a grandma would.

Travel Tip: Nothing is better on top of pierogies, bread, or just about anything else than hot peppers in oil. After trying the Mahoning Valley specialty at Café 422 in Warren, you’ll want to take a jar home with you. And yes, they ship — you’ll want more!

We All Scream for Ice Cream Satisfy your sweet tooth at these spots located along Ohio’s Ice Cream Trail. Treat yourself to the creamy flavors of Weber’s 1909 Ice Cream in Fairview Park, where key lime and peppermint stick have been favorites for generations. Savor the sweetness of days gone by at Deersville General Store that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They create ice cream with a 1940s-era batch freezer that was used on a World War II ship. Order a towering cone of sherbet, including passion fruit and guava, that Miller’s Creamery (above right) in Dover makes from scratch.

Try the flavor of the day or opt for vanilla or chocolate made from a secret recipe at Mudd Valley Cafe & Creamery in Walnut Creek. Introduce your taste buds to homemade, small-batch flavors, including hazelnut coffee and pecan praline, at Heavenly Creamery in Conneaut. Discover new favorites at Chill Artisan Ice Cream (above left) in Akron and Medina, where flavors are always evolving. Try the divine lavender honey, sea salt caramel truffle, and butterscotch.

Ice Cream & Happiness Go Together!

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Heavenly Creamery

Northeast

g n i T m o r w a n h s C pictured: Select your own Christmas tree at Pine Tree Barn. right, top to bottom: Go racing at High Voltage Indoor Karting. Test your grip at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. See how styles have changed over the years at the National First Ladies Library & Museum.

Wooster With three colleges and a vibrant downtown filled with shops and Experience the warmth of Ohioans when you stay in these charming communities. 124 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

restaurants, Wooster offers plenty for visitors to enjoy.

WHERE TO PLAY Experience the thrill of railroad travel at the Orrville Union Depot Museum by taking a seat in the open-air passenger car for a 40-minute train ride. Come early for the coveted jump-seat spot next to the engineer. Decorate your house for the holidays at Pine Tree Barn, where you’ll find the perfect live Christmas tree to take home, a store filled with a huge collection of ornaments, and delicious lunch options at The Granary Restaurant. WHERE TO DINE Start your day with eggs Benedict with prime rib or a host of other irresistible choices served downtown at The Leaf, which stays open all day. Savor the flavor of comfort foods including fresh-baked sourdough and house-made meatballs at Broken Rocks Café & Bakery and the adjoining Rox Gastropub downtown. WHERE TO STAY Unwind for the night on the gorgeous patio of the boutique St. Paul Hotel. Before tucking in, stop at the intimate Grigio Wine & Cocktail Bar next door. Sleep amid nature on 60 wooded acres at Roosevelt Glamping. Both the cabin and tent have a private hot tub.

Picture Yourself in Medina

Medina

With a charming town square, Medina has become a mecca for fun year-round. WHERE TO PLAY Celebrate the magic of Christmas every day at Castle Noel, an indoor wonderland featuring the world’s largest privately owned collection of props from holiday films, along with rides and a 25-foot-high animated tree. Get the ultimate rush at High Voltage Indoor Karting while experiencing European indoor-style racing or speeding on the outdoor track. WHERE TO DINE Discover new ways to enjoy an old favorite at 17 Public Square, where burgers come with irresistible combos like bacon, figs, and bleu cheese. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a doughnut from Circles on the Square. WHERE TO STAY Wake up to a full Southern-style hot breakfast at The Spitzer House, an award-winning, cozy Victorian boutique hotel built in 1890. Relax before the crackling fireplace in the common area at the 64-room, Georgian-style Westfield Inn, while taking in gorgeous views of the two golf courses at the Westfield Country Club.

Canton

Known as the birthplace of professional football, this action-packed city is also home to noted historic attractions.

BUNNY SUIT, FARM & FIELD GRAPHIC: ANGELA STIFTAR PINE TREE BARN, NATIONAL FIRST LADIES LIBRARY & MUSEUM, HIGH VOLTAGE INDOOR KARTING: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, APPLE HILL ORCHARDS: JIM CELUCH, PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME: MATT SHIFFLER

WHERE TO PLAY Learn about the triumphs of history’s gridiron greats at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, then explore the rides, restaurants, and shops at Hall of Fame Village, including Build-A-Bear Workshop®, where you can dress your cuddly new friend in your favorite team’s gear. Discover the significant accomplishments commander-in-chief spouses have made at the National First Ladies Library & Museum, the only place in the world dedicated to their achievements. WHERE TO DINE Enjoy artfully prepared cuisine inspired by the flavors of Tuscany at Lucca Downtown. It’s dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients. Savor your favorite comfort foods at Hartville Kitchen & Bakery before exploring Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market, the largest indoor/outdoor flea market in the U.S. WHERE TO STAY Indulge in the touch of luxury at Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa by booking a stay in a Villa or The Casa. During the day, enjoy a wine tasting, get a spa treatment, watch a cooking demonstration, and savor sumptuous meals at several restaurants. Play a round at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at The Bertram Inn at Glenmoor, where you can also play pickleball and relax with soothing spa treatments.

Apple Hill Orchards

Explore Ohio’s bounty at these spots. Hang out for the day in the

cute wonderland of alpacas, mini cows, goats, and sheep at Pure Passions Farm in Kent. Take a goat yoga class or get your photo with your favorite furry resident. Imagine the treats you’ll make from the fruit ready to pick in summer at North Ridge Blueberries in Conneaut, located on the shore of Lake Erie. Come back in the fall to gather chestnuts. Find out why Apple Hill Orchards in Mansfield and Fredericktown was recently named on USA Today’s 10Best list of apple orchards in the country. More than 30 varieties of apples are grown there. OHIO.ORG

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NOTAB

LE OHIOAN

Stay Awhile Unique spots to make your trip even more special.

Stay the night the way renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright intended at Willoughby Hills’ new RiverRock House, the last dwelling he designed. Nearby is another Wright home you can overnight in, the Louis Penfield House.

Brian C. Kincaid OHIO’S FIRST BLACK ENOLOGIST

When sipping wine, most of us don’t give the chemistry behind it a fleeting thought. But Cleveland resident Brian C. Kincaid does. In 2023, Kincaid became the first African American in the state to earn an associate’s degree of applied science in enology — the study of the chemistry and biology of winemaking — from Kent State University’s Ashtabula campus. How did you become interested in winemaking? I’ve been drinking

wine for half of my life, and it’s always been a communal experience, associated with proposing toasts and sitting down with family and friends. When I attended my first enology class at KSU, I fell in love with the science aspect.

Where would you like to see your love of wine take you?

First, I’d like to open a brick-and-mortar winery with my wife, Maya. Second, I want to inspire young people to think outside the box when it comes to choosing a career. Third, I hope to make wine more approachable to the average person, so they’ll know exactly what to purchase at a store or order in a restaurant.

What are your favorite wineries? I love Geneva-on-theLake because it is the best place to go for a broad picture of Ohio wine. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa (right) in Canton is also special. I believe that in the next decade or so, Ohio will be one of the top local wine locations in the country, rivaling California and the Pacific Northwest.

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Go glamping, stay in a spacious lakefront chalet, or opt for cabins with private hot tubs at Standing Rock Farms in Madison, a former Boy Scout camp transformed into upscale accommodations.

Dolly's Pick

Follow the adventures of Governor Mike DeWine’s Springer Spaniel Dolly on Instagram, then treat yourself and your favorite pup with a stay at The Grand Resort in Warren for a spa treatment and a dip in the Roman Bath for you and a goodie bag for your pup. Head to nearby Mosquito Lake State Park’s 5-acre dog park.

DOLLY: ANGELA STIFTAR BRIAN C. KINCAID: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, THE INN AT HONEY RUN: CASEY REARICK, GERVASI VINEYARD RESORT & SPA: GERVASI VINEYARD RESORT & SPA

Grape Nut

Relax in the serenity at The Inn at Honey Run (above) in Millersburg with a room in the lodge or cottages. Wake up to take a walk through the grounds to see the Holmes County Open Air Art Museum.

Tra vel Insp irati on Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park in Nelson Township @odnr

Wisdom by Helen Frankenthaler at the Akron Art Museum @akronartmuseum

White House Fruit Farm in Canfield @whitehousefruitfarm

OhioTheHeartofitAll

Use these listings, organized by county seat, to plan your next Ohio getaway. AKRON AREA

Burning River Adventures 2025 Munroe Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls 330-969-2628, paddletheriver.com

The Healing Brew 1672 Merriman Rd., Akron 234-678-0380, thehealingbrew.com

Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau 77 E. Mill St., Akron 330-374-7560, visitakron-summit.org

Clayton Bailey’s World of Wonders Museum 225 S. Main St., Akron 330-800-0342, curatedstorefront.org/wow

HiHO Brewing Company 1707 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls 234-334-7564, hihobrewingco.com

Things to Do

Cuyahoga Valley Adventures 1570 Akron Peninsula Rd., Akron 330-298-5009, paddletheriver.com/cva

Hike & Bike Trail Northeast Ohio, Stow 330-867-5511, summitmetroparks.org

Local Resources

Akron Glass Works 421 Spicer St., Akron 330-253-5888, akronglassworks.com

Akron Zoo

500 Edgewood Ave., Akron 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Boston Mill Visitor Center 6947 Riverview Rd., Peninsula 440-717-3890, forcvnp.org/experience

Hoppin’ Frog Brewery 1680 E. Waterloo Rd., Akron 330-352-4578, hoppinfrog.com Ignite Brewing Company 600 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton 234-571-5289, ignite.beer Jilly’s Music Room 111 N. Main St., Akron 330-576-3757, jillysmusicroom.com Magic Pedal Company 105 Second St. N.W., Barberton 330-328-6757, magicpedalcompany.com Portage Lakes State Park 5031 Manchester Rd., Akron 330-644-2220, ohiodnr.gov

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Akron’s Contemporary Arts District 110 N. Main St., Akron 330-800-0342, curatedstorefront.org/ curated-storefront Berrodin Bicycle Rental & Sales 814 Bloomfield Ave., Akron 330-352-1425, berrodinbicycle.com Bethlehem Cave and Nativity Museum 2425 Myersville Rd., Akron 330-699-5086, nativityofthelord.org

1630 Mill St., West Peninsula 330-439-5708, cvsr.org

Sarah’s Vineyard Winery 1204 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls 330-929-8057, sarahsvineyardwinery.com

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

Float the River 2374 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls 740-381-0563, floattheriver.net

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Northeast Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Celebrate America’s 250th in the place that feels like

714 N. Portage Path, Akron 330-836-5533, stanhywet.org

The Conotton Creek Trail St. Rte. 151, Scio 740-942-1102, visitharrisoncounty.com Franklin Museum 187 N. Main St., New Athens 740-968-0192, visitharrisoncounty.com Harrison County Lakes 143 S. Main St., Cadiz 740-942-1102, visitharrisoncounty.com History of Coal Museum 200 E. Market St., Cadiz 740-942-2623, visitharrisoncounty.com

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is the former estate of F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Explore the magnificent 65-room Tudor Revival manor house and discover the 70 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds.

Tinkers Creek Area of Liberty Park/ Summit Metroparks 10303 Aurora Hudson Rd., Streetsboro 330-867-5511, ohiodnr.gov Towpath Distillery 1824 Merriman Rd., Akron 330-865-9510, towpath-distillery.com The Winery at Wolf Creek 2637 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Norton 330-666-9285, wineryatwolfcreek.com

ASHLAND AREA

Local Resources Explore Ashland

121 W. Main St., Ashland 877-581-2345, exploreashlandohio.com

John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail of Ohio St. Rte. 22, Cadiz 740-942-1102, ohiohistory.org Ohio Valley Winery 131 E. Market St., Cadiz 740-491-8703, ohiovalleywinery.com Tappan Lake Park 84000 Mallarnee Rd., Deersville 740-922-3649, mwcd.org Vineyard 22 Winery 83800 Monzula Dr., Cadiz 740-491-7000, vineyard22winery.com Wellstone Winery 28945 Riley Rd., Freeport 330-432-3029, wellstone.com

CANTON AREA

Local Resources Discover Hartville 115 Prospect Ave. S., Hartville 330-877-5500, discoverhartville.com

Things to Do 720 Market

330-571-0367, eventsby720.com

Ashland offers small-town charm with vibrant cultural attractions. Explore its historic downtown, local eateries, and artisan shops. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy scenic parks and Mohican State Park nearby. Home to the annual BalloonFest.

Things to Do Mohican Adventure River Trips & Fun Center 3058 St. Rte. 3 S., Loudonville 419-994-2267, mohicanadventures.com

Big Celebrations! Bold History! Endless reasons to visit! Join us for this once-in a-lifetime anniversary where Ohio’s first settlement rose and the state’s only Revolutionary War fort stood.

Mohican Lodge & Conference Center 1098 Ashland County Rd. 3006, Perrysville 419-938-5411, mohicanlodge.com Mohican State Park 3116 St. Rte. 3, Loudonville 419-994-5125, ohiodnr.gov

Experience open-air, market-style artisan shopping with 720 Market at various venues throughout Stark County. 720 is a fun, fresh opportunity to enjoy local arts, musicians, food vendors, and makers of all kinds. Shop here and enjoy the vibe! 720 Market is a proud partner of Visit Canton.

Bender’s Tavern

137 Court Ave. S.W., Canton 330-453-8424, benderscanton.com

Pleasant Hill Lake Park 3431 St. Rte. 95, Perrysville 419-938-7884, mwcd.org

CADIZ AREA

Tuscarawas County is less than 2 hours from Cleveland and Columbus. Bolivar | Dennison | Dover New Philadelphia | Sugarcreek | Zoar

TravelTusc250.com PH: 800-527-3387

128 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Things to Do 16 Sided Barn 75440 Skullfork Rd., Freeport 740-658-3891, visitharrisoncounty.com Clark Gable Museum 138 Charleston St., Cadiz 740-942-1102, clarkgablefoundation.com Clendening Lake Marina and Campground 79100 Bose Rd., Freeport 740-433-4858, mwcd.org

Established in 1902, Bender’s Tavern is a fourth-generation, family-owned restaurant known for its rich tradition of hospitality. With exceptional cuisine, historic ambiance, and warm service, we’re honored to serve our community.

Boomdyada 332 Fourth St. N.W., Canton 330-704-2260, boomdyada.com

Northeast Canton Classic Car Museum

123 Sixth St. S.W., Canton 330-455-3603, cantonclassiccar.org

Fortress of Fear Haunted ScreamPark 12175 State St. N.E., Alliance 330-823-3933, fortressoffear.com Funtimes Fun Park 12175 State St. N.E., Alliance 330-823-3933, funtimespark.com

MAPS Air Museum

2260 International Pkwy., North Canton 330-896-6332, mapsairmuseum.org

Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa 1700 55th St. N.E., Canton 330-497-1000, gervasivineyard.com

Centennial Plaza 330 Court Ave. N.W., Canton 330-438-6175, cantonohio.gov

The MAPS Air Museum is a non-profit center of history and aviation in northeast Ohio with over 50 aircraft, three display galleries, free tour guides, and a great gift shop. Proud to be on the Ohio 250 Air and Space Trail!

Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park™

12951 Patterson St. N.W., North Lawrence 330-854-6691, clayspark.com

Massillon Museum Surrounded by breathtaking vineyard views, Gervasi Vineyard offers an inviting blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. Visitors can sip award-winning wines, dine at exceptional restaurants, and unwind with signature treatments at the luxurious spa.

121 Lincoln Way East, Massillon 330-833-4061, massillonmuseum.org

Haines House Underground Railroad Museum 186 W. Market Ave., Alliance 330-823-5353, haineshouse.org Deer Creek Reservoir 14514 Price St. N.E., Alliance 330-477-3552, starkparks.com Escape Room Downtown 203 Market Ave., Ste. #200, Canton 330-844-1492, escaperoomdowntown.com

Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market 1289 Edison St. N.W., Hartville 330-877-9860, hartvillemarketplace.com Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center 16146 Daniel St. N.E., Minerva 330-823-7487, mountunion.edu/nature-center Mad Dogs and Crazy Cats 40 N. Arch Ave., Alliance 330-596-1157, maddogscrazycats.com

Visit downtown Massillon’s welcoming cultural hub to enjoy changing exhibitions and a history gallery including traditional and contemporary art and a 1907 auto. Enjoy photography, football history, a circus gallery featuring a 100-square-foot hand-carved miniature circus, shopping, a café, and a sensory room. Free admission and parking.

Looking for even more travel inspiration? From charming towns and markets to outdoor adventures, you’ll find plenty of ideas for your VisitMedinaCounty.com next family trip or group getaway. VisitMedinaCounty.com! OHIO.ORG

131

Northeast McKinley Presidential Library & Museum

800 McKinley Monument Dr. N.W., Canton 330-455-7043, mckinleymuseum.org

Walborn Reservoir 11324 Price St. N.E., Alliance 330-477-3552, starkparks.com The Woodshop 328 Walnut Ave. N.E., Canton 330-205-8851, woodshop.beer

CARROLLTON AREA

Local Resources Carroll County

30 Public Sq., Carrollton 330-627-4811, carrollcountyohio.com We have something for everyone! Our site includes William McKinley’s final resting place, an exhibition about his life, an interactive science center, a planetarium, an indoor historic town, an HO train layout, and more.

Muskellunge Brewing Company 425 Fifth St. N.W., Canton 513-802-3417, muskellungebrewingcompany.com

National First Ladies Library & Museum

205 Market Ave., South Canton 330-452-0876, firstladies.org Carroll County is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Midwest. With its picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and rich history, it offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. From exploring the breathtaking Atwood Lake Park to indulging in delicious local cuisine, Carroll County has something for everyone.

Things to Do Flowers at Grover Farms 504 Steubenville Rd. S.E., Carrollton 330-260-5741, groverfarmsflowers.com Ninja Hub Gym 6720 Dressler Rd. N.W., North Canton 330-312-6750, ninjahubgym.com North Canton Heritage Society 210 N. Main St., North Canton 330-494-4791, northcantonheritage.org

Manfull Orchards Farm Market 8146 Kensington Rd. N.E., Augusta 330-895-4861, manfullorchards.com

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail 135 Lake Ave. N.W., Massillon 330-477-3552, starkparks.com

Schaefer’s Farm Market 5024 Jacksonburg Rd., Trenton 513-726-5307, schaefersfarmmarket.com

Petros Lake Park-Mindfulness Walk 3519 Perry Dr. S.W., Canton 330-477-3552, starkparks.com/mindfulnesswalk

CHARDON AREA

Pike Ridge Park 7498 E. Sparta Ave. S.E., Magnolia 330-477-3552, starkparks.com Pleasant View Golf Club 14605 Louisville St. N.E., Paris 330-862-2034, pleasantviewgolfclub.com Pro Football Hall of Fame 2121 George Halas Dr. N.W., Canton 330-456-8207, profootballhof.com Quail Hollow State Park 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville 330-409-8096, ohiodnr.gov Sippo Lake Park 5300 Tyner St. N.W., Canton 330-477-3552, starkparks.com Spring Hill Historic Home and Underground Railroad Site 1401 Springhill Ln. N.E., Massillon 330-833-6749, springhillhistorichome.org Troll Hole Museum 228 E. Main St., Alliance 330-596-1157, thetrollhole.com UnHitched Brewing Company 115 S. Mill St., Louisville 330-871-8021, unhitched.beer

132 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Leesville Lake 4131 Deer Rd. S.W., Bowerston 740-269-5371, leesvillelake.com

Things to Do Claridon Woodlands 11383 Claridon Troy Rd., Chardon 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org Fowler’s Mill Golf Course 13095 Rockhaven Rd., Chesterland 800-444-9203, teetimegolfpass.com Geauga Amish History Center & Gift Shop 15848 Nauvoo Rd., Middlefield 440-682-0606, destinationgeauga.com Headwaters Park 13365 Old State Rd. (Rte. 608), Huntsburg 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org Laleure Vineyards 17335 Nash Rd., Parkman 440-548-5120, laleure.com Loretta Paganini School of Cooking 8613 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland 440-729-1110, lpscinc.com The Maple Highlands Trail 9280 Ravenna Rd., Chardon 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center 11755 Kinsman Rd., Newbury 440-564-9144, pundersonmanor.com

Northeast Punderson State Park 11755 Kinsman Rd., Newbury 440-564-2279, ohiodnr.gov Punderson State Park Golf Course 11755 Kinsman Rd., Newbury Township 440-564-9144, pundersonmanor.com/recreation/golf The West Woods Nature Center 9465 Kinsman Rd. (St. Rte. 87), Novelty 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org

CLEVELAND AREA

Local Resources Cleveland in a Box 107 Karl St., Berea 216-307-3386, clevelandinabox.com Party Bus 7 St. Clair Ave. N.E. #627, Cleveland 877-563-2133, partybus.com/ cleveland/oh/united-states Price 4 Limo Cleveland 990 W. Superior Ave., Cleveland 866-265-5479, price4limo.com

Things to Do Beck Center for the Arts 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org Bookhouse Brewing 1526 W. 25th St., Cleveland 216-862-4048, bookhouse.beer Buckland Museum of Witchcraft & Magick 2155 Broadview Rd., Cleveland 718-709-6643, bucklandmuseum.org Cleveland Hungarian Heritage Museum Galleria at Erieview, E. Ninth and St. Clair Ave., Lower Level, Cleveland 216-523-3900, clevelandhungarianmuseum.org Cleveland Metroparks Zoo 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo The Cleveland Museum of Art 11150 E. Blvd., Cleveland 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org Cleveland Museum of Natural History 1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland 216-231-4600, cmnh.org Cuyahoga Valley National Park 15610 Vaughn Rd., Brecksville 440-717-3890, nps.gov/cuva Funny Bus Comedy City Tours 1250 Old River Rd., Cleveland 216-404-7786, funnybus.net/cleveland

Hartville Awaits

Discover a destination where everyone can find something to love. Shop our indoor and outdoor flea market, enjoy homestyle meals and fresh baked treats, and explore America's largest independent hardware store.

All this and more are just 20 minutes from Canton come experience what makes Hartville special!

Gates Mills Players 1460 Chagrin River Rd., Gates Mills 661-549-2078, gatesmillsplayers.com Great Lakes Theater 1501 Euclid Ave., Ste. 300, Cleveland 216-241-5490, greatlakestheater.org

Greater Cleveland Aquarium

2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

Come visit one of the area’s

Top Attractions

1015 Edison Street NW, Hartville, OH 44632 • Experience

.com OHIO.ORG

133

Northeast Lady Caroline Cruise Ship

1153 Main Ave., Cleveland 216-696-8888, ladycaroline.com

Masthead Brewing Company 1261 Superior Ave. E., Cleveland 216-206-6176, mastheadbrewingco.com Memphis Kiddie Park 10340 Memphis Ave., Brooklyn 216-941-5995, memphiskiddiepark.com NASA Glenn Research Center – Visitor Center 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland 216-433-4000, nasa.gov/about-glenn-research-center Nature Center at Shaker Lakes 2600 S. Park Blvd., Cleveland 216-321-5935, shakerlakes.org Painting with a Twist Cleveland 25102 Brookpark Rd., North Olmsted 440-617-6117, paintingwithatwist.com

Recess Games 26636 Brookpark Rd., North Olmsted 440-779-7008, recess.net Relish Cleveland Tours Ohio City, Cleveland 216-353-3770, relishcle.com River Cruiser Kayaking 6742 Oakes Rd., Brecksville 440-673-8312, rivercruiserkayaking.com Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., Cleveland 216-781-7625, rockhall.com SPACES 2900 Detroit Ave., Cleveland 216-621-2314, spacescle.org Western Reserve Distillers 14221 Madison Ave., Lakewood 216-333-9291, westernreservedistillers.com WhirlyBall Cleveland 5055 Richmond Rd., Bedford Heights 216-591-0707, whirlyballcleveland.com

ELYRIA AREA

Things to Do Civil War and Underground Railroad 14945 Hallauer Rd., Oberlin 440-774-3400, hallauerhousebnb.com Common Ground – The Cindy Nord Center for Renewal 14240 Baird Rd., Oberlin 440-965-5551, commongroundcenter.org Common Ground Canopy Tours 14240 Baird Rd., Oberlin 440-707-2044, cgcanopy.org Crooked Leaf Cigar Lounge 600 Broadway, Lorain 440-506-0148, thecrookedleaf.com Heron Creek Wine and Brady Vineyards of Ohio 52185 W. Griggs Rd., Wellington 440-506-7022, heroncreekwine.com Historic Downtown Amherst 255 Park Ave., Amherst 440-984-6709, mainstreetamherst.org Klingshirn Winery, Inc. 33050 Webber Rd., Avon Lake 440-933-6666, klingshirnwine.com Main Street Amherst Morning Mingle 255 Park Ave., Amherst 440-984-6709, mainstreetamherst.org

GENEVA AREA

Things to Do

Broadway’s home in Cleveland.

American Legion Cowle Post 151 272 Broad St., Conneaut 440-593-2205, legionpost151.com Bring It On – Lake Erie Fishing Charters Dock #32, Kister Marina, Ashtabula 440-997-7010, lake-erie-fishing-charters.com Buccia Winery, Vineyard and B&B 518 Gore Rd., Conneaut 440-593-5976, bucciavineyards.com Camp Peet Metropark 415 Creek Rd., Conneaut 440-576-9717, ashtabulametroparks.com Conneaut Historical Society Museum 501 Sandusky St., Conneaut 440-599-6011, capturingconneauthistory.com Conneaut Railroad Museum 363 Depot St., Conneaut 440-599-7878, visitconneaut.com Conneaut Township Park 480 Lake Rd., Conneaut 440-599-7071, conneauttownshippark.com

134 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course brings the legends and speed. Mansfield Speedway brings the dirt, the comeback, the attitude. Motorsports… as real as it gets in the Racing Capital of Ohio. Explore beyond the tracks and rev up your visit.

DestinationMansfield.com

Northeast Conneaut West Breakwater Lighthouse Broad St. Extension, Conneaut 440-599-7697, visitconneautohio.com

Luckey Strike Lake Erie Fishing Charters Dock #33, Kister Marina, Ashtabula 440-997-7010, lakeeriecaptain.com

Woodsong Acres 5504 St. Rd., Kingsville 877-224-5504, woodsongacres.com

Creek Road Covered Bridge 371 Creek Rd., Conneaut 440-599-7697, visitconneautohio.com

Markko Vineyard 4500 S. Ridge Rd., Conneaut 440-593-3197, markko.com

LISBON AREA

D-Day Ohio WWII Museum 851 Harbor St., Conneaut 440-990-9779, ddayohio.us/museum.html

Middle Road Covered Bridge Middle Rd., Conneaut 440-599-7697, visitconneautohio.com

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante 5585 St. Rte. 307, Geneva 440-466-8466, ferrantewinery.com

North Coast WWII History Museum 851 Harbor St., Conneaut 440-224-0717, ddayohio.us/museum.htm

Friends of Conneaut Creek Metropark 27 Blakeslee Rd., Conneaut 440-576-0717, ashtabulametroparks.com

Port of Conneaut Broad St. Extension, Conneaut 440-593-1300, conneautportauthority.com

Gateway Outdoor Learning Center 230 Gateway Ave., Conneaut 440-479-9554, gatewayolc.com

Pymatuning State Park 6100 Pymatuning Lake Rd., Andover 440-293-6030, ohiodnr.gov

Geneva State Park 4499 Padanarum Rd., Geneva 440-466-8400, ohiodnr.gov

The Refindary Vintage Market 39 S. Chestnut St., Jefferson 440-536-2598, refindary.com

Harrington’s Lake Erie Get Away 508 Williams St., Conneaut 216-905-1546, harringtonslakeeriegetaway.com

Root Road Covered Bridge 4680 Root Rd., Conneaut 440-599-7697, visitconneautohio.com

Hatches Corners Metropark 5467 Rte. 7, Monroe Township 440-576-0717, ashtabulametroparks.com

Rosabella Winery 3951 St. Rte. 307, Austinburg 440-275-5218, rosabellawinery.com

Linney’s Place 263 Bloor St., Conneaut 440-265-3363, linneysplace.com

Shanti Yoga Love LLC Yoga & Wellness Center 27 Wall St., Jefferson 440-381-8099, yogalvh.com

The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake 4888 N. Broadway (St. Rte. 534), Geneva-on-the-Lake 866-806-8066, thelodgeatgeneva.com

State Road Covered Bridge State Rd., Conneaut 440-599-7697, visitconneautohio.com Western Reserve Greenway Northeast Ohio, Ashtabula 440-576-0717, ashtabulametroparks.com

AKRON Akron History Center

Local Resources Columbiana County Visitors Bureau 7860 Lincole Pl., Lisbon 330-424-9078, visitcolumbianacounty.com

Things to Do The Backyard Live 45625 St. Rte. 154, Rogers 330-227-3233, thebackyardatrogers.com Beaver Creek State Park 12021 Echo Dell Rd., East Liverpool 330-385-3091, ohiodnr.gov Brew Lounge Beer Company 115 Town Center Ave., Columbiana 330-870-5308, brewloungebeercompany.com Burchfield Homestead Museum 867 E. Fourth St., Salem 330-717-0092, burchfieldhomestead.com Columbiana Arts Theater 5 N. Main St., Columbiana 234-946-9250, atthecat.com Firestone Farms and Town Center 101 Town Center Ave., Columbiana 330-549-2115, firestonefarms.org Great Ohio Lake to River Greenway 330-702-3000, millcreekmetroparks.org/visit/places/ metroparks-bikeway The Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail 232 S. Market St., Lisbon 330-424-9078, columbianacountyparkdistrict.org

As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, make your own pilgrimage through the stories that shaped our nation. Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail

Check out all the America 250 locations in Summit County!

Northeast Logtown Rock Climbing 727 Sunset Dr., Lisbon 330-424-9078, columbianacountyparkdistrict.org McKim’s Honeyvine 20 1/2 S. Main St., Columbiana 330-398-7662, facebook.com/mckimshoneyvine

MANSFIELD AREA

The Ohio State Reformatory 100 Reformatory Rd., Mansfield 419-522-2644, ohiostatereformatory.org

Local Resources Destination Mansfield

124 N. Main St., Mansfield 419-525-1300, destinationmansfield.com

Museum of Ceramics 400 E. Fifth St., East Liverpool 330-386-6001, themuseumofceramics.com

Snow Trails 3100 Possum Run Rd., Mansfield 419-774-9818, snowtrails.com

Salem Historical Society 239 S. Lundy, Salem 330-337-8514, salemhistoricalsociety.org

Source Gallery 40 N. Park Ave., Lisbon 330-549-5100, sourcegallery.com Sundog Ciderhouse & Winery 145 Town Center Ave., Columbiana 330-892-8039, sundogciderhouse.com Tipsy Farmer Winery 32849 Speidel Rd., Hanoverton 330-222-9737, facebook.com/paynter.us

Richland B&O Trail Mansfield, Ohio, Mansfield 419-525-1300, destinationmansfield.com The Shawshank Trail 124 N. Main St., Mansfield 419-525-1300, shawshanktrail.com

Rogers Community Auction and Flea Market 45625 St. Rte. 154, Rogers 330-227-3233, rogersohio.com

Scenic Vista Disc Golf Course 11523 Wayne Bridge Rd., Lisbon 330-424-9078, columbianacountyparkdistrict.org

The Phoenix Brewing Company 131 N. Diamond St., Mansfield 419-522-2552, phoenixbrewing.com

MEDINA AREA Y-Not Cycling 64 E. Main St., Lexington 419-884-6135, ynotcycling.com

Local Resources

Medina County Convention & Visitors Bureau

23 Public Sq., Ste 220, Medina 330-722-5502, visitmedinacounty.com

Things to Do Charles Mill Lake Park 1277A St. Rte. 430, Mansfield 419-368-6885, mwcd.org Haunted Mansfield Ohio 124 N. Main St., Mansfield 419-525-1300, hauntedmansfield.com Malabar Farm State Park 4050 Bromfield Rd., Lucas 419-892-2784, ohiodnr.gov Mansfield Speedway 400 Crall Rd., Mansfield 567-483-2383, thespeedway.com

Picture yourself in Medina County to experience the standout destination for families and groups. Medina County shines with attractions, dining, shopping, park life, and historical assets along with our award-winning hotels.

Oak Hill Cottage 310 Springmill St., Mansfield 419-524-1765, oakhillcottage.org

In the Akron-Canton region, every museum, monument, and Main Street invites you to connect more deeply with the American spirit. Pro Football Hall of Fame

CANTON McKinley Presidential Library & Museum

Check out all the America 250 locations in Stark County!

OHIO.ORG

137

Northeast

Things to Do Alien Vacation Mini Golf 260 S. Court St., Medina 330-721-1224, alienvacationminigolf.com Castle Noel 260 S. Court St., Medina 330-721-6635, castlenoel.com

of Making The Lake Your Own

Ignite Brewing Company 1255 N. Carpenter Rd., Brunswick 330-460-3042, ignite.beer Majestic Meadows Alpacas & Boutique 4195 Abbeyville Rd., Medina 330-725-2977, majesticmeadowsalpacas.com Medina Antique Mall 2797 Medina Rd., Medina 330-722-0071, medinaantiquemall.com Northern Ohio Railway Museum 5515 Buffham Rd., Seville 330-769-5501, northernohiorailway museum.org

Korey Smerk

Spring Grove Arboretum 785 E. Washington St., Medina 330-591-4870, friendsofmedinacemetery.org Spring Grove Cemetery 775 E. Washington St., Medina 330-591-4870, friendsofmedinacemetery.org

k Chec r Ou Out ial c Offi er Insid e Guid

MILLERSBURG AREA

Local Resources E-Bikes of Holmes County LLC 3290 County Rd. 160, Millersburg 330-275-5011, ebikesofholmescounty.com

thisiscleveland.com

Historic Downtown Millersburg 24 S. Clay St., Millersburg 330-674-2412, historicdowntownmillersburg.com

21863-7-dcle-ohio-travel-guide-4.875x4.875-final.indd 1

12/9/25 1:22 PM

GREATER AKRON LODGING COUNCIL

Discover Historic Downtown Millersburg! Shop charming boutiques, enjoy local dining, and find a welcoming place to stay. Nestled in the heart of Amish Country, our nationally recognized historic town offers authentic heritage and small-town charm.

Holmes County Chamber of Commerce

6 W. Jackson St., Millersburg 330-674-3975, visitamishcountry.com

Blossom Music Center – Roger Mastroianni – Akron/Summit CVB

Make Your Stay with

Akron hotels are perfectly located in the middle of everything you want to do in Northeast Ohio. You have more choices for great locations & excellent service when you StayInAkron.

138 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Take a trip off the beaten path to Ohio’s Amish Country. Enjoy immersive cultural tours, savor Amish-inspired dishes, and discover the beauty of hand-crafted treasures. There is something for all to enjoy in Holmes County.

Things to Do Coblentz Chocolate Company 4917 Walnut St., Walnut Creek 330-893-2995, coblentzchocolates.com

Northeast Guggisberg Cheese 5060 St. Rte. 557, Millersburg 330-893-2500, babyswiss.com Holmes County Open Air Art Museum 6920 County Rd. 203, Millersburg 330-674-0011, innathoneyrun.com/ open-air-art-museum Holmes County Pottery 8500 County Rd. 373, Big Prairie 330-496-2406, holmescountypottery.com The Magic Bus Shoppe 165 W. Jackson St., Millersburg 330-842-2716, themagicbusshoppe.com Millersburg Glass Museum 434 N. Washington St., Millersburg 330-674-0022, holmeshistory.com New Towne Gallery 55 W. Jackson St., Millersburg 330-473-6027, newtownegallery.com Shop Downtown Millersburg 12 E. Jackson St., Millersburg 330-674-0404, freewebs.com/shopdowntownmillersburgohio Three Feathers Pewter 12 E. Jackson St., Millersburg 330-674-0404, threefeatherspewter.com Victorian House Museum 484 Wooster Rd., Millersburg 330-674-0022, victorianhouse.org

Must

See

Part Museum. Part Mercantile.

100%

Unforgettable. 800.438.5346

VOTED

BEST

DESTINATION IN AMISH COUNTRY

lehmans.com

On the Square in Kidron, OH. Open every day except Sunday

NEW PHILADELPHIA AREA

Local Resources Tuscarawas County Welcome Center

124 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia 800-527-3387, traveltusc250.com

Big celebrations! Bold history! Endless reasons to visit! You’ll find it all at TravelTusc250.com. Join us for this oncein-a-lifetime anniversary where Ohio’s first settlement rose and the state’s only Revolutionary War fort stood.

Things to Do Age of Steam Roundhouse

213 Smokey Lane Rd. S.W., Sugarcreek 330-852-4676, ageofsteamroundhouse.org

Hospitality From The Heart of Amish Country At the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum, the sights and sounds of early railroading come alive. Tour our 18-stall roundhouse, stand beside massive steam locomotives, and learn about the golden era of railroading.

Atwood Lake Park 9500 Lakeview Rd. N.E., Mineral City 330-343-6780, mwcd.org

Authentic flavors, welcoming accomodations, and family-friendly experiences that make you feel at home Dutchman Hospitality Family of Brands Berlin, Bellville, Plain City, Sugarcreek, & Walnut Creek

OHIO.ORG

139

Northeast

A Place for All Seasons:

Casella Winery at Roxford Park 1039 Roxford Church Rd. S.E., Dennison 330-343-7377, casellawinery.com

Chagrin River Park 3100 Reeves Rd., Willoughby 440-358-7275, lakemetroparks.com

Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens 331 Karl Ave., Dover 330-505-6003, thewarthermuseum.com

Concord Woods Nature Park 11211 Spear Rd., Concord Twp. 440-358-7275, lakemetroparks.com

Fort Laurens Museum

11067 Fort Laurens Rd., Bolivar 330-874-2059, fortlaurensmuseum.org

Dizzy Doe’s Goat Ranch 4180 Dayton Rd., Madison 440-299-8301, dizzydoes.com Erie Shores Golf Course 7298 Lake Rd. E., Madison 440-428-3164, lakemetroparks.com Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park 301 Huntington Beach Dr., Fairport Harbor 440-256-2118, goto.lakemetroparks.com Headlands Beach State Park 9601 Headlands Rd., Mentor 440-466-8400, ohiodnr.gov

Historic Fort Steuben

History, Art, Music, Craft Shows, Nature Hikes, Farmers Markets, and Holiday Celebrations all through the year!

Visit Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort — a must-see destination for anyone interested in American history. Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Patriot and a museum of military and Native artifacts.

Historic Zoar Village

198 Main St., Zoar 330-874-3011, historiczoarvillage.com

Historic Painesville Square 1 Liberty St., Painesville 440-392-0350, painesville.com Lake Erie Bluffs 3301 Lane Rd., Perry Township 440-358-7275, lakemetroparks.com Lake Erie Fishing Charter 93 River St., Grand River 440-708-6314, chagrinvalleycharters.com Lake Metroparks Farmpark 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland 440-256-2122, lakemetroparks.com Mentor Brewing Company 9528 Diamond Centre Dr., Mentor 440-951-2739, mentorbrewingcompany.com

Discover Steubenville!

Steubenville/Jefferson County Visitor Center 120 S. 3rd Street Steubenville OH 43952 www.VisitSteubenville.com 866.301.1787

Mentor Civic Amphitheater 8600 Munson Rd., Mentor 440-255-1100, cityofmentor.com

Visit one of America’s most successful communal settlements. Established in 1817 by German immigrants. National Historic Landmark District.

Lockport Brewery 10748 Wilkshire Blvd. N.E., Bolivar 330-874-6037, lockportbeer.com Norma Johnson Center 3645 Conservation Dr. N.W., Dover 330-365-1221, tuscparks.com Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail 8645 Dover-Zoar Rd., Dover 330-365-1221, tuscparks.com Ohio Star Theater 1387 Old Rte. 39, Sugarcreek 855-344-7547, ohiostartheater.com The Pilot Brewhouse 1690 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia 330-874-6037, thepilotbrewhouse.com

PAINESVILLE AREA

Local Resources Tour Lake County 105 Main St., B101, Painesville 440-975-1234, tourlakecounty.com

Mentor Ice Arena 8600 Munson Rd., Mentor 440-974-5730, mentoricearena.com Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Marina 8365 Harbor Dr., Mentor 440-205-3625, cityofmentor.com/boating Pine Ridge Country Club 30601 Ridge Rd., Wickliffe 440-943-0293, lakemetroparks.com Rabbit Run Theater 5648 W. Chapel Rd., Madison 440-428-7092, rabbitrun.org Wildwood Cultural Center 7645 Little Mountain Rd., Mentor 440-974-5735, cityofmentor.com

RAVENNA AREA

Local Resources City Mantua 4808 E. High St., Mantua 330-414-8212, msacoc.org/calendar

Explore Portage County

800-764-8768, centralportagevcb.org

Things to Do

Black Brook Golf Course & Practice Center 8900 Lake Shore Blvd., Mentor 440-951-0010, blackbrookgolfcourse.com Busy Bees Pottery & Arts Studio 7850 Mentor Ave., Mentor 440-290-7767, mentor.busybeesart.com Canine Meadow Dog Park 9010 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland 440-358-7275, lakemetroparks.com

140 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Ready for a road trip? Get outdoors and explore our three Ohio state parks. Experience our fashion museum. Enjoy shopping our Main Streets and markets. Savor our local foods and brews. Relish our unique musical events and festivals. See you soon!

Northeast Streetsboro Visitors & Convention Bureau

888-558-5580, streetsborovcb.com

Kent State Museum 515 Hilltop Dr., Kent 330-672-3450, kent.edu/museum May 4th Visitor Center 147 Taylor Hall, 300 Midway Dr., Kent 330-672-4660, kent.edu/may4 Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park St. Rte. 282, Nelson Township 330-235-0030, ohiodnr.gov North Water Brewing 101 Crain Ave., Kent 330-778-4677, northwaterbrewing.com

Experience Streetsboro — your roadmap to fun with an abundance of nearby attractions and outdoor activities, a variety of events, affordable hotels, campgrounds, and numerous restaurants, Streetsboro has it all. Come explore northeast Ohio’s best vacation value!

West Branch State Park 5570 Esworthy Rd., Ravenna 330-654-4989, ohiodnr.gov Wingfoot Lake State Park 993 Goodyear Park Blvd., Mogadore 330-628-4720, ohiodnr.gov

Things to Do

STEUBENVILLE AREA

Bell Tower Brewing 310 Park Ave., Kent 216-346-7463, belltowerbrewing.com

Local Resources

Dan Smith Community Park 100 E. Erie St., Kent 330-815-4315, collegetownkent.com/play Haymaker Farmers’ Market 350 Franklin Ave., Kent 330-422-8314, haymakermarket.com Kent Historical Society & Museum 237 E. Main St., Kent 330-678-2712, kentohiohistory.org Kent Stage 175 E. Main St., Kent 330-677-5005, kentstage.org

Things to Do Black Sheep Vineyard 1454 U.S. Rte. 250, Adena 740-546-3741, blacksheepvineyard.com Scenic Seven Creeks Roadside Spring 939 Seven Creeks Rd., Island Creek Township 740-283-1010, seven-creeks.com

WARREN AREA

Local Resources Trumbull County Tourism

321 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren 330-675-3081, trulytrumbull.com

Steubenville Visitor Center

120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville 866-301-1787, viststeubenville.com Truly Trumbull, truly you! Located between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, plan your trip for Amish Country, outdoor fun, local shopping, and entertainment. Visit our luxury resorts and historic districts and enjoy unique dining along the Italian Food Trail.

Things to Do Braceville African American Museum 4672 Kinsman Rd., Braceville 330-675-3081, bracevilleplatt.org

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Northeast

We saved a seat for you! Find our bright, yellow Adirondack chairs located at 25 unique locations across Lake County from award-winning beaches and lakefront parks to historic attractions and our wineries. Take a seat, snap a photo and share your Lake County memories!

Dave Grohl Alley Downtown Warren, Main St. S.W., Warren 330-675-3081, trulytrumbull.com

Ridgeview Tours, LLC 5488 Kinsman Rd. (St. Rte. 87), Mesopotamia 440-221-1441, ridgeviewtours.com

End of the Commons General Store 8719 St. Rte. 534, Mesopotamia 440-693-4295, endofthecommons.com

The Robins Theatre 160 E. Market St., Warren 234-437-6246, robinstheatre.com

Ernie Hall Aviation Museum 4033 N. River Rd., Warren 234-806-3008, erniehallaviationmuseum.org

Sharon Speedway 3241 Custer Orangeville Rd., Hartford 330-772-5481, sharonspeedway.com

First Flight “Lunar Module” 2553 Parkman Rd., Warren 330-898-3456, firstflightwarren.org

Trumbull Art Gallery 158 N. Park Ave., Warren 330-395-4876, trumbullartgallery.com

The Grand Resort 9519 E. Market St., Warren 844-928-2566, trulytrumbull.com

Trumbull County Amish Country – Mesopotamia 321 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren 330-675-3081, trulytrumbull.com/amish-country

Greene Eagle Winery 2576 Davis Peck Rd., Cortland 330-583-9463, greeneeagle.com The Harriet Taylor Upton House 380 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren 330-395-1840, uptonhouse.org Hartford Orchards 6953 St. Rte. 305, Hartford 330-772-2100, hartfordorchardsllc.com Italian Food Trail 321 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren 330-675-3081, italianfoodtrail.com Kuchta Farms 4785 St. Rte. 82, Newton Falls 330-984-4525, kuchtafarms.com Leavittsburg Heritage Museum 4901 W. Market St., Leavittsburg 330-675-3081, trulytrumbull.com Mahoning River Adventures 75 N. Leavitt Rd., Leavittsburg 330-967-0003, paddletheriver.com

Trumbull County Fairgrounds 899 Everett Hull Rd., Cortland 330-637-6010, trumbullcountyfair.com Warren Community Amphitheatre 303 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren 330-841-2601, riverrockattheamp.com Western Reserve Greenway 547 Center St. E. (St. Rte. 305), Warren 330-675-3072, trumbullmetroparks.org Women’s Park in Warren Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren 330-395-1840, uptonhouse.org

WOOSTER AREA

Local Resources Visit Wayne County

428 W. Liberty St., Wooster 330-264-1800, visitwaynecountyohio.com

Mahoning Valley Scrappers 111 Eastwood Blvd., Niles 330-505-0000, mlbdraftleague.com/mahoning-valley McKinley Birthplace Home & Research Center 40 S. Main St., Niles 330-652-1704, mcklib.org/birthplacehome Medici Museum of Art 9350 E. Market St., Warren 330-856-2120, medicimuseum.art Mesopotamia Historic District Self-Guided Tour 8719 St. Rte. 534, Mesopotamia 330-675-3081, trulytrumbull.com Millionaire’s Row Self-Guided Tour Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren 866-360-1552, trulytrumbull.com Mosquito Lake State Park 1439 St. Rte. 305, Cortland 330-637-2856, ohiodnr.gov Moss Ancestral Home 1499 Burnett St., Mineral Ridge 330-544-1931, mossancestralhome.com The National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum 40 N. Main St., Niles 330-652-4273, mckinleybirthplacemuseum.org National Packard Museum 1899 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren 330-394-1899, packardmuseum.org

Start your Tour at

TourLakeCounty.com #tourlakecountyoh 142 OHIO. THE HEART OF IT ALL.

Newton Falls Covered Bridge Arlington Rd., Newton Falls 330-872-0806, trulytrumbull.com Packard Barn Mural 973 Center St., Warren 330-675-3081, trulytrumbull.com Past Times Arcade 419 N. State St., Girard 330-765-4121, pasttimesarcade.com

Discover a destination where the charm of rural life meets the vibrancy of city living. Wayne County is your agritourism escape — rich with rolling farmland, family-owned orchards, and hands-on farm experiences, but it’s also a place where culture thrives, and community pulses with energy.

Things to Do Hummingbird Hill Flower Farm 10055 S. Funk Rd., Shreve 614-425-5480, hummingbirdhillflowerfarm.com

Northeast Lehman’s

4779 Kidron Rd., Dalton 800-438-5346, lehmans.com

Fellows Riverside Gardens 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 330-740-7116, millcreekmetroparks.org Ford Nature Center 840 Old Furnace Rd., Youngstown 330-740-7107, millcreekmetroparks.org Halliday’s Winery 2400 N.E. River Rd., Lake Milton 330-654-9463, hallidayswinery.com

Lehman’s in Kidron, Ohio, is a one-of-a-kind destination featuring Amish-made goods, practical tools, vintageinspired products, and homesteading essentials — perfect for travelers seeking authentic craftsmanship and a taste of simpler living.

Lincoln Way Vineyards 9050 W. Old Lincoln Way, Wooster 330-804-9463, lincolnwayvineyards.com Meadow Lake Park 8970 Canaan Center Rd., Wooster 330-435-6652, meadowlakepark.com Ramseyer Farms 4000 Ramseyer Ln., Wooster 330-264-0264, ramseyerfarms.com

YOUNGSTOWN AREA

Local Resources

Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau

21 W. Boardman St., Youngstown 800-447-8201, exploremahoning.com

Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course 655 N. Canfield-Niles Rd., Youngstown 330-505-8700, hollywoodmahoningvalley.com Lake Milton Brewery and Winery 17762 Mahoning Ave., Lake Milton 330-612-6196, facebook.com/lakemiltonbrewery Lake Milton State Park 16801 Mahoning Ave., Lake Milton 330-654-4989, ohiodnr.gov Lanterman’s Mill 1001 Canfield Rd. (St. Rte. 62), Youngstown 330-740-7115, millcreekmetroparks.org MetroParks Farm 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd., Canfield 330-533-7572, millcreekmetroparks.org Mill Creek Golf Course 1 W. Golf Dr., Boardman 330-740-7112, millcreekmetroparks.org Mill Creek MetroParks 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd., Canfield 330-702-3000, millcreekmetroparks.org Noble Creature Wild Ales & Lagers 126 E. Rayen Ave., Youngstown 234-719-1827, noblecreaturebeer.com OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology 15 Central Square, Youngstown 330-744-5914, ohwowkids.org Paladin Brewing 6520 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown 330-574-4998, paladinbrewing.com Stambaugh Auditorium 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown 330-747-5175, stambaughauditorium.com

Explore Mahoning County’s family-friendly attractions including OH WOW! Children’s Center and The Butler Institute of American Art. Enjoy the outdoors at scenic Mill Creek MetroParks and Lake Milton State Park. Discover fantastic dining and breweries.

Things to Do

The Amish Market 6121 South Ave., Boardman 330-248-9933, theamishmarket.net Arms Family Museum 648 Wick Ave., Youngstown 330-743-2589, mahoninghistory.org Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon 2759 N. Lipkey Rd., North Jackson 330-538-3351, ourladyoflebanonshrine.com

The Vineyards at Pine Lake 14101 Market St., Columbiana 234-759-3980, thevineyardsatpinelake.com Wick Recreation Area 1861 McCollum Rd., Youngstown 330-740-7114, millcreekmetroparks.org/ wick-recreation-area The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre 201 S. Phelps St., Youngstown 330-746-5600, theyoungstownfoundationamp.com Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor 151 W. Wood St., Youngstown 330-941-1314, yhcil.org

Biker BrewHouse 5700 Patriot Blvd., Austintown 330-520-2266, bikerbrewhouse.net The Butler Institute of American Art 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown 330-743-1107, butlerart.com Covelli Centre 229 E. Front St., Youngstown 330-746-5600, covellicentre.com DeYor Performing Arts Center 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown 330-744-0264, deyorpac.org

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National Museum of the U.S. Air Force® in Dayton @afmuseum

Barkcamp State Park in Belmont @belmontcountytourism

Snow Trails in Mansfield @snowtrails

L’Albatros in Cleveland

@lalbatros.brasserie

American Sign Museum in Cincinnati

@beautychick101

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Otherworld in Columbus @ohiojourneys

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Oak Openings Preserve Metropark in Swanton @katethewild

Cuyahoga River in Cleveland @lostinlaurelland

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CHICAGO NEW ORLEANS COLUMBUS

Named one of the 10 best food cities in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler, Columbus is Ohio’s culinary capital. Try new restaurants throughout the city and celebrate North Market’s 150th anniversary in 2026. Start exploring at experiencecolumbus.com.