25 spots for burgers, ice cream & everything in between
Ohio’s street-eats scene is on a roll, and these 25 mobile kitchens offer creative fare you’re going to love.
NAICCO Cuisine shares Native American culture and creates community with its central Ohio food truck.
Katharine Wright played a pivotal role in the lives of her pioneering brothers Orville and Wilbur.
Rabbit Run Theater shares a stage tradition, and Cincinnati Zoo’s Thane Maynard talks
The Taft Museum of Art examines the history of photos, and Vermilion gets creative with chalk.
Fillo offers a taste of Greece in Cincinnati, and Columbus’ Service Bar showcases great cocktails.
On July 30, 1914, suffragists representing each county in Ohio demonstrated at the Statehouse in Columbus.
Ohio eats: Summer means sweet corn. Sure, there’s the classic approach of slathering a grilled or boiled ear with butter and salt, but there are other delicious ways to get creative with the seasonal star. One of our favorite methods is this Mexican street corn recipe courtesy of chef Eric Williams of Momocho in Cleveland. ohiomagazine.com/streetcorn
From the archive: The roadside ice cream stand is an Ohioan’s summer oasis. The low-tech menu board and inviting glow as daylight fades is nearly as sweet as the cones, shakes and sundaes handed to us through the service window. These spots across the state merit a visit on your next cruise-worthy summer evening. ohiomagazine.com/icecreamstands
check out our newsletters: Are you receiving our email newsletters? Learn about fun experiences throughout the state, get great food and drink ideas, embrace outdoor adventure or plan for your next weekend getaway. Sign up at ohiomagazine.com/newsletters
COUNTY Plan the perfect couples getaway in Ohio Amish Country.
Akron, p. 59
Ashtabula, p. 28
Canton, p. 53
Celina, p. 82
Cincinnati, p. 7, 10, 12, 27, 28
Cleveland, p. 14
Columbus, p. 8, 14, 28, 42
Dayton, p. 46
Greenville, p. 14
Grove City, p. 80
Lancaster, p. 78
Madison, p. 9
Nelsonville, p. 11
Reynoldsburg, p. 28
Sharonville, p. 80
Vermilion, p. 14
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The first food truck I ever ordered from had a cartoon octopus painted on the side and was parked just outside our office at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square. It was Chris Hodgson’s Dim and Den Sum, which served up a creation called the PBLT, a sandwich piled with pulled pork, thick-cut bacon, tomato, lettuce and Sriracha aioli.
Not long after I placed that first order, Hodgson was on Food Network, facing off on Season 2 of the “The Great Food Truck Race,” where he, his sister and his girlfriend trekked across the United States in their Hodge Podge truck, taking part in challenges that took them all the way to the finale and close to winning the whole thing.
That episode aired 13 years ago, and today, Hodgson and business partner Scott Kuhn head the Cleveland-based Driftwood Restaurants and Catering. The company has three sit-down restaurants in the city, a wine bar and a fast-casual eatery called Green Rooster Farms on the first floor of the Hanna Building, where our offices are located.
Like a lot of food trucks, Hodgson’s Dim and Den Sum was fun, creative and accessible. Standing in line was an event. The anticipation of unwrapping that PBLT was palpable. To this day, I would still stand in line for 20 minutes just for the chance to crush one at lunch.
Making those sorts of discoveries was part of the fun in creating this month’s feature highlighting 25 food trucks across our state. For certain, it’s only a small glimpse of the number of entrepreneurs who are bringing their dreams to life one order ticket at a time, but it’s also a collection of inspiring stories and a showcase of some incredibly enticing eats.
You can dig into all that starting on page 30, but we would also love to hear about your favorite Ohio food trucks. Each one survives only because of the support of those who show up to give it a try as well as those who make repeat visits. So, when you’re ordering a meal at your favorite food truck this summer, tag us and let us know what dish you’d line up for again and again.
This month, we partner with Ohio Amish Country to share places that add up to a memorable couples getaway.
A trip to Ohio Amish Country during the summer offers a perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of the rural countryside and explore all that a visit there has to offer. The area is filled with experiences tailored to creating a captivating weekend away together, including these stops and many others throughout the region.
Whether you’re looking for old-fashioned charm or a fun and competitive date-night experience, a trip to Sugarcreek delivers both.
History buffs will be in awe at the collection of historic steam locomotives found at the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum, which contains 24 of these impressive machines housed inside an 18-stall roundhouse. Visitors can tour the facility on a 90-minute guided tour as they learn about North American railroad history and its ties to America’s industrial past. One of many highlights is the Bessemer & Lake Erie No. 643, which is the largest steam engine in the collection, weighing in at 523,600 pounds.
Couples looking for evening entertainment can pay a visit to the Hatchet Club. The facility offers 20 lanes of ax-throwing that can be booked in 1-hour, 1.5-hour and 2-hour increments, with four of the
A staple of the community of Charm, Keim Home Center serves as both a spot to gather inspiration for home-improvement projects as well as a place to purchase the materials needed to get them done. Whether you are browsing or buying, a visit to the expansive 125,000-square-foot showroom is an experience in and of itself, offering an inviting place to shop and experts who can provide the guidance needed to get a job done right.
Founded in 1911 as a lumber mill that still operates today, Keim has grown over its four generations of family ownership. Today, with over 600 employees and connections with more than 1,000 contractors, it specializes in personalized service, whether you need to fix a leaky faucet or gather ideas for creating your dream home
One of many highlights during a trip to Keim is the 360-degree design experience, where visitors can see their home-design plans rendered in a 3D space and take a virtual walkthrough. Even if you’re not visiting with intentions of home construction or renovation, the variety of products — many of which are supplied by purveyors based in the area — are sure to inspire. From intricate bathroom and kitchen mockups to handcrafted doors and interior trim, there is so much to explore.
For dinner, head to East Main Kitchen in Baltic, where you can enjoy homestyle cooking with a twist. Striking a unique balance between an upscale steakhouse and a cozy cafe, East Main Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu that spans homemade pastries to fresh-cut Wagyu steak. The eatery also offers soups, salads and sandwiches in addition to coffee, tea and espresso drinks. Just across the street, you’ll find Baltic Mill Winery. Located in a century-old flour mill, this winery delivers on both ambience and historic charm. The first floor of the mill has been repurposed into a rustic tasting room, while the upstairs still contains old milling machinery. Cozy up next to the fireplace while sipping on Baltic Mill’s selection of dry and sweet wines, sparkling varieties or even a hard cider.
While there’s still daylight left, head 3 miles north and end the day with a round of mini golf. Cabin Creek Mini Golf provides a fun challenge with its two custom-designed 18-hole courses with water features and interesting obstacles. The 10-acre property is also home to a 300-yard driving range, batting cages, shuffleboard and sand volleyball.
During a weekend getaway, having a place to unwind at the end of a long day is key, and this region of Ohio has an abundance of overnight accommodations.
With 102 rooms and suites, the Berlin Grande Hotel offers a luxurious and relaxing stay in the heart of Ohio Amish Country. Guests can lounge in the spacious rooms, take a dip in the indoor saltwater pool or kick back in the paved courtyard with firepits. Adding a package to your stay can help set the mood for a special getaway, and the Berlin Grande Hotel offers plenty. The Cozy-Up package includes gourmet hot chocolate and gourmet popcorn, while the Romance in the Country package comes with sparkling grape juice and locally made Coblentz chocolates.
Located less than a mile from the Berlin Grande Hotel on the main floor of The Atlee Suites, Blue Sky Cafe is a quick-service cafe specializing in made-toorder doughnuts, as well as breakfast sandwiches and bowls made using locally sourced ingredients. It is also open on Sunday, when many businesses in the area are closed.
If you’re looking for a different kind of stay, there are dozens of other hotels, private cabins and bed-and-breakfasts that you can check out by using the room-finder feature at visitamishcountry.com.
For more information about these and other Ohio Amish Country destinations, go to visitamishcountry.com.
Rockside Winery and Vineyards
| Vineyards are a beautiful setting to sip wine and experience the nature that plays a role in delicious wines.
Among hills in Lancaster lies the Rockside Winery and Vineyards, which grows several varieties of grapes resilient to Ohio’s weather, including Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin and Niagara. Try a glass of the Uncle Billy for a dry red wine or the sweet Old Grandstand. You are invited to stroll the vineyard and get an up-close view of the vines, or chat with the staff to learn about the vineyard!
Tour the Meranda-Nixon Winery located in Ripley, which at one time was among the largest grapegrowing regions in the country. This family-operated winery offers wines from grapes grown onsite, including a 2018 Estate Reserve Chardonnay, a white wine aged in oak barrels, and a Red Oak Creek, a semi-sweet blend aged in stainless steel. Reserve a seat for a monthly dinner at the winery, accompanied by a bottle of their fine wine!
the estate. Book a night in the Heritage Guesthouse for a serene escape and relax on the outdoor patio overlooking the vineyard. Take home a bottle of the sweet white Harvest Moon wine, perfect for pairing with sharp cheese, or try the semi-dry Lighthouse Red wine that pairs well with beef or lamb dishes.
Enjoy spectacular views of grapevines from the patio at Sarah’s Vineyard in Cuyahoga Falls. Try their Double Trouble wine, a blend of Vidal and Traminette grapes named after two vineyard dogs, Stanley & Fronty, or Blue Heron Blush, a semi-sweet blend of grapes grown onsite.
Visit Heritage Vineyard Winery in Warsaw for a refreshing glass of wine made from grapes grown on
Relax with a glass of wine on Sycamore Lake Wine Company’s outdoor patio and soak up the views of the vineyard in Columbus Grove. Try their Sycamore White wine for a sweet drink, or their Chocolate Covered Bridge wine for the taste of a cherry Tootsie Roll pop. Walk through the vineyard itself, taking in the beautiful surrounding lake and bridge.
One of the Queen City’s most iconic landmarks, Cincinnati Music Hall was constructed with the arts in mind. Completed in 1878, it is made up of three separate buildings, each intended to house a different branch of artistic expression. The structure features vibrant, polychrome bricks, ornamental pinnacles and a prominent rose window set high in the center, making it an exemplar of the High Victorian Gothic architectural style of the mid-19th century. Located in the city’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Music Hall hosts some of the city’s most prominent fine arts groups, including the Cincinnati Ballet, the Cincinnati Opera and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202, cincinnatiarts.org/music-hall
Ceramicist Megan Young brings a splash of color and a sprinkle of joy to everyday objects by way of her Sun Parlor Studio pottery pieces.
Megan Young is an artistic triple threat. The Cleveland-based ceramicist teaches private lessons, instructs group workshops and makes pottery under the name Sun Parlor Studio. She produces a vibrant, multicolored lineup of mugs, cereal bowls, ring dishes and planters, among other pieces.
After taking her first wheel-throwing class at the Cleveland Institute of Art, her love for pottery was solidified. She became hooked on the art of play and the joy found in everyday objects. She began assisting a local ceramicist, purchased a kiln, received a pottery wheel for Christmas and eventually started teaching classes at local art centers. Things continued to pick up speed until Young launched Sun Parlor Studio in April 2022.
“Ceramics was this perfect medium: a middle ground between being able to make a functional object that’s beautiful and also making something that could be seen as a work of art,” she says.
Her pieces are eye-catching and distinctive, gravitating toward sunny color combinations and simplistic patterning. Young says she has long been drawn to playful forms, experimenting with scalloped edges, crafting egg spoon rests and building house figurines.
She has a particular fondness for the latter, which are inspired by the ceramic villages that once decorated her mother’s home during Christmastime.
When Young is ready to make a new piece, she sketches ideas and puts together a mood board of glaze colors. Sometimes she’ll work with digital programs to flesh out the design, but most of the time, she gets her hands right into the clay. She weighs it out, throws her piece and lets it dry overnight. She then trims her work and attaches or carves anything necessary, followed by another night of drying. The piece goes through a bisque firing, a glazing and a glaze firing. If Young is hand-building, the process looks the same, minus throwing and trimming. If anything goes awry prior to firing a piece, Young says she loves that she can always start fresh.
“There’s not many other art forms where you can recycle your work infinitely until it gets to a certain point,” she says. “With clay, you can just break [it] down and use it again as many times as you want.” — Kelly Powell
For more information, visit sunparlorstudio.com.
One of a handful of historic barn theaters in Ohio, Rabbit Run Theater in Madison has been entertaining audiences in a long tradition that dates to 1946.
Even at the height of their popularity during the mid-20th century, only about 200 barn theaters dotted America. Their numbers have continued to dwindle over the years, but Rabbit Run Theater in Madison is preserving the legacy of these unique establishments.
The Klump family once owned the farmland on which Rabbit Run Theater is situated, using it to raise animals such as horses, goats and rabbits. In 1940, siblings Rooney Klump and Will Klump Jr. formed a small group of actors, dubbed The Penny Players, who began performing in the barn. After World War II, the family reimagined the theater and renovated the barn to seat nearly 200 people. On July 3, 1946, Rabbit Run Theater opened with nine actors, running seasonally during the summer, a tradition that is carried on today.
“It’s very much a local treasure,” says Brint Learned, executive director of Rabbit Run Community Arts Association. “Once someone has discovered it, it becomes something they want to hold on to.”
During the 1950s and ’60s, the theater began drawing bigger names. Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy acted in a produc-
tion of “The Fourposter” at Rabbit Run in preparation for its Broadway debut, while the likes of Sandy Dennis, Charles Grodin and Dustin Hoffman performed at the theater before appearing on the big screen. To accommodate the theater’s growing popularity, a stage house was added to increase the seating capacity to 300, making it a theater destination that rivaled others across the country.
After Madison became less of a summer resort and crowds thinned, the theater closed in 1967. In 1979, concerned local residents formed a group called The Friends of Rabbit Run Theater that raised money to reopen the venue. Today, the theater offers four mainstage productions each summer, as well as youth productions and other programming.
“We live in a world where fewer and fewer people … have really been exposed to live theater,” Learned says. “Every year, we are able to introduce [them] to live theater, both from the viewpoint of being able to perform and being able to enjoy it as an audience member. They can enjoy that throughout their lives.” — Sean Eifert
5648 W. Chapel Rd., Madison 44057, 440/428-7092, rabbitrun.org
The phrase “the best thing since sliced bread” is often used to describe something that is considered particularly good or useful, but it is based in a real revelation: factory-made, machine-sliced bread.
At the turn of the 19th century, American families obtained more than half of their daily calories from grains (primarily in the form of bread), and nearly all of it was made by women at home or in small neighborhood bakeries
By 1930, nearly all bread was produced by men in factories, a change that was driven in large part by industrialization. Many major food companies were born during this era, including the National Biscuit Co., known today as Nabisco.
Keeping bread fresh was key to winning over consumers, which led companies to open regional factories across the country. Tekla, one of the early Nabisco brands, began production in Cleveland around 1903, and its bread was soon available throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York.
Just two years later, the brand disappeared as rapidly as it had risen, a casualty of the roiling market of mergers and consolidations. A remnant of this era comes in the form of this brightly colored Tekla bread crate, complete with original rope handles. — Hollie Davis
Thane Maynard, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden executive director, shares the importance of conservation and the role that zoos play in connecting us with the world.
Growing up in central Florida, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden executive director Thane Maynard spent most of his youth outside. With no indoor air-conditioning to combat the heat, Maynard found enjoyment by cooling off in lakes, streams and rivers, and even more so in what he could find living in them.
“We spent our days and nights trying to catch everything from snapping turtles to scarlet kingsnakes,” Maynard says. “The grand prize back then was if you could find a baby alligator.”
After earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a master’s degree in wildlife ecology, Maynard found a position at the Cincinnati Zoo working in education, which he has helped make a primary focus for the zoo in the years since. Today, the 75-acre zoo is pioneering conservation efforts across the globe and working with the local community to increase awareness for important ecological issues.
We talked with Maynard about how he keeps visitors engaged with the zoo, what they can look forward to when they visit and some of the most rewarding aspects of his job.
— Erin FinanHow do you keep visitors engaged and make them want to come back?
A: Zoos are fortunate because animals aren’t static. They’re always active and doing things in different ways. Our daily working motto is that the zoo is here to inspire every visitor with wildlife every day. And with that, we have all kinds of shows and encounters. … The nice thing is that people do care. They care about animals, they care about wildlife, and they want to protect nature. That’s a big part of what zoos can do.
What can people look forward to when visiting the zoo this summer?
A: In September, we’re going to open our new Elephant Trek facility, which is the biggest exhibit we’ve ever built. It’ll have Asian elephants, Asian small-clawed otters and rhinoceros hornbills. It’ll just be a really great tribute to the wildlife of Asia. For accredited zoos, it has come down to go big or go home with elephants. And we’ve committed for a long time, so it’ll be a great new addition this year.
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of what you do at the zoo?
A: What is rewarding is that Cincinnatians love their hometown treasures. They love our museums and our cultural arts centers and performing arts. People have a lot of history with this place, and it means a lot to them. I can say that it’s extremely heartening to see that what we do matters to people. I think a lot of businesses struggle to be relevant to their customers. And zoos, with our animals, I think are innately relevant to people.
For more information, visit cincinnatizoo.org.
Nelsonville Music Festival
July 26–28: Nelsonville
Whether you want to camp close to the music or at a quieter spot, this festival has options for both. The southeast Ohio favorite at Snow Fork Event Center spans a range of genres, and this year’s lineup includes headliners Killer Mike, Courtney Barnett and Thee Sacred Souls, while Bob Mould, Bonnie Prince Billy and more than three dozen others are on the bill. Check out The Sycamore Sessions, intimate performances at the Creekside Stage recorded by WOUB Public Media and Ohio University media arts and studies students. 5685 Happy Hollow Rd., Nelsonville 45764, nelsonvillefest.org
Calendar of Events: Your summer plans start here. Check out our guide to festivals, concerts and other happenings scheduled between now and the end of August.
Explore early photography and how the art form evolved over the decades at the Taft Museum of Art’s “Moment in Time” exhibition.
By Ilona WestfallToday, taking a photo is as easy as pulling a cell phone from your pocket. Though, as the photographic images featured in “Moment in Time: A Legacy of Photographs/Works from the Bank of America Collection” show, it took a lot of innovation to get here.
The touring exhibition, on display at the Taft Museum of Art in Cincinnati through Sept. 15, highlights 115 works spanning from the 1840s to the 1960s, a pivotal period in photography history. The gallery also includes examples by well-known artists such as Julia Margaret Cameron, Alfred Stieglitz, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans and others.
“It helps people understand where [photography] came from and how hard these early photographers had to work and experiment,” says Angela Fuller, co-curator at the Taft Museum of Art with Tamera Muente. “For us to get to where we are today is pretty interesting.”
Curator and historian Nancy Newhall assembled the exhibition in the 1960s for the Exchange National Bank of Chicago, which later became Bank of America. It was the first corporate collection of photographs in the nation, on par with some of the finest museum photography collections of the time. The works included are a cross section of developments in photography technology, styles and themes. Early examples include William Henry Fox Talbot’s 1843 calotype “Orléans Cathedral,” a straightforward documentation of a cathedral, and Julia Margaret Cameron’s 1870 portrait of a woman.
“Then we go into the early 20th century, where we see artists who are going between two kinds of photography,” Muente says. “One is pictorialism, where they’re trying to make photographs that resemble paintings or drawings in an effort to get photography accepted as a fine art medium, and soon after them there are photographers who decided, ‘Why can’t a photograph just look like a photograph and still be art?’”
Works by pictorialists Edward Steichen and Alfred Stieglitz as well as landscape photographer Ansel Adams are included in the exhibition. A photo by Edward Weston turns details of California sand dunes into abstract imagery, while Robert Frank’s photos portray isolation and segregation in post-World War II America. Eliot Porter’s “Maple Leaves and Pine Needles, Tamworth, New Hampshire” utilizes a complicated dye-transfer process, creating vivid color that is best seen in person.
“I hope people will appreciate looking at these as objects, too, because we see so much photography on a screen,” Muente says. “These are tangible, beautiful objects, and there’s a difference in looking at them [and] looking at an image on a screen.”
316 Pike St., Cincinnati 45202, 513/241-0343, taftmuseum.org
July 27: Vermilion
The charming Lake Erie shore town of Vermilion is colorful all on its own, but each July, the downtown’s Victory Park comes to life with vibrant artwork showcasing the most temporary of artistic materials: chalk.
Since 2015, the annual Chalk It Up! event has drawn attendees eager to witness and participate in the art showcase. (This year’s event is set for July 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Kids and their families can try their hand at the Chalk-A-Square activity that lets them create their own sidewalk masterpiece during the event. More polished chalk creators can register to participate as a Chalk It Up! artist. Pieces can be made in advance or on-site during the day of the event, so those in attendance can
641 Main St., Vermilion 44089, mainstreetvermilion. org/chalk event
view the artistic process firsthand. The festival supplies registrants with all the necessary materials.
“I love the lake. I’m happy to be here, and I think that is my main inspiration,” says Krystyne Waldorf, a member of the Vermilion Arts Guild who takes part as a Chalk It Up! artist. “Every sunset that I see, every sunrise, every storm that hits that lake inspires me in so many ways.”
Works by Chalk It Up! artists are displayed in the festival gallery, where attendees can vote for their favorites for a small donation. (The pieces are then displayed at the Ritter Public Library and at city hall through August.) Waldorf says working alongside other artists has helped her learn new tricks for creating with chalk.
“I am head to toe [in] chalk when we’re done. I am a messy artist, but it’s fun,” Waldorf says. “People come and look at what you are doing. It inspires them to get involved with the art.” — Brynn Meisse
Theater
MJ: The Musical
July 16–Aug. 11: Cleveland
The King of Pop gets the Broadway treatment with all the fanfare and grandeur deserved with “MJ: The Musical.” The touring production of the show, which visits Cleveland’s Playhouse Square this summer, focuses on the year 1992, when Jackson was creating and performing his Dangerous World Tour. play housesquare.org
Kenny Chesney
Aug. 8: Columbus
Annie Oakley Festival July 26–28: Greenville
Celebrate Ohio’s famous daughter and world-renowned sharpshooter Annie Oakley during this festival at the Darke County Fairgrounds. The three-day event marks 60 years in 2024 with a memorial shoot, kiddie tractor pull and more. Events like the little Miss and Mister contests happen leading up to the weekend, while the free festival kicks off on Friday with western-themed art showcases and live music from six acts, including local guitarist Adam Liette annieoakleyfestival.org
Grab a seat in No Shoes Nation and sing along to old favorites like “Keg in the Closet” and “When the Sun Goes Down” as country music star Kenny Chesney makes a stop at Columbus’ Historic Crew Stadium. He’s joined on his Sun Goes Down 2024 tour by guests Megan Moroney and Uncle Kracker. historic crewstadium.com
JULY 13–14
Columbus Book Festival
This free festival held at Main Library and Topiary Park features 200-plus authors, as well as author talks, panel discussions and book signings. Check out the Festival Marketplace with Indie Author Alley, retailers, entertainment and delicious food. 96 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, 614/645-2275. columbusbookfestival.org. Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.
JULY 19–21
Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest
Dig into delicious food and concessions while listening to several local musicians at this highly anticipated central Ohio summertime tradition. Located along our capital city’s beautiful Scioto Mile, the festival offers the area’s finest in both jazz music and barbecue. Scioto Mile, 233 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, hotribscooljazz. org. Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m. Free.
JULY 24–AUG 4
Ohio State Fair
Don’t miss this beloved Buckeye State tradition that has been going on since 1850. Enjoy food, animals, rides, shopping, arts, music, education, entertainment, agriculture, hands-on activities and much more.Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, 614/644-3247. ohiostatefair.com. Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 9 a.m.– 9 p.m. Adults $12, youth and seniors $10, children under 5 free.
JULY 27–OCT 4
Ohio Arts Council: On The Grid
The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery presents “On the Grid.” This exhibition is curated by Kelly Dietrick and features 16 Ohio artists. Image Credit: Molly Fitzpatrick, “Overlap.” Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery, 77 S. High St., Columbus, 614/644-9624. riffegallery.org. Tues.–Fri. noon–5 p.m. Free.
THRU JULY 7
The Lion King
The Lion King is back in Ohio with lifelike costuming and an award-winning score that tells the story of Simba as he comes of age and goes on a journey of self-discovery. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. Visit website for times and prices.
JULY 6
Windborne: The Music of Led Zeppelin
Be amazed by the evocative music of this Led Zeppelin-inspired classic rock symphony. The show features a wide array of the band’s iconic songs, including “Kashmir,” “Black Dog,” “All My Love” and “Stairway to Heaven.” Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Columbus, 614/4690939. columbussymphony.com. 8 p.m. Adults $35 and up, kids 12 and under $10, kids 2 and under free.
JULY 6
Amos Lee
One of the shining stars of modern folk music, Amos Lee draws on influences from Stevie Wonder and James Taylor to create a beautiful blend of folk, soul and jazz. Don’t miss this magical, one-of-a-kind performance from the
Because dates, times and locations are subject to change, please call ahead to confirm all details before traveling. For a more complete listing of events, visit ohiomagazine.com/events.
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singer-songwriter. Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., Columbus, 614/340-1896. capa.com. 7:30 p.m. $75.
JULY 13
Nas with the Columbus Symphony
One of New York City’s leading voices in rap and hip-hop, Nas joins the Columbus Symphony for a symphonic rendition of his debut studio album, “Illmatic.” Over the decades, his self-empowered attitude has endeared him to critics and fans alike. Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. columbussymphony. com. 8 p.m. Adults $50, kids 12 and under $15, kids 2 and under free.
JULY 20
Columbus Symphony: Cody Fry
Grammy Award nominee and “American Idol” finalist Cody Fry brings his musical talents to Columbus. The singer-songwriter’s orchestrations have made him a viral sensation and continue to earn him a devout audience. Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Columbus, 614/4690939. columbussymphony.com. 8 p.m. Adults $35 and up, kids 12 and under $10, kids 2 and under free.
JULY 26
Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles
Experience an electrifying concert celebrating music’s fab four. Hear note-for-note precision
as you travel back to the “Magical Mystery Tour” era. Enjoy vibrant costumes and psychedelic visuals as the band performs some of The Beatles’ greatest hits. KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave., Columbus, 614/461-5483. promowestlive. com. 6 p.m. $25–$65.
JULY 26–27
The Ohio State University Marching Band
Columbus Symphony’s Nationwide Picnic with the Pops series concludes with an ode to the Ohio State Buckeyes and the upcoming season. This performance features your favorite fight songs and battle cries topped off with fireworks. Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. columbussymphony.com. 8 p.m. Adults $35 and up, kids 12 and under $10, kids 2 and under free.
JULY 18
Cocktails at the Conservatory: Reds, Whites & Boozed
Spend an evening in sophistication as you relax
in comfortable lounge seating and listen to soulful jazz tunes. Line up for the 360-degree photo booth or have fun coloring images of plants and wine glasses while enjoying selections from local wineries. Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614/7158000. fpconservatory.org. 5:30–9:30 p.m. Nonmembers $35, members $30.
JULY 13
Maple Splash Festival
Enjoy food, beer, wine, live music and games at this evening celebration. Plus, enter a raffle for the chance to win a 2023 Chevy Silverado. Century Village Museum, 14653 E. Park St., Burton, 440/834-1492. centuryvillagemuseum. org. 4–9 p.m. Free.
JULY 20
Willoughby Arts Fest
Peruse the art-filled streets of this historic downtown as you shop at local boutiques. Patrons can also stop for a bite to eat at one of many local restaurants. Downtown Willoughby, Erie Street, Willoughby, 440/942-1632. willoughbyartsfest. com. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.
JULY 26–28
Wine & Walleye Festival
Spend the weekend at this unique event that includes a street fair, fish tent, wine tent, live
entertainment, a dock party and tours. Plus, take part in a fishing tournament, watch a lighted boat parade, enjoy a fireworks cruise and participate in a 5K. Historic Ashtabula Harbor, 1003 Bridge St., Ashtabula, wineandwalleyefestival.com. Fri. 3–9 p.m., Sat. 6:15 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.
JULY 29–AUG 4
Medina County Fair
At the Medina County Fair, you’ll find all your fair favorites as well as some exciting new attractions, food and entertainment, all with a nod to the county’s notable past. Medina County Fairgrounds, 720 W. Smith Rd., Medina, 330/7239633. medinaohiofair.com. 8 a.m.–11 p.m. $8.
THRU SEPT 8
Fairy Tales and Fables: Illustration and Storytelling in Art
Explore the history of book illustration through many rarely seen works from this museum’s collection. View images from artist Arthur Rack-
man, who helped shape fantasy art as we know it today. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/421-7350. clevelandart. org. Tues., Thurs. & Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Wed. & Fri. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Free.
JULY 5–AUG 9
John Thrasher at Strauss Studios
Strauss Studios presents Ohio State University professor John Thrasher’s latest collection in graphics, drawings and ceramics. The exhibit will be available to view during the gallery’s regular hours, with an opening reception being held Friday, July 5. Strauss Studios, 236 Walnut Ave. NE, 330/456-0300. thestraussstudios.com. Opening reception 6–9 p.m., regular gallery hours Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. noon–5 p.m. Free.
JULY 21–JAN 5
Picturing the Border
View photographs from the United States-Mexico border that span from the 1970s to present day. These works have been created by border residents and outsiders alike and show varied subject matter, including domestic portraits,
migration narratives and political demonstrations. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/421-7350. clevelandart. org. Tues., Thurs. & Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Wed. & Fri. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Free.
THRU NOV 9
Ruth: An Original Sight & Sound Theatres Production
Don’t miss the unforgettable biblical story of “Ruth” as it unfolds on the stage of the Ohio Star Theater at Dutch Valley. Using the script and score created by Sight & Sound Theatres, Ohio Star Theater has produced the musical in their own way, with their own cast and crew. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Route 39 NE, Sugarcreek, 855/344-7547. ohiostartheater.com. Visit website for times. $49–$64.
JULY 6
Jazz Under the Stars: Carol Leslie Enjoy a summer night with Carol Leslie, a Scottish jazz vocalist from northeast Ohio. The con-
cert will cover the broad spectrum of jazz and showcase blues, R&B, gospel and contemporary music. Uptown Park, Public Square, Medina, 419/853-6016. ormaco.org. 7–8:30 p.m. Free.
JULY 25
High Road Concert
Formed in 2011, this all-female musical group has performed at leading gospel events across the country. High Road has received a Grammy Award nomination and numerous accolades. Before the show, enjoy a homestyle meal and explore Hartville’s bakery and gift shop. Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery, 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330/877-9353. hartvillekitchen. com/events/concerts. 7 p.m. $35–$67.50.
JULY 25–28
9 to 5 The Musical
Watch as this hilarious story of friendship and revenge unfolds in the Rolodex era. Three unlikely friends take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can’t do. Lorain Performing Arts Center, 2600 Ashland Ave., Lorain, 440/2338487. loraincommunitymusictheater.org. Tues.–
JULY 3
Vino Musica at The Cave at Gervasi Vineyard
At Vino Musica at The Cave, guests can enjoy sampling wines in Gervasi’s elegant tasting room while listening to a variety of music selections performed by Rolando. This artful experience includes four wines to sample and a small bite. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard. com. 6:30 p.m. $34.
JULY 4–6
July 4th Flea Market
Head to Hartville’s bustling flea market for this three-day event that features over 1,000 vendors and attracts roughly 30,000 shoppers. Don’t miss out on the incredible bargains and vibrant atmosphere. Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market, 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330/877-9860. hartvillemarketplace.com. Visit website for times. Free.
JULY 6
Farmstead Vintage Market Summer Vendor Market
Head to the country for an authentic, open-air shopping experience. Enjoy 75-plus carefully curated local artisans and makers, food trucks and live folk music. Shop for furniture, home decor, boutique clothing, antiques and rustic gifts during this annual shopping event. Pine Hill Farm, 10910 Hackett Rd., Apple Creek, 330/778-4657. farmsteadvintagemarket.com. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free.
Deck your summer with holly and jolly at Lehman’s. Meet a summer-ready Mrs. Claus as she stocks up on gardening supplies, and pay a visit to Flower the Clown, an amazing balloon artist. Plus, enjoy plenty of fun children’s activities like face painting. Lehman’s, 4779 Kidron Rd., Kidron, 800/438-5346. lehmans.com/events. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free.
JULY 16–21
Summer Moon Festival
Honor the first steps taken on the moon in Neil Armstrong’s hometown. Enjoy live music, local vendors, several contests and things to see and do at the museum. Armstrong Air & Space Museum, 500 Apollo Dr., Wapakoneta, 419/7388811. armstrongmuseum.org. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JULY 26–28
Northwest Ohio Rib Off
Dig into this delicious event promising live music, a cornhole tournament and local and national competitors hoping to be crowned Rib Off Champions. Enjoy a plate of local ribs and a cup of cold beer as the kids explore activities like face painting, inflatables and more. Lucas County Fairgrounds, 1406 Key St., Maumee, 419/893-2127. nworiboff.com. Visit website for times. $10–$59.50.
JULY 27
Flair on the Square
Spend the day at this juried fine arts festival complete with live entertainment, delicious culinary treats and local market goods. The event’s goal is to cultivate, encourage and develop public appreciation and support of the visual arts for the enjoyment of the citizens of Bryan and the surrounding tri-state communities. Downtown Bryan, 138 S. Lynn St., Bryan, 419/636-2247. flaironthesquare.com. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Free.
JULY 13
Hotel California
Take it to the limit with this popular Eagles cover band that was formed in the 1980s and still tours today. Featuring one of the group’s strongest lineups to date, this performance is guaranteed to exemplify the sweet sounds of southern California. Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania, 419/885-7106. centennialterrace. org. 8 p.m. $21–$34.
JULY 4
Star Spangled Spectacular & Fireworks
Celebrate the 4th of July in downtown Lima. Participate in the Freedom 5K Run/Walk, enjoy a car cruise-in, participate in a youth fishing derby and soak up the sounds of the Lima Area Concert Band. The night concludes with an incredible fireworks show. Faurot Park, Woodlawn Avenue and Collett Street, Lima, 419/223-1010. lima4th.com. 9 a.m.–11:15 p.m. Free.
JULY 5–6
Ohio Jeep Fest
Whether you’re a seasoned Jeep enthusiast or just curious about Jeep culture, head to this event honoring the beloved brand. Explore a wide range of Jeep models, meet fellow Jeep lovers and enjoy thrilling off-road adventures. Ross County Fairgrounds, 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe, 740/775-5083. ohiojeepfest.com. Noon–11:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JULY 12–14
Lilyfest
Immerse yourself in plants for the premier outdoor education and gardening event of the year. Walk on hiking trails, enjoy a Viking village and visit a forest friends exhibition for children of all ages. Look at work from over 60 fine artists
Balloons take to the sky during the annual Flag City Balloon Festival, held August 9 - 11 in Findlay!
The balloons may be the star of the show, but this free festival has it all, including kids activities, a car show, arts & crafts fair, great food, and more. Plan your trip to Findlay at VisitFindlay.com.
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and craftspeople, and enjoy Chef Moe’s On-theGo sandwiches, salads and special desserts. Bishop Educational Gardens, 13200 Little Cola Rd., Rockbridge, 740/969-2873. lilyfest.com. Visit website for times. Free.
JULY 26–28
Nelsonville Music Festival
Rock out at this three-day event offering a diverse lineup of 40-plus national, regional and local acts from a variety of genres in an intimate setting. The festival also features camping, kids activities, and artisan and retail vendors. Snow Fork Event Center, 5685 Happy Hollow Rd., Nelsonville, 740/753-1924. nelsonvillefest.org. Fri.–Sat. 9 a.m.–11:30 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Adults $160 and up, children free.
THRU AUG 25
Mod: Visual, Social, Cultural Renaissance of the 1960s
Take a journey back to the iconic 1960s with this exhibit that showcase the decade’s influential social revolutions, which continue to shape our visual, social and cultural landscapes today. The exhibit features works in a variety of mediums, including prints, furniture and fashion. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster, 740/681-1423. decartsohio.org. Wed.–Fri. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 1–4 p.m. Free.
THRU SEPT 1
Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama
Witness the dramatic life story of the legendary Shawnee leader, Tecumseh. Sit beneath the stars as sheer spectacle surrounds you with galloping horses, live cannons and one of the most spectacular and captivating battle sequences in American theater. Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5988 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, 866/7750700. tecumsehdrama.com. 8 p.m. $30–$55.
JULY 2
Open Mic Night
Sign up for a 15-minute slot and perform in this venue’s grand lobby. Songwriters, musicians, poets and writers are welcome to join and share
their talents in a supportive, low-stakes environment. Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville, 740/753-1924. stuartsoperahouse. org. 7–9 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JULY 10
Old Time Jam Night
Play and listen as instructor Joe Burdock leads attendees in learning a fiddle tune. Feel free to stay for the open jam that follows. Just bring your instrument, and if you don’t play anything, watch the musicians while enjoying a drink from the bar. Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Sq., Nelsonville, 740/753-1924. stuartsoperahouse. org. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free.
JULY 7
19th Century Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day as it would have been in the 1800s. Witness a reading of a portion of the Declaration of Independence as well as a rundown of patriotic poems. Plus, take part in a presentation of the flag and a toast to George Washington. Adena Mansion & Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, 740/772-1500. adenamansion.com. 2–2:30 p.m. Free.
JULY 14
Ladies of the House
Join local Worthington family historian Mary Anne Brown for a discussion about the ladies of the Adena Mansion. Adena Mansion & Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, 740/772-1500. adenamansion.com. 2–3 p.m. Free.
JULY 25–27
Cincinnati Music Festival
Head to the Queen City to hear the sounds of some of your favorite artists, with a star-studded lineup including Ne-Yo, Fantasia, Kem and Coco Jones. Paycor Stadium, 1 Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, cincymusicfestival.com. Visit website for times. Visit website for prices.
JULY 26–28
Annie Oakley Festival
Honor “Little Sure Shot” during this lively weekend offering an Annie’s Memorial Shoot contest, car show, kiddie tractor pull and other participatory activities. Plus, enjoy musical entertainment, historic bus tours, a parade, a western arts showcase and more. Darke County Fairgrounds, 800 Sweitzer St., Greenville, 937/564-8060. annieoakleyfestival.org. Fri.–Sat. 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.
JULY 26–28
United Irish of Dayton Celtic Fest
Enjoy three days of Irish entertainment, including several lively bands such as JigJam, Gaelic Storm and The Fitzgeralds. Shop the marketplace and dig into delicious Irish and assorted eats from 20 food vendors, including Irish Whiskey Chops, Dublin Pub, Bessie’s Noodles and more. RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, daytoncelticfestival.com.
Fri. 5:30–11 p.m., Sat. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Free.
THRU JULY 28
Mounds, Moon and Stars: The Legacy of Ohio’s Magnificent Earthworks
Learn more about the presence of the visionary people of the Hopewell culture. Today, we are still discovering the depth of their engineering expertise, artistic brilliance and influential, spiritual worldview. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 513/868-8336. pyramidhill.org. Noon–5 p.m. Free with park admission.
THRU AUG 18
From Shanghai to Ohio: Woo Chong Yung View works from this accomplished Chinese painter, calligrapher and poet who once operated at the center of China’s cultural world. The exhibition features nearly 100 works, including calligraphy, carved seals and a Taiji sword. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, 513/721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum. org. Tues.–Wed. & Fri.–Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Free.
THRU SEPT 8
The Quiet World of Edward Hopper View this exclusive exhibition that features pieces from the Dayton Art Institute’s collection, including a drawing, etchings and watercolor figure studies from Hopper’s early years as an illustrator visiting Europe. The exhibit also
Medina County located in Northeast Ohio is packed with postcard-perfect communities where everyone feels like they are home. Each town is filled with one-of-a-kind attractions, timeless shopping experiences, and adventures for both the indoor and outdoor enthusiasts. Top this off with the world’s melting pot of flavors, from our variety of tantalizing dining options to our array of spirits, you will find yourself transported every meal!
What is stopping you from booking your next trip to Medina County?
features the celebrated painting “High Noon, 1949,” in addition to key loans from other museums and private collections. Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton, 937/223-4278. daytonartinstitute.org. Wed. & Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Visit website for prices.
THRU SEPT 22
Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection
See pieces spanning eight decades at this exhibit highlighting the many ways clay can be used. Marvel at more than 30 artworks from innovative pioneers of the 20th century to emerging young artists. Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton, 937/223-4278.
daytonartinstitute.org. Wed. & Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Visit website for prices.
THRU SEPT 29
The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century
Enjoy this exhibition exploring hip hop’s groundbreaking influence on contemporary society during the past 50 years. See more than 90 works from some of today’s most celebrated artists, including Carrie Mae Weems, William Cordova, Hassan Hajjaj, Roberto Lugo and Hank Willis Thomas. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, 513/721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum.org. Tues.–Wed. & Fri.–Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Free.
From Shanghai to Ohio: Woo Chong Yung
NOW THROUGH AUGUST 18, 2024
Rodin | Response FIELD Family Secrets
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 8, 2024
*The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 29, 2024
Free general admission and parking.
*Ticketed. Free for members. Nonmembers can visit The Culture for free Thursdays from 5–8 p.m.
Generous support provided by
THRU JULY 26
Summer Series for Kids
From creating artwork to meeting critters, these summer art and nature workshops provide kids ages 5 to 12 with hands-on learning experiences in the great outdoors. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 513/868-8336. pyramidhill.org. 1 p.m. Nonmembers $15, members $5.
AUG 2–4
Dublin Irish Festival
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Ireland with traditional entertainment, a 5K & Kids Dash, dart-throwing, whiskey tasting and the annual Highland Games. Families can bring little ones to the Wee Folk area for crafts, performances and more. Coffman Park, 5200 Emerald Pkwy., Dublin, 614/410-4545. dublinirishfestival.org. Visit website for times and prices.
AUG 3
Dresden Melon Fest
Celebrate everyone’s favorite summer fruit with a car cruise-in, cornhole tournament, petting zoo and beer garden. Kids can participate in meloneating and seed-spitting contests. Dresden River Park, East Muskingum Avenue, Dresden, 740/607-7804. dresdenmelonfestival.com. Visit website for times and prices.
AUG 8–10
Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival
Celebrate the birthplace of the tomato at this three-day festival featuring food trucks, live performances, vendors and entertaining activities for guests of all ages. Plus, test your skills at the festival’s messiest event, the Tomato Wars. Huber Park, 1640 Davidson Dr., Reynoldsburg, 614/322-6839. reytomatofest.com. Thurs.–Fri. 4–10 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Free.
AUG 8–10
All Ohio Balloon Fest
Watch several hot air balloons take flight or book a basket for yourself at this highflying weekend festival. Plus, enjoy musical acts such as Aaron Lewis and Karen Waldrup. Union County Airport, 15000 Weaver Rd., Marysville, 937/2435833. allohioballoonfest.com. Thurs. & Fri. 5:30 p.m., Sat. 5 p.m. $19.99–$222.99.
The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century is organized by the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Saint Louis Art Museum. This exhibition is generously supported by the Ford Foundation, the Henry Luce Foundation, and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. El Franco Lee II (American, b. 1985), DJ Screw in Heaven, 2008, acrylic on canvas, 38 x 48 in. (96.5 x 121.9 cm), Private Collection, Houston, © El Franco Lee IIAUG 8–11
Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival
Head to downtown Mount Vernon for the premier event of the season. Take time to explore the community and its musical heritage. Plus, enjoy several musical acts, including the headliner Lonestar, shop from local vendors, and dig into delicious food. Downtown Mount Vernon, 740/485-9185. mvmaf.org. Thurs. 5–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free.
AUG 10–11
¡Festival Latino!
The heart of Latin America beats strong during this annual event featuring live music, traditional eats, children’s activities, fashion, art and dance. Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St., Columbus, 614/469-1045. festivallatino.net. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Visit website for prices.
AUG 17
CBUS Soul Fest
Celebrate Black culture through live music, delicious food and plenty of soul. The gathering amplifies this innovative culture, propelling our capital city to greater vibrance. Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St., Columbus, experiencecolumbus. com. 4–11 p.m. Free.
AUG 17
Sunbury Sizzle and Sounds
Party at this end-of-summer celebration featuring rides and a petting zoo for the kids as well as a beer garden for the adults. Enjoy several craft vendors and delicious food offerings while local, regional and national musicians provide your evening soundtrack. Sunbury Square, East Cherry Street, Sunbury, 740/965-2684. facebook.com/sunburysizzleandsounds. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Free.
AUG 28–31
Millersport Sweet Corn Festival
We’re all ears for this delicious gathering packed with rides, games, contests and more. Consider participating in the 5K run, and make sure to dig into several sweet concessions. Millersport Street Corn Festival Grounds, 2900 Chautauqua Blvd., Millersport, 740/467-3639. sweetcornfest. com. Visit website for times. $13.
AUG 30–SEPT 2
Columbus Greek Festival
Celebrate Greek heritage in our capital city. Delight in cultural music and dance, stop by festival shops and enjoy delicious culinary selections. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N. High St., Columbus, 614/224-9020. columbusgreekfestival.com. Fri.–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun. noon–11 p.m., Mon. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $5, seniors $4, kids under 12 free.
AUG 2–4
Greater Youngstown Italian Fest
Grab food from dozens of local Italian vendors and restaurants, enjoy a main stage with wine and beer, dance to live music and shop from over two dozen retail vendors. Plus, participate in various contests including pasta-eating, homemade Italian wine and homemade peppers in oil. Downtown Youngstown, Central Square, Youngstown, 330/501-3171. youngstownitalianfest.org. Visit website for times. $5.
AUG 2–4
Twins Days Festival
This annual event will have you seeing double! Celebrate the joy of being a twin or multiple at this festival that has been held in Twinsburg since 1976. The 2024 theme is “Twindy 500: Off to the Races!,” so dress accordingly. Participate in contests, a parade, volleyball and cornhole tournaments, a talent show and more. Glenn Chamberlin Park, 10260 Ravenna Rd., Twinsburg, 330/425-3652. twinsdays.org. Visit website for times. $15.
AUG 2–4
Vintage Ohio Wine Festival
Celebrate Ohio’s wine producers at this weekend event featuring live music, regional restau-
rants, local artisans, cooking demonstrations and, of course, plenty of wine. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, 440/466-4417. visitvintageohio.com. Visit website for times and prices.
AUG 10
South Town Arts & Music Festival
Visit the south side of Medina to see dozens of local bands throughout the day. Then, make your way to Rally at the ReStore to close out the night with a special performance. Habitat for Humanity of Medina County, 233 Lafayette Rd., Medina, 330/722-6186. mainstreetmedina.com. Noon–10:30 p.m. Free.
AUG 15–18
Feast of the Assumption
Take part in this four-day street fair celebrating Italian heritage in Cleveland. Begin the day with a solemn mass and procession before enjoying a cavatelli dinner and live entertainment. Dig into authentic food in and among the streets of the city’s Little Italy neighborhood all weekend long. Holy Rosary Church, 12021 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland, 216/421-2995. littleitalyfeast.com. Visit website for times. Free.
AUG 24–25
Cleveland Garlic Festival
Make sure to have some gum handy before digging into this highly anticipated end-of-summer festival. Sample gourmet garlics and garlicinfused foods, check out the craft beer tent, visit an artists gallery and more. North Union Farmers Market, 13111 Shaker Sq., Cleveland, 216/7517656. clevelandgarlicfestival.org. Sat. noon–8 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m. Visit website for prices.
AUG 2
Y Live Featuring Tim McGraw
Country superstar Tim McGraw comes to Youngstown’s Wean Park for the city’s popular summer concert series. McGraw is joined for this special outdoor performance by guest Warren Zieders. Wean Park, 201 S. Phelps St., Youngstown, 330/333-2049. ylivemusic.com. 7 p.m. $65–$225
AUG 4
Cleveland Orchestra Presents The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Witness the epic cinematic conclusion to J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy accompanied by a live orchestral performance from the Cleveland Orchestra. Relive the magic of this award-winning film as the musical score whisks you away to Middle-earth. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 330/ 920-8040. clevelandorchestra.com. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices.
AUG 15
Hootie & the Blowfish
The impressive vocals of Darius Rucker accompanied by the talents of guitarist Mark Bryan, bassist Dean Felber and drummer Jim “Soni” Sonefeld make up this 1990s rock band. The iconic musical group is making a stop at Blossom Music Center during its Summer Camp with Trucks tour. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 330/ 920-8040. livenation.com. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices.
AUG 17
Country Waves Concert Featuring Joe Nichols & Travis Denning
Don’t miss the hottest country music concert at Atwood Lake. This performance features Joe Nichols, accompanied by Travis Denning and Catie Offerman. Grab your hat, boots and tickets, and prepare for an unforgettable evening. Atwood Lake Park, 9500 Lakeview Rd. NE, Mineral City, 330/343-6647. mwcd.org/concert. 5:30–9:30 p.m. $35–$100.
AUG 3
Sunset Dinner
Head to Hummingbird Hill Flower Farm and enjoy picking a bucket of beautiful flowers before sitting back, relaxing and partaking in a delicious meal while listening to live music. The evening concludes as you watch the sun fall over this blooming piece of paradise. Hummingbird Hill Flower Farm, 10055 S. Funk Rd., Shreve, 614/425-5480. hummingbirdhillflowerfarm.com. 6 p.m. $100.
AUG 9–11
The Shawshank Redemption: 30th Anniversary Celebration
Return to Shawshank and celebrate this iconic film’s 30th anniversary. Start your journey at the Ohio State Reformatory to step behind the scenes of the movie’s production through tours and events. Visit 15 filming sites on The Shawshank Trail. Various locations across Mansfield, Ashland and Upper Sandusky, 419/525-1300. shawshanktrail.com. Visit website for times and prices.
AUG 21
Vino Versity at The Cave at Gervasi Vineyard
Take your wine education to the next level at Gervasi’s Vino Versity at The Cave. This event provides guests with an interactive, educational experience utilizing Gervasi’s diverse wine portfolio. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard. com. 6:30 p.m. $21.
AUG 1–4
Toledo JeepFest
Rev your engines for this classic event paying homage to the Glass City’s history with the vehicle. Enjoy a high-octane parade, explore the car show, bring the little ones for kids activities and peruse an indoor exhibit. Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, toledojeepfest.com. Thurs. 3–8 p.m., Fri. 6–10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–noon. Free.
AUG 15–17
Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival
With an annual attendance of over 100,000 visitors, this delicious gathering is billed by organizers as “Ohio’s Eatingest Festival.” Enjoy a craft show, participate in a color 5K run/ walk,compete in contests and eat plenty of bratwurst. Plus, end each evening with a parade. Downtown Bucyrus, 330 S. Sandusky Ave., Bucyrus, 419/562-2728. bucyrusbratwurst festival.com. Visit website for times. Free.
AUG 16–18
Perrysburg Hearts the Arts Festival
Head to this inaugural fine art fair featuring jury-selected artists and artisans showcasing jewelry, ceramics, glass, fiber and more. Enjoy live music, food trucks and children’s activities. Downtown Perrysburg, Louisiana Avenue, Perrysburg, 734/662-3382. theguild.org. Fri. 5–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit website for prices.
AUG 21–22
Bash on the Bay
Take the ferry to South Bass Island and check out this perennial summer party that sets up at the Put-in-Bay Airport. Jelly Roll headlines the first night, with Warren Zeiders, Ashland Craft and others filling out the rest of the day’s bill, while the second night brings Cory Farley, Tigirlily Gold and more. The ferry runs later both nights so attendees who aren’t staying over can get back to the mainland. Put-in-Bay Airport, 1494 Langram Rd., Put-in-Bay, bashonthebay. com. Visit website for times and prices.
AUG 30–SEPT 2
Milan Melon Festival
Explore this time-honored gathering jampacked with a car show, live entertainment and a chicken barbecue, among other activities. Plus, participate in a pie-eating contest, watermelon roll and water balloon contest after indulging in delicious watermelon-themed treats. Milan Square, 41 Front St., Milan, sites. google.com/view/milanmelonfest. Visit website for times. Free.
AUG 12–SEPT 1
Beth Lipman: ReGift
See this sculptural installation created for the Toledo Museum of Art. The project features a three-quarter-scale replica of the parlor of Edward and Florence Libbey’s Old West End home. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, 419/255-8000. toledomuseum.org. Visit website for times. Visit website for prices.
AUG 2–3
Big Bend Blues and Brew Bash
Jam out at this two-day blues, roots and rock concert featuring regional and national acts, delectable eats and a breathtaking view of the Ohio River. Riverside Amphitheater, Pomeroy, bigbendbluesbash.com. Fri. 5–11:30 p.m., Sat. noon–11:30 p.m. $40–$175.
AUG 2–3
Hocking Hills Bigfoot Festival
Join the community for this lively weekend dedicated to this legendary cryptid said to roam the region. Hear from several speakers, listen to live music, peruse local art, participate in the Squatch N’ Seek, practice your best Squatch Walk or Squatchy Noises, take part in an evening hike and enjoy Hocking Hills’ vibrant culture. North Mulberry Street, Logan, 740/385-
9706. explorehockinghills.com. Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Free.
AUG 4
Barton Polka Fest
Dance the day away at this storied festival featuring nonstop tunes, delicious food, raffles, face painting and more. Save room for homemade Polish food and bring the kids for a variety of games. Now celebrating its 30th year, the festival is the largest and oldest of its kind in a 60-mile radius Downtown Barton, 52176 Center St., Barton, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Free.
AUG 8–11
Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival
Head to Appalachia to participate in this grassroots festival that’s perfect for nature enthusiasts. Explore the city’s easily accessible outdoor activities and beautiful downtown historic district. Join in on kayaking, walking, hiking and road and mountain biking. Plus, sample brews from several local vendors. East Muskingum Park, 310 Front St., Marietta, rtafest.com. Visit website for times and prices.
AUG 9–11
Salt Fork Arts and Crafts Festival
Peruse artwork by juried artists and craftsmen, and see Appalachian heritage art as well as student pieces. The gathering offers live entertainment, a chalk art contest, a balloon artist, face painting and tasty food ranging from all-American hot dogs to comforting Asian cuisine. Cambridge City Park, 1101 McFarland Dr., Cambridge, 750/584-0652. saltforkfestival. org. Fri. noon–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free.
AUG 15–18
Appalachian Herbfest
Dig deeper into the world of plants and learn more about their significance during this weekend community event. The lineup includes tutorials about scientific identification methods, uses for plants and herbs, and foraging. Look forward to nightly communal meals for an opportunity to share findings. Wisteria Event Site and Campground, 39825 St. Rte. 684, Pomeroy, 740/742-4302. wisteria.org. Visit website for times and prices.
AUG 30–SEPT 1
River Days Festival
Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of this cherished tradition. The festival is filled with an array of activities, including a lively parade, delicious food truck fare and exciting live music performances. Downtown Portsmouth, 712 Fourth St., Portsmouth, 740/353-1116. friendsofportsmouth.com/river-days-festival. Visit website for times. Free.
SEPT 6–8
Ohio River Sternwheel Festival
Celebrate Marietta’s river heritage at this three-day festival that sees between 30 and 35 authentic sternwheel boats line the riverbank. Enjoy a car show, live music, food, fireworks and plenty of family-friendly fun along the scenic riverfront. 100 Front St., Marietta, 740/373-5178. sternwheel.org. Visit website for times. Free.
AUG 4
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
Join 15-time Grammy Award-winning artist Ricky Skaggs as he plays the outdoor stage at Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre. Skaggs started his career performing bluegrass music before moving into country and gospel. Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, 866/775-0700. tecumsehdrama. com. 7 p.m. $10–$65.
AUG 11
The Story of Ohio’s Canals
Join Tom O’Grady, a part-time astronomy assistant at Ohio University, as he discusses the construction of the canals and how they opened Ohio up to commerce. Adena Mansion & Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, 740/7721500. adenamansion.com. 2–3 p.m. Free.
AUG 3
Down a River, Down a Beer
Kayaking and ale make a great pair at this gathering set in the great outdoors. Try local eats from several food trucks, listen to live music and more. Piqua Power Plant, 919 S. Main St., Piqua, downariverdownabeer.com. 5:30–9 p.m. Visit website for prices.
AUG 3
Ohio River Paddlefest
Head to the nation’s largest paddling celebra-
tion, where an estimated 2,000 participants travel the Ohio River through downtown Cincinnati and northern Kentucky in canoes, kayaks and other human-powered craft. The event benefits Adventure Crew, a Cincinnati-based nature organization serving teenagers. Schmidt Recreation Complex, 2944 Humbert Ave., Cincinnati, 513/235-9700. ohioriverpaddlefest. org. 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Adults $50–$75, children $25.
AUG 9–11
Germanfest Picnic
Cheers to this cultural festival teeming with experiences visitors have come to know and love. Chow down on homemade German cuisine, drink domestic “bier” and “wein” and dance to traditional music in the biergarten. Attend a Polka Mass, bring the little ones to the Kinder Korner and shop from food and craft vendors. Liederkrantz Turner Clubhouse, 1400 E. Fifth St., Dayton, 937/429-9251. germanfestdayton.com. Visit website for times. Free.
AUG 17–18
Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival
Shop from approximately 130 vendors, selling products like honey, candles, quilts, clothing and salsa. Stick around for steamed cooked sweet corn, chicken, pork chop sandwiches and fresh-cut watermelon. Community Park, 691 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn, 937/305-0800. fairbornsweetcornfestival.org. Sat. 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free.
AUG 24–25
Ohio Valley Orchid Fest
Bloom and grow during this weekend centered on one very colorful flower. Peruse an orchid show, purchase flowers on sale, listen to speakers and enjoy re-potting demonstrations. Plus, participate in auctions, eat delicious food and take part in family fun activities. Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 4865 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, ohiovalleyorchidfest.com. Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free.
AUG 17
Cinderella’s Tom Keifer with Special Guest Human Code
Tom Keifer’s story begins as the guitarist and frontman of the hard rock band Cinderella. Keifer is joined by Human Code, an eclectic mix of Christian rock musicians, including Michael Drive, George Ochoa and Terry “The Animal” Russell. BMI Event Center, 791 East Main St., Versailles, 937/526-9544. bmieventcenter.com. 7–10 p.m. $30–50.
AUG 2
Outdoors for All Expo
Peruse booths from over 50 exhibitors, including local parks, outdoor outfitters, adventure experts and environmentally minded organizations. Take part in hands-on demonstrations, listen to live music by local bands, participate in raffles and enjoy beer and food truck fare. Schmidt Recreation Complex, 2944 Humbert Ave., Cincinnati, ohioriverpaddlefest.org. 4–9:30 p.m. Free.
Chef Evan Papanikolaou of Cincinnati’s Fillo serves the foods he grew up on in Greece, showcasing high-quality ingredients in beautifully simple preparations.
More feasible than a trip to Santorini but no less delicious is dinner at Fillo. Tucked into a quiet corner of Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, the restaurant’s entrance is marked by a row of tall, temple-like columns, a subtle nod to the authentic Greek cooking found inside.
From the kitchen, into which a small window offers diners the occasional glimpse of a chef’s coat along with the comforting sense of a home-cooked meal, chef and owner Evan Papanikolaou serves the type of food he grew up eating in central Greece, where he was born and lived until his family immigrated »
Festival Fun: Across the state, you’ll find Ohioans celebrating unique culinary traditions. Here are three tasty food events to check out this summer.
Service Bar: Middle West Spirits’ Columbus spot offers a beautiful environment to enjoy incredible cocktails along with a great lineup of fare that complements them.
to Cincinnati when he was 12. He opened Fillo — pronounced “fee-low,” like the phyllo dough often used in Mediterranean cooking — with his wife, Evi, to bring modern, authentic Greek cuisine to the city.
They have a seasonal menu of traditional dishes featuring fresh, flavorful ingredients prepared in the classic Greek style with modern twists. One of several small plates intended for sharing, the cheese saganaki — a slice of pan-fried vlahotyri, a type of sheep’s milk cheese — arrives sizzling in a miniature cast-iron pan with nothing but a lemon wedge for a simple yet spectacularly savory dish.
Tradition reigns, too, with the moussaka, a dish Papanikolaou says is considered “the king of Greek cuisine.” It is elevated comfort food: layers of eggplant, potatoes, beef ragu and decadent bechamel crafted according to Evi’s family’s recipe.
“All of our dishes have a freshness and simplicity to them,” Papanikolaou says. “We want to showcase the main ingredient. That’s what Greek cuisine is always based on.”
This philosophy shines with the lamb chops, chargrilled to tender perfection and adorned with a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
But to be outstanding, simplicity relies on quality ingredients, which Papanikolaou secures by using imports that come directly from Greece. These include olives, extra-virgin olive oil, cheeses, spices and some of their seafood. Even the drink menu features a curated list of Greek, Spanish and Portuguese wines, plus a pair of Greek lagers for a refreshing sip of European flavor.
Before Fillo changed to dinner service in 2023, it began as a European-style cafe specializing in traditional Greek sweets, and dessert here should not be missed. The nutty, buttery baklava, for sure — but also the delectably rich yet surprisingly light doukissa (a chocolate biscuit cake) and the ravani, a traditional syrupy semolina cake — prove that simple ingredients make these dishes worth traveling for. — Michelle Hopkins
1505 Race St., Cincinnati 45202, 513/873-1995, fillogreekbakeshop.com
Across Ohio, you’ll find celebrations of unique culinary traditions. Here are three to check out this summer.
July 25–28 & Aug. 1–4
Goetta, a Cincinnati-area favorite, is celebrated at Newport on the Levee during this multiweekend festival. The event attracts up to 250,000 attendees looking to sample from roughly 50 goetta-inspired foods, learn about the history of goetta, enjoy live entertainment and even grab some goetta to-go at the Glier’s vending machine. goettafest.com
July 26–28
Ashtabula’s connection to Lake Erie and the Grand River Valley is what brought this unlikely pairing together in 2009. This festival offers the chance to sample and buy Ohiomade wines and dig into a meal of fried walleye. There’s also a fishing tournament and a lighted boat parade. wineandwalleyefestival.com
Aug. 8–10
This festival was first held in 1966 to celebrate former resident Alexander Livingston, who turned the wild tomato into the grocery-store version we know today. Attendees can purchase heirloom tomato varieties, check out a spaghetti-eating contest and even participate in a sanctioned tomato fight. reytomatofest.com
— Olivia Montgomery
Middle West Spirits’ Columbus spot offers an environment to enjoy incredible cocktails complemented by a lineup of great fare.
While Middle West Spirits has distinguished itself on the national stage with its portfolio of vodka, gin, bourbon and rye whiskey, its in-house restaurant, Service Bar, has proven itself to be equally accomplished. Chef James Tuckey’s focused menu of small and large plates is complemented by a bar menu that, not surprisingly, puts house spirits center stage.
Located on the north end of Columbus’ Short North Arts District, Service Bar is flooded with natural light thanks to its tall windows, and the gorgeous wood-back bar with a long, polished marble top provides the perfect spot to sample Tuckey’s menu while watching the mixologists at work.
“The menu is a split between Service Bar’s take on the classics as well as some cocktails that are pushing the boundaries,” says Josh Daily, general manager for Middle West Spirits. “The barrel-aged Old Fashioned uses a blend of our whiskeys and is stored in spent maple syrup barrels, so it has a lot of great flavor to it. That’s one that people gravitate toward.”
Daily also recommends first-timers try
the draft espresso martini, which combines the house OYO vodka or honey vanilla bean vodka with coffee liqueur, simple syrup and cold brew from local roaster Thunderkiss Coffee.
For a more adventurous libation, Melissa Rice, front of house manager for Service Bar, suggests the House of the Rising Banana.
“My bartender made a miso mix and made an amazing cocktail out of it,” she says. “It has great flavor. We also have the Chef James Bond. We have a chef named James in the kitchen, so we had to pay homage to him. It’s our take on a Vesper with a new twist.”
Guests who want to explore Middle West Spirits’ portfolio can also order single pours or flights of their signature whiskeys.
Chef Tuckey, who joined Service Bar in September 2023, has designed a menu that complements the cocktails while also standing on its own. It rotates from time to time, but he recommends ordering the quail stuffed with prosciutto and fontina cheese cornbread pudding.
Surrounded by pristine forests, lakes and rivers, crisscrossed by miles of trails at the edge of the Appalachian Mountains, London is where adventure begins. Ride some wild Class IV white water one day and float serenely down a scenic flat-water river on a kayak
— Nicholas Dekker
“It’s my favorite thing on the menu, but it’s maybe a little less approachable,” he adds. “The bourbon-glazed pork chop is a fan favorite and definitely has more approachable flavors. Every plate comes back looking like they chewed it off bone.”
1230 Courtland Ave., Columbus 43201, 614/947-1231, middlewestspirits.com/ servicebar
Our state’s street-eats scene is on a roll. Whether you’re looking for beefed-up burgers or decadent doughnuts, global flavors or cool desserts, these 25 spots are worth waiting in line for.
ByWhen your food truck’s logo features a doughnut taking a hike (complete with backpack and walking stick), a 1986 Toyota Winnebago camper is the perfect choice for bringing your sweet creations to the public. It also reflects the passions of The Roaming Donut owners Katie and Brenton Burgess.
“We were in Washington on a hiking trip and saw it at an auction place,” Katie recalls, adding that the vehicle needed some repairs that required it to be brought back to Ohio on a trailer. “Once we got it home, it was kind of an easy fix.”
A carpenter by trade, Brenton repaired and renovated the camper himself. He had previously helped friends who own the coffee truck Frenchie Roast with their vehicle, and today, the two trucks routinely set up beside each other throughout the Mansfield area.
The Roaming Donut features four different flavors each week, which are announced on Sundays. They range from traditional glazed to creations such as French Toast, Orange Creamsicle and Birthday Cake.
“We enjoy meeting new people and adding some excitement to their day,” Katie says. facebook.com/theroamingdonut
In 2020, Andie Roese and her husband, Mason, went on a road trip to the West Coast, where they were intrigued by the coffee huts they encountered during their travels. After returning, they talked about creating a coffee truck, and Mason, who was battling a rare form of bone cancer called Ewing sarcoma, mentioned the idea to his grandfather.
“His grandpa just ran with the idea,” Andie recalls. He had an old bread truck, but it needed work. “Luckily, we had a family member who built out food trucks.”
Six months after Rising Sun Coffee Co.’s launch, Mason passed away, but Andie along with Mason’s mom, dad and sister continue in his memory. Look for the truck in Ashville, Canal Winchester and Circleville, where it serves coffee with housemade syrups as well as its signature vanilla- and Buckeye-flavored draft cold brews.
“It’s just really cool to be back on the truck and to remember where we started and why we do it,” Andie says. “Mason was very big on serving the community.” risingsuncoffeeco.com
The roots of Brandon Buckley’s Athens Rise & Grind gourmet coffee truck reach back to a cold morning at the Bob Evans Farm Festival. He was there with his A-Town Pies and Fries food trailer, but festival attendees were looking for coffee.
“So, I went and bought a couple coffee pots and started selling coffee and hot chocolate,” he recalls. The coffee remained a side offering until Buckley learned his former student council advisor was closing his Athens coffee shop and asked to buy its contents. He struck a deal, found a truck and, in 2023, began serving the college town from a downtown vendor spot.
Sourcing beans from Glouster’s woman-owned Dirty Girl Coffee, Athens Rise & Grind serves up traditional hot coffee drinks along with flavored coffees and seasonal offerings like the Aloha Latte (lavender, coconut and almond). The truck also offers refreshers and lemonades in a rainbow of flavors.
“College students have to walk past where I’m set up,” Buckley says. “I don’t have to hope and pray someone shows up.” facebook.com/ rise.and.grind.coffee22
This Dayton-area food truck offers fresh takes on the morning favorite, constantly coming up with new flavors and limited-run creations that keep customers coming back.
During his 13 years as a pipeline welder, Cameron Hill traveled the country, and when he did, he always ended up finding doughnuts.
“I always said I was a doughnut connoisseur because, whatever town I went to, I could tell you where the doughnut shop was,” he says.
In 2022, when one of his favorite Florida shops went up for sale, he contemplated buying the business, which had two locations, 14 employees and a food truck. After his now-fiancée, Lainey Lucas, cautioned him about taking such a leap with no experience, he decided against it, but the idea stuck.
“She talked me off the ledge, and I said, ‘Hear me out. Let’s start a food truck.’”
Hill purchased the supplies he needed and assembled his trailer before ever making a doughnut. From there, he delved into YouTube videos, online baker forums and Facebook groups to figure out what he needed to get cooking. After 10 months of
work, Hill and Lucas brought Death Grip Donuts to the Dayton area in 2023.
“I’m really big into skulls. I’m all tattooed up; it’s kind of all in my lane,” Hill says of the name. “We wanted something that was catchy and fun. … It’s tongue-in-cheek.”
The trailer has up to 32 different doughnuts available at any time. Along with staple flavors, there are new ones constantly being rotated in and regular drops of wild new creations that reward repeat visits.
“From June to August, we’ll introduce 15 to 20 new doughnuts. ...” Hill says. “We’re constantly innovating and trying to come up with things people have never seen.”
The doughnuts have fun names, with past favorites including Salty Like Your Ex (salted caramel), Breakfast at Mamaw’s (French toast); Berry Breathin’ (blueberry cheesecake) and the Dirty South (peach cobbler). One of the biggest successes was the one-weekend exclusive Locals Only, a maple doughnut served with three mini pancakes, homemade cinnamon butter and a pipette of syrup.
“We went to the Sugar Maple Festival,” Hill says, “and we sold over 750 of those doughnuts in two and a half days.” facebook.com/deathgripdonuts
Liz Kestel spent 15 years in health care before her love for coffee took her down a different route. She launched her Coffee Coven trailer in May 2023 and has since been appearing across the east side of Columbus.
“The Coffee Coven name is a joke between me and my friends. I would always say I was making potions,” Kestel says of time spent learning how to make drinks.
“‘Coven’ is not just for witches. If you look it up, it means ‘a group of people gathering for the same purpose,’ which is coffee.”
Kestel adds that she was going for “old-school apothecary” with the look of her black trailer that offers a very large menu of coffees, teas, pastries, hydration drinks, immunity drinks and refreshers like her signature Purple Rain, made with blueberries and acaii.
“My husband added up the total number of items on my menu and it was over 120,” she says. “He always argues it is too big. I always say, ‘No, it’s not. It’s perfect.’” facebook.com/ CoffeeCovenOhio
Since 1975, the Bagel & Deli Shop in Oxford has been the spot for Miami University students’ late-night bagel runs and morning fill-ups. Ned Stephenson and Gary Franks launched the restaurant that today serves over 100 bagel-sandwich choices created and named by Miami University stu dents, professors and coaches. In 2023, the landmark spot took its famous creations on the road under the ownership of Kelly Lang and Nate Lewis, who operate the groovy, food-truck incarnation of Bagel & Deli. You’ll find it parked next to Cappy’s in downtown
Loveland, where indoor-outdoor patios
There are burgers, and then there are Betty’s Bomb Ass Burgers, a Cleveland-area food truck with attitude. Specializing in gourmet burgers and homemade cheesy tots, Lena Brown (aka Betty) blazed onto the street-eats landscape in 2013 with her first food truck, a classic vehicle with a history of its own. “It was a 1973 Horton ambulance that
was haunted,” Brown says with a laugh.
Today’s Betty’s Bomb Ass Burgers soars in the Cleveland food-truck scene. Her swanky, new food truck resembles an American military bomber, a salute to her dad, a Korean War veteran, as well as others in her family who served.
Brown creates inventive burgers like the Boeing Fortress, a beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, bacon jam, CocaCola-braised onions, pepper berry compote and chunky peanut butter.
“I don’t do special orders. This isn’t Burger King; you can’t have it your way,” Brown says. “But I am the Burger Queen. Trust me.” bettysbombassburgerscle.com
Trip’n Biscuits are out of this world. Just ask Sam, the food trailer’s mascot who came to Earth from a distant galaxy to share his favorite eats: biscuit sammies. That farout origin story fits what owners Margaux and Will Ford serve from their Toledo-based food trailer.
The couple’s playful Biscuits and Groovy is made from scratch daily, while the Karmic Delight offers a summery celebration of fried eggplant, roasted red pepper, cucumber, tomato and arugula parsley pesto. The Blaze Chicken Sammie features fried chicken, smoked gouda pimento cheese, house pickles and red onions, while the Redneck Poutine smothers fresh-cut fries with sausage gravy, smoked gouda pimento cheese and bacon.
The Fords have fun, but they take their madefrom-scratch food seriously, making sure there are menu options catering to a wide range of customers and eating styles.
“We try to have an option for everyone,” Margaux says. “Veggie, gluten-free and even keto, we can do that.” tripnbiscuits.com
Beef up by stepping up to the window of this central Ohio food truck that goes big with its creative lineup of gourmet smash burgers.
Fat Kid Burgers’ food truck is hard to miss — just look for the belly-button-showing, beanie-wearing boy and the swirls of kaleidoscopic colors. This veteran- and family-owned truck is one of five operated by food-loving couple Lisa and Jason Rosebrough of Pataskala.
The Rosebroughs’ Grilled Cheese Gangsters food truck was already a hit. Now the newly adopted Fat Kid Burgers food truck, purchased in January 2024, rivals it for business. The couple bought the truck from another owner, changed its doughnuts theme to burgers and added neon lights that dance at night to music from the 1980s.
“We wanted a truck that is impossible to forget both for the food and the look,” Jason Rosebrough says. “It’s like Woodstock meets modern-day smash burgers.”
Everything is made fresh and includes fan favorites like Bacon Me Crazy, which features a couple of the truck’s smashed beef patties, American cheese, bacon, bacon jam and bourbon-bacon barbecue drizzle on a toasted artisan bun. Over-the-top creations like the Notorious P.I.G. smash burger is topped with homemade pulled pork, ham and bourbon bacon along with cheese, jalapenos and housemade sauce. Not to be outdone, the DoughNut Judge Me burger is sandwiched between a warm, Krispy Kreme doughnut.
“We wanted to have fun with the burgers,” Rosebrough says. “We like to have fun in life, period. All the burgers have super-cute, fun, addictive names.”
The house-made sauces and locally baked bread, which is produced specifically for Fat Kid Burgers, top off the experience. Just remember to leave room for the fresh-cut fries.
The Rosebroughs also own the brickand-mortar restaurant Mugshots in Pleasantville and have a new restaurant set to open on Buckeye Lake. Along with Grilled Cheese Gangsters, they own the food trucks Bada Bing Bada Wing and Impastas.
“We have five trucks with four different concepts,” Rosebrough says. “All of our other food concepts are Mafia related, except Fat Kid. So, we like to lie and say he’s the mobster’s grandson to keep it all mobster themed.” fatkidburgerstruck.com
Roll Call Burgers & Fries is all about truth in advertising. The truck, which is based in the college town of Kent, serves up its made-to-order burgers on a roll, of course, but its menu also houses a rundown of memorable names.
“It’s really a play on words,” owner Michael Fiala says of his food truck’s moniker. “Another meaning [of roll call] goes back to the ’30s dance cards filled with names — some of them quirky names.”
That means you’ll find creations like Smokey Bart, a burger topped with everything smoked, as well as the Smelly Nelly Blue Cheese Burger, loaded with sauteed red onions, baby portobello mushrooms, crumbled blue cheese and garlic aioli. Each is made with locally sourced meat, topped with house-made sauces and served with fresh-cut fries.
Fiala, a former catering chef runs his restaurant on wheels alongside wife Linda and sons Danny, Nick and Ian.
“We’re all very invested in this,” Linda says. “It’s a story we share.” rollcallburgers.com
James “Ray” Anderson’s fleet of food trucks now includes, Ray Ray’s Reload, which puts a fresh twist on the well-known Columbus operation’s barbecue creations.
It’s difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of Ray Ray’s Hog Pit. The popular central Ohio eatery is the brainchild of James “Ray” Anderson, who in 2009, was simply smoking meats from a small trailer set up in the parking lot of a convenience store on the corner of Columbus’ Pacemont Road and High Street.
After gaining some notoriety, Anderson was asked by a reporter for the name of his business. On the fly, he came up with the name Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, and thus, the legendary barbecue pit was born.
An upgrade came in 2011, when Ray Ray’s opened its flagship location in Columbus’ Old North neighborhood, and several more quickly followed. Evan Brown, Ray Ray’s general manager, remembers visiting the truck when he was a student at
Ohio State University.
“Something about Ray Ray’s always kind of struck me,” he says. “I found myself going there on the weekends all the time. The food was just incredible, … but also just the general vibe that the truck guys had. They would always leave me with a smile on my face, cracking jokes [and] playing crazy music. I was like, ‘I want to be a part of this. I want to work here.’”
Four of the six Ray Ray’s locations operate out of food trucks, with the most recent addition to the fleet being Ray Ray’s Reload, a vibrantly colored truck parked outside The Bottle Shop in Columbus’ Victorian Village. Reload takes Ray Ray’s standard menu and reinvents it with a fun, eclectic twist, turning the traditional smoked brisket into a brisket fry bread taco and the jerk chicken sandwiches into a jerk chicken fried burrito.
Brown started as a truck crew member in 2018 before working his way to his current position, although he still has a soft spot for the food truck atmosphere.
“We’re greasy, we’re smoky, we’re a little rough around the edges,” he says. “… That kind of brings an air of humility to the people that we’re serving … and [that] tends to break down barriers. [It] makes people more comfortable, more themselves, and it really leads to some awesome interactions.” rayrayshogpit.com
Since 1984, the Burrito Buggy has been a staple in the college town of Athens, gracing Ohio University students with grub to enjoy after a night out on Court Street. Its Tex-Mex-inspired menu may be small, but the lineup of burritos, nachos and street tacos delivers. For just $10, you can snag a burrito that’s bursting with beef or chicken and a choice of hot or mild salsa from locally based brand Frog Ranch.
Gary Charles is the current owner of the Burrito Buggy, which he bought in 2022 to continue its legacy. Part of his plan was creating the Burrito Buggy XL, a larger version of the original yellow-and-orange buggy that can travel across the state for private rentals and community events. Charles says an important design detail was replicating the color scheme of the original Burrito Buggy.
“... It is so iconic,” he says. “Anywhere we go, even outside of town, … people are like, ‘Is that the one from Athens?’ Everybody knows it.” facebook.com/burritobuggy
With a look, location and menu that has remained relatively unchanged since it opened more than 100 years ago, it’s no wonder that Miamisburg’s Hamburger Wagon has become such an integral part of this southwest Ohio community.
After the Great Miami River flooded the city of Miamisburg in 1913, the Red Cross set up an aid station to provide relief to residents. Sherman Porter approached the organization with an offer to make thousands of what he called “meat sandwiches” using his family recipe.
When the floodwaters receded, Porter was persuaded by residents of Miamisburg to continue making and selling the burgers on the city’s Market Square. Today, the wagon still sits in that same spot, selling burgers for $1.75 ($3.25 for a double), chips for $2, and bottled water or soda for $1.50.
“I’ve often thought that I should put another wagon out there,” says Jack Sperry, who has owned the wagon for 16 years. “But my grandmother told me once that if you mess with tradition, you get something worse. So, we keep it the same.” hamburgerwagon.com
Akron-area residents know the joy of pulling up to Swensons and having a curb server run up to your car to take your order. It’s the way the restaurant has done business since it opened in 1934, but in 2013, Swensons took its classic fare on the road.
The Swensons food trucks (of which there are two) are equipped with the same grill, fryers and cooking equipment that can be found in Swensons brick-and-mortar establishments,
chmidt’s Sausage Haus has been serving traditional German sausage at its Columbus restaurant since 1967, and today its fan-favorite bratwurst, knockwurst and Bahama Mama sausage can be found at Schmidt’s Sausage Truck, which appears across central Ohio and beyond.
Schmidt’s introduced its first food truck in 2013, and the restaurant has since expanded to six. Having been a fixture at the Ohio State Fair for over 100 years, the German Village restaurant’s menu was already optimized for going mobile. The truck’s offerings include Schmidt’s classic sausage entrees as well as German potato salad and the classic Jumbo Cream Puffs.
“I’m partial, but I think we’ve got the best sausage in the state,” says company CEO Andy Schmidt. “… [Now,] it’s ‘How do we move our brand to the next generation of kids?’ And I think food trucks are a great opportunity to do that.” schmidthaus.com
meaning you can get all your Galley Boys and Potato Teezers anywhere the Swensons food trucks park. They are available to rent for private events but they also make appearances at food truck gatherings.
“We’ve actually had people move their wedding date to ensure they can have our food truck scheduled,” says Swensons CEO Jeff Flowers. “… To be that important and that big a part of people’s lives is just super special. I don’t care how many times I hear stories like that; they never get old.” swensonsdriveins.com
Hadia and Nader Soliman have a passion for cooking and hosting. Since May 2021, the couple has turned that love toward King Tut Egyptian Street Food, their from-scratch food trailer inspired by authentic recipes from Hadia’s mother’s and to-go fare from their native country.
“Of course, my mom has the secrets and her own tricks for cooking,” Hadia says. “The hidden tricks really make the big difference.”
The menu of the Brecksville-based business features six wraps named after notable Egyptian figures, including the Nefertiti, filled with chicken shawarma; the Ramses, made with falafel; and the Snefro, a distinctly Egyptian dish otherwise known as beef hawawshi that consists of grilled pita with spiced ground beef and onions.
The Cleopatra features grilled beef liver, which Hadia cites as being a very popular meat in Egyptian cuisine. Customers should be sure to pair whatever wrap they choose with an order of Zoser, fried potatoes with an Egyptian spice mix that is enjoyed best with the creamy garlic sauce. kingtutstreetfood.com
Roger San Juan worked in food service for over two decades before striking out on his own. He wanted to start small, so in 2019, he launched his Clevelandarea food trailer specializing in Filipino fare, Parilya. During his first outing at Rockin’ on the River in Lorain, attendees were passing by without notice, so San Juan began handing out samples and, sure enough, a line began to form. It’s been that way ever since, with word-
of-mouth and repeat customers helping fuel Parilya’s success.
“People come and say, ‘Oh, I heard from my friends, I heard from my neighbor,’ ” San Juan says. “That’s why we’re here. We’re trying our best to bring more Filipino food [to the public].”
One of Parilya’s most popular dishes is its tocino: grilled pineapple-marinated chicken served over fried or steamed rice with egg and pickled veggies. Another favorite is the pork sisig, consisting of chargrilled pork and sweet and spicy peppers. linktr.ee/parilyacle
Walter Eguez has been in the food-truck business for over a decade, debuting his Tortilla Street Food in 2013. Prior to that, he was working at a restaurant, where he met his business partner Gustavo Salazar, whom Eguez credits for his knowledge of Mexican cuisine. Since its launch, Tortilla Steet Food has grown to three trucks as well as a seasonal spot at Columbus Commons.
“Everybody loves tacos,” Eguez says. “It’s what everyone wants to eat.”
Not surprisingly, he suggests customers order a few when grabbing a bite from Tortilla Street Food for the first time, but the menu is also filled with customizable dishes including burritos, salads, quesadillas and walking tacos that feature house-made salsas and special sauces. There are even churros with chocolate or caramel dipping sauce.
“It’s fast. It’s quick,” Eguez says. “That’s the food truck industry.” tortillastreetfood.com
Shannon Bradford and Jorge Avila met while backpacking in Chile, a happenstance that not only led to their marriage but also sharing their love of South American cuisine with others. In 2016, they launched the Argentinian-fusion food trailer The Gaucho & The Gringa, serving empanadas, choripapas and specialty burgers.
The couple knows that sourcing quality meat is paramount to Argentinian cuisine, so after relocating to Sandusky, they turned to Circle P Limousin Farms in New London for their grass-fed and grass-finished beef. The food trailer’s bestseller is far and away
BJ Kim’s Cincinnati-based food truck features a fusion of Korean and Mexican cuisines with a dash of Mediterranean inspiration.
Sauce was the start of this Cincinnati-area food truck. In 2011, owner BJ Kim moved from New York to Cincinnati, and when he arrived, he got the sense that the Queen City was lacking in some culinary options, particularly Korean fare. So, he began researching food trucks and got to work in his home kitchen making different sauces. Early standouts were his variation of doenjang, a Korean version of miso paste, and a specialty sauce featuring a gochujang base. After asking several friends to do taste tests, he was confident enough to take his Red Sesame Korean BBQ on the road, buying a food truck and opening for business in 2012.
“I always felt that hardly anyone knew about Korean food much, so it was Korean food right off the bat,” says Kim, who then merged Asian flavors with preparations inspired by Mexican cuisine. “There are Korean burritos and tacos and kimchi on hot dogs.”
Kim says his approach is also shaped by Mediterranean cuisine, as well as ideas from great meals he and his friends have enjoyed over the years.
“I just recollected these memories from restaurants and food that I had with my friends and what they liked,” he says. “I just incorporated their thoughts into this.”
its empanadas. Jorge makes the fillings using his mother’s recipes and presses the pastries by hand.
Then there are the choripapas, hand-cut fries topped with crumbled bratwurst, nacho cheese, grilled onions and garlic chimichurri sauce.
“It’s one of our most popular dishes,” Shannon says, adding that its fans return time after time.
“People will come to the window and show me a camera roll of pictures [of it] throughout the years.” gauchogringa.com
Red Sesame can often be found at Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati as well as public events across the city. Kim cites the Korean taco as the truck’s most popular offering. Customers choose from beef, chicken or tofu topped with a special sauce and romaine lettuce tossed in vinaigrette. Kim’s personal favorite is the Yummy Bowl, prepared with a bed of turmeric- and ginger-seasoned rice and piled with romaine, a vinaigrette, cheddar jack cheese, homemade sauce and a customer’s choice of protein. redsesamebbq.com
For those who can’t spring for a trip to Hawaii, a visit to this vintage green 1959 Morgan Olson step van might be the next best thing. The van — or Thelma, as it’s affectionately known — is home to Chilljoy, a Hawaiianstyle shave ice vendor operating out of Gahanna. Owner Kara Pashovich purchased the van in 2022 from Chilljoy founder Stephani McIntyre.
Since 2016, Liz Field has been sweetening life in Cincinnati with her cheesecake cupcakes. With more than 250 flavors in her lineup, a stop at her food truck, The Cheesecakery, provides the chance to sample from the menu of four she has on any given day.
“When I started, I made anything and everything: pies, cakes, cookies, tarts,” says Field, a business major turned baker who combined her
“She’s from Columbus and was stationed in Hawaii during her service and basically fell in love with Hawaiian-style shave ice,” Pashovich says.
She added a second, bright blue van decorated with rainbows and a shave ice bowl to the operation in early summer. The most popular menu items are the Sweet Venture Bowls that combine the soft shave ice with ice cream from Johnson’s Real Ice Cream. A favorite is the Pure Aloha bowl, featuring vanilla ice cream with strawberry and mango flavored shave ice topped with popping boba, mini mochis and a snow cap (a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk).
“Our regular vacationers to Hawaii … they’ll see the machine that we have on the inside, and they’ll say, ‘Yes, that’s the one I had in Hawaii,’” Pashovich says. “It’s the exact same machine you’ll see at any shave ice shop.” chilljoyft.com
talents into one passion. “I had a new mentor and he’s like, ‘What’s your niche?’ and I was like, ‘I think I’m really good at cheesecakes.’”
Since then, Field has found success with The Cheesecakery, which not only operates a truck but also a storefront in Madisonville. Visitors to food truck festivals in the area can’t miss the truck adorned with large photos of Field’s creations. Try the bestselling Oreo Cheesecake, which is the first recipe Field perfected, or go for the Strawberry Shortcake, Caramel Fudge Ripple or Raspberry Swirl. cincycheesecakery.com
The Cone has been an icon of West Chester since it opened in 1995, with its soft serve orange and vanilla swirl served from a roadside structure that bears its likeness. But in 2005, Keith Wren and his dad, Ken, knew their recipe could reach beyond The Cone. Pulled by a truck decorated with cows eating ice cream, The Mobile Cone ice cream trailers (two in total) appear at southwest Ohio food truck rallies as well as private events.
“It’s a secret family recipe from 50 years ago. My dad developed it, and I tweaked it,” Keith says. “I made it a little more tart and a little more robust.”
Other treats from the trailer include Buckeye Parfaits with hot fudge, house-made peanut butter sauce and Buckeye candies, as well as Strawberry Shortcake, which is a popular option when The Mobile Cone appears at county fairs. themobilecone.com
When Giselle McDonald got a bad funnel cake at a county fair, her husband, Rashawn McDonald Sr., decided to make his own. His creations feature unique flavors and natural ingredients and are smothered in glaze and sweet toppings like fruity cereals, Oreo crumbles and fresh fruit. He brought the concept to the Toledo food scene in 2018 in the form of Glaze’Em Gourmet Funnel Cakes.
Today, his cheery trailer, complete with cotton-candy-colored rims, can be found doling out flavors like Turtle, Strawberry Crunch and Cookies & Cream. Seasonal flavors are also part of the lineup, with spring bringing fresh lemon glazed funnel cakes and fall featuring pumpkin spice and apple cobbler variations.
“I’m trying to make sure you taste how we cook from home,” McDonald says of the recipes. “I want someone to reflect on the flavors I grew up trying and eating.”
He suggests summer customers go for the banana pudding funnel cake, made with fresh bananas, homemade banana pudding and glaze, and crunchy cookies. facebook.com/ glazeem
Get a taste of nostalgia at this northeast Ohio food truck that brings the fun without the worry of raw ingredients.
Dessert resonates with all of us, from ice cream on summer evenings to a slice of apple pie on Independence Day; but the simplicity of a chocolate chip cookie has captured hearts for generations. Perhaps the only thing more desirable than the cookie itself is the uncooked dough on the kitchen counter. Vicki Kotris’ Cleveland Cookie Dough Co. helps customers indulge in the classic taste without the risk of eating uncooked flour and eggs.
“I like to keep it simple,” she says.” You’ve got your sugars, your vanilla extract … just that kind of simple, nostalgic-tasting cookie dough.”
Also the owners of Cleveland’s Remixx Ice Cream + Cereal Bar, Kotris and her husband, Steve, are no strangers to sweets. Their truck, affectionately called Chip, is instantly recognizable with its bubble gum pink exterior and splashes of bright yellow and teal. Cartoon likeness of Cleveland landmarks like the Terminal Tower and Key Tower adorn the sides as a shower of sundae sprinkles rains down over them.
Cleveland Cookie Dough Co. doles out scoops of edible cookie dough made with heat-treated flour and without eggs. This combination, also made with other natural ingredients, is what Kotris uses to craft the truck’s two edible dough bases: brown sugar and white sugar. Each is a starting point for the rest of their flavors, six of which are on the truck at any time. Year-round favorites include Birthday Sprinkle and Brownie Batter. The reigning champ, though, is the classic chocolate chip cookie.
“Our chocolate chip is our ultimate,” she says. “It was the first recipe we created. … [It] actually came from my grandma’s chocolate chip recipe.”
For those looking to sweeten the deal, Kotris suggests the Dough Dae, the truck’s take on an ice cream sundae. It’s half ice cream and half cookie dough, finished with toppings. The Kotris’ started their careers in the corporate world, but in 2018 they decided to launch their truck (Remixx came along in 2020) and haven’t looked back.
“I was always really attracted to people that made their own goods and sat in a tent for eight hours in a market and had a great time and got to share a piece of themselves with their community,” Kotris says. clecookiedough.com
Central Ohio’s Native American-owned food trailer serves up tasty fare across the state, but its focus on sharing cultural traditions serves a larger mission of building community.
The fry bread comes topped with both butter and wojapi, a Native American berry sauce that is beautifully squiggled across the top of the pillowy dough from edge to edge. I realize my mistake of not opting for the sauce only after placing my order, but I get the chance to correct that decision when Ty Smith looks down from the serving window and asks if I’d like some. I nod enthusiastically. “Yeah, you do,” he says with a smile.
Smith’s NAICCO Cuisine fits right in with the more than 30 food trucks and trailers lined up in downtown Newark for the city’s annual food truck festival. The words “Native American Street Food” appear boldly on the side of the art-covered trailer while seven colorful flags ripple in the mid-May breeze.
NAICCO stands for the Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio, and the organization’s food trailer has been rolling across the region since 2020 under the care of Ty and Masami Smith. NAICCO’s mission is to support Native Americans living in central Ohio through a variety of initiatives, and its food trailer operates under the same three pillars that the organization does: community, culture and economic development.
“More of our people, a great majority of them, are far from their homelands,” Ty Smith says of Native Americans who have traveled to
central Ohio for jobs, college and family. “Accessing culture and community that they are commonly used to in their native homelands, on their reservations, isn’t readily available in places like Ohio.”
The Smiths moved to Ohio in 1996 with their daughter and soon-to-be-born son from the 640,000-acre Warm Springs Reservation in central Oregon, which is home to a confederation of the Warm Springs, Wasco and Paiute tribes. When they arrived in Columbus, they got involved with NAICCO, which was led at the time by its founder, Selma Sully-Walker. The Smiths became the third set of directors in 2011, with Ty as project director and Ma-
sami as executive director. Shortly after they took their posts, NAICCO was awarded several grants to create a blueprint for future initiatives. After collecting opinions from the group’s members, NAICCO Cuisine was born.
“The guiding source of all this has been the people’s voice,” Ty Smith says. “[We’re] trying to do everything we can to champion that and do our due diligence to hold true to the way that we’re seeing the consensus of our people’s voice come toward us.”
The people behind NAICCO are represented by the flags displayed across the top of the trailer. The banners bear names like Makah Indian Nation, Collville Confederated Tribes and Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The seven flags flying on any given day represent the heritage of those working the truck at that time. They also serve to represent the makeup of the community and to honor people like organization founder Sully-Walker and Mark and Carol Welsh, who oversaw NAICCO prior to the Smiths.
NAICCO Cuisine’s menu is small, accessible and packed with flavor. Along with the fry bread, the menu has a one-third-pound bison burger with a side of corn salad, an NDN taco served on fry bread and an NDN taco bowl. (“NDN” is a shorthand term Native Americans in the United States sometimes use to refer to themselves.)
The exterior of the food trailer is decorated with works by five different artists that reflect Native American culture. During the winter months when the truck is parked, the NAICCO Cuisine team hosts events showcasing intertribal platters of Native American foods.
“It paints the picture in a modern context,” Ty Smith says. “Yet, it can show that we haven’t forgotten, we haven’t let go, we haven’t lost those certain parts and pieces to who we are.”
To learn more about NAICCO and where to find NAICCO Cuisine, visit naicco.com.
Katharine Wright was her famous brothers’ not-so-silent partner, aiding her siblings Orville and Wilbur in their quest to get their dreams of mechanical flight off the ground.
By Damaine VonadaAfter Charles Lindbergh made the first nonstop solo flight from New York to Paris in 1927, he went to Dayton to visit Orville Wright. It was supposed to be a private meeting between the world’s latest aviation hero and the world’s first aviator, but word leaked out and droves of Daytonians descended on Hawthorn Hill, Orville’s mansion in suburban Oakwood. They trampled flowerbeds and climbed trees until Orville and “Lucky Lindy” mollified the unruly crowd by stepping onto a second-story balcony above the mansion’s entrance.
Orville and his brother Wilbur, of course, invented the airplane in 1903, and Hawthorn Hill was the success home they had planned with their sister Katharine. Like her brothers, Katharine was unmarried, but she was hardly the stereotype of a bland and needy spinster. She, in fact, was the Wright Brothers’ most steadfast supporter in their quest to create the first machine capable of controlled, powered flight. As their indefatigable helpmate, confidant, counselor and cheerleader, she nursed Orville and Wilbur through illnesses and injuries, ran their family’s household and supervised their bicycle shop in Dayton during their flying experiments on the windblown sands of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Katharine had convinced her brothers that as men of consequence, they needed a residence suited to their elevated means and social status, and the balcony where Orville and Lindbergh made their appearance was outside the bedroom she’d chosen for herself. It was Hawthorn Hill’s largest bedroom, had the prettiest window and sat at the center of the Colonial Revival mansion’s front facade. The stately symmetry that characterizes Colonial Revival architecture probably appealed to Orville and Wilbur, who as bicycle mechanics and builders recognized that maintaining balance was crucial to solving the age-old mystery of manned flight. And Katharine, the unfaltering fulcrum on whom the brothers relied for equilibrium in their lives, looked forward to putting her own touch on the 34-room manse.
“The new house seems to be well on the way finally,” she wrote to a friend in 1911. “We have quite unexpectedly agreed perfectly on our style of exterior. The interior is ‘up to me.’”
Katharine was born in Dayton on Aug. 19, 1874, three years to the day after Orville. She was the youngest child and only surviving daughter of Milton Wright, a bishop in the Church of the United Brethren, and his wife Susan, who was good at math and mechanically skilled. The couple’s first three offspring, Reuchlin, Lorin and Wilbur were born, respectively, in 1861, 1862 and 1867 in Indiana while the bishop was an itinerant preacher. In 1869, he moved to Dayton to edit the church’s national newspaper, and Orville was born there two years later.
Although their small clapboard house on Dayton’s west side lacked electricity
and indoor plumbing, it had two libraries. The one in the bishop’s bedroom consisted primarily of theological tomes. The other in the sitting room contained books by Virgil, Plutarch, Gibbon, Dickens, Darwin and two sets of encyclopedias. Sir Walter Scott was Katharine’s favorite author, and for her birthday in 1900, Orville and Wilbur gave her a bust of the Romantic poet and novelist.
The Wrights were a tight-knit family, but because Wilbur, Orville and Katharine were still living at home when Susan died of tuberculosis in 1889, the bond between them grew especially strong. Though just shy of 15 years old, Katharine dutifully endeavored to fill the void left by their mother, making herself useful by keeping house and looking after her father and her brothers.
In contrast to Wilbur, who often retreated into his own thoughts, and Orville, who was notoriously shy in public, Katharine was gregarious and loved to converse with people. Strong-willed and opinionated, she spoke her mind and stood her ground in their predominately male household.
In keeping with his belief that women had a right to an education and a profession, the bishop sent Katharine to Oberlin in 1893 to become a teacher. The college had pioneered American coeducation, and Katharine thrived in its progressive environment, getting good grades in Greek and Latin and forming lifelong friendships. In her 1898 graduation portrait, Katharine’s high-collared dress was properly Victorian, but behind her pince-nez spectacles, her eyes confidently looked toward the future.
Returning to Dayton, Katharine resumed her role of running the Wright household, but after obtaining a full-time position teaching high school Latin, she persuaded her father to hire a neighborhood girl to do the housework. Although they doted on Lorin’s four children, Wilbur, Orville and Katharine were disinterested in having their own families. They were content with each other’s company and at least tacitly agreed to remain a singular triad bound by blood and loyalty.
While Katharine commenced her career, Orville and Wilbur concentrated on the possibility of mechanical flight. Wilbur contacted the Smithsonian Institution requesting aeronautical information to “avail myself of all that is already known” and approached eminent engineer Octave Chanute for advice about a double-wing glider he and Orville built at their West Third Street bicycle shop. Though Katharine was younger, she acted as the consummate big sister during their efforts to get humankind off the ground.
Katharine was present when Wilbur twisted a bicycle inner tube box to show Orville his breakthrough idea for warping aircraft wings to imitate birds’ wings. When the brothers made their first trip to Kitty Hawk to test their glider, she lent Wilbur her trunk and packed food. While
they were gone, she informed Orville that she’d fired the fellow he put in charge of the bicycle shop. In 1901, Katharine badgered Wilbur into accepting Chanute’s invitation to address the Western Society of Engineers in Chicago, then appropriated clothes from Orville to ensure he looked “swell.”
Before leaving on their 1902 Kitty Hawk trip, Orville and Wilbur worked at home on fabric wings. “Will spins the sewing machine around by the hour while Orv squats around marking the places to sew,” Katharine reported to their father. “There is no place in the house to live, but I’ll be lonesome enough by this time next week and wish that I could have some of this racket around.”
After developing and testing the first practical airplane — the Wright Flyer III — at Dayton’s Huffman Prairie in 1905, the brothers focused on selling their invention. They secured contracts with both French businessmen and the U.S. Army, and in 1908, Wilbur went to Le Mans, France, while Orville ventured to Fort Myer, Virginia, to give flying demonstrations. On Sept. 17 of that year, Orville was seriously injured in an airplane crash. Katharine took a leave of absence from teaching and spent weeks at the Fort Myer hospital ensuring he got the best care.
Katharine soon abandoned her career to assist her brothers. Wilbur, on whom the French continually showered accolades and awards, suggested she and their recuperating brother join him in France and asked Katharine to be their social manager. In January 1909, she and Orville boarded an ocean liner in New York. For Katharine, it was the beginning of a glorious adventure. She stayed at luxury hotels; met kings, aristocrats, leading politicians and business titans; and was photographed and covered by the international press wherever she went.
With her vivacious personality and the foresight to take French lessons, Katharine seemed to charm everyone and became as famous as her brothers. In April, a feature titled, “The American Girl Whom All Europe Is Watching” appeared in The World Magazine. Although the writer misspelled her name, the article declared, “The masters of the aeroplane, those two clever and intrepid Americans who have moved about Europe under the spotlight of extraordinary publicity, have a silent partner. She is Katherine Wright, sister of Orville and Wilbur Wright.”
In 1911, Katharine and her brothers sent a joint Christmas card expressing feelings of goodwill toward friends old and new. It was their last Christmas together, as
Wilbur would die of typhoid fever at home on May 30, 1912. After Wilbur’s burial in the family plot in Dayton’s Woodland Cemetery, the bishop wrote in his diary, “Probably Orville and Katharine felt his loss the most. They say little.”
After Wilbur’s death, Orville’s enthusiasm for aviation waned, and he leaned on Katharine, who encouraged him to proceed with their plans for Hawthorn Hill. They broke ground in August 1912. A year and a half later, Katherine, Orville and their aging father moved in, and the bedroom once earmarked for Wilbur became a guestroom.
When Katharine and Orville went to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to purchase Hawthorne Hill’s furniture, she wanted the dining room to have the best and prettiest pieces. Anticipating holiday dinners with their extended family as well as the need to host visiting dignitaries, Katharine splurged on its mahogany, Chippendale-style table, chairs and sideboard. As usual, Katharine was right, for Hawthorn Hill’s guests would include Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
When Lindbergh arrived, however, Katharine was not at Hawthorn Hill. The previous November, at age 52, she had eloped with Henry Haskell, an old college friend, Kansas City newspaper editor and fellow member of Oberlin’s board of trustees. Feeling abandoned and betrayed, Orville refused to speak to her again.
After Katharine contracted pneumonia in 1929, Orville relented and went to see her in Kansas City shortly before she died. Having denied Katharine a wedding at Hawthorn Hill, Orville held her funeral there. She was buried beside Wilbur, and in tribute to Katharine’s helping her brothers change the world, airplanes from Wright Field (the forerunner of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base) dropped flowers on her grave.
Today, the Wright brothers’ bicycle shop is part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, and the Wright Flyer III is proudly preserved at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton. While they are testaments to the brothers’ ingenuity and persistence, the best monument to Katharine is Hawthorn Hill. The entire house reflects her taste and sensibilities, and because Dayton History now offers tours, visitors can learn her story, see furnishings she selected and appreciate the lovely and dignified stage she set for Orville’s comfort in retirement.
Orville lived at Hawthorn Hill until his own death in 1948, when he joined Orville and Katharine in Woodland Cemetery. Still a triad, they have identical headstones with Orville on one side of Katharine and Wilbur on the other. In death as in life, the remarkable woman is forever at the center of things.
Whether you’re a sports fan, a music lover or an outdoor enthusiast, there’s plenty to experience in Ohio’s Summit and Stark counties this season. By Christine Schaffran
Prepare for an away game this week.
Visit national attractions, museums and historic
Visit national attractions, museums and historic sites, and make sure to check out the live music, sites, and make sure to check out the live music, entertainment, and special events calendar. Get entertainment, and special events calendar. Get ready for overtime, because there’s shopping, art, ready for overtime, because there’s shopping, art, and more to explore. and more to explore. After a long day, dine and After a long day, dine and unwind at award-winning restaurants and unwind at award-winning restaurants and accommodations. accommodations.
Imagine having your meal prepared by Pro Football Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler at your favorite local restaurant. Such was the case for patrons at Fronimo’s Downtown in Canton when the former Green Bay Packers safety was invited to kick off the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Residency Program in April.
The initiative, which runs through November, is set to bring 28 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees to Canton. Each resident Hall of Famer will spend time greeting visitors and sharing stories at the museum, while also setting time aside to mingle with the public in a variety of ways. From local schools to hospitals to nursing homes, there’s no telling where the famous faces might show up, says Rich Desrosiers, chief communications and content officer for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. For Butler, the
residency afforded him an opportunity to show off his culinary skills and delight locals with his hospitality.
“LeRoy is a very accomplished chef and said that one of the things he wanted to do when he came to town was to prepare somebody’s food,” Desrosiers explains. “So we talked to [the restaurant owner] and he thought it was a great idea. And what a great story for those patrons to say, ‘I had my meal made by a Pro Football Hall of Famer.’ LeRoy really set a high bar for some of the other guys to reach.”
Confirmed appearances during the program as of press time include Fred Biletnikoff (Aug. 21 through 24), Tony Dorsett (Sept. 4 through 7), John Randle (Sept. 12 through 15), Ron Wolf (tentatively Sept. 25 through 28), Kellen Winslow (tentatively Oct. 30 through Nov. 2) and Andre Reed (Nov. 6 through 9).
Enshrinement Week, which runs Aug. 1 through 4, celebrates the seven members of the 2024 class, who will receive their gold jackets at a special dinner Aug. 2 before being enshrined on Aug. 3 and having their bronze likenesses added to the Hall of Fame Gallery. The Houston Texans take on the
Chicago Bears Aug. 1 at Tom Benson Stadium for the Hall of Fame Game, while Carrie Underwood headlines the Concert for Legends Aug. 4.
In a collaboration with Stark Parks, the Canton Symphony Orchestra presents its Summer Serenades series, which runs through Sept. 5. Music lovers
can spread out a blanket or pull up a chair and enjoy hour-long concerts at Quail Hollow Park, Fry Family Park, Beach City Park and Law rence Township Park as well as the Plain Township Amphitheater, North Canton Civic Center, Beech Creek Botanical
Thursday Night Concert Series at the Plain Township Amphitheater (left); Canton Symphony’s MusiCall of the Wild (below)
Garden and Nature Preserve, Canton Garden Center and the Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center.
At its flagship event, MusiCall of the Wild on July 13 at Sippo Lake Park, nature and music collide during a free concert where small groups of symphony musicians perform while park staffers walk around with animals such as owls, snakes, flying squirrels, opossums and kestrels.
Nathan Maslyk, director of marketing and development for the symphony, says the performance selections are meant to mimic animal behavior and represent how they might act in the wild, not necessarily imitating the sounds they make.
“For example, owls are generally very quiet and stealthy, but there’s a sense
“When
of anticipation because they are prolific hunters and predators,” he explains. “So, we choose something suspenseful and exciting that kind of builds and builds to coincide with an owl.”
The Thursday Night Concert Series at the Plain Township Amphitheater delights audiences through Aug. 29 with cover bands that highlight the music of Frank Sinatra, Boston, Zac Brown Band, Elton John, Journey and the best boy bands of the 1990s as well as an appearance by Youngstown-based band The Vindys. Stage seating, general admission and fire pit tickets, which include six Adirondack chairs around a fire pit, are available.
During the Summer Concert Series at The Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater, which runs through Aug. 31, cover bands pay tribute to Prince, Chicago, Van Halen, AC/DC, Queen and Pink Floyd, among other notable names. Doors open at 6 p.m. and most concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. (Doors for the Pink Floyd tribute open at 6:30 p.m. with the concert set to kick off at 8:30 p.m.)
Parking is free for all events.
The 3,000-square-foot Wings of Wonder Aviary is now open at Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve in Alliance. Featuring 25 individual birds and at least eight different species, the walk-through aviary focuses on teaching visitors about the preservation of birds in grassland, wetland and woodland habitats, says Melinda Carmichael, executive director of Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve.
“When you come in, you will actually see those three different habitats and learn a little bit about the types of trees and plants that you can use for those habitats [and] that the birds need to survive,” she says. “Perhaps it will inspire people to either create or conserve that sort of habitat in their backyard that will help promote the preservation of native birds.”
She adds that the space serves as a sanctuary for birds who have been injured and brought back to health but cannot be returned to the wild or survive on their own for various reasons. Many of the birds are flightless and are happy to interact with visitors. Among the friendliest are Bibi and Bwana, a pair of turacos, who love their new home and are eagerly waiting to show visitors around. General admission, which includes access to the aviary, is $17. Amenities are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday through Sept. 8.
On view through October 26 in the Keller Gallery at the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
A Constellation of Objects
An eclectic mix of artifacts related to the Night Sky
Daily shows in the
Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend
“Cosmic Kids” • 11:00 & 11:30 AM (Except Sundays)
Constellations, planets, light show, and music • 15 minutes • Great for ages 3 & up “Universe at Large” • 1:00 & 2:00 PM Monthly highlights, latest news, and night sky tour • 30 minutes • Ages 7 & up
Astro Afternoons • Thursdays • 12:00-2:00 PM
Join us June 13 - August 8 for hands on astronomy activities for the whole family. Plus, learn how to read a star map to help you navigate thru the night sky of summer!
Planetarium Shows and Astro Afternoons are FREE with Museum admission Museum Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9AM- 4PM • Sunday 12-4PM • CLOSED Mondays
this ad for $1 off admission
Elsewhere in Stark County, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort encourages the family pet to bask in the dog days of summer as it rolls out a new amenity this year: Clearwater Bark. The water park, which is the first of its kind in northeast Ohio, was inspired by the popularity of the resort’s annual dog swim, which is known to cater to four-legged fur babies.
The new space features a zero-depth entry wading pool, an agility course, a dog-themed splash pad and ample space for companions of camping guests and daypass visitors to play, explore and cool off. The award-winning campground, which boasts fun for the whole family with a long list of amenities, now even includes options just for dogs.
For more information about other events in Canton and Stark County go to visitcanton.com.
Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve beechcreekgardens.org
Canton Symphony Orchestra cantonsymphony.org
Stark Parks starkparks.com
Plain Township Amphitheater plaintownshipamphitheater.com
Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater jacksonamphitheater.com
Pro Football Hall of Fame profootballhof.com
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort akroncantonjellystone.com
The Kaulig Companies Championship brings PGA Tour Champions players to Firestone Country Club July 10 through 14. Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning will take the helm as the 2024 Ambassador of Golf, while country music star Kameron Marlowe headlines the Military Appreciation Concert July 12.
That’s just the start of what this immersive fan experience holds. This year, every tournament ticket holder has access to the Kaulig Infinity Zone, featuring the E. & J. Gallo Lounge, the Horse Soldier Bourbon Bar, the Cigar Den by Hammer & Nails,
food trucks and interactive experiences from LA Golf, Kaulig Racing and One of a Kind Pets. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights as soon as play ends, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Stage hosts music from local favorites Anya Van Rose, Marc Lee Shannon, and The Vindys.
In a partnership with nonprofit Folds of Honor, July 12 is dedicated to service members and their families with everyone being encouraged to wear red, white and blue attire, says Don Padgett, executive director of Kaulig Companies Championship. The day kicks off with a performance of the national anthem at 9:30 a.m., followed by a military member hitting a ceremonial tee shot.
To continue the nods to service members, 13 scholarships will be awarded to family members of fallen heroes, while all active duty, retired and reserve military members as well as first responders and veterans receive complimentary admission to
the Kaulig Companies Championship for themselves and a guest.
On the Monster Deck that overlooks the 16th green and the 17th hole, spectators can watch for a chance to win themselves.
Discover the Akron Art Museum, a vibrant cultural hub in Akron, Ohio, showcasing modern and contemporary art. Engage with captivating exhibitions, diverse programs, and dynamic events. The Akron Art Museum invites all people to enrich their lives through modern and contemporary art.
akronartmuseum.org
BLU-Tique Hotel Akron, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott, offers 71 rooms, an onsite restaurant and lounge, live music, and meeting and event space. Come for the food. Stay for the music. Stay for the night.
blu-tique.com
Watch glassblowing demonstrations by talented local artists every Friday afternoon. Take a workshop and make your own glass project (no experience needed, must be at least 15 years old). Glassblowing, glass fusing, stained glass, and flameworking classes available. Shop our gallery for one-ofa-kind glass gifts made on site.
akronglassworks.com
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Located in Northeast Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers scenic train rides through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Yet we are so much more. From elegant dinner trains to family fun activities, CVSR has an excursion for everyone. Come explore all we have to offer!
cvsr.org
Springfield Bog Metro Park, Summit Metro Parks
MAPS Air Museum
The Military Aviation Preservation Society (MAPS) is an internationally known museum of aviation and serves as a center of aviation and military history in Northeast Ohio.
Come for the AircraftStay for the History mapsairmuseum.org
Summit Choral Society’s nationally recognized, award-winning programs serve all ages to produce exceptional choral performances, and preserve the art of choral music for the enrichment and enjoyment of the Greater Akron community. We invite you to Experience the Music of the 24-25: 35th Anniversary “Legacy” Season! summitchoralsociety.org
visitakron-summit.org
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Make Cuyahoga Valley National Park your front porch with a stay at historic Stanford House. Let breathtaking scenery and nearby Brandywine Falls complement your relaxing visit. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking and more. forcvnp.org/stanfordhouse
The City of Cuyahoga Falls
Cuyahoga Falls has something for everyone: a historic downtown, unique shops and eateries, craft breweries, and outdoor recreational opportunities for all levels. We invite you to plan your next adventure with us and see why Life is Better Here! cityofcf.com
Kaulig Companies Championship
The PGA TOUR Champions returns to Firestone Country Club from July 10-14. The Kaulig Infinity Zone will feature something for everyone including performances by country music star, Kameron Marlowe, on July 12 and The Vindys on July 13. kauligchampionship.com
Akron Children’s Museum, a community gem inside downtown Akron’s newly revitalized Lock 3 Park, boasts over two dozen interactive exhibits. The museum offers vibrant birthday party spaces, supports school curriculums, and hosts engaging programming for the community. akronkids.org
Our animals have personalities that you have to see to believe! Meet the colorful cast of characters from around the globe. The Akron Zoo is worth your wild – visit today! akronzoo.org
Paddle the Cuyahoga River in a single kayak, tandem kayak or a raft! Perfect for all skill levels to embrace nature and create unforgettable memories. Book your adventure today and discover the beauty that awaits around every bend!
paddletheriver.com
Hale Farm & Village
“If the pros make a birdie, it’s actually half-price beer, so you’ll get fans rooting for those putts to drop a little bit more,” Padgett explains.
Meanwhile, a Kids Zone featuring mini golf, soap box derby cars and face painting keeps little ones busy, while the Bridgestone Golf Driving Range Experience provides novice golfers with an opportunity to take a swing on the tournament driving range.
“It’s a little bit like taking batting practice at Progressive Field,” Padgett notes. “It’s an inside-the-ropes experience, if you’re a golf nut, that normally you don’t get to be a part of.”
As more than 300 participants vie for the title of All-American Soap Box Derby champion during the 86th Annual Race Week at Derby Downs (July 14 through 20), countless families will be revving their engines as part of the crowd that cheers the racers on.
Since 1934, children have been making their own derby cars with the help of family members and friends in the hopes of scoring a spot in the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship held each summer in Akron.
“We really want to create a great experience for our champs, which are the racers that are coming in, and [for them] to experience the taste of Akron so that when they walk away from here and go back home — wherever that may be, across the country or
SPEND A SATURDAY IN WESTERVILLE THIS FALL!
Explore the city’s historic Uptown district with two tickets to the Uptown Epic Beer Walk: a two-hour walking tour where you will learn about Westerville’s history while sampling delicious brews. This tour kicks off at 2 p.m., so enjoy lunch beforehand with a gift card to North High Brewing Westerville. Stick around Uptown after the tour and head to Blend Candle Co. to create your own custom candles. (Up to two complimentary candle-making experiences are included.) End your afternoon with a wine flight and charcuterie board from Good Vibes Winery.
CAVE TOURS AND GEM MINING AT OLENTANGY CAVERNS
Enter now for a chance to win six all-access passes, which include a cave tour, gem mining, a visit to the petting zoo, mini golf, a treasure hunt maze and more! Plus, win $75 to spend at the all-new Olentangy Rock & Gem Shop, a total estimated value of $250.
ENTER TO WIN ONE OF
GREAT GIVEAWAYS THIS
Enter for the chance to win a two-night stay at the Historic Blennerhassett Hotel, two tickets to Blennerhassett Island State Park, which includes sternwheel transport to and from the island, two tickets to Henderson Hall, two tickets to the Oil & Gas Museum, two tickets to the Parkersburg Arts Center as well as a box of delicious Holl’s Chocolates.
SCORE YOUR TRIP TO CANTON!
Enter for the chance to win overnight accommodations at the DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown, admission for four to the Pro Football Hall of Fame museum as well as four Player’s Pass ride tickets for Play Action Plaza in the Hall of Fame Village.
24. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio
25. Defiance Development and VB
26. Destination Hilliard
27. Destination Mansfield - Richland County
28. Destination Toledo
29. Elkins-Randolph County Tourism CVB
30. Experience Columbus
31. Experience Hartville
32. Fayette County Travel & Tourism Bureau
33. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa
34. Grand Lake Region
35. Greater Columbus Arts Council
36. Greater Parkersburg CVB (WV)
37. Hilton Akron/Fairlawn Hotel & Suites
38. Hocking Hills Tourism Association
39. Holiday Inn Express Akron/Fairlawn
40. Homestead Furniture
41. Jefferson County West Virginia CVB
42. Kaulig Companies Championship
43. Kingwood Center Gardens
44. Knox County CVB
45. Lakeside Association
46. Lewis County CVB (WV)
47. London Laurel County Tourist Commission
48. MAPS Air Museum
49. Marietta CVB
50. Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention. WV CVB (WV)
51. Massillon Museum
52. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
53. Medina County Convention & Visitors Bureau
54. Miami County VCB
55. Morgan County Ohio Community & Business Development
56. National First Ladies Library & Museum
57. Noble County Convention & Visitors Bureau
58. Ohio Amish County | Holmes County Chamber & Tourism Bureau
59. Ohio Craft Brewers
60. Ohio Grape Industries
61. Ohio State Fair
62. Olentangy Caverns
63. Paddle The River
64. Pike County Chamber of Commerce
65. Portsmouth & Scioto County Visitors Bureau
66. Riffe Gallery
67. Ross Chillicothe CVB
68. Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls
69. Stay In Akron
70. Steubenville Visitor Center
71. Strauss Studios
72. Summit Choral Society
73. Tecumseh/The Scioto Society
74. Travel Butler County, OH
75. Trumbull County Tourism Bureau
76. Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau
77. Visit Canton
78. Visit Cincy
79. Visit Dublin Ohio
80. Visit Findlay (Hancock County CVB)
81. Visit Greater Lima
82. Visit Grove City (Grove City Area CVB)
83. Visit Westerville
84. Visit Wheeling West Virginia CVB (WV)
85. Wayne County Convention & Visitors Bureau
86. Youngstown/Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau
87. Zanesville/Muskingum County CVB
across the pond — that they want to come back,” says All-American Soap Box Derby president and CEO Scott Taylor.
With participants ranging from 7 to 20 years old, racers have an opportunity to compete for a coveted win in Stock, Super Stock and Masters divisions.
Meanwhile, spectators are encouraged to make a day of lounging on blankets or leaning on the chain-link fence that lines the nearly 989-and-a-half-foot track to watch competitors descend the hill and jockey for position in their gravity-powered vehicles.
This year, Taylor says, event organizers are working to build on the race’s legacy, focusing on the racers, the volunteers and improving the track. Previous activities for spectators during race week have included constructing model cars and racing them on a pint-sized track as well as noshing on local food truck fare.
Race organizers also continue to focus on ways to build awareness for the derby and Akron’s iconic track with STEM-education outreach and summer-camp programs. Enthusiasts who can’t get enough of this
American tradition are invited to visit the Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame Museum on George Washington Boulevard, where historic derby cars, plaques of champs, Hall of Fame honorees and memorabilia share the event’s long history.
Nearly 13,000 runners, walkers, sprinters and strollers are expected to flood Akron’s downtown streets during the Akron Marathon Race Series 2024, says Anne Bitong, president & CEO of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corp.
Three notable events comprise the series: the National Interstate 1 Mile and 8K (June 28 and 29), the Goodyear Half Marathon and 10K (Aug. 10) and the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay (Sept. 28).
While most of the course remains unchanged from previous years for the marquee marathon run, the race boasts spectator-friendly vantage points to follow friends and family on their journey from the
Ducks baseball team.
With an uptick in interest in running events, Bitong says enthusiasm for the sport is fueling a 10% to 15% increase in the number of participants since last year’s Akron race series. She adds that the events — while competitive for many who participate — are all-inclusive.
“We’re really trying to rally that younger demographic to get new folks interested in the sport of running and also promoting that you don’t necessarily have to run, you can run and walk, and you can also [just] walk our events,” Bitong says. “It doesn’t necessarily depend on fitness level; there’s a distance for everyone.”
For those who prefer team sports, the relay breaks the marathon course into five legs ranging from 4.2 miles to 6.9 miles.
To quell post-race hunger and raise a celebratory glass, participants are encouraged to take advantage of local establishments’ race discounts and specials.
On Sept. 27, the Health & Fitness Expo from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the John S. Knight Center features more than 60 exhibitors. Speakers will also present information on the main stage from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Also on Sept. 27 beginning at 6 p.m., more than 1,000 children are expected to participate in the Kids Fun Run. The free, 1-mile event is for children 12 and under and is not timed.
For more information about other events in Akron and Summit County go to visitakron-summit.org.
Akron Marathon Race Series akronmarathon.org
PGA Tour/Kaulig Companies Championship kauligchampionship.com
All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship aasbd.soapboxderby.org
Your mobile resource for all that is great about hotel & lodging in Akron. Find, explore and book your adventure, learn about local partner experiences and take part in events. Find out more information about lodging options in Akron and Summit County online at StayInAkron.com.
From camping that the entire family can enjoy to overnight backpacking trips to a hike that features one of the best views in the state, Ohio’s Appalachia region lets you choose your own adventure. By Jason Brill
The Nature Conservancy is a global organization that protects and preserves everything from oceans and African wildlife to Caribbean islands and European rivers. But its roots trace back to Ohio’s Appalachia region. One of the group’s first preserves was Lynx Prairie, which is now part of the Edge of Appalachia Preserve System, more than 20,000 acres of nature nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Adams County.
“It’s a very unique part of Ohio,” says Martin McAllister, community engagement specialist for the Edge of Appalachia Preserve System. “This is where three different physiographic regions all come together. You get things that are like the Appalachian Mountains, you get some that are indicative of the glaciated portion of the state, and then you get some flora that are more common south of us.”
One of the system’s must-do hikes is the Buzzardroost Rock Trail, a 4.4-mile excursion with a stunning highlight at its midway point. Towering 300 feet above the surrounding valley, Buzzardroost Rock is a limestone outcropping that provides views of the forests and other landscapes that make up the preserve.
“As you walk out of the ridge and approach the promontory, it narrows and narrows, and finally, you’re standing on this large rock overlooking lower Ohio Brush Creek Valley,” says McAllister. “The view is tremendous.”
But with five trails and 27 miles of hiking, the Edge offers more to see, including one of
Buzzardroost Rock at the Edge of Appalachia offers incredible views of the surrounding area.
DAVID IKE
205 N. Fifth St., Zanesville 43701 740-455-8282
visitzanesville.com
Experience all that Muskingum County has to offer, from an open-air safari at The Wilds to a river cruise aboard the Lorena Sternwheeler to paddle boarding in the historic locks to touring an underground railroad site. Enjoy painting your own pottery, indulging in sweet treats, horseback riding, zip lining and, of course, gallery hopping and fabulous shopping.
VINTON COUNTY
Abundant with outdoor adventures and inspiring arts and culture, Athens County offers something for everyone. Enjoy the unique restaurants, live entertainment and Uptown nightlife. Experience the hospitality of our friendly community. We think you’ll find that: “It’s more than a place. It’s a place to belong.”
explore downtown shopping, visit the intriguing museums and enjoy outdoor adventures in our picturesque surroundings.
155 E. Main St., McConnelsville 43756
740-962-4909
visitmorgancountyohio.com
Discover Morgan County, the front porch to the great outdoors! With three state parks, two wildlife areas, the Muskingum River and four historic villages to explore, Morgan County is a spectacular tourism destination. Here, you’ll find quaint shops, unique lodging and adventure around every corner, helping create memories to last a lifetime.
120 S. Third St., Steubenville 43952 866-301-1787
visitsteubenville.com
Home of Dean Martin, DiCarlo’s Pizza and the Nutcracker Village, Steubenville is full of stories, history and fun activities including the new Catfish Crawl. Explore StoryWalks, larger-than-life murals, an 18th-century fort, farmers markets, parks, nature trails, First Fridays, unique shops and eateries, summer concerts and more.
visitamishcountry.com
21 W. Boardman St. Youngstown, OH 44503
800.447.8201
youngstownlive.com
Enjoy 45 miles of scenic trails in Mill Creek MetroParks, challenging golf courses, great wineries and breweries, and concerts and festivals in Youngstown. Pedal an 11-mile bikeway, or play a round of disc golf. Visit beautiful Fellows Riverside Gardens, historic Lanterman’s Mill and the world-renowned Butler Institute of American Art.
124 E. High Ave. New Philadelphia 44663 800-527-3387
traveltusc.com
Welcome to the Other Side of Amish Country! Explore National Historic Landmarks and world-class museums; experience local food, wines and brews Discover trails, and downtown shops! The local arts vibe will color you happy with its wide variety of live performances, murals and sculptures. Visit soon!
419 West St., Caldwell 43724 740-732-5288
visitnoblecountyohio.com
This year, don’t miss the chance to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Noble County’s historical society. To honor this achievement, the county has prepared a checklist of the top 60 things to do here during your visit. Find the “Checklist Challenge” online and discover all the amazing experiences that can be had in Noble County.
McAllister’s favorites: the 3-mile round-trip Helen C. Black Trail at Cedar Falls Preserve.
“It takes you through a nice, healthy forest,” he says. “And then the destination is a nice waterfall in a gorge.” 4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd., West Union 45693, 937/544-2880, nature.org
Ohio loves a good comeback story, and Wayne National Forest is a 244,000-acre one set in the Appalachian foothills of southeast Ohio. The original forests here were cleared out starting in the 1800s and remained that way for years.
“This whole area was pretty much ravaged,” says Chad Wilberger, forest recreation program manager at Wayne National Forest.
Hiking through the forest’s approximately 470 miles of trails today, casual observers might not realize that Wayne is a “landscape
in healing,” as many in the forest service refer to it. Conservation and reforestation efforts that were started in the early 20th century continue to grow.
Those efforts have resulted in Wayne National Forest becoming a popular spot for overnight backcountry hikers and campers who want to rough their way through thick forests, rocky outcroppings like those found in the Hocking Hills, stream crossings and
waterfalls. One of the most popular hikes, Archer’s Fork Trail, is a nearly 12-mile loop that meanders through dense forests and rocky features such as the Great Cave and Irish Run Natural Bridge, a 50-foot-long sandstone span connecting two ridges.
“It’s one of my favorite hikes in the Wayne,” Wilberger says. “It goes through the mature forest and along the side slope of a ridge.”
Like many trails in the forest, Archer’s Fork connects to others, such as the North Country, Ohio View and Scenic River & Greenwood trails, giving backpackers the chance to spend several days hiking. Wilberger advises hikers to bring their own water, as most of the water from streams and lakes is not potable because of the damage done to the land more than 100 years ago, and to take care when making and dismantling a campfire.
“And make sure you dispose of your waste properly,” he cautions. “There is wildlife out there — deer, turkeys, but also the occasional bear and bobcat.” For more information about Wayne National Forest, visit fs.usda.gov.
Kayaking and Mountain Biking with Marietta Adventure Co.
Geeking out over outdoor adventure gear is part of the experience at Marietta Adventure Co. The full-service mountain bike and kayak shop owned by Ryan Smith is a gateway to getting outside and offers everything you need to get out onto the trail or the water.
While the spot carries bikes and kayaks for purchase (it has brands such as GT,
Atwood Lake Park offers a laid-back boating experience. Marietta has 30 miles of mountain biking trails (below).
Cannondale and Perception), rentals are a big part of what Smith wanted to offer when he opened Marietta Adventure Co. in 2011.
“I hoped through offering rentals that it would take away some of the excuses that stop people from going out,” he says.
The store rents single and tandem kayaks, as well as watercraft more suited to anglers. (Just make sure you’ve got your own
pickup truck, trailer or roof rack for transporting the kayaks.) Bike rentals include casual rides, sturdy mountain bikes and pedal-assist e-bikes. The staff at Marietta Adventure Co. will make sure you’re appropriately prepared and fit the bikes and kayaks to you, but they’re also knowledgeable about where to go once you’re geared up.
Marietta itself features 30 miles of mountain bike trails in its city limits, and it’s situated at the confluence of two popular waterways for kayaking: the Ohio and Muskingum rivers.
“I wanted to provide the information of where people could access local rivers, what to expect when they were out there and help facilitate that experience,” Smith says. 219-B Second St., Marietta 45750, 740/5380801, mariettaadventurecompany.com
Pleasing everyone is rarely easy, but Atwood Lake Park’s overnight and recreational options make camping here with the entire family a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure experience.
With 2,500 acres of forest and a roughly 1,500-acre lake, the laid-back park straddles Tuscarawas and Carroll counties and features more than 500 campsites, including those with hookups for recreational vehi-
Make your reservations now for the 48th Annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, September 6th - 8th.
We were the first settlement in a new frontier over 235 years ago and our early pioneer spirit can still be felt throughout our community. Navigate our rivers, explore our shops, taste our cuisine and immerse yourself in our rich culture and history.
cles, and 10 cabins that can accommodate a family of six.
“Because we’re a smaller horsepower lake, we tend to draw more families and older guests,” says park manager John Lewis. “Our campsites are spacious, so you can do yard games — cornhole, hillbilly golf — those types of things.”
But there’s a lot of fun to be had away from your campsite as well. Hikers and bikers will find more than 6 miles of trails, including some that are paved. (Don’t miss the nearly 60-foot-tall observation tower on the Hawk Ridge Trail.)
There are two public boat launches and a marina that rents pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks and paddleboards. Anglers can fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappies and channel catfish, and there’s also a beach for relaxing.
The recently upgraded camp store is stocked with food and supplies. It is run by Kathy’s Cookies, Candies & Catering, which offers catering for large groups, and the park regularly hosts events such as music performances, family movie nights and more.
“You really can just make the trip whatever you want,” Lewis says. “It’s just a laidback-type community here.” 9500 Lakeview Rd., Mineral City 44656, 330/343-6780, mwcd.org
From Ohio’s largest inland lake to historic homes to outdoor adventures, our Best Hometowns 2023–24 communities offer destinations that should be part of your travel plans. By Gracie Metz, Kelly Powell and Jim Vickers
The museum, housed in a historic home in the center of town, offers a window into the past and also hosts art exhibitions.
What was once touted as the finest house in the city still stands along where Main Street rises from the heart of downtown Lancaster. The Reese-Peters House, built in 1835, was first the home of Mary Elisabeth Sherman and her husband, William James Reese. Her younger brother, William Tecumseh Sherman, was a renowned Civil War general, and their childhood home is next door, operating as a museum that tells the story of the family’s life.
In 1842, Mary Elisabeth and her husband left Lancaster, and the Reese-Peters House was donated to the community over a century and a half later. In 2000, it became home to the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio. Its first floor is a testament to the design trends of the time, not only when the Reese family lived there but also when the well-known Rising family resided there during the 1880s. The home boasts a double parlor that highlights design trends that would have been popular throughout the home’s occupancy by these two families, with the Rising Room showcasing styles of the 1880s.
“It’s not like we’re telling the story of the families who lived
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The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio is located in the Reese-Peters House, a historic home that provides insight into Lancaster’s past.
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here, and they just stepped out for the day,” says executive director Jason Crabill. “We use their stories as a jumping-off point to anchor who was here, but we really talk about the space.”
The gallery space on the home’s second floor hosts rotating ex hibitions of art across different mediums. This summer, visitors can check out “Mod: Visual, Social, Cultural Renaissance of the 1960s” (through Aug. 25). Showcasing the culture of the decade through fine art, furniture and fashion, the exhibition lends itself to the muse um’s mission of celebrating art in the everyday.
“We generally define decorative arts as utilitarian objects — useful objects — made to be beautiful,” Crabill says. “They’re not just functional, they have beauty.” 145 E. Main St., Lancaster 43130, 740/681-1423, decartsohio.org
Sitting at the edge of this Columbus suburb, these 620 acres offer trees, trails and a rope bridge that the kids will love.
Grove City was named for the abundance of trees left stand ing as its settlers cleared the first roads. Over the decades, the community grew into a bustling suburb with lots of new development, great city parks and a downtown district full of shops and restaurants.
Take a roughly 5-mile drive from the center of town to Grove City’s western edge, and you’ll find Scioto Grove Metro Park, part of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks. Opened in 2016, the 620-acre natural area has six hiking trails that cover about 8 miles. A favorite is the 1.8-mile REI River Trail, which offers a swinging rope bridge that kids enjoy bouncing along as they cross a portion of
original foundation,” says Steven Preston, executive director of the Heritage Village Museum in Sharonville. “So, they took those on anyway, and that’s what we have out here.”
In the early 1980s, the Miami Purchase Association split into two entities: the Cincinnati Preservation Association, which continues its work preserving structures in their original location, and the Heritage Village Museum, which oversees a collection of relocated buildings that were constructed between 1804 and 1891 and help illustrate what life was like in the region during the 19th century.
Located at Sharon Woods Park, the Heritage Village Museum sits surrounded by nature. Eleven of its buildings were moved from other locations, while two replicas were built on-site. Historic structures include the 1804 Kemper Log House, one of the two oldest buildings in Cincinnati, and the Fetter General Store, which was built in Clermont County shortly after the Civil War. Museum programming and special events aim to tell the story of the region in new and more inclusive ways.
“We are trying to better represent Cincinnati culture, Cincinnati history as a whole here,” Preston says, “making sure that we have the tools and the place to demonstrate the diversity that actually was Cincinnati in the 19th century.” 11500 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville 45241, 513/563-9484, heritagevillagecincinnati.org
This 13,500-acre lake provides plenty of space to spread out for those who want to boat, fish and bird-watch or just relax along the shore.
The lighthouse near downtown Celina is just one sign that the city’s ties to Ohio’s largest inland lake go deep. Despite being surrounded by northwest Ohio farmland, there is a strong shore-town atmosphere. It has long been known for its Celina Lake Festival (July 26 through 28 this year), during which funky amphicars cruise out onto the water and, more recently, for its new waterfront development, Boardwalk Village, which brought island-style townhome and cottage rentals to Celina.
Dug by hand between 1837 and 1845, the 13,500-acre Grand Lake St. Marys today draws travelers to the area for boating, fishing and bird-watching. The lake was designated as a state park in 1949, but it was originally created to serve as the largest of three feeder lakes needed to help the Miami & Erie Canal maintain its proper depth.
“It’s very unique in the fact that it is almost 200 years old, and it is the largest hand-dug, man-made lake in the world. ...” says Dave Faler, park manager at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park.
The state park campground in the lakeshore community of St. Marys has campsites and cabin rentals, while Celina’s walkable downtown provides off-the-water diversions with restaurants like The Anchor and the James Watson House.
Algal blooms in the lake made headlines nearly a decade ago, but efforts to naturally filter the water through wetlands has improved Grand Lake St. Marys’ water quality, resulting in a natural playground that both locals and travelers can enjoy. For more information about destinations in Celina visit celinaohio.org. To learn more about the Grand Lake Region, visit seemore.org.
Adventurers will find a lot to love here, but an adjoining shop full of fun apparel and a brewery next door make this a must-visit spot.
Rows of outdoor gear ranging from colorful tents to sleek kayaks to lighter-than-they-look backpacks rest alongside items that even the less adventurous can use, such as comfy hiking socks, baseball caps and Kavu rope bags. JT Haught’s Falls Outdoor Co. supplies everything adventurers need for their next trek — be it a weekend wilderness excursion or an afternoon day hike. It feels right at home in this city near Cuyahoga Valley National Park that offers easy access to its namesake river.
“I’ve always wanted to do my own thing,” Haught explains. “I’m pretty passionate about the outdoors. I just felt Cuyahoga Falls as a community is so outdoorsy. We needed something like this down here.”
The shop moved to its current Front Street location, about 7 miles from Ohio’s only national park, in July 2023 after previously operating out of Cuyahoga Falls’ Jenks Building. But when Haught found the vacant building space on Front Street, he saw opportunity.
The Social Dept., a shop specializing in hand-printed apparel featuring Ohio-centric designs, is in the adjoining space, while HiHo Brewing Co., which serves pints, pizzas, snacks and sandwiches, is located just across the parking lot. Collectively, the trio of businesses reflect the hometown pride and love for the outdoors that is infused in Cuyahoga Falls itself. Although Haught’s shop is packed with gear to help customers make a getaway into nature, he is all about building community by hosting events that bring people together.
“We do fires all the time — live music, get-togethers, cookouts,” he says. “We try to gather the community as much as we can. I didn’t want to just be retail. I want to be a gathering spot for people to share their stories and adventures.” 1727 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls 44221, 330/537-9060, fallsoutdoorcompany.com
In Je erson County, historic trails lead you along majestic rivers, through a national park, and to endless outdoor adventures. Our welcoming towns make you feel at home and sometimes a voice from the past will echo in the breeze. Je erson County is your rst step to exploring West Virginia. Take it and you will quickly realize this is Where Almost Heaven Begins.
Explore secluded Summersville Lake, dine at great restaurants, discover historic fire towers and chase waterfalls across the Mountain State. By Nathan Havenner
Nestled among the rolling hills and rocky outcrops of central West Virginia’s Nicholas County, Summersville Lake offers up crystal-clear waters for that classic summertime activity — a day on the lake.
Summersville Lake Marina General Manager Noah Allen says the 2,760-acre Summersville Lake is not only one of the most popular lakes in West Virginia, but it also attracts visitors from all over the eastern United States.
“The two biggest reasons people come here: We have all the cliffs here that you don’t usually find on other lakes, and then, we have one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in this part of the country,” Allen says.
Built between 1960 and 1966 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control in the region, Summersville Lake provides visitors the feeling of a making an escape from the everyday.
“Since we are a flood-control lake, there is no development on the lake, so you are
not swimming in people’s backyards with houses on the shore,” Allen says. “It is pretty private and quiet up here.”
While boating options include pontoon boats and center console boats, other water-based activities include scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Those looking to take to the waters might want to pack a lunch because there are no
restaurants on the lake, although food can be ordered via DoorDash from the nearby town of Summersville.
“I guess you could call it a hidden gem,” Allen says of the lake. “Once most people discover it, they keep coming back.” Summersville Lake Marina: 1706 Airport Rd., Summersville, West Virginia 26651, 304/8721331, summersvillelakemarina.com
The West Virginia Culinary Trail offers diners a flavor tour of the Mountain State (left). The Thorny Mountain Fire Tower is available for overnight stays (opposite page).
Launched in 2023 by the state’s Department of Tourism, the West Virginia Culinary Trail showcases a lineup of great restaurants that continue to develop and define the flavors of Appalachia. Created by a team of five chef ambassadors, the trail takes foodies to restaurants in both small towns and large cities across nine distinct regions.
“They trusted us chefs to each choose roughly three to five restaurants or dining places in our area that would kick off this trail, and I am sure we will expand it as it goes forward,” says chef ambassador Paul Smith of Charleston’s 1010 Bridge restaurant and the state of West Virginia’s first James Beard Award finalist.
The trail features more than two dozen restaurants, and Smith is responsible for the Metro Valley region, which ranges from around Beckley to Huntington.
“I am looking for something that is going
For two-wheel excitement, head to Mountwood Park for 35 miles of flowing trails surrounding a lake or explore 80 miles of rugged and scenic trails in Wayne National Forest. For a little easier pace, the North Bend Rail Trail takes riders on a journey across 36 bridges and through 10 tunnels.
On the Ohio River Water Trail, kayakers can paddle 39 miles of the Ohio River and 18 miles of the Little Kanawha River.
Hikers can traverse a number of wellmaintained trails at North Bend State Park and the McDonough Wildlife Refuge, and the Broughton Nature and Wildlife Education Area.
to put West Virginia’s best foot forward,” he says. “I am looking for the hospitality experience, so not only food but food service, ambiance and somewhere that I would like to go if I were visiting somewhere else.”
Smith says he hopes to see the West Virginia Culinary Trail continue to grow and evolve to showcase the flavors of the region.
“There is a huge melting pot, and I love that we are able to take all of those great regional and national and international flavors and then make them with the ingredients that we have,” he says. “I hope this [serves as] a guide through West Virginia’s foodways and food culture and food history.” For more information and a list of stops along the West Virginia Culinary Trail, visit wvtourism. com/culinary-trail.
Originally built to detect threats to the beauty of West Virginia’s bountiful forests, the state’s collection of historic fire towers provides today’s visitors with great views from locations throughout the state.
Those looking for a unique experience should head to Pocahontas County’s near-
With a vibrant arts scene, rich history, outdoor recreation and other entertaining attractions, Huntington is fun for everyone. Get your free 2023 Fun Pass for a 20% discount at some of the area’s best attractions good through October. Scan below or visit our website to sign up. 2024
Representing Cabell & Wayne Counties, West Virginia
Representing Cabell & Wayne Counties, West Virginia
ly 13,000-acre Seneca State Forest. Here visitors can climb the 65 steps of Thorny Mountain Fire Tower for an overnight experience unlike any other in the state.
“At this time, we are the only fire tower in the eastern United States that can be rented for overnight stays,” says Seneca State Forest superintendent Jeff Layfield.
Originally built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the tower can accommodate up to four overnight guests. With no electricity or running water, those looking to sleep a little closer to the stars for a night should be prepared for a primitive camping experience. Layfield says the rental season runs May 1 through Oct. 31 each year, and those interested in spending a night in the tower should get their reservations in quickly.
“We take reservations a year in advance, and it books a year in advance,” he says.
While Thorny Mountain Fire Tower is the only fire tower open for an overnight stay, there are several other fire towers throughout the state that offer panoramic views of mountain scenery and the chance to spot some native wildlife. These include Hanging Raptor Observatory located on Peters Mountain in Monroe County, Bickle Knob Observation Tower near Elkins and Olson Observation Tower on Backbone Mountain in Tucker County. Thorny Mountain Fire Tower: Seneca State Forest, 10135 Browns Creek Rd., Dunmore, West Virginia 24934, 304/799-6213, wvstateparks.com/ park/seneca-state-forest
Because there are more than 200 waterfalls scattered across West Virginia, it seems that the Mountain State was a logical choice to
launch the nation’s first statewide Waterfall Trail. Debuting in 2022, the trail has quickly grown to include 40 waterfalls ranging from iconic and beloved locations like Tucker County’s Blackwater Falls and Valley Falls in Fairmont to lesser-known waterfalls such as Coonskin Grotto, located just outside Charleston.
Blackwater Falls State Park assistant superintendent Ben Leedom says the 2,358acre park is home to four waterfalls featured on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail, including its namesake falls.
“What a lot of people enjoy about it is those falls can be viewed from two very different perspectives,” Leedom says. “You have the main viewing platform right at the falls, and you get there by traveling down 214 steps. And what is neat is, if they look up to their right, they will see another viewing platform, and that one is called the Gentle Trail.”
While the ADA-accessible Gentle Trail is a good choice for those with strollers or visitors who need a less strenuous walk to enjoy Blackwater Falls, Leedom says it also provides a view of the river above the falls.
Other falls located within Blackwater Falls State Park include Elakala Falls, The
Falls of Pendleton and the recently acquired Douglas Falls. Leedom says Elakala Falls is also a great choice for visitors and is just a short hike from the park’s lodge.
“At Elakala Falls you are right up close
and personal with it,” he adds, “because you walk across a bridge that is located directly across the falls.” For more information about stops on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail, visit wvtourism.com/west-virginia-waterfall-trail.
On July 30, 1914, suffragists from throughout Ohio made their way to the statehouse in Columbus with a petition to put a woman’s right to vote on the November ballot.
Wearing white dresses trimmed with yellow, suffragists from across the state marched to the state capitol on July 30, 1914, to bring the issue of women’s suffrage to the voters. The Dayton Daily News reported in its coverage that the petitions containing 120,000 signatures (reportedly 16,000 more than what was required by law to get the issue placed on the November ballot) were carried to the capitol building by two women from each of Ohio’s 88 counties.
“Although suffrage workers had not intended the parade today to reach the proportion of a great demonstration, suffragists from Columbus and central Ohio turned out in large numbers to line the streets and attend the rally on the Statehouse steps after the presentation,” the newspaper reported.
About 300 women, accompanied by a man from each county to carry the county’s banner, participated in the march. Others carried banners for places where women had already achieved voting rights, including Australia, Finland, Denmark, New Zealand, Sweden and other U.S. states and territories that had followed suit.
Prominent male participants present that day included Ohio State University President W.O. Thompson, Rep. W.B. Kilpatrick of Trumbull County and attorney Thomas McNamara Jr. of Youngstown, among others who were on the program to deliver speeches following the presentation of petitions.
The Dayton Daily News reported the following day that while the suffragists were treated well, they were unhappy that Ohio Secretary of State Charles H. Graves did not meet them on the Statehouse steps to personally receive the petitions.
“There was only one thing to mar the affair in the least, and that was the absence of [Ohio] Secretary of State Graves,” Carrie Flarida, secretary of the local woman’s suffrage association, told the newspaper.
Despite their best efforts, it would be another five years before the state of Ohio would ratify the 19th Amendment on June 16, 1919, granting women in the state the right to vote. — Nathan Havenner
County representatives of suffrage organizations assemble on the steps of the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus on July 30,1914.
