Girls’ Trip: Toledo O HIO

from Glo - July 2019

glo-roscopes july 2019

By Barb Sieminski

Holy Toledo!

It’s not just an exclamation – there really is a Holy Toledo! Tavern in the historic Warehouse District of the city with the same name. The creative name alone would intrigue visitors to patronize the popular casual dining spot – and its private party Skydeck has to be seen to be believed. It offers panoramic views of Fifth Third Field, where the hometown Mud Hens play, and the old town area with a remarkable history.

Cathy Miller, manager of Experience Toledo CVB, provided a wealth of information for a girls’ trip to a city of great history, culinary delights, art museums and rocking nightlife, to list only a few of the area’s many attractions.

“Tony Packo’s is a must-do in its original location on Front Street,” said Miller. “It was made famous by Toledoan Jamie Farr (a.k.a. Corporal Klinger on TV’s M*A*S*H). Decorated in Tiffany lamps with the walls lined with hot dog buns signed by actors, singers and presidents who have passed through, the locale is known for homemade Hungarian specialties, such as chicken paprika, stuffed cabbage, hot roast beef, strudel and Hungarian hot dogs.”

Miller also recommended Kengo Sushi & Yakatori (Japanese cuisine), Chef’s Table Dinner (an 8-course meal), Black Rock Bar & Grill (award-winning steakhouse specializing in Certified Angus Beef steaks cooked to per- fection by you on a 755-degree volcanic sizzling rock) and Clara J’s At 219 (Proper Tea with a gourmet lunch on fine china; custom menu for each season).

Check out the globally-acclaimed Toledo Museum of Art & Art Glass Pavilion with daily glass-blowing demonstrations. The Toledo Symphony; Toledo Botanical Garden, featuring more than 60 acres of display gardens and original sculptures from an on-site art village with artists in residence working daily in various mediums; and Valentine Theatre, featuring live performances, including national and international touring groups, offer vibrant experiences for visitors.

Miller also recommended lively nightlife venues, including Black Cloister Brewing Co., Ye Olde Durty Bird, featuring live music six nights a week and also serves lunch and dinner; Hollywood Casino Toledo, offering gaming and entertainment with 5 dining options to choose from; and The Heights, located on the top floor of the Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel, providing the perfect setting for a night out with friends while basking in mesmerizing 360 views of the downtown skyline.

If you’re a Civil War buff, check out Fort Meigs: Ohio’s War of 1812 Battlefield with its reconstructed fort and museum.

Or visit the National Museum of the Great Lakes with its 40 hands-on interactive exhibits, more than 300 artifacts, and powerful audio-visual displays. Tours of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship available. Call 419.214.5000 for hours and tours or visit www. inlandseas.org.

And finally, the stained-glass windows, murals and beautiful frescoes in Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, are worth viewing, said Miller.

“This primary Roman Catholic Diocese Toledo church is the only Spanish Plateresque church in the country. For Masses and tour information, please call 419.244.9575.” a