9 Unique Places to Stay in Amish Country
Visit Cleveland’s Reimagined Natural History Museum
SPRING ROAD TRIPS
OLDEST RESTAURANTS • PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIALS • UNIQUE BOOKSTORES • SMALL TOWNS • WOMEN IN HISTORY SCIENCE CENTERS • AVIATION MUSEUMS • COLUMBUS ARTS & CULTURE • OUR NATIONAL PARK • ROADSIDE ART
Hartman Rock Garden, Springfield
MAR/APR
FEATURES //
76 Road Trips
Plan a spring road trip to these destinations that explore art, history, nature and much more.
96 Natural Evolution
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has been completely reimagined. Here’s why you’ll love it. DEPARTMENTS // 2 Connect
7 Editor’s Note 17 1803
Lauren Alexander Designs makes eco-friendly products, and Great Council State Park honors Shawnee heritage.
25 Datebook
See the evolution of bicycle design in Cincinnati, and celebrate maple syrup at this festival in Geauga County.
31 Calendar of Events
61 Farm & Table
Toledo’s Stone Cut Bistro shakes up Lebanese cuisine, and Hoof Hearted Brewing in Marengo offers groovy IPAs.
160 Milestones
On March 20, 1981, the final leg of the Buckeye Trail was dedicated, signifying a monumental achievement.
ON THE COVER: HARTMAN ROCK GARDEN IN SPRINGFIELD
PHOTO BY ROD HATFIELD, COURTESY OF HARTMAN ROCK GARDEN
CONNECT
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MAR/APR
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS
MOUNT VERNON
Check out these arts events happening in Knox County this year.
73 KENTUCKY
The Bluegrass State offers a lineup of unforgettable experiences.
In This Issue:
Chardon, p. 28
Cincinnati, p. 26, 28
Cleveland, p. 17, 28, 96
Columbus, p. 18, 28, 107
Marengo, p. 64
Peninsula, p. 63
Toledo, p. 61, 129
Xenia, p. 20
Yellow Springs, p. 25
Corrections: In our story about Butcher & Rose on page 33 of the Jan./Feb. 2025 issue we incorrectly identified general manager Laurie Kniess. In the same issue, the page number 53 on the cover of the magazine should have been 33.
EXPERIENCE UNEXPECTED ENTERTAINMENT AND UNEXPLORED PASSIONS.
SMALL TOWN, BIG ENTERTAINMENT.
Beyond Main Street in Mount Vernon, through the sho in the galleries, on the stages and around every corner, is a hub of arts and culture waiting for you. This lineup* will leave you inspired and take your next visit to the next level!
WINTER SPRING
FEB 28
MAR 2
MAR 6
MAR 23
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR.
PRESENTED BY MTVARTS KNOX MEMORIAL
NATURAL WOMAN: A TRIBUTE TO CAROLE KING
APR 5
APR 27
MAY 2-11
PRESENTED BY THE COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOCIATION KNOX MEMORIAL
NEA BIG READ PROGRAM: CHARLES YU
PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC LIBRARY OF MOUNT VERNON & KNOX COUNTY KNOX MEMORIAL
BRASS BAND OF COLUMBUS
PRESENTED BY THE COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOCIATION KNOX MEMORIAL
BRIAN REGAN
PRESENTED BY THE MOUNT VERNON ARTS CONSORTIUM KNOX MEMORIAL
SOMERSET TAVERN
PRESENTED BY MTVARTS WOODWARD OPERA HOUSE
MAY 6 GOOD SHOT JUDY
PRESENTED BY THE COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOCIATION KNOX MEMORIAL -
MAY 29
SIP & SAVOR: OHIO WINES SUNSET SOCIAL
PRESENTED BY ARIEL-FOUNDATION PARK
ARIEL-FOUNDATION PARK
SPRINGSUMMER
JUN 6
JUN 20
JUN 21
FIRST FRIDAY
EXPERIENCE MOUNT VERNON DOWNTOWN MOUNT VERNON
FRONT PORCH CONCERT SERIES
PRESENTED BY KOKOSING VALLEY ARTS ALLIANCE EAST HIGH STREET
SUMMER KICKOFF WITH RICKY SKAGGS & KENTUCKY THUNDER
PRESENTED BY ARIEL-FOUNDATION PARK AND MOUNT VERNON ARTS CONSORTIUM
ARIEL-FOUNDATION PARK
JUL 3
FIRST FRIDAY
EXPERIENCE MOUNT VERNON DOWNTOWN MOUNT VERNON
JUL 4 JULY 4TH CELEBRATION WITH CREEDANCE REVIVED
PRESENTED BY ARIEL-FOUNDATION PARK AND THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON ARIEL-FOUNDATION PARK
JUL 5-13 9-5 THE MUSICAL PRESENTED BY MTVARTS WOODWARD OPERA HOUSE
JUL 18
FRONT PORCH CONCERT SERIES
AUG 1
AUG 2
SCAN FOR FULL EVENT CALENDAR
FIRST FRIDAY EXPERIENCE MOUNT VERNON DOWNTOWN MOUNT VERNON
FABULOUS FAMILY DANCE PARTY
PRESENTED BY ARIEL-FOUNDATION PARK
ARIEL-FOUNDATION PARK AUG 7-10 AUG 15
MOUNT VERNON MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN MOUNT VERNON
FRONT PORCH CONCERT SERIES
PRESENTED BY KOKOSING VALLEY ARTS ALLIANCE EAST HIGH STREET
PRESENTED BY KOKOSING VALLEY ARTS ALLIANCE EAST HIGH STREET
FALL HOLIDAY
SEP 5
SEP 12-14
SEP 18
FIRST FRIDAY EXPERIENCE MOUNT VERNON DOWNTOWN MOUNT VERNON
SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL YOUTH EDITION
PRESENTED BY MTVARTS KNOX MEMORIAL
BACKYARD BIERGARTEN SUNSET SOCIAL
PRESENTED BY ARIEL-FOUNDATION PARK
ARIEL-FOUNDATION PARK
LONG TIME SEP 27
PRESENTED BY THE COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOCIATION KNOX MEMORIAL
OCT 3
OCT 19
JOHNNY APPLESEED FALL FESTIVAL
MOUNT VERNON
MOUNT VERNON
LAUREN JELENCOVICH
PRESENTED BY THE COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOCIATION KNOX MEMORIAL
NOV 14-16 A FEW GOOD MEN
PRESENTED BY KNOX MEMORIAL KNOX MEMORIAL
DEC 6-7 THE NUTCRACKER
NOV 18 HOW SWEET IT IS PRESENTED BY THE COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOCIATION KNOX MEMORIAL
PRESENTED BY CENTRAL OHIO YOUTH BALLET WOODWARD OPERA HOUSE
NOV 29 DEC 13
WINTER IN DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE MOUNT VERNON DOWNTOWN MOUNT VERNON -
THE ARTS
IN MOUNT VERNON...
Beyond the stage, hit the streets to find the spaces that reconnect you with your passions and ignite your creativity.
STUDIO SESSIONS
READY TO ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES? IMMERSE YOURSELF
IN THESE CREATIVE SPACES, DISCOVER NEW CONNECTIONS AND UNLOCK AN UNEXPLORED PASSION.
THE SCHNORMEIER GALLERY
KUDOS ARTIST CO-OP
THE ANNEX
PINE ROW STUDIO
THE COLEMAN GALLERY
DANCING BEE MARKET & STUDIO
THE BLESSED LIFE
THE ART OF SOUND
FOLLOW THE LOW HUM OF THE TURN TABLE, CONNECT WITH MUSICIANS AND SHARE THE LOVE OF SOUND WITH THESE MUSIC HUBS.
FAT DOG VINYL
OWEN MUSIC
COLLECTIVE CRAFTSMENSHIP
THESE SHOP OWNERS AND ARTISANS INVITE YOU TO EXPLORE THE CURIOSITIES OF MAIN STREET, AND BEYOND, TO FIND THE BEST HANDCRAFTED GIFTS.
LIVING ON THE EDGE
ASE WOODWORKING
OLD MR. BAILIWICKS
THE WOOLSON SPICE CO. DOWN HOME LEATHER
WILLIAMS FLOWERS & WINE
ANGRY ACRES FARM
PLAYFUL PLACES
THESE INSPIRING SPACES GIVE CREATIVES, OF ALL AGES, ROOM TO DREAM, PLAY AND EXPLORE.
PARAGRAPHS BOOKSTORE
SPI SPOT: SCIENCE PLAY INITIATIVE SOUTH MAIN DOG FOUNTAIN SUMMIT AXE THROWING ALMOST FAMOUS SODAS & SWEETS
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
WHETHER IT’S A CLASSIC PLAY, A ROCK CONCERT OR A COMEDY SHOW; SNAG YOUR TICKETS TO UNEXPECTED FUN.
ARIEL-FOUNDATION PARK
KNOX MEMORIAL THEATER
THE WOODWARD OPERA HOUSE
MTVarts WAREHOUSE14 BOX OFFICE
MOUNT VERNON ARTS CONSORTIUM
WE SAVED A SEAT FOR YOU.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO EXPLORE SHOPS, DINING & MORE.
Chairman Lute Harmon Sr. President & Publisher Lute Harmon Jr.
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL@OHIOMAGAZINE.COM
Editor Jim Vickers
Associate Editors Erin Finan, Gracie Metz
Contributing Writers Jason Brill, Hollie Davis, Lisa Galek, Nathan Havenner, Macy Kile, Sarah Miller, Emma Shinker, Kristina Smith, Damaine Vonada
Digital Content Assistant Kelly Powell
Editorial Intern Elizabeth Talaga
Art Director Rachael Jirousek
Contributing Artists Aerial Agents, Laura Watilo Blake, Alex Farmer, Rick Hanger, Rod Hatfield, Doug Hinebaugh, Henry Leiter, Terry Thurston
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Editorial Interns Kirsten Abbey, Serena Atkinson, Ellie Erich
Managing Art Director Stephanie Mauric
Art Director Emily Gommel
Associate Art Director Sel James
Video Producer Carrie Largent
INTERACTIVE MEDIA
Director of Digital Strategy Jacquie Chakirelis
Digital Strategy Manager Joe Vargo
Development Manager Daniel Klinzing
Operations Associate Camille Ross
CORPORATE
Chief Financial Officer George Sedlak
Finance Director Perry Zohos
Accounts Payable Coordinator Geli Valli
EDITOR’S NOTE
Museum Memories
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History was one of the first museums my parents ever took my sister and me to. We were single-digit age at the time, and visiting a place filled with such wonder about the natural world was beyond fun. Plus, dinosaurs! That’s prime-time, grade-school wonder right there.
But the part of the day that we laugh about most when we recall it during family gatherings is the demonstration in which live animals were brought out by handlers for those of us gathered to take a closer look.
There was Red, the small screech owl that captured our imagination so much that when we discovered a screech owl in the pine tree outside of our house, we named him Red. (The local newspaper even came and took a photo of him. He just sat there with eyes half-shut, nestled in our spruce.)
Then, the museum staffer brought out a snake — you know, to show us that they weren’t gross and slimy — and my sister jumped up from our spot near the front of the group and hightailed it toward our parents at the back of the room.
“We instantly saw this little blonde head pop up,” my mom recalls with a laugh.
I braved the experience and found out that, no, snakes weren’t gross or slimy. I still don’t love them, but I feel like I understand them more, and it all started that day decades ago at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
That’s the beauty of studying the world around us, uncovering the surprises and wonder built into it all. So, when I got the invite to check out the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s $150 million expansion in late 2024, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. It’s always been a place of wonder, but the museum is bigger, better and more engaging than ever. (Plus, as always, there are dinosaurs.)
You can read about the expansion on page 96 and learn for yourself how this institution of Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood has reimagined itself in a way that caters to a new generation of visitors while also reminding those of us who have long loved the place about all the reasons that we do.
JIM VICKERS
put-in-bay, ohio
AN ISLAND IN OHIO? SOUTH BASS ISLAND IS ONE OF THE THREE BASS ISLANDS IN OHIO ON LAKE ERIE. WELL KNOWN AS PUTIN-BAY, MAKE IT YOUR NEXT EVERY DAY ISLAND GETAWAY WITH ALL THE ISLAND FEELS. STAY WITH US DURING THE WEEK, COME FOR THE DAY OR JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL EVENT!
Your next Baycation can be coming by ferry, boat, plane, staying in a resort, bed & breakfast, condo, villa or even a boutique hotel. Perfect for a day trip to explore all of the caves, trails, watersports, butterflies, museums, parks and more. View the island from the top of the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial or grab a photo of your family at the Put-in-Bay Sign at South Bass Island State Park. Be sure to post and hashtag #putinbaysign.
2025 events
may 13th
BLESSING OF THE FLEET
may 17th
ISLAND WIDE
GARAGE SALE
may 24th to 27th
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
june 4th to 8th
101ST MILLS RACE
june 8th & august 17th
BENSON FORD
SHIPHOUSE TOURS
june 9th
PUT-IN-BAY PRIDE
june 14th
51ST FOUNDER’S DAY
june 21st
OHIO’S ISLAND WINE FESTIVAL
june 27th to 29th
PYRATE FEST XVII
july 4th
4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
july 18th to 20th
PIB JEEP INVASION
july 23rd to 27th
I-LYA POWER REGATTA
july 28 & 29th
PIB AMPHICAR DAYS
july 30th to august 3rd
I-LYA SAIL REGATTA
august 2nd to 9th
ISLAND GREEN WEEK
august 13th to 14th
BASH ON THE BAY
august 29th to september 1st
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
september 5th to 7th
HISTORIC WEEKEND | BRONCOS ON THE BAY
september 6th
ART IN THE PARK
september 13th
1/2 WAY TO ST. PATTY’S DAY | MONARCH FESTIVAL
september 16th to 19th
PUT-IN-BAY ROAD RACES REUNION
september 20th
BIG DAY AT THE BAY | CLAM BAKE | MBL 5K | SALE AWAY WEEKEND
october 11th – 12th
OKTOBERFEST
october 18th
PIB SKELLY HUNT
october 25th
HALLOWEEN AT THE BAY
Celebrating 15 Years of Gervasi Vineyard
our
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CAN YOU HEAR THE EVENTS CALLING?
One thing is certain: Licking County knows how to throw a party, and everyone is invited. Explore Licking County has the most user-friendly and comprehensive event calendar in the county. Our job is to get you the information; your job is to show up and have a great time. It's that simple! Find your way to events happening now and sign up for our curated weekly event email delivered to you in plenty of time to mark your calendar. | EXPLORELC.ORG/EVENTS
Where Luxury & History Meet
A Place to Enjoy & Feel at Home
“Comfortable beds, beautiful furnishings, delicious food, and warm hospitality made my stay unforgettable. Every detail was thoughtfully crafted—I can’t wait to return!”
Rachel R.
Nestled in the heart of historic McConnelsville, The Inns at 8th and Main offer the perfect blend of smalltown charm and modern luxury. With two lovingly restored properties—The Stone House and The Morris House— each steeped in history, our Inn invites you to step back in time while enjoying all the comforts of today.
Whether you’re exploring the scenic beauty of Morgan County, indulging in a girlfriends' getaway, or simply unwinding, The Inns at 8th and Main is your ideal retreat. Enjoy the rich history of our community, from strolling through charming downtown McConnelsville to visiting local gems like The Wilds. Be sure to stop by Percy’s Antiques and Vintage, our curated shop filled with treasures that bring the past to life.
Perfect for Picnics
BY LOGAN HUMPHREY |
As spring arrives in Ohio, temperatures start to warm up and flowers begin to blossom again, making spring the perfect time to go picnicking. Head out to one of Ohio’s many vineyards to sip and watch the vines grow.
Sit outside and enjoy the beautiful weather at Pleasant Hill Vineyards in the rolling hills of Athens. Drink a glass of their Willa Rose — a strawberry wine — while you enjoy a beautiful view of the vineyard from their outdoor seating. Pair your wine with one of their appetizers, like chicken artichoke dip and fresh fruit.
Just outside of Granville is the Three Oaks Vineyard, a winery that gracefully expands for 14 acres. Take in the peaceful scenery surrounded by trees, wildflowers and meadows. Bring your own picnic or purchase snacks from one of the frequent food trucks there. Kick back on the patio and sip on a semi-dry Niagara white.
Sip and dine outdoors at The Blind Squirrel Winery just outside of Chagrin Falls. Indulge in a variety of appetizers ranging from pepperoni rolls to artichoke dip. Relax with a glass of their squirrel-themed wines, including the Sunny Squirrel, a dry Chardonnay, or the Fuzzy Tail, a semi-sweet blend of Vidal and Catawba.
Plan a picnic at Filia Cellars in Wadsworth, where you can bring your dog along. Kick back with a glass of their Lillian, a light grenache, or the Hannah, a Syrah blend. Bring your own food or purchase one of their house plates that comes with different choices of meats, cheeses, crackers and more.
Pleasant Hill Vineyards
Three Oaks Vineyard
Spring Forward
Light pink petals softly glide and twirl across the surface of Wade Lagoon, a sure sign that spring is on the way. These unlikely dancers are swept from the branches of the cherry blossom trees that surround the lagoon outside the Cleveland Museum of Art in the city’s University Circle. One hundred of these trees were planted as part of the design for a Fine Arts Garden in 1925. Today, 50 of the flowering trees line the lagoon, although they are likely from subsequent plantings rather than the original trees. The peak time to see the blooms typically begins in late March or early April. You can track the blooms’ progress at universitycircle.org/ blooms. 1130 East Blvd., Cleveland 44106
Eco Innovation: Lauren Alexander creates colorful replacements for everyday products that prioritize sustainability and reusability.
Cultural Gateway: Southwest Ohio’s new state park celebrates Shawnee heritage with exhibits and artifacts housed in an immersive interpretive center.
Eco Innovation
Lauren Alexander creates colorful replacements for everyday products that prioritize sustainability and reusability to help reduce harmful environmental impacts.
Columbus native Lauren Alexander describes herself as a craft artist, small business owner and sustainability advocate, using her artistic talents to develop a business with an environmentally focused mission. Her passion for sustainability originated at a young age, sparking a commitment to protecting the natural world.
“All throughout my childhood I was obsessed with animals and had a lot of animal books,” she says. “As I grew older, I recognized how many were extinct and endangered due to humans’ actions.”
Alexander’s entrepreneurial journey began by printing designs on notebooks and mugs. She later learned how to sew and incorporated that into her products as well. She ran a casual, pay-what-you-can business in her local community where she sold handmade face masks during the pandemic before launching Lauren Alexander Designs in 2021.
Since then, Alexander’s goal has been to replace everyday single-use products, such as paper towels, napkins, sponges and cotton pads, with washable, reusable items that come in fun, eye-catching prints.
“The reusable paper towels are super thin and add a cute pop of color. [They] are the perfect replacement,” Alexander says. “The washable sponges are the same size as regular sponges, mildew-resistant, super-fast drying and don’t leak microplastics into our homes and waterways.”
Each item is printed with bright colors and patterns to encourage buyers to bring some vibrancy into their space. Alexander’s products can now be found in over 40 shops and boutiques across the United States. She also sells directly to consumers at many seasonal markets held throughout Columbus, such as the Dublin Market, the German Village Makers Market and the Not Your Mamas Craft Market.
“I love color and rainbows. I love designs that remind me of my own creative adventures from when I was a kid loving colorful things,” Alexander says. “My grandma and mom have always been artists, and my family has always encouraged me. I grew up in a household where it was normal to see a canvas on the dining room table.” — Macy Kile
For more information, visit laurenalexanderdesigns.com.
Cultural Gateway
Southwest Ohio’s new state park celebrates Shawnee heritage with exhibits, artifacts and interactive displays, all housed in an immersive interpretive center.
Driving north from Xenia along U.S. Route 68, the 12,000square-foot Interpretive Center at Great Council State Park is hard to miss. The massive rectangular structure was purposely designed to resemble the wood-and-bark longhouses where the Shawnee people traditionally gathered for meetings and ceremonies, and its arresting architecture clearly signals that this is not your typical state park.
Opened in June 2024, Great Council is Ohio’s newest state park, and it boasts an authentic sense of place, being located beside the Little Miami River where a large Shawnee village known as Old Chillicothe stood during the 1770s.
“The idea for this park began in 2019 when Gov. [Mike] DeWine, who grew up in this area, asked for proposals on how to honor its rich Shawnee heritage,” says park manager Ivy Ortman.
A subsequent collaboration involving three federally recognized Shawnee tribes, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio History Connection and the DeWines created a unique park where visitors experience a 15,000-year continuum that extends from nomadic PaleoIndians to modern-day Shawnee citizens and the impact of European colonization.
Starting with a specially commissioned statue of the legendary Shawnee warrior and statesman Tecumseh that stands near the interpretive center’s entrance, visitors can proceed into the center to get acquainted with an array of history-making individuals, such as Old Chillicothe’s leader, Chief Blackfish; Daniel Boone, who was held captive there; and James Galloway, a local pioneer whom Tecumseh befriended.
Three floors of exhibits, interactive elements and artifacts share Shawnee customs and culture, while also highlighting how interactions between the Shawnee and European settlers shaped the history of both Ohio and the nation. Visitors can learn about the nature-oriented lifestyle at Old Chillicothe by stepping inside a wiikiwa, a dome-shaped Shawnee house, while a 20-foot Living Stream filled with native Ohio fish represents the Little Miami River and reinforces its important role in providing the village’s inhabitants with food, transportation and trade goods.
“The Living Stream is especially popular with children,” Ortman says. “They can reach into the water and find replicas of arrowheads.” — Damaine Vonada
1587 U.S. 68 N., Xenia 45385, 937/502-0057, ohiodnr.gov
It’s hard to imagine with the diamond covered in snow and the concession stand shuttered, but baseball’s opening day is swiftly approaching. Hopefully our teams fare better than the dejected one captured in Clyde Singer’s “Beaten Ball Club.”
Born in 1908 in Malvern, Singer was a natural artist. In 1933, he left Ohio to study at New York City’s Art Students League. After a year spent in Depression-era New York, Singer returned to his hometown, later making his way to Youngstown, where he served as The Butler Institute of American Art’s assistant director for nearly 60 years.
Singer’s experiences made his work distinct from both the iconic rural work of American regionalist artists and the urban-inspired work of American realist painters in the early 20th century.
The resulting body of work captures landscapes, street views and ordinary humans, all with a warm, worn realism that makes Singer’s world seem familiar, even decades after his death. —
Hollie Davis
Hollie Davis is a co-owner of Meander Auctions in Whipple, Ohio.
CLYDE SINGER’S “BEATEN BALL CLUB” Oil on canvas painting dated 1949
$7,995 SOLD
VISIT MARION
Passion Project
Patty Mitchell’s Passion Works Studio empowers artists of all ability levels to channel their creativity into joyful, vibrant works of art.
When Patty Mitchell first considered colleges, her father encouraged her to check out Ohio University. Her family had previously lived in the area, and she knew from the moment she visited Athens that she wanted to plant her roots there.
“The Ford station wagon was parked right next to the green,” Mitchell recalls. “I stepped out, I looked around and thought, ‘I’m going to live here the rest of my life.’ ”
She studied photography, which led her to many different parts of the world, but in 1998, she returned to Athens to set up a small art studio in a supported work environment where people with developmental differences were paid to perform factory-style tasks. After completing their work, they would head to Mitchell’s studio to express their creativity.
When a staff member brought old printing plates into the art studio, the workers began painting on them, then cutting and bending the aluminum pieces into shapes. From this, the Passion Flower was born and has become the studio’s flagship creation. Today, the studio, now located in uptown Athens, employs 24 artists with developmental differences. We talked with Mitchell about the impact of Passion Works, how she maintains an inclusive environment and what the studio means to her. — Erin Finan
What has the impact been on the lives of the people involved with the studio?
A: Typically, people who are seen as having developmental differences are seen as the “other.” We don’t want to starve our community from not having full participation of all its members. We don’t wait to be invited to the party; we’re the ones throwing the party. We have these natural connections. … [It’s] the blending and the weaving of community for full participation, and I just love watching that happen.
How do you make sure that the environment stays inclusive and supportive for people of all abilities?
A: Through making fine art, we find out what people are really interested in, what their styles are and what they like to do. We follow that aesthetic lead to blend experiences and talents and abilities. … I believe that when people have different experiences, it gives them a chance to imagine things differently. We’re all just here to love and to feel connection and have purpose.
What do you most want to communicate through Passion Works Studio?
A: That we all have incredible magic in us. When there’s imagination and creativity and love and experimenting and being in a safe space, amazing things happen. … I believe that we’re creative creatures, and we’re not here for very long. Let’s just enjoy ourselves as much as we possibly can. And if we can self-entertain and create this much energy and joy, why wouldn’t we?
For more information, visit passionworks.org.
Patty Mitchell studied photography at Ohio University. She returned to Athens in 1998 and launched Passion Works Studio.
DATEBOOK
Easter Egg Hunt at Young’s Jersey Dairy
April 20: Yellow Springs
This beloved Easter egg hunt, hosted by Young’s Jersey Dairy since 1983, features over 10,000 hardboiled, dyed and hidden eggs. No matter the weather, the free festivities start at 2 p.m. on Easter Sunday with an egg hunt just for 4-year-olds and younger. After the little ones have finished hunting, 5-to7-year-olds head out at 2:20 p.m., with 8-to-10-year-olds following at 2:40 p.m. (Young’s Jersey Dairy recommends showing up 15 minutes prior to the time slot for your child’s age group.) No matter how old you are, a visit to this landmark attraction in Yellow Springs promises delicious ice cream. youngsdairy.com
Cycle of Change: Explore the evolution of bicycle design at the Cincinnati Art Museum during “Cycle Thru! The Art of the Bike,” on display beginning April 4.
Calendar of Events: Your spring plans start here. Check out our guide to exhibitions, shows and other happenings scheduled between now and the end of April.
CHA DATEBOOK Cycle
Otto Dicycle, circa 1880, designed by Edward Otto for Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited (above); white Stoddard Cygnet bicycle 1989 (below)
of
ANGE
Explore the evolution of bicycle design at the Cincinnati Art Museum during “Cycle Thru! The Art of the Bike,” on display beginning April 4. By Erin Finan
The flowing, swan-like frame of the Stoddard Cygnet bicycle captivates onlookers just as it did when it was introduced to the public in 1898. The bike’s elegant design was inspired by the art nouveau style of the late 19th century, representing a significant period of artistic change.
One of less than 10 known to exist, the striking, porcelain white bicycle is one of 28 showcased in “Cycle Thru! The Art of the Bike,” on display at the Cincinnati Art Museum from April 4 through Aug. 24. The exhibit explores the evolution of bicycle design and technology throughout history, featuring models from the mid-1800s to present day.
“We’re really exploring the intersection of culture and art through the bicycle and looking at the design and engineering innovations that have marked the bicycle’s development since the 19th century,” says exhibit curator Amy Dehan. “[We’re] thinking more about what prompted these changes. There were some prompted by comfort, safety and speed, but there were also changes that prioritized fashionable styles and social trends.”
Created in partnership with The Church in Sag Harbor, New York, and The Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen, this exhibition showcases the bicycle’s rich history, both as a means of transportation and as a symbolic vehicle to promote freedom and autonomy.
Alongside the Stoddard Cygnet, visitors can see one of the earliest forms of the bike, an 1860s cast-iron “Boneshaker” velocipede, named for the rough-andbumpy ride it provided due to its rigid construction. There is also an Aerial High Wheel model, which features a large front wheel and a smaller rear wheel.
“It’s the image that a lot of people have when they think about old bicycles,” Dehan says. “At first, bicycles were designed for a privileged class of people that could afford them, mostly a male clientele. … It was a bit prohibitive for women riders.”
Much like the exhibition’s previous showing in Sag Harbor, the Cincinnati Museum of Art is incorporating contemporary works to complement the bicycles featured. Visitors can see a video by Indian artist Bari Kumar that reflects the importance of bicycles for rickshaw drivers in India, as well as colorful prints by Japanese American artist Mayumi Oda that symbolize the vehicle’s cross-cultural influence as a tool for self-empowerment.
“This experience hopefully gives [audiences] time to think about how important the bicycle was and continues to be,” Dehan says. “I want them to connect with one another over their own stories about bicycling.” 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati 45202, 513/7212787, cincinnatiartmuseum.org
Elgin Bluebird, 1936, Elgin Cycle Company
DATEBOOK
Geauga County Maple Festival
April 24–27: Chardon
For Jen Freeman, maple syrup has been part of her life since the very beginning of it. She was born on a Friday during the Geauga County Maple Festival and now leads the event as its director while also serving as the vice president of the Ohio Maple Producers Association.
The Geauga County Maple Festival, held April 24 through 27 on the square in Chardon, celebrates almost 100 years of maple heritage. Founded in 1926 by local merchant Art Carlson, the festival began as a way to connect syrup producers and consumers while raising awareness of maple products in northeast Ohio.
The festival looked very different at its start, with featured events like an oxen pull and sheep-shearing contest. But early traditions such as the queen’s pageant and lumberjack competitions remain beloved staples.
“We still have women that come up who were queens once upon a time,” Freeman says. “I love hearing how it continues.”
Another one of Freeman’s favorite events is the quirky bathtub races. “People will take bathtubs and put wheels on them and a steering wheel,” she explains. “And those teams get into it.”
100 Short Court St., Chardon 44024, 440/332-7055, maplefestival.com festival
One must-try tradition is the maple stir, a sweet treat that is made by rapidly stirring maple syrup until it forms into a creamy candy. Available since the first festival, it’s a favorite for visitors and Freeman herself.
“I own a maple company, but I still buy maple stirs here,” she says.
The festival also hosts a maple contest where people can submit their best maple syrups, candies and confections. The winning items are auctioned off on Sunday.
It’s estimated that over 20,000 people will visit the festival over its four-day run to enjoy the mix of arts and crafts vendors, food and amusement rides. While you can beat the crowds by visiting on Thursday and Friday, the weekend brings more entertainment options, including a pancake-eating contest, two grand parades and live bands.
“And there’s always plenty of good maple,” Freeman says. — Lisa Galek
ABBAFAB
April 3: Cincinnati
Become the “Dancing Queen” when ABBAFAB, a tribute to the Swedish pop group, stops for one night only at Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center. This performance is great for all ages and invites everyone to dance, jive and have the time of their life listening to iconic hits like “Waterloo,” “Fernando,” “Mamma Mia!” and many more. cincinantiarts.org
Theater Shucked
April 22–May 11: Cleveland
Chihuly Nights March 15 & April 12: Columbus
See the glass works of artist Dale Chihuly in a new light during Chihuly Nights at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Home to 18 installations of the artist’s work, the conservatory’s monthly event casts the stunning pieces aglow against a backdrop of flora. Wander the biomes and plant collections independently or opt for a guided tour. This year, the conservatory is adding to the experience with a live music hour from 8 to 9 p.m. fpconservatory.org
This Tony Awardwinning musical comedy stops at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square as part of its North American tour. Featuring the songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally (the writer behind “Follow Your Arrow” by Kacey Musgraves), this countryfied version of musical theater at the Connor Palace matches big laughs with small-town charm. playhousesquare.org
Struggling to choose between a relaxing beach getaway, an exciting boating adventure, a cozy cabin retreat or a charming downtown shopping spree? Why settle for just one when you can have it all? Discover Salt Fork State Park, Seneca Lake, The Wilds and Deerassic Park Education Center—your peaceful escape from the usual vacation crowds.
“Squatchiest” places in the country!
The Living Word Outdoor Drama
Ohio’s ONLY Outdoor Passion Play is celebrating its 51st season! Be transported to Old Jerusalem for a dramatic retelling of the later years of Jesus of Nazareth on a 400-ft. panoramic set. Performances Fridays June 13-Sept. 26. LivingWordDrama.org
Seneca Lake Park and Marina
Enjoy full hook-up camping with lakefront views! Seneca Lake Park has a host of new amenities and attractions including splash pad, pickleball courts, and storybook trail! The marina offers boat rentals, fuel, and waterfront dining. mwcd.org
National Museum of Cambridge Glass
From April through October, visitors flock to marvel at more than 10,000 pieces of glassware made by the Cambridge Glass Company (1902-1958), with an interpretive area that demonstrates how glass was made. Gift shop available. CambridgeGlassMuseum.org
Salt Fork Arts & Crafts Festival Aug. 8-10, 2025
For more than 50 years this festival has showcased the finest artisans and craftspeople from across the U.S. with Appalachian Heritage exhibits, craft classes, entertainment and more. Enjoy shopping for one-of-a-kind treasures and gifts. FREE Admission. SaltForkFestival.org TOP TEN
Come see why USA TODAY lists Salt Fork State Park among the “Top 10 Sasquatchiest Places in the Country!”
Dickens Victorian Village Nov. & Dec. 2025
Delight in one of the most unique holiday destinations in the Midwest! Celebrating its 20th year, this six-week event includes lifesized, handmade Dickens-era characters, unique events and a spectacular courthouse light display set to holiday music.
DickensVictorianVillage.com
TO A SPIRIT WE SHARE
CALENDAR
MARCH Central
FESTIVALS
THRU MARCH 2
Arnold Sports Festival
The Arnold Sports Festival returns to the Greater Columbus Convention Center, drawing over 20,000 athletes from more than 80 countries. The festival features the world’s best in strength and physique sports, along with vendor booths for attendees to explore. Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., Columbus, arnoldsportsfestival.com. Visit website for times and prices.
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
THRU APRIL 4
It’s an Honor to Be Here
The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery presents “It’s an Honor to Be Here.” The exhibit, curated by Maria Burke and Madeline Beaumier, features works from 16 Ohio artists. Image Credit: Deb Berkebile, “Lena Delta.” Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery, 77 S. High St., Columbus, 614/644-9624. riffegallery.org. Tues.–Fri. noon–5 p.m. Free.
THRU APRIL 27
The Nearest Faraway Place: Ohio’s Painters, Makers & Their Mentors
This exhibit explores how painters and makers have influenced and shaped Ohio as a creative hub between states and continents during the 20th and 21st centuries. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster, 740/6811423. decartsohio.org. Wed.–Fri. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Free.
MARCH 7–29
21st Annual Bryn Du Art Show
Experience extraordinary art in the charming village of Granville. Located at the beautiful Bryn Du Mansion, this annual juried exhibition features exceptional talent from across the nation. Bryn Du Mansion, 537 Jones Rd., Granville, 740/587-7053. bryndu.com. Tues.–Wed. & Fri. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Thurs. 4–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–4 p.m., Mon. closed. Free.
MARCH 15
March Chihuly Night
See 18 of Dale Chihuly’s installations lit up, offering a unique perspective of the conservatory at night. View James Turrell’s “Light Raiment II,” take a look at the plant collections and biomes, eat and drink at the Garden Cafe and enjoy a cash bar. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614/715-8000. fpconservatory.org. 7–10 p.m. Visit website for prices.
MUSIC + THEATER
MARCH 8
Darci Lynne and Friends: Up Close and Personal
Join Darci Lynne, the “America’s Got Talent” fan-favorite ventriloquist and singer, for an intimate performance featuring her beloved puppet friends Petunia, Oscar and Edna. Enjoy fresh routines, surprises and charm in this show that is suitable for all ages. Funny Bone Comedy Club, 145 Easton Town Center, Columbus, 614/471-5653. columbus.funnybone.com. 3–4:30 p.m. $42.
MARCH 4
Pray For Me: Shannon Middleton
Join Shannon Middleton for her debut stand-up comedy tour, “Pray For Me,” as she provides a night of unhinged storytelling and raw humor. Known for her podcast, Middleton brings laughs, real talk and no limits to the stage. Funny Bone Comedy Club, 145 Easton Town Center, Columbus, 614/471-5653. columbus. funnybone.com. Visit website for times. $50.
MARCH 23
James “Murr” Murray: The Errors Tour
Known for his role on TBS’ “Impractical Jokers,” James “Murr” Murray takes center stage
State Regions
Because dates, times and locations are subject to change, please call ahead to confirm all details before traveling. For a more complete listing of events, visit ohiomagazine.com/events. To submit event information, visit ohiomagazine.com/submit. Events must be submitted at least 8 weeks in advance. Include the date, time, cost, address, phone number, website and brief description of the event. (Events that do not meet our requirements may be deleted.) Print events are published on a space-available basis. Events submitted 8 weeks in advance appear on ohiomagazine.com/events.
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for an evening of hilarious and interactive stand-up comedy. Midland Theatre, 36 N. Park Pl., Newark, 740/345-5483. midlandtheatre.org. 7 p.m. $19–$49.
MARCH 28
Akaash Singh at Funny Bone Comedy Club
Join Akaash Singh, a nationally touring comedian and co-host of the hit podcast “Flagrant,” for an evening of stand-up comedy. Known for his appearances on MTV, Netflix and HBO, Singh delivers sharp humor and incredible crowd work live on stage. Funny Bone Comedy Club, 145 Easton Town Center, Columbus, 614/471-5653. columbus.funnybone.com. Fri. 7–11 p.m., Sat. 6:30–10:30 p.m. $37.
OTHER EVENTS
MARCH 13
COSI After Dark: The Renaissance Faire Journey back in time to an era marked by revelry and enchantment with this themed, after-hours event on the COSI grounds. Indulge in specialty drinks, enjoy live entertainment and watch hands-on science demonstrations. COSI, 333 W. Broad St., Columbus, 614/228-2674. cosi. org. 7–10 p.m. Door $30, in-advance $20.
Northeast
FESTIVALS
MARCH 1
Cleveland Kurentovanje
Celebrate Slovenian tradition at this annual cultural festival making its return to the Slovenian National Home. The free event includes fun activities like a parade, festival, the Kurent Dash 5K, music and traditional dancing. Slovenian National Home, 6409 Saint Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216/361-5115. clevelandkurentovanje. com. Visit website for times. Free.
MARCH 1–31
Ice Wine Festival
Visit up to seven wineries, including Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, Laurello Vineyards and Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, to sample ice wine and a delicious appetizer. Plus, collect a souvenir glass. Grand River Cellars, 5750 S. Madison Rd., Madison, 440/298-9838. wggrv. com. Visit website for times and prices.
MARCH 14–17
St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Celebration
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Penguin City Brewing in Youngstown all weekend long with live music, delicious beer, food trucks, Irishthemed fun and a festive community atmosphere. Penguin City Brewing, 460 E. Federal St., Youngstown, penguincity.beer. Visit website for times. Free.
MARCH 25–APRIL 5
Cleveland International Film Festival
Embrace your inner cinephile at this annual event founded in 1977, intended to educate, entertain and celebrate an inclusive human experience through film. Be one of 100,000 film enthusiasts enjoying screenings across the 10-day event. Playhouse Square, Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 877/304-3456. clevelandfilm.org. Visit website for times and prices.
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
THRU MARCH 23
Winter Wonderland at McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
View vintage winter coats and clothing from 1890 to 1980, hot chocolate sets, teapots, board games, cold remedies, ice skates, sleds and other items. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton, 330/455-7043. mckinleymuseum.org. Visit website for times and prices.
THRU MARCH 30
Pattern and Decoration in Royal Art of the Joseon Dynasty
Explore the cultural significance of decorative patterns — featuring dragons, peonies and scholarly symbols — from 18th- and 19th-century Korea through painted screens and porcelain ware. Uncover how these motifs communicated power, prosperity and change during the Joseon Dynasty’s royal era. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/421-7350. clevelandart.org. Visit website for times. Free.
THRU MAY 25
Kelli Connell: Pictures for Charis Reconsider the friendship between photographer Edward Weston and writer Charis Wilson through Weston’s iconic landscapes and Wilson’s winding prose, juxtaposed against works by photographer Kelli Connell. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/421-7350. clevelandart.org. Visit website for times. Free.
MARCH 23–AUG 17
Karamu Artists Inc.: Printmaking, Race and Community
Cleveland’s Karamu House is one of the nation’s
preeminent Black community art centers, originally founded as a settlement house in 1915. This exhibition pays tribute to Karamu Artists Inc. and its use of graphic artistry during the ’30s and ’40s, presenting over 50 prints created by the group’s members. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/421-7350. clevelandart.org. Visit website for times. Free.
MUSIC + THEATER
MARCH 10
Fifty Years in Sixty Minutes: Films from the Bob Dylan Archive, Screening and Conversation with Director Steven Jenkins
Watch a 1-hour program of short videos centered on this legendary performer, including an acoustic version of “Girl From the North Country,” a delicate rendition of “Simple Twist of Fate” and an impressive cover of Woody Guthrie’s “Vigilante Man.” Afterwards, hear from Bob Dylan Center director Steven Jenkins. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 1100 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, 216/781-7625. rockhall.com. Visit website for times and prices.
MARCH 11
Pat Masalko and Jamieson Bowman: An Evening of Irish Music
ORMACO and the Canal Fulton Public Library present an evening of Irish music featuring Canton-based Pat Masalko and Bath-based Jamieson Bowman. Join the duo as they bring a high-energy evening of classic Irish tunes. Canal Fulton Public Library, 154 Market St. NE, Canal Fulton, 419/853-6016. ormaco.org. Visit website for times. Free.
MARCH 15
Taylor Hicks at Ohio Star Theater
Fifth-season winner of “American Idol” Taylor Hicks is bringing his intoxicating blend of soul, blues, country and rock ’n’ roll to the Ohio Star Theater. His undeniable talent has rendered him a household name as he progressed to the show’s record-breaking finale. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Route 39, Sugarcreek, 855/3447547. ohiostartheater.com. 7 p.m. $53.
MARCH 16
Beethoven’s Glorious Ninth
Feel the power of Beethoven’s iconic Ninth Symphony performed by the Suburban Symphony Orchestra as marks its 70th anniversary. Conducted by Domenico Boyagian, this rendition features over 200 musicians, including members of the Western Reserve Chorale and West Shore Chorale. Severance Music Center, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216/231-7300. clevelandorchestra.com. 2 p.m. Visit website for prices.
MARCH 27
Corrie Sachs: A Reba McEntire Tribute
Corrie Sachs has performed as Reba McEntire for over 20 years, headlining “Legends in Concert” worldwide. She brings her award-winning tribute to Hartville Kitchen, a homestyle restaurant where guests can add a delicious meal to their ticket. Hartville Kitchen, 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330/877-9353. hartvillekitchen. com/events. 7 p.m. $40–$82.50.
OTHER EVENTS
MARCH 6–9 A Cheese Lover’s Weekend
Indulge in this food-focused weekend at Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa. Featuring Afrim Pristine, world-renowned cheese expert, this event offers master classes, exquisite pairings and unforgettable culinary experiences. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa,1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard.com. Visit website for times and prices.
MARCH 20
Ladies Night Out
Visit Lehman’s for a Ladies Night Out and receive a free gift bag including a $10 coupon. Plus, enjoy bingo, door prizes, hands-on demonstrations, crafts, delicious food and great shopping. Lehman’s, 4779 Kidron Rd., Kidron, 800/4385346. lehmans.com. 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. $20.
MARCH 21
Nature Saunter
Take a leisurely stroll along portions of Downy Loop Trail. Afterward, enjoy a warm beverage and nature conversation. Wood Hollow Metro Park, 2121 Barlow Rd., Hudson, 330/867-5511. summitmetroparks.org. noon–1:30 p.m. Free.
WIN A ROMANTIC GETAWAY IN MOUNT VERNON!
This giveaway includes a two-night stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Streetsboro. Take part in some fun along the Cuyahoga River with A Short Adventure Kayak Rentals. Plus, make a trip to Pure Passions Farm, enjoy a delicious meal at Barrel Lodge Bar & Grill and El Campesino, shop at Rooted Oaks OH and take the opportunity to explore the abundance of nearby attractions, parks and outdoor activities.
We’re giving away a luxurious overnight stay in a king suite at the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel. Enjoy cocktails and dinner with a gift card to the Alcove Restaurant and Lounge, plus an e-gift certificate to put toward a show of your choosing at one of Mount Vernon’s historic theaters, courtesy of the Mount Vernon Arts Partners. Complete your getaway with a shopping spree using an Experience Mount Vernon downtown e-gift card. Enter for your chance to win this unforgettable experience!
24. Experience Hartville
25. Explore Ashland
26. Explore Licking County
27. Fayette County Travel & Tourism Bureau
28. Franklin Park Mall
29. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa
30. Grand Lake Region
31. Greater Columbus Arts Council
32. Greater Parkersburg CVB (WV)
33. Greene County CVB
34. Heini’s Cheese Chalet
35. Historic Zoar Village
36. Hocking Hills Tourism Association
37. Homestead Furniture
38. Jefferson County West Virginia CVB
39. Kentucky Dept. of Tourism
40. Kingwood Center Gardens
41. Knox County CVB
42. Lake County Visitors Bureau
43. Lehman’s
44. Lewis County CVB (WV)
45. Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau
46. Marietta CVB
WIN AN OVERNIGHT STAY IN OHIO AMISH COUNTRY!
Enter to win an overnight stay at the beautiful Encore Hotel & Suites in Berlin, located in the heart of Amish Country. Enjoy luxury accommodations including an indoor pool and complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Plus, take advantage of the nearby shopping, cultural attractions, local farms and all the charm Amish Country has to offer.
47. Marion Area CVB
48. Martinsburg-Berkeley County CVB (WV)
49. Medina County Convention & Visitors Bureau
50. Miami County VCB
51. Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
52. Noble County Convention & Visitors Bureau
53. North Market Bridge Park
54. Ohio Amish County
55. Ohio Grape Industries
56. Oxford Visitors Bureau
57. Perrysburg Area CVB
58. Portsmouth & Scioto County Visitors Bureau
59. Put-In-Bay Chamber of Commerce
60. Reynoldsburg VB
61. Riffe Gallery
62. Ross Chillicothe CVB
63. Rossford CVB (Visit Rossford)
64. Shores & Islands Ohio
65. Sidney Visitors Bureau
66. Steubenville Visitor Center
67. Streetsboro Visitors & Convention Bureau
68. Summersville CVB (WV)
69. The Inns at 8th & Main
70. Toledo Zoo
71. Travel Butler County, OH
72. Trumbull County Tourism Bureau
73. Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau
74. Vinton County Department of Tourism
75. Visit Athens County CVB
76. Visit Bowling Green (OH)
77. Visit Canton
78. Visit Cincy
79. Visit Dublin Ohio
80. Visit Findlay
81. Visit Fort Wayne
82. Visit Gahanna
83. Visit Greater Lima
84. Visit Grove City
85. Visit Southern West Virginia
86. Visit Wayne County
87. Visit Westerville
88. Visit Wheeling West Virginia CVB
89. Walnut Creek Marketplace
90. Zanesville/Muskingum County CVB
Explore the Rich Heritage of Tuscarawas County
Tuscarawas County is a treasure trove of history with a vibrant collection of museums and historical sites. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for an immersive experience, these four must-see destinations in Tuscarawas County will take you on a fascinating tour of its past.
Journey Back to 19th-Century Life at Historic Zoar Village
Step back in time at Historic Zoar Village, founded by German Separatists in 1817 and considered one of Ohio’s most successful communal settlements. This National Historic Landmark District features beautifully preserved buildings, a picturesque garden and a living history museum packed with unique artifacts that showcase 19th-century life. Dive into the past with fun, hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations that are fun for the whole family. historiczoarvillage.com | 330-874-3011
Relive the Revolution at Fort Laurens Museum
A must-see destination for military history buffs, Fort Laurens is the only Revolutionary War fort built in Ohio, serving as a strategic military post during the war from 1778 to 1779. Walk the outline of the original fort, pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visit the museum featuring unique military and Native artifacts and exhibits that explain the life and hardships of life of frontier soldiers. fortlaurensmuseum.org | 330-874-2059
Experience the Golden Era of Railroading at the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum
Railroad enthusiasts and history lovers alike will enjoy the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum. Housed in a fully restored roundhouse, the museum is home to an impressive collection of steam locomotives railroad cars, tools and machinery. The Age of Steam features interactive exhibits, photographs, and the chance to explore these incredible machines up close, providing a handson understanding of the region’s vital role in the railroad industry. ageofsteamroundhouse.org | 330-852-4676
Take in Timeless Art at the Ernest Warther Museum and Gardens
Home to the art of the “World’s Master Carver,” the Ernest Warther Museum and Gardens showcases Warther’s most intricate and stunning wood carvings over the course of 82 years, most notably his Evolution of the Steam Engine. The beautifully landscaped gardens provide visitors with the perfect place to reflect on Warther’s lifelong dedication to artistry and attention to detail. thewarthermuseum.com | 330-505-6003
ing two new full-scale routines using tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, 419/3818851. stranahantheater.com. Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. $49–$79.
OTHER EVENTS
MARCH 7–9
March 2025 Quilting Retreat
Bring your quilting friends for this sewing extravaganza. Learn new techniques, catch up on unfinished projects and share ideas with fellow crafters. Each quilter is provided with a 6-foot table and is treated to a buffet dinner. Sauder Heritage Inn, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 419/446-2541. saudervillage.org. Visit website for times and prices.
MARCH 13–22
OH-MI Shop Hop 2025
Join fellow quilters in visiting local shops, including Elmore’s Perfectly Pink Quilt Studio and Sauder Village’s own Threads of Tradition Quilt Shop. Cross state lines into Michigan to complete the hop, with opportunities to win a door prize and other gifts. Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 419/446-2541. saudervillage. org. Visit website for times and prices.
Southeast FESTIVALS
MARCH 14–15
River City Blues Festival
Jam out at this annual event featuring several American blues, jazz and folk performers, as well as a special, free performance by “High Schools That Rock” kicking off the weekend. Lafayette Hotel, 101 Front St., Marietta, 740/3735522. bjfm.org. Visit website for times and prices.
MARCH 15
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Celebrate the luck of the Irish with a visit to Portsmouth for the 18th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Enjoy a day filled with bagpipers, dancers and plenty of candy and potatoes. Downtown Portsmouth, 424 Chillicothe St., Portsmouth, 740/353-1116. facebook. com/7nationscelticclub. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Free.
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
THRU MARCH 23
Self Adjacent
See this group effort, curated by Sarah Irvin and Tracy Stonestreet, which examines the experience of parenthood through artistry. Media includes performance, painting, printmaking,
photography, video, textile and sculpture from 20 national artists. Kennedy Museum of Art, 100 Ridges Cr., Athens, 740/593-1304. ohio. edu/museum Mon.–Wed. & Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat–Sun. 1–5 p.m. Free.
THRU APRIL 5
Paintings by Paul Emory
See works on display from Paul Emory, who reimagines everyday objects by way of his personal memories to create immersive paintings. He finds everyday events most interesting when combined with his memories, dreams or imagination. Zanesville Museum of Art , 620 Military Rd., Zanesville, 740/452-0741. zanesvilleart. org. Visit website for times. Free.
MUSIC + THEATER
MARCH 9
Taylor’s Story: Taylor Swift Tribute
With a passion for storytelling and a voice that echoes the emotion and authenticity of Swift’s music, Shannon Taylor delivers a performance that goes beyond mere mimicry. With dedication to the craft and attention to detail, audiences will experience the magic of a Taylor Swift concert, complete with the energy, charisma and flair that has made Swift a global phenomenon. Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 740/7722041. majesticchillicothe.net 4–6 p.m. $20–$35
MARCH 19
R.E.M. Explored
Join the Ohio University Symphony Orchestra for an evening of symphonic arrangements of iconic R.E.M. hits, including “Everybody Hurts,” “Man on the Moon” and “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine).” The second half of the performance showcases singersongwriter and bassist Mike Mills’ “Concerto for Violin, Rock Band & Orchestra,” performed by Grammy Award-nominated violinist Robert McDuffie. Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, 47 E. Union St., Athens, 740/5931780. ohio.edu/performing-arts. 7:30 p.m. $40.
MARCH 29
The Duttons
The Duttons show off their skills on several instruments and sing beautifully both as soloists and as a group. This family performs just about any style of music, such as classical, pop, country, bluegrass and gospel music, in a show that also includes dancing and comedy. Secrest Auditorium, 334 Shinnick St., Zanesville, 740/4546851. secrestauditorium.com. 7:30–9:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.
OTHER EVENTS
MARCH 1–9
Comfort Food Cruise
Head to the Hills for a dozen local restaurants serving up their coziest specialties. Begin with breakfast and extend the culinary tour into the evening for decadent pastries, grilled wings, homemade soup and hot chili. Take breaks in between meals by exploring new and familiar trails in the state park. Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center, 13178 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan, 740/385-9706. explorehockinghills.com. Visit website for times and prices.
MARCH 1–31
Vinton County’s 175th Birthday Bash
Help Vinton County celebrate its 175th birthday with live music, a scavenger hunt and many other activities happening throughout the month. Events happening all around the county. 740/ 978-6990. discovervintoncounty.com. Visit website for times and prices.
MARCH 8–9
Maple Sugaring in the Hills
Take a step back in time to see how maple sugar production has looked over the years. Visit the historic cabin behind the visitor center to meet a local producer selling their goods on-site. Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center, 19988 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan, 740/385-9706. explorehockinghills.com. Visit website for times and prices.
MARCH 21–23
Downtown Chillicothe Spring Open House
Shake off the winter blues at this weekend-long event that offers a perfect way to celebrate the season with shopping, dining and discovering amazing local businesses. Downtown Chillicothe, North Paint St., Chillicothe, 740/7027677. downtownchillicothe.com. Visit website for times. Free.
Southwest
FESTIVALS
MARCH 1–2
Frogman Festival
Meet over 50 vendors selling arts, crafts and merchandise in honor of the legendary Loveland Frogman. The Pied Piper of Loveland will lead a costumed parade for all interested participants. The event also features circus entertainment. Oasis Conference Center, 902 Loveland-Miamiville Rd., Loveland, frogmanfestival.org. Sat.–Sun. 9:30 a.m–6 p.m. Visit website for prices.
MARCH 6–8
Cincinnati International Wine Festival
Enjoy a five-course meal paired with beautiful wines, and take part in a wine-tasting event that includes sampling, a keepsake glass, food and access to industry experts. Freestore Foodbank
Distribution Center, 3401 Rosenthal Way, Cincinnati, 513/241-3434. winefestival.com. Visit website for times and prices.
MARCH 7–9
33rd Annual Servatii Bockfest
Celebrate Over-the-Rhine’s brewing heritage at four area destinations: Moerlein Lager House, Rhinegeist Brewery, Northern Row Brewery & Distillery and Rosedale OTR. See a parade, listen to live entertainment and indulge in bock beer all weekend. Over-the-Rhine Brewery District, 1910 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/378-8932. bockfest.com. Visit website for times. Free.
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
THRU MAY 4
Shahzia Sikander: Collective Behavior
View this career-spanning exhibit of works by New York-based artist Shahzia Sikander. Sikander’s work often reframes South Asian visual histories through a modern, feminist perspective. Her pieces span painting, print, digital animation, drawing, mosaic, glass and sculpture. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, 513/721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum. org. Visit website for times. Free.
THRU MAY 11
Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art
See elaborately stitched costumes, richly embellished ceremonial objects and gilded regalia and jewelry that provides a peek into the world of two secret societies. Taft Museum of Art, 316
Pike St., Cincinnati, 513/241-0343. taftmuseum. org. Wed.–Mon. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $12, seniors $10, members, military and children under 18 free.
THRU MAY 18
The Need for Beauty
Explore the concept of “beauty” as a whole through artworks spanning cultures, materials and time periods. Consider beauty’s connection to nature and the human body and who gets to define what “beauty” truly is. Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton, 937/223-4278. daytonartinstitute.org. Fri.–Sat. & Wed. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Adults $15, seniors, military and educators $10, youth and students $5, children free.
MARCH 1–JUN 15
J.M.W. Turner: Watercolor Horizons
Acknowledge the 250th anniversary of James Mallord William Turner’s birth with a dozen watercolors from the Taft Museum of Art and Cincinnati Art Museum. Turner was considered one of Britain’s greatest landscape painters, and this exhibit features his take on destinations in Europe. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Cincinnati, 513/241-0343. taftmuseum.org. Wed.–Mon. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $12, seniors $10, members, military and children under 18 free.
MUSIC + THEATER
MARCH 15
The Drowsy Lads
Listen to the sounds of this critically acclaimed
Irish-American folk group. Among the members are John and Daniel McKewen, brothers who grew up in the Buckeye State. Dance the night away to their blend of traditional upbeat tunes and emotional ballads. Holland Theatre, 127 E. Columbus Ave., Bellefontaine, 937/592-9002. theholland.org. 7:30 p.m. $20–$30.
MARCH 27
CCJO’s Big Band Series: Spotlight on Cincinnati: The Melodious Marc Fields
The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra spotlights one of its charter members: the legendary Marc Fields. In a career spanning early work with Ray Charles to a decades-long tenure teaching jazz trombone at the renowned University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Fields has rightfully earned his status as a local legend. The Redmoor, 3187 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, 513/871-6789. cincinnatijazz. org. 7–9 p.m. $20–$35.
OTHER EVENTS
MARCH 9
2025 Cincinnati Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
This enormous show features artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. The show will be catered with a concession stand by the venue, and a portion of proceeds benefit local nonprofit Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank. R.S.V.P Event Center, 453 Wards Corner Rd., Loveland, 440/227-8794. avantgardeshows.com. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $3, children free.
OXFORD OHIO Summer Itinerary
JUNE
Thursdays
SUMMER KICK OFF EVENTS
Uptown Music Concert Series
Visit Uptown Parks for free live concerts while you discover local dining and shopping.
Miami Alumni Weekend
Miami and Oxford welcome alumni of all ages back for a full schedule of events and celebrations.
JULY
MID SUMMER EVENTS
Red Brick Fridays
June 14th15th
Hueston Woods Arts & Crafts Fair
Visit the 57th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair at the historic Doty Pioneer Farm.
Mason’s Car Show
June 6th8th June 28th July 18th
Plan your stay for Oxford’s themed parties at Uptown parks. (select dates)
Freedom Festival
July 3rd
Visit the Oxford Community Park for food, music & games, and epic fireworks.
AUGUST
SUMMER’S END EVENTS
Red
Brick Fridays
Stroll through the bricks to gaze at classic cars and hot rods in the Uptown Historic District.
Oxford Aquatic Center
Cool off with a zero-depth activity pool, family slide, lazy river, basketball hoop, and a large open-flume slide.
2nd Friday Celebration of the Arts
Check out the latest art exhibit and live entertainment at the Oxford Community Arts Center.
Dog
Days of Summer
Aug. 1st & Aug. 29th Aug. 2nd
Plan your stay for Oxford’s themed parties at Uptown parks. (select dates)
Red Brick Reunion
The Porsche Car Show is coming back to Oxford and taking over the brick streets.
Join the dog-themed festivities and walk Uptown for special sidewalk deals.
Aviation Day Celebration
Celebrate National Aviation Day with airplane rides, food trucks, and more!
MARCH 19
Barrows Conservation Lectures: Moreangels Mbizah
Attend this educational afternoon with Moreangels Mbizah, a conservation biologist and the founder and executive director of Wildlife Conservation Action. Hear Mbizah present on the topic “Lions in Our Midst: Moving from Conflict to Coexistence.” Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, 513/2814700. cincinnatizoo.org. 7–9 p.m. $18.
APRIL
Central festivals
APRIL 30–MAY 3
COSI Science Festival
Participate in Ohio’s largest STEAM event, with several community gatherings, like the BioBlitz Citizen Science Series, happening the first three days. The final day brings COSI’s Big Science Celebration, with over 100 exhibitor stations from STEAM professionals, researchers and experts. COSI, 333 W. Broad St., Columbus, 614/2282674. cosi.org. Visit website for times. Free.
MAY 3
Ohioana Book Festival
Readers, come together for this literary gathering featuring author and illustrator panel discussions, family-friendly activities, a book fair and food trucks. Don’t forget to make time to explore the Ohioana Library. State Library of Ohio, 274 E. First Ave., Columbus, 614/466-3831. ohioana. org. Visit website for times and prices.
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
APRIL 12–SEPT 1
Sharks: To Be Great Is To Be Misunderstood Celebrate sharks with this massive exhibition dedicated to the ancient fish. See dozens of models ranging from 5.5 inches to 35 feet long. Plus, look through fossils from the museum’s collections and try interactive exhibits, like one that challenges visitors to hunt like a hammerhead. COSI, 333 W. Broad St., Columbus, 614/2282674. cosi.org. Wed.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit website for prices.
MUSIC + THEATER
APRIL 2
Mary J. Blige
See iconic Grammy and Emmy Award-winning artist Mary J. Blige for an unforgettable concert experience. With her powerhouse voice and legendary fusion of hip-hop and soul, Blige celebrates decades of empowerment and musical excellence that has defined her career. Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, 614/246-2000. nationwidearena. com. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices.
APRIL 24
Grand Funk Railroad
Listen to the sounds of this iconic American
rock band, famous for their hits like “Some Kind of Wonderful” and “We’re An American Band.” Come for an evening fueled by the powerhouse group determined to keep classic rock alive. Midland Theatre, 36 N. Park Pl., Newark, 740/345-5483. midlandtheatre.org. 7 p.m. $59.75–$94.75.
APRIL 27
Brian Regan at Knox Memorial Theater
Brian Regan has distinguished himself as one of the premier comedians in the country. Offering a perfect balance of sophisticated writing and physicality, Regan fills theaters nationwide with fervent fans that span generations. Knox Memorial Theater, 112 E. High St., 740/462-4278. mvac.org/brian-regan. 6 p.m. $36–$75.
OTHER EVENTS
APRIL 10
Cocktails at the Conservatory: Masquerade Enjoy craft beverages from area distilleries while watching captivating performers at this exclusive monthly gathering. Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614/715-8000. fpconservatory. org. 7–10 p.m. Adults $26.50, seniors $22.50, children 3–12 $16, children under 3 free.
Northeast
festivals
APRIL 10–12
Ohio Pinbrew Fest
Pinball enthusiasts, unite! Indulge in craft beer, arcade games, food and, of course, lots and lots of pinball. If you’re feeling competitive, make sure to sign up for a tournament in advance. Metroplex, 1620 Motor Inn Dr., Girard, 330/5066684. pinbrewfest.com. Visit website for times. Visit website for prices.
APRIL 24–27
Geauga County Maple Festival
Head to this sweet gathering jam-packed with a craft show, two parades, a “sap run,” lumberjack competition and pancake-eating contest. Make sure to sample delicious local syrup while you’re there. Chardon Square, Downtown Chardon, Chardon, 440/332-7055. maplefestival.com. Visit website for times. All-day access $25.
APRIL 26
Cleveland International Wine Festival
Wine and dine at this spirited event offering educational classes and pairings. The Grand Tasting, which runs from 6 to 10 p.m., is packed with over 120 wines, food stations and live music. Make sure to take home your souvenir glass.
Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Dr., Mayfield Heights, 216/410-9168. winefestivalcleveland. com. Visit website for times and prices.
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
APRIL 29–JULY 27
Apeiron: Eco-Art of John Sabraw
View this solo exhibition incorporating sculpture, painting and video. Artist John Sabraw displays new pieces with a particular focus on the pressing environmental concerns our planet faces today. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Rd. N., Canton, 330/453-7666. cantonart.org. Visit website for times and prices.
APRIL 29–JULY 27
Art & Activism from the CMA Collection
See a variety of media and voices depicting activism and inspiring dialogue, including John Lawrence Doyle’s “Sony War” and Rockwell Kent’s “And Women Must Weep.” Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Rd. N., Canton, 330/453-7666. cantonart.org. Visit website for times and prices.
APRIL 29–JULY 27
Tinctorial Altar: Fiber Art of Michelle Wentling
Look upon the work of Michelle Wentling, an artist who grew up in rural northeast Ohio and comes from a family of both railroad workers and steelworkers. Wentling’s pieces are an exploration of her relationship with the ecosystems she inhabits, woven on her grandmother’s four-shaft loom. The result is an examination of our world’s past, present and future culture as marked by fossil fuels and climate change. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Rd. N., Canton, 330/453-7666. cantonart.org. Visit website for times and prices.
MUSIC + THEATER
APRIL 4–MAY 4
Under a Baseball Sky
From José Cruz González, author of American Mariachi, comes a new play about baseball’s deep roots in the Mexican American community. When troublemaker Teo is put to work cleaning up a vacant lot belonging to his elderly neighbor, the pair forms a bond forged in history and America’s favorite pastime. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216/5212540. beckcenter.org/professional-theater. Visit website for times and prices.
APRIL 6
Idle Twittering: A Flock of Flutes
French Flutist Louis Fleury referred to the music of the 19th century as “idle twittering.” What’s the antidote? A flock of flautists from northeast Ohio — Jane Berkner, George Pope, Kyra Kester and Linda White — join forces for a tuneful performance on flutes of all shapes and sizes. Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 419/853-6016. ormaco.org. 2–3 p.m. Free.
APRIL 22–MAY 11
Shucked
Catch the hit Tony Award-winning musical comedy during its stop at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square. With songs by Brandy Clark and Shane
McAnally, this country-infused show delivers big laughs, small-town charm and unforgettable tunes. Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216/241-6000. playhousesquare. org. Visit website for times and prices.
MAY 2–11
Between the Lines
This empowering and enchanting new musical was made for anyone who has ever sought to find their place in the world. Based on the novel by international bestselling author Jodi Picoult and her daughter Samantha van Leer, the story explores the life of an outsider in a new town. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216/521-2540. beckcenter.org/ youth-theater. Visit website for times and prices.
MAY 4
Duo Colombiano: Latin Influences
Guitarist Kurt Reed and cellist David Londono have roots in the South American country of Colombia, bringing the musical traditions of their heritage to their performances. They perform music from the New York City jazz clubs of the ’40s all the way to contemporary pop music, highlighting the Latin influences. Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 419/853-6016. ormaco.org. 2–3 p.m. Free.
OTHER EVENTS
APRIL 5–6
A Garden of Buttons: The Annual Show of the Buckeye State Button Society
Collectible clothing buttons will be on display or
for sale for collectors, crafters, quilters or those simply interested in learning about the cultural artifact that unites fashion, art, science and history. The Carlisle Inn, 1357 Old Rte. 39 NE, Sugarcreek, 330/340-3227. ohiobuttons.org. Visit website for times and prices.
APRIL 13
Cars & Coffee
Spend a morning at this event perfect for car lovers of all ages. Grab a cup of coffee or enjoy breakfast before strolling Medina’s historic square surrounded by over 100 vintage cars. Medina Public Square Historic District, Medina, 330/722-6186. mainstreetmedina.com/events. 8 a.m. to noon. Free.
APRIL 13
Gone Fishin’
Kids ages 15 and under are invited to learn the basics of fishing and try their luck at catching fish. Some basic fishing equipment and bait will be provided. Adults must supervise their children and must have a current Ohio fishing license if they want to fish. Munroe Falls Metro
Park, 521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls, 330/8675511. summitmetroparks.org. 9–10 a.m. Free.
Northwest festivalS
APRIL 10–13
Holy Toledo Polka Days
Dance the night away at this popular gathering featuring some of the top polka bands in the industry. The event includes the Opening Night Polka Party, the Hot American Polka Party and Holy Toledo Sunday Dance. Holiday Inn & Suites, 27355 Carronade Dr., Perrysburg, 419/351-5031. holytoledopolkadays.com. Visit website for times and prices.
APRIL 19
Hayes Easter Egg Roll
Take part in this tradition, which replicates the White House egg roll Hayes began during his presidency. Bring three hard-boiled, dyed eggs for games on the lawn. Visit with the Easter bunny, and participate in a scavenger hunt, story time, crafts and a cornhole toss. Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 419/332-2081. rbhayes. org. Noon–2 p.m. Visit website for prices.
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
APRIL 13–JUL 27
Rachel Ruysch: Nature Into Art
Take a look into the work of Rachel Ruysch,
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a Dutch, floral still-life painter whose career spanned the late 17th to the mid-18th centuries. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, 419/255-8000. toledomuseum.org. Wed.–Thurs. & Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Special exhibitions $10, general admission free.
APRIL 17
Tour & Talk: No April Fools. We Landed On the Moon!
Get the details about America’s relationship with the moon and why humans have not been back since 1972. Explore various theories about why we never made a return trip, including ideas about the moon being hollow and housing a potential space station. Armstrong Air & Space Museum, 500 Apollo Dr., Wapakoneta, 419/7388811. armstrongmuseum.org. Visit website for times and prices.
music + theater
APRIL 3–6
Pretty Woman
See this iconic production powered by director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell and scripted by movie director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, 419/381-8851. stranahantheater.com. Thurs.–Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1 & 6:30 p.m. $34–$79.
APRIL 22
Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit in Concert
Hear your favorite pieces from these legendary films, as well as the television series “The Rings of Power.” The evening includes Oscar Awardwinning music from Howard Shore, Annie Lennox, Ed Sheeran and Enya, among other artists. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, 419/381-8851. stranahantheater.com. 7:30 p.m. $39.90–$89.90.
OTHER EVENTS
APRIL 5
World War II “Echoes of Valor” Reenactment
Head to Auglaize Village for the World War II “Echoes of Valor” Reenactment. Visit camps to learn about life as a soldier during WWII and watch military operations in action. Auglaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance, 419/7820739. auglaizevillage.com. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults and students over 13 $5, veterans free.
APRIL 30–MAY 3
Quilt Show: 48th Annual Exhibit
Celebrate this rich arts-and-crafts tradition with hundreds of handmade quilts on full-length display. Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 419/446-2541. saudervillage.org. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit website for prices.
Southeast
Music+ theater
APRIL 4
Boys in the Band: Alabama Tribute Boys in the Band aims to give the Alabama experience to lifelong fans and introduce the younger generations to the magic of the group’s timeless music. This high-energy performance features note-for-note renditions of live performances from the legendary country music group. Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 740/772-2041. majesticchillicothe. net. 8–10 p.m. $29–$39.
APRIL 12
Bach to Broadway Concert
The Thursday Music Club “Bach to Broadway” Concert showcases talented local youth and adults in a special music celebration. The Zanesville Civic Chorus joins this music production, while several professional musicians come back to thank the community for their support. Secrest Auditorium, 334 Shinnick St., Zanesville, 740/454-6851. secrestauditorium.com. 7:30–9:30 p.m. Free.
APRIL 12
Ben Folds Paper Airplane Request Tour
Get ready for an unforgettable night with Ben Folds live at the Peoples Bank Theatre. Known for his unique blend of rock, pop and classical influences, Folds will bring his dynamic live performance to the stage. Don’t miss the chance to experience his witty storytelling and virtuosic piano skills in an intimate venue. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/3715152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. 8–10 p.m. $53–$118.
APRIL 26
Shenandoah Live in Concert at Peoples Bank Theatre
Award-winning hitmaker Shenandoah, fueled by Marty Raybon’s distinctive vocals and the band’s skilled musicianship, is celebrated for delivering such hits as “Two Dozen Roses,” “Church on Cumberland Road” and “Next to You, Next to Me,” as well as such achingly beautiful classics as “I Want to be Loved Like That.” Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/371-5152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. 8–10 p.m. $47–$134.
APRIL 27
The Tallest Man on Earth
See Kristian Matsson play guitar under his musical identity: The Tallest Man on Earth. Matsson’s folk ballads reach new heights on his latest album, “Henry St.” The Still Tide is set to open. Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Sq., Nelsonville, 740/753-1924. stuartsoperahouse.org. 7:30 p.m. Box seats $50, reserved seats $40–$45.
OTHER EVENTS
APRIL 4
Chocolate Walk
Indulge in decadent chocolate treats from local businesses, and take advantage of downtown Lancaster’s designated outdoor refreshment
area. Enjoy drinks from local bars and restaurants as you stroll through downtown. Downtown Lancaster, 128 N. Broad St., Lancaster, 740/277-6607. destinationdowntownlancaster. com. 4–7 p.m. Visit website for prices.
Southwest
Festivals
APRIL 19
Hug the Earth Family Festival
Whether you come to sing along with your favorite Banana Slug String Band song, try your hand at rock climbing and zip lining, or enjoy the many children’s activities, you’re sure to have a good time at this Earth Day-weekend festival. Lost Creek Reserve, 2385 St. Rte. 41, Troy, 937/3356273. miamicountyparks.com/hug-the-earth. Noon–5 p.m. Free.
APRIL 20
42nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Bring the kiddos to take part in this massive search, with Young’s Jersey Dairy hard-boiling and dyeing over 10,000 eggs for children to find. Those ages 4 and under get the first crack at it, followed by hunts for 5-to-7-year-olds and 8-to10-year-olds. Stay for photos with the destination’s mascot, Barnabe. Young’s Jersey Dairy, 6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd., Yellow Springs, 937/325-0629. youngsdairy.com. 2 p.m. Free.
APRIL 25–27
Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival
Have a sweet time at this event that features a beer garden, pancake breakfast, dog show, sap boil, pie-eating contest and parade. Downtown Bellbrook, South Main Street, Bellbrook, sugarmaplefestival.com. Fri. 5–10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. Free.
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
APRIL 4–AUG 24
Cycle Thru! The Art of the Bike
See over 20 bicycles spanning styles of the 1860s to present day, courtesy of The Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen. The bikes are paired with contemporary art and selections from the Cincinnati Art Museum’s photographs, posters, paintings and fashion collections. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, 513/721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum. org. Fri.–Sun. & Tues.–Wed. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Free.
APRIL 4–SEPT 1
Barbie: A Cultural Icon
Featuring over 300 artifacts from 1959 to today, this exhibit showcases the evolution of the
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world’s most diverse doll. Explore Barbie’s influence on fashion, pop culture and imagination. Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, 513/287-7000. cincymuseum.org. Visit website for times and prices.
APRIL 18–SEPT 1
Tintoretto’s Genesis
View this exhibit debuting three paintings from Jacopo Tintoretto’s Trinità cycle. The pieces have been put through a year-long process of imaging, technical analysis and restoration. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, 513/721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum. org. Fri.–Sun. & Tues.–Wed. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Free.
music + theater
APRIL 3
ABBAFAB
Get ready to dance and sing along with this ultimate ABBA tribute band at Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center. Enjoy timeless hits like “Waterloo,” “Mamma Mia!” and “Fernando” during this allages celebration of the Swedish pop legends. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, 513/621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.
APRIL 5
Madcap Puppets: Pinocchio
See Geppetto’s puppet on his journey to become a real boy. Pinocchio experiences a whirlwind of pranks and schemes as massive puppets and audience participation bring
this classic tale to life. Holland Theatre, 127 E. Columbus Ave., Bellefontaine, 937/592-9002. theholland.org. 2 p.m. $5–$10.
APRIL 6
CCJO’s Jazz@First Series: Maiden Voyage: Herbie Hancock in the Early Years
The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra’s jazz quintet performs the classic acoustic piano-based compositions from one of the most influential modern jazz pianists, Herbie Hancock. First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati, 536 Linton St., Cincinnati, cincinnatijazz.org. 2–4 p.m. Adults and seniors $20, children and students $10.
APRIL 8
ZZ Top
Rock out with ZZ Top as the group extends
The Elevation Tour with additional dates going through 2025. Experience the iconic trio’s timeless hits that blend blues and rock as they continue to captivate audiences with their unforgettable sound and style. Andrew J. Brady Music Center, 25 Race St., Cincinnati, 513/2325882. bradymusiccenter.com. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.
APRIL 15
Ben Folds Live With the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Join composer and singer-songwriter Ben Folds for a night with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Experience his genre-defying music, including songs from his latest album, “What Matters Most.” Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St.,
Cincinnati, 513/744-3344. cincinnatisymphony. org. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.
APRIL 30
Bryan Anderson with Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Principal Flute, Randolph Bowman Bryan Anderson showcases his remarkable technical skill as he is joined by Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's principal flute Randolph Bowman. The program celebrates the rich textures of both solo and chamber organ repertoire. Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, 513/287-7000. cincymuseum.org. 7:30 p.m. $40.
OTHER EVENTS
APRIL 1–30 Zoo Blooms
Celebrate the zoo’s 150th anniversary with this colorful spring event featuring vibrant tulips, daffodils and other flowers. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, 513/281-4700. cincinnatizoo.org. Visit website for times and prices.
APRIL 30
Barrows Conservation Lectures: Rick McIntyre
Listen to world-renowned wolf behaviorist Rick McIntyre, who was Yellowstone National Park’s first wolf interpreter, responsible for educating the public about the animal after their reintroduction to the park in the 1990s. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, 513/281-4700. cincinnatizoo.org. 7–9 p.m. $18.
for the SEARCH hidden
Some say that he is a myth or perhaps just a legend. Some claim to have seen him, but others say he is simply the hide-and-seek champion. You just never know what you may find hiding in the woods. But guaranteed, you are in for a Sasquatch-sized adventure on the Belmont County Bigfoot Geotour!
Photo: Uptown Untapped Festival 2024
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Muskingum County, where unique experiences await around every corner. Get up close to majestic, endangered animals at The Wilds, and marvel at the creations of world-renowned sculptor Alan Cottrill. Savor the bold, hometown flavors at Muddy Misers and enjoy the view of the Muskingum River.
Top off your trip with a swee t, nostalgic treat at the iconic Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl. With so much more to explore, there’s never been a better time to visit Zanesville!
To learn more go to
Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl
The Wilds
Muddy Misers
Save the date.
FARM & TABLE
Sibling Success
Established Toledo restaurateurs Elias and Nas Hajjar joined forces to open a bistro that features the Lebanese-inspired dishes for which their family is known.
Not all siblings work well together, but Elias and Nas Hajjar radiate warmth with their easy laughter and made-from-scratch, Lebanese-inspired dishes. Both men are highly regarded Toledo restaurateurs, with Nas working with their father at The Beirut and Elias operating the city’s three Poco Piatti locations, but Stone Cut Bistro is their first joint venture.
“Hajjar” means stone cutter in Arabic, so the siblings chose the name for their intimate 60-seat bistro tucked in the back of the red brick Ottawa Hills Shopping Center that serves classic Lebanese flavors, reimagined. »
Flavor Fest: If you’ve never eaten a ramp, you’re not alone. The annual Ramp Up Peninsula festival offers a chance to try the pungent and tasty wild leeks.
Hoof Hearted Brewing, Marengo: Beer lovers flock to this spot located a couple miles off Interstate 71 to sample from a large lineup of creatively named and tasty brews
FARM & TABLE
“We wanted to do something together,” Elias says, “and this was kind of our perfect little space.”
Wood-paneled ceilings and globe pendant lights create a calming atmosphere in this currently dinner-only bistro. Diners savor entrees such as grilled baby lamb chops, short rib, and mushroom moussaka (a layered eggplant dish — traditionally Greek, this one has a Lebanese twist).
The restaurant’s one-page menu suits various dietary preferences, starting with the hot and cold mezzes (Mediterranean appetizers). Even the unassuming roasted baby carrots are an explosion of sweet, hot, citrusy and savory. Tender carrots rest on a bed of za’atar (an herb and spice blend) and labneh (a strained Greek yogurt) topped with walnuts and hot honey.
The brothers point to the short rib with labneh-chive mashed potatoes, carrots, celery and crispy onions as their favorite entree. Another standout is the Gyro Burger, made with beef and lamb.
“It’s actually named incorrectly. It’s a kafta burger,” Elias says. Kafta is a labor-intensive process in which fresh meats like lamb and beef are ground in-house. “Kafta is the one item on the menu that defines who we are as cooks because of the amount of labor and love that goes into it,” he says.
Stone Cut Bistro’s Gyro Burger is the Hajjar brothers’ twist on their family kafta recipe. Served on a bun, it is topped with
FLAVOR FEST
If you’ve never eaten a ramp, you’re not alone. The annual Ramp Up Peninsula festival offers a chance to try the strong and tasty wild leek.
If you’re never tasted a ramp, you’re missing out on a pungent yet totally delicious wild leek with green leaves that pops above ground each spring. It’s a favorite of foragers, but if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, the Summit County village of Peninsula hosts an annual fes-
fresh salad, homemade tzatziki and served with a side of za’atar vinegar fries.
No shortcuts are taken at Stone Cut Bistro. Chickpeas are soaked in a kettle overnight and ground into hummus in the early morning. Everything is made from scratch, including sauces and salad dressings, lessons the Hajjar brothers learned at a young age. Their dad, a Lebanese immigrant, opened The Beirut in Toledo in 1974 and the brothers grew up in the business.
“It’s really fulfilling,” Nas says. “It’s just in our DNA, how we were raised.”
—
Sarah Miller
4332 W. Central Ave., Toledo 43615, 419/930-9499, stonecutbistro.com
tival during which attendees can try foods featuring the odiferous ingredient.
Ramp Up Peninsula, set for April 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Main Street in the village, has food vendors and take-home items featuring ramps, such as pierogi and sausage. There are also craft vendors, live music and guided walks to learn how to identify the unfamiliar plant.
Peninsula residents Diane Seskes and Don Carroll founded the festival in 2013 after attending other ramp festivals in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
A ramp tastes like a cross between onion and garlic, and it has been celebrated for generations around dinner tables in Appalachia and, before that, among Native Americans. If you plan on eating ramps, make sure the people you live with do too.
“It was considered something that would clean your body,” Seskes says. “It comes out of your pores, and you don’t smell so good for a couple of days.”
— Elizabeth Talaga
For more information, visit explorepeninsula.org.
BISTRO:
Grilled baby lamb chops, espresso martini and seasonal cheesecake (above); the restaurant’s interior (left)
Whether you’re looking for a place to catch up with friends, a weekend getaway, or somewhere to just to have a break, Findlay has you covered. Meet up at one of our local coffee shops or grab a beverage to-go as you enjoy all that Findlay and Hancock County has to offer. Attend an event, take in a show, visit a museum, get outside, pose on the Mural Trail, shop for something special, enjoy a dinner to remember, and more - all while experiencing small-town charm and friendly faces around every corner. Plan your trip at VisitFindlay.com
Painters’ Pottery Hand + Home
The Mural Trail
The Baking Company & Bread Kneads
Shop Here
OPEN-AIR SEASON
FARM & TABLE
July
Hoof Hearted Brewing, Marengo
Beer lovers flock to this spot a couple miles off Interstate 71 to sample from a large lineup of creatively named and tasty brews.
The beginnings of Hoof Hearted Brewing started well over a decade ago with a trip to Colorado. Trevor Williams and his friends, Jarrod and Ryan Bichon, were inspired to bring their take on a hoppy brew to central Ohio’s beer scene, leading to Hoof Hearted Brewing’s first creation: a citrusy IPA called Musk of the Minotaur.
“We kind of set ourselves apart early on,” Williams says. “Just kind of messing around in that genre of beer that was, at the time, not a category around here.”
The trio opened their brewery in Marengo, a rural village about 40 miles from downtown Columbus, in 2011. Beer lovers make the trip to sample from the brewery’s catalog of 70 uniquely named beers. Twelve kinds are available on tap at any given time. The IPA varieties include the Did We Just Become Best Fwendz?, Roller Blabe and Dis-
count Nachos, while lower-ABV lagers are available for those craving something lighter.
“Anytime [there is] a new, cool ingredient, it’s a fun opportunity to do a new beer,” Williams says. “And it’s always fun to come up with some ridiculous new labels.”
Though fans can find Hoof Hearted beers at select independent bars and bottle shops throughout Ohio, the place they are guaranteed to find it is from the source in Marengo or at Hoof Hearted Brewing’s smaller brewpub location in downtown Columbus.
The Marengo taproom is as attention-grabbing as the beer, greeting visitors with yellow walls covered in movie posters and skateboard decks that honor WWE wrestlers. Pinball machines and board games add to the fun, as does an outdoor space with heated booths. Visitors can pair their beer with a bite from A Taste of Colorado, a food truck that partners with the brewery to serve tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nacho fries.
What keeps guests coming through the door four days a week is the care that goes into the brewery’s unique selection of beers.
“Regular IPAs and the double and triple IPAs are kind of what we’re known for, and we go to pretty great lengths to make sure we are sourcing the best stuff,” Williams says. “We’re always on the hunt for the best quality and new variety.” — Gracie Metz
300 County Rd. 26, Marengo 43334, 567/233-3115, hoofheartedbrewing.com
20TH
LILAC FESTIVAL
& Street Fair
Explore over 130 art and craft vendors, grab one of 750 free lilac seedlings, indulge in delicious food, and enjoy exciting activities for all ages.
Don’t miss this vibrant celebration!
10am-4pm
Downtown Defiance May 10th
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Can’t-Miss Events in Oak Grove
On May 24-25, 2025, the Annual Spring into Summer Salutes Fort Campbell Festival provides attendees with world-class musicians, live entertainment, shows, carnival rides, fireworks and more! This two-day festival is completely free. Even the carnival rides are free to ride! Then, on July 12, 2025, the Kentucky Bands Bourbon & Wine Festival features wine, bourbon and spirit vendors from across Kentucky! There’s also food and beverage vendors and live music all day!
visitoakgroveky.com/festivals
SHOP, SIP & SAVOR DANVILLE
Unforgettable Girlfriend Gatherings Await
Escape to Danville, Kentucky, for the ultimate girlfriend’s getaway! Start your spring off right with charming brunches or delightful teas at local cafés. Explore eclectic shops, find one-of-a kind treasures and enjoy boutique shopping in downtown Danville. Indulge in delicious dining experiences, from cozy cafés to elegant restaurants. Visit local art museums for a dose of culture and unwind in the picturesque surroundings. Whether you’re sipping, shopping or simply enjoying each other’s company, Danville offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for you and your friends.
danvillekentucky.com/girlfriends
WINE, WHISKEY, ALE AND FOREST TRAILS
Find Your Escape in Bullitt County
Bullitt County, Kentucky, offers seven distinctive sensory experiences within nine miles of each other along the Wine, Whiskey & Ale Trail, including guided or selfguided tours and tastings to enjoy at your own pace. Then, visit Kentucky’s official state arboretum, Bernheim Forest, which boasts more than 16,000 acres of wildlife sanctuary, landscaped gardens and arboretum.
travelbullitt.org
EXPERIENCE WINCHESTER’S BEER CHEESE BLISS!
Explore With Our Digital Passport
Embark on Winchester, Kentucky’s Beer Cheese Trail®, where bold flavors and fun adventures await! Grab your Digital Passport and visit all the mouthwatering stops featuring unique beer cheese recipes. Savor every bite and earn exclusive prizes along the way. Discover why Winchester is the birthplace of beer cheese — delicious memories are just a trail away!
visitwinchesterky.com
UNFORGETTABLE BLUEGRASS VACATIONS
SPRING IN MT. STERLING, KY!
Beautiful, Historic and Vibrant
Visit Mt. Sterling, home to Ruth Hunt Candy since 1921 and a beautiful historic downtown since 1792! Shop and dine with dozens of locally owned shops and restaurants during the festive Spring Open House on March 14-15, 2025. Don’t miss IrishFest at the Gateway Regional Arts Center on March 14. Bring your golf clubs and appetite for a great day at Irish Hills Golf, Restaurant and Events.
mtsterlingtourism.com
Known as the Horse Capital of the World and the epicenter of Bourbon Country, the Bluegrass State is also a land of immense natural beauty. Sip centuries of tradition in the birthplace of bourbon. Stroll through rolling horse farms and catch a race at the track. Explore waters, caves and trails, offering endless adventure. With so much to see and do, the Bluegrass State is the perfect place for your next vacation.
Come discover our new Kentucky home!
kentuckytourism.com
ARIEL-FOUNDATION PARK, MOUNT VERNON
Trip��
Spring is near, and if you are anything like us, you are more than ready to get out of the house and explore. From inspiring aviation museums to cultural treasures in our capital city to intriguing and inspiring public art installations, we’ve mapped out a guide to 50 destinations that can be a one-stop trip or part of a longer trek.
By Jason Brill, Erin Finan, Gracie Metz, Sarah Miller, Kristina Smith and Jim Vickers
Cultur�� Capital
From an incredible art museum to a historic downtown music venue to a famous author’s family home turned literary hub, art and creativity abound in Columbus.
COLUMBUS MUSEUM OF ART
olumbus’ art and culture scene stretches far beyond the galleries that dot the city’s Short North Arts District, reaching back to the 1896 opening of The Southern Theatre at the corner of High and Main streets. Ohio’s capital city is a hive of arts activity with a thriving fashion scene, performance venues and longstanding institutions. Check out these museums and attractions that paint a picture of all the creativity Columbus has to offer.
Columbus Museum of Art
The exterior of the Columbus Museum of Art presents an appearance as varied as the more than 14,000 works contained inside. Standing along East Broad Street in front of the original 1931 building, the Second Renaissance Revival-style arches echo grand 19th-century architecture. Inside, visitors can see paintings from masters such as Winslow Homer, Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso. Walk a few feet east, and the 2015-built Margaret M. Walter Wing’s patinated bronze boxy structure mixes contemporary styling with an age-old material. The Walter Wing features works from luminaries such as Andy Warhol, Nick Cave and Gordon Parks. 480 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215, 614/221-6801, columbusmuseum.org
Wexner Center for the Arts
The Wexner Cetner for the Arts — or the Wex, as locals call it — hasn’t changed much since it was completed in 1989. Yet the interior of this center of art and culture on the Ohio State University campus is always changing. The three-story building isn’t a museum, so it doesn’t have a permanent collection. Instead, it hosts a rotating selection of contemporary art exhibitions each year. The Wex also screens popular arthouse films and thought-provoking documentaries, serves as a hub for performing arts and hosts Q&A-style artist talks. 1871 N. High St., Columbus 43210, 614/292-3535, wexarts.org
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
Housing one of the largest collections of comics and cartoons in the world, the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum on the Ohio State University campus is the picture-perfect spot to find old friends, discover something new and learn how cartoons reflect our culture and society. The museum’s immense collection spans 300,000 original cartoons, 2.5 million comic strip clippings and more. The special-collections library offers a wealth of cartoons and comics to explore upon request, while the museum’s curators create a lineup of special exhibitions each year. Sullivant Hall, 1813 N. High St., Columbus 43210, 614/292-0538, cartoons.osu.edu
Thurber House
Humorist, cartoonist and author James Thurber was known for drawing quirky characters and having his works featured in publications such as The New Yorker. Located in the restored 1873 former home where Thurber’s family lived while he attended Ohio State University, the museum and literary center is sure to inspire young and old visitors alike. The house’s first two floors feature antiques and artifacts from Thurber’s life, including his Underwood typewriter. Thurber House hosts year-round writing workshops for all ages, and its annual Thurber Prize for American Humor has honored writers such as John Hodgman, Trevor Noah and David Sedaris. 77 Jefferson Ave., Columbus 43215, 614/464-1032, thurberhouse.org
Southern Theatre
Opened in 1896, the Southern Theatre’s history is as rich as you’d expect for something that’s been open across parts of three centuries. The stage here has seen the likes of actors Ethel and Lionel Barrymore, dancer Anna Pavlova and entertainer W.C. Fields. Now, the 925-seat theater welcomes nationally touring acts and is home to Opera Columbus, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Chamber Music Columbus and the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. Hearkening back to the 1896 Renaissance-style building’s dual use as a hotel and theater, the building is also home to the Westin Great Southern Columbus hotel. 21 E. Main St., Columbus 43215, 614/719-6906, capa.com/venues/southern-theatre
Historic Flavor
From the state’s oldest continuously operating business to a spot visited by Abraham Lincoln, sample a taste of history at these establishments that were all founded before 1900.
earning about Ohio’s history isn’t just reserved for museums. Some of our state’s restaurants have been around since the 19th century, and present-day diners can still sense that storied past within each space, whether it’s the photos on the walls, collections of memorabilia or the building itself. From a tavern that President Abraham Lincoln visited in 1861 to Ohio’s longest continuously operating business, plan to make a stop at one of these landmark spots across the state.
Arnold’s Bar & Grill, Cincinnati
Opened in 1861 by Simon Arnold, this Cincinnati mainstay holds the title of the oldest continuously operating bar in the city and pays homage to its culture. Current owner Chris Breeden calls the spot “a slice of Cincinnati,” and it’s easy to see why. With local breweries like Rhinegeist, MadTree and Listermann on tap and a Cincy Poutine piled high with goetta and Grippo's chips on the menu, those who have ever wanted to taste the essence of Cincinnati can do so here. Live local music each night completes the casual feel, and the circa-1930s linoleum floors complete the classic look. 210 E. Eighth St., Cincinnati 45202, 513/421-6243, arnoldsbarandgrill.com
Bun’s Restaurant & Bar, Delaware
The neon sign hanging from the arch over Winter Street in downtown Delaware lets you know you’re in the right place for classic American fare. Bun’s Restaurant & Bar began in 1864 as Hoffman’s Bakery, and in the early 1900s, the Hoffmans’ grandson converted the business into a restaurant named Bun’s due to the popular item
on the bakery menu. Though Bun’s Restaurant & Bar has a long history, it got a modern facelift with new ownership in 2024. It now has a bright, industrial-style interior where diners continue to enjoy burgers, fish and chips and a weekend brunch. Don’t worry, the restaurant’s classic liver and onions is still on the menu. 14 W. Winter St., Delaware 43015, 740/363-2867, bunsrestaurantandbar.com
Golden Lamb, Lebanon
When the Golden Lamb opened in 1803, many area residents couldn’t read, but they recognized their favorite local eatery by a simple sign with a painted gold lamb on it. The spot in downtown Lebanon has been operating as both a restaurant and hotel ever since, and it is known as the oldest continually operating business in Ohio. Enjoy a drink at the on-site Black Horse Tavern before dinner, then take a seat in the Golden Lamb dining room for menu favorites such as turkey dinner or fried chicken that — as staff legend has it — inspired Harlan Sanders’ Kentucky Fried Chicken. 27 S. Broadway, Lebanon 45036, 513/932-5065, goldenlamb.com
Ringside Cafe, Columbus
The boxing champions honored through memorabilia on the walls are not the only heavyweights at this downtown Columbus spot. The menu is filled with them — in the form of colossal Angus beef burgers. Opened in 1897 by a former boxing promoter, Ringside Cafe honors legends such as
GOLDEN LAMB, LEBANON
“Smokin’” Joe Frazier, Roberto Durán and, of course, Muhammad Ali. The menu also pays homage to hometown favorite Buster Douglas, who defeated heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in 1990, with a burger featuring two 3/4-pound patties piled high with bacon, egg, blue and cheddar cheeses, coleslaw, lettuce, tomato and roasted garlic aoili served with a double order of fries. 19 N. Pearl St., Columbus 43215, 614/228-7464, ringsidecolumbus.com
Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn, Hanoverton
When you settle in for a meal in this historic building in the Columbiana County village of Hanoverton, prepare for dimmed lighting, candles on the tables and maybe even a glowing fireplace. Will Rhodes opened the business in 1837 with the aim of creating the finest tavern in town. He did just that, with President Abraham Lincoln making a stop here in 1861. In the early 1900s, the building became a private residence and served that purpose off and on for years until it was restored and reopened as a restaurant in 1988. Menu favorites here include prime rib, beef Wellington, salmon and filet mignon. 10150 Plymouth St., Hanoverton 44423, 330/223-1583, spreadeagletavern.com
FLIGHT PATH
Explore our state’s deep ties to aviation at these museums where exhibits stretch from the Wright brothers to the Space Race
MAPS Air Museum, North Canton: This museum focuses on local men and women who made history, including those who flew the rare aircraft in its massive collection spanning from the early 1900s through the present day. Visitors can sit inside a Goodyear Blimp gondola and see a B-26 bomber — one of six remaining in the world. Among the artifacts on display are a piece of the U.S.S. Arizona, which was sunk at Pearl Harbor, and exhibits features 15 Medal of Honor recipients from Ohio dating to the Civil War. Visitors can get a guided tour at no additional charge. mapsairmuseum.org
Champaign Aviation Museum, Urbana: When local aviation enthusiasts sought volunteers to help rebuild a World War II B-17 bomber, the response was so overwhelming that the project led to the creation of this aviation museum. Visitors can see the B-17, Champaign Lady, as it’s being restored and talk with volunteers as they work. The experience offers insight into the manufacturing of such bombers and teaches visitors about the men and women who flew and built them. A functional B-25 bomber and other WWII aircraft are also on display with veterans’ stories. champaignaviationmuseum.org
Liberty Aviation Museum, Port Clinton: A pristine B-25 bomber named Georgie’s Gal is the centerpiece of this museum, which opened in 2012. The museum features a restored Ford Tri-Motor airplane (a type of craft lovingly known as the “Tin Goose”) as well as other military planes, vehi cles and watercraft. Exhibits are a delightful mix of national and local aviation history and popular culture, including displays with artifacts from the TV show “Hogan’s Heroes” and a baseball uniform from the film “Major League.” The Tin Goose Diner, an authentic relocated 1950s diner, adjoins the museum. libertyaviationmuseum.org
National Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton: The world’s largest military aviation museum has more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles on display throughout its four buildings and outdoor Air Park, offering hours of immersion in more than a century of flight, from the Wright brothers to women in the Air Force to space travel. A bicycle from the Wright Brothers’ shop in Dayton, the Boeing B-17F Memphis Belle and the Apollo 15 Command Module used in the fourth moon landing in July 1971
are among the thousands of artifacts on display. nationalmuseum.af.mil
Armstrong Air & Space Museum, Wapakoneta: On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong took humanity’s first step onto the moon, a monumental moment that the hometown museum dedicated to the astronaut’s career describes as “one of the most significant and unifying achievements in human history.” From Armstrong’s spacecraft to his space suits to the moon rock on display, this museum tells the story of that achievement, the international race to the moon that captivated the world and space-travel advances in the years since the moon landing. The exterior of the museum, which opened in 1972, was even designed to resemble a futuristic moon base. armstrongmuseum.org
Park P lace
As Ohio’s only national park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers 33,000 acres of adventure just a short drive from the city.
uyahoga Valley National Park stands among the most accessible of our nation’s 63 na tional parks. Covering a picturesque 33,000 acres between Cleveland and Akron, it includes forested trails, rocky ledges, waterfalls and the opportunity to learn what life was like in this part of Ohio when canal boats were cornerstones of trade. Start at the Boston Mill Visitor Center, which opened in 2019, to get an overview of the park and its geography along with guidance on what to see, including these landmark spots.
Brandywine Falls
The glaciers that once covered Ohio carved the Cuyahoga Valley eons ago, but Brandywine Falls is what put this national park on the map. Look no further than the numerous Cuyahoga Valley National Park patches, posters and pins featuring the 60-foot waterfall. It’s also an easy trip, located just a short walk from the parking area. Spring is a great time to visit and hike the 1.5-mile Brandywine Gorge Loop (check out the vernal pools that form along Brandywine Creek), but the falls are majestic year-round, especially when viewed up close from the boardwalk that descends into the gorge and leads to an observation platform. 8176 Brandywine Rd., Sagamore Hills 44067
Everett Road Covered Bridge
Blue Hen Falls
Blue Hen Falls might not be the biggest waterfall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, but its own personal brand of grandeur — spilling over a wide overhang of rock — has made it a frequently photographed spot. From the Boston Mill Visitor Center, the Blue Hen Falls Trail follows the route of the Buckeye Trail for an arduous 3-mile roundtrip that features a 580-foot elevation change, a 100-foot staircase and plenty of wooded surroundings as it leads to the falls. 6947 Riverview Rd., Peninsula 44264
Beaver Marsh
Taking in the quiet of Beaver Marsh on a summer morning, it’s hard to imagine that this natural oasis was once the site of a junkyard. The 70-acre restored wetlands is today traversed by a wooden boardwalk that is part of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and provides perfect vantage points to keep an eye out for the beavers, frogs, turtles and birds that live within the marsh. Visit in the early morning or late evening for prime animal spotting. 0.4 miles north of Ira Trailhead; 3801 Riverview Rd., Peninsula 44264
There’s something comforting about a covered bridge, and the red one that crosses Furnace Run within Cuyahoga Valley National Park provides visitors a glimpse of the region’s past. Located in a forested section of the park’s southern half, Everett Road Covered Bridge was originally built in the 1870s and was once one of the more than 2,000 covered bridges found across Ohio. Rushing waters swept it off its base in 1975, but a multifaceted effort raised funds to rebuild it in 1986. Today, it stands as the last covered bridge in Summit County. 2370 Everett Rd., Peninsula 44264
Ledges Overlook
When it’s time to take in a sunset, head to the Ledges Trailhead, where a short walk leads to an overlook that offers sweeping westward views across Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There’s plenty of room along the rocky overlook, but sunsets here do tend to draw crowds at times, so be sure to get there a bit early to grab your spot. Ledges Overlook sits at the southwest corner of the 1.8mile Ledges Trail, a relatively tame yet fascinating trek for those who want to take a closer look at the rock formations that have been here for millions of years. 405 Truxell Rd., Peninsula 44264
For more information about these and other locations within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, visit nps.gov/cuva.
BEAVER MARSH
PRESIDENTIAL PEDIGREE
Seven U.S. presidents were born in Ohio, and another called the state home before being elected. Connect with that history by visiting the final resting places of the five buried here.
McKinley National Memorial, Canton: Perched atop a hill in Canton and overlooking the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, the 1907 McKinley National Memorial stands as a soaring tribute to the 25th U.S. president. Climb the 108 steps to the domed structure and step inside to see where William McKinley, his wife Ida and their children are laid to rest. The memorial
to McKinley, who was assassinated six months into his second term in 1901, is one of the largest for a U.S. president, and the 97-foot-tall dome creates a solemn silence inside. mckinleymuseum.org
James A. Garfield Memorial, Cleveland: Standing at the southern end of Cleveland’s rolling Lake View Cemetery, the James
A. Garfield Memorial tells a powerful story about the 20th U.S. president, who died after 200 days in office in September 1881 following an assassination attempt in July of that year. On the 1890-built monument’s outer walls, sculpted panels depict Garfield’s work as a teacher, Union Army major general and more. Inside is a marble sculpture of the president, while the memorial’s lower level houses the caskets of Garfield and his wife, Lucretia. lakeviewcemetery.com
Harding Memorial, Marion: The Harding Memorial at Historic Marion Cemetery was designed to achieve Warren G. Harding’s wish to be buried under open sky beside a tree. Built in 1927 as the final resting place for the 29th U.S. president, who died in office of a heart attack in 1923, the Greek-inspired circular memorial is partially open to the elements, giving it the feel of a courtyard. The 46 white marble columns echo architectural elements commonly seen in our nation’s capital, and the two black granite slabs bear the name of Harding and his wife, Florence. hardingpresidentialsites.org
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont: Travelers can visit the graves of President Rutherford B. Hayes and his wife, Lucy, in a wooded portion of Spiegel Grove, a 25-acre site that is home to the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums. Hayes and the former first lady are buried on a knoll that was one of their favorite spots on the property, and a granite tombstone marks the burial site. Their son, Webb C. Hayes, who helped establish the museum and library is buried nearby. So are the family’s favorite animals, including Old Whitey, a horse from Hayes’ Civil War regiment that once lived at Spiegel Grove. rbhayes.org
William Henry Harrison Tomb, North Bend: While William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. president, was buried in 1841 in this tomb in North Bend along the Ohio River, the 60-foot-tall obelisk that marks the spot wasn’t built until 1924. The north and south sides of the obelisk list some of Harrison’s accomplishments and titles. The tomb is also the final resting place of other family members such as Harrison’s wife, Anna, and their son John Scott Harrison, the father of 23rd U.S. President Benjamin Harrison. ohiohistory.org
Scientific Discoveries
Curiosity fuels learning at these kid-focused science centers across our state that are filled with hands-on experiences, insightful exhibits and big fun.
��rom getting lost in the enormity of space to being wind-whipped by a simulated hurricane, the wealth of immersive exhibits and activities at the science centers across our state aim to instill a sense of curiosity in the youngest learners in our lives. Each of these destinations offers insightful, hands-on exhibits that help kids uncover the mysteries of the world and the adventures waiting to be discovered in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland
Rising along the Lake Erie shore, the Great Lakes Science Center looks like something out of a sci-fi novel with its domed theater, solar panels and 150-foot-tall windmill standing out front. Inside, kids 7 and younger can head to the Polymer Funhouse to dive into the ball pond, climb into a lighthouse to play with lenses and mess around with the gear wall. Cleveland Creates celebrates the city’s contributions to science. The NASA Glenn Visitor Center is also located onsite, allowing kids to embrace their astronaut dreams and get a close-up look at an Apollo Command Module. 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland 44114, 216/694-2000, greatscience.com
Read more
Scientific Discoveries
COSI, Columbus
Columbus’ Center of Science and Industry, more commonly known as COSI, is made for the curious, from fun hands-on exhibits that teach scientific principles to huge exhibitions that offer fascinating and immersive perspectives on our planet and the life that thrives here. Ocean teaches about the power of water, while Progress’ two streets offer a timeline that evolves from 1898 to 1962. The planetarium takes audiences to the far reaches of our universe, and the one-of-akind Dinosaur Gallery (a partnership between COSI and New York’s American Museum of Natural History) offers a unique look at these creatures. 333 W. Broad St., Columbus 43215, 614/228-2674, cosi.org
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton
Visit ancient Egypt or spy distant constellations. Learn about unusual animals or watch a paleontologist work in a lab. The two-level, approximately 100,000-squarefoot Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton is packed with scientific wonder. Visitors can embark on a trip into the past in the Bieser Room of Wonders, a fascinating space filled with fossils and preserved animal specimens that offers a nod to the institution’s Victorian-era 1893 founding. Other favorites include the Hall of the Universe and the Discovery Zoo, which showcases animals such as armadillos, sloths and more. 2600 DeWeese Pkwy., Dayton 45414, 937/275-7431, boonshoft.org
Oh Wow! The Roger & Gloria
Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology, Youngstown
Across 13 topic areas — known as Wow Zones — kids can engage with 65 interactive exhibits at Oh Wow! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology in downtown Youngstown. Kids can assemble a gear train at the Engineering Zone, while the Earth and Weather Zone offers the chance to get (safely) swept up in a simulated hurricane and play as a TV meteorologist. The River of Knowledge Zone teaches youngsters about erosion, while the Avionics Zone offers kids the chance to climb into the cockpit of a biplane. 15 Central Sq., Youngstown 44503, 330/744-5914, ohwowkids.org
Imagination
Station, Toledo
It doesn’t take long to spark fascination at Toledo’s Imagination Station. Just look up. Hovering 20 feet in the air, Imagination Station’s High Wire Cycle runs across a 1-inch cable and teaches a memorable lesson about counterweights. Located downtown along the Maumee River, Imagination Station offers an Idea Lab for tinkerers, while the Mind Zone challenges the brain. The 80,000-square-foot center provides little ones the chance to climb a tree at Little Kidspace, while kids who are a bit older can create whirlpools, forecast weather and sail model boats at the Water Works exhibit. 1 Discovery Way, Toledo 43604, 419/2442674, imaginationstationtoledo.org
MIGHTY SMALL
Ohio is packed with picturesque small towns, including these communities brimming with history, culture and creativity that can make for a day of exploration.
Chagrin Falls: Whether it’s the adorable popcorn shop that sits along North Main Street or the town’s namesake waterfall behind it, this village of more than 4,000 residents is packed with Victorian architecture and picket-fence perfection that artist Norman Rockwell might have loved. The red, white and blue Chagrin Falls Popcorn
GRANVILLE
Shop has been here since 1949. Other downtown retail includes the outfitter Geiger’s and the old-fashioned Fireside Book Shop. Grab a bite to eat at Pub Frato or the upscale Oddfellows. chagrin-falls.org
Grand Rapids: This Wood County village of fewer than 1,000 residents was known as Gilead back when boats traversed the Miami & Erie Canal. Renamed in 1868, the village of Grand Rapids offers a mix of small shops and restaurants along Front Street. Head to the Village Orchard for gifts or the Just For You Shoppe for clothing. Metroparks Toledo’s Canal
Experience offers the chance to revisit the era that shaped this part of Ohio and features a reproduction of a mule-drawn canal boat. grandrapidsohio.com
Granville: Formed as a planned community by New England settlers in 1805, this charming village is almost as old as Ohio itself. It’s the home of Denison University — actors Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner are both alums — and the community of around 6,000 residents sits below the hilltop campus. Meet at Three Tigers Brewing Co. for craft brews and Vietnameseinspired street food or stop into Village Coffee Co. for a to-go cup
to enjoy while taking a walk down Broadway. visitgranvilleohio.com
Nelsonville: Settled in 1814, Nelsonville has a population of around 3,800. The town was shaped by its coal-mining past but has since become a southeast Ohio arts spot. Built in 1879, Stuart’s Opera House was revived in 1997 after sitting vacant for over five decades. The village’s public square is also where you’ll find gift shops New Leaf Marketplace, Mountain Mystic, and Majestic Galleries, which features work by local artists. Nelsonville is also home to Rocky Boots and the company’s outlet. nelsonville.com
Yellow Springs: Settled in 1825 with utopian ideals, this town of around 3,500 residents is now a hub for creativity. The liberal arts school Antioch University was founded here in 1852 and counts Coretta Scott King among its alumni, and comedian Dave Chappelle has famously made the small town his home. Sunrise Cafe and The Winds Cafe are landmark eateries along Xenia Avenue, while the Little Art Theatre screens a mix of independent, international and documentary films. Ye Olde Trail Tavern has been pouring drinks since 1827 and bills itself as Ohio’s oldest tavern. yellowspringsohio.org
photo
courtesy of Megan Rivers, @eatplaycbus
ART PROJECTS
From a giant Bigfoot sculpture in Mercer County to a backyard folk-art masterpiece in Springfield, these roadside art finds embody creativity in unusual and interesting ways.
Hartman Rock Garden, Springfield
As the Great Depression took hold, Ben Hartman began assembling a rock-garden masterpiece behind his Springfield home. Built between 1932 and 1939, the art installation reflects American history, Hartman’s interests and plenty of whimsy. The work of art ultimately fell into disrepair until the Kohler Foundation stepped up in 2009 to help fund its revival. That work continues today, with Hartman Rock Garden’s most recent additions including the restoration of original sidewalks and plantings that reflect Hartman’s design vision. hartmanrocks.org
Ariel-Foundation Park, Mount Vernon
The smokestack of Mount Vernon’s Pittsburgh Plate Glass factory still stands, but today visitors can climb an enclosed stairway that wraps around it to take in unrivaled views of the 250-acre park below. Ariel-Foundation Park opened in 2015, not only cleaning up the former factory site but also paying tribute to it. Factory “ruins” and
the soaring Rastin Tower reflect the town’s proud industrial past, while the multilevel Terraces pay tribute to Native American mound builders. arielfoundationpark.org
Dave Grohl Alley, Warren
Running parallel to East Market Street in downtown Warren, Dave Grohl Alley celebrates the two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee who was born here. (He attended the alley’s dedication in 2009, and his band Foo Fighters played a record-store show in nearby Niles in 2015.) The alley is a gritty labor of love with murals and sculptures celebrating Grohl (who was the drummer for the rock band Nirvana before founding Foo Fighters) including a pair of the World’s Largest Drumsticks. trulytrumbull.com
“Nelson” Bigfoot Sculpture, Celina
First there was Otis, an enormous Bigfoot sculpture that sits along Indiana’s Patoka Lake. Built by Indiana-based Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, Otis now has a cousin that
the nine-person chainsaw-wood-carving team created at the Mercer County Fairgrounds. His name is Nelson, and his creation coincided with the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse that passed over parts of Ohio. Locals and travelers who gathered at the fairgrounds to check out the eclipse also got to see the genesis of the county’s newest photo-op spot. mercercountyohiofair.com
Flight of the Hawk Park, Lancaster
The enormous hawk landing on a giant nest perched above U.S. 33 gets all the attention, but those who stop and take a walk around Lancaster’s more than 6-acre Flight of the Hawk Park can check out artistic tributes to other native Ohio wildlife: metal sculptures of wild turkeys, white-tailed deer and vultures. Artist Ric Leichliter made all the animals, including the gigantic hawk that was installed in 2006 and boasts a wingspan of 14 feet. Weighing in at 2,500 pounds, the hawk is the biggest sculpture Leichliter has ever made. fairfieldcountyparks.org
MAPS Air Museum
Akron Art Museum
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Legendary Lives
Visit these sites that honor the women who left an indelible mark on history, from a pioneering suffragist to a famous sharpshooter to a literary icon.
From the White House to the Wild West, Ohio women have shaped the history of our nation, a fact that is honored and celebrated to this day at historic sites and attractions throughout the Buckeye State. Explore the influences that shaped the life of Uncle Tom’s Cabin author Harriet Beecher Stowe, learn about the legendary life of sharpshooter Annie Oakley and uncover other inspirational stories of women who broke new ground at these destinations across the state.
First Ladies National Historic Site, Canton
As the only site in the country solely dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of America’s first ladies, the First Ladies National Historic Site in Canton shows the impact of the first ladies beyond their time in the White House. Rotating exhibits in the visitor center showcase personal artifacts from the National First Ladies Library & Museum’s collection that span from the late 1700s to present day. Visitors can also tour the Saxton-McKinley House, the childhood home of first lady Ida McKinley, which has been restored with furnishings and family artifacts. 205 Market Ave. S., Canton 44702, 330/452-0876, nps.gov/fila, firstladies.org
Read more
Legendary Lives
Victoria
Woodhull Clock at Robbins Hunter Museum,
Granville
The chimes of the Victoria Woodhull memorial clock echo as a reminder of a woman ahead of her time. The clocktower at the Robbins Hunter Museum was the first memorial dedicated to Woodhull, who was born in nearby Homer in 1838. It was built the year of our nation’s bicentennial to celebrate Woodhull’s pioneering role as the first woman to testify before Congress about women’s suffrage, the first female stockbroker on Wall Street and the first woman to run for president, which she did in 1872. Reopens for season in April. 221 E. Broadway, Granville 43023, 740/587-0430, robbinshunter.org
The National Annie Oakley Center at Garst Museum, Greenville
The National Annie Oakley Center in Greenville celebrates the life of the famous female sharpshooter. Born in 1860 in Darke
County, Annie Oakley came from a poor family but through skill and determination went on to become a star in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. The Garst Museum showcases artifacts from her life, such as a traveling trunk from her days in the Wild West Show, a silk dressing gown and riding outfit, gifts she received from Sitting Bull and even some of her guns — including a Winchester rifle and a pearl-handled revolver. 205 N. Broadway St., Greenville 45331, 937/5485250, garstmuseum.org
Harriet Taylor Upton House and Women’s Suffrage Museum, Warren
Suffragist Harriet Taylor Upton’s former home in Warren stands as a lasting tribute to the 30 years she devoted to the movement. After attending a lecture by Susan B. Anthony, Upton was inspired to take up the cause. She went on to serve as treasurer of the National Women’s Suffrage Association, which operated from the home for a decade. She was also a founding member of
the National League of Women Voters and president of the Ohio Women’s Suffrage Association. Today, the house hosts tours that share Upton’s legacy of fighting for women’s rights. 380 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren 44483, 330/395-1840, uptonhouse.org
Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Cincinnati
Best known for penning Uncle Tom’s Cabin in 1852, Harriet Beecher Stowe spent her 20s and 30s in Cincinnati, where she lived in or near her father’s home — a house that is preserved today as a museum and African American cultural center. The museum explores two distinct eras of the house’s life: the 1840s, when Stowe researched and wrote there, and the 1940s, when the home was a boarding house known as the Edgemont Inn, managed by African American proprietor Irene Bacon. Visitors can see reproduced rooms as well as exhibits showcasing Stowe’s research and a collection of Uncle Tom’s Cabin translations. 2950 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati 45206, 513/751-0651, stowehousecincy.org
THE NATIONAL ANNIE OAKLEY CENTER AT GARST MUSEUM, GREENVILLE
Always in Season?
IT’S A SHORE THING
Shores & Islands Ohio is a year-round destination, just a short drive away. Immerse yourself in culture through a variety of diverse community events. Indulge in local cuisine, from upscale to casual, even dine by the lakeside. Play in one of the three water park resorts, take a ferry ride to a Lake Erie island, explore miles of beaches and natural trails, enjoy quaint downtowns and museums, and experience the beauty of the changing seasons across the region. Make memories that’ll last a lifetime. Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com Sign up today to
LITERARY ESCAPES
Bibliophiles love these creatively organized and inviting shops where browsing the shelves makes for a memorable and fun experience.
Black Cat Books & Oddities, Medina: Inside a pair of centuryold houses, visitors can experience scenes inspired by favorite stories, from the romantic Pemberley Room based on Jane Austen’s beloved novels to the Raven’s Roost, complete with a mannequin of Edgar Allan Poe, to the kid-friendly Secret Garden room. The array of titles, as well as gifts and other curiosities, are cleverly curated in each room, providing an opportunity for book lovers to immerse themselves in imaginative spaces and even take a selfie in their favorite book setting. blackcatmedina.com
NeverMore Used Bookstore, Toledo: When Mitch and Freddie Balonek were looking for a name for their used bookstore, they chose NeverMore for a couple reasons: Their customers would never more have to pay too much for quality pre-owned books, and “nevermore” is a quote from a favorite literary classic, “The Raven,” by Edgar Allan Poe. Their inviting store leans into its name with its outdoor mural of Poe. Inside, ravens large and small perch from the tall shelves packed with new and gently used books in a range of genres. com/NeverMore2856
The Book Loft, Columbus: Nestled in the city’s quaint German Village, this ginor mous bookstore measures a full city block of several historic buildings combined into one labyrinth of books and bibliophile gifts. Pick up a map or purposely get lost in the 32 rooms. The staircases are lined with book-themed socks, T-shirts and other novelties, and the store boasts the largest collection of jigsaw puzzles in the Midwest. The landscaped courtyards offer pleasant places to read and enjoy the neighborhood’s ambience. bookloft. indiecommerce.com
Loganberry Books,
Cleveland: When this charming shop opened in 1995, it only sold collectible leatherbound and used books with niche focuses on women’s literature and history and children’s literature. Through the years, Loganberry Books has stayed true to those roots but has also grown to hold more than 150,000 new and used volumes across every subject in a fairy-tale
setting masterfully decorated with architecturally salvaged bookshelves and decor. Don’t miss taking a selfie in front of the mural on the shop’s exterior wall. loganberrybooks.com
Ohio Book Store, Cincinnati: The pleasant smell of thousands of books greets those who walk into the historic Ohio Book Store. Then they see the bookshelves, filled floor-to-ceiling with more than 300,000 mostly used books and magazines across the building’s five floors. The shop has a section specializing in Cincinnati history and repairs and binds historic books, such as family Bibles. The store has been open since 1940, and current owner James Fallon, who runs the business with his two sons, started working for the original owner when he was just 13 ohiobookstore.net
Natural
A Cleveland Museum of Natural History team discovered the skeleton of a Haplocanthosaurus, dubbed Happy, in 1954. It now stands prominently in the museum’s public Visitor Hall.
Evolution
A massive overhaul of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History upgrades the visitor experience, telling the story of Earth while reflecting northeast Ohio’s place in the world.
By Jim Vickers
Cleveland Museum of Natural History regulars have their favorites. There’s Happy, a massive skeleton of a Haplocanthosaurus — discovered by a museum team in Colorado in 1954 — that has long served as the institution’s mascot.
Then there’s Balto, the dog that led the famous 1925 Serum Run, which brought life-saving medicines to Nome, Alaska. (When a Cleveland businessman discovered the dog and his teammates had ended up in a Los Angeles sideshow, he led a community fundraising effort to purchase the canines so that they could live out the rest of their days in Ohio as heroes.) Balto ended up in the museum following his natural death in 1933.
Both are found in the public Visitor Hall of the newly reimagined Cleveland Museum of Natural History, located on University Circle. Happy lords over the large and
open lobby space, while the Balto exhibit (just a short walk away) presents the beautifully taxidermied remains of the dog standing against a snowy northern landscape.
The love Clevelanders have for these items is one of the reasons the museum decided to place them on public view. Visitors can stop in and see these favorites any time the museum is open without having to purchase a ticket. Along with Happy and Balto, six other items that have a connection to both science and the city are displayed in the free-flowing space.
“It’s a community trailhead. We want people to come here,” says Sonia Winner, president and CEO of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. “We want it to be more than just a traditional natural history museum. … We want to be the region’s family room.”
The museum unveiled its 5,000-squarefoot Visitor Hall in 2023 as a glimpse of what was to come when the institution’s $150 million reimagining was complete. That work is now done, and the full 375,000-square-foot museum reopened to the public on Dec. 15, 2024. The result is an achievement that not only tells the story of Earth’s natural history in a compelling and modern way but also presents it in a manner that gives context for Cleveland’s place in the world.
The first clue comes in the shape of the building, which resembles a glacier, with floor-to-ceiling windows running along its side. Glaciers once covered about twothirds of what is now Ohio and are the reason the Great Lakes exist today.
“Glaciers carved the Great Lakes. It’s why our environment looks like it does,” says Gavin Svenson, chief science officer at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. “And then the landscaping is actually a presentation of a glacial moraine. When glaciers melted and they pulled back, they left this incredible habitat behind. … People don’t think of northeast Ohio as a biodiverse place, but it really is.”
The shape of the building serves as the most visible way the museum’s design and
Visitors in the Evolving Life Wing (above left); Balto, the famous sled dog (left); a mammoth skeleton at the entrance of the Evolving Life Wing (opposite page top); kids in front of an interactive screen in the Dynamic Earth Wing (opposite page bottom)
architecture reflect the physical place it calls home, but there are also plenty of smaller touches. The Thelma and Kent H. Smith Environmental Courtyard uses Berea sandstone in the waterfall, and an engraving in the bluestone represents the regional waterways that feed into Lake Erie, which sits just north of the museum, beyond the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. DLR Group, a firm that has had a long relationship with the museum dating to 1955, handled the architecture and design work, as well as other elements of the project.
But the true power of the museum’s reimagining comes in experiencing its galleries, which artfully present a selection of the institution’s more than 5 million specimens. These thoughtfully designed spaces are intended to merge art and technology in ways that are not only insightful but also beautiful.
The Ames Family Curiosity Center invites visitors to pull real museum specimens housed in transparent cubes from a series of drawers and examine them under video microscopes. It’s the kind of interaction that brings science and biology to life in ways that books and videos simply cannot.
The Larry Sears and Sally Zlotnick Sears Dynamic Earth Wing takes visitors across the 4.6-billion-year history of our planet, beginning with the Big Bang (and the fact that we’re all created from stardust — “even you,” an interactive screen playfully reminds museumgoers). This trip back in time explains that life on the planet is a relatively recent arrival, when you get into the really long view. Exhibits throughout the gallery showcase the progression of how single-celled organisms evolved into creatures that finally left water for life on land.
One of the most striking features of the Dynamic Earth Wing is the wall of windows that place some of the museum’s exhibits, including a couple of its dinosaur skeletons, against the backdrop of University Circle. Silhouettes of pterodactyls on the window glass create an illusion of the animals flying in the distance. (There are also bird-safe dots printed on the newly installed glass to keep our modern-day flying friends from crashing into the building.)
The Evolving Life Wing picks up the story from there, featuring a wealth of museum specimens, media-enhanced dioramas and interactive exhibits that work together to reveal how evolutionary processes shaped all life on Earth and continue to do so today.
A large video screen displays simulations of the ancient ocean where the Dunkleosteus hunted its prey. The exterior of the reimagined museum resembles a glacier (below).
An exhibit within this wing showcases the bones of Lucy, a specimen CMNH researcher and former curator Donald Johanson discovered in Ethiopia in 1974 that changed our understanding of human origins. (Artist John Gurche’s life-size reconstruction of Lucy in the Visitor Hall depicts what she would have looked like.)
The Messages in Light Gallery outside the Nathan and Fannye Shafran Planetarium delves into the tools humans have used throughout history to better understand the universe and our place in it, while the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden provides a home to native Ohio creatures that can’t return to the wild.
What is most notable about the transformation is that the museum discarded the traditional chronological timeline when presenting the story of Earth and life on it. The new approach also emphasizes how we can work together toward a future
that protects the fragility of the planet.
“It’s really, really hard to connect people with things that happened 10 million years ago or 300 million years ago — it’s an inconceivable amount of time,” Svenson says. “We don’t follow a timeline. We’re not forcing you into a linear-based approach. … We’re simply breaking everything down into relevant stories.”
1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland 44106, 216/231-4600, cmnh.org
Mosquito Lake State Park
It's more than a place, it's a place to belong.
Each year the “Honey for the Heart” parade kicks off the evening festivities during the Athens Halloween Block Party in Uptown Athens, Ohio. Whether you’re watching or participating, this parade is sure to put a smile on your face.
COLUMBUS
Spring is a perfect time to explore our capital city, from world-class museums with new exhibits to food-and-drink finds to a full slate of sporting events. By
Emma Shinker
COSI
COLUMBUS
Museums
Located along the scenic Scioto Mile walking path, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum tells an engaging story of the U.S. military without being branch, era or conflict specific, instead focusing on the human stories behind service to our nation.
“What’s different about us is that we are really talking about service members themselves,” interim museum director Marie Zahn says. “It is about their time in the service but also about what it means to be a veteran.”
The emphasis on personal connection is apparent throughout the museum’s displays and interactive exhibits, which follow the journey of service members from the time they are inspired to join the military to life after returning home. Zahn’s favorite item in the collection is an ice cream container from 1944, in which an Army Air Forces navigator from Cleveland enclosed a letter.
“[He] put the address on this ice cream
container, and while he was flying overhead, … he launched it out of the airplane and it somehow made it to his family,” she explains.
Until May 11, visitors can also see “Syd Solomon: Concealed and Revealed,” which showcases the art of Solomon, an abstract
artist whose bold paintings are influenced by his time as an Army camouflage artist during World War II. The museum is also planning to hold its annual Vietnam War Veterans Day Welcome Home Ceremony on March 29.
Down the street, COSI hosts “Sharks,”
The National Veterans Memorial and Museum shares personal stories of military service. It is located along the Scioto Mile (below).
COLUMBUS
an exhibit presented in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History from April 12 to Sept. 1. Explore the evolution of sharks through life-size models (including a massive Megalodon) and even “transform” into a hammerhead shark to learn how they hunt in this expansive exhibit. Star Wars fans will want to make sure they stop by the center this spring for “Unofficial Galaxies” (opening May 10), an immersive exhibit that includes a showcase of props and costumes from one of the largest fan collections of Star Wars memorabilia in the world.
The Columbus Museum of Art opens two new exhibitions this spring, both of which premiere March 7. The first, titled “Wild Earth: JB Blunk and Toshiko Takaezu,” is organized by Daniel Marcus, the museum’s curator of collections and exhibitions. It explores the parallels between two 20th-century artists whose work blurs the line between craft and fine art. Blunk, known for his woodworking, and Takaezu, who is well known as a ceramicist,
Save the Date
Mark your calendar for these concerts, events and shows happening throughout our capital city this season
Blooms & Butterflies | Through July 6
Immerse yourself in an enchanting world of butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens during this exhibition that features hundreds of the vibrantly colored creatures. Watch as they land on tropical, nectar flowers in the Pacific Island Water Garden, and visit the Metamorphosis Lab to see new butterflies emerge every day. fpconservatory.org
A Chorus Line | March 20–April 19
See this dazzling show on the Short North Stage. The musical tells the story of life as a Broadway performer through songs like “What I Did For Love” and “I Can Do That.” In addition to standard performances there are also audio-described and American Sign Language
COSI’s “Unofficial Galaxies” (top); JB Blunk’s “Untitled,” part of “Wild Earth: JB Blunk and Toshiko Takaezu” (above)
COLUMBUS
both created pieces that pushed boundaries and communicated an awareness of the natural environment.
The second exhibition, “Louise Nevelson: Dawn to Dusk,” spans Nevelson’s career from early paintings and jewelry to the sculpture work for which she is most known. The exhibition features several pieces from the museum’s permanent collection and explores the artist’s connection to Columbus.
Foodie Finds
Charis and Lo Yost began selling Bears Bagels through farmers markets and cafes in 2022. The success of their bagels — which are hand rolled, rested for 24 hours, then boiled and baked — prompted the couple to open a permanent location in 2024. Now, they operate a scratch kitchen out of Hilliard with an extensive menu of sandwiches, flavored cream cheeses and bialys. Charis recommends the Por Que No El Puerco, a Southwest-inspired breakfast sandwich, but compares choosing a favorite dish to choosing a favorite child.
“My wife and I cultivated this menu over five, six months last year,” he says. “So we’re proud of every single offering.”
Charis and Lo also donate all credit-card tips to local nonprofits, serving up breakfast with a side of community spirit.
“We feel eternally grateful that not only do we have the platform to be able to live out Lo and I’s dream,” Charis says, “but we also have the opportunity to really make a difference and an impact in our local community.”
New to Columbus is pasta bar at Polaris Fashion Place where diners choose from a se lection of fresh breads, salads and pastas on a fixed-price menu. Owner, general manager and executive chef Yash Kishinchand channels his love of pasta into seasonal menus of handmade dishes that combine flavors from diverse cuisines with familiar Mid west favorites, such as the Buffalo Chicken Mac N Cheese. The passion for pasta continues at the bar, where you can order a Pasta Water Martini.
Can’t commit to one cuisine? Head to East Market in Olde Town East’s Historic Trolley District for a diverse array of locally owned food stalls. Among the 14 stalls, many can find a favorite at Just Chicken, while the hungriest visitors can enjoy the massive deli sandwiches at Buck City Sammies. The market is also home to Saba Middle Eastern Grill, the city’s only kosher fastfood restaurant.
performances on select days. shortnorthstage.org/acl
Mary J. Blige | April 2
Grammy and Emmy Award-winning singer and actress Mary J. Blige makes a tour stop at Nationwide Arena to perform hits from throughout her career, which includes eight multiplatinum albums. The night begins with opening acts Ne-Yo and Mario before Blige takes the stage with her unique blend of hip-hop and soul. nationwidearena.com
Monster Jam | April 4–6
Start your engines and head to the Schottenstein Center on the Ohio State University campus for Monster Jam. This three-day event features pit parties (separate ticket required) with the drivers and an up-close look at the competing trucks with names like Grave Digger, Earth Shaker and Jurassic Attack. monsterjam.com
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Concert | April 11–12
See the stunning finale to the Harry Potter series in a new way at the Ohio Theatre. Watch the adventures of Harry and his friends unfold on a screen above the stage as the Columbus Symphony Orchestra plays the accompanying score by Alexandre Desplat in real time. capa.com
Earth Day Celebration
April 26–27
Though the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium celebrates Earth Day every day, enjoy a special slate of events that celebrate our world and wildlife. Throughout the weekend, hear from local, environmentally focused organizations at conservation activity stations, dance around at Party for the Planet, enjoy Keeper Talks and much more. columbuszoo.org
Sleeping Beauty | May 2–4
See this classic fairy tale come to life through dance during BalletMet’s production of “Sleeping Beauty.” Attend one of the five shows to watch Princess Aurora fall under a spell from the wicked Maleficent only to be saved by true love’s kiss. This ballet features stunning dance, gorgeous costuming and beautiful music. balletmet.org
DISCOVER
THINGS TO DO EVERY WEEK!
Opposite Page: A breakfast sandwich at Bears Bagels, which sold at farmers markets and cafes before opening a location in Hilliard (top); a dish at Flour in Columbus (bottom)
COLUMBUS
After ordering, make your way to the seating area on the second floor, which also hosts events such as Switch Social, a unique food-and-cocktail pairing experience.
For those with a sweet tooth, there’s no better way to explore the capital of the Buckeye State than the Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail, which features 17 stops showcasing the iconic peanut-butterand-chocolate treat. Don’t miss the handrolled buckeyes and fudge at Schmidt’s Fudge Haus in German Village or The Buckeye Lady’s stuffed buckeyes in Clintonville. Download the free trail pass from the Experience Columbus website to earn prizes as you go.
Sporting Events
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Columbus’ Arena District. While there are set to be several events to highlight the anniversary of this vibrant downtown Columbus neighborhood, you can celebrate all season long by showing your support for one of the four professional sports teams that call this pocket of the capital city home. The newest addition to the roster is the Columbus Fury, an
inaugural member of the Pro Volleyball Federation and Ohio’s only professional women’s sports team.
Ohioana Book Festival | May 3
Calling all bookworms: This annual festival celebrates Ohio authors and literature. Hosted at the State Library of Ohio, the event invites festivalgoers to tour the Ohioana Library collection, hear from Ohio authors
and illustrators, grab a bite from the on-site food trucks and enjoy family-friendly activities. ohioana.org
Columbus Asian Festival
May 24–25
Celebrate heritage and tradition
Before last season, playing volleyball professionally meant athletes had to move abroad, and that’s just what Megan Lush, a
over two days in downtown Columbus during the 30th annual Columbus Asian Festival. Enjoy events, live shows, food and vendors. Leading up to the festival, catch the Table Tennis Tournament at the Columbus Table Tennis Club (May 10) and the Dragon Boat Race on the Scioto River (May 18). asian-festival.org
Columbus Taco Fest
May 24–25
You can never have too many options when it comes to tacos. You’ll find what you’re looking for during this two-day festival
at Columbus’ Goodale Park. Sample tacos from throughout the city while enjoying drinks, live music and fun activities during this free annual event. columbustacofest.com
The Memorial Tournament
May 26–June 1
Venture north of Columbus to Dublin to see pro golfers play at this Ohio stop along the PGA Tour. Founded by Jack Nicklaus, the tournament is hosted each year at the Muirfield Village Golf Club and benefits several local charities and organizations such as
Jill Gillen of the Columbus Fury (left); the Columbus Clippers’ home opener is April 1 (opposite page).
Dayton native and Fury team captain who played overseas for eight years, did before joining the Columbus team.
“[It was] a full-circle moment for me, experiencing volleyball in the state that I grew up in,” she says.
The Fury play their home matches at Nationwide Arena, where fans can expect exciting theme nights throughout the spring. The team also encourages families, and especially young girls, to attend matches.
“To be able to provide another avenue, another sport, in which young girls can thrive and feel love and support in is super important,” Lush says. “Having a daughter makes me want to show her that this [is] possible.”
The Columbus Blue Jackets are also playing at Nationwide Arena (with one NHL Stadium Series game at Ohio Stadium against the Detroit Red Wings on March 1), where fans can expect a variety of promotions during home games this season. Learn about the Science of Hockey with COSI (March 20) as the team faces the Florida Panthers, jam with the Columbus School of Rock Band during Kids Takeover (March 28) against the Vancouver Canucks and collect a free team poster during the final regular-season game against the New York Islanders (April 17).
Just down the street at Lower.com Field, score a ticket to see the Columbus Crew fight for another spot in the MLS Cup playoffs this year. Keep an eye on the team’s website for information about giveaways and theme nights throughout the spring and summer.
Finally, make your way to Huntington Park to catch the Cleveland Guardians’ Triple-A affiliate, the Columbus Clippers, play against the St. Paul Saints on opening day (April 1). The evening is sure to be nothing short of a home run with the return of Tansky Dime-a-Dog Night, where attendees can purchase classic ballpark hot dogs for just 10 cents.
WHEN YOU GO MUSEUMS
National Veterans Memorial and Museum nationalvmm.org
COSI cosi.org
Columbus Museum of Art columbusmuseum.org
FOOD & DRINK
Bears Bagels bearsbagels614.com
Flour flourcolumbus.com
East Market eastmarketcolumbus.com
Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail experiencecolumbus.com
SPORTS
Columbus Fury provolleyball.com/teams/ columbus-fury
Columbus Blue Jackets nhl.com/bluejackets
Columbus Crew columbuscrew.com
Columbus Clippers milb.com/columbus
Nationwide Children’s Hospital. thememorialtournament.com
Columbus Arts Festival
June 6–8
Since 1962, the Columbus Arts Festival has been connecting art lovers with both local artists and those from other parts of the country who work in a variety of mediums. Now a three-day festival held along the downtown riverfront, the annual event draws visitors to shop for art and enjoy a variety of live performances. columbusartsfestival.org
Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival & Resource Fair
June 13–14
Be part of the city’s annual Pride celebration hosted by Stonewall Columbus. This festival at Goodale Park features vendors, community resources and two performance stages hosting entertainment. On Saturday, take part in the Stonewall Columbus Pride March. stonewallcolumbus. org/pride
Buckeye Country Superfest
June 21
One of the biggest days of Country Music in Columbus
is back at Ohio Stadium for the 2025 Buckeye Country Superfest. This year’s headliners are “Need a Favor” singer Jelly Roll and Kane Brown. They are joined by rising country star
Megan Moroney, as well as special guests Treaty Oak Revival, Dasha and Conner Smith. buckeyecountrysuperfest.com
Juneteenth Ohio Festival
June 21-22
Celebrate Juneteenth — commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. — during this free festival at Genoa Park that focuses on community. Enjoy soul food, concerts, a classic car show, flag-raising ceremony, a marketplace, college and career fair, gospel music performances and much more. juneteenthohio.com
Take A Trip Off the Beaten Path
Discover exciting new destinations, one -of- a-kind experiences and renowned cultural attractions. Shopping, food & brews, unique places to stay and more. In Ohio Amish country adventure awaits at every turn.
visitamishcountry.com (330) 674-3975
AMISH COUNTRY
Whether you’re looking for an inn with plenty to do on-site, a bed-and-breakfast to start your day off right or accommodations surrounded by nature, these spots offer memorable stays. By Gracie Metz
THE WHITE OAK INN
Experience the Best of Ohio’s Amish Country
Slow, relaxing, rural. Leave the hustle and bustle behind and step back in time to tour Ohio’s Amish Country. Experience a simpler way of life that is slow-paced and community focused. Enjoy scenic beauty, indulge in delicious homemade food, support local artisans and craftspeople, and learn about Amish history and culture — the perfect familyfriendly vacation.
Cultural Experiences: Ohio’s Amish Country provides a rare glimpse into authentic Amish lifestyles, where modern technology is avoided in favor of simpler, more traditional methods of living. Many towns and museums in the area offer educational tours to learn about Amish traditions, history, religion, and values. Explore Behalt Amish Mennonite Heritage Center to learn the history of the Amish community.
Amish Style Cooking: The Amish are known for their hearty, home-cooked meals. Local restaurants, such
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as Amish Door Restaurant serve delightful dishes like broasted chicken, mashed potatoes, homemade pies, and other comfort foods. As a bonus, take home fresh baked bread and pies from the bakery!
Authentic Homemade Treats: Enjoy an abundance of meats, cheeses, baked goods, and even artisan chocolates. Local spots like Heini’s Cheese Chalet in Bunker Hill and Coblentz Chocolate Company in Walnut Creek are fantastic for shopping for artisan products and delicious foods. Amish Country is the perfect place to discover authentic, homemade treats and high-quality products.
Handcrafted Furniture: Amish Country is famous for its high-quality, handcrafted furniture, made to last a lifetime. For unique, high-end, custom furniture visit Homestead Furniture, located in Mt. Hope. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful wooden table or an armoire for your home, the Amish community is known for its exceptional craftsmanship.
Unique Shops & Stores: Located in Kidron, Lehman’s iconic old-time general store is a destination. From the practical to the pretty, find products for both your home and garden. The immense 35,000-square-foot store feels like shopping while visiting a museum at the same time. The Walnut Creek Marketplace provides a country setting with a family friendly atmosphere, offering hand-crafted items, souvenirs, antiques, crafts, quilts, and other artisanal goods.
The rolling hills, covered bridges, and charming farms of the picturesque countryside make Ohio’s Amish Country perfect for a scenic getaway. Plan your overnight getaway and stay at The Inn at Amish Door in Wilmot.
Learn more at bestofamishcountry.com.
Stay. Dine. Shop. Relax.
• Cultural Experiences
• Scenic Beauty
• Delicious Local Cuisine
• Handcrafted Goods and Shopping
American Made. Better Quality. Family Value Pricing. Custom Options.
Love for chocolate spans generations. Discover decadence at Coblentz Chocolate Company. A country setting with a friendly family atmosphere.
AMISH COUNTRY
Bed-and-Breakfasts
These welcoming places offer a sense of community and great meals to kick off each morning of your stay.
The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast
Although the bright red exterior gives away that this structure was once a barn, guests who stay here would never guess that based on a first look inside. Several farmers owned this 19th-century structure before it was converted into a bed-andbreakfast in 1996.
Vaulted ceilings allude to the structure’s history as a working barn, as do the original wormy chestnut support beams. Those who stay here are invited to spend time in the living room, playing games by the stone fireplace while listening to music on the working original Edison record player.
“We make sure that our guests have an opportunity to communicate with each other and [have] fellowship together,” says Gene Rowland, who has owned the inn with his wife, Michelle, since 2017.
Accommodations here include queen suites — with a Jacuzzi tub and gas fireplace — and king suites, which have heated bathroom floors.
Each morning, the Rowlands prepare a breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients. Eleven antique oak tables fill the dining area — one for each room in the bedand-breakfast. But what guests will notice is that despite having their own table, none of the chairs face their back to one other, fostering camaraderie between guests.
“There’s a spirit here to the barn that makes it more of a connection point or a part of someone’s journey in life,” Rowland says, “and not just a place [they] stayed.” 6838 County Rd. 203, Millersburg 44654, 330/674-7600, thebarninn.com
Miller Haus Bed and Breakfast
When guests arrive at the 12.5-acre grounds of Miller Haus, it feels like the fast pace of everyday life has been left behind. The atmosphere here merges rustic farmhouse with old-fashioned Victorian, and it’s been that way since Junior Miller’s brother, Daryl, built and opened the bedand-breakfast in the mid-1990s. Miller purchased his brother’s property at public auction in 2016 and has operated it ever since.
“My values for the property [are] a clean house, good food [and] hospitality,” Miller says. “Those are the three things that I really talk to my employees about.”
The Amish-owned and -operated bedand-breakfast has nine guest rooms with a mix of accommodations, ranging from kingand queen-size bedrooms to rooms with multiple beds.
Miller says the thing that draws people in the most is the breakfast — homemade and served family-style Tuesdays through Saturdays (a self-serve breakfast buffet option is offered on Sunday). Add in the evening snack of pastries and coffee, and guests here remain comfortable and well-fed all day.
“Guests just want to come together and form relationships and meet new people,” Miller says. “We have quite a few people that actually met there for the first time. Now their plans are to meet every year at the same time.” 3135 County Rd. 135, Millersburg 44654, 330/893-3602, millerhaus.com
The White Oak Inn
Located about 15 miles east of Mount Vernon, The White Oak Inn sits on 14 acres of Knox County countryside. Between the main house and guest house, visitors will find 10 rooms, all featuring a private bathroom and four with fireplaces.
Though the rooms draw people in, the food and the personalized experience keeps them coming back.
Cabins, Tiny Homes & Treehouses
Embrace nature and simplicity at these spots that range from compact accommodations to a stay in the treetops.
Berlin Woods Treehouses
People often stay in Amish Country because they are looking for a tranquil, slow-paced getaway, and there is no better way to recharge and reconnect with your surroundings than to wake up in the treetops among the birds and squirrels.
Visitors will find a scenic view around every corner at Berlin Woods Treehouse’s 12-unit property. This is especially true of the six deluxe treehouses, which sleep six, and include a two-story wall of windows in the living area. Amenities include a full kitchen and dining nook, as well as a kingsize bed, full bathroom, living area with fireplace and a walkout patio.
“If you stand here long enough, you can eventually see the light fixtures move as the wind starts to sway the treehouse a little bit,” says Michael Brindley, general manager of Amish Country Lodging, which owns the treehouses. “It’s definitely a unique experience.”
size bed and access to the small, third-level crow’s nest with two chairs, which is popular among younger visitors.
The property’s other treehouses vary in layout and size, sleeping as few as two or as many as six guests. No matter which house you book, though, each offers a memorable way to connect with nature. 5331 County Rd. 626, Millersburg 44654, 330/893-1300, amishcountrylodging.com/berlin-treehouses
Wildwood Hill Cabins
Pulling up to Wildwood Hill Cabins in Sugarcreek is reminiscent of days spent playing with Lincoln Logs. The 7-acre property is home to two log cabins owned by Mark and Mary Ellen Beachy, who purchased the land at auction with Wildwood Hill Cabin already on it in 2004 and later built Creek Song Cabin in 2021.
Those looking for a private getaway will find it here, tucked into remote woods in Sugarcreek. The main factor to consider when choosing between cabins is group size, with Wildwood Hill Cabin being well-suited for couples and Creek Song Cabin serving larger groups. Both feature hot tubs on enclosed porches and handmade furniture.
“We have a lot of repeat guests, and we know their favorite dishes,” says innkeeper Yvonne Martin. “We ask about things like birthdays and anniversaries, and we leave [guests] little gifts for those events.”
Martin has owned The White Oak Inn with her husband since 1992, and each night, they create a fine-dining experience for guests in the form of a four-course meal that features a rotation of from-scratch dishes like salmon, stuffed chicken and pork tenderloin. Breakfast includes options like egg scrambles, pancakes, quiches or waffles, as well as fresh coffee and muffins.
Martin says inn guests are welcome to play checkers in the common room while enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning, and there are a selection of board games, books and magazines to help visitors make themselves at home.
“We wanted somewhere that, literally, people could put their feet up on the coffee table and take a nap on the sofa in the common room,” Martin says. “We don’t want people to feel like it’s formal and that they can’t touch things. We want them to relax [and] enjoy it.” 29683 Walhonding Rd., Danville 43014, 740/599-6107, whiteoakinn.com
A walk up the metal spiral staircase in the deluxe unit unfolds into a second story that looks down to the ground floor. Here, guests will find a second bathroom, king-
“My husband loves to make things out of old, weathered barnwood, so he made all of the beds, the table, the coffee stands; a lot of things in the new cabin,” Mary Ellen says.
Guests at both cabins will find a full kitchen with everything needed to stay in
Guests at The White Oak Inn start their day with a homemade breakfast (above). Berlin Woods Treehouses offers stays like the three-story Skyview Treehouse on its sprawling property (below).
AMISH COUNTRY
and cook, as well as coffee pods and small snacks like granola bars. Board games, books and Wi-Fi also help provide guests with the entertainment they might need during their getaway.
“We’ve traveled a lot and been to a lot of Airbnbs and cabins, so we try to give what we ourselves like,” Mary Ellen says. “That’s the Golden Rule, right?” 5373 Leihley Hill Rd. NW, Sugarcreek 44681, 330-852-3872, wildwoodhillcabin.com
Tiny Stays Berlin
The modernity of the 21st century meets the quaint charm of Amish Country at two tiny homes in Berlin from Amish Country Lodging. Guests here have their choice of two options — the Lux and the Scandi, both of which boast a private feel despite being on the same property.
Each home has different amenities to consider when booking, mainly that the Scandi features a private, outdoor barrel sauna, and the Lux has a hot tub. As the name implies, each covers a tiny footprint, making for a comfortable but decidedly compact stay. (The Scandi, for example, measures just 24 feet by 8 1/2 feet.)
“When I saw them the first time, I thought anyone who ever decides to live this way is crazy” Michael Brindley, who has managed the property since October,
says with a laugh. “But, no, I thought it was a really unique addition to the [Amish Country Lodging] collection.”
The Scandi features a living area, kitchen and full-size bathroom on the ground floor and a loft with the sleeping quarters. A ceiling skylight allows guests to stargaze from bed on clear nights.
In the Lux home, the skylight is also a
feature, in addition to a full soaking bathtub and a drop-down projector screen from the loft. 5221 St. Rte. 39, Millersburg 44654, 330/893-1300, tinystaysberlin.com
Inn Experiences
These locations offer great accommodations but also plenty more to explore on-site, from restaurants to an open-air art museum to horseback riding.
Carlisle Inn
The scent of buttery popcorn and warm cookies waft from the second floor each evening, signifying snack time at the Carlisle Inn. It’s just one of the small, special touches implemented at both locations of these Amish Country hotels.
Owned by Dutchman Hospitality Group, the first Carlisle Inn opened at Walnut Creek in 1994, and the second opened in Sugarcreek a decade later. At Walnut Creek, the rooms are cozier and boast a vintage feel, while the Sugarcreek location has standard-size rooms in addition to suites, which are often chosen for honeymoon or anniversary stays.
“We always have guests comment on the elegance of both hotels,” says Kristina Schlabach, general manager of the Carlisle Inn at Sugarcreek.
Book a cozy and compact stay for two in the Scandi at Tiny Stays Berlin (top). Settle in at Wildwood Hill Cabins for a tranquil getaway featuring the comforts of home (above).
TOP: SHELBY WILRAY
Der Dutchman Walnut Creek
Broasted Chicken Meal
Fresh Strawberry Pie
Spring Into Amish Country
Experience the serene beauty of Amish Country in the springtime — a true sanctuary of tranquility and charm. As the countryside awakens with vibrant blooms, lush greenery, and the sweet scent of fresh flowers, you’ll be captivated by the simplicity and warmth of timeless destinations. Enjoy hot coffee and a slice of fresh strawberry pie. Our campuses are an oasis of hospitality, entertainment, and wholesome enjoyment.
Dine, Shop, & Stay With Us!
Restaurants, Shops, Inns & Theater | dhgroup.com
Stage Photography by Neading Media
Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek
AMISH COUNTRY
At Walnut Creek, Der Dutchman restaurant sits across the parking lot from the inn and overlooks the scenic Goose Bottom Valley. In Sugarcreek, the Dutch Valley Restaurant and Ohio Star Theater are on the same campus as the hotel. In the evenings, those staying in Sugarcreek can head to one of the hotel’s seating areas to play games with loved ones or listen to skilled guests play the piano.
“That’s the thing that hits me so often if I’m here later in the evening. ... I go upstairs and just see people relaxing and having a good time,” Schlabach says. “And we get feedback from so many grandparents saying, ‘It was so wonderful to spend time with my children and grandchildren.’” For more information about both Carlisle Inn properties, visit dhgroup.com/inns.
The Inn at Honey Run
As soon as you turn down The Inn at Honey Run’s driveway off County Road 203, you’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere special. The inn has long been a favorite Amish Country getaway destination, offering guests a distinctly tranquil feel thanks to its tucked-away location.
That sense of peace is what prompted owner Jason Nies to relocate from Columbus in 2009.
“I was just blown away, with its beauty, with its serenity,” he says. “There’s almost a spiritual quality here.”
Marge Stock founded The Inn at Honey Run in the 1980s, before Nies took up the mantle of the 42-room inn that includes standard guest rooms, as well as the Club Level Honeycomb rooms that are built into the hillside and walk out to a private patio. In 2024, the Inn at Honey Run also introduced three Club Level Lofts, which accommodate two guests and include an outdoor area with a gazebo and firepit.
Guests should opt for a meal at Tarragon, the on-site restaurant, which recently adpoted an Alpine-inspired menu and offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails. On the grounds, guests can enjoy the open-air art museum and walking trails.
“What you do at Honey Run is come and visit with who you’re with, and sometimes that’s just yourself.” Nies says. “It’s just that spiritual time to reconnect with your creator, with yourself, with your world and with your life.” 6920 County Rd. 203, Millersburg 44654, 330/674-0011, innathoneyrun.com
Guggisberg Swiss Inn
When Julia Guggisberg and her husband, Eric, looked out their truck window over the valley of their newly ac-
quired property in 1992, they knew they had to share its beauty with others. The result was Guggisberg Swiss Inn, a quaint, 23-room inn in Holmes County. Guests often arrive to see horses in the pasture out back. Eric has 22 American Quarter Horses and offers guided 40-to-45-minute trail rides behind the inn.
“From the road, you can see some nice scenery, but it doesn’t compare to being out on it,” Eric says. “We go over some hilltop, through the woods and through the glen and everywhere but grandma’s house.”
Inn guests are greeted by a comfortable atmosphere that has evolved from the feel of a traditional Swiss inn. Guests at the inn can choose from double or king rooms or book the property’s singular Jacuzzi suite with a king bed.
Everyone starts their morning with a from-scratch meal. The inn also has a vineyard and winery on-site, both of which are managed by the Guggisbergs’ daughter, Brittania. The winery offers small cheese plates and produces eight varieties of wine made using grapes from the vineyard.
“The majority of people that come in are looking for a sweeter wine,” Julia says. “So normally I recommend the Blush or the Pink Catawba or the Concord.” 5025 St. Rte. 557, Millersburg 44654, 330/893-3600, guggisbergswissinn.com
TOLEDO
The arrival of warmer temperatures brings a fresh focus on the city’s redeveloped riverfront and what you can see, do and experience along it. By Kristina Smith
GLASS CITY RIVERWALK
TOLEDO
Following the first significant snowfall at Toledo’s Glass City Metropark in 2020, organizers expected maybe 50 kids to show up to enjoy the sledding hill, walking trails and enclosed pavilion. Instead, nearly 1,200 joyful youngsters arrived to sled at the city’s newest park.
Similarly, Glass City Metropark’s ice-skating course, The Ribbon — which accommodates roller skaters and scooters in the warmer months — has been packed since it opened in June 2023 and welcomed its 100,000th ice skater in early 2025. In addition to sledding and skating, The Ribbon offers rentable cabanas with fire pits and heaters and provides an opportunity to order food and seasonal drinks from the on-site restaurant, The Garden by Poco Piatti. The cabanas book up quickly and are regularly full.
“We thought that it would be popular. We didn’t know it would be this popular,” Matt Killam, Metroparks Toledo’s chief outreach officer, says of the park. “People need stuff to do 365 days a year and want access to outdoor recreation and activities. These things are examples that people are starving for it. People are traveling to visit downtown Toledo during the winter, which has been unheard of.”
Glass City Metropark is just one piece of the blossoming Glass City Riverwalk, a $250 million investment to create a total of 5.5 miles of all-purpose trails along the east and west sides of the Maumee River, connecting those opposite sides while simultaneously revitalizing downtown Toledo. The project has taken underused spaces and turned them into thriving areas, from commercial development to recreational spots to public art spaces. Glass City Metropark, for example, sits on land that once housed a power plant.
“Although it’s the river that made us a city, we had sort of turned our backs on it,” Killam says.
Not anymore. The Glass City Riverwalk is filled with opportunities for recreation
and entertainment. Visitors to downtown Toledo can take a walk that offers unique riverfront views of the city, grab a bite to eat, explore museums or enjoy a sporting event or concert. A water taxi run by J&M Cruise Lines connects the two sides of the river.
When completed, the project will span 300 acres that offer public fishing, boating, birding and more. Kayak Cove at Glass City Metropark provides an opportunity to rent a kayak or launch your own and paddle in an area sheltered by the Adventure Boardwalk
or venture out onto the Maumee River. The Adventure Boardwalk has several bridges spanning the water and is a great spot for photo ops and catching a stunning sunset. Along the waterfront on the other side of the Maumee River, public art abounds. Murals of cardinals and scenes of Toledo’s past, including Promenade Park’s “Echo” (a walk-through sculpture of metal rings built from a smokestack at a former Toledo steam plant) and the iconic “Blue Lupine” (a metal sculpture of Lucas County’s official wild-
KAYAK
DOUG HINEBAUGH, COURTESY OF METROPARKS TOLEDO
The Ribbon (above) and Kayak Cove (below)
TOLEDO
flower), located at the Glass City Center are just a few of these beloved works.
In the same area, the science-themed museum Imagination Station offers an array of hands-on exhibits ripe for discovery and learning. The Huntington Center, home of the Toledo Walleye (minor league affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings) and a prime concert venue, and Fifth-Third Field, home of the Toledo Mud Hens (minor league affili-
ate of the Detroit Tigers), are just steps away from the waterfront.
Restaurants ranging from pubs to fine dining, breweries and lofts have popped up along the riverwalk and throughout downtown in recent years. Live music, such as concerts at Promenade Park and Hensville, takes place throughout the warmer months.
One of the latest areas of emphasis is part of the Glass City Riverwalk’s third
phase: the rejuvenation of Toledo’s oldest neighborhood, the Vistula Historic District on the west side of the river. A big part of that is Toledo Pickle Co., which opened in early 2025. This new event center allows pickleball players of all skill levels to enjoy the ever-popular game, as well as get active with rock-climbing walls, shuffleboard and cornhole. The on-site Stay Out of the Kitchen Grill serves up affordable and delicious fare, craft beers and signature cocktails to enjoy after playing.
The city of Toledo had been using the building as a staging area for its road salt and utility vehicles, which wasn’t the best use of a waterfront building, Killam says. Toledo Pickle Co. is an example of how the Glass City Riverwalk reimagines underutilized spaces and how to best maximize their potential.
Ostrich Towne, a private development in the Vistula neighborhood, is another. Named for the alley that runs through it, Ostrich Towne was mostly abandoned warehouse space that has now been repurposed into lofts and offices, as well as retail and restaurant space.
“There’s a saying from a movie that [goes] ‘If you build it, they will come.’ That’s not
Mini Maumee Discovery Play Area (above); “Field of Histories” public art (right)
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TOLEDO
really true,” Killam says. “If you build it based on what people said they wanted and invite them over and over again, they will come.”
Once the Vistula project is complete, Glass City Riverwalk plans call for the revitalization of International Park near The Docks area (home to several restaurants and a Metroparks-owned boathouse) on the east side of the river, Killam says. He adds that the entire Riverwalk is expected to be completed in 2030. For more information about Toledo’s Glass City Riverwalk, visit glasscityriverwalk.com.
Explore Great Lakes History
Travelers should visit the thriving and growing National Museum of the Great Lakes, which is located right beside Glass City Metropark and provides both context for Toledo’s role in Great Lakes history and a unique view of the city. Exhibits detail the Great Lakes and how navigating them has changed through the decades, while intricate models show how ship building has evolved over time.
A simulator lets visitors make a virtual dive around the sunken freighter Edmund Fitzgerald, which wrecked in Lake Superior during a gale on Nov. 10, 1975. A life raft and oars from the Edmund Fitzgerald, whose captain and a majority of its crew were from Toledo, are among the artifacts on display. They join others from historic ships that are prominently showcased throughout the museum and tell a broader story of the lakes.
“The Edmund Fitzgerald was commonly referred to as the Toledo Express,” says Kate Fineske, the museum’s executive director. “We’re really trying to have Toledo be that space where people remember that tragedy that happened within our lifetime.”
From May through October, the retired cargo freighter Col. James M. Schoonmaker and tugboat Ohio, both built in the early 1900s and now moored on the river, offer close-up looks at life aboard these crafts when they were in service, as well as the enormity of the boats.
“You go in there and you think about the talent of these individuals to steer these huge things through the water,” Fineske says of the Schoonmaker. “It has one of the single best views of downtown Toledo. It’s just an incredible overview of the city.”
Meanwhile, the museum is in the process of a $5.5 million expansion that is expected to be finished by the end of June. It will add 5,000 square feet of exhibit space, including a more permanent exhibit area and space for rotating special exhibits. The cornerstone will be the pilot house of
MICHAEL DESANTO
National Museum of the Great Lakes (above); Col. James M. Schoonmaker
TOLEDO
the St. Marys Challenger, a fleet mate of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker, which will be accessible from inside the museum to look out over the river. It will give a similar view to the Schoonmaker but will be open to museum visitors year-round.
A permanent gallery will feature roughly a dozen boat models of Great Lakes ships that tell stories, including those of integration and salvage in the shipping industry.
“History happens every day,” Fineske says. “We’re definitely taking the history that’s been happening and taking it into the future in our new permanent exhibit space. There are so many stories that we haven’t been able to tell.” 1701 Front St., Toledo 43605, 419/214-5000, nmgl.org
Take a River Cruise
Departing from a dock along the Glass City Riverwalk, the Sandpiper and Glass City Pearl offer opportunities to see Toledo from a unique perspective.
“We have a multitude of people every year that come on the boat who tell us
they live here and have grown up here … and have never been on [an excursion],” says Paul Lis, owner of J&M Cruise Lines, which owns the boats. “It’s a completely different way to see Toledo.”
When the Sandpiper, which leisurely travels up the river and is built to look like a historic canal boat, cruises up alongside the city’s famous Glass City River Wall, those aboard hold up their phones, ready to snap pictures. They’re wowed by the magnitude of the mural, which is the largest in America and one of Toledo’s most recognizable pieces of public art. They snap picture after picture of the row of giant grain silos painted with brilliant yellow sunflowers and portraits of Native Americans, who once lived on this land and grew sunflowers here.
The Sandpiper offers a closeup view of the mural that few get to see. It also passes the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, the Toledo
Yacht Club and stunning waterfront homes and natural areas. Eagles fly past now and then, and deer are sometimes spotted swimming near the shore.
“It’s a nice, calming, slow ride” Lis says. “People love the mural. They love being able to get up and see the other boats. They absolutely love looking at all the gorgeous homes.”
The Glass City Pearl, a yacht-like boat that is built to handle the waves of Lake Erie, offers another perspective with sunset cruises, fishing charters on Lake Erie and event rentals, as well as Sunday brunch and Taco Tuesday cruises. J&M Cruise Lines is planning special events for both boats, including a series of historical cruises, karaoke nights, live music and special themed nights. For more information about J&M Cruise Lines excursions, call 419/537-1212 or visit jmcruiselines.com.
Book an excursion on the Sandpiper (top right) or the Glass City Pearl (above) during your visit to Toledo.
WEST VIRGINIA
The Mountain State is home to beautiful destinations, rich history and year-round adventures, generating a wealth of unforgettable experiences. By Nathan Havenner
CATHEDRAL FALLS
WEST VIRGINIA
Monongahela National Forest
With more than 920,000 acres spread across 10 counties, West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest offers some of the most pristine mountain scenery in all of West Virginia. The forest is home to dozens of hiking and backpacking trails — with challenging routes suitable for more dedicated hikers. There are also relaxing pursuits, such as taking a drive along the 43-mile Highland Scenic Highway for panoramic views of the region’s mountains and valleys.
“You can find the rolling foothills of the Appalachians, and you can also find the taller, rockier peaks such as Spruce Knob or Seneca Rocks and North Fork Mountain,” says Josh Poling, public affairs officer at Monongahela National Forest.
First-time visitors looking to fully immerse themselves in the culture, history and diversity of Monongahela National Forest should begin their trip with a stop at one of the park’s two nature centers, where they can gain insight into the area before heading out and exploring.
The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, located along the Highland Scenic Highway, features a native plant garden and nature trail, as well as plenty of interactive activities, events and programs for both children and adults. (story continues on page 144)
PHOTO BY ROBERT C. WHETSELL
AND KELLY BRIDGES (BELOW)
Visitors hike a trail at the Mower Tract Restoration in the Greenbrier Ranger District (below). Otter Creek Wilderness is within Monongahela National Forest.
The stunning beauty of lovingly preserved country manors surround the architecturally rich downtown of Martinsburg as you explore Berkeley County, West Virginia. The rich history of our past is evident at every turn. Hike our trails, paddle our lakes, and wine and dine downtown.
WEST VIRGINIA
WEST VIRGINIA WATERFALL TRAIL
From internationally recognized waterfalls such as Blackwater Falls to lesser-known spots scattered throughout mountains and valleys, the West Virginia Waterfall Trail encourages visitors to experience and document their journey through the Mountain State’s natural wonders one waterfall at a time.
The West Virginia Waterfall Trail launched in 2022 with 29 waterfalls and has since grown to feature 43 falls. The trail is the first of its kind in the nation, and those wishing to participate can sign up for the mobile passport on West Virginia Tourism’s website to keep track of the waterfalls they have visited. The mobile passport also enables participants to earn points that they can put toward official West Virginia Waterfall Trail prizes such as a sticker, water bottle, T-shirt or — for those who visit every fall on the list — a letterpress print. While the trail features some of the state’s most popular falls, it’s also a great way to get out and explore some out-of-the-way spots.
“It doesn’t just get people to those well-known waterfalls,” says Chelsea Ruby, tourism secretary for the West Virginia Department of Tourism, which created the trail. “It’s getting them to lesser-known waterfalls in more rural areas of the state, taking them to places that might not have been on their list.” For more information about the West Virginia Waterfall Trail, visit wvtourism.com/waterfalls.
Clockwise from bottom right: Falls of the Hills, Drawdy Falls, Butcher Branch Falls and Mash Fork Falls
WEST VIRGINIA
The Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, located at the base of Seneca Rocks off West Virginia state Route 28, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs. Here, visitors also have the chance to see how pioneers and early settlers lived during the mid-1800s with a visit to the nearby Sites Homestead, which features heritage gardens blooming with a variety of vegetables, herbs and flowers.
The area is also home to a regional delicacy that some may be unfamiliar with. Each spring, often well-before other local plants have sprung to life, small ramp buds begin to break the ground’s surface, offering a tasty treat for those dedicated enough to seek them out. Described as a wild leek, ramps have edible green leaves and bulbs that can be utilized in a variety of dishes. Although the scent can be pungent, the plant is often enjoyed in salads and soups and can even be used as seasoning.
The wild native plant is celebrated at multiple spring festivals all across West Virginia, including during the annual Ramps and Rail Festival in Elkins, scheduled for April 27 this year.
“You will find them in the spring thaw, the green leaves starting to poke through the snow,” Poling says. “They are very strong, but they are very delicious.” For more information about the Monongahela National Forest, visit fs.usda. gov/mnf. For more information about the Ramps and Rail Festival, visit elkinsdepot.com.
Rail Explorers
West Virginia has long been known for its rich railroading history, an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Rail Explorers combines all these sought-after qualities with its latest rail biking experience in Clay, West Virginia.
Guests of all ages can climb aboard a two- or four-seat rail bike to enjoy the 12-mile-round trip along the Buffalo (story continues on page 148)
Ramps can be used to make salads and soups (above). A family takes a ride on West Virginia’s Rail Explorers.
WEST VIRGINIA
BUNGEE JUMPING IN HARPERS FERRY
Perhaps best known as a hub for history enthusiasts, the West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry hopes to appeal to thrill seekers with its most recent offering: an unprecedented bungee-jumping experience from The Great Bungee Co. Located along the cliffs of the Old Standard Quarry, the jump is set to open in spring 2025 and will be the first of its kind in the country. The experience will feature a state-of-the-art cantilevered bungee tower, allowing jumpers to freefall some 150 feet above a spring-fed lake, before dipping into the water once the cord has decelerated. After the first fall, jumpers will experience multiple rebounds that slowly decrease in height until they come to a stop and are retrieved by a boat waiting at the bottom. Those looking to add even more excitement to their trip can head to the nearby River Riders Adventure Resort, which has plans to collaborate with The Great Bungee Co. to offer a variety of extreme-sports activities in Harpers Ferry. For more information about Bungee Jumping in Harpers Ferry, visit greatbungee.com.
Future bungee jumping site in Harpers Ferry
WEST VIRGINIA
Creek & Gauley Railroad. Founder and CEO of Rail Explorers USA Mary Joy Lu says hopping aboard one of the pedal-assisted rail bikes is a great way to take in the beauty of the Mountain State at a leisurely and enjoyable pace.
“Being lower to the ground and without any sort of coverings around you gives you the full immersive effect of being out there in the woods,” she says.
After strapping in for their ride, rail bikers make their way along the historic section of track that serviced the Elk River Coal and Lumber Co. between 1904 and 1965. Some highlights along the way include the Devil’s Sawmill Waterfall and the reconstructed Sandfork Bridge.
Excursions are led by Rail Explorers guides, one in front of the group and one in the back. At the midpoint of the journey, customers can stop to enjoy a picnic lunch along the banks of Buffalo Creek before turning around and pedaling the 6 miles back.
One of seven different Rail Explorers experiences in the United States, the West Virginia experience opened in June 2024, welcoming 16,000 rail bikers during its first season of operation alone. Reservations for the 2025 season, which runs from May through November, can be made online.
“It’s like outdoor hiking, but you don’t need to be fit to do it,” Lu says. “We encourage all ages and abilities.” 874 Buffalo Creek Rd., Clay, West Virginia 25043, 877/833-8588, railexplorers.net
TRANS-ALLEGHENY LUNATIC ASYLUM
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum operated as a mental health facility for 130 years. Visitors can enjoy daily walk-in historic and paranormal tours, festivals and events from April through November.
A Present of the Past
STONEWALL SPORTING CLAYS
A complete sporting clay shooting experience. Heated stands provide the perfect opportunity to warm up prior to a full shoot, or for guests to stay sharp year-round. 16-station course features Promatic Traps, which allow guests to control the pace of their experience using a handheld remote.
OR
WV MUSEUM OF AMERICAN GLASS
The museum is dedicated to the region and nation’s rich glass heritage. The stories of people and processes come to life! See a huge collection of brilliant colored and sparkling crystal glass by dozens of American manufacturers from 1860 to the present.
MOUNTAINEER MILITARY MUSEUM
Childhood friends were drafted into their country’s service and only one made it home. A graveside promise was made that “I’ll never let anyone forget you guys.” More than 18 new exhibits, feature personal and historical items from the Civil War to current day.
APPALACHIAN GLASS
Appalachian Glass is keeping the tradition of hand made glass alive in West Virginia with offerings of over 500 traditionally produced soda-lime crystal products. Their studio is open to the public for shopping and to enjoy live demonstrations.
LAMBERT’S WINERY
Nestled in the heart of West Virginia is a winery whose beauty is almost as exquisite as the fine selection of wines. The winery’s magnificent tasting room is constructed from hand cut stones gathered from various parts of the state. Tour the beautifully landscaped grounds and browse their gift shop.
MANNCAVE DISTILLERY
MannCave Vodka (80 Proof) and MannCave Moonshine (129 Proof), both of which made from corn and are very smooth.The Distillery is open to the public on Saturdays from 10am to 7pm, offering Tours of the distillation area and explanation of the process, Free Tastings and Sales of their 5 Star products.
STONEWALL LAKE& RESORT
This luxury resort is located on the scenic Stonewall Jackson Lake with breathtaking views from the Adirondack-style lodge or quiet lakefront cottages. Enjoy an irresistible meal, play the Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, pamper yourself at the spa, hike the trails or play on the lake.
LEWIS COUNTY WEST VIRGINIA
WEST VIRGINIA
Stargazing and Dark Sky Sites
With a multitude of state parks situated throughout its mountainous landscape and far away from the light pollution produced by major cities, West Virginia makes for an ideal destination for those with a desire to peer into the cosmos from the state’s many stargazing sites.
The combined acreage of Watoga State Park, Calvin Price State Forest and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is listed as an International Dark Sky Park, a designation that helps to preserve and protect the area, as well as educate the public. The trio, which spans a combined 19,869 acres in Pocahontas County, received International Dark Sky Park status in 2021, becoming the first designated dark-sky site in West Virginia.
Located about 120 miles northeast of Watoga State Park in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle, Lost River State Park is another great option for stargazers. Enjoy the solitude of the park’s more than 3,000 acres of secluded woods while taking in extraordinary views of the night sky.
Just east of Morgantown, West Virginia, Coopers Rock State Forest is known for its incredible overlook of the Cheat River Canyon as well as its rich history, with many of its structures being built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. The park is also in the process of building a dozen yet-to-be-completed cabins made for stargazing (more information on page 152).
THE SNOW OASIS AT HERITAGE FARM
Those who miss the thrill of gliding down pristine ski slopes or slicing through fresh powder during the warmer months will delight in the new experience coming to Huntington’s Heritage Farm Museum & Village, a popular travel spot known for its 19th-century Appalachian village, adventure park and animal experiences. A year-round ski park is scheduled to open in late 2025, bringing a 28,000-square-foot indoor facility and outdoor slopes on the surrounding 50 acres. The new project will be the first combined indoor-outdoor yearround snow park in West Virginia, offering visitors a blend of family-friendly fun and winter recreation. Located between Heritage Farm’s Adventure Park and Mountain Bike Park, the new facility promises to be packed with a wide array of winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and ice skating, as well as designated snow-play areas for the little ones. For more information about The Snow Oasis at Heritage Farm, visit heritagefarmwv.com.
TOP: J. PEREZ; BOTTOM: COURTESY OF HERITAGE FARM
Watoga State Park (pictured), Calvin Price State Forest and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park are on the International Dark Sky list.
WEST VIRGINIA
Situated high up in the Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls State Park, near the town of Davis in Tucker County, offers incredible night-sky-viewing experiences and aims to one day join the list of International Dark Sky Parks. Black Water Falls State Park naturalist and activities coordinator Paulita Cousin says that the Kanawha Astronomical Society has been conducting an annual astronomy weekend at the 2,358-acre park for 35 years, leading to an increase in popularity for stargazing over time. She adds that the park is currently on track to apply for its official certification as a Dark Sky Park through the International Dark Sky Association.
Visitors can enjoy guided stargazing experiences offered throughout the year, including a Perseid meteor shower watch (a tradition that started in the mid-1990s) every August. They can also obtain a free permit to participate in solo stargazing at the Harold Walters Nature Center or the parking area at Pendleton Point Overlook after the park closes at 10 p.m.
STARGAZING CABINS AT COOPERS ROCK STATE FOREST
Those looking to enjoy a night under the stars without sacrificing the comforts of home will soon be able to do just that with a stay at one of Coopers Rock State Forest’s new stargazing cabins, 12 of which are currently being constructed near the park’s Raven Rock. The two-bedroom, A-frame cabins feature floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights, as well as kitchen, dining and living areas. Each cabin is also equipped with a telescope for a true all-inclusive stargazing experience. There is not yet a targeted completion date for the cabins, so check the West Virginia State Parks website for updates. For more information, visit wvstateparks.com.
“The people that come here and see our stars are amazed,” Cousin says, “because a lot of [them] are coming from cities and places where they don’t get that opportunity.” For more information about stargazing sites in West Virginia, visit wvstateparks.com/stargazing. For information about International Dark Sky Parks, visit darksky.org. @longweekendsmag
your next vacation
Home to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve; hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails; a conveniently located ski resort and some of the best rock climbing and whitewater rafting on the East Coast, Southern West Virginia is a mecca for adventurers and families alike. With every season comes something new to enjoy. From spring wildflowers and summertime watering holes to fall foliage and snow-covered slopes, Southern West Virginia is the perfect destination for any forecast.
Start planning your trip now.
WEST VIRGINIA
ECHOES OF BATTLE
West Virginia’s Civil War Trails offer insight into the Mountain State’s role in the fight between North and South.
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
Located among the rolling hills of southern Pocahontas County, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park marks the site of the last significant Civil War battle fought in West Virginia. After a fierce clash that lasted only eight hours in early November 1863, the Union Army emerged victorious, representing a pivotal moment in the war’s history.
Today, visitors to the 287-acre park can explore the on-site museum, which provides information on the battle and showcases artifacts like rifles, artillery shells and swords. They can also visit the nearby replicated wooden tower where Confederate artillery was stationed during the battle.
Dedicated in 1928, the park signifies both a pivotal moment in Civil War history and in the Mountain State’s history. It was West Virginia’s first state park, its creation spurred by veterans of the battle who wanted to preserve the site for future generations. 683 Droop Park Rd., Hillsboro, West Virginia 24946, 304/653-4087, wvstateparks.com
West Virginia Independence Hall
In 1863, when the Civil War was already well underway, the counties of western Virginia made a bold decision to split from the Confederate-controlled state of Virginia. The historic move began at Wheeling’s West Virginia Independence Hall, now considered the state’s birthplace.
Built in 1859, the building has served various roles over the years, including as a post office, a federal court and the Wheeling Custom House. Since 1981, it has operated as a public museum, welcoming visitors to explore the halls where a pivotal moment in American history took place.
Notable artifacts housed in the museum include 14 Civil War battle flags — including 13 Union flags and one Confederate flag — a life mask of Abraham Lincoln made shortly before his death and a copy of the West Virginia Declaration of Independence. 1528 Market St., Wheeling, West Virginia 26003, 304/238-1300, wvculture.org
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
For those craving a blend of Civil War history and exhilarating outdoor adventures, these 156 acres along the Gauley River Canyon in Nicholas County provide a perfect mix. Here, visitors can revisit Sept. 10, 1861, when the Battle of Carnifex Ferry raged between the Union Army and the recently formed Confederacy.
The conflict saw roughly 5,000 Union soldiers drive around 2,000 Confederate soldiers from the Kanawha Valley, in what was then still part of Virginia. Like other lesser-known Civil War sites, documentation of the battle has been passed down through oral tradition, giving visitors an intimate glimpse into history. Since its establishment
as a state park in 1935, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield has also become a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, camping and whitewater rafting. After an action-packed day, visitors are encouraged to check out the nearby wineries, distilleries and local shops selling crafts and antiques. 1194 Carnifex Ferry Crossing, Summersville, West Virginia 26651, 304/872-0825, wvstateparks.com
Philippi Covered Bridge
The Philippi Covered Bridge has spanned the Tygart Valley River in the town of Philippi since 1852, enduring regular use, multiple floods and even a fire. It played a significant role during the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate troops crossing it before and after the Battle of Philippi.
Following Virginia’s secession from the Union in May 1861, Confederate sympathizers damaged a key railroad near Grafton, which prompted Union Gen. George McClellan’s invasion of the state, sparking the first Civil War conflict in West Virginia. The early battle in Grafton, though simple in its scope, foreshadowed what would become the deadliest conflict in American history. Today, the restored bridge remains open to traffic. Nearby, visitors can also explore the Barbour County Historical Museum, which contains exhibits highlighting Civil War artifacts and local history. 13 Museum St., Philippi, West Virginia 26416
DROOP MOUNTAIN BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK
MILESTONES
Final Leg of the Buckeye Trail Is Dedicated
Ohio’s official trail was recognized as complete during a ceremony on March 20, 1981.
What initially started in 1958 as a proposal published in the Columbus Dispatch to create a footpath connecting Cincinnati and Lake Erie grew into what is today known today as the Buckeye Trail.
Enthused by the article’s proposal, a small group of volunteers gathered in February 1959 to discuss the project, forming the Buckeye Trail Association just four months later.
The first 20 miles were dedicated on Sept. 19, 1959, in Hocking County, and in the following years, the goal of the trail’s potential reach expanded to become a statewide loop that touched Ohio’s four corners.
After roughly a decade of work, a BTA newsletter from January 1968 stated that, “The Buckeye Trail Program is moving forward in big strides (if we may be permitted a
small pun), thanks to the help of a good many friends.”
Some of these “friends” included appointed officers State Sen. Ralph Regula, Robert Paton of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Emma Gatewood.
In The Marion Star’s May 11, 1980, edition, Nancy Kaumeyer spoke with the then-79-year-old Paton, who was one of only two charter members still active at the time.
“Paton speaks proudly of the trail,” she wrote. “Through much of his work, the organization has grown from a ‘handful’ of people to a membership of about 1,200.”
The trail’s completion was celebrated on March 20, 1981, with a ceremony at Deer Lick Cave in Brecksville. Ohio Department of Natural Resources director Robert Teater, BTA president Ralph Ramey and Lou Albert of the National Park Service were among those in attendance.
In addition to marking the final “blue blazes” on the trail, a permanent marker depicting the trail’s full 1,444-mile length was unveiled during the ceremony.
“Once you’ve walked the entire Buckeye Trail you’ve covered an entire cross section of Ohio,” Paton said. “Hills, valleys, towns and trails; you’ve seen it all.”
Some of those at the Buckeye Trail’s dedication March 20, 1981, were (left to right) Ralph Ramey, Lou Albert, Emily Gregor, Lou Tsipis, Robert Teater and Ed DeLaet.
