Whether you love a peaceful hike, roughing it in the outdoors, or have a need to be on the water, Grove City makes it easy to get back in nature and find your center… IN GROVE CITY, OHIO
Our
Cleveland’s Juneberry Table embraces fresh and local, and Columbus’ Parable Coffee focuses on change.
Get advice for dealing with allergy season, and learn the signs of a stroke that could help save a life.
In 1892, a monument was unveiled to honor a couple who helped more than 2,000 people find freedom.
The Akron Art Museum showcases works by Keith Haring, and Cincinnati’s May Festival celebrates its 150th.
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ON THE COVER: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus
101 JEFFERSON COUNTY, WV
Make a trip to this region of West Virginia part of your summer plans.
Ohio Eats: Farmer Lee Jones sought out to inspire people to embrace vegetables they had never considered. His book, “The Chef’s Garden: A Modern Guide to Common and Unusual Vegetables — with Recipes,” does just that. Part art book, part recipe collection, the nearly 700 pages show vegetables, herbs and more in all their glory. ohiomagazine.com/thechefsgarden
from the archive: The barn quilt phenomenon began in Adams County more than two decades ago. The concept is simple: Take the beautiful designs found in the rural folk art of quilting and place them on the side of barns as a public art project. Today, there are barn quilt trails across Ohio and beyond that invite travelers to hit the road. ohiomagazine.com/barnquilts
Our favorite social media accounts right now
John Skrtic @skrticxGet lost in fascinating archival materials with the Cleveland Public Library’s chief of special projects and collections.
Jane Hardy @foodsofjane
This food blogger always sets our hearts (and stomachs) aflutter, especially when showcasing plate after plate of her number one love: noodles!
Are you receiving our email newsletters? Learn about fun experiences throughout the state, get great food and drink ideas or plan for your next weekend getaway. Sign up by visiting ohiomagazine.com/newsletters.
Akron, p. 14
Bellevue, p. 8
Plus: 102 Days & Nights of Summer Discover Retro Fun in Butler County
4 Scenic Byways to Travel
instagram shoutout: @phantomphotos_
Cincinnati-based photographer Colin Peterman snaps cool scenes all across the city, including landmarks like the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge and aerial shots of the stadiums. “From low fog rolling in over the skyline to breathtaking sunsets featuring shades of red and pink, the city offers a plethora of opportunities to capture its beauty.”
Cincinnati, p. 13
Cleveland, p. 13, 27
Columbus, Cover, p. 6, 13, 29, 58
Fairfield, p. 76
Gahanna, p. 62
Hamilton, p. 74, 77
Logan, p. 69
Middletown, p. 78
Oak Harbor, p. 11
Perrysburg, p. 13
Shandon, p. 74
South Bass Island, p. 5
Youngstown, p. 79
Explore the Grand Lake Region STAY
Correction: In our March/April 2023 issue, we ran the wrong photo credit in an article about Divider Records. The correct photo credit is Agape Photography.
Ohio Magazine encourages you to recycle this magazine. Great Lakes Publishing supports the use of paper milled from replanted forests as a renewable resource and purchases paper from Sustainable Forestry Initiativecertified sources when available. We have also taken steps to reduce the amount of plastic used when mailing issues to subscribers.
There are few things that recall the earliest summers of my life as much as the melody of a carousel calliope and the whoosh of the air as the horses twirl around. In my memory, there is the sugary scent of cotton candy drifting on the breeze, and the sweet smell of the carousel operator’s pipe, as he walks his way around the platform collecting our paper tickets. To this day, I will catch a whiff of a similarly scented pipe tobacco, and I’m instantly transported back to New Philadelphia’s Tuscora Park carousel in the late 1970s.
That is as close to a time machine as any of us are likely to get, and the power of these sorts of moments is undeniable — buried-deep memories rise to the surface and bridge the years in an instant. They are often prompted by a scent, sound or feeling, and so many of these moments are connected to summer.
The longest days and shortest nights of the year are long awaited in this part of the country. Often, preceded by an early spring, fake-out 70-degree day, before a sky of gray unfurls itself overhead for a last stand. But once warm weather takes hold, the feeling is as exhilarating as the sound of those last clicks heard as you near the top of a roller coaster, anticipating the sequence of thrills and fun to follow.
That’s what our annual 102 Days & Nights of Summer is all about. Our goal is to be your guide to creating memories with your family and friends that will echo long into the future. This year’s feature starts on page 38, and we hope it’s just the start of your allowing us to help you plan a summer filled with fun.
Each Monday, we offer picks of must-visit events at ohiomagazine.com, and every Tuesday we send out an email newsletter with ideas and inspiration for making the most of summer in our state. It’s followed on Wednesdays with our Farm + Table email newsletter that highlights great food and drink from across Ohio. Twice a month, we share our LongWeekends newsletter that provides ideas for traveling to great, road-trip worthy destinations in nearby states. (You can sign up for one or all of these at ohiomagazine.com/newsletters.)
We also hope you’ll follow along by way of our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and TikTok feeds as you plan your travels. Let’s stay connected and make some great memories together.
Chairman Lute Harmon Sr. President & Publisher Lute Harmon Jr.
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The Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial rises 352 feet over South Bass Island. Completed in 1915, the memorial commemorates Oliver Hazard Perry’s pivotal victory on Lake Erie during the War of 1812. (The site is open to visitors and a small nearby museum shares the story of the Battle of Lake Erie.) This view of the landmark was captured from the small, 1.5-acre Oak Point State Park, which is located along the shoreline, west of the memorial. Oak Point State Park, Bayview Avenue, Put-in-Bay 43456, ohiodnr.gov
Leah Hurt is hooked on crochet. Her Etsy shop, Hey Babe Crochet Co., reflects her passion for stitching adorable animal rattles — from caterpillars and dinosaurs to monkeys and giraffes. Hurt didn’t grow up crocheting, but in 2013, the upcoming birth of her first child spurred an impulse to get creative.
“When I got pregnant with my son … I just had this urge to make him things,” she says. “I didn’t know how to crochet. I didn’t know how to knit … but I wanted to basically be able to make him a little newborn hat for the hospital.”
After watching YouTube tutorials and struggling to get the hang of crocheting in time, the hat never materialized, but the urge to do so remained strong. Hurt tried again shortly after the birth of her son and fell in love with the craft. Friends began asking if she would make accessories for their children, and in 2019, Hurt launched her Etsy shop.
Although Hurt does take on custom projects, the bulk of her work is a zoo full of animal-themed rattles. She begins by choosing the optimal yarn for each project to pair with her supply of natural wood rings. She crochets every animal by hand and often lets her customers’ reactions determine which cuddly critter she creates next. Her own little ones have a say in the process, too.
“My daughter just turned 5,” Hurt says. “She snatches up anything I make. She can tell me right away, ‘I love that one’ … [She] gives me a lot of input.”
Crocheting, she adds, is a slow process, and it can take up to a week or so to complete a high-quality finished piece. Still, Hurt loves to assemble items to sell at maker events in Columbus, which she counts among the highlights of her crafting journey so far.
“Columbus has such a good scene for makers markets,” she says. “I would go to those and just dream of having my own little booth there.”
Kelly Powell
Northwest Ohio’s Seneca Caverns marks 90 years of welcoming visitors to explore the geological wonder that was discovered in 1872.
Visitors can’t help but be intrigued from the minute the large wooden sign appears along the side of the road: “Welcome to Seneca Caverns, See the ‘Earth Crack.’ ” Since 1933, travelers have made the trek to this part of Seneca County, just south of Bellevue, to explore the caves two local boys discovered in 1872 while hunting rabbits.
Gingerly stepping down the rock pathway, which ends 110 feet underground, one can’t help but feel a bit like Tom Sawyer. Mark Twain himself would approve of our guide, who brings history with a side of humor to the tight turns and dark nooks.
Seneca Caverns formed from aged sediment that fell 7 to 12 feet, creating multiple levels to explore. Named after Ohio’s Seneca Indian people, the caverns are one of the largest caves in Ohio, and their geological significance draws visitors from around the world.
Owner Denise Bell started as a tour guide at Seneca Caverns while in high school. She didn’t particularly have a love of caves, but she did end up marrying Richard Bell, whose parents, Don and Fannie Bell, opened the tourist attraction on May 14, 1933.
“It’s a crazy business to be in, but I’ve developed a passion for it,” says Bell. “I had a science teacher bring her students. She stopped to tell me as a child she toured Seneca Caverns, and that tour is why she became a science teacher. That’s why I do it.”
The seven public cave levels are rich with history, both recent and ancient, which is visible in the inscriptions from cave visitors more than a century ago as well as intact brachiopod fossils in rock that dates to the Devonian period (between 358 million and 419 million years ago). Depending on recent precipitation, visitors may even catch a glimpse of the crystal-clear flowing stream named Ole Mist’ry River.
“The fourth level is my favorite,” Bell says. “You can hear the water dripping. Soda straws form here — they’re hollow tubes of crystal formations that take over 100 years to form one cubic inch. On this level are the inscriptions that remind me there were people there before us. It’s a spiritual place.”
Sarah Miller15248 E. Township Rd. 178, Bellevue 44811, 419/483-6711, senecacavernsohio.com
Attributed to artist Noble Stuart
It took some time, but Noble Stuart finally got the credit he was due. In the 1940s, Stuart created carvings on natural sandstone formations at Worden’s Ledges near Hinckley in Medina County. Those creations, which range from depictions of baseball player Ty Cobb to a sphinx, were once thought to have been chiseled decades earlier by an anonymous artist.
The connection to Stuart made more sense, considering his link to the land where the carvings exist. Late in life, he married Nettie Worden, whose father, Hiram Worden, was a tombstone and statuary carver. Hiram had acquired the land surrounding what is now Worden’s Ledges in the mid-19th century, built a house and raised a family.
After his death, the property passed to Nettie, who died in 1945, leaving Stuart alone there. He exorcised his grief by making carvings on the rocks a mile behind the Worden family house. He also made freestanding works in stone and wood near the homestead.
For anyone wanting a glimpse of Stuart’s best-known work, Worden’s Ledges is part of the Cleveland Metroparks Hinckley Reservation. Although they are exceptionally scarce, smaller sculptures have turned up at auction, including this unsigned, 16-by-13-inch stone carving of a moonshaped face. Richard “Jeff” Jeffers
$3,375
New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry shares why she writes romance and what inspires her much-loved novels.
Emily Henry knows all about finding her happy place. The author, known for setting her bestselling romcom novels in cozy fictional towns, finds inspiration not only when traveling to Ohio spots like Hocking Hills or Yellow Springs, but also when she’s at home in Cincinnati. And while she’s a self-described homebody, one of her local favorites — indie bookstore Joseph-Beth Booksellers — provides a getaway from the real world.
“It has that really cozy, magical feeling that I feel like a lot of bookstores have lost,” she says. “It just feels like a little preserved piece of magic.”
Henry’s latest page-turner, Happy Place, was released April 25 and is full of relatable characters, witty banter and plenty of heart. We talked with Henry about her love of books, changing directions and developing layered characters.
Kim Schneider
What inspired you to become a writer?
A: Honestly, just that I loved reading so much. It’s the thing that I wanted to spend all of my time doing. Growing up, I mostly read sci-fi and fantasy, and I really felt that’s the space I’d be writing in. When I started writing romance, I got deep into reading romance to make sure I understood the community. I also pulled from rom-com films. My biggest influence is Nora Ephron. The coziness of her worlds is what I try to emulate.
You decided to pivot from writing young adult to adult fiction. What did you learn?
A: I was feeling overwhelmed with everything going on in the world. I just wanted to be working on something that felt warm and safe. I basically wrote Beach Read on a whim in between projects. Eventually, I realized Beach Read was ultimately a coming-of-age story. And that’s what I loved about writing books for teens. You’re writing about this pivotal time in life where you’re reassessing your identity. And that was what I was experiencing. I was feeling a similar sort of recalibration in my life, looking at my priorities, what mattered to me and where I wanted to go next.
How do you develop a cast of characters who are so multidimensional?
A: When I’m writing about characters falling in love, I can’t write those characters as islands. I can’t create main characters without really understanding them and understanding their roles in their families and their friendships. To create characters, I feel like banter is one of the very few things that comes easily to me. It’s my favorite part of the writing process.
For more information, visit emilyhenrybooks.com.
May 5–14, Oak Harbor
Fans of our feathered friends flock to northwest Ohio each year for the Biggest Week in American Birding. The warbler capital of the world brings bird-watchers to Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center May 5 through 14 for a lineup of activities that includes guided walks and photography workshops. Spring at Magee Marsh draws more than 300 types of birds, making it the perfect destination to spot warblers, songbirds, ducks, geese and more. The Biggest Week also includes free events, such as a Beginning Birding Outing at Pearson Metropark, where kids’ interest in birds can take flight. biggestweekinamericanbirding.com
Fine Lines: Keith Haring’s distinctive art rose from the streets of New York City to become part of popular culture as it explored subjects ranging from AIDS to apartheid.
Calendar of Events: Your summer plans start here. Check out our guide to exhibitions, festivals and other happenings scheduled between now and the end of June.
By Jessica Hensley
Make a toast to history at wineries all around Ohio. These special locations have been repurposed to breathe new life into their communities.
What was once an 1875 general store offers a relaxing space to enjoy delicious wine. Located in Ravenna’s historic district, West Main Street Winery and Brewery is family owned and operated. Sing along to your favorite songs on open mic night and enjoy live music throughout the weekend. Try a wine slushy for a refreshing treat on those warm summer nights.
Jilbert Winery and Brewery in Valley City captures the essence of antiquity and old-style charm. This 1905 historic dairy barn has been restored for intimate dinners beside a cozy double fireplace. Unwind on the enclosed patio or take in the warmth of the sunroom. Whether you enjoy the sweet nectar of the gods or the crisp taste of Niagara grapes, there is a blend made especially for you.
School’s out for the summer, but you can still indulge in a glass
of wine at Dennison’s Casella Winery & Distillery This oneroom brick 1918 schoolhouse is a perfect space for enchanted ceremonies of all kinds. Fill up on decadent dishes like the Greek flatbread pizza. After dinner, dance the night away to the live musical performances.
Placed along the picturesque Maumee River, The Lumberyard Winery & Supply is a great getaway. Converted from a timber lumber storage building, the covered patio is the perfect place to savor a creative collection of wines. For a fruity flavor, be sure to try Rusty Nail, a peach blend that bursts with the flavors of the season. Enjoy seasonal fruit wine or a pizza by the pond at School House Winery in Dover. Built in 1886, this winery was a one-room schoolhouse called Oak Grove School #6 until 1941. The owners pay homage to the building’s origins through their 17 “Building 6” wines featuring classroom-inspired names like Teacher’s Ade, a sweet lemon wine perfect for summer sipping, and Bully Red, a semi-dry Chambourcin that packs a full-bodied punch.
Star Wars
Return of the Jedi
May 13: Columbus
May 19-27: mayfestival.com
Since 1873, the Cincinnati May Festival has celebrated choral music in what has become known as “The City That Sings.” Held at Cincinnati’s historic Music Hall, the annual two-week choral festival returns May 19 through 27 for its 150th anniversary, inviting a selection of guest musicians from around the world to perform during the event.
This year features 20 guest performers, including 16 who are making their May Festival debut. The festival will conclude with Mahler’s “Symphony of a Thousand,” a collaboration between the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, Cincinnati Boychoir, Cincinnati Youth Choir and both May Festival chorus groups.
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“[‘Symphony of a Thousand’] doesn’t come up often in the rest of the musical world,” says Robert Porco, director of choruses for the May Festival. “We have done it a number of times on special occasions. It is a very big piece that actually calls for two choruses.”
For 2023, the May Festival will also celebrate its commissioning legacy and Cincinnati’s choral history with a new project, “25 for 25: A New Time for Choral Music.” Twenty-five pieces written by composers from the Luna Composition Lab will be performed by local musicians throughout the spring.
“We have 25 different people who don’t know each other outside “What brings gether is music there is no anxiety for reward is the of music.”
LaurenFort Meigs After Dark Lantern Tour May 13: Perrysburg
History is alight at northwest Ohio’s Fort Meigs. Depart for a guided, two-hour walk across grounds traversed diers during the War of 1812. Guides dressed in period lead groups of 50 through the life of an 1800s soldier, dramatic readings from the diaries of those who lived “There are some lighthearted readings, but there some melancholy as well,” says John Thompson, ager of historic programming at Fort Meigs. “It’s a well-rounded show with an emotional element to it.” Advance registration required; fortmeigs.org
The sounds of George Lucas’ famed film franchise come alive this spring at Columbus Commons, thanks to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Listen to sweeping melodies from the sands of Tatooine and forests of Endor as the orchestra performs the 1983 film’s score while the movie plays on screen. columbus symphony.com
festival
Cleveland Asian Festival
May 20–21: Cleveland
diversity
Cleveland’s neighborduring Asian and Pacific Heritage this twofestival filled experiences highlighting Asian culEnjoy a variety of live performances, fashion show and Asian Pop Competition games activities for family. clevelandasian festival.org
Even if you can’t name a single piece of art by Keith Haring, you likely recognize his work. The pop artist, who died in 1990 from complications of AIDS, created a prolific range of drawings and paintings featuring subjects ranging from UFOs and stick figures to hearts and dynamic linework that have become ingrained in pop culture.
“If anybody doesn’t know him by name, they know his imagery, they’ve seen it somewhere,” says Jeff Katzin, associate curator at the Akron Art Museum, where “Keith Haring: Against All Odds” is on display through Sept. 24. “It’s just so immediately recognizable in its style.”
The exhibition features over 60 works by Haring and his contemporaries (many on loan from Miami’s Rubell Museum). Haring started his art career in the early 1980s, chalking thousands of pictures onto blank advertising space on the walls of the New York City subway system. These pieces, a group of which are part of the exhibition, built his popularity as they cemented his distinctive style.
“What made his early reputation is that people in New York saw these popping up everywhere,” says Katzin. “They’re important for telling the story of Haring’s early career and developing the style that he’s known for.”
The exhibition’s name references a book with the same title that was published as a collaboration between Haring and the founders
of the Rubell Museum. All 20 original drawings featured in the book will be on view in the show, accompanied by Haring’s handwritten foreward.
As Haring gained popularity, he recognized that bootleg versions of his designs were inevitable. So, in 1986, he opened his own store in Soho called the Pop Shop to sell T-shirts, pins, posters and stickers featuring his art so people could get the real thing for an affordable price. The exhibition includes a re-creation of the Pop Shop with items available to purchase in the museum gift shop. Other highlights of the exhibition include a sculpture of the Statue of Liberty painted by Haring and frequent collaborator Angel Ortiz and works by artists Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jenny Holzer and Andy Warhol.
While Haring’s art features happy, energetic figures and bright colors, the artist infused his work with meaning, using it to bring awareness to the AIDS epidemic, apartheid in South Africa and anti-racist movements.
“I hope by bringing these works together, it helps to create a picture of him as a person,” says Katzin. “I think he was very caring, aware, collaborative and kind to others, and there are a lot of really wonderful qualities that come through in his art.”
Ilona Westfall
1 S. High St., Akron 44308, 330/376-9186, akronartmuseum.org
MAY 13
Delaware County Vintage & Artisan Festival
Enjoy a lively day of shopping for antiques, vintage decor, jewelry, art and artisan crafts. The festival features food trucks, musical entertainment, a car show and more. Boardman Arts Park, 154 W. William St., Delaware, 614/2268744. boardmanartspark.org. 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults and seniors $3, children free
MAY 27–28
Columbus Asian Festival
Learn about the cultures and traditions of people from China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Laos and Pakistan. The event offers performing and visual arts shows, children’s activities, cultural displays, martial arts demonstrations and educational exhibitions. Franklin Park, 1755 E. Broad St., Columbus, asian-festival.org. Visit website for times and prices
MAY 27–29
Sertoma Ice Cream Festival
Dig in to delicious food and Velvet Ice Cream with fun for the whole family, including kids’ contests, ice cream-eating competitions, local artisans, pony rides, a classic car show and live entertainment. Ye Olde Mill and Velvet Ice Cream Co., 11324 Mt. Vernon Rd., Utica, 740/892-3921. velveticecream.com. Visit website for times. $5 per vehicle
THRU JUL 7
Interwoven: The Many Voices of Fiber
Because dates, times and locations are subject to change, please call ahead to confirm all details before traveling. For a more complete listing of events, visit ohiomagazine.com/events.
To submit event information, visit ohiomagazine.com/submit. Events must be submitted at least 8 weeks in advance. Include the date, cost, address of the event, phone number and website, as well as a brief description of the event. Events are published on a space-available basis; however, all events submitted 8 weeks in advance appear on ohiomagazine. com/events.
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Join Ohio Village’s residents as they celebrate the beginning of summer with the arrival of a traveling carnival. Enjoy classic carnival games, interact with adorable animals and see fantastical presentations. Ohio Village, 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, 614/297-2663. ohiohistory.org/carnival. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $16, 60+ and college ID $14, children 4–12 $10, members and children 3 and under free
MAY 13
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
Listen to internationally acclaimed violinist Timothy Chooi as he performs the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto during the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra’s season finale. Chooi is the winner of several major competitions and known for his passionate performances and brilliant technique. Midland Theatre, 36 N. Park Pl., Newark, 740/345-5483. midlandtheatre.org.
7:30 p.m. $15–$30
MAY 13
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Live in Concert
This “Star Wars” installment takes on new life with conductor Stuart Chafetz. After a quick trip back to Tatooine, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa and Han Solo are reunited and join up with the amassing rebel fleet to take down the evil Empire. Enjoy the Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s accompaniment to this epic tale. Columbus Symphony Orchestra, 55 E. State St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. columbussymphony.com. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices.
MAY 25–28
Columbus Moving Picture Show 2023
MAY 12–13
HCAHC 45th Annual Spring Festival and Auction
Stop by the gallery during open hours to see the “Interwoven: The Many Voices of Fiber” exhibition, curated by Quilt and Surface Design Symposium director Tracy Rieger. Image Credit: Laura Alexander, “Smoosh,” 2022. Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery, 77 S. High St., Columbus, 614/644-9624. riffegallery.org. Tues.–Fri. noon–5 p.m. Free
Experience classic movies, seminars and book signings. Shop for original posters, autographs, trading cards, books, records, toys and more. All screenings are on 16mm film, with a focus on rarely seen pre-1960s titles. Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel, 50 N. Third St., Columbus, columbusmovingpictureshow.com. Visit website for times. Weekend admission $70, children are free
Visit Amish Country on Friday night for live music, food, volleyball and a bake sale. Saturday features breakfast, a barbecue chicken lunch, auctions for furniture, crafts and quilts as well as a silent auction. For more information, visit HCAHC Annual Spring Festival on Facebook. Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities, 8001 Township Rd. 574, Holmesville, 330/674-8045. Fri. 6–10 p.m., Sat. 7a.m.–5 p.m. Free
MAY 26–29
Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off & Beer-Fest
This rib and brew extravaganza offers a family-friendly atmosphere. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E. Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights, 440/234-5181. berearib.com. Visit website for times and prices
MAY 31–JUN 3
Dennison Railroad Festival
This festival honors the town’s heritage with food, games and rides, a train exhibit, tours and performances, as well as a parade and car show. Downtown Dennison, facebook.com/drrfestival. Visit website for times and prices
MAY 2–JUL 23
Finding Home: Four Artists’ Journeys
This exhibition features visual memoirs that bring the immigration experience to life in im ages and words. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton, 330/453-7666. cantonart.org. Visit website for times and prices.
FOR A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF EVENTS ACROSS OHIO, VISIT OHIOMAGAZINE.COM/EVENTS.
MAY 4–NOV 1
ONGOING
Hartville Antique & Thrift Trail
perience the game of golf for a great family rate. Reservations requested by calling the fieldhouse at 330/740-7112. Mill Creek Golf Course, 1 W. Golf Dr., Boardman, millcreekmetroparks.org. Fri. & Sat. 5 p.m. $25 per family of 4
MAY 2–31
Wine Tasting & Barrel Room
Tour in The Cave
An Amish girl corresponding with a soldier? The drama unfolds in “Dear Soldier Boy,” showing at Ohio Star Theater, written by Martha Bolton, with original songs composed by Wally Nason. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Route 39, Sugarcreek, 855/344-7547. ohiostartheater.com. Visit website for times. $42–$60
MAY 13
Akron Symphony Orchestra: Brahms Requiem
Composer Timothy Adams tells the story of Harriet Tubman — nurse, spy, reformer and conductor on the Underground Railroad. Known as the “Moses of her people,” Tubman was devoted to saving other people’s lives, at repeated risk to her own. Brahms’ “Requiem” offers its consoling opening strains as a masterpiece promising comfort. E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 302 E. Buchtel Ave., Akron, 330/972-7111. uakron. edu/ej. 7:30 p.m. $15–$60
Scour the Hartville Flea Market and explore over a dozen antique, upcycled, thrift and resale shops for one-of-a-kind finds. Maps are available at each location and online. Spans 20 Hartville area shops, 330/877-5500. discoverhartville.com/ antiquethrifttrail. Hours vary by shop. Free
THRU OCT 28
Family Fun Golf Nights
It’s all about Gervasi wine! A Gervasi Wine Ambassador will lead you through four wine tastes served with an antipasti cup followed by a tour of the underground Wine Barrel Cave. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard.com.
Tours Tues.–Fri. & Sun. 1:30 p.m., Sat. noon & 1:30 p.m. $29
MAY 5
Wildflower Walk at Mohican State Park
Bring the family to Mill Creek Golf Course and ex-
Join this naturalist-led walk that makes for a fun and educational experience while looking for the park’s annual spring wildflowers. Mohican State Park, 3116 St. Rte. 3, Loudonville, 419/9945125. ohiodnr.gov. 10 a.m.–noon. Free
MAY 7–28
custom chocolates at each one. The Chocolate Tour includes approximately one pound of unique chocolates as well as special coupons. Visit lehmans.com/events to purchase tickets. Lehman’s and various venues, 4779 Kidron Rd., Kidron, 800/438-5346. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. $25
MAY 20 720 May MKT
Led by a Gervasi Spirits Ambassador, this tour includes a logo shot glass to take home and three spirit tastes with a salty sidecar snack, all while touring the distillery. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard.com. Sundays
3 p.m. $21
MAY 19–20
Chocolate Tour
Enjoy street-market-style, open-air shopping with the makers, bakers, brewers and growers of 720 Market. Plus, enjoy live music, food trucks, coffee and craft beer at this free, family-friendly event. North Canton City Square, 141 N. Main St., North Canton, 330/571-0367. eventsby720.com.
10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Free
MAY 20
Slime Run
Travel through Amish Country, stopping to shop at seven venues and collecting delicious
Lace up your shoes and get ready to be slimed during this one-of-a-kind interactive 5K, where you will encounter a different slime feature each kilometer of the run. Medina County Fairgrounds, 720 W. Smith Rd., Medina. slimerun5k.com. Visit website for times and prices
Find treasures and wear your walking shoes at this two-day indoor and outdoor flea market that typically features over 1,000 outdoor vendors and around 30,000 customers. Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market, 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330/877-9860. hartvillemarketplace.com.
Sat. & Mon. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Free
Northwest Festivals
MAY 13
18th Annual Lilac Festival and Street Fair
Join the celebration of Defiance’s official flower with the community’s largest art and craft fair. Enjoy a day of entertainment featuring 750 free lilac seedlings, street vendors, food and children’s activities. Clinton Street, downtown Defiance, 419/782-0739. visitdefianceohio.com.
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free
Are you ready to explore? Plan your trip to Findlay in Northwest Ohio! Taste Ohio’s best ice cream at Dietsch Brothers, or sip a local brew at one of our craft breweries. Stroll historic South Main as you walk the Historic Homes trail, or drive the countryside as you take in the Barn Quilt Trail brochure. Plan your visit to include a show at MCPA, or visit one of our art galleries! Or, spend time outside as you hike a local trail or attend a local festival this summer! VisitFindlay.com
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Northwest and central Ohio’s breweries and wineries head to Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation for this adults-only event. Enjoy craft beer, wine, seltzer and cider tastings, as well as live entertainment throughout the evening. Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, 12505 County Rd. 99, Findlay, 419/423-2995. nworrp.org. 5–9 p.m. $30
THRU JUN 18
Seeing Stars, Diving Futures
The cosmos have inspired astronomers and artists alike. This exhibition demonstrates the integration of art and divinatory practices across eras and cultures. From representations of the zodiac to tarot cards and images of fortune tellers, explore how artists communicate our desire
MAY 5
Yo-Yo Ma + Toledo Symphony
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma joins the Toledo Symphony to perform Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4. Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle Theater, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, 419/246-8000. toledosymphony.com.
8 p.m. Visit website for prices
MAY 11
Loudon Wainwright III
Over the last 52 years, Grammy Award winner Loudon Wainwright III has carved out a distinguished career. Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, 200 W. Main Cross St. , Findlay, 419/423-2787. mcpa.org. 7:30 p.m. $15–$50
MAY 6
The Boathouse Boat Show
gio, powered with Mercury and Yamaha motors. Boardwalk Grill, 725 W. Bank Rd., Celina, 419/586-6657. theboathouseatgrandlake.com.
11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free.
MAY 31
Bike Week Dice Run
Experience Ohio Bike Week with an exciting tour of the island while completing a scavenger hunt and collecting dice rolls at a variety of local businesses. Kelleys Island, 419/746-2360. kelleysislandchamber.com. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free
MAY 4–7
Vinton County Wild Turkey Festival
Watch the streets of downtown come alive with music, food and family-oriented fun. Listen to great nightly entertainment, enjoy carnival rides, play games and attend a car or quilt show. Downtown McArthur, 740/205-8093. vcwtf.org. Visit website for times and prices
MAY 26–29
Moonshine Festival
The United Mineworkers Union was born in this small town, as members held secret meetings in Robinson’s Cave. But its biggest claim to fame is “Straitsville Special” moonshine, and this is the only festival with a permit to make it. Downtown New Straitsville, 740/394-2425. facebook.com/ newstraitsvilleohio. Visit website for times. Free
THRU JUN 10
Rod Bouc: Under the Sun Rod Bouc’s large-scale landscapes are rich and tactile, executed with paint sticks, charcoal and wet paint overlays. Inspired by the Midwest
landscapes that surrounded him on a Nebraska farm, Bouc has mastered lights and shadows, and his paintings are loaded with feeling and emotion. Southern Ohio Museum, 825 Gallia St., Portsmouth, 740/354-5629. somacc.com. Tues.–Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 1–5 p.m. Free
MAY 9
The Zanesville Thursday Music Club celebrates its 113th year of sponsoring local music events with this showcase of talented ensembles. Central Trinity UMC, 62 S. Seventh St., Zanesville, 740/452-3241. centraltrinityumc.com. Visit website for times. Free
MAY 12
The Kingston Trio Fans of The Kingston Trio can re-discover the legendary folk group’s timeless music, featuring current members who each have experience with the original band. Hear classics such as “Where Have All The Flowers Gone?” Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/3715152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. 8 p.m. $19–$89
MAY 19
Jason Crabb at the Majestic Theatre
Jason Crabb brings his electrifying stage presence, powerhouse vocals and magnetic personality to the historic Majestic Theatre for an evening of southern gospel. Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 740/702-7677. 7:30 p.m. $25–$55
ONGOING
Belmont County Explore More GeoTour
This GeoTour offers something for everyone, from families to retirees, while exploring friendly, beautiful Belmont County. Geocaching is a realworld, outdoor treasure-hunting game using GPS coordinates. Various venues in Belmont County, headquarters at 67800 Mall Ring Rd. #485, St. Clairsville. Available all day. Free
MAY 14
Mother’s Day Four-Course Lunch & Six-Course Dinner
Enjoy a delicious meal with mom at Glenlaurel on Mother’s Day. Children ages 12 and older are welcome at the Four-Course Lunch. The Six-Course Dinner/Pub Social are for adults only. Glenlaurel, A Scottish Inn & Cottages, 14940 Mount Olive Rd., Rockbridge, 740/385-4070.
glenlaurel.com. Lunch 1 p.m., $49 per person. Pub Social 5 p.m. and dinner 6:30 p.m., $75 per person (tax and gratuity additional)
MAY 20
Food Truck Rally
Indulge in culinary delights, whether your passion is for the main course, a treat or a specialty beverage. This festival features food, entertainment and a variety of vendor displays. Miami County Fairgrounds, 650 N. County Rd. 25A, Troy, 937/335-7492. miamicountyohiofair.com. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Free
MAY 20
Oxford Wine Festival
Wine, art and music are at the forefront of this event featuring a beer garden, cuisine, wine booths and art vendors in the heart of Oxford. Uptown Parks, Main and High streets, Oxford, 513/523-5200. oxfordwinefestival.com.
2–10 p.m. $20–$25
MAY 28
Dayton Heritage Day Festival
Cheers to the Gem City’s history with familyfriendly activities, costumed intrepreters, historical demonstrations, miniature train rides, a performance by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and more festivities for all ages. Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, 937/293-2841. daytonhistory.org. Noon–7 p.m.
Adults $14, seniors $12, children, active military, retirees, veterans, reservists $10, members free
THRU JUL 16
Seeing Is Enough: Paul-Henri Bourguignon
Explore the career of the late Columbus artist. Encompassing his multitude of inspirations, this exhibition highlights Bourguignon’s extensive travels, experimentations with modern art and the eclectic life he built with his wife, renowned anthropologist Erika Bourguignon. Springfield Museum of Art, 107 Cliff Park Rd., Springfield, 937/325-4673. springfieldart.net. Visit website for times and prices
MAY 4–14
Disney’s Frozen
Enjoy the songs you know and love from the original Oscar-winning film, plus a dozen new numbers, during this unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes and powerhouse performances. Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton, 937/228-7591. daytonlive.org. Visit website for times. $26–$153
MAY 24
Candlelight: 100 Years of Warner Bros
Be wowed by this live, multisensory musical experience under the gentle glow of candlelight. The performance celebrates the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros., acknowledging astonish-
ing cinema, music and iconic magical moments from the company’s library. Bell Event Centre, 444 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, 513/852-2787. belleventcentre.com. 7 & 9:15 p.m. $15–$55
MAY 1–SEPT 30
Butterfly Show at Krohn Conservatory
Delight in an up-close look at a remarkable collection of butterflies. Up to 16,000 colorful creatures representing more than 100 species fly freely inside the conservatory among the exotic flora. Stick around for special children’s activities. Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, 513/421-4086. cincinnati-oh.gov/ cincyparks. Visit website for times and prices
AKRON/SUMMIT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Now’s the time for a trip to Akron/Summit! Explore the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brandywine Falls and kayak the Cuyahoga River. Tour Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron Art Museum, Hale Farm & Village and see the Akron Zoo. Grab Life Right Here!
800-245-4254 AKRON.TRAVEL
JUN 2–4
Newark Strawberry Festival
Delight in rides, games, crafts, entertainment and the beloved strawberry shortcakes, made by the Newark Kiwanis Club and served with Velvet Ice Cream. Downtown Newark, 740/9834797. newarkstrawberryfestival.com. Fri.–Sat.
11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Visit website for prices
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in a rich culture, hop on a tour, enjoy a little comfort food, or find your bliss away from the everyday, you’ll find what you are looking for here in Ohio Amish Country.
330-674-3975
VISITAMISHCOUNTRY.COM
Springtime in the other side of Amish country brightens your soul with colorful landscapes while time spent tasting your way through wineries, breweries and luscious dining delights your tastebuds! Cap off your with boutique shopping, hiking and rediscovering museum exhibits!
800-527-3387
TRAVELTUSC.COM
Come Experience, Explore and Enjoy the abundance of fun in Streetsboro and Portage County. Indulge in the over 60 nearby attractions, 50+ restaurants, specialty stores, affordable hotels, serene campgrounds and special events. Who’s ready for a memorable trip to Streetsboro?
888-558-5580
STREETSBOROVCB.COM
The Columbus Arts Festival is the city's welcome-to-summer event, pairing the finest artists from across the country with entertainment, activities for all ages and a great lineup
of food. Columbus Downtown Riverfront, 614/224-2606. columbusartsfestival.org. Fri.
11 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m–10:30 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free
JUN 16–18
Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival
The 24th year of this festival features three stages of music, mouthwatering cuisine, regional artisans and more. Creekside District, 123 Mill St., Gahanna, creeksidebluesandjazz.com. Fri. 5–11 p.m., Sat. 2–11 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. Visit website for prices
JUN 17–18
Worthington Arts Festival
This juried show features more than 120 fine
artists and craftsmen from across the country exhibiting and selling original paintings, artistmade jewelry and more. Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St., Worthington, 614/431-0329. worthingtonartsfestival.com.
Visit website for times. Free
JUN 4 Bexley House & Garden Tour
Explore nine local homes and gardens, as well as a beautiful alley in the city of Bexley. Afterward, grab lunch from a number of food trucks, including Cousins Lobster, Schmidt’s Sausage Truck and Pittsie’s Ice Box. Various locations in Bexley, 614/253-3307. bexleywomen.org.
10 a.m.–4 p.m. $20–$25
JUN 3
Monster Fest
Get spooked by this cryptid festival packed with vendors, film screenings, live podcasts and special guests to meet. DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown, 320 Market Ave. S., Canton, stmmonsterfest.com. Visit website for times.
Adults $25, presale $20.50, 12 and under free
JUN 23–24
Ashland Ohio BalloonFest
Float into this weekend full of hot air balloons, food and merchant vendors, live entertainment, activities for kids and spectacular balloon glows. Freer Field, state Route 60 and Morgan Avenue, Ashland, ashlandohioballoonfest.com. Visit website for times and prices
JUN 23–25
Cy Young Days Festival
Travel to this festival celebrating baseball legend Cy Young to enjoy stories, music, games, a parade, a car show and an oldtimers’ baseball tournament. Downtown Newcomerstown, 740/498-4545. cyyoungdaysfestival.com. Visit website for times. Free
JUN 11–SEPT 10
A Splendid Land: Paintings from Royal Udaipur
Spend a day at the museum marveling at immersive paintings conveying the mood of Udaipur’s palaces, lakes and mountains. With dazzling paintings on paper and cloth, “A Splendid Land” reveals how artists visualized emotions, depicted places, celebrated water resources and fostered personal bonds over 200 years. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/421-7350. clevelandart.org. Visit website for times. Free
JUN 17–18
Oklahoma!
Set in a Western territory after the turn of the 20th century, a high-spirited rivalry between local
farmers and cowboys provides a colorful background for a charming cowboy and a feisty farm girl to play out their love story in this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, akroncivic.com. Sat. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. $15–$30
JUN 29
The Doobie Others
adults, great food vendors, free concerts, the Grand Parade, a car show, self-guided garden tours and pretty porch tours. Downtown Van Wert, vwpeonyfestival.com. Visit website for times and prices
JUN 9–10
Pork Rind Heritage Festival
Pig out at this festival known for dishing out Rudolph Foods' famous popped pork rinds with a side of family fun in the form of rides, bounce houses, laser tag, axe throwing, live entertainment and other activities. Downtown Herrod, Main St., Harrod, porkrindfest.com. Visit website for times. Free.
JUN 13–18
Dear Evan Hansen
Dance.” Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, 200 W. Main Cross St., Findlay, 419/4232787. mcpa.org. 7:30 p.m. $45–$55
JUN 8–10
Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival
No one in the industry today can re-create the world-famous sound and style of The Doobie Brothers like The Doobie Others. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Route 39, Sugarcreek, 855/3447547. ohiostartheater.com. 1& 7 p.m. $38–$56.
JUN 2–3
Van Wert Peony Festival
This ever-expanding festival has grown to include a fishing derby for children, free entertainment, art, a vendor show, the peony patio for
Winner of six Tony Awards, “Dear Evan Hansen” is a deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, 419/381-8851. stranahantheater.com. Visit website for times. $49–$129
JUN 23
Garth Live!
Enjoy a stunning tribute to the music of Garth Brooks featuring Drew Baloh, a man who bears an uncanny resemblance to the legendary country music icon. Appreciate a tribute to some of the greatest music produced in the ’90s country era, including massive hits such as “Friends in Low Places,” “The Thunder Rolls” and “The
With more than 40 years of fun for the whole family, this festival returns with hot air balloons, a kiddie midway, fair food, live music, night glow and fireworks. Coshocton County Fairgrounds, 707 Kenilworth Ave., Coshocton, 740/622-4877. coshoctonhotairballoonfestival.com.
Thur. 4–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Free parking and admission
JUN 15–17
Logan Washboard Arts & Music Festival
Celebrate the washboard as a musical instrument in the home of the Columbus Washboard Co. — the last remaining washboard manufac-
For
CURATOR: TRACY RIEGER
turer in the nation. Downtown Logan, 740/2771806. explorehockinghills.com. Visit website for times. Free
JUN 9–10
Art on the Square
APRIL
Enjoy the 47th annual Art on the Square, a true small-town experience. View a range of arts and crafts in a relaxing atmosphere, and shop for a unique find for your office or home. Caldwell Historic Village Square, 419 West St. Caldwell, 740/732-5288. visitnoblecountyohio.com. Fri. 5–9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free
JUN 3–4
Troy Strawberry Festival
“Berries Rock!” is the theme for this year‘s festival featuring a cruise-in, a pageant, delicious strawberry food and drink and more fruity goodness. Public Square, downtown Troy, 937/3397714. troystrawberryfest.com. Visit website for times and prices
JUN 16–17
International Craft Beer Festival
Commune with like-minded beer enthusiasts, sample from the array of 400 beers from 100 breweries, and use the tasting guide to take notes on your favorites. Oscar Station at Jungle Jim’s International Market, 8871 N. Gilmore Rd., Fairfield, 513/674-6008. junglejims.com. Visit website for times and prices
JUN 23–OCT 15
Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds
Celebrate Pablo Picasso’s legacy through his paintings and sculptures at the first exhibition to examine his lifelong engagement with landscape. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, 513/721-2787. cincinnatiart museum.org. Visit website for times and prices
JUN 17
Ben Folds: What Matters Most Tour
Fresh off the 2023 release of his new album, “What Matters Most,” Ben Folds performs his masterful collection, a bold, timely and cinematic work examining the tragic and absurd in equal measures. Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, 937/610-0288. rosemusiccenter.com. 7:30 p.m. $24–$352
In 2022, chef Karen Small closed her longtime Cleveland restaurant and launched Juneberry Table, a bright and inviting place with a menu of hearty and flavorful fare. »
It’s considered the most important meal of the day, but when it comes to breakfast, Karen Small loves how something as simple as scrambled eggs or a plate of pancakes can stir feelings of nostalgia and comfort.
“Breakfast has a soulful feeling. I just really love everything about it. I love coffee cake. I love biscuits,” she says. “I just love what breakfast is when breakfast is done well.”
The Cleveland chef previously owned the restaurant Flying Fig for 23 years, before closing it in 2022 to focus on two new ventures: a re-imagining of Flying Fig as Pearl Street Wine Market & Cafe and a breakfast-and-lunch spot called Juneberry Table. The restaurant, which opened in April 2022, is named after the blueberry-like fruit that’s abundant in Ohio and plays into Small’s inspiration for the place — the decade she spent living in southern Ohio.
“The food there had an Appalachian bent to it with cornmeal, biscuits and regional goodies like sorghum,” she explains.
That type of cuisine also influenced Small’s culinary career. She has long supported local farms, and Juneberry Table’s menu is based around ingredients from Ohio purveyors such as Weaver’s Truck Patch in Fredericksburg and Rittman Orchards in Doylestown.
Whether you visit for breakfast or lunch, be sure to start with the Cheddar & Chive Biscuit with its laminated layers of dough, cheddar and chives. Baked fresh every morning, the fluffy treat is served with house-made sorghum but-
ter and a rotating lineup of jams. The Breakfast Sandwich features slices of bacon from DeeJay’s Custom Butchering in Fredericktown that have been glazed in sorghum molasses. The sandwich includes a folded cheddar egg and comeback sauce (Small describes her version of the Southern condiment as a tartar sauce mixed with a remoulade) and is served on a milk bun made by Cleveland pastry chef Nolan Tidwell.
Although the menu and certain ingredients vary based on what is available, some dishes will remain constant, such as the Gravy & Biscuit. It features an earthy gravy made using product from Killbuck Valley Mushrooms and wilted greens from Ohio City Farms.
“It’s kind of a biscuit sandwich with scrambled eggs. And then the sausage gravy goes on top of the whole mess,” says Small.
You won’t find fussy, overly complicated dishes on Juneberry Table’s tightly curated menu. Even when the restaurant starts offering dinner service this summer, Small plans to keep her focus on this casual approach.
“I love fine dining, don’t get me wrong,” she says. “But at this point in my life, what I’m drawn to is a more relaxed approach to food. I want things to be comfortable. I want things to be delicious. But I want them to be simple at the same time.” Kim Schneider
3900 Lorain Ave., Cleveland 44113, 216/331-0338, juneberrytable.com
These two popular Cincinnati breweries both make a drink featuring a mashup of raspberry and blackberry flavors. Here is how they measured up.
Rhinegeist Brewery
5% ABV
Part of Rhinegeist Brewery’s RGBevs line of hard craft beverages, this easygoing refresher is a perfect match for the sunny season. It’s described on the can as a “Mixed Berry Smash,” but the natural flavors come through without clobbering your taste buds. rhinegeist.com
Urban Artifact
8% ABV
Urban Artifact is known for the sheer variety, creativity and quality of the beers it makes. This Midwest fruit tart is crafted with 1,200 pounds of raspberries, 1,200 pounds of blackberries and 30 grams of vanilla beans per 30-barrel batch, packing a punch of flavor along with the ABV. artifactbeer.com
Jeffrey Clark and Ben Willis met while working in Columbus coffee shops and, over the years, talked increasingly about opening their own place. In late 2020, the duo launched Parable Coffee inside Columbus’ Comune restaurant, and it quickly became a local favorite.
In summer 2022, Clark and Willis moved into their own space on South High Street downtown. The new digs sit in the corner of the former Lazarus department store building, complete with tall windows, globeshaped lights and loads of greenery.
The drinks themselves are certainly the draw, from rich brewed coffee to single-origin espresso to sesame miso caramel latte, but there is more at play here. Clark and Willis are also seeking to create a better and more supportive environment for their employees. No tips are accepted. Instead, drinks are priced between $5 and $9 to properly pay their workers a living wage.
“We know that it’s not just a cup of coffee,” Willis says. “Every single step to get that coffee to you involves a human being. Peo-
ple try to reduce things to just the product and they’re not considering how the product came to be. We’re paying everyone, every step, the appropriate price.”
Earlier this year, Parable Coffee’s lineup of offerings got sweeter with the hire of pastry chef Aaron Clouse, who has worked in Columbus-area restaurants and appeared on Food Network, to head up the baking program. Clouse produces exquisite pastries like scones, creme-bruleed cookies with cream cheese inside and giant round croissants filled with Nutella or citrusy yuzu cream.
Those who do not have the funds for coffee or food can pay what they are able or have their meal covered by Parable’s community card, building on the sense of inclusiveness and support that Clark and Willis are working to create.
The shop’s name comes from the title of Octavia E. Butler’s 1993 post-apocalyptic novel Parable of the Sower, which explores social and financial inequality. In it, the main character comes to recognize humanity’s role in changing the world for the better. A quote from the author is printed at the top of Parable’s menu and on a sandwich board out front: “All that you touch you change. All that you change changes you.”
Nicholas Dekker149 S. High St., Columbus 43215, 614/636-0341, parableparable.com
124 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia 44663 800-527-3387 traveltusc.com
Quench your thirst for adventure in the Other Side of Amish Country exploring National Historic Landmarks and world-class museums, tasting local food, wines and brews, discovering trails, and meeting local merchants! The local arts vibe will color you happy, too!
13178 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan 43138 800-HOCKING (462-5464) explorehockinghills.com
Discover the magic of southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills. Explore prehistoric caves, hiking trails meandering past waterfalls and ridgetop scenic vistas. Cabins, cottages and lodges pepper the hills along with abundant outdoor adventures. Enjoy locally owned eateries and shops while discovering the unsurpassed beauty of Ohio’s natural crown jewels.
241 Front St., Suite 7 Marietta 45750, 740-373-5178 mariettaohio.org
Marietta was the first settlement in the new frontier 235 years ago, and our early pioneer spirit can still be felt throughout our community. Navigate our rivers, explore our shops, taste our cuisine, and immerse yourself in our rich culture and history featured in David McCullough’s last book, The Pioneers
12455 St. Rte. 104, Waverly, 45690 740-947-7715 visitpike.com
Among rolling foothills and winding valleys, you can find your next adventure in southern Ohio! Featuring some of the top family-friendly attractions, award-winning live music, a variety of charming festivals, an abundance of nature and outdoor recreation, and a local Amish community to explore. Escape the ordinary Visit Pike County!
67800 Mall Ring Rd., Unit 485 St. Clairsville 43950, 740-695-4359 visitbelmontcounty.com
Belmont County, Ohio, is known for its small-town hospitality, picturesque main streets and beautiful landscapes. Discover museums and events that represent the heritage and history located in the heart of Appalachia. Plan your visit to friendly, beautiful, Belmont County today!
342 Second St., Portsmouth 45662 740-353-1116 ohiorivertourism.org
The Portsmouth-Scioto County area is located at the confluence of the Ohio and Scioto rivers. Visit our flood wall murals, antique shops, museum, microbrewery, local eateries, hiking, mountain biking trails and pump track.
21 W. Boardman St. Youngstown 44503, 800-447-8201 youngstownlive.com
Visit historic Lanterman’s Mill & Covered Bridge in Youngstown. Stroll through beautiful Fellows Riverside Gardens, and explore the world-renowned Butler Institute of American Art. Enjoy 45 miles of scenic trails in Mill Creek MetroParks, challenging golf courses, and plenty of great local wineries and breweries. Plan your weekend at youngstownlive.com.
35 W. Main St., McConnelsville 43756 740-962-4909 visitmorgancountyohio.com
Majestic Morgan County Ohio, The “Front Porch to the Great Outdoors,” no four-lane highways or chain hotels. With a welcoming atmosphere, unique lodging, shopping, and over 20,000 acres of parks and public lands, Morgan County is a great destination whether you’re looking for time outdoors, small-town charm, or Appalachian Heritage. We’ll see you soon!
627 Wheeling Ave., Suite 200 Cambridge 43725, 800-933-5480 visitguernseycounty.com
Cambridge/Guernsey County is home to Salt Fork State Park & Lake, Seneca Lake, Deerassic Park Education Center and The Wilds. From sandy beaches to safari tours, numerous parks serve as a backdrop to amazing family getaways. Request a FREE guide!
667 E. State St., Athens 45701 740-592-1819 athensohio.com
Steeped in Appalachian heritage and home to Ohio University, Athens County blends tradition with innovation — creating a culture like no other. We invite you to enjoy our abundance of art, entertainment, dining, nightlife and outdoor adventures. Athens County is more than a place, it’s a place to belong.
6 W. Jackson St., Millersburg 44654 330-674-3975 visitamishcountry.com
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in a rich culture, hop on a tour, enjoy a little comfort food, or find your bliss away from the everyday, you’ll find what you are looking for here in Ohio Amish Country.
205 N. Fifth St. Zanesville 43701, 740-455-8282 visitzanesville.com
Soak up a long weekend in Muskingum County this summer! Zip lining at the Wilds, mountain biking, bird-watching, paddle boarding and tubing on the Muskingum River, A Storybook Trail, free outdoor concerts, First Friday Art Walk, and kickstands up on the Triple Nickle. Get Up, Get Out and Go!
432 N. Whitewoman St. Coshocton 43812, 800-338-4724 visitcoshocton.com
Open seven days a week! Home of Historic Roscoe Village, The Monticello III Horse-drawn Canal Boat Ride, Three Rivers Wine Trail, locally owned shopping and dining, Three Rivers Ride Motorcycle Trail, hunting, fishing, geocaching and 18-hole disc golf course.
YOUNGSTOWN LIVE – MAHONING COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAUFollow @OhioMagazine on Instagram and tag friends for additional chances to win!
Enjoy a two-night stay with a $100 credit to Craftsman Kitchen & Terrace. Nestled between small towns and scenic landscapes, Cherry Valley Hotel welcomes you and your entire group to our newly re-imagined property. Our 200-room hotel is designed for travelers seeking to relax and experience a touch of the outdoors. Our venue features lush botanical gardens, patio dining, an on-site pub, bar and restaurant, an indoor pool and more. It’s perfect for meetings and social events from 10 to 1,200 guests. To learn more, visit cherryvalleyhotel.com.
Win a night to camp in a floating tent on the Great Miami River. Win tickets and certificates to eat, paddle, play, and sleep on the river. Enjoy passes for kayak rentals, museums, events, gift cards and swag for your perfect day along the river, and to seasonal events like Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve!
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Reconnect and recharge in Butler County, Ohio! Explore the world’s largest indoor train display EnterTRAINment Junction, take a scenic horseback trail ride at Nation Road Horse Rental and enjoy sweet treats with a $30 gift card to The Cone. Your weekend getaway includes a complimentary one-night stay at the Cincinnati Marriott North.
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Get the VIP Visitor Savings Pass to enjoy special deals during your trip. Sign-up to get the digital, mobile discount pass delivered to you via text and email. Redeem special offers and save money at participating museums, attractions, restaurants and boutiques. Sign up for the Savings Pass at VisitCanton.com/VIPOffers.
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Hartville is the perfect place for all ages! Located between Cleveland and Amish Country, Hartville offers indoor shops, an outdoor Flea and Farmers Market, a celebrated restaurant featuring classic homestyle cooking and baked goods, America’s largest independent hardware store, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. Learn more at ExperienceHartville.com
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Visit the Canton Museum of Art, May 2nd through July 23rd, and explore four exciting Spring/ Summer Exhibitions including “Finding Home: Four Artists’ Journeys.” CMA is open six days a week and offers FREE admission every Thursday, courtesy of PNC Foundation. For hours and admission rates visit CantonArt.org
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The Spa at Gervasi Vineyard is a haven of tranquility and rejuvenation. Take in vineyard views while enjoying The Spa’s luxurious atmosphere. Connect with your partner in our Couple’s suite, indulge in a restoring body treatment, or simply unwind. Surrender to tranquility and celebrate you. GervasiVineyard.com/spa
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Belden Village Mall, the premier destination located in the hub of Eastern Ohio, boasts over 105 specialty shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Conveniently located off I-77, minutes away from the nationally known Canton Pro Football Hall of Fame and Akron-Canton Airport. The center is a cornerstone across generations with community-centric programming, and experiential activities. BeldenVillageMall.com
Enjoy open-air shopping - street market style - with over 100 makers bakers, brewers and growers of 720! Find live music, food trucks, coffee and craft beer, too. Plan to spend the day shopping and enjoying local. All the Food, Art, Music & Fun starts at 10 am! Parking is plentiful in our friendly and walkable town. 720 is free; family & pet friendly. EventsBy720.com
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Spring Hill is a 501(c)3 non-profit historic site in Massillon that interprets over 150 years of history, focused on early Ohio pioneers and the Underground Railroad. Tours of the 1821 farmhouse and grounds can be reserved by appointment, and walk-in weekends begin Saturday, June 3, 1-4 p.m. SpringhillHistoricHome.org
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Latino Fest is a free, family-friendly event celebrating community and the Latino/Hispanic culture during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Entertainment will include Latin cuisines, shopping vendors, live music, bounce houses, mechanical bull, games, and much more! Please join us on Saturday, September 30th at the Centennial Plaza in Downtown Canton from 12pm-10pm. Facebook.com/CantonLatinoFest
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Enjoy sampling over fifteen wines, in a beautiful country setting including covered patio and vineyard, just west of downtown Massillon. There is plenty of room for families (and leashed dogs) to spend the day! Food available, or bring your own snacks. Live music on weekends! CherryRoadWinery.com
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The arrival of spring blooms can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, but there are effective ways to restore comfort.
This time of year, some of us just need extra tissues to deal with the sneezes that can accompany the arrival of spring, while others have full-body allergic reactions resulting in irritation like skin rashes and itchiness. A mild winter and early blooms mean the pollen causing such reactions arrives earlier, too. “It seems like Ohio gets warmer every year and allergy season seems to stick around longer,” says Dr. Benjamin Bring, who specializes in family medicine at OhioHealth in Dublin. Because May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, we asked Bring how to deal with both.
Kristen HampshireOver-the-counter medications such as Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra are highly effective for blocking histamines that trigger
itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing. “When you cycle those antihistamines, you can get more relief as opposed to using the same one over again,” says Bring. Benadryl is a stronger antihistamine that is helpful for addressing more intermediate allergic reactions, but it causes sleepiness and is not recommended for daily use. Over-the-counter sprays like Nasacort and Flonase can help prevent congestion. “The key with nasal steroids is to use them daily during allergy season,” Bring says, “not just with symptoms.”
“We see a lot of overlap with allergies and asthma,” Bring says. Seek the help of a doctor, who may suggest using a peak flow meter, an inexpensive device that can measure the degree of asthma severity via three colored zones. Green means there are no symptoms. A yellow reading alerts exposure to a trigger and symptom onset. An orange zone means breathing is difficult. “Asthma is treatable, and prevention is very important,” says Bring. “Be aware of your triggers, understand how your asthma is classified, and have an asthma action plan in place.”
Knowing these common symptoms of stroke and responding to them immediately can save a life.
You notice a woman in the checkout line at the grocery store drop an item and lose her balance. Her face is drooping, and she is having trouble speaking. It’s time to call 911. In this scenario, four symptoms of a stroke are present arm or leg weakness, loss of balance, facial asymmetry and speech problems. The signs can be easy to miss or not catch quickly and every minute counts, because the blood-vessel blockages that cause these symptoms prevent oxygen from reaching the brain.
“That is when brain cells die, so we need to open that blockage,” says Dr. Deepak Gulati, a neurologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center who specializes
in stroke treatment and care. “Time is brain,” he emphasizes.
Immediate action is of vital importance. Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. suffers one, and every 4 minutes, someone dies from one.
“It’s a common disease with high mortality, and it’s the leading cause of disability in this country,” Gulati says. The good news is 80% of strokes are preventable, and quick action can vastly improve the outcome. The “BE FAST” acronym is important to learn, and someone experiencing stroke may exhibit just one symptom.
B: Is there a sudden balance loss?
E: Is there a sudden eyesight change or vision loss?
F: Does one side of the face droop or look uneven? Ask them to smile.
A: Is arm weakness or numbness present? Ask them to raise both arms. S: Is there speech difficulty? Ask them to repeat a phrase.
T: Time to call 911 Trust your instincts.
High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke, and other contributing factors include smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and heart disease.
“We can’t control age. We can’t control race. We can’t control our genetics. But we can address modifiable risk factors,” Gulati says.
Don’t skip your annual checkup, and exercise 30 minutes at least five days a week, Gulati recommends. Fill your plate with veggies, skip salty foods and consider a DASH or Mediterranean diet. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and includes foods rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium. A Mediterranean diet incorporates plant-based foods, whole grains, beans and fruit.
“Controlling these risk factors is key to preventing stroke,” Gulati says. “Awareness of symptoms is very important, because we have to act fast.” KH
Make the most of the long days and cool nights with our guide to summer fun in Ohio, featuring family-friendly festivals, on-the-water activities, interesting parks and cool concerts.
By Hallie Rybka
MEMPHIS
PARK HAS BEEN A CLEVELAND-AREA TRADITION FOR MORE THAN 70 YEARS.
MAY 29
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Ohioans who live along the Lake Erie shore know a good fish when they see one. The 42nd annual Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival splashes into Memorial Day weekend with a kids fishing derby, a parade, live concerts, educational programs and activities, carnival rides and local eats at Waterworks Park. portclintonchamber.com
MAY 27 28
Kick off summer on a sweet note! Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams teams up with LandGrant Brewing Co. for Jeni’s Strawberry Jam
The two-day celebration of the Ohio strawberry season returns to the Columbus brewery’s taproom and beer garden with strawberry buttermilk ice cream, new beer collaborations, family-friendly activities, food and live music. landgrantbrewing.com
Visit the National Veterans Memorial and Museum to discover stories of those who served our nation, from the Revolutionary War through today. The Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony takes place on May 29, but the thought-provoking museum in Columbus is open year-round, offering interactive exhibits that highlight poignant glimpses of the strength and sacrifices of those in uniform. nationalvmm.org
In the early 1900s, Van Wert was known as the peony capital of the world for its large fields of the pretty blooms. This small northwest Ohio town celebrates that heritage each year during the Van Wert Peony Festival, where you can enjoy live entertainment, watch the Grand Parade, take part in a children’s fishing derby, stroll through the car show and stop to smell the aromatic flowers. vwpeonyfestival.com
JUNE 09 11
Don’t be chicken! Step right up and feast on this village’s famous barbecue dinner during Versailles Poultry Days The annual southwest Ohio gathering returns with a whole henhouse of activities ranging from pageants and chicken-eating contests to an antique car show and parades. versaillespoultrydays.com
Reach New Heights: Get a bird’seye view of the Toledo Zoo’s African savanna at the Expedition Africa Aerial Adventure Course. The variety of thrilling experiences includes two high ropes challenge towers, three 250-foot sky bridges, a 30-foot Quick Flight with controlled descent and a 760-foot zip line that sails above the zoo’s grassy expanse, which is home to giraffes, zebras, Watusi cattle, camels and more. toledozoo.org
Start Pedaling! Hit the pavement on two wheels this summer. An extension of the Little Miami Scenic Trail, the 32-mile Simon Kenton Bike Trail connects riders from downtown Springfield to Bellefontaine, passing through towns such as Urbana and West Liberty. Highlights along the trail include the circa-1916 Buck Creek Bridge and Cedar Bog Nature Preserve, home to many rare plants and animals. miamivalleytrails.org
JUNE 8-10
They’re up, up away! Float on over to the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival to fill up your weekend with live music at the grandstand, kiddie carnival rides and, of course, the beautiful sight of brightly patterned hot air balloons. Stick around at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds after the sun sets to catch the night glow and fireworks. coshoctonhot airballoonfestival.com
As the National Museum of the United States Air Force celebrates its 100th anniversary, explore the destination’s fascinating exhibits, artifacts and stories.
Acassette tape of astronauts’ favorite wakeup music. Flight uniforms that date from the 1920s to contemporary times. The World War I diary kept by Eddie Rickenbacker, the Columbus, Ohio-born fighter pilot famously nicknamed “America’s Ace of Aces.”
These are only a fraction of the unique artifacts featured in “100 Years of Heritage,” a special exhibition the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton is presenting this year in honor of its centennial. The exhibition’s May 21 opening approximates the date in 1923 when people were invited to view airplane paraphernalia at a Dayton airfield. That small-scale display launched what is now the world’s oldest and largest military aviation museum — think nearly 20 acres of galleries showcasing hundreds of aircraft, spacecraft and missiles.
“This museum preserves pieces of American history,” says staff historian Douglas Lantry, “and it’s free because that history belongs to all of us.”
The size and scope of the collection makes the mu-
seum a top-flight destination, but with free admission and parking, it’s also a bargain.
In 1903, Daytonians Orville and Wilbur Wright started a truly groundbreaking chapter of history by inventing the airplane, and among the treasures you’ll find in the museum is a wind tunnel that Orville designed in 1916 for aerodynamic experiments.
You can also walk through the SAM 26000 that was President Kennedy’s Air Force One, ride in a flight simulator and discover exhibits highlighting the Tuskegee Airmen and Women in the Air Force that show how these military heroes and pioneers reflected and led cultural changes.
And to learn something about service, courage and sacrifice, stop by the Memphis Belle, the legendary and meticulously restored B-17 that embodies legions of airmen who gave their lives to defeat Nazi Germany. Memphis Belle’s name was inspired by pilot Robert Morgan’s fiancee, and just seeing its classic pinup girl nose art is worth a trip to the museum. 1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson Air Force Base 45433, 937/2553286, nationalmuseum.af.mil — Damaine Vonada
Zip Around: At Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum in Hamilton, another large-scale piece of art awaits you around every bend in the road — more than 80 in all. Explore the sculptures installed across more than 300 acres on foot, or opt to get behind the wheel of an “Art Cart” to cover more ground. (You’ll thank us later!)
pyramidhill.org
JUNE 16 18
Count Your Steps: Four walking trails run through Side Cut Metropark in Maumee, offering plenty of space to stretch your legs. The Metroparks Toledo destination is also connected to the all-purpose Wabash Cannonball Trail, which stretches 63 miles and touches four northwest Ohio counties. Take a break from the pavement to stop at Blue Grass Island, a popular fishing spot. metroparkstoledo.com
JUNE 23-25
Drop your anchors, the 57th annual Festival of the Fish is getting groovy! Head to the Lake Erie shore town of Vermilion for “Fishstock 3 days of Peace, Music & Perch,” complete with midway fare, beach yoga, a sandcastle contest, rides aboard the small sternwheeler cruise boat The Mystic Belle and the Lighted Boat Parade. vermilionohio.com
JUNE 21
Make “Your Smiling Face” another one in the crowd when James Taylor takes the stage at Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center. Enjoy the waterfront breeze and views of the Ohio River as you listen to the six-time Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s classic tunes like “Sweet Baby James’’ and “Fire and Rain.” riverbend.org
The Maria Stein Country Fest brings the fun to farm life. Pull on your boots and head to this rural community in Mercer County for live music, a petting zoo, carnival rides and games, antique and stock tractor pulls, a cruise-in car show, tournaments and a performance by the impressive square-dancing tractors. (Yes, really!) facebook.com/ mscountryfest
Roar into Summer:
More than 500 rare and endangered animals — from cheetahs to the southern white rhino — call The Wilds home. For a few nights, you can, too! After a full day exploring the nearly 10,000-acre conservation center in Cumberland on an Open-Air Safari, zip lining over animal pastures and taking a trot on horseback, soak up the views with an overnight stay in the lodge, cabins or yurts. thewilds.org
JUNE 23
JULY 02
Located less than 3 miles from the Ohio Statehouse, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers a natural oasis for little ones to explore. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden has a variety of features across its 2 acres, including the Nature Play Zone, Wetland Explore and themed pocket gardens. Watch hummingbirds search for a taste of nectar, jam out on the wooden turtle drums and explore other stations that celebrate Ohio’s natural landscape. fpconservatory.org
Tucked among the more than 400 acres of sprawling forests, wetlands and fields at Lake Metroparks’ Penitentiary Glen Reservation in Kirtland sits Nature Play, an outdoor space designed to engage children with active, self-led nature discovery. The 1-acre space features butterfly gardens, tunnels to crawl through, logs to climb and more interactive elements, including an area that allows kids to try their hand at planting a garden. lakemetroparks.com
Part of Dayton’s Five Rivers MetroParks, the Children’s Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark offers whimsical botanical displays and interactive experiences. Kids can play a game of musical hide and seek as they discover instruments placed throughout the Music Maze and put their building skills to the test in the sandbox. The Fossil Cave sparks imagination for little ones as they find imprints of creatures who once roamed the Earth. metroparks.org/discovery-garden
In the heart of downtown Lima, The Allen County Children’s Garden is home to more than 30 small, themed gardens that have been a learning space for little ones since 1996. A scavenger hunt takes kids to places like the Dinosaur Garden, Sensory Garden, Leap Frog Lane and Gumball Alley, while annual events such as the Butterfly Migration Celebration offer the chance to see critters up close. limachildrens garden.com
Explore the roots of this lakeshore city during Cleveland
More than 40 events over 10 days highlight Cleveland’s legacy, including Take a Hike architectural walking tours; rare access to cool spots around town; lectures with notable civic leaders, artists and architects; a bike tour of the Cuyahoga River valley and more ways to hit the pavement. canalwaypartners.com/ clevelandhistorydays
JUNE 28
After being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, The Doobie Brothers return to northeast Ohio to make a stop at The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre as part of their 50th Anniversary Tour. Hear hits from throughout the rock band’s career, including favorites such as “China Grove,” “Black Water” and “Takin’ It to the Streets.” theyoungstownfoundation amp.com
These children’s gardens across Ohio spark imagination and provide places to play in beautiful settings.
Celebrate the red, white and blue with “Patriotic Pops and Soul.” The Columbus Symphony takes up its summer post at the Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion, where the 2023 lineup for the sixweek Picnic with the Pops series ranges from “Super Diamond
The Music of Neil Diamond” to “The Music of Whitney Houston: A Celebration.”
picnicwiththe pops.com
Take it Slow: Enjoy the simple life in Ohio’s Amish Country. The Holmes County Rails-to-Trails Coalition offers 22.5 noncontinuous miles of scenic paved trail that once followed a railroad route, so you can explore the countryside by foot, bike or horseback. While you’re in the region, fill up on treats, shop for quilts and even plan an overnight stay at one of the area’s charming lodging options.
visitamishcountry.com
JULY 04
The stars and stripes get a dose of silliness during the annual Doo Dah Parade Bringing a mix of liberty and lunacy to Columbus’ Short North Arts District since 1984, this satire-filled event welcomes you to watch on the sides or join the parade — but everyone can meet at Goodale Park afterward for live music. doodahparade.com
Ride the Wave: Get sporty at Wake Nation in Fairfield, where cable wakeboarding reigns supreme. The park features a boat-free, overhead pulley system, smooth water and two dozen obstacles so you can get your shred on. Instructors help you confidently make waves and learn regardless of skill level, and the Butler County destination also offers thrills by way of the floating Aqua Park and superslide. wakenation.com
Take the Plunge: With 36 waterslides, two wave pools, rushing rivers and relaxing lagoons, Soak City Water Park at Kings Island promises to be a great way to beat the heat. Open May 27 through Sept. 4, the over 30-acre destination features multiple food hubs and more than 50 water activities, including play areas designed with your little ones in mind. visitkingsisland.com
JULY 7-9
Whether you sprawl on the lawn or sit in the pavilion, there’s no bad seat to enjoy the Blossom Music Festival The Cleveland Orchestra returns to its summer residence at Blossom Music Center with programs ranging from classical favorites to thrilling music from movies, like “Jurassic Park.” In honor of the blockbuster’s 30th anniversary, the orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic score as the film plays on screen. clevelandorchestra.com
JULY 07 15
See what’s on tap at Ohio Brew Week!
The annual event hits the streets of Athens with nine days of hoppy educational fun. Sample from a range of hundreds of craft beers and over 300 ciders and meads, and enjoy unique collaborations, speakers, entertainment, local food and the Last Call block party on Court Street. ohiobrewweek.com
JULY 11
Few pop stars continue to shine for four decades, but Belinda Carlisle remains a music icon. From her roots as the lead vocalist of the groundbreaking new wave rock band The Go-Go’s to her solo career churning out hits such as “Heaven Is A Place On Earth,” the legendary artist is bringing a slice of her repertoire to Rose Music Center in Huber Heights. rosemusiccenter.com
JULY 13 15
Summer fun is in high gear at the Picktown Palooza Bring the whole family to enjoy the charm of Pickerington and Violet Township for three days filled with carnival rides, live music, food vendors, activities in the Kids’ Corner, the Freedom 5K and a car, truck and bike show. picktownpalooza.org
Take the High Road! Not sure where to start your hike in the Hocking Hills? Hit the Conkles Hollow Rim Trail. With vistas looking out over the treetops, rocky cliffs and paths that cut through lush forest, it’s one of the region’s most scenic treks. The Conkles Hollow Gorge trail is 1 mile and wheelchair accessible, while the 2.5-mile Upper Trail is a more strenuous option. Bonus tip: Arrive early for breathtaking morning views. explorehockinghills.com
Memphis Kiddie Park just outside Cleveland has been delighting little ones and their parents with more than 70 years of kid-size thrills.
Each summer since 1952, families across northeast Ohio have visited and loved Memphis Kiddie Park in Brooklyn. Designed and built by Cleveland native Stuart Wintner, the landmark had nine mechanical rides when it opened on May 28, 1952. That lineup included the Little Dipper, which still holds its place in history as the oldest continuously functioning steel roller coaster in North America.
The amusement park, which opens in late May each year, embraces kid-size thrills with 11 rides designed for children under 50 inches tall. All rides are fully restored and bear a retro resemblance to how they appeared in the 1950s. The electric cars curve around a winding track, while the boat ride floats in its water-filled tank. The classic Allen Herschel merry-go-round welcomes all ages to take a spin, and the
miniature-golf course provides a fun challenge for kids and adults alike. A concession stand serves classic favorites like popcorn, hot dogs and cotton candy, as well as the park’s best-known snack: funnel cakes.
During its early years, Memphis Kiddie Park saw lots of change while experimenting between rides and attractions, even including live ponies with a little corral at one point. The park’s roots are still present more than 70 years later, thanks to the effort of Memphis Kiddie Park vice president Scott Wintner’s father, Russell Wintner, who spent 10 years or so restoring the attraction to the look and feel of its early days.
Kiddie parks were popular across the country during the mid-20th century. Many closed as interest dwindled over the years, but Memphis Kiddie Park is the oldest of the few remaining “kiddie land” parks in the country, according to Scott Wintner. He adds that the beloved family memories the park helps make is why he believes it has endured.
“It feels really good being now the third generation to operate the kiddie park,” Wintner says. “It’s the people … who are now third and fourth generation sharing it as part of their summer tradition and then coming to us and expressing to us how much it’s meant to them.” 10340 Memphis Ave., Brooklyn 44144, 216/941-5995, memphiskiddiepark.com
Brett PriceFriends: Say hello to feathered friends at the duck pond, get up close to a variety of heritage breed chickens and test out your milking skills on a life-size dairy cow replica. A 200acre nature preserve near Dayton, Aullwood Audubon Center allows kids of all ages to get a taste of country life and an appreciation for conservation, complete with learning areas such as the Farm Yard, Bank Barn, Sugar Bush woodland and Children’s Sustainable Garden. aullwood.org
JULY 18 23
Take one giant leap and land at the Summer Moon Festival, where the achievements of Wapakoneta’s favorite son, astronaut Neil Armstrong, are commemorated each year. Take part in planetary-themed events running concurrently at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, and head downtown for the street festival with live music, a beer garden, family games and tasty treats. summermoonfestival.com
JULY 21 23
Can you hear it? Summer is calling you with the sound of sultry jazz and the irresistible aroma of sizzling ribs. The scenic Scioto Mile along the downtown riverfront provides the perfect backdrop for the Columbus Jazz & Rib Festival, three days of continuous music and barbecue pros serving up mouthwatering grub. hotribscooljazz.org
JULY 26 AUG. 06
You had us at deepfried Cajun Waffle Dogs! The Ohio State Fair delivers a classic lineup of amazing attractions from carnival rides to pig races to national entertainment, but it’s the overthe-top food creations like Nutter Butter Stuffed Funnel Cake that really catch our eye. (That, and the annual butter sculptures.) ohiostatefair.com
JULY 21 23
A southeast Ohio favorite, the Nelsonville Music Festival returns to its new home at Snow Fork Event Center. Surrounded by the picturesque hills of Wayne National Forest, the intimate festival delivers three days of national, regional and local acts, plus camping, craft beer, artisan vendors and family-friendly activities. nelsonvillefest.org
Ride the Coasters: The exhilaration of the slow climb, a deep breath and a whooshing, stomach-flipping drop continues to excite us at Cedar Point. For more than 150 years, the amusement park has been home to some of the world’s most iconic and record-breaking rides, from the Blue Streak to Millennium Force. cedarpoint.com
Step Back in Time: Historic Roscoe Village reflects a bygone era of life along the Ohio & Erie Canal. The restored town in Coshocton offers living-history tours and features charming specialty shops such as the Roscoe General Store, River Ridge Leather and Knob Hill Design. On weekends from May 26 through Oct. 22, experience a slower pace via the Horse-Drawn Canal Boat Rides and hear old canal tales from the 1800s. roscoevillage.com
Hotel Versailles is the perfect setting for your big day. With 30 boutique hotel rooms, an award-winning culinary team, and outdoor courtyard with fireplace, it offers everything you need in one place.
Call and ask about our wedding and corporate retreat packages at 937.526.3020.
Visit hotelversaillesohio.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about the newest
JULY 29 30
Get ready for a treasure hunt and explore one of Tuscarawas County’s most storied villages. The Historic Zoar Antiques Show and Artisans Tent features more than 60 dealers as well as high-quality artisans, folk artists and a variety of historic demonstrations. historiczoarvillage.com
A National Natural Landmark, the Glacial Grooves at Kelleys Island State Park measure 400 feet long, 35 feet wide and up to 15 feet deep — a massive geological phenomenon created around 25,000 years ago by the same glacier that carved out the Great Lakes. A recent renovation to the Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve provided updates including increased accessibility by way of a new footbridge and elevated walkways, offering better views of Kelleys Island’s extraordinary geologic structures. kelleysislandchamber.com
A network of trails covers 12 miles at Newark’s 2,000-acre collection of trees and other plants. In summer 2022, The Dawes Arboretum opened another: the Appalachian Hollow Trail The short, quarter-mile route features a diverse selection of species that you would encounter in the central and southern Appalachian Mountains as well as in portions of Ohio. Largefoliage magnolias, a native azalea, spicebush and more highlight the Appalachian region as one of North America’s most diverse areas for plant life. dawesarb.org
Climb up and explore Swan Creek from a new perspective. The 1.5-mile Swan Creek Connector Trail, which includes a 580-foot concrete walkway and two steel-truss bridges, now leads Metroparks Toledo visitors higher into the tree canopy. The trail opened in September 2022, providing a connection to 200 acres that were previously inaccessible within Swan Creek Preserve as well as a new vantage point to check out the park’s wildlife, including a variety of migratory birds. metroparkstoledo.com
Take your perch on the scenic overlook 130 feet above Euclid Creek and its forested valley. The vista is found along the 1-mile Eastern Ledge Trail, which opened in October 2022 and features a mix of paved and natural surfaces as well as an 85-foot suspension bridge over the creek. Linking Euclid Creek Reservation to the city of Richmond Heights, this trail is the first of several planned routes to connect the park and the area’s residential communities.
clevelandmetro parks.com
Ohio’s parks and natural spaces offer a respite from daily life. Here are four with recent additions, so you can explore something new this summer.TOP: KYLE LANZER; BOTTOM: COURTESY OF METROPARKS TOLEDO CLEVELAND METROPARKS’ EUCLID CREEK RESERVATION SWAN CREEK PRESERVE, TOLEDO
The Marblehead Lighthouse has kept watch over Lake Erie since 1822. Picnic in the park to the sound of lapping waves, then visit The Keeper’s House Museum to see historical photos and artifacts. Visitors can climb the 77 steps to the top of the iconic lighthouse, which is the oldest in continuous operation on the Great Lakes. marbleheadlighthouseohio.org
JULY
Get a double dip of our favorite hippo siblings during Fritz & Fiona’s
The Cincinnati and Graeter’s ice cream are teaming up for a “cool” fundraiser, where you can sample ice cream from six different tions while meandering through the zoo to see animals after hours. cincinnatizoo.org
Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre in Chillicothe is best known as the home of the outdoor drama “Tecumseh!” but for four days, it’s all about the Bard. This summer, experience the tragic “Henry V,” the playwright’s most famous war story. tecumsehdrama.com
Congratulations to Artist John Nativio for American Whooping Crane
"Still critically endangered the American Whooping Crane inspired me to bring greater awareness to its fragile existence."
-John NativioThe Bryn Du Art Show is a national, juried show of visual arts held every March at the Bryn Du Mansion in Granville, Ohio.
Call for entries for the 2024 show will be open from Oct. 15, 2023 to Jan. 15, 2024.
AUG. 4-6
Who says cardboard can’t float? Crews of determined sailors prove otherwise during an annual cardboard boat race on the Ohio River. The regatta is part of RiverDays in the southwest Ohio town of New Richmond, which makes waves each August with rides, games, food, live theater, musical entertainment, fireworks and more. riverdaysfest.org
Smell the Roses:
AUG. 10 13
Marietta is a premier destination for outdoor recreation, with access to hiking, kayaking and biking on the Ohio and Muskingum rivers and 200 miles of trails. Combine that with a charming downtown and cold beer, and you’ll see why this southeast Ohio river town is the perfect spot for the Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival rtafest.com
Schedel Arboretum & Gardens is home to a range of beautiful, surprising and exotic species as well as a world-class bonsai collection, the Blair Museum of Lithophanes and more. The 17-acre botanical garden in Elmore is beloved for its variety of themed gardens — including the Japanese Garden adorned with unusual conifers, a 30foot waterfall, bridges, pagodas and a torii gate. schedel-gardens.org
Spend a Day at the Beach: Feel the sand between your toes during an outing to Nickel Plate Beach. With its gradual slope into the water, Erie County’s largest public swimming beach is perfect for families. So, pack up your beach tote and head to Huron to soak up the sun’s rays, build a sandcastle, play a round of volleyball and rent paddleboards or kayaks at The Paddle Shack. cityofhuron.org
Connect with the wide range of public art found throughout our capital city using the Cbus ArtWalks App.
Walking along High Street in Columbus’ Short North Arts District, it’s hard to miss the sheer amount of art on display — works in storefront windows, large murals painted on buildings, chalk decorating sidewalks. Our capital city has long embraced creativity, and Columbus’ vibrant arts scene has grown along with its population.
In 2021, the Greater Columbus Arts Council created a new way to connect with public artworks with the launch of its Cbus ArtWalks App. What started as an online arts database published in 2019 has evolved into a mobile-phone app capable of helping plan self-curated tours and allowing everyone, from longtime residents to travelers to first-year college students, the ability to learn about Columbus and the art found here.
“The biggest thing that people are discovering is that public art
lives closer to them,” says Jami Goldstein, vice president of marketing, communications and events at the Greater Columbus Arts Council, who took part in spearheading the ArtWalks project.
The app allows users to filter art by category, with types that range from historic statues to digital installations to architecture. Users can also explore by neighborhood (the app covers 65 in and around Columbus), and the map pinpoints where artworks can be found. Additionally, the app curates tours around various themes.
“We wanted people to be able to find the kind of art that they were interested in, as well as art that was near them and art that would be part of their community,” Goldstein says.
This type of user-centric experience is just the start for the Greater Columbus Arts Council, which has plans to continue expanding features to make art more accessible to everyone through a comprehensive public art plan for the city.
“This app is an important tool in that process,” Goldstein says, “because we’ve already put in people’s hands the ability to explore what’s out there and begin to get a sense of what they like and don’t like and how public art has shaped our community.” columbusmakes art.com/public-art Brett Price
Take a Walk in the Park: A neighborhood park has an artistic update this summer! The Perrysburg Sculpture Walk at Woodlands Park features 16 pieces by artists from across the country. On display through the end of August, the sculptures join the park’s other attractions, including an 18-hole disc golf course, crushedstone pathways, a flower garden and a new all-inclusive playground set to open in June. visitperrysburg.com
Draw those purse strings, folks, because a wild bunch of cowboy bandits are hopping aboard the train. The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is staging Ohio’s Friendliest Train Robbery five times throughout the summer. You’ll be provided play money at the depot, and the Wild West adventure adds to the fun for all ages. hvsry.org
AUG. 13
From woodworking to jewelry to pottery, the 35th annual Art on the Commons Fine Arts and Crafts Festival brings an eclectic mix to Kettering’s scenic Lincoln Park Civic Commons. Located near Dayton, the festival features more than 100 artists, live music and interactive family activities. fraze.com
AUG. 26
Roll up to Troy hungry, because Ohio’s largest one-day cycling event is also its sweetest! During the Tour De Donut, your speed is only one part of the winning equation — because each doughnut consumed shaves digits off your final time. Eat up! thetourdedonut.com
Make a Splash: We love our Great Lake, but Ohio is also home to spectacular inland lakes! Spend a day at Indian Lake State Park in Logan County, where two beaches are just the start to the fun in the sun. Recreational options on the 5,100acre Indian Lake include swimming, kayaking, fishing, water-skiing and tubing. If unlimited-horsepower boating is more your speed, you’ll find a place for that, too.
ohiostateparks.gov
Walk along four trails at this 533acre preserve where flint was quarried by people of multiple Indigenous cultures. The trails at this historic spot in Glenford, just southeast of Newark, total 2.5 miles. An on-site museum includes an excavated quarry pit and a look at an ancient flint workshop. See handcrafted tools such as arrowheads and knives and a map that shows exact flint quarry locations. flintridgeohio.org
Indian Mound Reserve
A combination of three Greene County parks in one (Williamson Mound, Cedar Cliff Falls and Peterson Park), Cedarville’s Indian Mound Reserve provides more than 8 miles of hiking trails across 169 acres. Begin at the Williamson Mound lot and wind your way through the interconnecting trails to access Mound Trail. This route leads hikers to the prehistoric Williamson Mound, believed to be a burial mound built by people of the Adena culture between 500 B.C. and 100 A.D. gcparkstrails.com
Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve
Five hiking trails totaling 11 miles across various elevations wait to be discovered at this 1,300-acre site near Hillsboro, located about 75 miles east of Cincinnati. The Fort Trail leads hikers to one of the country’s best-preserved ancient hilltop enclosures, where travelers can view the earthwork created by people of the Hopewell culture, likely as a ceremonial gathering place. To see a second site, take the Buckeye Trail to view the Circle Earthwork. ohiohistory.org
Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve
A National Historic Landmark, Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve spans more than 100 acres in Oregonia. It is the site of the country’s largest prehistoric hilltop enclosure, built 2,000 years ago by people of the Hopewell culture. View circles of stone, mounds and ceremonial earthworks, and visit the on-site museum. Five picturesque trails totaling 3 miles cross the preserve. Head to the North Overlook for views of the Little Miami River valley. fortancient.org
Cool it! Camping meets on-the-water fun at Atwood Lake Park in Tuscarawas and Carroll counties, where more than 500 camp lots welcome travelers to kick back and relax. Take a dip at the 360-foot swimming beach, or head to the two marinas offering boat rentals and docking for the chance to get out on the lake. atwoodlakeohio.org
SEPT. 03
Music fills the air when Opera in the Italian Cultural Garden
returns to this tranquil setting in Cleveland. Along with the One World Day festival (set this year for Aug. 27), this performance is an annual favorite at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, the city’s park-like collection of more than 30 plots dedicated to different countries and cultural groups. clevelandculturalgardens.org
Wind your way through rows of tents filled with works created by about 120 local, regional and national artists during the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival Set near the picturesque Northam Park, this community gathering has been an end-of-summer tradition since 1966, featuring fine art, live music and hands-on activities. upperarlingtonoh.gov
SEPT. 04
Get Your Feet Wet: Pick up your paddles and cross another one of the Lake Erie Islands Water Trails off your list this summer. The Middle Bass Island Trail offers a scenic dose of nature and serenity, revealing sights such as the Kuehnle State Wildlife Area and Middle Bass Island East Point Preserve, a prime birding spot that’s only accessible by kayak. lakeerieislandsconservancy.org/water-trails
Lustron Corp. hoped the prefabricated steel homes made at its Columbus factory would help address the need for housing following World War II. Instead, the company closed its doors after making around 2,600 homes, the majority of which still stand today.
By Vince Guerrieri
t was a homecoming when Lustron house #549 opened at the Ohio History Center in 2013. The prefabricated family dwelling, constructed entirely of steel, was made in the 1940s at a factory near what is today John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Lustron homes were touted as state of the art, maintenance free and essentially indestructible as they were marketed to young families following World War II.
The one on display inside Columbus’ Ohio History Center was one of 11 that once existed in Arlington, Virginia. In 2006, the owner, Clifford Krowne, donated the structure to the county where he resided, and the home went on to serve as a display piece, depicting what life was like at the dawn of the postwar era. It was even shown in part at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, before Virginia officials donated the dwelling to the Ohio History Connection in 2011.
The home was scheduled to remain on display at the Ohio History Center for at least five years, but it has proven to be so popular that it is still there today. Baby boomers look at it and see things that existed in their childhood homes, while kids marvel at the technology of the 1950s — many glimpsing landlines and cathode-ray-tube televisions for the first time. Newlyweds have had wedding photos taken in and around the house.
“It remains one of our most asked-about and visited exhibits,” says Jen Cassidy, director of the Ohio History Center and Ohio Village.
The home’s popularity as a historic artifact belies the story of Lustron, though. Conceived to use assembly lines and cutting-edge technology to help alleviate the postwar housing shortage, the company lived a brief life, undone by its own complexity and political machinations.
The idea of prefabricated homes was not a new one. During the California gold rush in the mid-1800s, houses were built offsite and shipped to be assembled quickly in the boomtowns that developed. In the early 20th century, both Sears and Montgomery Ward sold homes through their catalog that could be bought and assembled on a plot of land. In the 1920s, intellectual R. Buckminster Fuller conceived of the Dymaxion house, a small home that could be taken apart and moved as the situation called for it. And during the Great Depression, the Tennessee Valley Authority, one of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal programs, advanced the idea of “truckable houses,” which could be transported where they were needed.
But Carl Strandlund, Lustron’s founder, didn’t originally set out to make houses. An inventor and businessman with experience at John Deere and Minneapolis-Moline, Strandlund had helped convert Vitreous Enamel Products Co. to wartime production.
In peacetime, Vitreous Enamel made porcelain-coated steel, used in the construction of gas stations. (The company had a contract with what would soon be called Amoco, one of the companies spun off from Standard Oil.) Strandlund had every plan to do the same after the war, but the transition to a peacetime economy was strained and shortages abounded — particularly in housing, where
it was estimated that 3 million new homes would be needed. Strandlund was told if he would manufacture housing, there would be government contracts, and the Lustron Corp. was born.
Strandlund originally wanted to stay in the Chicago area and had his eyes on a plant built by the Chrysler Corp. to make B-29 bombers. But Preston Tucker, who planned to make his eponymous automobile there, bought it. Instead, Lustron found a massive factory in Columbus that Curtiss-Wright had used to build fighter planes, and manufacture of the homes started in 1948. The initial goal was to turn out 85 houses a day (rising to more than 400) and offer three different styles of two- or three-bedroom homes. Each would be put on its own truck and sent to a lot to be assembled on-site. It was estimated that assembly would take less than a week.
But production never reached that level, and distribution was an issue, as a dealer network couldn’t form quickly enough to sell the houses. The company was losing $1.5 million a month. (Among its expenses was a $10,000 check written to U.S. Sen. Joe McCarthy a “fee” for an article he’d written on housing. The payment led to a Congressional inquiry into the Wisconsin senator, who was ultimately censured for, among other things, refusing to cooperate with the investigation into allegations of financial impropriety.) The federal Reconstruction Finance Corp. had made $37.5 million in loans to Lustron and held hearings over allegations of fraud. Ul-
timately, the federal government foreclosed on the company in 1950. An estimated 2,680 homes were made before Lustron shut down, with 8,000 orders left to fill.
Today, it’s estimated that around 2,000 Lustron homes are still standing. The ones that are gone were typically located in towns where the land was worth more than the house. (Lustron house #549 at the Ohio History Center was initially donated by its owner so he could build a new home on his property.) The structures were also small by today’s standards — around 1,000 square feet — leading original features to get lost in additions and updates as the years passed.
Of the Lustron homes that remain, some are hiding in plain sight, their pastel colors painted over with more traditional exterior hues or even covered with siding. But a fellowship has evolved among Lustron homeowners — if for no other reason than to scavenge replacement parts that haven’t been made in decades. (The tracks in the pocket doors — one of the many space-saving features Lustron touted — are particularly susceptible to wear and breaking.)
But a lot of owners lean into the postwar aesthetic. In 2022, a Lustron home came on the market in North Olmsted, outside of Cleveland. The surf-blue exterior is now gray, but inside, the home has midcentury modern decor — a monument to the optimism of an era that believed mass production could not only bring about peace in the world, but also solve all its problems.
Gahanna’s Herbal Cocktail Trail unveils another lineup of drinks that play on the city’s gardening heritage. Visit to sample the creative concoctions yourself, then try mixing them up for family and friends this summer.
Story
othing says summer quite like sipping a cold and flavorful drink with a side of sunshine, and the city of Gahanna’s Herbal Cocktail Trail offers fresh reasons to visit this season. Since 2017, select restaurants in Gahanna, located about a 15-minute drive northeast of Columbus, have featured drinks that reflect the city’s identity as the Herb Capital of Ohio. (Around the turn of the 20th centu-
ry, residents here were known for growing a wealth of herbs, and state leaders made the Herb Capital of Ohio designation official in 1972.) Eight restaurants — five of which are in the downtown area known as Creekside Gahanna — are serving up new cocktails this season that play on the city’s ties to herbs. Follow the trail to sample them or try mixing up these six concoctions at home this summer.
spin on the restaurant’s always-available Conquistador Margarita, this specialty version made with rosemary simple syrup offers an earthy mix of tequila, lime, agave and Gran Gala liqueur garnished with a rosemary sprig. “Rosemary and the fresh lime complement each other really well,” says Sara Mesaros, server and bartender at Local Cantina. “With the fresh citrus, you get a little bit of tartness.” Every day is a fiesta at the Gahanna location of this Ohio-based restaurant chain that serves Mexican fare. Repurposed doors painted in vibrant colors, a wood-topped bar and unique lighting crafted from woven yarn and colorful glass make for an inviting space to hang out. Enjoy the Rosemary Conquistador Margarita with a couple of the nearly dozen street taco options on the menu, including shrimp, fish, beef, chicken and vegetarian offerings. 101 Mill St. #100, Gahanna 43230, 614/337-1977, localcantina.com
1 1/2 ounces reposado or anejo tequila
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce Gran Gala liqueur
1/2 ounce agave nectar
Splash of rosemary simple syrup
Add all ingredients to a shaker over ice and mix. Strain contents over craft ice cube (large ice sphere that melts slower and prevents the drink from getting watery) in a rocks glass and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Rosemary Simple Syrup
Bring 16 ounces of water to boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup sugar and reduce to simmer. Five minutes into simmering, add 6 sprigs of fresh rosemary and simmer five more minutes, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and cover, allowing to cool naturally. Strain into container. Keeps up to four weeks refrigerated.
he Iced Citrusade at Signature’s Millstone Tavern is the perfect refresher for a hot day, with its fruity vodkas and dash of peach schnapps culminating in a drink that goes down easy and will have you thinking about seconds. The mint-sprig garnish screams summer, while the light, lemon flavor recalls neighborhood lemonade stands. “It’s a very mild citrus,” says Shawn Connolly, general manager at Signature’s Millstone Tavern. “We have two different types of vodka in it, [Absolut Mandarin and Citron]. It gives a nice flavor profile on the back end with the mint. It’s very refreshing to drink all summer long.” Open since 1991, Signature’s Millstone Tavern is a Gahanna dining staple, with its classic sports-bar interior complete with red vinyl booths and buckets of beer to go around. There are two outdoor patios for summer patrons to enjoy. 94 Mill St., Gahanna 43230, 614/532-0344, facebook.com/signaturestavern
INGREDIENTS
1/2 ounce Absolut Citron vodka
1/2 ounce Absolut Mandarin vodka
Dash of peach schnapps
Splash of lemonade
Splash of lemon juice
Splash of Sprite
Lemon slice, orange slice and mint sprig for garnish
Pour all ingredients over ice in a shaker, combine and pour over ice in a highball glass and top with mint sprig. Garnish glass with fruit slices.
he mashup of strawberry and lemon is a summer classic, but Barrel & Boar puts its own spin on the duo. The barbecue joint’s Strawberry Basil Lemonade presents the fresh lemonade and muddled strawberries as an undertone that lets the savory nature of the basil and gin come through, and it arrives at your table in a mason jar. “Everyone loves strawberry lemonade,” says Brandon Ferguson, general manager at Barrel & Boar. “The basil goes really well with the gin, because the gin has kind of a floral flavor to it.” Those looking for a summer barbecue will find it as this trendy spot — one of a small central-Ohio chain of restaurants — that serves up savory dishes such as barbecue mac and cheese, ribs and meatloaf. As evening falls, grab a seat outside by the fireplace and enjoy the views of the creek flowing by. 121 Mill St., Gahanna 43230, 614/4718844, barrelboar.com
INGREDIENTS
2 ounces Watershed Four Peel Gin
4 ounces lemonade
3 fresh strawberries
3 basil leaves
2 lemon wheels
Add two whole strawberries, one lemon wheel and 3 basil leaves to a shaker and gently muddle. Add gin and ice and shake vigorously. Pour all contents into a mason jar or Collins glass and top off with lemonade. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a half strawberry.
his refreshing sweet peach tea created by Marlow’s Cheesesteaks co-owner Shanika Sheppard tastes like country summers. Perfect for sipping on the restaurant’s patio, the Just Peachy cocktail packs a honey wallop from its combo of locally made Simple Times Mixers’ Honey Peach Tea and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey whiskey. It’s mixed with ginger beer and topped off with a mint-sprig garnish. “Peaches are good for spring and summer, and we wanted to collaborate with a local Columbus vendor, so we’re using Simple Times,” says Sheppard. She opened the restaurant with her husband, Jomar, in 2022 to showcase the city of Philadelphia’s mighty cheesesteak. Customize your own 10-inch sandwich with heaps of steak or chicken as well as cheese, onions, sweet peppers and more, or try it Marlow’s Way: steak, provolone, Cheez Wiz, onions, mushrooms, hot cherry peppers, mayonnaise and spicy mustard. 93 N. High St., Gahanna 43230, 614/532-5182, marlowscheesesteaks.com
2 ounces Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey whiskey
2 ounces Simple Times Mixers’ Honey Peach Tea
Splash of ginger beer
2 mint sprigs for garnish
Add Jack Daniel’s and Simple Times to shaker with ice and combine. Pour into a rocks glass over ice and top with ginger beer and garnish with mint sprigs.
hildhood memories meet grownup drinks inside this brick-front brewery that opened in 2019. Alongside the in-house craft brews, which are listed on the wall by way of a draft menu constructed out of Legos, patrons can sip this spot’s Herbal Cocktail Trail creation: Marvin Gardens. The Monopoly-themed, elderflower-flavored cocktail can be enjoyed this summer while playing the classic property-trading board game on one of the brewery’s enclosed patio picnic tables. The Monin elderflower syrup delivers a consistent herbal flavor without having to worry about keeping fresh herbs in stock, and peach bitters give the citrus and gin concoction a more complex flavor. “We go through the different options we have as far as types of herbs and try to use something we haven’t in a while,” says Shawn White, owner of Nostalgia Brewing Co. “We really liked the [drink] name in terms of the connection with the Herbal Cocktail Trail.” 81 Mill St., Gahanna 43230, 614/934-7039, nostalgiabrewing.com
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 ounces Watershed Distillery Four Peel Gin
1/2 ounce Monin elderflower syrup
1/2 ounce lemon juice
Splash of ginger ale
Splash of peach bitters
Lemon slice and orange slice for garnish
Combine gin, elderflower syrup, peach bitters and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a Collins glass with ice. Top with a splash of ginger ale. Garnish with lemon slice and orange slice.
he big white barn on state Route 62 fits right into the white-fenced, country feel of this portion of Gahanna that runs along the southwest side of New Albany. Columbus-based High Bank Distillery opened its second location in May 2022 by converting a former furniture store into a cozy space with high ceilings, sage-green booths and a wall overflowing with greenery. Outside, the spacious patio glows with strings of Edison lights and is often packed once summertime hits its stride. A star of last year’s patio season returns in the form of the Blueberry Basil Cocktail, a favorite that features High Bank Distillery’s own vodka and house-made blueberry basil syrup. “The basil gives it that little bit of earthiness, and it’s a great patio drink,” says bar manager Kelsey Fent. 1397 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna 43230, 614/656-7343, highbankco.com/gahanna
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 ounces High Bank
Vodka
3/4 ounce blueberry basil syrup
3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
Soda water
3 to 4 blueberries for garnish
2 to 3 basil leaves for garnish
DIRECTIONS
In order, combine lemon juice, syrup and vodka in a shaker and add ice. Shake for 10 seconds before straining into a Collins glass. Add crushed ice to the glass and
top with soda water. Garnish with 3 to 4 blueberries and 2 to 3 basil leaves
Blueberry Basil Syrup
Add 1 cup of frozen blueberries, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 1/2 cups of water and eight basil leaves to a pot and heat until warm (around 167 F). Once warm, remove from heat and add to blender. Blend until smooth. Strain using a fine mesh strainer. Place leftovers in a container and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Check out these offerings at the two other locations that are part of Gahanna’s Herbal Cocktail Trail this season. For more information, check out visitgahanna.com.
Lavender Blueberry Lemonade
101 Beer Kitchen
Wheatley Vodka infused with fresh lemon, lavender, vanilla bean and blueberry come together in a sweet, refreshing summer treat. 101beerkitchen.com/gahanna-ohio
Roselle | Edison Brewing Co.
The Roselle combines tequila and raspberry/hibiscus simple syrup into a spritz with floral notes and a vibrant color. drinkedison.com
This region of Ohio is loaded with adventurous outdoor activities, family favorites and other unique offerings that add up to a carefree natural getaway. By Jason
Brill
THE TREES LODGING’S SAFARI
Looking up at Ohio’s night sky encouraged astronaut John Glenn to reach for the stars. The John Glenn Astronomy Park, named after the Ohio native and first American to orbit the Earth, is the perfect spot to find that same inspiration. Away from the glow of artificial light, the Hocking Hills State Park locale offers a glimpse of the Milky Way, constellations and planets like Jupiter and Venus. Late spring is what director Brad Hoehne, an amateur astronomer who helped establish the park with Friends of the Hocking Hills, refers to as galaxy season: when it’s possible to see individual galaxy spirals. “There are a lot of beautiful, edge-on galaxies that look like a thin javelin of light in the sky,” he says. These galaxies can be seen through one of the park’s powerful telescopes during weekend programs, while visitors can see our home galaxy, the Milky Way, overhead on moonless nights from July through November. “When the moon is not in the sky, the Milky Way arches kind of like a ghostly cloud overhead,” Hoehne says. “It’s actually quite lovely.”
Opened in fall 2022, the Hocking Hills Lodge & Conference Center greets travelers with a sweeping lobby featuring two towering stone fireplaces embedded with fossils. Ohio Department of Natural Resources director Mary Mertz was looking for a specific
reaction from lodge visitors. “I wanted people to be able to drive up and say, ‘Wow,’ because that’s what you say when you see Old Man’s Cave and all the spectacular geologic drama in Hocking Hills,” she says. “In front of each fireplace, we have a guide so people can use it and try to find every fossil.” In the lodge’s 81 guest rooms, the headboards on each bed draw inspiration from Hocking Hills’ tree line. Rock House Restaurant and Cafe 22 are great ways to fuel up for adventure, and the Rock House Pub is a cozy spot for a nightcap. The lodge is also the perfect jumping-off point to check out some of the area’s most famous features. “You walk out the back and that puts you right on the Whispering Cave to Old Man’s Cave loop trail,” Mertz says.
The charm of camping and the comforts of a luxury hotel room come together in the Hocking Hills to create a glamping experience for families and adventurers alike. Among the Trees Lodging, located about 17 miles north of popular adventure spots such as Old Man’s Cave, is home to three treehouse stays including the Buckeye Barn Tree House. Overnight guests take a cable bridge from a hilltop to the front door of this treehouse, which is set 20 feet off the ground and has space to sleep up to four. Made of repurposed barnwood, it’s loaded with rustic allure and amenities like a full kitchen. Closer to the ground, Pine Creek Villas’ four recreational vehicles offer guests the chance to experience RV glamping. Live Oak, which sleeps four people, is a cozy camper with a gas fireplace, private deck and view of Pine Creek’s pond. The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls’ three Pacific-style yurts are a glamper’s dream, featuring a king-size bed, a full bathroom, rocking chairs and Wi-Fi. “If you wanted to check in and not do anything but stay here and relax and eat and get spa treatments here, you can walk to everything,” says assistant general manager Amy Rapposelli.
Hocking Hills’ hikes, activities and fresh air are good for mind and body, but for those who want to double down on wellness, the region has a host of invigorating experiences. Hocking Hills Serenity Salt Cave of-
fers soothing halotherapy, which involves inhaling diffused salt particles meant to improve the respiratory and immune systems. The 18-by-18-foot artificial cave, built from imported Himalayan salt boulders, is bathed in a relaxing red glow and calming music. Then, turn up the heat at Hocking Hills Sauna Pods. The barrel-shaped pods are located at Chalets Hocking Hills, but you don’t need to book an overnight stay to enjoy them. Each of the three pods are perched on the crest of a hill and feature a large window overlooking the surrounding
natural beauty. The pods hold four people, and a Bluetooth speaker is ready for the playlist of your choice. “When you’re inside, you feel like you are sitting at the top of the trees kind of looking out over the forest,” says Dannie Devol III, vice president of Chalets Hocking Hills. “It’s a really good thing to do to relax after a hike.”
Humans and nature have more in common than meets the eye, and that’s one of the lessons along the 14-stop Hocking Hills Butterfly Trail. “The draw to this region is the rock formations, caves and the incredible geology,” says Andrea Jones, an Ohio certified volunteer naturalist who helped create the trail. “But that geology has an effect on the plants that grow here and the animals that live here. Those butterflies are a reflection of the health of our region.” Along the trail, which takes about four hours to complete, explorers learn about the regal monarch, the mysterious pipevine swal-
lowtail, the lemon-yellow clouded sulphur and 11 other types of butterflies that call the region home. Each species has its own stop, including at Rockbridge State Nature Preserve and downtown Logan. Where to spot a type of butterfly depends on the food source and habitat it prefers. “The butterflies are picky eaters and they’ve got to find some shelter,” says Jones. The great spangled fritillary highlights this, feeding on violets that grow near the Capital University Primmer Outdoor Learning Center and favoring a garden environment. Download a map and passport (or pick up a printed copy at the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center) to visit all 14 trail stops.
For more information about these and other destinations throughout the Hocking Hills, visit explorehockinghills.com.
John Glenn Astronomy Park jgap.info
Hocking Hills Lodge & Conference Center hockinghillsparklodge.com
Among the Trees Lodging amongthetreeslodging.com
Pine Creek Villas hockinghillspinecreekvillas.com
Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls innatcedarfalls.com
Hocking Hills Serenity Salt Cave hhserenitysaltcave.com
Hocking Hills Sauna Pods saunapodshh.com
Hocking Hills Butterfly Trail explorehockinghills.com
For a retro, family-friendly night out, hit up Pinball Garage in downtown Hamilton. In 2020, with the city’s help, owner Brad Baker expanded beyond his digital-pinball-machine-manufacturing business to convert Hamilton’s former Goodyear tire store along North Third Street into a modern-day pinball parlor. “We’re pinball nuts,” says Baker, who has 40 to 50 pinball machines on the floor at any given time, although he rotates through a collection of 70 different games. Pinball Garage also has classic and modern arcade consoles as well as prize games like claw machines. “We’re family friendly all the time, which makes us unique,” Baker says. “We do tons of birthday parties here.”
For the 21-and-older crowd, Pinball Garage has a lineup of 30 drafts featuring mostly Ohio beers and a couple sodas on tap. “We have one of the best beer lists in the city,” Baker adds. On the weekends, Pinball Garage serves food from Brisketology, Baker’s food truck, which features smoked brisket,
pulled pork and wings. Baker also purchased All8Up Pizza & Hoagies, a favorite Hamilton restaurant located just down the street. 113 N. Third St., Hamilton 45011, 513/8957367, thepinballgarage.com
Visitors are often surprised at the size and scope of the Salty Dog Museum in Shan-
don. “People say, ‘I didn’t realize it was this big!’” says Casey Miller, who co-owns the museum with her husband, BJ. “It is, and it’s amazing. There are probably over 70 vehicles.” The Salty Dog features a stun-
ning collection of vintage cars and historic firetrucks. Mark Radtke and Ron Miller (Casey’s father-in-law), whose interest in antique cars goes back to their teenage years, founded the museum in 2008. The duo was building a car to race at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah when they purchased a building next to Ron’s machine shop, eventually filling the space with their collection of antique vehicles. “We get large and small groups in,” Miller says. “From kids and schools, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, nursing home field trips.” The by-appointment-only museum’s biggest event ties into the annual Shandon Strawberry Festival, which happens the second Saturday in June. “We have an open house, a car show, firetruck rides from here to town,” Miller says. The best part is all the vehicles work. “They all run. We all drive them. That’s our legacy, to keep them running.” 4995 Cincinnati Brookville Rd., Shandon 45063, 513/738-7353, saltydogmuseum.com
In early 2022, it was reported that vinyl records outsold compact discs for the first time since 1987. That’s good news for Eric DePrato and his sons, Jack and Mitch, who opened Three Feather Records in Fairfield in November 2021. “The whole idea formed because the three of us are freaks about music and have been as long as we
can remember,” Jack says. The trio, natives of the area, are all musicians who play in local bands. “For a long time, vinyl was out of the picture,” Jack adds. “Once it started coming back around 2014, I started personally getting into records, and it kind of snowballed. We thought maybe we could put our own spin on it.” Three Feathers features thousands of new and used records, CDs, music books, guitars and more. The shop also promotes local bands. “We try to have a concert every weekend, usually Saturday, sometimes two to four bands,” says Jack. The shop seems to have struck a chord with multiple generations. “I expected when we opened that it’d be mostly older people,” Jack says. “And it’s been an even split, sometimes even more young people.” 1105 Magie Ave., Fairfield 45014, 513/816-7361, threefeatherrecords-tfr.com
It doesn’t get much more old school than a drive-in movie, and the Holiday Auto Theatre in Hamilton has been delighting moviegoers for decades. Celebrating 75 years in 2023, the theater first opened in 1948 as the Hamilton Outdoor Theater. Over the years, a lot has changed, but many things have stayed the same. Families and friends still drive into the theater by the carload, paying admission at the gate and pulling into their spot, then tuning the radio to listen in to the
latest double feature. Owners Todd Chancey and Mark Althoetmar bought the theater in 2007, injecting new life into it while maintaining local traditions. “We probably have 30 years of Disney experience between us,” Chancey says, “and we took everything we learned from them and applied it to the theater.” The Holiday is open seasonally, starting in the spring, and shows movies into the fall. No visit is complete without a stop at the snack bar. The small building in the center of the 9-acre field serves hot dogs, pizzas, steakburgers, nachos, giant pretzels, caramel apple towers and lots of candy — making a great night at the movies all the sweeter. 1816 Old Oxford Rd., Hamilton 45013, 513/929-2999, holidayautotheatre.com
Burgers, fries and frosty root beer never go out of style. The Jug in Middletown has been a favorite for generations of families since it opened in 1932. It would be easy to just drive by the squat, round building on Central Avenue, but one smell of the juicy burgers on the grill will have you pulling in for a bite. Owner Donnie Osbourne, who bought the restaurant in 2018, grew up visiting The Jug as a kid. He keeps up the old-school experience, complete with carhops dashing out to your vehicle to take your order. Customers simply pull into a numbered parking spot and wait for service. Don’t want to eat in your car? You can also grab a seat at one of the picnic tables near
the building. Everyone has their go-to order, but first-timers should try a few of the classics, from cheeseburgers and chili dogs to waffle fries and chicken nuggets, plus a float and a half-gallon of root beer. Don’t miss out on The Jug’s signature eats, like the Jug Boy with a middle bun, cheese, lettuce, pickle and tartar sauce; or the Middle Burger with pickles, bacon, peanut butter and honey. 3610 Central Ave., Middletown 45044, 513/424-1677, thejugburger.com
These Mahoning County favorites have new additions and expansions that make it a great time to plan a summer visit.
By Kellie B. Gormly
Nature and outdoor lovers can find plenty to enjoy in Mahoning County’s Mill Creek MetroParks, which includes attractions such as Lanterman’s Mill and Covered Bridge, Fellows Riverside Gardens, a bike trail and a golf course. New for 2023 is Mill Creek Park’s renovated Ford Nature Center a stone mansion the local Ford family donated in 1968 that opened to the public four years later.
The Ford Nature Center holds a variety of nature-education programs for adults and kids, as well as indoor exhibits on the flora and fauna of the area. The Ford family home, which was constructed in 1912, had not received any renovations in its 50 years of use by the park system, leading to a total of $4 million in updates that were completed this spring.
“The approach is that we bring everybody to the center,” says Justin Rogers, planning and operations director for Mill Creek MetroParks. “We want it to be the starting point for self-guided tours and experiences throughout Mill Creek Park.”
The renovated property includes a new exhibit hall and nature-themed gift shop, history room, bird-observation room, updated restrooms, outdoor classrooms and trails. Rogers hopes that all visitors will walk away with an appreciation for nature and more knowledge than they had when they arrived.
“Everything that we do has an educational component,” he says.
While you’re at the park, be sure to take a stroll through Fellows Riverside Gardens, which contains a parade of seasonal blooms. 840 Old Furnace Rd., Youngstown 44511, 330/740-7107, millcreekmetroparks.org
“Tough times don’t last. Tough cities do.” That is the Youngstown-loving motto painted on the metal exterior wall of this 32,000-square-foot warehouse along Fed-
eral Street at the east end of downtown. In July 2022, it became the new location for Penguin City Brewing Co. The property — a former steel mill supply factory that sat vacant for several years — is a much bigger venue than the brewery’s original location at the former B&O railroad depot on the other side of downtown Youngstown.
“We went from 10 barrels to 20 barrels [of production],” says Aspasia Lyras, one of the brewery’s owners. “We wanted to create a brewing company that represented the history, pride and people of our area, and we wanted to make our mark in the beer industry in Ohio and beyond.”
Penguin City, which has been a Youngstown favorite since 2018, routinely has a selection of about 10 beers on tap, ranging from year-round staples like Penguin City Lite and Penguin City Golden Ale to seasonal favorites like the brewery’s Oktoberfest Bier and Winter Warmer. Penguin City does not have a kitchen, but food trucks are on-site daily. Favorites include TortA’Mo, which serves Mexicanstyle sandwiches, and Cheezelouize, which offers comfort favorites like mac and cheese. The brewery is family friendly and welcomes dogs both inside and outside.
“A lot of people are surprised by just the size of [the place],” Lyras says. “They don’t realize how big it is until they actually walk in.” 460 E. Federal St., Youngstown 44503, 330/755-0709, penguincity.beer
Southern Park Mall in Boardman added several new businesses to its lineup within the past two years, thanks to a $30 million redevelopment project. Additions include new restaurants and entertainment options, but DeBartolo Commons, a 4-acre outdoor venue that includes a sports field and green space for festivals and public recreation, is something entirely different.
Unless a group has the space booked, visitors can play a spontaneous soccer or baseball game at the commons, which also has enough room to host summer concerts and food trucks. The holiday season will bring festive events and an ice-skating rink.
“It’s an outdoor community hangout,” says Linda Macala, executive director of the Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Inside the mall, visitors can view the DeBartolo Commons Legacy Exhibit, which celebrates the life of namesake Edward J. DeBartolo. A Youngstown native, DeBartolo came from humble beginnings and studied engineering at the University of Notre Dame and served in the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. DeBartolo had a passion for construction and was a pioneer of the shopping mall. He also owned sports teams, including the San Francisco 49ers. The Legacy Exhibit tells the story of DeBartolo’s life.
DeBartolo Commons is part of a larger expansion of the southern end of the mall, which is also home to The Bunker, an indoor space to learn and play golf; and Steel Valley Brew Works, a large lounge that boasts a fun atmosphere for socializing with friends while enjoying indoor games alongside food, beer, cocktails and coffee. 7401 Market St., Boardman 44512, 330/7584512, debartolocommons.com
Visitors to Youngstown’s art museum, which Joseph G. Butler Jr. founded in 1919 as the first dedicated exclusively to American art, can now explore the Vincent and Phyllis Bacon Wing. The new exhibition space is connected to the historic museum building and named after two longtime museum supporters.
Inside the 3,810-square-foot Bacon Wing, the Bacon Grand Gallery provides a space for the display of large paintings and other works of art. In the $2 million addition designed by architect C. Robert Buchanan, visitors will see artist Pierre Soulages’ giant ceramic-tile mural, “14 May, 1968.” The 14-by-20-foot mural graces a wall facing floor-to-ceiling windows that allow sunlight to spill in and illuminate the art.
“People will love the way light is reflected,” says Louis Zona, executive director of The Butler Institute of American Art. “That’s the way the architect has designed it: directionally toward the sun.”
Along with Soulages’ work, the Bacon Grand Gallery will periodically house traveling exhibitions and pieces from the museum’s collection.
The Butler houses a permanent collection of more than 22,000 works, which is displayed across galleries that focus on the American West, sports and more. Known as the heart and soul of The Butler’s collection, Winslow Homer’s 1872 painting “Snap the Whip,” which was purchased the year the museum opened, depicts boys frolicking in front of a rural schoolhouse.
“Visitors will see one of the really great American collections with classic works that are often seen in textbooks,” Zona says. 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44502, 330/7431107, butlerart.com
Travelers looking for a glass of wine can go to Lowellville to relax and drink at L’uva Bella Winery. Other options include Woodland Cellars in Hubbard and D.O.P.E. Cider House and Winery in Youngstown. luvabella.com, woodlandcellars.com, dopethebrand.com
If you’re traveling with youngsters, Oh Wow! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology is a must visit. The hands-on museum includes an Earth & Weather Wow! Zone, where kids can do a TV weather report. ohwowkids.org
Kid Rock headlines the fifth annual Y-Live concert on July 29 at Wean Park in downtown Youngstown. Other summer concerts include REO Speedwagon on June 21 and The Doobie Brothers on June 28, both at The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre. ylivemusic.com, theyoungstownfoundationamp.com
Featuring two, 18-hole championship courses designed by Donald Ross, and a state-of-the-art practice range, Mill Creek Golf Course is the perfect place to start an adventure to remember. Grab a bite to eat at Hole 55 Bar & Grille or relax with a drink on our outdoor terrace. Find the perfect gift in our Golf Shop, the winner of the 2021 PGA of America National Merchandiser of the YearPublic Course.
Located in the historic hometown of Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum chronicles Ohio’s impressive contributions to the history of aeronautics and spaceflight. Take that one small step and journey to a destination that is truly out of this world!
500 Apollo Dr., Wapakoneta, OH 45895 419-738-8811 • armstrongmuseum.org
Rich in holiness and history, the Maria Stein Shrine provides visitors the opportunity to view over 1,200 relics, one of the largest collections in the United States. Explore the beautifully landscaped grounds and ornate chapels, browse the Pilgrim Gift Shop, and enjoy a pastry from the Brunner Bake Shop.
2291 St. Johns Rd., Maria Stein, OH 45860 419-925-4532 • mariasteinshrine.org
Stop today and savor Bella’s Italian Grille, an authentic Italian restaurant with American favorites located directly on the West Bank of Grand Lake St. Marys in Celina. Customer favorites include authentic Italian dishes such as our homemade Lasagna Classico, Citrus Chicken, Tuscany Trio, Pizza Margherita, Walnut Cranberry Chicken Salad and much more. Many Gluten Free options available. 1081 West Bank Rd., Celina, OH 45822 419-586-9545 • bellasitaliangrille.com
This modern twist on the general store features Ohio and American made goods, locally made artisan items, unique food selections, antiques, home decor, art, baby gifts, jewelry, toiletries, candles, t-shirts, candy, and more. The welcoming staff, attention to customer service, and unique atmosphere combine to create an amazing shopping experience.
209 West Spring St., St. Marys, OH, 45885 419-300-3743 • miamierietrading.com
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A charming establishment in the heart of Celina’s downtown. We specialize in house crafted items, from beers, cocktails, woodfired pizza to house smoked meats. Live music, outdoor patio and longest bar in Celina are just a few of the town favorites. Catering and event space available. In house paint your own pottery. Location of the Lake Area Arts Group. 110 S Main St., Celina, OH 45822 419-584-1705
Located on the banks of beautiful Grand Lake St. Marys, our serene, one-of-a-kind boutique hotel features 14 rooms each with private patios and lake views. Book a room today and enjoy stunning sunsets, boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking on Ohio’s largest inland lake. 1055 West Bank Rd., Celina, OH 45822 419-584-3625 • westbankinn.com
Fort Recovery State Park is the site of two of the largest Indian battles ever fought in the United States. Explore exhibits featuring artifacts of the two battles, see portraits of key American and American Indian leaders of the 1790s, tour the battlefield using 15 wayside exhibits, visit the 101-foot limestone Monument, and explore two reconstructed 18thcentury blockhouses.
1 Fort Site St., Fort Recovery, OH 45846 419-375-4649 • fortrecoverymuseum.com
The Miami & Erie Canal was significant in the development of Ohio as settlers found an easier way into the wilderness. Construction began in 1825 and it took 20 years to construct the 249 miles of canal from Cincinnati to Toledo. St. Marys, Memorial Park is home to the Belle of St. Marys, a replica canal boat and also features a covered bridge, clock tower and a lovely brick walkway along the canal trail to restored Lock 13.
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Grand Lake St. Marys is Ohio’s largest inland lake, ideal for both unwinding and staying active. From birding and boating to fishing and camping, this 13,500-surface-acre aquatic gem has options for everyone. Formerly the world’s largest reservoir (until the Hoover Dam was completed in 1936), the body of water once fed the Miami & Erie Canal. Today’s Grand Lake is shallow yet expansive, reaching across Auglaize and Mercer counties to Celina on its northwest shore and the town of St. Marys on its northeast.
“One quirky fact about Grand Lake, it sits along a kind of continental divide,” says Dave Faler, manager at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park “The water on the west end goes south, eventually ending up in the Ohio River, while the water on the east side goes north to Lake Erie.”
The Grand Lake Region offers a natural playground that includes restored wetlands, beaches and three decorative lighthouses for visitors to enjoy. In addition to plenty of tranquility, there is fun along the shore with live music, restaurants and events that bring travelers to town during the summer months.
“If you’re looking for peace or a party, you’ll find that here,” Faler says. “Our park is a beautiful, natural area with a great diversity of wildlife You’re also near museums that highlight bicycles, Neil Armstrong’s space exploration and Fort Recovery.”
Grand Lake’s fishing reputation makes it a hot spot for anglers, too. Ample crappie, bluegill, bass and more populate the waters. Local companies rent pontoon boats and fishing boats for those who do not have their own watercraft.
“The fish coming out of Grand Lake are some of the biggest in this area,” Faler says. “You’d have to travel far south to find this kind of fishing.”
Birding is another big attraction, with bald eagles and ospreys frequently spotted in the area. During the spring, birders who visit the region are likely to spy common loons migrating north.
“Five years ago, a large flock of American white pelicans took up residence here,” Faler adds. “They stay 11 months of the year.”
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park’s campground has 208 campsites, as well as cabins, for those who want to make a weekend of it. Nature trails and dog parks help the whole family stay active, while sandy beaches — including boater’s beaches with sand bars are popular hangouts, as are the state park’s outdoor pool and splash pad.
Stroll the city of Celina’s downtown district, where historic architecture blends with modern flavors and styles. Restaurants, breweries, coffeehouses and shops reflect the investment by local entrepreneurs working to make this city of nearly 11,000 residents a destination for travelers.
Co-owners Ben Amstutz and Nathan Giesige operate 211 Speakeasy Steak & Ale House, a downtown eatery that offers surf-and-turf entrees like the bone-in porterhouse and blackened scallops, along with a multitude of craft beer choices.
Hazelnut Coffeehouse offers fresh espresso and homemade pastries served lakeside, while Brew Nation serves up cold beer and barbecue with live music on weekends. New restaurants like The Anchor, which opened in 2021, further boost downtown’s appeal. (Try appetizers like the street corn chori queso or the gourmet jalapeno popper burger.)
The James Watson House is another addition to Celina’s food scene. Husbandand-wife team Chris and Cassie Campbell are restoring the historic Celina landmark named for city founder James Watson Riley — as a restaurant. For the project, they partnered with Phil Moeller and Michael Hoying, owners of the late-1800s
building that at various times served as a cigar factory and an opera house.
“The James Watson House will have a modern, big-city vibe with historical notes,” says Cassie. “The menu will be similar to our other restaurant, The Merchant House in Greenville … steaks, chops, pastas and seafood.”
In addition to dining, downtown Celina offers a mix of both longstanding and new shops. For over 70 years, Wilson Shoe Store has been selling name-brand fitness and fashion footwear. Jones Jeweler is another multigenerational local store known for its quality special-occasion jewelry. New shops on the block include Made Apparel, which outfits customers with screen-printed sweatshirts and tees. Made Home stocks handmade pottery, candles and home decor, while 419 Collective offers books, candies, locally made apparel and more.
Along Grand Lake, warmer waters and longer days mean its time for festival season. Taking full advantage of the inviting and scenic lake locale, multiple celebrations throughout the summer provide plenty of food, music and aquatic traditions that are hard to find elsewhere.
“When summer hits in Mercer County, there’s some event going on every weekend,” says Michelle Miller, Celina resident and co-chair of the Celina Lake Festival. The city’s biggest event draws anywhere from 10,000 to 18,000 people to the shore of
Grand Lake. As a longtime volunteer with the festival, Miller says she loves how the free, three-day event (July 28 through 30) brings people together for fun on the lake. Fireworks kick off the festival, as boaters and landlubbers alike watch the kaleidoscope of colors over the water. The festival highlight is the opportunity to see vehicles known as “amphicars” drive from land out onto the surface of the lake. The event draws amphicar owners from across the United States to make a splash, with some escorting local dignitaries such as the festival’s pageant queen or the mayor. Toss in a kids fishing derby, pet and dog show, a 5K run and a parade that spans two-and-a-half hours, and it’s enough to keep you busy all weekend. Classic concessions, amusement rides and live music round out the offerings at this lively celebration.
Other nearby festivals include events like the Fort Recovery Harvest Jubilee (June
14 through 18), which kicks off the summer festival season with an antique tractor show, dodgeball tournament, animal petting zoo, pie-baking contest, parade and lots of rides, music and food. Zuma Days (June 16 and 17) transforms a small park in Montezuma into a party with a live auction, reverse raffle and kiddie tractor pull, plus live bands and inflatables for the kids to enjoy.
Tractors that do-si-do are just one of the fun events at the Maria Stein Country Fest (June 23 through 25), which also includes live entertainment, sporting competitions and local foods and is held on the beautiful grounds of the Maria Stein Shrine.
This year’s St. Marys Summerfest (Aug. 10 through 13) coincides with the lakeshore community’s bicentennial year. The full schedule of events includes live music, concessions, midway rides, cutest baby and pet contests, a kiddie tractor pull, a rubber duck race and lots more summer fun.
FRESH FOOD
CRAFTED COCKTAILS
LIVE MUSIC
COTTAGES FOR SALE MARKETPLACE SHOPPING
BOAT RENTALS
GOLF CART RENTALS
KAYAK RENTALS
Learn more about the Grand Lake Region and the destinations mentioned in this article at greatergrandlakeregion.com.
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park ohiodnr.gov
FOOD & DRINK
211 Speakeasy Steak & Ale House 211speakeasy.com
Brew Nation
facebook.com/brewnationscelinaohio
Hazelnut Coffeehouse
facebook.com/hazelnutcoffeehouseoh
The Anchor theanchor-celina.com
The James Watson House thejameswatsonhouse.com
SHOPPING
419 Collective 419collective.square.site
Jones Jeweler
jonesjeweler.com
Made Apparel shopmadeapparel.com
Made Home facebook.com/shopmadehomecelina
Wilson Shoe Store facebook.com/wilsonshoes
INDOOR GOLF SIMULATORS
LOUNGE + BAR SPORTS + RECREATION
FESTIVALS
Celina Lake Festival
celinalakefest.com
Fort Recovery Harvest Jubilee
fortrecoveryjubilee.com
Maria Stein Country Fest
facebook.com/mscountryfest
St. Marys Summerfest
stmaryssummerfest.com
Zuma Days
celinamercer.com
Our state has 27 designated scenic routes that are perfect for summer road trips. These four across Ohio offer a glimpse into history and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
By Gracie Wilson
Travelers along the 27-mile main route of this scenic byway that runs through Milford Center, Unionville Center and Plain City, can enjoy the serenity of Big Darby Creek as it flows through Union County to the Scioto River. Along the way, travelers will see six covered bridges, including the Bigelow, Culbertson and Buck Run bridges.
“There are some modern bridges built in the 2000s and some historic bridges built in the 1800s,” says Corrie Bott, Union County Tourism’s welcome center and design manager. “The man who built the historic bridges was from Marysville, and he built bridges all over the state.”
Get out of the car and stretch your legs at the historic Pottersburg Bridge, a scenic footbridge that leads to a 3.5-mile walking trail with views of the central Ohio countryside. From June through October, the Pottersburg Bridge hosts Dine on a Covered Bridge. These five lunch or dinner events feature live music and locally sourced food as part of the experience.
Wind your way into Milford Center, once the Union County seat and now home to a replica of the first county courthouse. In the village of Plain City, the Plain City Clock Tower stands as one of the last two public timepieces of its kind crafted by re-
nowned 19th-century clockmaker Seth Thomas. Stop along the route for a look at the Old Indian Trail historic marker. The area is home to trails blazed by Shawnee leader Tecumseh and were later used as part of the route of the Pony Express.
State Route 78 at Clarington Ohio crosses through Monroe County into Noble County and continues along SR 78 into Morgan County ending in Nelsonville, Ohio (Athens County)
“There is so much culture and beauty in Appalachian Ohio. Our scenic byways offer unique experiences and a different view for travelers in our state.”
Thomas Barrett, Ohio Byway program coordinator
Southeast Ohio heritage runs deep on this 37-mile route through Belmont County. Named for the days when drovers would bring their livestock to market along the path, the byway follows state Routes 800 and 147 from Bellaire to Hendrysburg while also connecting with the Historic National Road and Ohio River Scenic Byways.
Start the journey in Bellaire with a walk by and across part of the top of the Great Stone Viaduct, an impressive structure that offers views of the Ohio River. Also in town is the Unofficial Lego Museum, home to a vast collection of creations built using the timeless toy block. The National Imperial Glass Museum features pieces of fine glassware from the now-defunct Imperial Glass Co., which was based in Bellaire.
Along the way, a handful of Ohio’s wellknown quilt barns dot the landscape, including a handful of Scott Hagan Ohio Bicentennial Quilt Barns Stop and spend some time in nature at Barkcamp State Park in Belmont. Go for a hike through this scenic corner of Appalachia, take a dip in Belmont Lake or bring the family for a night of camping.
Step into the past in downtown Barnesville at the Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum, a 26-room home that shares what life was like for those who lived here in the 19th century. Antique hunters will enjoy the Barnesville Antique Mall with its three floors of secondhand treasures.
Get a feel for the cowboy lifestyle at the Dickinson Cattle Co.’s Texas longhorn ranch, and then head over to Hendrysburg, the hometown of William Boyd — the actor who brought classic Western hero Hopalong Cassidy to life.
In Richland and Ashland counties, travelers can follow the journey of John Chapman better known as Johnny Appleseed — who spent time in the area during the early 19th century. Spanning 30 miles of state Routes 39, 430 and 603, the byway connects Mansfield, Loudonville and Mifflin, while celebrating Ohio heritage (and apples) at stops like the Johnny Appleseed Forest in Mansfield and Mallory’s Apple Cider in Loudonville.
“A lot of different states claim [Johnny Appleseed] as their own, but I think Ohio in this particular area has the most documented,” says Louis Andres, committee chairman for the Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway.
Malabar Farm State Park off state Route 39 in Lucas offers sunset views from the top of Mount Jeez, as well as the opportunity to tour the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield and dine at Malabar Farm Restaurant. After dinner, tuck in for the night at the Maple Syrup Cabin, a cozy 1940s structure outfitted with modern amenities.
Nearly 12 miles north, on state Route 603, Charles Mill Lake Park offers camping along the water. Pontoon boaters, kayakers and fisherman alike enjoy the calm waters of this 1,350-surface-acre lake that is part of the Muskingum Watershed Con-
servancy District. The park has nearly 500 campsites available, from primitive spots to RV hookups, and plenty of onshore recreation to enjoy, including disc golf, a swimming pool and a bocce ball court.
Just up the road in Mifflin, stop at Chuy’s Tacos and Margaritas (formerly the Mifflin Inn) for a cold drink and street tacos to cap off the day.
Running northeast of Defiance through Perrysburg and Maumee up to the southern
edge of Toledo, the Maumee Valley Scenic Byway covers nearly 90 miles on state Route 424/295 (also known as old U.S. Highway 24) and state Route 65, following the path of the Maumee River and telling the story of the region’s history and its role during the War of 1812.
“The old U.S. 24 that follows the river is now a casual, enjoyable, leisurely drive along a very scenic route,” says Maura Johnson, chairperson of the Maumee Valley Scenic Byway Committee. “The Maumee River formed the natural boundary for what was the frontier of the Northwest Territory.”
Begin in Defiance at Independence Dam State Park, which offers views of the Maumee River and opportunities for on-thewater recreation, such as boating, water-skiing, canoeing and kayaking. Along the north shore, travelers can hike 3 miles through history on the Miami & Erie Canal Towpath.
The driving route continues into Grand Rapids, a classic Ohio canal town that offers canal boat rides, restaurants, shops and more. Continue to Fort Meigs in Perrysburg to view a reconstruction of the American army’s fortification against British troops during the War of 1812. Visitors can tour the fort and grounds April 1 through Oct. 31 and visit an on-site museum year-round.
Cross over the river to visit the site of Fort Miamis, which also played a role during the war. This historic site is home to remnants of the fort as well as a monument to the Battle of Fallen Timbers.
For more information on driving Ohio’s scenic byways, visit ohiobyways.com.
COSI’s Frederic Bertley Talks King Tut, Science and More
See the Photography of Painter Georgia O’Keeffe
Explore the Cincinnati Museum Center at historic Union Terminal
Welcome to Jefferson County, West Virginia. We invite you to discover our quaint towns, steeped with history and our stunning outdoors rich with recreational opportunities.
Famous for John Brown’s historic raid and our deep ties to the Washington family, Harpers Ferry, Bolivar, Shepherdstown and Charles Town celebrate our past while still being contemporary and sophisticated communities. Each town offers fabulous local dining, boutique shopping and comfortable lodging.
If you are a lover of art, sweets or libations, we have themed trails to discover all of the best places throughout the county and beyond to enjoy your favorite things. Download an interactive brochure and use it as your guide.
Jefferson County features walkable downtowns and famous hiking trails all interconnected for easy access. Highlighted by the world-famous Appalachian Trail, we have miles of scenic hiking and biking trails to explore. The C&O Canal towpath, once trod by mule teams, is a smooth, level trail, perfect for hiking or biking. From the C&O Canal Towpath, long-distance hikers and bicyclists can connect to the Great Allegheny Passage, a combined rails-to-trails route that spans 335 miles. Hikers can also follow part of the 2,200-mile-long Appalachian Trail, with its midpoint at Harpers Ferry. The view of Harpers Ferry and the Shenandoah Valley is exceptional from the overlook on the Maryland Heights Trail These and dozens of other trails run throughout the county.
Jefferson County has long been known for a metropolitan dining scene in our historic and eclectic small towns of Shepherdstown, Charles Town, Bolivar and Harpers Ferry. However, we are becoming just as well-known for an incredible selection of local libations.
Bavarian Brothers Brewing is located within the Bavarian Inn Resort in Shepherdstown. Relax in their beautifully appointed brew pub or lounge, or take in amazing views of the resort on the patio. BBB constantly rotates and showcases different flavors.
In the heart of downtown Charles Town since 2017, Abolitionist Ale Works specializes in creating unique and flavorful craft beer. Their emphasis is on unique IPA, Sour Ales, Wild Ales, Saisons, Strong Ales and Stouts.
Located in Kearneysville, Devil’s Due Distillery is a small craft whiskey distillery focused on local resources and craftsmanship. The Bourbon is sweet and smokeyaged to perfection. The Rye is spicy and ready for sipping. The Maple Whiskey will have you looking around for a stack of hotcakes. The vodka is pure heaven.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is a full entertainment experience featuring 2,700 slot machines, as well as the hottest new games and high-tech machines. Hollywood Casino features Las Vegas style table action with live blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker. Experience the thrill of live thoroughbred racing—under the lights, all year long! Home to the Grade 2, $800,000 Charles Town Classic and West Virginia Breeders Classic, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races offers some of the nation’s best full-field, nine-race cards.
If you prefer your racing action to be autos, Summit Point Motorsports Park has been providing the Eastern Panhandle with high-octane thrills for five decades. The track began hosting Sports Car Club of America-sanctioned events. Actorturned-driver Paul Newman even ran a few of his early races here. What began as just one track has since expanded to four. Now, you can find race cars, go-karts, and motorcycles tearing up the asphalt almost every weekend from February through November. The track even provides opportunities for regular folks to get in on the action. During Friday at the Track, drivers can put their street cars on the track and try them out.
The Civil War changed Jefferson County and the nation forever. Civil War markers, battle sites, and museum exhibits share this transformative story.
Jefferson County has deep ties to George Washington and his family. In fact, Charles, George’s youngest brother, founded the city of Charles Town and the county, which is home to six Washington family homes.
Thomas Jefferson selected Meriwether Lewis to command an army expedition— known as the Corps of Discovery—documenting the newly acquired territory stretching to the Pacific Ocean. In the spring of 1803, Lewis arrived at the U.S. Armory and Arsenal at Harpers Ferry to gather supplies for the trek, including bullet molds and gun parts. He also worked with armory officials here to design and build a collapsible boat.
Located on the border between the United States and the fledgling Confederacy, Jefferson County was trapped between two nations at war. Famous for John Brown’s historic raid in Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County’s strategic location at the gateway into the Shenandoah Valley made it a target for both North and South during the Civil War. Follow in the footsteps of this famous abolitionist and visit the arsenal, trial site, museum, and even a reading room where future Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth performed Shakespearean readings to entertain attendees of the John Brown trial.
During the Civil War, thousands of former enslaved persons sought refuge behind Union lines at Harpers Ferry. As the war ended, the Freewill Baptists of Maine sent missionary teachers into the South to promote the education of former slaves. The Lockwood House in Harpers Ferry became the first schoolhouse in Jefferson County, and it then grew into Storer College—the first institution of higher learning in the state of West Virginia for African Americans.
The area’s historical significance is so great that almost the entire town of Harpers Ferry is designated a historic district. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park was established in 1944 and is administered by the National Park Service, which does a wonderful job of recreating the feel of antebellum history. Amazingly, a third of the original town is intact, providing a rare and authentic stage for re-enactors. On weekends, volunteers from the Division of Living History dress in period costumes, reprising for visitors the sights and sounds of the town’s storied past.
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In 1906, civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois hosted the national conference of the Niagara Movement at Storer College in Harpers Ferry - a significant gathering that laid the foundation for the formation of the NAACP in 1909.Jefferson Rock is situated along the Appalachian Trail
In summer, Shepherd University hosts the Contemporary American Theater Festival. This is your chance to see as many as five new plays performed in one month (July) – plays so innovative, critics and fans nationwide are drawn to the festival.
Discover epic outdoor experiences, world-class arts and performances, a contemporary culinary
Contemporary American Theater simultaneously stepping into the are immersed in the world while you are in historic town in West Virginia. University, CATF has earned a new play festivals in the from across the globe flock festival. The magic of rotating members to see all six plays in
Jefferson County offers a wide selection of unique lodging and dining properties to fit your needs and style.
Fly through the sky on a zipline or conquer the rapids on a guided trip with River Riders Family Adventure Resort. Come back in the winter to try the all-new Snow Riders tubing park with 12 lanes and the longest tubing hill on the east coast.
River Riders has a 1000 ft long zipline over the water along the Potomac River. Their Harpers Ferry Aerial Adventure Park has five different levels of varying difficulty. Kids as young as four can enjoy the Chicken Little kids zipline course.
The Jefferson County Welcome Center was reimagined, expanded, and opened again in the Spring of 2021. This beautiful building is the perfect introduction to the area with experienced travel ambassadors on hand to guide you on the perfect vacation plan. The center features an engaging timeline that highlights the history of the area as you move through the building.
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For over 45 years, the Asam family has been hosting friends and neighbors to the Bavarian Inn Resort & Brewing Company for relaxing getaways, gourmet meals, special occasions, and the finest in guest comforts. Perched on a spectacular bluff overlooking the Potomac River, this 11-acre European-inspired boutique resort offers comfort, elegance, and world-class food and service.
In May 1892, family and friends of Ohio abolitionist and minister John Rankin and his wife, Jean, paid tribute to the couple who helped more than 2,000 people find freedom.
On May 5, 1892, friends and family of the late abolitionist and minister John Rankin and his wife, Jean, gathered in Ripley’s Maplewood Cemetery for the unveiling of a lasting memorial to the longtime Underground Railroad conductors.
According to the Ohio History Connection, it is estimated that John and Jean Rankin helped more than 2,000 people escape slavery, offering them a place to stay in their home along the Ohio River in Ripley, as the freedom seekers made their way to Canada.
The Ripley Bee memorialized the occasion in its newspaper, as well as a published booklet detailing the ceremony. The newspaper described the event, which was attended by several of Rankin’s children and grandchildren, as “one of the most memorable and interesting celebrations ever witnessed in Ripley.”
The day’s events began at 10:30 a.m. at Ripley First Presbyterian Church with scripture readings, prayer and songs performed by school children, followed by a lengthy address by J.C. Leggett about John Rankin’s life.
“Mr. Leggett had made his subject and object of close study and patient historical research, and his address was one of the ablest and happiest efforts,” the newspaper reported. “At the conclusion of this magnificent address, another fine chorus was sung by the school children, and the audience then dispersed for the concluding exercises at Maplewood Cemetery.”
Guests then gathered around the Rankin family plot, where seats and a low platform had been assembled for the official unveiling of the monument. The Rankins’ granddaughter, Ellen Copp, sculpted the tribute, which The Ripley Bee described as a bust “finely modeled and handsomely finished, a successful and artistic creation.” The inscription included John and Jean Rankin’s names, dates of birth and death, and the simple epitaph “Freedom’s Heroes.”
“May this monument remain as a sacred shrine — the true mecca to which our descendants unborn shall make their pilgrimages and gather new inspiration for life’s noble work,” said the Rankins’ son, the Rev. S.G. Rankin.
The Ripley Bee reported that a group photograph was then taken around the new monument before those in attendance returned to town for a dinner at The Bank Hotel.
Nathan HavennerWhen you’re true to who you are, you’re true to where you are. Come join us.
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