Explore
Maumee Bay & NW Ohio
Hit the links...........Page 4 Howard Marsh.......Page 6 Family Fun.............Page 8 Gone fishing.........Page 16 Statewide Issue 2018 www.presspublications.com Volume 30, No. 1
A free publication of The Press Newspapers
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Have you ever seen a bald eagle or experienced the migration of thousands of birds? Visit ONWR!
Located halfway between Toledo and Port Clinton on the shores of Lake Erie, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a 10,000+ acre preserve established to protect a diversity of wildlife. Once part of the Great Black Swamp, this refuge acts as the kidneys of Lake Erie, working as a natural filter and buffer for our environment.
Refuge Ranger Camp
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Visitor Center
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Hiking Trails
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Bus Tours
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Programs
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Bird Watching
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Wildlife Drive
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Nature Store
Above: Blue-gray gnatcatcher. Below: Blanding’s Turtle
www.fws.gov/refuge/ottawa
HELP SUPPORT CONSERVATION
Friends of Ottawa NWR is a 501(c)3 non-profit that supports YOUR National Wildlife Refuge with awareness, advocacy, and fundraising. Every time you visit The Rookery Nature Store, renew your membership, join us for an event, or volunteer, you are supporting this important habitat.
Ohio residents: visit www.oplates.com or your local BMV to purchase an Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge license plate and show your conservation pride everywhere you go. $15 of each plate purchased supports Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.
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FOR THE BIRDS! West Sister Island Sunset Cruise Saturday, May 5, 2018 on the Jet Express.
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Discover Ottawa Day Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Ottawa NWR.
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Refuge Shoreline Cruise Friday, August 24, 2018 on the Jet Express.
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Cars for Critters Car Show Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Ottawa NWR. For tickets and info, visit www.friendsofottawanwr.org
Biggest Week in American Birding
Explore Statewide 2018
Historic Lyme Village………..................….13
Index of Advertisers
Jaime’s Flea Market.................................17 Joe’s Pizza & Kitchen…….............….....….3 Lake Erie Shores & Islands…...................11 Maumee Bay General Store…...................3 Meinke Marina……….....…...........…..…...16
African Safari Wildlife Park….................…8
Oregon, City of………...................………..23
Amos Motor & R.V……….................….......3
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge...............2
Bench Farms/The Grainary…............…..…15
Our Lady of Toledo Shrine.…...................…8
Blackberry Corner Tavern…..................…..3
Packer Creek Pottery...................................7
Chippewa Golf Club....................................4
Sauder Village……...............……..........…24
DG’s Soft Serve & Fast Food…............….15
Seneca Caverns……...........…......……….13
Dining Guide………….........…....…......…..19
Blackberry Corner Tavern
5975 N. Elliston Rd. • Martin, OH Open for Breakfast Wed.-Sun. 6 a.m.
Breakfast Buffet every Sun. 8-Noon Beer • Wine • Sandwiches Soups • Pies • Pizza Made-to-Order
Maumee Bay & NW Ohio Published by The Press Newspapers
General Manager: Mary Perkins Editor: Tammy Walro Photographer: Ken Grosjean Sales Representatives: Julie Selvey Lesley Willmeth, Leeanne LaForme Sales Assistants: Alyce Fielding, Peggy Partin Staff Artists: Ken Grosjean, Pat Eaken, Peggy Partin, Katie Siebenaller
General Business, Advertising and Editorial Offices P.O. Box 169 1550 Woodville, Millbury, OH 43447 419-836-2221 Fax 419-836-1319 Visit us at www.presspublications.com Serving 22 communities in Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties including Oregon, Northwood, Genoa, Elmore, Woodville, Pemberville, Gibsonburg, Walbridge, Oak Harbor & East Toledo.
Gladieux “Do It Best” Home Ctr...............7
The
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Check Out Our Facility! Located at the main entrance to the State Park • Beer • Snacks Joe’s • Bait & Tackle Pizza & • Ice • ATM Kitchen 419-836-5027 • Gas & Kerosene 419-836-7151 • Ohio Lottery
419-836-8377
Mon.-Wed.-Thurs. 10 am - 10 pm Fri.-Sat. 8 am - 11 pm Sun. 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Closed Tuesday Owner: Brenda Lowe
Good Drinks • Good Food • Good Times Eat-In or Carryout • Catering Available • Homemade Desserts
Joe’s
CHEN PIZZA & KIT
Located in the Maumee Bay General Store
Not Only GREAT PIZZA...
Sandwiches, Burgers & Hot Dogs too! And....The Best Lake Erie Yellow Perch Sandwich or Basket on Rt. 2 Serving Breakfast 6:00 am - 11:00 am We Deliver to Maumee Bay State Park, Local Marinas & surrounding areas
7410 Jerusalem Rd. • Call JOE’S at 419.836.7151 Explore Statewide 2018
Located on the Corner of St. Rt. 2 & North Curtice (Approx. 2½ miles south of Resort) (419) 836-4049 Open 24 hours/ 7 days a week
Take Your Next Vacation On Wheels!
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Work ‘n Play Toy Haulers Visit Our Expanded Showroom For Hitches, Parts and Accessories!
Amos
Motor & R.V. New & Used Towable Vehicles
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419-288-2700 109 Main Street, Downtown Bradner, OH Just south of Rt. 6 visit our website:
amosrv.com
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Hit the links, Play a round The Maumee Bay area’s many golf courses offer a wide range of skill levels and price ranges to appeal to any hacker. Bayview Retiree’s Golf Association, 3910 N. Summit St., Toledo. 419-726-8081. Twelve holes. Par 34. Snack bar available.
Eighteen holes. Par 71. Pro shop, club rental and restaurant/ snack bar available. Cro Crosswinds Golf Club, 8205 Frem Fremont Pike (US 20), three mile miles east of I-75 in Perrysburg Tow Township. 419-872-4653, http http://www.crosswindsgolfclub. com Eighteen holes. Par 70. Pro sho shop, driving range, restauran rant/snack bar available.
Chippewa Golf Club & Pro Shop, 23550 W. SR 579, Curtice. 419-836-8111, or chippewa579.com.\ Eighteen holes. Par 71. Pro shop, club rental and snack bar/restaurant available. Collins Park Golf Course, 624 Reineck Dr., Toledo, 419693-1991, www.golftoledoohio. com/collins-park-golf-course Nine holes. Par 36. Pro shop, club rental and restaurant/snack bar available. Detwiler Golf Course, 4001 N. Summit St., Toledo. 419-7269353 or detwilerparkgc.com Eighteen holes. Par 71. Pro shop, club rental, driving range available.
es Explore the many area Golf Cours and restaurant/snack bar
Eagle’s Landing Golf Club, 5530 Bay Shore Rd., Oregon. 419-6974653 or eagleslandinggolfclub.net Eighteen holes. Par 72. Pro shop, club rental, driving range and restaurant/snack bar available. Hidden Hills Golf Club, 4900 CR 16, Woodville. 419-849-3693 or www.hiddenhillsgc.net Eighteen holes. Par 71. Pro shop, club rental, restaurant/ snack bar available.
Su Sugar Creek Golf Course & Dr Driving Range, 950 W. Elmore Ea Eastern Rd., Elmore. 419-86225 or www.sugarcreekel2551 m more.com Eighteen holes. Par 70. D Driving range, snack bar availab able.
S Sycamore Hills Golf Course, 3 3728 W. Hayes Ave., Fremont. sycamor 419-332-5716 sycamorehillsgolf.com Twenty-seven holes. Par 70. Pro sh shop, club rental, driving range, snack bar available. TangleWood Golf Course, 9802 Dowling Rd., Perrysburg. 419-8331725 or tanglewoodgolfclub.net Eighteen holes. Par 27. Pro shop, club rental, restaurant/snack bar.
18 Hole Golf Course Driving Range • Banquet Hall
Maumee Bay State Park Golf Course, 1400 State Park Rd. Oregon. 419-836-9009 or 1-800-282-7275, www.hiddenhillsgc.net Eighteen holes. Par 72. Pro shop, club rental, driving range, restaurant/snack bar available. Oak Harbor Golf Club, 10433 W. Oak Harbor Southeast Rd., Oak Harbor. 419-898-1493 or oakharborgolfclub.com Eighteen holes. Par 72. Club rental, driving range, restaurant, snack bar available. Ottawa Park Golf Course, 2315 Walden Pond Dr. (off Bancroft), Toledo. 419-472-2059 or www.golftoledoohio.com/ottawa-park Page 4
“The best place to play in NW Ohio!”
23550 W. St Rte 579, Curtice Ohio 419-836-8111 • www.chippewa579.com Explore Statewide 2018
Explore Statewide 2018
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1. African Safari 2. Amos RV 3. Bench Farms 4. Blackberry Corners 5. Chippewa Golf Club
6. DG’s Soft Serve 7. Gladieux Home Center 8. Historic Lyme Village 9. Jamie’s Flea Market 10. Joe’s Pizza
11. Lake Erie Shores & Islands 12. Maumee Bay General Store 13. Meinke Marina 14. Oregon, City of 15. Ottawa Natl. Wildlife Refuge
16. Our Lady of Toledo Shrine 17. Packer Creek Pottery 18. Sauder Village 19. Seneca Caverns
Explore Advertisers’ Location Map
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Howard Marsh is our newest park
A panoramic view of Howard Marsh. (Photo courtesy of Scott Carpenter/Metroparks Toledo) By Art Weber Press Contributing Writer Howard Marsh, the 16th and newest park in the Metroparks Toledo system, is a very special place. Visitors will find it fun and exciting, fascinating and enlightening. It’s many things all at once, but first and most importantly, a beautiful functioning wetland that, like a fine wine, will get better and better once the changes to the land take hold and are vegetated. Formerly known as Howard Farms, the 1,000-acre tract was rich farmland. It was coveted for its location, which made it perfect for lakeside development into a marina, campground, housing, and other commercial uses. Or, as many people have contended for a long time, it was a perfect candidate for wetland restoration. Before it was farmed, when Northwest Ohio was wilderness, it was part of an unbelievable complex of more than 300,000 acres of wetlands that once dominated the Western Basin of Lake Erie. Today, only 30,000 acres of that incredible resource remains. The gentle gradient of the land meant that as lake levels rose and fell, the wetlands moved inland or retreated, washing back and forth over a wide swath of shoreline, keeping the wetlands in marshes that segued into the Great Black Swamp. We came to understand and appreciate the value of wetlands too late to save but a small fraction of what was. The good news is that what’s left – and what’s now come back – is incredibly rich. Among many attributes, wetlands are nature’s kidneys, scrubbing impurities from wastewater. They are incubators for Lake Erie’s fishery, refuges for wildlife ranging widely from common to endangered, from turtles to waterfowl to warblers and eagles. Page 6
Today, Maumee Bay and the Western Basin are richly endowed with the best of the wetlands that remain. This land that would have been versatile as a development is even more versatile and valuable as a natural area, proving that preserving and restoring wetlands is not just part of the region’s quality of life but good economic development. Howard Marsh is a unique site, not better than places like nearby Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex and Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area, but different in its features. “Howard Marsh makes a really nice addition to the complex that’s already preserved,” Metroparks Public Relations Director Scott Carpenter said. “We had the chance here to build a marsh from the ground up and take into account the kinds of things people want to do, like birding and kayaking. “One of our big realizations in the planning process was our sweet spot is where conservation and outdoor recreation meet, a place where people can come to love the outdoors. And we all know that people will protect what they love.” Visitors will have their expectations met for high-quality managed wetlands that foster world-class birding and wildlife watching as well as new opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure. Providing those new opportunities meant moving, by far, the most dirt in Park District development history, a classic case of using bulldozers, earth movers, and graders in the cause of nature preservation. About 700,000 cubic yards of soil were moved to provide some topographic relief to the site to accommodate public uses. The old bed of the former Cedar Creek that once crossed today’s march has been augmented with an excavated channel that provides a six-mile seven-foot-deep water trail that loops through the marsh and, with some easy portages, connects the three main units in the marsh’s
initial restoration. Visitors can launch their own canoes and kayaks to enjoy the trail, or simply rent one from the livery in the Metropark. Two roll-off launches are provided. For walkers – for now at least bikes won’t be allowed – six miles of hiking trail is provided while an elevated one-fourth mile boardwalk provides easy all-person access to wetland views. One of the really enticing features of a marsh is that views are open and expansive. Because the marsh is full of life, there is always something to see, especially for those who bring their binoculars, scopes and telephoto lenses. Excavated soil was used to build elevations in key areas, both for the necessary water control dikes and areas for the entry road, parking, and services including restrooms. “Our mission is nature preservation for public enjoyment so we have a planning guideline we apply to every Metropark,” Carpenter said. “It’s the 80-20 rule, which dictates that no more than 20 percent of any Metropark can be developed. And we’ve lived up to that rule at Howard.” That’s how Metroparks and other preservation/conservation agencies ensure that there’s enough natural area on every site to support the varied and high-quality habitats to nurture the wildlife and have the outdoor experience visitors want to enjoy. At first glance, it might seem that managing a wetland is a pretty simple endeavor. Pump some water onto land and you’ve got wetland. Denis Franklin, the Metroparks natural resources department supervisor who has overseen the two years of actual on-site work from the start, is more like a wetland farmer, manipulating habitats primarily by seasonally adjusting water levels in different units of the marsh. Deep water like that found in the water trail Continued on page 7 Explore Statewide 2018
Howard Marsh is our newest park Continued from page 6 channel can suffocate unwanted vegetation and provide open water holding areas for migrating waterfowl, strategically pumping water off an area can encourage desirable vegetation and also provide mudflats favored by shorebirds. Reflooding areas after establishing vegetation is beneficial to migrating waterfowl in need of refueling and protected stopovers. Songbirds aren’t forgotten in the plan either. Tree plantings and managing upland areas to be similar to the beach ridges attractive to both migrators and nesters are included. The plan is to provide more areas that are great for both birds and birders, accommodating the burgeoning international popularity of this region for warblers and other favorites. Funding for the project came from many sources and while Metroparks Toledo is the most recognized agency for the project, Howard Marsh is a true multi-agency effort. Funding for the majority of purchase and development costs came through the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Ducks Unlimited provided invaluable design services for the wetland habitat infrastructure, as well as funneling important funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Franklin has witnessed the project develop over the last five years. “Over that time working with Tim Schetter (Metroparks’ director of natural resources) and all those agencies the most gratifying thing has been to see the enthusiasm those other agencies have for this project,” Franklin said. “When you have a project like that you realize we aren’t the only ones who recognize its importance.” It’s culminated in a place where wonderful things are already happenPhoto courtesy of Sco tt Carpenter /Metroparks ing. Toledo Franklin and Roy Kroll, marsh manager at Standing Rush in Bay View, stood in Howard Marsh as the sun Kroll said. was setting. As they talked a small squadron of And that’s what’s in store for visitors to a dozen swans passed low overhead, silencing Howard Marsh. their conversation as they watched them into Howard Marsh is located at 611 South the distance. Howard Rd., Curtice, just north of SR2. Open “You know I never tire of seeing them,” daily 7 a.m. until dark.
The boardwalk at Howard Mar sh
Fire Up the Grill!!
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w/coupon expires 6-30-18
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5120 Navarre Ave. Oregon 419-693-0601 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30 am - 6 pm Sat. 8-5, Sun. 10-4 Explore Statewide 2018
Page 7
Family Fun sculpture, European and American painting, African and Asian art, graphic arts and decorative arts. Other highlights include the Sculpture Garden outside and the architecturally renowned Glass Pavilion, located across Monroe Street. From April 21-July 15, the Museum will present, “Before Audubon: Alexander Wilson’s Birds of the United States.� Other exhibit highlights for 2018 include “The Mummies: from Egypt to Toledo� – through May 6; and “Frans Hals Portraits: A Family Reunion,� (Oct. 13-Jan. 6, 2019). Visit the website for descriptions of current and upcoming Museum exhibitions and more info. 2445 Monroe St., Toledo 419-255-8000 or 800-644-6862, www.tole-
The Toledo Museum of Art Toledo Museum of Art
Visitors to the Toledo Museum of Art will find one of the finest and most diverse collections of artwork in the country. Discover treasures ranging from ancient Egyptian pieces to contemporary art, including glass,
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domuseum.org
Toledo Zoo
The Toledo Zoo, voted a top family-friendly destination and number-one zoo in the nation, boasts over 10,000 mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and invertebrates representing over 750 species. Each year, nearly one million people visit the Toledo Zoo to experience animals from across the globe, stroll the scenic grounds and explore the historic WPA-era buildings. Zoo highlights include the Arctic Encounter, the Africa! exhibit, Nature’s Neighborhood children’s zoo, Tembo Trail and the recently renovated Aquarium, which offers unique opportunities to touch sea creatures and explore the mysteries of the deep. Don’t miss the newest additions, Expedition Africa! Aerial Adventure Course presented by Mercy Health and Tower Ridge Giraffe Experience. Special events and activities add to the fun throughout the year. 2 Hippo Way, Toledo 419-385-4040, www.toledozoo.org Continued on page 9
A Place of Prayer, Quiet ReĂ ection & Healing
Our Lady of Toledo Shrine
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4 Hit the links...........Page ge 6 Howard Marsh.......Pa 8 Family Fun.............Page 16 Gone Âżshing.........Page Statewide Issue 2018 m www.presspublications.co Volume 30, No. 1
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EMaxpumloeereBay & NW Ohio
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Page 8
Box 169, 1550 Woodville Rd. Millbury, OH 43447
In our gardens is the Pieta, a life-size Michaelangelo bronze. “The water in the Well will be refreshing and healing... All those who • All faiths welcome! come to the Garden • Chapel hours: 1 - 4 p.m. will be refreshed...â€? • Daily protect life prayers: 2 p.m. Come hear our history • Tuesday protect-life prayers: 7 p.m. on “the well,â€? also on • GiĹŒs of Love GiĹŒ Shop hours: 1 - 4p.m. our website. • First Saturday monthly meeĆ&#x;ng - Social Hour - Prayer 12 noon 655 S. Coy Rd. • Visit our gardens, Oregon, OH StaĆ&#x;ons and rosary walk (Just north of Navarre Ave.) • Well open during daylight hours 419-697-7742
ourladyoftoledoshrine.com Explore Statewide 2018
Family Fun Continued from page 8
Imagination Station
Imagination Station – Toledo’s hands-on science museum – promises to immerse visitors of every age in a multi-sensory experience that’s as fun as it is educational. Engineer a day of fun with hundreds of hands-on exhibits and demonstrations that bring science to life. Transform into a human yo-yo on the BOYO. Defy gravity on the High Wire Cycle. Innovate in IDEA Lab. Unleash your curiosity and uncover hours of entertainment and discovery for all ages. Throughout the year, a number of special exhibits and events are planned. One Discovery Way, Toledo 419-244-2674, www.imaginationstationtoledo.org
Toledo Botanical Garden
A museum for plants, Toledo Botanical Garden offers visitors the opportunity to share, discover and enjoy nature’s beauty. With more than 60 acres of display gardens and relevant plant collections, TBG is full of beauty, tranquility and opportunities for exploration and reflection. Green thumbs come to the Garden to learn more about the varieties of annuals and perennials nestled within the various beds and look for ways to incorporate new ideas into their home landscapes. Art lovers are inspired by the Artisan Village, original sculptures located throughout the Garden and the annual Crosby Festival of the Arts. Music enthusiasts groove to the smooth sounds of local jazz performers during the summer concert series. And children become engaged in our natural world through educational, hands-on plant exploration and pioneer living activities. 5403 Elmer Dr. Toledo 419-536-5566, www.metroparkstoledo.com
Tony Packo’s Café
Tony Packo’s is world-famous not only for its Hungarian-style hot dogs, but also for the hot dog buns, which have been signed by movie stars, other celebrities and U.S. Presidents. Packo’s was also frequently mentioned by Toledo’s Jamie Farr on the TV series M*A*S*H*. In addition to the flagship eatery, Packo’s has a location across from Fifth Third Field, home of the Toledo Mud Hens. 1902 Front St., Toledo 800-366-4218, www.tonypackos.com
The Butterfly House
National Museum of the Great L
See more than 1,000 butterflies from North & South American and Asia in a beautiful indoor garden setting. Open May 1-Oct. 28. 11455 Obee Rd., Whitehouse 419-877-2733, www.butterfly-house.com
Canal Experience
Drift back in time at the Canal Experience and discover what life was like along the Miami and Erie Canal in 1876. Visitors can experience what canal life was like aboard The Volunteer, a reproduction of a mule-drawn canal boat. Other highlights include a visit to Isaac Ludwig Mill, Scenic Providence Dam and Lock #44, one of the last functioning 19th-century limestone locks. Providence Metropark, Old US 24 at SR 578, Grand Rapids 419-407-9741, www.MetroparksToledo. com
Sundance Kid Drive-In
The drive-in, located across from Pearson Park in Oregon, features two first-run films on two screens spring through fall. The 50’s-style drive-in offers all the nostalgia with the best in state-of-the-art Digital Camera projection and FM stereo sound. 4500 Navarre, Oregon 419-691-9668, www.greateasterntheatres.com
Fort Meigs State Memorial Park
The Toledo Zoo Explore Statewide 2018
Fort Meigs, a War of 1812 battlefield in Perrysburg, features a reconstructed fort and museum. Under the command of future President William Henry Harrison, Fort Meigs helped defend the Northwest Territory against attacks by the British and the Native Americans during the War of 1812. A replica of America’s largest walled fort, Fort Meigs offers several re-enactments featuring soldiers in period cos-
akes
tumes throughout the year, such as Drums at the Rapids: Miniature Gaming Conference (May 18-19); First Siege 1813 (May 26-27); Memorial Day Commemoration (May 28); Muster on the Maumee (June 16-17); Independence Day 1813 (July 4); Revolution on the Ohio Frontier (Aug. 25-26) ; Garrison Ghost Walks (Oct. 19-20- & 26-27); World at War: Miniature War Gaming Day (Nov. 3); and Holiday Open House (Dec. 9). The fort is open April through October. Museum is open year-round. Hours are Wednesday to Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg 800-283-8916, www.fortmeigs.org
Ntl. Museum of the Great Lakes
Located at the base of the Veterans Glass City Skyway Bridge in Toledo, the National Museum of the Great Lakes features more than 500 photographs, 250 artifacts, 45 interactive exhibits and a 617-foot iron ore freighter that tell the awe-inspiring history of the Great Lakes and provide a unique destination for family fun. Experience “The Great Lakes: A Powerful Force,” take a simulated submersible camera to the wreck site of the Edmund Fitzgerald, tour the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship (May-Oct), locate the Queen of the Lakes in Lake Ontario, stoke a steam boiler and much more. Toledo’s own robust maritime history is highlighted throughout the museum via a “Toledo Trail” icon, which can be found on nearly 25 artifacts, photographs and stories Open Saturday noon-4 p.m. 1701 Front St., Toledo www.inlandseas.org
Toledo Firefighters Museum
The Toledo Firefighters Museum brings to life over 150 years of firefighting history and tells the tale of the heroes of the Toledo Continued on page 10 Page 9
Family Fun Continued from page 9 Fire Division. Located in the “Old Number 18 Fire House,” the display includes many large pieces of vintage firefighting equipment, fire gongs, antique fire toys, vintage uniforms and more. 918 Sylvania Ave., Toledo 419-478-3473 (FIRE)
Hollywood Casino Toledo
Penn National Gaming extends the red carpet to Hollywood Casino Toledo, located just off I-75 on the banks of the Maumee River. The casino offers more than 2,000 slot machine and table games, a poker room, a sports bar, restaurants and an entertainment lounge. 777 Hollywood Blvd., Toledo www.hollywoodcasinotoledo.com
Brandville School
Built in 1882, the historic Brandville School has been restored and is now part of the Oregon-Jerusalem Historical Society complex. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Brandville School houses artifacts from Native Americans who lived in the Great Black Swamp area of Northwest Ohio. There is also a military room with artifacts from all the major conflicts in which the United States has been involved, dating from 1812 to the present. A Civil War musket, Col. Samuel Sturgis’ officer braid, WWI trench art, War of 1812 scout Peter Navarre’s handgun and a WWII gun sight are among the nearly 500 articles on display. A reproduction carriage house contains a replica of a late 1800s local general store as well as vignettes of a barber shop, doctor’s office, and a Victorian parlor and bedroom. There is also a restored one-room portable school, completely furnished with items used in a late 1800’s school room. An ex-
tensive library and family genealogy records are also available in the complex. Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays (excluding holidays) March–December. Call to arrange tours for groups of four or more. No charge; donations accepted. 1133 Grasser St., Oregon 419-693-7052, www.ojhs.org
Harbor View Historical Society & Museum
Located in the historical neighborhood of Harbor View in Oregon, the Harbor View Historical Society & Museum continues to attract visitors from across the country. The Historical Complex, in the former Harbor View Missionaryy Baptist Church, offers a glimpse of the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie. Due to popular interest, the cannons from the 2003 movie, “Master and Commander: Far Side of the World” starring Russell Crowe, have been continued for another season. The British Long Gun and the American Carronade on display are from the movie and allow visitors to get a close-up view of the weapons used at the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813. The museum holds a Rummage & Craft Show on the last Saturday in June each year and is also open on Halloween Night. Open Tuesdays 5-8 p.m. throughout the year. April 1-Oct. 1, the museum is also open Saturdays 1-5 p.m. Admission is free; donations appreciated. 2083 Autokee St, Oregon 419-691-1517, HVHS.inc@gmail.com
Schedel Arboretum & Gardens
Historic Genoa
The Town Hall looms over the village of Genoa, the bell tower visible for blocks. Originally built as the Genoa Opera Hall, it was constructed in 1883 and housed its first performance in 1886. The building immediately became the hub of activity in the village and council meetings are still held there. Built in the Gothic revival style, the structure features eight ornamental chim chimneys, and a hand-carved san sandstone mask of Dionysius, the Greek God of theater, which rest over the main entrance. The rests Tow Hall, which is listed on the Town Nat National Register of Historic Places, houses the mayor’s office and the village council chambers on the first floor. The second floor is us used by Genoa’s Civic Theater. Genoa Privy, built to ser serve as Genoa’s first school, is believed to be the only brick ou outhouse on the National Registe ter of Historic Places. D Downtown Genoa w www.genoaohio.org
m Harbor View Historical Museu Page 10
Elmore Depot
The Elmore Historical Society purchased 1860s Elmore Depot in 1981, along with 2.5 acres of land. The society undertook an extensive renovation, and the building now houses memorabilia from Elmore’s past. In 1983, society members dismantled, relocated and rebuilt the 1940s Heckman log house, adding an elaborate flagstone fireplace and porch, and furnishing it with artifacts from its era. Depot Park, Elmore 419-260-1282, www.elmorehistoricalsociety.com
Schedel Arboretum & Gardens
The Schedel Arboretum & Gardens in Elmore, Ohio is a haven for experiencing peace and tranquility in a beautiful garden estate setting. Features of the gardens include some 15,000 annual flowering plants, themed gardens including roses, perennials, tropicals irises and peonies. Other features are a Japanese garden complete with waterfall, pools, lanterns, bridges and pagodas. There is also a world class bonsai exhibit containing more than 100 specimens. Regular hours through October are Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday 10-8 p.m. (June-September), Sunday 12-4 p.m. Closed Mondays. 19255 W. Portage River South Rd., Elmore 419-862-3182, www.schedel-gardens.org
Woodville Historical Museum
Woodville Historical Museum, operated by the Woodville Historical Society, features materials and artifacts documenting the rich history of the small village located on the banks of the Portage River about 20 miles east of Toledo on U.S. 20. Museum visitors can learn about the 1900s oil boom, Native Americans in the Woodville area, lime plants, early schools, the Lake Shore Electric rail system that once traveled between Toledo and Cleveland and more. Open March through mid-December, Continued on page 11 Explore Statewide 2018
ty events.
Family Fun
Wood Co. Historical Center & Museum
Continued from page 10 Wednesdays and Fridays 2-4 p.m.; June through August, Wednesdays 6- 8 p.m. and also by appointment. 107 E. Main St., Woodville 419-849-2349
Pemberville highlights
Pemberville’s historic Pember-Furry House and One-Room School takes visitors back in time to the 19th century. Believed to be the community’s oldest existing building, the Furry House was built by village founder James Pember, and eventually was home to long-time residents Jacob H. Furry and his daughter, Minnie. Featuring unique architectural details and authentic period furnishings, the house sits adjacent to the One Room School, where Pemberville’s youth learned “readin’ and writin’” at the turn of the century. Admission is free; open by appointment from spring through fall. 324 E. Front St., Pemberville 419-287-3274 While in town, check out the restored railroad depot (circa 1881) at 215 Hickory St., with railroad and Pemberville memorabilia on display. Open May-October by appointment (419-287-4114) and during communi-
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Step back into time at The Wood County Historical Center and Museum. The 2018 exhibits include “Over There! Send the Word, the Wood County Boys are Coming” (through Dec. 1) which illustrates WWI’s global significance, giving special attention to its impact on Wood County. Also, through Dec. 1, the museum is presenting “The Return to Normalcy: A Life of Leisure in Wood County – Fun times between the World Wars, 1920-1939. Coming in 2019, a new exhibit will explore County Poor Farms of Ohio, with photographs representing all of Ohio’s 88 counties. Museum admission is $5/adult, $1/ child, except on select days such as Furlough Fridays on the first Friday of each month and Demonstration Days throughout the year. On May 5 from 1-4 p.m., the Museum will present “Log Cabin Spring Renewal” with costumed interpreters prepping the log cabin for summertime. Visitors are welcome to watch, learn, or lend a hand. This is a free event and the museum also has free admission that day. Additional museum exhibits include “So-
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The Pemberville Depot cial Welfare in Wood County,” “A Clean Bill of Health: Societal Response to Communicable Disease” inside the Pestilence House, “Chasing the White Rabbit: An Historical Look at American Mental Illness” inside the Lunatic Asylum, and “The Ice House.” The center also offers a variety of special programs and events throughout the year, including a monthly tea series, German-American Day, Living History, Friday-Night Folklore Adult Trick, Treat, & Tour, and the Holiday Gala Fundraiser. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Continued on page 12
Visit our Welcome Center today for local travel tips, attraction maps, Shore Savings Card discounts, and more. Port Clinton Welcome Center 770 S.E. Catawba Rd. (SR 53) 419.734.4386
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Family Fun Continued from page 11
Lives,” through May 25; “Lake Erie Nature Photography by Kristina Smith,” May 1-June 30; “In Search of Healing: Medical Practices of the Gilded Age,” June 7-Aug. 31; “A Family of Service: The Hayeses in WW I,” July 27-Dec. 31; Event highlights include Second Saturdays R4Kids educational series, outdoor Verandah Concerts in the summer, the Hayes Train Special model train display (Nov. 23-Jan. 6, 2019), Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides in Spiegel Grove during the holidays and more. Corner of Hayes and Buckland Avenues, Fremont 800-998-PRES (7737). www.rbhayes. org
weekends 1-4 p.m. (except holidays). 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green 419-352-0967, www.woodcountyhistory. org
North Coast Veterans Museum
The North Coast Veterans Museum opened in 2004 as a tribute to those who have served in the uniformed service of the United States, especially those who have lost their lives in combat or training. Dramatic and colorful military displays include weapons, uniforms, pictures, memorabilia, military accessories, tents and first aid from the Civil War to present. The park also includes a Veterans’ Memorial and a Public Safety Services Memorial dedicated Sept. 11, 2016. The memorial features a 36-foot, 7,000-pound antenna that sat atop the North Tower of the World Trade Center; black granite meditation seats and a One World Trade Center Sculpture. The pentagonal design is in honor of the U.S. Pentagon, and the design on the floor represent the Pennsylvania countryside and Flight 93. (Learn more at www. gibsonburgohio.org) Williams Park, 411 North Main St., Gibsonburg 419-332-5912
Ottawa County Museum
Housing historical displays about Ottawa County, museum exhibits include Native American, early life and industries, Matthews Boat Company, Ford Tri-Motor, military history, Camp Perry and the “convict ship” Success and more. ADA accessible. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day. 126 W. Third St., Port Clinton 419-732-2237
Sauder Village
Hayes Presidential Library & Museums
Connect with the past at Ohio’s largest living-history village located at 22611 SR 2 in Archbold. Enjoy guided tours, period craftsmen, hands-on activities like arts and crafts and several annual events including Spring on the Farm (May 12), Agricultural Adventure (June 12-17), Old-Fashioned 4th of July celebration (July 4-7), Fiddle Contest and Summer on the Farm (July 14), Annual Doll & Teddy Bear Show & Sale (Aug. 4-5), Apple Week (Sept. 18-22), Fall on the Farm & Scout Day (Oct. 13), Annual Woodcarvers’ Show & Sale (Oct. 27-28) and Holiday Lantern Tours late November into early December. Other amenities include a restaurant, inn, campground, bakery and on-site shopping. 800-590-9755, www.saudervillage.org
• Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums houses 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes’ Victorian mansion, the newly-renovated museum, presidential library, tomb, and a mile of paved walking trails through his 25-acre wooded estate, known as Spiegel Grove. Special exhibits include “Bhutanese-Nepali Neighbors: Photographs by Tariq Tarey,” through May 25; “Jacob Riis: How the Other Half
Green spaces
Metr Metroparks of the Toledo Area M Metroparks of the Toledo Area preserve many of Lucas County’s most serves uniq natural areas, from Oak Openunique ings to the Lake Erie coastal zone. • Pearson Metropark, located at 761 Lallendorf Rd., Oregon, is one of the llast remaining stands of the Great Blac Swamp, a notorious forest that Black once blanketed much of Northwest Ohi The thick woods and location Ohio. clos to Lake Erie make Pearson a faclose vori stopover for a wide variety of mivorite grat birds. Open 7 a.m. until dark grating eve day; extended hours for winter every rec recreation. Lo Located in Pearson North, the Joh Cabin offers a glimpse into Johlin ho homesteading in the 1860s in the Gr Black Swamp. Great Metroparks of the Toledo Area
Hayes
Home of President Rutherford B. Page 12
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto 419-407-9700, www.metroparkstoledo.com • Maumee Bay State Park at Cedar Point and North Curtice roads along the Oregon-Jerusalem Township border offers 1,336 acres of not only the finest of recreational facilities in the Midwest, but also a unique natural environment created by the convergence of the land and Lake Erie. The park features a two-mile elevated boardwalk plus an observation tower amidst swamplands, marsh, scenic meadows and woods that are teeming with wildlife and birds. Visitors will also enjoy lakeshore and inland beaches, a marina and an Arthur Hills-designed golf course and more. The Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center offers lodge room and cottage accommodations designed with comfort and convenience in mind. 419-836-1466, www.maumeebaystateparklodge.org. • Middlegrounds Metropark, located in downtown Toledo, includes a half-mile of river frontage that begins at the Anthony Wayne Bridge and extends southwest of Martin Luther King Plaza. The urban, 28-acre greenspace offers a 1.5-mile meandering walk/bike path and tranquil views of the Maumee River. 111 Ottawa St., Toledo 419-407-9700, www.metroparkstoledo.com • The Wood County Park District oversees 20 parks and more than 1,125 acres. Experience the floodplains and meadows. Delight in oak savannas and prairies. Locally, visit Cedar Creeks Preserve, a 42-acre tract located east of Walbridge where Woodville Road (SR 51) crosses Walbridge Road. Wood County Park grounds are open 365 days a year from 8 a.m.-sunset. 419-353-1897, woodcountyparkdistrict.org • The Sandusky County Park District includes 10 facilities including the 93acre Wolf Creek Park, 160-acre Blue Heron Reserve, 310-acre Creek Bend Farm and others. White Star Park located south of Gibsonburg on SR 300 has a quarry up to 40-feet deep that is used by scuba divers as well as for non-power boating and fishing, a beach and a campground located across Continued on page 13 Explore Statewide 2018
Family Fun Continued from page 12 from the park’s main entrance. 1-888-200-5577, www.lovemyparks.com • East Harbor State Park, 1169 N. Buck Rd off SR 269 in Marblehead, on the shores of Lake Erie. The park has unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking and camping. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the abundance of waterfowl, shorebirds and other species of wildlife found in the park’s scenic wetlands. 419-734-4424, 1-866-664-6727, www.eastharborstatepark.org • Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, 110 Lighthouse Dr., Marblehead, is one of Lake Erie’s best known and most-photographed landmarks, the lighthouse is one of Ohio’s newest state parks. The grounds surrounding the lighthouse offer excellent views of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island and South Bass Island. The park is open year-round. 419-734-4424 ext. 2, parks.ohiodnr. gov/marbleheadlighthouse
Religious sites
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto 2018 marks the 160th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady at Lourdes, France. Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ge-
noa, features a replica of the Lourdes grotto constructed of “tufa,” fossilized vegetation found in the “blue hole” at Castilia, Ohio, along with a statue of a praying Saint Bernadette Souberious looking admiringly at Our Lady. The grounds also include a small altar, an adjoining bell tower of tufa, arches and outdoor Stations of the Cross in handcarved Italian bronze. 204 S. Main St., Genoa, 419-855-8501 Our Lady of Toledo Shrine Our Lady of Toledo Shrine is a place of prayer, quiet reflection and healing. All faiths are welcome. The garden and well are open during daylight hours. 655 S. Coy Rd., Oregon 419-697-7742, www.ourladyoftoledoshrine.com Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral Holy Rosary Cathedral, the primary church of Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo, is Spanish Plateresque in design – the only one of its kind in North America. Thousands have been inspired by the graceful beauty of its piers and arches, by the richly decorated nave ceiling with scenes from the Old Testament, the half-domed apse embellished by frescoes in the Keim process, and by one of its most striking gems, the Rose Window, which sparkles and radiates in the changing light of the eastern sun. 2535 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo 419-244-9575, rosarycathedral.org Sorrowful Mother Shrine
experience life in the 19th century 2018 special events *Reservations Required Mother’s Day Buffet Brunch, May 12* Kids’ Pioneer Camp, June 25-29* Christmas in July Downt’n Abbey Dinner, July 20 & 21* Pioneer Days, September 8 & 9 Harvest Barn Dance, October 6 Storybook Adventure, October 13 Christmas Victorian Dinner, December 7-9* Mansion Christmas Tours, December 11-23 Village Candlelight Tours with Father Christmas, December 15 & 22 Taste of Christmas Village Tour, December 26
historic lyme village 5001 State Route 4, Bellevue, OH 44811 (4 miles south of Ohio Turnpike exit 110)
419-483-4949 • www.lymevillage.com June, July & August Tues. - Sat. 10am-4pm • Sun. Noon-4pm September Sun. Noon-4pm Open for Tours June 1 - August 31 Tues. - Sun. Explore Statewide 2018
African Safari Park Sorrowful Mother Shrine is a Catholic shrine located on 120 acres with over 40 points of interest including outdoor Stations of the Cross with newly painted walking paths through the woods, shrine, and grottos. 4106 SR 269, Bellevue 419-483-3435, www.sorrowfulmothershrine. org
African Safari Park
The Midwest’s only drive-thru safari, African Safari is home to giraffe, zebra, and much more. Get ready for a wild time feedContinued on page 14
A UNIQUE FAMILY ADVENTURE
O RA PEN I SH N OR INE
Let’s Go Caving! • 1 Hour Guided Tours • Pan for Gemstones • Hollowrock Gift Shop
15248 E. Township Rd. 178 Bellevue,OH 44811 Recommended by National Cave Assoc.
www.senecacavernsohio.com SINCE 1933 419-483-6711 Registered Natural Landmark Page 13
Family Fun Continued from page 13 ing exotic animals from your vehicle. Stop by the Walk Thru Safari to learn about the animals during daily education programs, included with admission. The park recently broke ground on a new Aviary Adventure exhibit, in celebration of their 50th season this year. Open through Dec. 2(subject to change). Open daily rain or shine. 267 S. Lightner Rd., Port Clinton 800-521-2660, www.africansafariwildlifepark.com
Merry-Go-Round Museum
Located in the former U.S. Post Office, the Merry-Go-Round Museum celebrates the history of carousels, the carvers who made the intricate horses and other animals, and enthusiasts who enjoy them. The stone structure, which has a half-rotunda at the front and is listed with the National Register of Historic Places. See the new exhibition, “Into the Wild.” From Memorial Day through Labor Day, hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.4 p.m. and Sunday noon-4 p.m. Off-season hours are Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday noon-4 p.m. 301 Jackson St., Sandusky 419-626-6111, www.merrygoroundmuseum.org
Cedar Point Amusement Park
Cedar Point is the destination for thrills and has been named the “Best Amusement Park in the USA” in the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Cedar Point is home to 71 amazing rides, including 18 world-class roller coasters, including the new Steel Vengeance – the tallest, fastest, and longest hyper-hybrid roller coaster in the world. Convenient accommodations are available steps away from the park, including the iconic Hotel Breakers and the newly renovated Cedar Point’s Express Hotel. Other options include waterfront cottages, an all-suites hotel and an indoor waterpark. Open daily May 5 through Labor Day and weekends Sept. 8 through Oct. 28. 1 Cedar Pont Dr. (off US 6), Sandusky 41-627-2350, www.cedarpoint.com
Cedar Point Shores
Cedar Point is making big waves with its 18-acre water park, Cedar Point Shores. With a nod to its lakeside surroundings, the park features a six-story, four-person aqua drop body slide; two five-story tube slides and a family splashground with a dozen slides just for little ones, and much more. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 1 Cedar Point Dr., (off US 6) Sandusky 419-627-2350, www.cedarpoint.com. Page 14
236 Walnut Ave., Lakeside 419-798-4461, www.lakesideohio.com
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
This multi-attraction, family entertainment center was featured on The Travel Channel’s “Best Places I’ve Ever Been,” and Forbes Top 10 haunted attractions, and USA Today’s Top 20 Haunted Houses. Experience the scariest haunted house; Ohio’s fastest virtual motion theatre; a one-of-akind interactive 3D, black light miniature golf journey; a skating rink and more. Call for hours. 3319 Milan Rd. (US 250), Sandusky 419-626-4467, ghostlymanor.com
Great Wolf Lodge
An all-suites, full-service, indoor waterpark resort with family-friendly amenities that include rides and slides for kids of all ages, a spacious outdoor pool, arcade MagiQuest Live-action adventure, Scooops Kid Spa and more. 4600 Milan Rd. (US 250), Sandusky 800-641-WOLF (9653), www.greatwolf. com/sandusky
Kalahari Waterpark Resort
Kalahari Resort boasts hair-raising waterslides, world-class spas, kids’ play areas, diverse dining options and much more. Kalahari is introducing an all-new waterslide experience – The Storm Chaser Slideboarding Adventure, which integrates gaming, skill, speed and competitive sports. The outdoor waterpark (open Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting), features activity pools, hot tubs, sand volleyball courts and more. The Safari Outdoor Adventure Park, also open Memorial Day through Labor Day, boasts a zip line tour, ropes course, climbing walls and more. 7000 Kalahari Dr. (off US 250), Sandusky 877-KALAHARI (525.2427), www.KalahariResorts.com/oh
Seneca Caverns
Visitors to Seneca Caverns – “The Caviest Cave” – can walk natural stone steps and pathways through “The Earth Crack” and view the Ole Mist’ry River. Shop Hollowrock Gifts for crystals, nature books and other gifts. Call or visit website for hours. 15248 E. TR 178, Bellevue 419-483-6711, senecacavernsohio. com
Marblehead
Keeper’s House The oldest surviving home in Ottawa County offers visitors the chance to experience the history of lighthouse keepers. The 1822 home was the residence of the first three keepers of the oldest continually operated lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Tours offered June 12-Aug. 31, Monday-Friday 1-5 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 9999 E. Bayshore Road, Marblehead Johnson’s Island Confederate Officers Prison Cemetery The historic cemetery is the final resting place of more than 200 of the 9,000 Confederate soldiers once imprisoned here. Open year-round, daily dawn-dusk. Gaydos Road, Marblehead www.johnsonsisland.org
Put-in-Bay/South Bass Island
Visitors have been flocking to the village of Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island for nearly 150 years. Hundreds of thousands travel here annually to enjoy family-friendly activities, outdoor recreation and a large variety of special events. Many start their visit with a narrated tram tour. Others choose to explore on their own, renting a golf cart, scooter or bike. Families will find plenty to keep the kids entertained including a butterfly house, miniature golf, gem mining, cave tours, arcades, a carousel and go-kart racing. visitputinbay.com Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial The memorial was established to honor those who fought in the battle of Lake Erie in during the War of 1812, and to celebrate the long-lasting peace among Britain, Canada and the United States. The park is open while the memorial undergoes maintenance. 419-285-2184, nps.gov/pevi Heineman’s Winery The oldest family-owned and operated winContinued on page 15
Lakeside Chautauqua
For more than 140 years, Lakeside, the Chautauqua on Lake Erie, has welcomed families to the Lake Erie shore to participate in the summer Chautauqua experience dedicated to nurturing mind, body, and spirit. The historic Lakeside community offers spiritual, educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities during its 11-week summer programming season and Memorial Day weekend. Quaint shopping and unique dining complete the experience.
Photo courtesy of Lake Erie Shores an d Islands
Keeper’s House in Marblehead Explore Statewide 2018
Family Fun Continued from page 14 ery in Ohio, Heineman’s was founded in 1888 by Gustav Heineman, an immigrant from Baden-Baden, Germany. Visit the tasting room and wine garden, sample award-winning wines and tour Crystal Cave, the world’s largest Celestine geode. Hours vary. 978 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay 419-285-2811, www.heinemanswinery.com
Kelleys Island
Jet Express
High-speed passenger ferries from downtown Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay from Port Clinton and Sandusky. Ferry service between Cedar Point, Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island also available. Boats offer comfortable, stylish passenger cabins and open-air sundecks. Late-night service, group discounts and family-friendly children’s rates available. Service available May through October, weather permitting. 3 N. Monroe St., Port Clinton,101 W. Shoreline Dr., Sandusky 800-245-1538, www.jet-express.com
Historic Lyme Village
The past comes alive in the 16 buildings in this 19th-century village. Tours include an 1880s Victorian mansion, an 1836 farm home, log homes, a general store, a one-room school and more. The village is also home to the Schug Hardware Museum and the National Postmark Collectors Museum and Research Center. A number of special events are held throughout the year including Pioneer Days (Sept. 8-9), Storybook Adventure (Oct. 13), Candlelight Tours (Dec. 15 & 22) and more. Tours offered June-August, Tuesday– Sunday and Sundays in September. 5001 SR 4, Bellevue 419-483-4949, lymevillage.org
Miller Ferries
Ferries offer passenger and vehicle transportation to Put-in-Bay or Middle Bass Island from Port Clinton (Catawba). Ferries operate year-round, weather permitting. Limited free parking available. ADA accessible. 5174 E. Water St. (SR 53 North), Port Clinton 800-500-2421, www.millerferry.com
Seneca Caverns
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The largest of Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands is dominated by natural areas. It appeals to nature and bird lovers as well as those looking for a relaxing, quiet getaway. Its rocky shorelines, pristine beach, lush forests, fragrant vineyards, historical homes and friendly hospitality are inviting. Rent a golf cart or bicycle and encounter the world’s largest, most spectacular glacial scoring, find Native American pictographs carved into a limestone boulder, hike miles of trails at the state park or build sandcastles at the beach. Downtown is the heart of the island where clothing and gift stores, miniature golf, karaoke, restaurants, and live entertainment bring rhythm to the island pace.www.kelleysislandchamber.com Glacial Grooves State Memorial The world’s largest accessible glacial
grooves, embedded with fossils that are 350-400 million years old, are located on the north side of Kelleys Island, and can be viewed from a walkway and stairs. Open year-round during daylight hours. 739 Division Street, Kelleys Island ohiohistory.org
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Lake Erie sport fishing outlook shares great news for anglers
Good news for fishermen L Lake k E Erie i anglers l should h ld experience i another h year off di diverse fishing opportunities in 2018, according to Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Great walleye hatches from 2014 and 2015 are expected to contribute to exceptional fishing opportunities in Lake Erie this year. Anglers pursuing yellow perch in Lake Erie’s Western Basin will likely find excellent numbers and size. Lake Erie walleye and yellow perch fisheries are managed through an interagency quota system that involves Ontario, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. Each jurisdiction regulates its catches to comply with annually determined safe harvest levels that minimize the risk of over-fishing these species. Quotas for the upcoming fishing season are determined through consensus agreement by these jurisdictions through the Lake Erie Committee of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, which were just recently announced for 2018. Currently, the walleye daily bag limit is four, and the yellow perch daily bag limit is 30 per angler in Ohio waters of Lake Erie until April 30. As a result of the 2018 quota allocation, the daily bag limit will be six walleye from May 1 through Feb. 28, 2019. From March 1, 2019, through April 30, 2019, the daily walleye bag limit will be four. A 15-inch minimum size limit is in effect during the entire season for walleye. The yellow perch daily bag limit will be 30 from May 1 through April 30, 2019, with no minimum size limit. Lake Erie anglers can find walleye and yellow perch bag limit information at ODNR offices, in special publications at bait and tackle shops and at wildohio.gov. Walleye – Ohio walleye anglers will catch fish mostly from the 2015 and 2014 hatches, with some fish from the 2010 through 2013-year classes. Additional trophy opportunities from 2007 and 2003 will also be encountered by anglers. Many of the previously undersized walleye from the 2015 hatch will range from 15 to 20 inches during the 2018 season. Walleye from the 2014 hatch Page 16
will rrange from 16 to 24 inches and accounted for just over half the 2017 harvest of 1.3 million fish. Fish from the 2003 and of th 2007 hatches will continue to provide “Fish Ohio” opportunities (greater than 28 inches) and may give Ohio a new state record (grea walleye. The 2017 walleye hatch was near average, giving the wall population its third average or larger year class in the past four popu years. Anglers should expect to catch undersized walleye until year these fish grow to legal size late in the 2019 season. Anglers are thes encouraged to release these fish with as little handling as possienc ble so they can contribute to the fishery in the future. Yellow perch – Anglers can expect excellent perch fishing in Ye the Western Basin in 2018. Perch anglers in the west will primarily catch fish from 2014 and 2015, providing a good range ma of ssizes. Fall fishing in 2017 produced both excellent sizes and catch rates. The largest perch in the Western Basin will come cat from 2013 and older year classes. In the Central Basin, anfro glers should expect perch fishing to be similar to 2017. Central gle Basin yellow perch populations have declined from the record Ba levels set 10 years ago but remain near their long-term averlev age despite lower than expected catch rates. Anglers fishing in ag the Central Basin will primarily catch fish from the 2014-year th class, and older year classes will provide the potential for trocl Continued on page 17
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Lake Erie fishing: Great news for anglers Continued from page 16 phy yellow perch. Black bass – Smallmouth bass fishing in 2018 is expected to be consistent with recent years. In 2017, smallmouth bass catch rates remained strong for the sixth consecutive year, and in 2018, anglers should expect more of the same, including an excellent size range of 14 to 22 inches and fish weighing up to 6 pounds. The best fishing for smallmouth bass will continue to be in areas with good bottom structure, which is the available habitat across much of the entire Ohio nearshore and islands. Continuing the trend from previous years, largemouth bass fishing should be excellent in 2018. This fishery continues to produce exceptional catch rates and some large fish in nearshore areas and harbors across Ohio’s Lake Erie. All black bass (smallmouth and largemouth) must be immediately released from May 1 through June 29. Beginning on Saturday, June 30, the daily bag limit for bass will be five, with a 14-inch minimum length limit. Steelhead – Steelhead anglers should enjoy another year of great fishing in 2018 in Ohio’s Lake Erie open waters and in tributaries. Peak summer steelhead action on Lake Erie can be found offshore from June through August between Vermilion and Conneaut, with catches measuring 17 to 29 inches. Most Lake Erie anglers troll for steelhead in deep waters using spoons with divers or downriggers until fish move close to shore in the fall. The daily bag limit remains at five fish per angler from May 16 through Aug. 31, and two fish per angler between Sept. 1 and May 15, 2019. A 12-inch minimum size limit is in effect throughout the year. White bass – White bass continue to provide excellent seasonal fishing opportunities in the Maumee and Sandusky rivers and
in the open lake. The 2018 catch will again be dominated by fish from the 2012 and 2010-year classes, along with younger fish from 2016. Fish from older-year classes could be as large as 16 inches. Anglers should focus on major Western Basin tributaries during May and June and nearshore areas of the open lake during the summer. There is no white bass daily bag limit or size limit. Other species – Bays, harbors and main lake shorelines offer excellent fishing for panfish, as well as occasional northern pike and muskellunge in vegetated areas. Anglers are reminded that fishing conditions on Lake Erie can change hourly, and adjustments are often necessary to improve success. Anglers should take into account factors, such as water temperature, cloud cover, water clarity, boat traffic, wave action, structure, currents and the amount of baitfish in the area. Anglers are also reminded to carefully monitor Lake Erie weather and to seek safe harbor before storms approach. Updated Lake Erie fishing reports are available at wildohio.gov or by calling 888-HOOKFISH (888-466-5347). Information is available from ODNR Division of Wildlife staff from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays for the Central Basin and at Sandusky Station (419-625-8062) for the Western Basin. Information on the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s Lake Erie research and management programs, fisheries resources, fishing reports, maps and links to other Lake Erie web resources are available at wildohio.gov. ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
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www.jamiesŇeamarket.com 46388 Telegraph Road (Rt 113) Amherst, Ohio 44001 • 440-986-4402 Explore Statewide 2018
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Calendar Events ing h history exhibit, entertainm tainment, music and more. orego oregonfest.info. May 20: Music in the Parlo Hayes Presidential Parlor, Libra Library & Museums at Spie Grove, Fremont, 4-5 Spiegel p.m. rbhayes.org. May 26-27: First Siege 181 1813, Fort Meigs State Mem Memorial, Perrysburg. U.S. and British soldiers as well as Woodland Indians recreat historic 1813 battles reate at Fort Meigs. fortmeigs. org org. Ma 26-28: Flower Day May We Weekend, Toledo Farmer’s Ma Market, 525 Market St. (ad (adjacent to the Erie Str Street Market), Toledo, o shine. Saturday and rain or traditio Monday are traditional market days with a spotlight on local produce, artisans, plants and flowers. On Sunday, market vendors will be joined by members of the Toledo Area Flower & Vegetable Growers for a fantastic display of plants. Various craft and food vendors will be on hand all three days. 419-255-6765 or toledofarmersmarket. com. May 28: Memorial Day Commemoration, Fort Meigs State Memorial, 29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg, noon-5 p.m. Join Fort Meigs staff and volunteers in honoring our nation’s fallen heroes.fortmeigs.org. May 31-June 2: Genoa Homecoming and Sesquicentennial Celebration, downtown Genoa. Genoa celebrates her 150th birthday! The Sesquicentennial kicks-off on Thursday in front of Genoa’s Village Hall. A special birthday proclamation will be read, free birthday cake will be served, and all residents are invited to participate in an all-town photo in front of the Village Hall. At 7:30 pm, an all-year Classs Reunion will begin at the beer tent at the park. Genoa’s Homecoming car-k nival will also take place in the park with rides, food, parade on Fridayy night, vendors, and entertainmentt throughout the weekend.genoaohio. org.
ing Biggest Week in American Bird M May May 4-13: Biggest Week in American Birding, Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center, Oregon. biggestweekinamericanbirding.com. May 5: Opening Day, Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio. Enjoy new and exciting experiences for the family in 2018, including the new Steel Vengeance – a roller coaster forged so big and so bold, an entirely new category of thrill ride has been branded: the hyper-hybrid – the world’s first steel-on-wood hybrid roller coaster to stand over 200 feet tall. cedarpoint.com. May 12: Spring on the Farm, Sauder Village, Archbold, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Experience life in rural Ohio more than 100 years ago. saudervillage.org. May 12-13: Fremont Flea Market, Sandusky Co. Fairgrounds, Fremont. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. sanduskycountyfair.com. May 13: Mother’s Day Celebration & Brunch, Toledo Zoo, Toledo. Moms enjoy free admission to the Zoo when accompanied by their kids. 419-385-4040, toledozoo.org. May 18-19: Drums at the Rapids, Miniature War Gaming Conference, Fort Meigs State Memorial, Perrysburg. Fight epic battles on a small scale. fortmeigs.org. May 19: Rally by the Rails, Loop Park, village of Walbridge. Entertainment, games, food, live music, arts, crafts & hobby show, Butch & Paulette Slone Memorial Car/ Truck/Motorcycle Show, parade and more. walbridge-fest.com. May 19: Medical Mutual Dart Frog Dash, Toledo Zoo, Toledo. A 5K run, non-competitive 5K walk and a fun 1K run for kids. 419-385-4040, toledozoo.org. May 20: Oregon Fest, noon-6 p.m. Dustin Road, Oregon, Ohio. Parade, contests, livPage 18
June June 7: Cruisin’ Nights Car Show, downtown Pemberville. June 1-2: Annual Village-Wide Garage Sale, downtown Oak Harbor. oakharborohio.net. June 2: 7th Birthday Celebration for Lucas the Elephant, Toledo Zoo. 419-385-4040, toledozoo.org. June 1-3: 47th Historic Old West End Festival & Home Tours, Toledo’s Historic Old Westt End,
(Robinwood/Bancroft/Collingwood/ Monroe). Home tours, art show, antique car show, entertainment, kids’ activities, garage and antique sales, food and more. toledooldwestend.com. June 3: Annual British Return to Fort Meigs, Fort Meigs Memorial, Perrysburg, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. View and vote on your favorite British vehicles, tour the fort, sample food and shop from various vendors. lebcc.org. June 3: Spiegel Grove Squires 2 p.m. at home vs. the Rochester Grangers of Rochester Hills, Michigan, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, rbhayes. org. June 7-9: Whitehouse Cherry Fest, downtown Whitehouse. whitehouseohiochamber.com/cherry-fest.htm. June 9: Sculpture in the Village & Celebration of Arts, Williams Park, Gibsonburg, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. gibsonburgohio.org. June 9-10: Fremont Flea Market, Sandusky Co. Fairgrounds, Fremont. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. sanduskycountyfair.com. June 10: Spiegel Grove Squires vintage base ball game. 2 p.m. at home, celebrity all-star game, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont. rbhayes.org. June 12-17: Agricultural Adventures, Sauder Village, Archbold, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. From poultry to pork, from wheat to corn, each day is devoted to a different theme. The Tractors, Tractors, Tractors show on June 16 adds to the fun. saudervillage.org. June 13: Verandah Concert, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums at Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 6:30-8 p.m. Featuring the Fossil Creek Band. The evening starts with an ice cream social at 6:45 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and choose a spot on the lawn. rbhayes.org. Continued on page 19
Fort Meigs Memorial Explore Statewide 2018
Calendar Events Continued from page 18 June 13-17: Holland Strawberry Festival, Community Homecoming Park, Holland. Food, rides, games, pageants, contests, entertainment, a parade and more. hollandstrawberryfestival.org. June 16-17: Plane Fun, Toledo Executive Airport, 28329 Lemoyne Rd., Millbury, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Antique, classic and Warbird aircraft, free plane rides for kids and more. eaa582.org. June 16-17: Muster on the Maumee, Fort Meigs State Memorial, Perrysburg. See the evolution of the common soldier from the Roman Legionnaire through the 20th Century. Soldiers, artisans, and civilians give demonstrations throughout the weekend. 800-283-8916, fortmeigs.org. June 17: Father’s Day Celebration &
BBQ, Toledo Zoo. Dads get in free when they come with their child/children. 419-385-4040, toledozoo.org. June 22-24: 53rd Crosby Festival of the Arts, Toledo Botanical Garden, Toledo. Featuring artisans, live entertainment, a selection of edibles, children’s activities and more. 419-5365566, toledogarden.org. June 23: GroveFest, Nature at the Grove, Hayes Presidential Center & Museums at Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nature vendors offering booths with games, crafts, games and live animals. Food will be available. rbhayes.org. June 24: Portage River Festival, downtown Elmore, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Entertainment, flea & craft market, contests, food. villageofelmoreohio. com. June 27: Verandah Concert featuring Grand Royale Ükulelists of the
Toledo Harbor Lighthouse Continued on page 20
Explore Dining Guide Check out these local restaurants for a bite to eat! Just Minutes From
Maumee Bay State Park You can even take the campground bike path! Senior Night (60+)
Kids Night
Buffet $8.49 Soup & Salad Buffet $5.99 Dessert ½ price with meal purchase.
Two children (10 and under) eat buffet free with adult meal purchase.
Every Mon. 4 – 8 pm
Every Tues. 4 – 8 pm
Mon. - Sat. 11 am - 8 pm, Sun. 11 am - 2 pm 22611 State Route 2, Archbold, OH • 800.590.9755
• Prime Rib • Steaks • Lake Erie Perch • Seafood • Salads 6067 Bayshore Road 419-697-1000
Monday Special
8 oz. Ribeye & Baked Potato
$9.99
2092 Woodville Rd. 419-725-2888 Open Daily at 11am
www.smokeysbbqroadhouse.com
Open daily 7am Happy Hour 2-6pm
113 W. Main Street, Lakeside-Marblehead 419-798-5356
$2.00 off $19.99 or more. Excludes alcohol. Dine in only.
www.marbleheadgalley.com
Explore Statewide 2018
Valid Monday-Thursday. Second breakfast of equal or lesser value. With coupon. Not valid with other offers or discounts. Expires 6-30-18
Carry-Out • Dine-In Open Everyday 4:30am-1pm 225 Madison St., Port Clinton 419-734-9939
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Calendar Events Continued from page 19 Black Swamp, Hayes Presidential Center & Museums at Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 7 p.m. The evening starts with an ice cream social at 6:45 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and choose a spot on the lawn. rbhayes.org. June 28-June 30: Woodville’s 4th of July Celebration, Trailmarker Park, Woodville. Parade, 5K race, car show, amusements, and fireworks. http://homes.amplex.net/ fourth/index.htm.
lucascountyfair.com. July 11: Verandah Concert, Hayes Presidential Center & Museums at Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 7 p.m. The evening starts with an ice cream social at 6:45 p.m. Featuring Honey Creek Preservation Jazz Band. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and choose a spot on the lawn. rbhayes.org. July 12: Cruisin’ Nights Car Show, downtown Pemberville. July 13-15: Island Fest, Memorial Park, Kelleys Island. DJ, food, artisans, games, vendors, parade, fireworks, music and more. kelleysislandchamber.com. July 14-: Fiddle Contest & Summer on the Farm, Sauder Village, Archbold. Experience life on a farm more than 100 year ago with ice cream-, butter- and rope-making demonstrations and more. 800-590-9755, saudervillage.org. July 14-15: Fremont Flea Market, Sandusky Co. Fairgrounds, Fremont. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. sanduskycountyfair.com. July 16-22: Ottawa Co. Fair, Ottawa County Fairgrounds, 7870 W. SR 163, Oak Harbor. King and Queen crowning, livestock exhibits, entertainment, demolition derby, tractor pulls, rides, games, food, and more. 419-898-1971. ottawacountyfair.org. July 20-21: Pizza Palooza, Centennial Terrace, Sylvania. Vote for your favorite pizza restaurant in this annual contest. dotoledo.org. July 21: Community Garage Sales, village of Pemberville, pemberville.org. July 21: Dragon Boat Summer Learning Festival, sponsored by Partners in Education, International Park (east bank of the Maumee River), Toledo. toledodragonboat.org. June 21-23: Gibsonburg Homecoming, downtown Gibsonburg. Community garage sales, 5K and more. Gibsonburgohio.org. y 23: ADA Day, Toledo Zoo, 10 July a.m.a.m.-3 p.m. The Ability Center of Grea Greater Toledo will be on hand with infor information about services available for p people with disabilities. 419-8855733 5733, toledozoo.org. July 25: Verandah Concert, Hayes Pres Presidential Center & Museums at Spie Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 7 p.m. The even evening starts with an ice cream soci at 6:45 p.m. Featuring Lake social Plai Barbershop Chorus. Bring a Plains law chair or blanket and choose a lawn spo on the lawn. rbhayes.org. spot Jul 29: Art on the Mall, University July of T Toledo Centennial Mall, 2801 W. Ba Bancroft, Toledo, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Th annual event draws art lovers, The fam families, music fans and summertim browsers. toledoalumni.org. time Ju 30-Aug. 6: Wood Co. Fair, July
Birmingham Ethnic Festival
July July 3: Independence Day Celebration, downtown Oak Harbor. Small-town Independence Day fun beginning at 5 p.m. oakharborohio.net. July 4: Independence Day Concert, Hayes Presidential Center & Museums at Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 2-3:30 p.m., Free. Featuring music by the Toledo Symphony Concert Band. rbhayes.org. July 4-7: Old-Fashioned 4th of July, Sauder Village, Archbold. Special activities from hand-cranked ice cream and old-fashioned games, patriotic songs and more. saudervillage.org. July 7-8: 15th Toledo Harbor Lighthouse Waterfront Festival, Maumee Bay State Park, Oregon. Island music, food, boat rides around the lighthouse, nautical arts and crafts, kids’ activities, and more. toledoharborlighthouse.org. July 7: Boom Fest, Oak Shade Grove, 3624 Seaman Rd., Oregon. Featuring food, live music and fireworks at dusk. oregonohio.org. July 8: Spiegel Grove Squires Vintage Base Ball Game vs. Akron Black Stockings, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums at Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 2 p.m. rbhayes.org. July 10-15: 160th Lucas Co. Fair, Lucas Co. Fairgrounds, 2901 Key St., Maumee.
al
Grub N’ Suds Motorcycle Festiv Page 20
Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green. Featuring agricultural displays, entertainment, food, demonstrations and more. woodcounty-fair.com. August Aug. 2: Cruisin’ Nights Car Show, downtown Pemberville. Aug. 4-5: Wild About Art, Toledo Zoo, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. A unique art show featuring hundreds of pieces in various mediums. toledozoo.org. Aug. 4-5: 34th Annual Doll & Teddy Bear Show & Sale, Sauder Village, 22611 SR 2, Archbold. Antique dolls, original dolls, teddy bears and modern collectibles and accessories, workshops and other activities. saudervillage.org. Aug. 5: Spiegel Grove Squires Vintage Base Ball Game vs. Ohio Village Muffins, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont. 2 p.m. rbhayes.org. Aug. 8: Verandah Concert, Hayes Presidential Center, Hayes and Buckland, Fremont, 7 p.m. The evening starts with an ice cream social at 6:45 p.m. Featuring Chrissy & Don playing popular music with acoustic guitar and vocals. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and choose a spot on the lawn. rbhayes.org. Aug. 10-11: Maumee Summer Fair, Uptown Maumee, Conant Street. Parade, arts & crafts, entertainment, kids’ area, and more. maumeesummerfair.com. Aug. 15-18: Rug Hooking Celebration, Sauder Village, Archbold. Rug-hooking demonstrations, workshops and vendor booths. saudervillage.org. Aug. 15-18: Pemberville Free Fair, downtown Pemberville. Entertainment, contests, arts & crafts, parade, exhibitions and more. pembervillefair.org. Aug. 16-18: 52nd National TractorPulling Championships, Wood Co. Fairgrounds, Bowling Green. pulltown. com. Aug. 16-19: Northwest Ohio Rib-Off, Continued on page 21 Explore Statewide 2018
Calendar Events Continued from page 20 Lucas Co. Fairgrounds, Maumee. Four days of the best national and local BBQ ribbers, national entertainment acts, amusement rides, vendors and more. nworiboff. com. Aug. 18-19: Annual Levis Commons Fine Art Fair, the Town Center at Levis Commons, Perrysburg. A juried fair featuring artists and artisans offering jewelry, ceramics, painting, glass, photography, fiber and more. Free admission and parking. theguild.org. Aug. 18-19: Annual Birmingham Ethnic Festival, Consaul Street between Front and Milford in Toledo’s Birmingham neighborhood. Take a trip to the Old Country and enjoy food, entertainment, crafts and more. birminghamethnicfestival.org. Aug. 21-26: Sandusky Co. Fair. Sandusky Co. Fairgrounds, Fremont. sanduskycountyfair.com. Aug. 22: Verandah Concert, Hayes Presidential Center & Museums at Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 7 p.m. The evening starts with an ice cream social at 6:45 p.m. Music by the North Coast Big Band. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and choose a spot on the lawn. rbhayes.org. Aug. 24-26: 53rd German-American Festival, Oak Shade Grove, Oregon. Northwest Ohio’s oldest ethnic festival featuring food, music & entertainment, contests and more. germanamericanfestival. net. Aug. 25: Barbershop Concert, Sauder Village, Archbold, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; concert at 1 p.m. Featuring the Men of Independence. saudervillage.org. Aug. 25: BUGFest, Toledo Zoo. A day of fun dedicated to the creatures that creep and crawl and float and flutter. 419-3854040, toledozoo.org.
Oak Harbor Apple Festival Explore Statewide 2018
Aug. 25-26: Revolution on the Ohio Frontier, Fort Meigs, Perrysburg. Revolutionary War soldiers recreate life in early America with battles, weapon demonstrations, and more. fortmeigs.org. Aug. 31-Sept. 3: 30th Sandusky County Restorers of Antique Power, Inc. (S.C.R.A.P.) Antique Tractor & Engine Show, White Star Park, SR 300, a mile south of Gibsonburg. Displays of antique tractors, engines, cars, trucks, motorcycles and farm equipment, demonstrations, live entertainment, food, a large flea market and more. s-c-r-a-p-inc.org. September Sept. 1-3: Milan Melon Festival, Village Square, Milan, O. milanmelonfestival.org. Sept. 4, 11, 18 & 25: Senior Discovery Days, Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Trail, Toledo. Seniors are treated to free admission, great perks and activities every Tuesday during Senior Discovery Days and exclusive discounts during the rest of the week. 419385-4040, toledozoo.org. Sept. 6: June 7: Cruisin’ Nights Car Show, downtown Pemberville. Sept. 7-9: 48th Greek-American Festival, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 740 N. Superior St., Toledo. A celebration of the Orthodox faith, Greek culture, entertainment, food, pastry and hospitality. toledogreekfest.com. Sept. 8: Annual Grub N` Suds Motorcycle Festival, Depot Park, Elmore. Sponsored by the Elmore Historical Society and A.B.A.T.E of Ohio Region 7, the festival will feature motorcycles, a poker run, live bands, bike games and contests with lots of food and beer. Visit Grub ‘n Suds Motorcycle Rally Elmore, Ohio on Facebook. Sept. 8: Butterfly Festival, Kelleys Island Historical Museum. 11 a.m. kelleysislandchamber.com. Sept. 8-9: Black Swamp Arts Festival, downtown Bowling Green. More than 100 juried art displays from artist artists from around the country, plus food, music, kids’ activities and more. blackswamparts.org. Sept Sept. 8-9: Fremont Flea Market, Sand Sandusky Co. Fairgrounds, Frem Fremont. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat and 9 a.m a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. sanduskycountyfai tyfair.com. Sep Sept. 8-9: Pioneer Days, Historic Lym Lyme Village, Bellevue. Travel bac back in time as history comes aliv alive. Experience various aspects of llife in the 1700s and 1800s. lym lymevillage.org. Sep Sept. 9: Spiegel Grove Squires Vin Vintage Base Ball Game vs. Ca Canton Cornshuckers, 2 p.m. Ha Hayes Presidential Library & Mu Museums at Spiegel Grove, Fre Fremont, 2 p.m. rbhayes.org.
German American Festival Sept. 9: Grandparents Day/Day of Honor, Toledo Zoo. Grandparents are admitted free when they bring their grandchildren to the zoo. The Zoo also offers its annual salute to members of our military and first responder organizations. toledozoo.org. Sept. 11-16: Celebrate Our Artisans, Sauder Village, Archbold. Special demonstrations, daily drawings and more. saudervillage.org. Sept. 15: Harrison Rally Day, downtown Perrysburg. Parade (10 a.m.), merchant and service organization booths, fine arts, food, children’s games and activities, live entertainment and more. visitperrysburg. com. Sept. 18: Senior Safari, Toledo Zoo. Join the Toledo Zoo and the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio for a fun day focused on seniors. toledozoo.org. Sept. 18-22: Apple Week, Sauder Village, Archbold. Celebrate fall with apple cider pressing and other apple-themed events. saudervillage.org. Sept. 22: Roche de Boeuf Festival, downtown Waterville, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. A fun family festival with crafts, food, business and non-profit vendors, carnival rides, a car show, live entertainment and more. watervillechamber.com. Sept. 28-30: Luckey Fall Festival, Basic Park, Luckey, between Krotzer Ave. (SR 582) and Gilbert Road on Adams Street. An old-time fall festival weekend with entertainment, craft and flea markets, antique tractor pulls and displays, apple-butter festival and more. luckeyfallfestival.com. October Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: Senior Discovery Days, Toledo Zoo. Seniors are treated to free admission, perks and activities every Tuesday during Senior Discovery Days and special discounts during the rest of the week. 419-385-4040 or toledozoo.org. Oct. 13: Northwood Community Cares Fall Festival, Central Park, Wales & Oram roads. Continued on page 22 Page 21
Calendar Events Continued from page 21 Oct. 13: Storybook Adventure, Historic Lyme Village, Bellevue. Visit storybook characters in each building with many activities for children. Children are invited to come in their favorite costume. 419-4834949, lymevillage.com. Oct. 13: Fall on the Farm & Scout Day, Sauder Village, Archbold. Take a step back in time and help prepare the farm for the winter ahead. 800-590-9755, saudervillage.org. Oct. 13-14: 40th Oak Harbor Apple Festival, downtown Oak Harbor. A family-oriented family festival that celebrates apples in all their glorious forms with a Grand Parade, crowning of Apple Royalty, kiddie-tractor pull, talent show, classic car show, 5K Apple run, food, entertainment and more. oakharborohio.net. Oct. 13-14: Fremont Flea Market, Sandusky Co. Fairgrounds, Fremont. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. sanduskycountyfair.com. Oct. 18-19: Little Boo at the Zoo, Toledo Zoo. Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy trick-or-treating, games and activities and lots of other Halloween fun that’s just for them. 419-385-4040, toledozoo.org. Oct. 19-20 & 26-27: Garrison Ghostwalks, Fort Meigs State Memorial, Perrysburg, 7-9:30 p.m. Enjoy a “spirited” stroll at the fort with an 1812 guide and encounter the spookier side of this historic place. fortmeigs.org. Oct. 20-21: Pumpkin Path, Toledo Zoo Toledo. Kids of all ages will enjoy trick-ortreating, games and activities and lots of Halloween fun. 419-385-4040 or toledozoo. org. Oct. 20-21: Fremont Gun Show, Sandusky Co. Fairgrounds, Fremont, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat and 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sun. 419-332-8189. Oct. 21: Music in the Parlor, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont,
Lights Before Christmas Page 22
4-5 p.m. rbhayes.org. Oct. 27: Count Krumnow’s Tombstone Derby, Depot Park, Elmore, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Ghoulishly good food, parade, vendors, contests and motorized casket races. elmorehistoricalsociety.com. Oct. 28: Pemberville’s Harvest Gathering & Craft Show, downtown Pemberville 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Three venues – fire hall, opera house and Bethlehem fellowship hall – showcasing crafters, vintage finds, good food and more. pemberville.org. Oct. 27: Pumpkin Stomp & Chomp, Toledo Zoo, Toledo, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visitors are invited to watch as zoo animals enjoy pumpkins as treats. toledozoo.org. Oct. 27: Explore the Crafts, Sauder Village, 22611 SR 2, Archbold. From pottery and spinning to weaving and tinsmithing, explore crafts and make memories. saudervillage.org. Oct. 27-28: 31st Woodcarver’s Show & Sale, Sauder Village, Archbold. A special weekend filled with unique artistry and family fun. saudervillage.org. Oct. 28: All Wheels Swap Meet (formerly Fremont Racers’ Swap), Sandusky Co. Fairgrounds, Fremont, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. sanduskycountyfair.com. November Nov. 3: The World at War: Miniature War Gaming Day, Fort Meigs Memorial, Perrysburg, Miniature war gaming experts help visitors play more than 16 different war games and learn about this family friendly hobby. fortmeigs.org. Nov. 3-4: Homespun Holiday Art & Craft Show, Great Hall at the Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo. toledocraftsmansguild.org. Nov. 10-11: Fremont Flea Market, Sandusky Co. Fairgrounds, Fremont. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. sanduskycountyfair.com. Nov. 16-Dec. 31: Lights Before Christmas, Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Trail, Toled The Toledo Zoo’s holiday traToledo. dition is a treat for people of all ages, with millions of lights, animation disp displays, model trains, and Santa, too. 419-385-4040 or toledozoo.org, Nov 24-25: Christmas in the Villa Village/Festival of Trees, downtown Pemberville. beekersgeneralstor store.com. Nov 23-Jan. 6, 2019: Hayes Nov. Tra Special, Hayes Presidential Train Libr Library & Museums, Fremont. Get in the holiday spirit with model trai trains that run through intricate Vic Victorian Holiday scenes. 800-998PR PRES, rbhayes.org. De December De Dec. 1: Ch Christmas,
Olde Fashioned downtown Oak
Christmas in the Village Harbor. Santa arrives at Adolphus Kraemer Park to light the Village Christmas Tree and kick off the holiday season. Visit him at Portage Fire Station and enjoy a cookie and hot chocolate at the Portage Fire District Fire Station. Shop in Santa’s Secrete Shop. oakharborohio.net. Dec. 1: Ugly Christmas Sweater 5K Run & Walk, American Legion, 300 S. Main St., Gibsonburg, 9 a.m. Entry fee is a new, unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item. 419-637-2634, gibonburgohio.org. Dec. 6-9, 13-16 and 20-21: Walk Thru Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Display, Sandusky Co. Fairgrounds, Fremont. Cost: one perishable food item or $1. sanduskycountyfair.com. Dec. 9: Holiday Open House, Fort Meigs Memorial, Perrysburg, 1-4 p.m. War of 1812 soldiers and civilians will be on hand to provide demonstrations and answer questions about the war and camp life. Holiday music, hot cider and cookies, and hands-on activities. fortmeigs.org. Dec. 26-31: Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides in Spiegel Grove, Hayes Presidential Center & Museums, Fremont, 1-4 p.m. rbhayes. org. Dec. 26: Taste of Christmas Village Tour, Historic Lyme Village, Bellevue. lymevillage.org. Dec. 31: Noon Year’s Eve, Toledo Zoo. Ring in the new year at the stroke of… noon! Kids and families can start their New Year’s a little early by building party hats and noise makers, choosing a reZOOlution, and gathering for the big countdown at noon. toledozoo.org. Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Walleye Drop, Downtown Port Clinton, 3 p.m.-midnight. Free. Fun and excitement for the whole family. walleyedrop.com. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Celebration at Six, Historic Lyme Village, Bellevue. lymevillage.org. For more events, be sure to visit presspublications.com, do-toledo.org, shoresandislands. com or sanduskycounty.org. Submit event information to twalro@presspublications.com. Explore Statewide 2018
Oregon on the Bay offers visitors access to the shoreline of Lake Erie, Maumee Bay State Park, Pearson Metropark, shopping, dining and lodging. Oregon is conveniently located as a gateway to and from Lake Erie, the Lake Erie Islands, Cedar Point and all of the attractions along the way. The City of Oregon is a great place to visit, but an even better place to live! Sincerely, Mayor Michael Seferian
ark Metrop Pearson , in b a Johlin C
German Amer Oak Sh ican Festival, ade Gro ve
Fest Oregon
Pearson Metropark Walking, running and biking paths, paddle boats, fishing, children’s playgrounds, tennis courts, picnic areas, “Window on Wildlife” Exhibit, and Historic Johlin Cabin. Howard Marsh Metropark Water trail for canoeing and kayaking and dike-top trails for hiking. Maumee Bay State Park Beaches, Boardwalk, picnic areas, bike paths, view of Lake Erie and Toledo Harbor Lighthouse, indoor/outdoor pools and play areas, Nature Center, lodge, cabins and restaurant. Toledo Harbor Lighthouse Waterfront Festival July 7-8, 2018. South Shore Veterans Park/Haley Boardwalk/Oregon Trail Bike Path Boardwalk on Maumee Bay, fitness trail, picnic area, children’s playground along Bayshore Rd. Oregon Boat Ramp Launch for small craft and wave runners. Coontz Recreation Complex Baseball, softball, soccer, skate park, children’s play area. Host of Ohio Softball Special Olympics September 15, 2018. Brandville School Historical school house open every Thursday from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. or call for scheduled tours at 419-693-7052. Oak Shade Grove Host of Oregon “Boom Fest” featuring food, live music and fireworks at dusk Saturday, July 7, 2018. Home of this year’s 51st annual German American Festival held August 24-25-26, 2018. Oregon Fest “The Best of Oregon” - parade, rides, entertainment, food. Free admission. Sunday, May 20, 2018, noon-6p.m., on Dustin Rd. Rollin’ Food and Farm Market First Wednesday of the month, June-October, at 3010 Navarre Ave., Oregon.
See additional events and updates at www.oregonohio.org City of Oregon, 5330 Seaman Road, Oregon, Ohio 43616, 419-698-7045 Explore Statewide 2018
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Explore Statewide 2018