tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62776678507466295292024-03-17T23:02:56.313-04:00OHventuresOHventure (noun, verb): 1) an adventure taken in the great state of Ohio; 2) an adventure taken anywhere in the world by someone from the great state of Ohio.
Where will YOUR next OH|venture take you?Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.comBlogger339125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-4268572315758598502017-07-10T23:16:00.000-04:002017-07-11T23:18:41.311-04:00OHventures' Greatest Hits!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With over 500 posts over 6 years, OHventures has definitely showcased a plethora of ideas to spark adventure in your life. We've whittled it down to the BEST of the BEST in this special edition post of "Greatest Hits" from OHventures! </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2016/09/pedal-party-with-brewboat-cleveland.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">BrewBoat Cleveland</a>: </b>Part bike, part boat, and part bar, the <a href="http://www.brewcle.com/" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>BrewBoat</b></a> on the Cuyahoga River in <b>Cleveland</b> is a one-of-a-kind experience that will guarantee to be a hit for you and your adventure-and-beer-loving friends.<br /><br /><b>2. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2016/01/escape-room-downtown.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Escape Room Downtown</a>: </b>While I am usually posting about adventures that exercise the body, escape rooms exercise the mind. They bring people together to use their brains to accomplish the goal under the given time limit, which is a huge adrenaline rush! Join us as we head to the <b><a href="http://www.escaperoomdowntown.com/" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Escape Room Downtown</a></b> in <b>Canton</b> to tackle "The Missing Detective's Office"!<br /><br /><b>3. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2016/03/cuyahoga-valley-scenic-railroad.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad</a>: </b>ALL ABOARD! The CVSR can be found in Northeast Ohio, running through the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park<b> </b>(the one and only national park in the state of Ohio). The main portion of the railway runs northbound from <b>Akron </b>in <b>Summit County</b>, all the way to <b>Independence </b>in <b>Cuyahoga County</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>4. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2016/06/segaway-tours-of-columbus.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">SegAway Tours of Columbus</a>: </b>SegAway Tours of Columbus offers a series of tours for anyone interested in uncovering hidden secrets about the city while leisurely gliding through the parkways, riversides, and sidewalks of downtown, Arena District, Short North, and Victorian Village. It was a challenging experience, but one I will never forget. I am hooked on Segways!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>5. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2016/06/findlay-market-cincinnati.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Findlay Market Cincinnati</a>: </b>Even on a Sunday afternoon, the Findlay Market located in <b>Cincinnati</b>'s <b>Over-the-Rhine </b>neighborhood is booming with activity. As Ohio's oldest public market, the Market shows no signs of slowing down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>6. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/12/give-gift-of-spartan.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Spartan Race Ohio</a>: </b><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">The Spartan Race</span><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"> was one of the greatest challenges I have ever embarked on, and one that was unforgettable and incredibly fulfilling for the adventurous spirit within me. On May 8, OHventures traveled to <b>Cumberland </b>to </span>tackle all of the mud, obstacles, and burpees that make up the grueling course.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7g3XBHz6cOG66tv4sn75l5TC49olk9Kw2teE8JXo4HlnW6ZVgyCQdBhZpWewHPAON3BXHcp_sQmbQhkxuWhXeeD2qX3DlArXC2R74_GrMGDkOg57tqOSipmajJcBZdddnat9yn7kRviD/s1600/BEST2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="503" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7g3XBHz6cOG66tv4sn75l5TC49olk9Kw2teE8JXo4HlnW6ZVgyCQdBhZpWewHPAON3BXHcp_sQmbQhkxuWhXeeD2qX3DlArXC2R74_GrMGDkOg57tqOSipmajJcBZdddnat9yn7kRviD/s400/BEST2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">7. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/07/velosano-recap.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">VeloSano 100-Mile Bike Ride</a>: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">This epic fundraising event was held in <b>Cleveland</b>, with over 2,000 cyclists signed up to raise money in the months leading up to their bike rides. I raised over $1,500 for cancer research, rode 100 miles, over 4,000 feet of elevation, in the 90 degree heat, which took about 9 hours!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><b style="background-color: white;">8. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/09/kalahari-resort-getaway.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Kalahari Indoor Waterpark & Resort</a>:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> With the nation's largest indoor waterpark, a candy shop with seemingly endless amounts of treats and desserts, one of the best arcade and gaming areas around, world-class spa treatments, a fitness facility, and a fine selection of adult beverages (including a swim-up bar),</span><a href="http://www.kalahariresorts.com/oh" style="background-color: white; color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Kalahari Resort</a><span style="background-color: white;"> in <b>Sandusky</b> is anyone's dream come true.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><b style="background-color: white;">9. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/09/escape-to-kelleys-island.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Escape To Kelley's Island</a>:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> Located in <b>Erie County</b> in the western basin of Lake Erie about 4 miles north of the Marblehead peninsula and 10 miles from Sandusky Measuring more than 4 square miles, Kelley's Island is the largest American island located in Lake Erie. </span></span><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>10. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/10/cryotherapy-plus.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">CryoTherapy Plus</a>: </b>I survived -293 degrees Fahrenheit with Cryotherapy! Cryotherapy is an anti-inflammatory treatment involving skin exposure to ultra-low temperatures for a brief, controlled time, in order to help enhance athletic performance and recovery. Join us as we check out this <b>Akron</b> area full-service cryotherapy spa!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>11. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/10/cook-like-pro-at-gervasi-cucina.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Cooking Class at Gervasi Vineyard</a>: </b>Being a frequent flyer at all three of Gervasi Vineyard's amazing restaurants, and being a budding chef in my own home kitchen, I had been wanting to attend a culinary class at The Cucina for quite some time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>12. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/06/discover-go-ape-treetop-adventure.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Go Ape Treetop Adventure</a>: </b> The Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course </span>in the Cleveland Metroparks' Mill Stream Run Reservation.<span style="font-family: inherit;">challenges participants with an outdoor obstacle course over 3,000 feet in length and is suspended up to 40 feet above ground, traversing bridges, zooming on zip lines, and hanging on ropes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>13. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/08/bodhi-tree-guest-house-photo-blog.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Bodhi Tree Guest House & Studio</a>: </b>This Buddhist-inspired getaway can be found off the beaten path, hidden among the trees and on four acres of the <b>Appalachian</b> hillsides of Southeast Ohio - complete with a Thai massage and a 60-minute float in a state-of-the-art float tank!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>14. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/08/stand-up-guys-paddleboarding.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Stand-Up Guys Paddle Boarding</a>: </b>In the <b>Akron</b> area, at the <a href="http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/portagelakes" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Portage Lakes</a>, there is a great company aptly named <a href="http://www.plxstandupguys.com/home.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">The Stand Up Guys</a>, who offer paddle boarding rentals along the PLX for very reasonable prices! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>15. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/11/rhinegeist-brewery.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Rhinegeist Brewery</a>: </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing beats the atmosphere at Rhinegeist in <b>Cincinnati</b>. The wide open interior is available to reserve for private events, or you can come anytime to play cornhole, ping pong, foosball, or watch a ball game - all while relaxing with some locally brewed booze. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.47px;"><b>16. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/06/discover-lodge-at-geneva-on-lake.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">The Lodge At Geneva-On-The-Lake:</a></b> </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.47px;">The romanticism of Ohio's Lake Erie shoreline is encapsulated to perfection at the upscale yet affordable Lodge at GOTL. </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.47px;">I stayed here for a weekend in June and </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.47px;">saw for myself all the fantastic pleasures that can be unearthed while staying at this hot vacation spot.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 18.47px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.47px;"><b>17. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/04/discover-mohican-treehouse-cabins.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Mohican Tree House Cabins:</a></b> </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.47px;">Halfway between Cleveland and Columbus is an adventurer's paradise, an outdoorsman's dream, and one of the most unique attractions found in all of Ohio: </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.47px;">I stayed overnight like Swiss Family Robinson in these AWESOME accommodations!</span><br /><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 18.47px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.47px;"><b>18. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/09/tree-frog-canopy-tours.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Tree Frog Canopy Tours</a>:</b> The</span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.47px;"> tallest, fastest, and longest zip line in all of Ohio!</span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.47px;"> <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/09/tree-frog-canopy-tours-photo-blog.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Pictures say 1,000 words</a>.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 18.47px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.47px;"><b>19. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/11/columbus-cincinnati-pedal-wagon.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Columbus Pedal Wagon:</a></b> My family & friends hopped aboard this</span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.47px;"> contraption that required us to use our man-power to wheel the wagon from bar to bar to bar in the streets of the <b>Short North </b>one football Saturday in October. </span><br /><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 18.47px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.47px;"><b>20. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/07/kayak-bay-at-pib.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Kayak The Bay at PIB:</a> </b>Between drinking wine and barhopping on 4th of July weekend in Put-In-Bay, a group of college friends decided to get a workout in and kayak the beautiful waters of Lake Erie surrounding <b>South Bass Island</b>. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><strong>21. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/05/open-air-safaris-at-wilds.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Open Air Safari at The Wilds:</a></strong> Seeing camels, giraffes, ostriches, and antelope within hands-reach was an experience I will never forget, thanks to my visit to The Wilds in Cumberland. Think of it as a zoo but 1,000 times cooler.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><strong>22. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/11/columbus-brew-adventures.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Columbus Brew Adventures:</a></strong> Being driven around in a van and taken to various breweries throughout Columbus for grub, fun facts, and of course booze? Can't get much better than that!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><strong>23. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/10/horseback-riding-at-faith-ranch.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Horseback Riding at Faith Ranch:</a></strong> If I could go horseback riding every weekend, I would. The city boy in me became a little bit country when I ventured to the town of Jewett to embark on an hour-long horseback trail ride at Faith Ranch.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><strong>24. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/06/monumental-workouts.html" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration-line: none;">Monumental Workouts in Canton:</a></strong> The McKinley Monument in Canton is not only a massively historic landmark, serving as the resting place for President William McKinley, but it is also becoming a hotspot for fitness enthusiasts who run the stairs and attend boot camp classes here!</span></div>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-67673572293888327282017-07-10T00:46:00.000-04:002017-07-11T22:47:55.495-04:0088 Counties In Ohio = 88 Things To Do! (Alphabetical)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The 88 counties in Ohio carve out special parts of the state that are each unique in their own way. The state is incredibly diverse, with the lakeside counties spanning from Lucas to Ashtabula; the "great plains" of Northwest Ohio, including counties like Williams, Henry, and Wood; the hilly Appalachian region with Washington, Athens, and Belmont Counties (to name a few), and of course the heartland including the counties of Franklin, Delaware, Pickaway, and more. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.<br />
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If it's your goal to visit all 88 counties in Ohio, then this list is for you! Many of these links take you straight to our very own OHventures experiences. But, truth be told, even we haven't made it to each county - yet! So, start your engines and check out this list of one cool thing to do in each of Ohio's 88 counties!</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Adams </b>– Sightsee at the <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/01/land-we-call-ohio.html">Great Serpent Mound</a> – the longest serpent effigy in the US</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Allen </b>– Pig out at <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/08/kewpee-burger.html">Kewpee Burger</a> – the oldest hamburger fast food chain in the world (Lima)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Ashland – </b>Get cheesy at <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/08/grandpas-cheesebarn.html">Grandpa’s Cheesebarn</a> – the name says it all! (Ashland)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Ashtabula – </b>Stay the night at <a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/06/discover-lodge-at-geneva-on-lake.html">The Lodge at Geneva-On-The-Lake</a> – gorgeous views</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Athens </b>– Taste some local beers at <a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/09/discover-bon-appetit-appalachia.html">Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery</a> – a locavore’s delight (Athens)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Auglaize - </b>Honor Ohio native Neil Armstrong at Wapakoneta's <a href="http://www.wapakoneta.com/summer-moon-festival/">Summer Moon Festival</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Belmont - </b>Rock out at the "Superbowl of country music festivals - <a href="http://www.jamboreeinthehills.com/">Jamboree In The Hills</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Brown - </b>Soak in the Ohio River at <a href="http://www.browncountytourism.com/index.php/visiting/recreation/349-eagle-creek-landings-marina">Eagle Creek Landings Marina</a> (Georgetown)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Butler </b>– Plan a trip to <a href="http://www.junglejims.com/planyourtrip/store_info.asp">Jungle Jim's International Market</a> - more than a grocery store (Fairfield)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Carroll </b>– Saddle up for some <a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/10/horseback-riding-at-faith-ranch.html">Horseback Riding at Faith Ranch</a> (Jewett)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Champaign </b>– Explore the deep caves of <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/11/ohio-caverns.html">Ohio Caverns</a> (West Liberty)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Clark - </b>Hike your way through <a href="http://www.buckcreekstatepark.org/">Buck Creek State Park</a> in Springfield</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Clermont </b>– Bike the trail corridor of <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/05/5-great-ohio-bike-trails.html">Little Miami Scenic Trail</a> along the Little Miami River</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Clinton </b>– Immerse yourself in <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/02/caesar-creek-state-park.html">Pioneer Village at Caesar Creek State Park</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Columbiana – </b>Spend the night at the haunted <a href="http://www.spreadeagletavern.com/">Spread Eagle Tavern</a> (Hanoverton)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Coshocton </b>– Depart on the <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/04/coshocton-three-rivers-wine-trail.html">Three Rivers Wine Trail</a>, including Yellow Butterfly Winery</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Crawford </b>- Gorge on brats & take the "wurst" bike ride at the <a href="http://www.bucyrusbratwurstfestival.com/">Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival</a> in August</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Cuyahoga </b>– See all of Cleveland from atop <a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/06/terminal-tower-observation-deck.html">Terminal Tower</a> (and take a <b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/10/cleveland-rocks.html">Day Trip to Cleveland</a></b>)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Darke - </b>Watch the stock cars race by at the world famous <a href="http://www.eldoraspeedway.com/">Eldora Speedway</a> (New Weston)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Defiance - <span style="font-weight: normal;">See the reconstructed historic town of <a href="http://defiancetourism.com%29/">Auglaize Village</a>, with a military museum </span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Delaware </b>– Take advantage of the state’s largest inland beach at <a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/01/winter-at-alum-creek-state-park.html">Alum Creek State Park</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Erie </b>– Ride the world’s largest roller coasters at <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/05/if-you-came-to-ohventures-looking-for.html">Cedar Point</a> (Sandusky)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Fairfield </b>– Zipline over 100 feet off the ground at <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/04/valley-zipline-tours.html">Valley Zipline Tours</a> (Lancaster)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Fayette - </b>Shop the day away at the <a href="http://www.tangeroutlet.com/jeffersonville">Tanger Outlets</a> right off of I-71 (Jeffersonville)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Franklin </b>– Visit the <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2010/10/ohio-statehouse.html">Ohio Statehouse</a> (and see <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/02/101-things-to-do-in-columbus.html">100 more things to do in Columbus</a>)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Fulton - </b>Check out the arboretum & ATV, hiking, & horseback riding trails of <a href="http://forestry.ohiodnr.gov/maumee">Maumee State Forest</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Gallia </b>- Head "down on the farm" to the <a href="http://www.bobevans.com/ourfarms/bobevansfarm/homestead.aspx">Bob Evans Farm Homestead Museum</a> (Bidwell)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Geauga </b>– Give yourself a sugar rush at the <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/05/geauga-county-maple-festival.html">Geauga County Maple Festival</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Greene </b>- Trek along the <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/02/caesar-creek-state-park.html">Old Woods Trail</a> located at Caesar Creek State Park</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Guernsey </b>– Embark on an <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/05/open-air-safaris-at-wilds.html">Open Air Safari at The Wilds</a> (Cumberland)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Hamilton </b>– Meet an elephant at <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/06/meet-elephant.html">Cincinnati Zoo</a> (and take a <b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/04/day-trip-to-cincinnati.html">Day Trip to Cincinnati</a></b>)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Hancock </b>- Go up, up, and away on a <a href="http://www.balloonridesoverohio.com/hot-air-balloon-rides/OH/Hancock/45839/Findlay-hot-air-balloon-rides.html">Findlay Hot Air Balloon Ride</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Hardin - </b><a href="http://www.hardinohio.org/new/TourPackages.aspx">Build Your Own Tour </a>of historic, architectural, and natural attractions in Hardin</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Harrison </b>- Paddle through Southeast Ohio thanks to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GreenAcresCanoe">Green Acres Canoe & Kayak Rental</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Henry </b>- Grab a photo op with the giant can of <a href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/10498">Campbell's Tomato Soup</a> (Napoleon)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Highland </b>- Mountain bike in <a href="http://visithighlandcounty.com/166/">Paint Creek Lake State Park</a> (Hillsboro)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Hocking </b>– Hike your heart out at Hocking Hills State Park, including <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/04/hiking-in-hocking-hills.html">Old Man’s Cave</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Holmes </b>– Embrace yourself in Amish culture with <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/03/der-dutchman-restaurants.html">Der Dutchmann</a> Restaurants</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Huron - </b>Gawk at the Christmas lights at the annual <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Light-Up-Norwalk/319756698040788">Light Up Norwalk Festival</a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Jackson - </b>Go apple picking and celebrate at the <a href="http://www.jacksonapplefestival.com/">Jackson Apple Festival</a> each year</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Jefferson </b>- Step back 200 years to the Ohio frontier at <a href="http://www.oldfortsteuben.com/">Fort Steuben</a> (Steubenville)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Knox – </b>Stay the night in the <a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/04/discover-mohican-treehouse-cabins.html">Mohican Tree House Cabins</a> (Loudonville)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Lake - </b>Have a night of luxury at <a href="http://www.quailhollowresort.com/">Quail Hollow Resort</a> (Painesville)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Lawrence </b>- Spend a day at <a href="http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/lakevesuvius">Lake Vesuvius</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Licking </b>– Say hello to the <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/01/longaberger-basket-building.html">Longaberger Basket Building</a> – the world’s largest basket</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Logan – </b>Ski the day away at <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/02/where-to-ski-in-ohio.html">Mad River Mountain</a> (Zanesfield)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Lorain – </b>Take your pups on a jaunt with the <a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/08/avon-lake-dirty-dog-5k-recap_27.html">Dirty 5K, Walk & Wash</a> (Avon Lake)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Lucas – </b>Gorge on hot dogs at the famous <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/06/holy-toledo.html">Tony Packo’s</a> (and take a Day Trip to Toledo)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Madison <span style="font-weight: normal;">– Fish, hike, picnic, and more at <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/01/prairie-oaks-metro-park.html">Prairie Oaks Metro Park</a> (West Jefferson)</span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Mahoning </b>– Trek the trails of <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/08/mill-creek-park.html">Mill Creek Park to Lanterman’s Mill</a> (and take a Day Trip to <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/06/here-in-youngstown.html">Youngstown</a>)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Marion </b>– Visit the epic tomb found at the President Warren G. <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/01/harding-memorial.html">Harding Memorial</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Medina <span style="font-weight: normal;">- Celebrate Christmas all year 'round at <a href="http://castlenoel.com/">Castle Noel</a> (Medina)</span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Meigs - </b>"Milk" your time in Meigs County by visiting the famous <a href="http://www.snowvillecreamery.com/">Snowville Creamery</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Mercer - </b>Tackle the <a href="http://www.themadrun.com/">Mad Run</a> - a muddy obstacle run in Fort Recovery</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Miami – </b>Take a Day Trip to the quaint town of <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/09/hometown-highlight-piqua.html">Piqua</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Monroe - </b>Drive along the <a href="http://www.monroecountyohio.net/parksandrec/coveredbridgebyway.html">Covered Bridge Byway</a> on a self-guided scenic tour </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Montgomery </b>– Eat at <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/10/olive-urban-dive.html">Olive, An Urban Dive </a>(and take a <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/07/day-trip-to-dayton.html">Day Trip to Dayton</a>)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Morgan – </b>Camp at the <a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/07/having-safe-adventure-in-ohio.html">Wayne National Forest</a> (the only National Forest in Ohio)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Morrow </b>– Shoot ‘em up at <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/05/splatter-park-paintball.html">SplatterPark Paintball</a> (Mount Gilead)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Muskingum </b>– Pig out on pasta at <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/05/adornettos-selected-italian-foods.html">Adornetto’s Selected Italian Foods</a> (Zanesville)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Noble </b>- Dine at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AnnieB2013">Dockside Restaurant</a> overlooking the beautiful Seneca Lake Marina</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Ottawa </b>– Kayak the waters of <a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/07/kayak-bay-at-pib.html">Put-In-Bay</a> (and explore the <a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/04/put-in-bay-getaway.html">whole island</a> while you’re at it)!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Paulding - </b>Visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulding_County_Carnegie_Library">Paulding County Carnegie Library</a>, on the US National Registrar of Historic Places</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Perry - </b>Eat breakfast at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dodsons-on-Broadway/498169906910636">Dodson's On Broadway</a> (New Lexington)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Pickaway </b>- Attend the <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/10/circleville-pumpkin-show.html">Circleville Pumpkin Show</a> and see the pumpkin water tower!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Pike </b>- Travel <a href="http://www.piketravel.com/cvb-Unique-Trails.html">Pike's Patches Quilt Barn Trail</a> to see all of the quilt barns in the area!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Portage - </b>Imbibe at <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/03/viking-vineyards-winery.html">Viking Vineyards & Winery</a> (and take a <a href="http://www.kentohio.net/attraction-near-kent-ohio/kent-area-attractions">Day Trip to Kent</a>)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Preble - </b>Go <a href="http://preblecountypassport.com/ghost_hunting.html">ghost hunting</a> and on other spirited adventures</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Putnam </b>- Scuba dive at <a href="http://www.divegilboa.com/">Gilboa Quarry</a> - the Midwest's Premier Dive Site (Ottawa)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Richland - </b>Tour the <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/10/mansfield-reformatory.html">Mansfield Reformatory</a> (where they filmed Shawshank Redemption)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Ross </b>- Take a day trip to the Ross County seat, <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/06/chillicothe-travel-guide.html">Chillicothe</a> (Ohio's first capital)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Sandusky - </b>Learn about one of our presidents at the <a href="http://www.rbhayes.org/hayes/">Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Scioto <span style="font-weight: normal;">- Embark on a journey to <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/09/scioto-countys-shawnee-state-park.html">Scioto County's Shawnee State Park</a></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Seneca - </b>See Ohio's Greatest Underground Adventure, <a href="http://www.destinationsenecacounty.org/2013/01/15/seneca-caverns-registered-natural-landmark/">Seneca Caverns</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Shelby - </b>Do a nighttime zipline at <a href="http://www.vandemarkfarm.com/">VanDemark Farm</a> (Sidney)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Stark </b> - Run the stairs of the <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/06/monumental-workouts.html">McKinley Monument</a> (and take a <b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/06/guide-to-canton.html">Day Trip to Canton</a></b>)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Summit <span style="font-weight: normal;"> - Zoom down the hill of the <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/03/discover-soap-box-derby.html">All American Soap Box Derby</a> (and take a </span><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2010/11/chrissie-hyndes-akron.html">Day Trip to Akron</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Trumbull – </b>Plunge into the waters of <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/01/polar-plunge-recap.html">Mosquito Lake </a>(and take a <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/04/hometown-highlight-hubbard.html">Day Trip to Hubbard</a>)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Tuscawaras </b>– Travel back in time by seeing the historic village of <a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-historic-village-of-zoar.html">Zoar</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Union - </b>Scale the steep hiking trails of <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/01/clear-creek-metro-park.html">Clear Creek Metro Park</a><b></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Van Wert </b>- Hop aboard a plane for a <a href="http://vanwertcounty.org/regional-airport/">flying tour at the Van Wert Airport</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Vinton – </b>Immerse yourself in <a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/07/having-safe-adventure-in-ohio.html">Zaleski State Forest</a> (</span></span><span lang="EN"><span style="color: black;">second-largest <strong>state forest</strong> in the U.S)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Warren – <span style="font-weight: normal;">Zipline at <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/09/zippity-doo-dah.html">Ozone Zipline Adventures</a> (Lebanon)!</span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Washington </b>– Hop aboard the <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/03/make-it-to-marietta.html">Sternwheeler and drink some Marietta beer</a>!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Wayne - </b>Engage in discussion while eating & drinking at <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/05/first-amendment-public-house.html">First Amendment Public House</a> (Wooster)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Williams - </b>Check out the Bryan Theatre, local parks, and other fun things in the <a href="http://traveltips.usatoday.com/fun-stuff-bryan-ohio-59829.html">City of Bryan</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Wood - </b>Visit <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/07/bowling-green-state-university.html">Bowling Green State University</a> and the surrounding area!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>Wyandot - </b>Birdwatch at <a href="http://visitwyandotcounty.com/Killdeer/Killdeer.html">Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area</a>, where you can see bald eagles!</span></span></div>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-40733285061107752922017-02-22T20:44:00.000-05:002017-02-22T20:44:47.880-05:00Cool & Cozy Ohio Cabins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00u1SGI6MBOMmodYg5UiZFNUmuN0eDzYDtBPGZNIt5AYtEfPzqDuVIJmt6CU0pJOnM9Me8ANtvWniTAiwp0Vov5oGiZ9NPwBuHEFqFEA352K1ac7uiDyIPtalAhN3hE9MK-I3GqFWzZ8G/s1600/April+2014+232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00u1SGI6MBOMmodYg5UiZFNUmuN0eDzYDtBPGZNIt5AYtEfPzqDuVIJmt6CU0pJOnM9Me8ANtvWniTAiwp0Vov5oGiZ9NPwBuHEFqFEA352K1ac7uiDyIPtalAhN3hE9MK-I3GqFWzZ8G/s400/April+2014+232.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Photo by OHventures</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;">The idea of sleeping under the stars, awaking to birds chirping, and bonding with friends in the great outdoors is my idea of an amazing night. It's difficult to see the stars with bright city lights, and even harder to hear the chirping of birds while traffic whizzes by. A uniquely Ohio lodging getaway can help to remedy this!</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;">If you pick the right cabin in the right place, you can wake up and head out on a hike, embark on a canoe ride, or enjoy a nearby festival. While there are literally hundreds of options out there, below are some of the greatest spots to rent a cabin or overnight in a unique lodging facility in Ohio. For a comprehensive listing of cabins found at all Ohio State Parks, </span><a href="http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/cabins" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #033496; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">visit this site</a><span style="color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;">1. </span><a href="http://www.millerferry.com/locations/island-view-cottages/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #033496; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><b>Island View Cottages</b></a><span style="color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;"><b>:</b> Why bother planning a vacation to far off places like Florida or Mexico, when you can take a getaway to Ohio's own Put-In-Bay on South Bass Island? Book an overnight stay to maximize your island experience.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;">2. </span><a href="http://www.themohicans.net/cabins--treehouses.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #033496; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><b>Mohican Tree House Cabins</b></a><span style="color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;"><b>:</b> If you have ever had a desire to live Swiss Family Robinson style for a day, or if you wanted to bring back childhood memories of the tree house you had in your backyard, now you can!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;">3. </span><a href="http://ohiostateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/geneva-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=OH&parkId=960004" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #033496; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><b>Geneva State Park Campground</b></a><span style="color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;"><b>:</b> Stay in the cedar cabins at this 698-acre state-run park in Geneva (Ashtabula County), which is situated along the Lake Erie coastline, and has thick forested and marshy inlands. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNcFHkimMzkLJynfdmmXEcLuOPfhPF9DrwO3hZRZp8CwaA5c86lmcI1g1M3yhel12M8GmB79F8nt4dcrToxKMHNpB7TDD3NuUn5Ik6_JaksD8eYLFnvy8MfTNCcSovUEZAJnjL_v1Frsv/s1600/13606874_1230462820311510_9142268049401183528_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNcFHkimMzkLJynfdmmXEcLuOPfhPF9DrwO3hZRZp8CwaA5c86lmcI1g1M3yhel12M8GmB79F8nt4dcrToxKMHNpB7TDD3NuUn5Ik6_JaksD8eYLFnvy8MfTNCcSovUEZAJnjL_v1Frsv/s400/13606874_1230462820311510_9142268049401183528_n.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;">4. </span><a href="http://hockinghillscaboose.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #033496; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><b>The Hocking Hills Caboose</b></a><span style="color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;"><b>:</b> Have you ever slept overnight in the cabin of a train? This unique location allows you to do just that - but in the middle of the woods! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;">5. </span><a href="https://thewilds.columbuszoo.org/home/visit/stay-overnight/places-to-stay" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #033496; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><b>Nomad Ridge at The Wilds</b></a><span style="color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;"><b>:</b> Located on 10,000 acres of land in Cumberland (Guernsey County) in Southeast Ohio, The Wilds is one of the world's largest and most impressive wildlife conservation facilities. Come to The Wilds and stay in one of the yurts on Nomad Ridge. A yurt is somewhat of a hybrid between a tent and a cabin, and the ones found at Nomad Ridge are all decked out!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #474c55;"><b><a href="http://www.ohio.org/blogs/2017/02/cool-cozy-ohio-cabins">READ MORE AT OHIO.ORG!</a></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #474c55; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-32331885825523829422017-02-05T12:07:00.001-05:002017-02-05T12:07:54.445-05:00Polar Blast Snow Tubing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLUh5aq2fdjzAW-bXdhV-s5RzE_yJydhz0tFx6jLq5Bd98GgQagJK1OlJKPZAnQpQ6LFFKePCPDgTEbnEaDUrZ43zN8myA7nL8jgNlBvauwJrJjSCtH2eTS-H91LtLuxQZsmmUdHG5VKA/s1600/IMG_8078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLUh5aq2fdjzAW-bXdhV-s5RzE_yJydhz0tFx6jLq5Bd98GgQagJK1OlJKPZAnQpQ6LFFKePCPDgTEbnEaDUrZ43zN8myA7nL8jgNlBvauwJrJjSCtH2eTS-H91LtLuxQZsmmUdHG5VKA/s400/IMG_8078.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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In winter months, the <a href="http://www.bmbw.com/">Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort</a> (or BMBW for short) located in the northern Summit County town of Peninsula is a fine getaway for those looking for some snowy adventures. BMBW conjures up great memories for me, as I began coming here every wintry Thursday evening as part of my high school's official Ski Club. We hopped on an old yellow bus and drove an hour and a half to what at the time seemed to be enormous eskers. It was then that I learned everything I really needed to know about skiing - from how to walk (more like waddle) in the skis, how and when to utilize the poles, and of course how to zip down the slopes with the greatest of ease. Even though I have been skiing there for nearly 20 years, this weekend was my first-ever trip to the resort's <a href="http://www.bmbw.com/snow-tubing-polar-blast.html">Polar Blast Snow Tubing</a> attraction - and what a BLAST it was!<br />
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Snow tubing is the perfect winter activity, as it requires minimal (nearly zero) skill, and is something in which people of most any age can easily participate! All it requires is an inner tube filled with air and a large snow-covered hill - both of which Polar Blast provides for you at a very reasonable cost ($25 for 3 hours or $59 for an all-day pass). The Polar Blast hills are specifically used for snow tubing, so you won't have to worry about sharing the hillside with skiers and snowboarders!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.ohio.org/blogs/2017/01/snow-tube-your-heart-out-0"><br /></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.ohio.org/blogs/2017/01/snow-tube-your-heart-out-0">READ MORE AT OHIO.ORG!</a></span></b></div>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-45921815965099637112017-02-05T12:04:00.000-05:002017-02-05T12:05:05.087-05:00Ohio's Tallest & Fastest Toboggan Chutes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOIkXfzxu0P_xC1LYEJmFFq1Pa-QW08Qsap0YPTlRc1t9EYmFEcik-HG4jByt4O27aPEZu33zJ8zb71SuWanOzNJD9OAYVp-nuR6OI_PJoWBD_yT3LzIAp7was1XD-zWZa-49Ytq6IfsV/s1600/FullSizeRender+%252885%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOIkXfzxu0P_xC1LYEJmFFq1Pa-QW08Qsap0YPTlRc1t9EYmFEcik-HG4jByt4O27aPEZu33zJ8zb71SuWanOzNJD9OAYVp-nuR6OI_PJoWBD_yT3LzIAp7was1XD-zWZa-49Ytq6IfsV/s400/FullSizeRender+%252885%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo by OHventures</i></div>
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These giant toboggan chutes can be found at <a href="http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Main/toboggan-chutes.aspx">Mill Stream Run Reservation</a>, one of the Cleveland Metroparks located in Strongsville. The chutes are 700 feet long, with a 70-foot tall drop at a 33-degree angle. You can travel down the chutes as fast as 50 miles per hour! There are many factors that can contribute to how fast you go, including the number of people on your toboggan (you can have up to four riders per toboggan), the weight of your riders (plus the weight of the toboggan, which is 37 pounds), the current humidity, and the current temperature. <br />
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Two 20-inch-wide chutes are side-by-side on tracks that are refrigerated with a cooling unit and a pump. We learned from facts that were posted at the site that the pump carries cooled diethylene glycol through an underground piping system to the chutes. The diethylene glycol chills the concrete and allows the water on the surface to freeze. This is what allows riders to glide safely and quickly down the hill!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.ohio.org/blogs/2017/02/ride-ohios-tallest-and-fastest-toboggan-chutes"><span style="font-size: x-large;">READ MORE AT OHIO.ORG!</span></a></b></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-61222184975396783712016-12-01T21:51:00.002-05:002016-12-01T21:51:40.589-05:00Northeast Ohio WaterFALL Hikes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFGM-I7P36zu4JhjesVxAUlq2onyaiRReK4IRTdCBvQl0JiAftdx6xGPW7Q2xlNU7QvaZsULID2EPOw2qSBSxUL2X4eG7znxymTMlgX0x644lIJUP7xNXXoLK-hWiN7I0Wn0uI2bDyHOq/s1600/IMG_5231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFGM-I7P36zu4JhjesVxAUlq2onyaiRReK4IRTdCBvQl0JiAftdx6xGPW7Q2xlNU7QvaZsULID2EPOw2qSBSxUL2X4eG7znxymTMlgX0x644lIJUP7xNXXoLK-hWiN7I0Wn0uI2bDyHOq/s400/IMG_5231.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Chagrin Falls - Photos by OHventures</i></div>
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The roar of rushing water echoing throughout the wilderness is a welcoming sound when hiking through Ohio’s parks and trails. Whether manmade or created by Mother Nature herself, waterfalls provide an element of excitement and wonder to any outdoor adventure. Add to that the changing colors of autumn’s leaves, and you are bound to take your scenic adventures to an entirely different level.<br /><br />Growing up in Northeast Ohio, my friends and I loved to explore the woods throughout the year, but nothing would compare to the times when we’d hike in autumn. In our expeditions, we sought out many notable waterfalls, which have become some of my favorite landmarks. Here are some of my top picks for Northeast Ohio waterfall hikes:<div>
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<b><a href="http://chagrin-falls.org/">Chagrin Waterfalls</a> – Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga County</b><br />The waterfalls in the quaint city of Chagrin Falls can be easily found, and they don’t require any hiking boots or gear! These impressive 20-foot high falls are located right in the heart of town square, and can be accessed via a series of staircases. I always take a pit stop to see the Chagrin Falls after having dinner or shopping at the many establishments lining Main Street. The leaves turn golden yellow and fire red during autumn, which provides a beautiful frame for the cascading waters. Just hurry and catch them before they freeze for the winter!<br /></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.summitmetroparks.org/gorge-metro-park.aspx">Gorge Metro Park</a> – Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County</b><br />The Gorge Trails at the Gorge Metro Park in Cuyahoga Falls are full of remarkable rock formations along some slightly rugged terrain. A boardwalk and wooden staircase were recently installed to make the hike less advanced. The unmistakable sound of crashing water can be heard while on the majority of the 1.8-mile path. The falls you see are primarily due to a manmade dam, but you can also spot some natural cascades, known as the Big Falls (pictured above). You can take a detour out of the woods and spot the Little Falls, located in downtown Cuyahoga Falls. These waterfalls is how the city received its name.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/nelsonkennedyledges">Cascade Falls</a> – Nelson Township, Portage County</b><br />As a teenager, my friends and I often visited <b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.jp/2012/06/nelson-ledges-quarry-park.html">Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park</a></b>, located along U.S. Route 422 in Portage County. The rocky cliffs proved to be a challenging endeavor, and the nearby quarry gave us a place to cool off in the summer. When the leaves changed, color, we would still head to the park, but stick to hiking. We’d explore the exciting rock formations, like Devil’s Icebox and Indian Pass, and we’d always uncover the gorgeous Cascade Falls. Surrounded by mossy rocks and russet leaves, the 50-foot tall Cascade Falls is a slender, less robust waterfall than the others on the list, but is striking nonetheless.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.nps.gov/cuva/learn/historyculture/brandywine-falls.htm">Brandywine Falls</a> – Northfield, Summit County</b><br />By and large, the most picturesque and the most breathtaking of all of the waterfalls I have visited in Northeast Ohio is <b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/brandywine-falls.html">Brandywine Falls</a></b> (pictured above). Located in northern Summit County (in between Akron and Cleveland), Brandywine Falls are approximately 65-feet tall, with rushing waters encapsulated by bright orange leaves in the autumn. When frost and ice form, the flow of the water changes as well, making for an interesting sight to see. These falls are a very popular spot for photo shoots, be it for a wedding, engagement, or just because (which is exactly what I did with my dog this fall). There is a small 1.5 mile hiking trail that leads to the falls, as well as a wooden observation deck, which is always bustling with visitors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHo9OXvO6atUlEIwA2-aAziVamoYfeYj81kaxlOBprTjLeiVlTLP2ZurwuDJzjTgISiaguVbtD2GFRoOH4Piq3ddcYV3c67CZaL-byZQTv5PWCDOJ6O-_SfzdyDg93bGiKqUJRSmAqCuh/s1600/FullSizeRender2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHo9OXvO6atUlEIwA2-aAziVamoYfeYj81kaxlOBprTjLeiVlTLP2ZurwuDJzjTgISiaguVbtD2GFRoOH4Piq3ddcYV3c67CZaL-byZQTv5PWCDOJ6O-_SfzdyDg93bGiKqUJRSmAqCuh/s400/FullSizeRender2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/visit/places/mill-creek-park/lantermans-mill/">Lanterman’s Falls</a> – Youngstown, Mahoning County</b><br />As a student, we took countless field trips to <b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/08/mill-creek-park.html">Mill Creek Park</a></b> in Youngstown, where we could go see Lanterman’s Mill and its accompanying waterfalls! Our teachers would take us here so we could learn how the water from the creek is used to power the gristmill to grind grain. We would always tour the mill and take home some grain products that were made on site! The waterfall next to Lanterman’s Mill is only about 15 feet tall, but it works in conjunction with the mill and a nearby covered bridge to create a beautiful backdrop.<br /><br />There are countless other waterfalls in Northeast Ohio (and the state as a whole) to check out in the fall (or any time of the year). Some other good ones to check out are <b><a href="http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Main/Buttermilk-Falls.aspx">Buttermilk Falls</a> in Brecksville,</b> Cuyahoga County, and <b><a href="http://www.lakemetroparks.com/parks-trails/paine-falls-park">Paine Falls</a> in Painesville</b>, in <b>Lake County</b>.</div>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-76765934685938670052016-09-28T23:55:00.002-04:002016-09-28T23:56:39.042-04:00HalloWeekends at Cedar Point<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Photos by OHventures</i></div>
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Amusement park enthusiasts from around the world flock every year to <b><a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/">Cedar Point</a></b>, located in <b>Sandusky</b>, <b>Erie County</b>, Ohio. We are lucky to have one of the best amusement parks on the planet right on the Lake Erie coastline. With more rides than any other park on earth (71), and the second most roller coasters (16), Cedar Point has been breaking records and drawing in millions for decades.<br />
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For the past 20 years, Cedar Point has been hosting <b><a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/haunt">HalloWeekends</a></b>, on the weekends that fall between Labor Day and Halloween. The entire 365-acre park transforms into a spookier, scarier, and more thrilling experience for guests, with pumpkins and cobwebs decorating the queue lines, and ghosts, goblins, and ghouls roaming the midway. <br />
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This past weekend, I experienced HalloWeekends for the very first time. I had been to Cedar Point many times since my youth, but never during HalloWeekends. During this time, the park is only open Friday through Saturday, and with limited hours. After spending a Sunday in the park in late September, I have to say it was one of the best visits I have ever had to Cedar Point!<br />
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This is mainly because the crowds are significantly smaller than during the summer months. I do, however, hear that Saturdays during HalloWeekends can bring in very large numbers of park goers (especially in late October). So, if you plan to go, make it on a Sunday! We arrived just before noon (the park opened at 11AM) and left around 7 PM (the park closed at 8 PM).<br />
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<i>Dead Ride Cemetery</i></div>
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The park was truly transformed, with special Halloween touches everywhere you looked. I loved the attention to detail: skulls, bats, and skeletons strategically placed throughout the park. I particularly enjoyed the specially created displays, such as the "Dead Ride Cemetery," featuring "tombstones" of former coasters and attractions that are now defunct and have since been torn down. Pictured above, you can see part of the cemetery (which is found in the Midway near the <b><a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Roller-Coasters/Raptor">Raptor</a></b> roller coaster), including the grave site of the <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mean_Streak">Mean Streak</a></b>, the giant wooden coaster that is being torn down this year.<br />
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Further down the Midway is a giant jack-lantern to walk through (perfect for a photo op), a giant mechanical ogre, and the "Cemetery of Dead Rockers." This area is found near the <b><a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Roller-Coasters/Corkscrew">Corkscrew</a></b> roller coaster (pictured below), and features headstones of rock-and-roll legends who are no longer with us: Rick James, John Lennon, Elvis, and even Amy Winehouse.<br />
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Even further down the Midway is the <a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/daytime/things-to-do/halloweekends-great-pumpkin-spectacular"><b>Great Pumpkin Spectacular</b></a>, where you can find 10,000 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns lining the walkways. They are true works of art, and look even cooler at nighttime, all lit up. This is a new addition to HalloWeekends this year, and can be found near the <b><a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Roller-Coasters/Top-Thrill-Dragster">Top Thrill Dragster</a></b> and the <b><a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Thrill-Rides/Power-Tower">Power Tower</a></b>. </div>
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This entire stretch of the Midway is where you can witness the <b>Great Pumpkin Parade</b> at 4 PM each day. And if you have kids, there are a ton of places nearby that can offer <a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/the-great-pumpkin-fest/attractions-at-the-great-pumpkin-fest">age-appropriate Halloween fun</a> (like trick-or-treat zones and Peanuts characters dressed in a not-so-spooky manner). </div>
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We, of course were not there with children in tow. This meant that not only could we hit up all of the haunted houses we wanted, but we could also indulge in some adult beverages. Do yourself a favor and try the craft beers especially made for Cedar Point. This includes the <b>RougaBrew </b>and the <b>Valravn Red Stout</b>, both named after newer rides at the park, and both available for a very limited time. You can try them at the <b>Trail Tavern </b>near <b><a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Roller-Coasters/Millennium-Force">Millennium Force</a> </b>roller coaster (yes, the one that is over 300 feet tall). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdtyH7QZa9ZvE7QqAujH5AWV4rvCqHH0e6sgrc4jWQqisaq4Hmrs34JULcwkNK9_v-TL5LAgN08SxOtCWK5rytGOil15jsamG7rqkWbXt3gTNpq_J0dvPgO0_3N5e5f5fLdo7yuuDfYM9/s1600/IMG_3431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdtyH7QZa9ZvE7QqAujH5AWV4rvCqHH0e6sgrc4jWQqisaq4Hmrs34JULcwkNK9_v-TL5LAgN08SxOtCWK5rytGOil15jsamG7rqkWbXt3gTNpq_J0dvPgO0_3N5e5f5fLdo7yuuDfYM9/s400/IMG_3431.JPG" width="362" /></a></div>
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<i>Enjoying a RougaBrew at Trail Tavern</i></div>
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Another great spot for some cold ones is <b><a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/things-to-do/all-dining-locations">Chickie's & Pete's</a></b>, found near the entrance and right next to the <b><a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Roller-Coasters/Blue-Streak">Blue Streak</a> </b>roller coaster. A word of caution, however: plan to ride the more intense rides <i style="font-weight: bold;">before </i>you eat heavy foods and guzzle on some beer. We did things a bit backwards, eating some famous crab fries (seasoned to perfection) at Chickie's & Pete's, then riding the aforementioned Blue Streak - the oldest (1964) and most rickety roller coaster in the park (hey - it had no line, so we had to try it).<br />
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Now it was time for the scary stuff. There are so many haunted houses in the park, but we could only make it to a couple (no thanks to the long line we waited in to ride the <b><a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Roller-Coasters/Maverick">Maverick</a></b> roller coaster). The two we were able to experience were: the <b><a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/haunt/ride/Eden-Musee/cat/Mazes">Eden Musee</a> </b>(a wax museum themed haunted house full of surprises), and <b><a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/haunt/ride/Hexed/cat/Mazes">Hexed</a> </b>(a witch themed haunted house with a ton of great scares).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ITRuoDXm3anLWMwn_4S-XAgXoBFN_W7kzb6bhegcsRAo8nfIXICMIGS0cjakl_Dd6TCcCBdXG1DDAnjNMkacmPFp56tcnuSi-eAvyAx7hAsH1fMzszHxrTr-05WBS1Qjb_OrWAzNrtB6/s1600/IMG_3426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ITRuoDXm3anLWMwn_4S-XAgXoBFN_W7kzb6bhegcsRAo8nfIXICMIGS0cjakl_Dd6TCcCBdXG1DDAnjNMkacmPFp56tcnuSi-eAvyAx7hAsH1fMzszHxrTr-05WBS1Qjb_OrWAzNrtB6/s400/IMG_3426.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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While we really did want to try some of the other featured haunted houses (like the Zombie High School and the haunted hospital aptly called Eternity Infirmary), the real scary thing would be if we didn't get to ride some of the newest roller coasters at the park. This includes <b><a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Roller-Coasters/Rougarou">Rougarou</a> </b>(a floorless coaster, formerly known as <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rougarou_(roller_coaster)">Mantis</a> </b>when it was a stand-up roller coaster...it's complicated). Being that this is named after a werewolf creature from French folklore, we felt it was appropriate to ride on HalloWeekends.<br />
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It would also be a sin if we skipped <b><a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Roller-Coasters/GateKeeper">GateKeeper</a></b>, a wing roller coaster with the largest inversion on earth (built in 2013) and frightening keyhole elements. And, most of all we HAD to ride <b><a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Roller-Coasters/Valravn">Valravn</a></b>, the longest, fastest, and tallest dive roller coaster in the world, which was just installed at the beginning of the 2016 season. Aside from Maverick, this was the longest line we stood in (and even so, it was only a half an hour), but it was definitely worth the wait.</div>
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Overall, the trip to Cedar Point for HalloWeekends was nothing short of perfect. The crisp fall weather was gorgeous - not too hot, and not too cold. And, the lines for most rides were 15 minutes or less (even the GateKeeper was only about 10 minutes). You still have time to check out HalloWeekends in 2016!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-23105685913896435732016-09-17T17:50:00.002-04:002016-09-17T17:50:38.470-04:00Pedal & Party With BrewBoat Cleveland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRyi4bUT0C6ovb8_wjs59sqBXQj66Ibw07SR78R_sEddTvzcnvzxau6NWT8ygJsLbYBKNfwxQ237_ULZZoeM1hhlliUsnnO6ntf-n80K7K_4uqKtjGFX4uSFrklQTwSNIRyJoY4ucTdwU/s1600/14086485_10108005438853285_4740845088950641091_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRyi4bUT0C6ovb8_wjs59sqBXQj66Ibw07SR78R_sEddTvzcnvzxau6NWT8ygJsLbYBKNfwxQ237_ULZZoeM1hhlliUsnnO6ntf-n80K7K_4uqKtjGFX4uSFrklQTwSNIRyJoY4ucTdwU/s400/14086485_10108005438853285_4740845088950641091_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Part bike, part boat, and part bar, the <a href="http://www.brewcle.com/"><b>BrewBoat</b></a> in <b>Cleveland</b> is a one-of-a-kind experience that will guarantee to be a hit for you and your adventure-and-beer-loving friends.When trying to find a perfect birthday gift for some family members who "have it all," I decided to get creative and book a reservation aboard the BrewBoat!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is Ohio's first and only pedal-powered paddle-wheel party boat, which launched Memorial Day weekend of this year. The boat is 31-feet long with 10 seats for pedalers and four additional seats for passengers who opt to not pedal (we took turns, so no one felt left out). Yes, the boat is human-powered, which means you get a bit of a workout mixed in while you drink. It's like the <a href="http://www.ohio.org/blogs/2015/01/columbus-cincinnati-pedal-wagon-polar-bear-express"><b>Pedal Wagons of Columbus and Cincinnati</b></a>, but on water instead of on the streets!<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaXZlsovcyw_8eaPRpbmd0e8ro-E7xougq4y00eaT672ncJTcStR88vClnQ9k3PdOXeuBzZ3LsEonupSngINInR8k69uJmi_-W2m2ZFpMuel5s_i3XafuFcqTO_QULxeJgJRNp10Wde4m/s1600/FullSizeRender+%252878%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaXZlsovcyw_8eaPRpbmd0e8ro-E7xougq4y00eaT672ncJTcStR88vClnQ9k3PdOXeuBzZ3LsEonupSngINInR8k69uJmi_-W2m2ZFpMuel5s_i3XafuFcqTO_QULxeJgJRNp10Wde4m/s400/FullSizeRender+%252878%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I reserved 10 seats for our 2-hour cruise this August (the other 4 were already booked, so we would be on board with a few new friends). Each ticket was $35 plus tax, and the trip required you to BYOB. When you arrive at the launch site, located on Whiskey Island in the heart of Cleveland, you are able to purchase cold brews at the convenience store found at the dock.<br /><br />Most of us brought our own favorite beers from home (each person is permitted to bring no more than 36 oz. or beer, or 18 oz. of wine for themselves). There are convenience coolers of ice located right in the middle of the bar, so you can keep your drinks chilled and readily available during your excursion (no need to bring your own coolers).<div>
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Our group consisted of myself, my brother and his wife, my parents, my aunt, and my friends Zac, Kyla, Ben, and Emily. As mentioned, we were joined by 4 other folks who booked at the same time as us. Also on board was the Captain (Katie), and a driver, both of whom were extremely fun and personable. <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86qLGhOD0dk3cO4_7O7pawXN3B02AKMZt2VjDAtbdr9jP34s-ZKsJKgBy41PWRRCIdTN5CDSOgGyLnrZ9oFMdtdSlUZFZc01ZtVboa1Zafjk69zIMJJ13TDzWJsVp9T_RU5ySsnjNCP9i/s1600/IMG_2224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86qLGhOD0dk3cO4_7O7pawXN3B02AKMZt2VjDAtbdr9jP34s-ZKsJKgBy41PWRRCIdTN5CDSOgGyLnrZ9oFMdtdSlUZFZc01ZtVboa1Zafjk69zIMJJ13TDzWJsVp9T_RU5ySsnjNCP9i/s400/IMG_2224.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />We disembarked from the marina at 5 PM and pedaled down the Cuyagoga River. As we pedaled, we were able to gawk at the gorgeous Cleveland skyline against the bright blue skies, and take in the sights of the revitalized riverfronts of the <a href="http://www.flatseastbank.com/"><b>Cleveland Flats</b></a>. We floated by notable hot spots, such as the <a href="http://www.nauticaflats.com/"><b>Nautica Pavilion</b></a>, the <a href="http://www.musicboxcle.com/"><b>Music Box Supper Club</b></a>, <a href="http://www.alleycatoysterbar.com/"><b>Alley Cat Oyster Bar</b></a>, and more. We shared the waterway with kayakers, jet skiiers, paddle boarders,, and other seafaring folks out enjoying the fantastic weather and exciting scenery. There was so much to see and to soak in on our cruise!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />At one point, the driver challenged us to try and work together to pedal as fast as we could in order to beat the record speed. After pedaling and pedaling, we ultimately did not come close to setting a new record, but we had a blast trying! It was also a blast plugging our iPods in and choosing the music we listened to along the way. It was a nice added feature. One downside, however, is that there is no bathroom on board the boat (which doesn't take long to figure out). So, it is a good thing that the ride is not much longer than 2 hours, and that we had a cap on how many drinks we could bring with us. </div>
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<br />Food is also allowed on board (anything from snacks to pizzas to cold cuts!), however, we were planning to eat dinner at one of the restaurants in the Flats after the ride, so we did not have any food on board with us.</div>
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<br />All in all, our experience on the BrewBoat CLE was extremely positive. We are glad to have had the chance to book a ride, since slots fill up fast! The season ends on October 1, but they are already taking reservations for 2017. Captain Katie told me that while they currently have just one boat, it is their hope to soon have more boats in order to meet the demands of the public. Until then, make sure to make a reservation far in advance to ensure you get the time you want. The BrewBoat is perfect for bachelor or bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations (like ours), or just an excuse to get together and enjoy the beauty of the Cuyahoga River and downtown Cleveland in a fresh, new way!</div>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-21252565829389264382016-08-24T19:55:00.002-04:002016-08-24T19:55:38.705-04:00Geauga County Amish Tours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While staying at the <b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2016/08/red-maple-inn.html">Red Maple Inn</a></b> in Burton this summer, I took advantage of the fantastic <a href="http://www.redmapleinn.com/uncategorized/new-red-maple-inn-amish-tours/"><b>Amish Tour</b>s</a> that they offer! These two hour excursions take you and up to 14 others in a conversion van through the rural roadways of Geauga and Trumbull Counties, telling stories and making stops along the way. Guests of the hotel, or any member of the public, can book a tour by calling ahead (any day except Thursday or Sunday). The cost is just $25-$29, and it is definitely worth it.<br />
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While on my tour, I learned a great deal about the history of the Amish culture, and the area itself. We stopped at the home of an Amish family to have a snack on homemade zucchini muffins and have conversations about their way of life. Here, we saw chickens, horses, and kittens, as well as freshly picked vegetables, hand-powered washing machines, and handmade soaps!<br />
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We also visited a schoolhouse (school is currently out of session) and a bakery (where I bought some delicious fry pies). The tour guide was able and willing to answer all questions we had about the Amish culture. She was a wealth of knowledge of the area, and of the Amish as a whole. One factoid we learned was that Geauga County is home to the 4th largest Amish population in the world!<br />
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The tour also took us to Mesopotamia, a town just across the county line in Trumbull County. Here, we stopped at the "<b><a href="http://www.endofthecommons.com/">End of the Commons</a></b>," which is Ohio's oldest general store (and probably the one with the most character)! There was SO much to see at this store, that it most certainly calls for a separate visit. Last, we stopped at the Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op for some yummy cheese samples!<br />
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The two hours aboard the van flew right by, and soon it was time to be dropped off back at the Red Maple Inn. It was incredibly educational, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. Soon, it was time for me to check out of the hotel, with a promise to return in the near future with my friends and family! I know for certain they'd appreciate the comfort and charm of the Red Maple Inn!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-65966536038664594322016-08-24T19:38:00.005-04:002016-08-24T19:56:08.301-04:00Red Maple Inn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Photos by OHventures</i></div>
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Every once and awhile, I find it necessary to escape from the fast-paced world of the big city by visiting Ohio's serene countryside. Nestled not far from Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and Cleveland is <b><a href="https://www.destinationgeauga.com/">Geauga County</a></b>, home of the world's 4th largest Amish community, and a perfect place to make that restful retreat.<br />
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This summer, I was invited to stay at the <b><a href="http://www.redmapleinn.com/">Red Maple Inn</a></b>, a beautiful boutique hotel located in the small town of Burton in the heart of Geauga County's Amish Country. With unbeatable views of lush green fields, a selection of spacious rooms, and hearty Amish-style breakfast buffets, the offer to stay was impossible to pass up.<br />
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Arriving at the Red Maple Inn, I was "greeted" by Rut Maple, a horse and carriage crafted out of recycled steel parts by local artist Chris McConnell. This striking artwork sits right outside the entrance of the hotel, and sets the tone for the whimsical stay guests are about to experience.<br />
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There are 17 rooms and one suite available, each with handmade furniture crafted by the Amish from various types of wood. This makes each room a bit different from the others. However, all rooms come with a flat screen TV, fireplace, coffee maker, balcony with outdoor furniture, and my personal favorite: a jacuzzi tub! Talk about relaxing!<br />
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All guests have access to an on-site fitness facility, a library and gaming nook, You can also enjoy complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres at certain times during the week. After enjoying a glass of red wine and checking into my room, I went out to explore the surrounding area.<br />
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<i>Railroad car at Century Village Museum</i></div>
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The Red Maple Inn is located in walking distance to a number of worthwhile tourist stops. For starters, a small footbridge leads you from the hotel property to the <b><a href="http://centuryvillagemuseum.org/">Century Village Museum</a></b>, a series of buildings and artifacts that serve as an authentic representation of life in the Western Reserve during the 1800s.<br />
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<i>Burton Log Cabin & Sugar Camp</i></div>
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Walking a little further takes you to Burton Square,the center of town, modeled after the village greens of New England. Here, you can visit the <b><a href="https://www.destinationgeauga.com/members/burtonchamberofcommercelogcabinandsugarcamp/">Burton Chamber of Commerce Log Cabin & Sugar Camp</a></b>, where pure maple syrup and other related products are made and sold. I took home a bottle of syrup, as well as some maple candies for my aunt (she loves them!).<br />
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Nearby is <b><a href="http://www.warrensspiritedkitchen.com/">Warren's Spirited Kitchen</a></b>, a rather new establishment in Burton, with a more modern feel to it. I sat and enjoyed a cocktail (a Cleveland Old Fashioned) while listening to a local guitarist, before retiring to my room at the Red Maple Inn.<br />
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On my way home, I stopped at <b><a href="http://maryyodersamishkitchen.com/">Mary Yoder's Amish Kitchen</a></b> for a home-cooked meatloaf dinner. If there's one thing that's consistent in the Geauga County Amish Country, it's how flavorful and filling its food is! I went home with a full belly and a happy heart!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.ohio.org/blogs/2016/08/escape-to-geauga-countys-amish-country">READ MORE AT OHIO.ORG</a></b></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-61890900005287861542016-08-07T21:29:00.001-04:002016-08-07T21:29:42.465-04:00Condado Tacos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><a href="http://shortnorth.org/businesses/condado-tacos/">Condado Tacos Short North</a></b></div>
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1227 N. High Street</div>
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Columbus, OH 43201<br />(614) 928-3909</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.condadotacos.com/">Condado Tacos Downtown</a></b></div>
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132 S. High Street</div>
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Columbus, OH 43215</div>
(614) 456-7444<div>
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Tacos bring the people together. Plain and simple. If you don't like tacos, I can't trust you and you can't be my friend. And if you don't like Condado Tacos in Short North and Downtown Columbus, then that is taco blasphemy! </div>
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These tacos are works of art. You build them from the shell-up, with loads of delicious and fresh ingredients you won't find at any other Mexican joint. You start with the tortilla, which can be corn or flour, soft or crunchy. BUT you can also get a double tortilla, with cheese, beans, or guacamole slathered in between the shells (my favorite is the "Ju-Ju" shell if you were wondering). Then, you choose from a great selection of proteins: chorizo, shrimp ceviche, brisket, ghost pepper marinated steak, roasted portabellos, and BBQ pulled jackfruit, to name a few. Then, you continue the process choosing toppings, cheese, salsa, and sauces! The possibilities are seemingly endless.</div>
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And, if for nothing else, be sure to go to Condado Tacos to get your table an order of the queso dip (pictured above). Believe me when I say, this is the best queso around! Muy bien!<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFg19TyHnEkRgt6jXtU3qFu3lzgLpeayyPz1bsTQ0GuqOPEkiMvT7BAIbr4d-6-OTQI5j_NdMGa214G-Js2MhJsai-fwsrYOJlWrJXzXB2MaUPlQdLvcjtchEFIaU0YGj9L333m3-lrEr/s1600/IMG_9277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFg19TyHnEkRgt6jXtU3qFu3lzgLpeayyPz1bsTQ0GuqOPEkiMvT7BAIbr4d-6-OTQI5j_NdMGa214G-Js2MhJsai-fwsrYOJlWrJXzXB2MaUPlQdLvcjtchEFIaU0YGj9L333m3-lrEr/s400/IMG_9277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And what's a good Mexican restaurant without some tasty margs? On my recent visit, I was going to just get the traditional house margarita like always, but the waiter insisted I try something different. So, he suggested the blackberry marg (pictured above), which did not disappoint.</div>
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Another thing I like about Condado Tacos is the decor. They have a "Day of the Dead" (or Dia de los Muertos) theme going on, with Catrina-style skulls, skeletons, sombreros, designs, and artwork on the walls and tables. I am particularly fond of the "Holy Guacamole" painting, as shown above.</div>
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I have gone to Condado Tacos on each of the past 3 visits I made to Columbus. It's just that good. You can reserve the "party table" for groups of 12 or more - which is what we did when having a "friends reunion" back in June. And, yes, we had many, many bowls of queso to go around!</div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-79001845973081510502016-07-28T22:20:00.002-04:002016-07-28T22:20:52.547-04:00Ride A Camel At Columbus Zoo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Photos by OHventures</i></div>
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Well, mark that one off of the bucket list! I rode me a camel!</div>
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When my friends from Chicago and Colorado were coming in to Ohio for the weekend, we decided to go to the <b><a href="https://columbuszoo.org/home">Columbus Zoo</a></b>. And, from the moment we went, all I had my sights on was riding a camel!</div>
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That's right! For just $7, you can take a short ride on the back of a camel at the Columbus Zoo. My friend Faye and I hopped on a camel named Ghost after standing in a short line, and we took a ride around the African Safari with one of the zoo workers guiding the way.</div>
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It was a tame ride, with only a few bumps in the road (no pun intended). The only thing lacking was the vast Sahara desert. I think I prefer being in the comfort of Ohio instead of in the middle of the Sahara, though!</div>
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<br />If you go to the Columbus Zoo, be sure to ride a camel. And, while you're at it, take some time to take part in some of the other interactive elements found at the zoo: feed the giraffes, walk alongside the kangaroos, pet the stingrays, and let lorikeets land on you while you feed them nectar!</div>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-74307956328165807602016-07-06T18:34:00.002-04:002016-07-06T18:35:27.575-04:00Akron To Cincy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Photos by Tim Fitzwater</i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">The following post was written for publication on the website "<a href="http://www.theakronist.com/" style="color: #3f7f3f; text-decoration: none;">The Akronist</a>." The Akronist is a source for compelling stories about greater Akron. It has local videos, photos, podcasts, articles, and blogs produced by the community. I wrote this piece as a recap of a recent trip taken with a group of fellow Akronites in the young leadership group known as Torchbearers. </i></div>
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As a bus full of 35 Akronites rolled into the Over-the-Rhine district of Cincinnati on June 5, smart phones began taking pictures and tagging social media posts with the hashtag “#TB2Cincy.”<br />
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There was no question that the working minds of Torchbearers of Akron had arrived, and they were eager to learn about the southwest Ohio city nearly four hours away from home. Creative juices were flowing, and notepads were at the ready to catch inspiration during the group’s two-day excursion to the Queen City.<br />
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In early 2015, Torchbearers received its largest single grant ($65,000) from the John S. and James L Knight Foundation. This grant sponsored two trips, the first being to Detroit in May 2015, and the second being the most recent trip to Cincinnati on June 5 and 6 of this year.<br />
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It was the goal of Torchbearers to travel to Cincinnati in order to learn about the city’s efforts in arts and culture, neighborhood revitalization and economic development, with the hopes of bringing back these ideas for programs in Akron. In addition, the trip was an opportunity for Torchbearers to share with those in Cincinnati all the innovative things Akron is doing to revitalize and grow.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://akronist.com/torchbearers-take-on-cincinnati-and-return-inspired/">READ MORE AT THE AKRONIST</a></span></b></div>
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Despite being found within the same state, it was clear to Torchbearers that Akron and Cincinnati are incredibly different cities with much to learn from one another. This was evident when the group first disembarked at the bustling Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest public market, dating back to 1852.<br />
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Even on a Sunday afternoon, the Findlay Market was booming with activity. Red picnic tables were overflowing with folks eating lunch, drinking local craft brews and enjoying live music in the beer garden. Hundreds of people were perusing food and retail vendors located in both indoor and outdoor booths.<br />
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There are over 40 full-time vendors, and an additional 50 pop-up vendors on the weekends, offering a mix of grocery, prepared foods and related goods. This is where local restaurants come to get their meats, local breweries come to get their spices and the general public come to stock their pantries.<br />
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With 1.2 million visitors a year, the Findlay Market is the fifth most visited place in Cincinnati. It is also known to be the most diverse spot in the city as far as careers, income and background of vendors and patrons alike.<br />
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The Findlay Market has served as the launching pad for larger success stories, including Taste of Belgium, an eatery offering waffles and other Belgian inspired dishes that started at Findlay Market in 2007, and has since expanded to four additional locations (including one in Columbus). Urbana Coffee is another example of a business that began in Findlay Market and has grown over the years.<br />
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To coincide with touring the Findlay Market, the Torchbearers were also given a tour of the nearby Findlay Kitchen, an innovative food business incubator that opened its doors just two months ago, directly down the street from the Market. The building includes 8,000 square feet of shared-use kitchen space, complete with commercial grade equipment, storage and smaller kitchen areas available for rent hourly or monthly.<br />
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This $2 million project was an idea conceptualized over 30 years ago, but was only recently made possible by a feasibility study, adequate donations and robust fundraising efforts.<br />
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“The Findlay Kitchen is a place people were looking for whether or not they knew it,” said Kelly Lanser, Promotion and Events Manager at Findlay Market. She said that the idea was to bring new businesses to the Findlay Market by providing resources that help to increase their production, enable growth and create jobs, all while bringing healthy, locally grown and produced foods to the region.<br />
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A place like Findlay Kitchen helps to alleviate the burden of expensive brick-and-mortars small businesses would encounter on their own. Since its inception, there are approximately 36 members of the Kitchen, including various startups specializing in things like cupcakes and hot sauce.<br />
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Not only is the area known for being progressive and foodie-friendly, but Over-the-Rhine is a neighborhood growing in virtually all areas. Since 2006, more than 100 new businesses have opened in the Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood through the Main Street, Central Vine Street and Findlay Market business districts. Part of this is due to the reintroduction of the streetcar to the area, as well as the landbanking concept, which helps with the purchasing and maintaining of vacant buildings and properties to prevent future deterioration.<br />
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The Torchbearers were given a comprehensive walking tour of OTR, starting with Washington Park, a civic green space that has seen recent improvements thanks to a partnership with the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC).<br />
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The initiative brought forth incredible revitalization to the area, complete with new landscaping, parking, a performance stage, fountains (which were ideal on a hot June day), playgrounds and dog park, all of which opened to the public in 2011.<br />
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Jackson mentioned that the $49 million Washington Park project was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to what 3CDC is doing in Cincinnati. Thanks primarily to an influx of private investment funds, the organization has also been able to improve downtown’s Fountain Square, Vine Street (known as the “spine of downtown”) and other areas by bringing in a series of commercial tenants. They like to avoid using too many large chain stores, adding to the eclectic and local vibe of the area.“The key to successfully revitalizing Over-the-Rhine is making it more approachable,” said Kevin Jackson, Development Officer at 3CDC, and our tour guide for the afternoon.<br />
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Torchbearers’ second day of exploring Cincinnati began with a visit to Union Hall, which serves as an accelerator for startup businesses, housing The Brandery, CincyTech, Cintrifuse and Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub. Combining the forces of these companies helps facilitate rapid growth for businesses while remaining hyper-focused on creating entrepreneurial success in Southwest Ohio.<br />
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“#StartupCincy began as a hashtag and has become a movement,” said Christina Misali of Cintrifuse, who acted as a moderator for a panel of speakers from each of the organizations at Union Hall. “We want our companies to feel like they can grow here,” she said.<br />
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The panel said that being collaborative and creating cross-sector connections is the key to their success. They leverage the assets of Cincinnati in order to attract new entrepreneurs. This includes the fact that the cost of living is better in Cincinnati than it is in many other metropolitan areas. They also mentioned that the state of Ohio has innovative programs, such as Third Frontier, which helps to provide funding to small businesses.<br />
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Union Hall itself had been renovated to suit its new tenants, and includes several elements that add to a stress-free and friendlier work environment. This includes a rooftop work area (with morning yoga sessions and a great view), inspirational quotes on the wall and the ability to bring your dog to the workplace.<br />
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The remainder of the trip primarily consisted of a series of “Do-It-Yourself” visits to various organizations throughout the city. These locations included People’s Liberty, Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation, Local Initiatives Support Coalition, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, REDI Cincinnati and STRIVE Partnership.<br />
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Members of Torchbearers chose which of the breakaway sessions they wanted to partake in, and shared takeaways with the entire group at dinner that evening.<br />
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Many takeaways came from Peoples Liberty, where they introduce experimental grant-making to the community, awarding individuals with ideas rather than organizations or entities. This led the Torchbearers to ponder what it would be like if Akron was more experimental with its own grant-making. Also emphasized was the importance of being willing to work with anyone, and again the significance of collaboration – large, small, profit, non-profit, private, public.<br />
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When time came to depart Cincinnati and head back to Akron, Torchbearers were energized and exhausted, but ultimately inspired to take what they learned in Cincinnati and share it with the greater Akron community, and hope that those within Cincinnati can do the same with what they learned about progress in Akron. The trip provided renewed energy to not only see the possibilities of what could come to Akron, but also to appreciate all the great things we already have here in Akron.</div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-3628493877166237772016-06-30T21:22:00.000-04:002016-06-30T21:23:34.003-04:00Canopy Walk & Emergent Tower at Holden Arboretum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><a href="http://www.holdenarb.org/">Holden Arboretum</a></b><br />
9500 Sperry Road<br />
Kirtland, OH 44094<br />
(440) 946-4400<br />
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As a kid, my friends and I would spend hours in the woods, climbing trees, trying to get as high as we could, so we could see as far out as possible. Of course, we could never get too high, because we were so little, and because there was no safe or easy path to the top. Now, even as adults, the idea of being in the treetops is something we all still yearn for.<br />
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Thankfully, breathtaking treetop views are waiting for you at the <b><a href="http://www.holdenarb.org/home/">Holden Arboretum</a></b>, located in <b>Kirtland, Lake County</b>, Ohio. <br />
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The Holden Arboretum is a gorgeous park, and is considered to be one of the largest botanical gardens in the nation. There are more than 3,600 acres of gardens and wooded area to be explored, holding over 9,400 different kinds of plants.<br />
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Some highlights of the display gardens include the rhododendron garden, the hedge collection, and the magnolia collections. It's remarkable to walk through and see the beautifully colored array of flowers and plants, from lilies to witch hazels to lilacs, depending on the season.<br />
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But what we came for was the trees. You can walk along trails lined with conifers like pines, spruces and firs, and deciduous trees like maple, oak, and beech. <br />
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Now, thanks to two new features at the Holden Arboretum, you can also walk on top of and above the trees! The Murch Canopy Walk and the Kalberger Emergent Tower are open April 1 through November 1, and can be accessed by just a small fee at the ticket gate.<br />
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The Canopy Walk is 500 feet in length, and is built 65 feet above the forest floor. The walkway goes from tree to tree, and gives you an exciting and unique experience and perspective of the woods. Take your time to look up, down, and around when you are walking along these suspended pathways!<br />
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The Kalberger Emergent Tower is an impressive wooden structure that soars 120 feet into the sky. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to get a workout in as you climb a great deal of steps to reach the observation deck at the top! When you do finally get to the peak, you can get an unbeatable 360 degree view of the entire park, and the surrounding areas. You can even see Lake Erie to the north! <br />
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Be sure to bring a camera and take tons of pictures, and a water bottle! Make sure you prepare for a visit that lasts at least 2 hours, to account for the time it takes to wait in line for the tower, and the time it takes to soak in the views! After all, it's a view you've probably been hoping to see since you were a kid!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-67725965716281232022016-06-26T23:44:00.000-04:002016-06-27T22:03:01.047-04:00SegAway Tours Of Columbus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Photos by OHventures</i></div>
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<b><a href="http://segawaytoursofcolumbus.com/">SegAway Tours of Columbus</a></b><br />
400 North High Street<br />
Columbus, OH 43215<br />
(614) 222-3005<br />
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Having lived in Columbus for 10 years, I never thought that in just two hours on a Segway, I could learn so much more about the city, and see so many nooks and crannies that I had not yet seen. These two wheeled contraptions are extremely popular forms of recreational transportation, and many large cities offer tours via Segway.<br />
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SegAway Tours of Columbus offers a series of tours for anyone interested in uncovering hidden secrets about the city while leisurely gliding through the parkways, riversides, and sidewalks of downtown, Arena District, Short North, and Victorian Village.<br />
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There are several tours to choose from 7 days a week, on both mornings and afternoons. Evening tours are offered in summer months, when daylight allows. Each tour costs $59 per rider, and it is most definitely worth it, whether you are visiting from out of town, or if you've lived here all your life.<br />
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No experience is necessary to sign up for a tour. This was very important, since neither myself nor my friend Anna (from Colorado) had ever stepped foot on a Segway prior to our tour this June. </div>
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The instructors from SegAway Tours of Columbus provide 15-20 minute introductory lessons for the group. They were very helpful in getting our group of 8 riders comfortable and familiar with the Segway. The Segway is a self-balancing battery-powered electric vehicle, with computers, sensors, and electric motors in the base. This means there are no buttons, nobs, levers, or controls on the handles or "dashboard." Instead, riders command the Segway to go forward and backward by shifting their weight forward or backward on the platform. These means pushing down on your toes to move forward, and pushing back on your heels to go backward. </div>
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The motions are very minor and sensitive, so it does take time to get used to it. Turning and steering is done with the handlebar, which shifts back and forth only to the left and right (it does not pivot like the handlebar of a bike). You go faster by pushing harder, and go slower by pushing lighter with your feet. The max speed is 12.5 mph, but the average speed we would be going on our tour was 8 mph.</div>
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After getting acclimated to the Segway, we were off and running. Our tour guide, Jim, had a headset on, and we all had earpieces so we could hear him as he described points of interest and landmarks along the way. He also would advise us of any pedestrians, obstacles, stop lights, and other instructions to be aware of while we rode.<br />
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<i>Map from SegAway Tours of Columbus</i></div>
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We started at the<b> <a href="http://www.columbusconventions.com/">Greater</a></b><a href="http://www.columbusconventions.com/"> <b>Columbus Convention Center</b></a> (where the tour headquarters is located) and then made our way down to <b>Nationwide Plaza</b>. The route then led us down to the <b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2010/10/ohio-statehouse.html">Ohio Statehouse</a></b>, Columbus Dispatch building, <b><a href="http://www.bricker.com/home">Bricker & Eckler</a></b>, the <b><a href="http://www.capa.com/venues/ohio-theatre">Ohio Theatre</a></b>, the <b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/08/columbus-commons.html">Columbus Commons</a></b>, the <b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/08/scioto-mile.html">Scioto Mile</a></b>, <b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/06/5-ohio-museums-that-wont-bore-you.html">COSI</a></b>,<a href="https://columbus.gov/recreationandparks/parks/North-Bank-Park/"> <b>North Bank Park</b></a>, <b><a href="http://www.huntingtonparkcolumbus.com/">Huntington Park</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.nationwidearena.com/">Nationwide Arena</a></b>, and then back to our starting point (we did not go to Goodale Park, as shown, due to ComFest taking place)!<br />
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Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, and added a good sense of humor and fun to the tour. He learned all of our names and interacted with us frequently. He would give us tips on how to improve our Segway techniques along the way. It was very helpful, because as time went on, I started to become more comfortable and natural on the Segway. He also stopped on a bridge and took photos of all of us.<br />
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The best part of the trip was all of the tidbits I learned, and all of the things that have changed in the city since I moved away 3 years ago. One of my favorite things to see was Coleman's Pointe, a scenic overlook named after Columbus' longest serving mayor, Michael Coleman. A quote by Mayor Coleman is shown on the promenade, which sums it up very nicely: "A city that stays the same falls behind."<br />
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Columbus is continuously changing, and seeing it from the vantage point of a Segway was incredibly exciting. Book your tour now because they fill up fast!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-54607443314229521942016-06-24T07:30:00.000-04:002016-06-28T00:00:09.752-04:00Brandywine Falls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Photos by OHventures</i></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.brandywinefalls.com/">Brandywine Falls</a></b><br />
8176 Brandywine Rd.<br />
Sagamore Hills, OH 44067<br />
(234) 380-3789<br />
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I am pretty certain that I have found one of the most gorgeous places in Ohio: Brandywine Falls. Part of the <b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/08/cuyahoga-valley-national-park.html">Cuyahoga Valley National Park</a></b>, the falls are part of the Brandywine Creek, which is a tributary of the Cuyahoga River. These majestic waters fall from a height of 86 feet, making it one of the largest waterfalls in the entire state (<a href="http://www.gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/maps/stateohio.shtml">click here for a map</a> of all of the significant waterfalls in Ohio).<br />
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On top of being one of the tallest waterfalls, Brandywine Falls is certainly one of the most scenic in the state. You can access the falls by a series of wooden pathways built to overlook the water. From there, you can also take dirt and rock-covered trails to the base of the waterfall. It makes for awesome photos, as shown on this blog!</div>
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The falls are dog friendly, too. Slider definitely enjoyed trotting alongside me and soaking in the sights on a recent visit to Brandywine Falls in May. Additional amenities of the park include public restrooms, a <b><a href="https://www.nps.gov/cuva/learn/historyculture/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=3157140">1.5 mile gorge trail</a></b> (which bypasses the man-made boardwalks mentioned above), and a nearby bed and breakfast, called <b><a href="http://www.innatbrandywinefalls.com/">The Inn at Brandywine Falls</a></b>.</div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-43008530180160538892016-06-23T07:41:00.000-04:002016-06-27T22:03:14.086-04:00Findlay Market Cincinnati<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Photos by OHventures</i></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.findlaymarket.org/">Findlay Market</a></b><br />
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1801 Race Street<br />
Cincinnati, OH 45202<br />
(513) 665-4839<br />
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Even on a Sunday afternoon, the Findlay Market located in Cincinnati's <b>Over-the-Rhine</b> neighborhood is booming with activity. As Ohio's oldest public market (having been established in 1852), the Market shows no signs of slowing down. With the brightly colored Italian-style architecture, you'll immediately feel in a cheerful mood, ready to explore the Market head on!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5olob06p8WLv5mtGrLmCIlf_jVZG-atzkQcDH6qgHCu04i6ameSte_XmtUySZupadINOZvWhqhYKOcOb0Nz9rFPr3Akm5g3C_aI0KeV5622XGmQrnZvgKFHICbinEliGxidq6DtobcEtf/s1600/IMG_8074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5olob06p8WLv5mtGrLmCIlf_jVZG-atzkQcDH6qgHCu04i6ameSte_XmtUySZupadINOZvWhqhYKOcOb0Nz9rFPr3Akm5g3C_aI0KeV5622XGmQrnZvgKFHICbinEliGxidq6DtobcEtf/s400/IMG_8074.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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On a recent visit, the hustle and bustle was in full force. Red picnic tables were overflowing with folks eating lunch, drinking local craft brews, and enjoying live music in the beer garden. Hundreds of people were perusing food and retail vendors located in both indoor and outdoor booths. </div>
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There are over 40 full-time vendors, and an additional 50 pop-up vendors on the weekends, offering a mix of grocery, prepared foods, and related goods. This is where local restaurants come to get their meats, local breweries come to get their spices, and the general public come to stock their pantries.<br />
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With 1.2 million visitors a year, the Findlay Market is the fifth most visited place in <b>Cincinnati</b>. It is also known to be the most diverse spot in city as far as careers, income, and background of vendors and patrons alike.</div>
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The Findlay Market has served as the launching pad for larger success stories, including <b>Taste of Belgium</b>, an eatery offering waffles and other Belgian inspired dishes that started at Findlay Market in 2007, and has since expanded to four additional locations (including one in <b>Columbus</b>). </div>
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<b><a href="http://www.urbana-cafe.com/">Urbana Cafe</a></b> is another example of a business that began in Findlay Market and has grown over the years. You can't miss the periwinkle-colored classic utility motorcycle fashioned into a mobile coffee shop, often appearing outside near the pop-up tents of the Market. Known to serve "coffee with a purpose," Urbana Cafe is an experience in and of itself!</div>
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With so many <b><a href="http://www.findlaymarket.org/market-merchants">vendors</a></b> to check out, I could go on and on. But, I will save you from that and simply give you a few top picks in addition to those mentioned above:</div>
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<li><b>Zinncinnati: </b>Flowers and decor</li>
<li><b>Mr. Kofinas: </b>Infused olive oils</li>
<li><b>Pho Lang Thang: </b>Vietnamese pho done right</li>
<li><b>Fireside Pizza: </b>Oven baked pizzas - my weakness!</li>
<li><b>DIRT: A Modern Market: </b>Veggies, fruits, cheese, and meats all in one shop.</li>
<li><b>J.E. Gibbs Cheese: </b>Who doesn't love cheese?</li>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-1891850813756354492016-06-22T17:00:00.000-04:002016-06-22T17:00:02.384-04:00Discover Medina County Wineries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sipping on wine is more than just an experience for your tastebuds – it’s an all-around adventure that allows you to spend quality time with friends and family, all while soaking in the sights and sounds of Ohio's beautiful scenery.<br />
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As National Wine Month winds down, consider taking a trip to three great wineries found within Medina County: <a href="http://www.highandlowwinery.com/" target="_blank"><strong>High & Low Winery</strong></a>, <a href="http://www.filiacellars.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Filia Cellars</strong></a>, and <a href="http://www.itsyourwinery.com/" target="_blank"><strong>It’s Your Winery</strong></a>. All offer a fantastic selection of wines in comfortable Ohio countryside settings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZvYFUoArYfb3b3vS3WNv-SZicMe_cFJQdULOb7SxwORdrFWf3LPR5DF92fS_WGvLGDC4B0Qe44KIgIEpL0yihbTqOEI4sB5AgPm59iix_q2MuXv6N0k3HezxN_feS6H31U4l__gePFWs/s1600/IMG_7235+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZvYFUoArYfb3b3vS3WNv-SZicMe_cFJQdULOb7SxwORdrFWf3LPR5DF92fS_WGvLGDC4B0Qe44KIgIEpL0yihbTqOEI4sB5AgPm59iix_q2MuXv6N0k3HezxN_feS6H31U4l__gePFWs/s400/IMG_7235+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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High & Low Winery is located in the City of Medina, and boasts that it is a place to meet all of your moods – whether you are looking for something casual or classy, laid back or upbeat, High & Low Winery has you covered.<br />
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The winery looks like a French chalet on the outside, and has a warm and modern feel on the inside. There's a fantastic menu to pair with the large selection of wines, including delicious paninis (try the Good Golly Miss Molly) and meat & cheese plates.<br />
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On a recent visit to High & Low Winery, me and some friends sat on the back porch, listening to local live acoustic music, and taking advantage of the great deals associated with their weekday happy hour! I tasted several wines, and would highly recommend the King Of The Heavies (a dry cabernet franc) or the Misunderstood (a rich merlot). If you're like me, you'll also appreciate the artwork found on the wine bottles, and you'll love the friendly staff!<br />
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Located just a few minutes down the street from High & Low (also in the City of Medina) is one of my new favorite spots, <strong>It's Your Winery</strong>. It has a small tasting room and retail area, and an <u>enormous</u> area for wine production!<br />
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It's Your Winery is named as such because it specializes specifically in offering patrons the unique experience of using state-of-the-art equipment to produce their own wine to take home with them in small batch form (30 bottles for a full case, or 15 bottles for a half case).<br />
<br />The winemaking process at It's Your Winery takes up to 10 weeks. You first come in to choose the wine you want to make, then begin the process with step-by-step instructions from knowledgeable staff. You come back in several weeks when the fermentation process has completed. This is when you bottle, cork, cap, and label the wine (with your own personalized labels)!<br />
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It's Your Winery has a HUGE selection of fruit wines. Everything from a cherry/peach sangria to a cranberry wine to a raspberry wine. Even if you don’t want to make your own wine, you can still come in and have a glass or some tastings!<br />
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Last on our tour of Medina County wineries is Filia Cellars, a new winery located in the City of Wadsworth. On a recent visit, the owners greeted me warmly, and I was told much about the history of the family’s wine business.<br />
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Wines here are made with grapes grown both here in Ohio (the white wines), and on the owner’s property in California (the red wines). The name, Filia, means “daughter” in Latin, and some of the wines are named after strong females in the family (Isabella, Hannah, Lillian).<br />
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Filia Cellars has a relaxing backyard atmosphere, complete with a duck pond, Adirondack chairs, and picnic tables with umbrellas. There is a small stage for live music, yoga sessions, paint parties, and even visits from local food trucks (Get Stuffed was there on my recent visit).<br />
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What I like best is that the outdoor section of the winery is dog friendly, so I was able to bring my little pup Slider with me, and my friends brought their French bulldog Beau! We sipped on the delicious dry reds and enjoyed the gorgeous weather.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-75364305263819696262016-06-20T19:19:00.002-04:002016-06-20T19:19:41.625-04:00AkRun & Crawl: After Dark Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Photos by <a href="http://www.zippercityphotography.com/">Tim Fitzwater</a></i></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2px;">The milestone 10th Annual <b><a href="http://www.torchbearersakron.com/">Torchbearers</a></b> <b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2016/02/akrun-crawl-after-dark.html">AkRun & Crawl</a></b> </span><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">was held on Saturday May 21, 2016. For the second year in a row, the event was held in the <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Merriman-Valley-258687234168781/">Merriman Valley</a></b>, and for the first time ever, the event was held "After Dark," incorporating glow-in-the-dark elements along the course.</span><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2px;">This high-energy event kicked off with a 5K that started from the front of <b><a href="http://www.bcgcompany.com/">BCG & Co</a></b>. Runners were taken along the scenic <a href="http://www.ohioanderiecanalway.com/Main/Home.aspx"><b>Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail</b></a>, which was illuminated with LED lights, bright flashing balloons, and glow sticks that lined the course. In addition, all runners were given neon glow accessories, including necklaces and bracelets.</span></div>
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It was a cool spring evening, and the sunset provided a perfect backdrop to kick off the night. <b><a href="https://soundcloud.com/gblackmusic">DJ Garrick Black</a></b> provided music to get the participants amped up for the run. AkRun & Crawl Committee member Patrick Bravo gave announcements, and introduced special guest <b><a href="http://www.akronohio.gov/cms/site/172f2d8288f1a940/index.html">Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan</a></b> to provide remarks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L9Wg_XtW_Y9j7n7ZiidGuj9dtbecUQxLo4Icy7ayRpPgUZ-f4VzA-5GJEGUYqfwVTGnkWJEatmLHF8MJrGWjmqxuWlCZriaWB89kduOkBGiWsSJlhUinaBGI6H6z30OEIMtdNCb5AhfI/s1600/run24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L9Wg_XtW_Y9j7n7ZiidGuj9dtbecUQxLo4Icy7ayRpPgUZ-f4VzA-5GJEGUYqfwVTGnkWJEatmLHF8MJrGWjmqxuWlCZriaWB89kduOkBGiWsSJlhUinaBGI6H6z30OEIMtdNCb5AhfI/s400/run24.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Torchbearers President Nicole Mullet also spoke to thank the runners, and soon enough, the horn sounded and the runners started on the course! With thoughts of cold adult beverages, as well as cheers from volunteers and beats from DJ Ben Fulkman, all of the runners made their way across the finish line. The athletes’ efforts were rewarded with bananas and water (provided by Giant Eagle) to help with their recovery before moving on to the next phase of the night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCc1iXLk2SFZo1hb0_5VuQ6bGJo_2hB4Ix3MBOh4SC72d6S2ZquD01ATNPveJeNCGp6iQLCxtvzgXmLEYshlHJaH3Sx25usI_TwYjpkCVJH7grOARw8NiOS7VF-hm89oq6pEnbXTlKY8AH/s1600/13221456_10107531545045275_2815210838298602055_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCc1iXLk2SFZo1hb0_5VuQ6bGJo_2hB4Ix3MBOh4SC72d6S2ZquD01ATNPveJeNCGp6iQLCxtvzgXmLEYshlHJaH3Sx25usI_TwYjpkCVJH7grOARw8NiOS7VF-hm89oq6pEnbXTlKY8AH/s400/13221456_10107531545045275_2815210838298602055_n.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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<i>A banner welcoming runners to the bars!</i></div>
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The next portion of the night was the bar crawl. This year, a total of 5 bars were along the crawl path, including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Corner-Bar-1078998938799369/"><b>The Corner Bar</b></a>, <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thelazygator">The Lazy Gator</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shotslounge/?fref=ts">Shots</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Woody-Tavern/353805264719534">Woody's Tavern</a></b>, and the starting point, <b><a href="http://johnnyjspub.com/">Johnny J's</a></b>. The participants were given special custom mugs that gave them drink specials for the night. Johnny J’s provided free (and delicious) burgers, hot dogs and sides. Drink specials were available at each bar, including "birthday cake" shots in honor of the "10th birthday" of the AkRun & Crawl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjKdxsXRVb96CzBfniG0hijdEw0ygj0WJlMxOIYlNZORixvxADMZn2zAs_0la5sNErMuhAThPSnlLC4iT_5WhjKc4YBv-rZ7U8kUOVRQiz_bKdCLC_-HH2xWZPQgLaNEMW0lV7BqYGWHQ/s1600/run23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjKdxsXRVb96CzBfniG0hijdEw0ygj0WJlMxOIYlNZORixvxADMZn2zAs_0la5sNErMuhAThPSnlLC4iT_5WhjKc4YBv-rZ7U8kUOVRQiz_bKdCLC_-HH2xWZPQgLaNEMW0lV7BqYGWHQ/s400/run23.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This year’s AkRun & Crawl event brought in a record high number of registrations (454)! A big thank you definitely goes out to the event co-chairs, Michael Evans and Brian Berg, for a successful turnout.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Jz_BDBT-5RwzyJm7s5-VnN-_e-MTC8lsvZF1rZuOYiFcB5ib5WpBFOJKgo-dP1mx5aGDZLnqLcaQjPLoNFuenOja7pLe5RXvhsrTpqRpVteyUkgOFXw2S6SFMF7VBeQYzEH15IRSZ2sv/s1600/run254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Jz_BDBT-5RwzyJm7s5-VnN-_e-MTC8lsvZF1rZuOYiFcB5ib5WpBFOJKgo-dP1mx5aGDZLnqLcaQjPLoNFuenOja7pLe5RXvhsrTpqRpVteyUkgOFXw2S6SFMF7VBeQYzEH15IRSZ2sv/s400/run254.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We also would like to thank our sponsors: <b>Brouse McDowell, Giant Eagle, Riverview Property Management and Yoga Bliss</b>.<br />
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Torchbearers looks forward to seeing everyone at next year’s 11th Annual Torchbearers AkRun & Crawl!</div>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-66090757401376181792016-04-30T19:03:00.002-04:002016-04-30T19:04:11.583-04:00The Deer Of The Scioto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Photos by OHventures</i></div>
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<b><a href="https://columbus.gov/recreationandparks/parks/Genoa-Park/">Genoa Park</a></b><br />
303 W. Broad St.<br />
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Genoa Park is a beautiful park on the Western bank of the <b>Scioto River</b>, right behind <a href="http://cosi.org/" style="font-weight: bold;">COSI Columbus: The Center of Science & Industry</a> in downtown Columbus, right off of Broad Street. At the center of the park, you'll find a set of large amphitheater steps, alternating with grass and concrete, which overlook the river, and provide for a great view of the iconic Columbus skyline (including the Riffe Center, Huntington Tower, and the Ohio Supreme Court Building). The park lies directly across the river from the <b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/08/scioto-mile.html">Scioto Mile</a></b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_kIrMcukb_S-qosLfpRms5_uynBOlHGDTnRI6XbwGo9StssfDFUAMEq0ih51rF4HxKmkPAFhfGbaqKNAN92rYGjIf23DcPw21rU781h2SdpORxGBIwGSQL3tbrpudtwpDNbhPsSLN2BW/s1600/IMG_5673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_kIrMcukb_S-qosLfpRms5_uynBOlHGDTnRI6XbwGo9StssfDFUAMEq0ih51rF4HxKmkPAFhfGbaqKNAN92rYGjIf23DcPw21rU781h2SdpORxGBIwGSQL3tbrpudtwpDNbhPsSLN2BW/s400/IMG_5673.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Plenty of people head to Genoa Park to have picnics, bike, run, and check out the fountains atop the amphitheater. But, now, as of late 2015, there is a new reason to come to Genoa Park: statues of giant bronze deer. Yes, you read that right. Giant bronze deer.<br />
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You can find two bronze sculptures of "humanized" deer at Genoa Park, one sitting upright on the stairs, and the other lounging nearby in the grass (a third deer can be found at the nearby Rich Street Bridge, leaning against the railing, looking out on the river). But why?! Well, apparently, the name of the Scioto River is derived from a Native American word that means "hairy water." Legend states that Shawnee tribe members found deer hair floating in the water when they migrated to the area. Hence, hairy water. Hence...deer statues?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hoXrQjIccdJixnegi3Rhci8c3a-vDh9wwHPQ9xtVgkLJ08GH2ijiznc7MDoF7SnLhflu-xHulIPhUfJUJgA2PUlGMTiSxsw1eaLQREQNmQDhrAei7IOxqfsUxV0FEmvArg5DJt5faOvH/s1600/IMG_5674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hoXrQjIccdJixnegi3Rhci8c3a-vDh9wwHPQ9xtVgkLJ08GH2ijiznc7MDoF7SnLhflu-xHulIPhUfJUJgA2PUlGMTiSxsw1eaLQREQNmQDhrAei7IOxqfsUxV0FEmvArg5DJt5faOvH/s400/IMG_5674.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Artist Terry Allen came up with the concept and design, which is meant to represent how deer used to be prevalent in this area along the Scioto River, but now it is populated by humans, who often are running, biking, and lounging along the riverside. It is meant to be thought provoking and engaging to the public, to show a cross between when the deer once lived here and how humans currently do. Whatever it is, I think it's pretty cool - although a bit strange. </div>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-83289601914995523462016-04-15T23:48:00.001-04:002016-04-15T23:49:58.837-04:00Happy 5th Birthday To OHventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Et0_AoZiDbT388Zrna0NKN3JEHEINneJ38F1kdT3BCI3Tyr8nEV0uTN1KdLcw34ghZJLyMGjJkQecDfY82suf6sILE0hgqKItfYHXt9ApuS8jSDjzsAMbBazSdychoUAtdEjYmeI7NQe/s1600/IMG_6091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Et0_AoZiDbT388Zrna0NKN3JEHEINneJ38F1kdT3BCI3Tyr8nEV0uTN1KdLcw34ghZJLyMGjJkQecDfY82suf6sILE0hgqKItfYHXt9ApuS8jSDjzsAMbBazSdychoUAtdEjYmeI7NQe/s400/IMG_6091.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY OHVENTURES!</b></span></div>
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OHventures officially turned 5 YEARS OLD on April 12, 2016! It's hard to believe that we've been around that long! This just proves that time really does fly when you're having fun.</div>
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It's been a blast sharing the unique, exhilarating and thrilling things that make Ohio a cool place to live or visit. Whether you are seeking extreme adventures, physical challenges, interesting excursions, or a good excuse to get off your couch and explore the Buckeye state, this blog is for you.</div>
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To celebrate this milestone, we sifted through the over 500 posts on the blog to revisit some of our favorite and most popular adventures! </div>
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And now, some OHventures superlatives, as chosen by yours truly!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">OHVENTURES SUPERLATIVES</span></b></div>
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<b>Most Scenic OHventure: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/07/explore-geneva-on-lake.html">Explore Geneva-On-The-Lake</a></b></div>
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<i>Honorable Mention: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/07/kayak-bay-at-pib.html">Kayak The Bay at PIB</a></i></div>
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<b>Coolest OHventure: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/08/stand-up-guys-paddleboarding.html">Stand Up Guys Paddle Boarding</a></b></div>
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<i>Honorable Mention: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/09/kalahari-resort-getaway.html">Kalahari Indoor Water Park</a> </i></div>
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<b>Coldest OHventure: </b><b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/search/label/Cryotherapy">Cryotherapy Plus</a></b></div>
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<i>Honorable Mention: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/02/portage-lakes-polar-bear-jump.html">Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump</a></i></div>
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<b>Dirtiest OHventure: <a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/05/tough-mudder-ohio-recap.html">Tough Mudder Ohio</a></b></div>
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<i>Honorable Mention: <a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/10/spartan-race-ohio.html">Spartan Race Ohio</a></i></div>
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<b>Craziest OHventure: </b><a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/04/skydive-your-fears-away.html"><b>Skydive Your Fears Away</b></a></div>
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<i>Honorable Mention: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/02/cupids-undie-run-recap.html">Cupid's Undie Run</a></i></div>
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<b>Scariest OHventure: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/10/haunted-prison-experience.html">Haunted Prison Experience</a></b></div>
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<i>Honorable Mention: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/10/local-music-meets-walking-dead.html">Local Music Meets The Walking Dead</a></i></div>
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<b>Tastiest OHventure: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/08/columbus-food-adventures-taco-truck-tour.html">Columbus Food Adventures Taco Truck Tour</a></b></div>
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<i>Honorable Mention: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/03/canton-food-tours.html">Canton Food Tours</a></i></div>
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<b>Wildest OHventure: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2013/05/open-air-safaris-at-wilds.html">The Wilds Open Air Safari</a></b></div>
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<i>Honorable Mention: </i><i><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2011/06/meet-elephant.html">Meet an Elephant at Cincinnati Zoo</a></i></div>
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<b>Booziest OHventure: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/11/columbus-cincinnati-pedal-wagon.html">Columbus Pedal Wagon</a></b></div>
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<i>Honorable Mention: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/11/rhinegeist-brewery.html">Rhinegeist Brewery</a></i></div>
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<b>Most Unique OHventure: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/search/label/Float%20Tank">Float Tank at Bodhi Tree Guesthouse</a></b></div>
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<i>Honorable Mention: </i><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/04/discover-mohican-treehouse-cabins.html"><i>Mohican Tree House Cabins</i></a></div>
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<b>Most Challenging OHventure: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2012/05/half-marathon-recap.html">Cap City Half Marathon</a></b></div>
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<i>Honorable Mention: <a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2015/07/velosano-recap.html">VeloSano 100-Mile Bike Ride</a></i></div>
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Here is to many more years of giving the world items for their very own Buckeye Bucket List!</div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-10004757704100585422016-03-28T23:15:00.000-04:002016-03-28T23:15:02.569-04:00The Hartville Trifecta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the picture perfect town of Hartville, Ohio, located in Northern Stark County, there is a trifecta of attractions that can't be missed: The<b> Hartville Marketplace</b>, The <b>Hartville Kitchen</b>, and <b>Hartville Hardware</b>. All of these great establishments are in the same family company, and each is special and worthy of visiting for its own reasons.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I live not far from the city of Hartville, so I tend to take out-of-towners to visit one or all of these three great spots whenever they come to visit. While there's something for most everyone, I will admit that these are places that are most appealing to folks in my parents' or grandparents' generations (and, yes, I have brought my parents AND grandparents when they were in town).</span><br />
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Let's take a closer look at each of the three highlights of what I call "The Hartville Trifecta":<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8iMyBbyeb8dyUc-Ky8kxTHoaGMsNKt7uFqa_2Uu3l-82cWDgoEHAEAVknFMNt5xNvrFvstHdUGQb33xKQ5y4x5KeUauEwUpIXIVCj2fAk722H7GDG6Zp-02Y5wF2xTsSwIlq6h_4iUt5/s1600/FullSizeRender+%252838%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8iMyBbyeb8dyUc-Ky8kxTHoaGMsNKt7uFqa_2Uu3l-82cWDgoEHAEAVknFMNt5xNvrFvstHdUGQb33xKQ5y4x5KeUauEwUpIXIVCj2fAk722H7GDG6Zp-02Y5wF2xTsSwIlq6h_4iUt5/s640/FullSizeRender+%252838%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo by OHventures - Cornhole boards with my high school name & mascot!</i></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.hartvillemarketplace.com/">The Hartville Marketplace</a></b><br />
I could really go on and on about the Hartville Marketplace! It's part flea market, part mall, part grocery store, and part farmer's market. You'll find rows and rows of vendors selling everything from across the spectrum: odds & ends, knick knacks, collectibles, and trinkets can be found in one corner, while hand crafted items, one-of-a-kind artwork, and expensive furniture can be found in another.<br />
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There's aisles of locally made foods: candies, meats, cheeses, and produce, all made or grown in Ohio. In warmer months, you'll find an outdoor section with even more vendors, many of which are selling random fifty-cent items, or produce.<br />
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As if you can't tell already the vast selection of merchandise at the Hartville Marketplace, let me give you a sampling of a few things I've personally purchased there: a winter hat, bird seed, Amish cheese, and bed sheets. While I was there recently with some family members, my dad bought a wallet, my aunt bought a coffee maker, and my mom bought some pepperoni rolls.<br />
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Yes, that is how eclectic and interesting the Hartville Marketplace is! You can even take a break from shopping and have a meal at Sarah's Grille while you're there (that is, if you don't want to head over to the Hartville Kitchen, which is next on the list - read on)!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAwjc56wQaEBgFCMcjcHjVTiYiQlY2TIybKKIuOKjlYp9igKj9FfxPvUeOLGfrMe_-c8IyWl1OygImyWr9ftwYFWFPWLCq7-Rgrq6opNIJpj_3OpiQJ5mgNSbA2RzBQTjuVYt3INUoXYG/s1600/FullSizeRender+%252839%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAwjc56wQaEBgFCMcjcHjVTiYiQlY2TIybKKIuOKjlYp9igKj9FfxPvUeOLGfrMe_-c8IyWl1OygImyWr9ftwYFWFPWLCq7-Rgrq6opNIJpj_3OpiQJ5mgNSbA2RzBQTjuVYt3INUoXYG/s640/FullSizeRender+%252839%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo by OHventures</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9x1WSb_ZaMVgJH2AuRDXavaCoCZ6b2OShaN7bPXPDWYocFYMf_f82H0djMTdTujK71SApOJcIcSEET_1ClFkciKYgbbrggf_sUs1FhIc5i5TWRLgBUEbdbDBQ9NyneOJoas9A6cwrsfYl/s1600/AR-160219919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9x1WSb_ZaMVgJH2AuRDXavaCoCZ6b2OShaN7bPXPDWYocFYMf_f82H0djMTdTujK71SApOJcIcSEET_1ClFkciKYgbbrggf_sUs1FhIc5i5TWRLgBUEbdbDBQ9NyneOJoas9A6cwrsfYl/s400/AR-160219919.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo by <a href="http://www.cantonrep.com/">Canton Repository</a> (I ate my food too quick before I could take a photo of my own)!</i></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.hartvillekitchen.com/">The Hartville Kitchen</a></b><br />
For down home cooking and a warm, inviting atmosphere, there is no where I would rather go than The Hartville Kitchen (second to my own mother's kitchen, of course). Serving up hot platefuls of comfort food for decades, the Hartville Kitchen is never without a long line throughout the building, with hungry patrons ready to be fed!<br />
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This is some of the most "Ohio" country cooking you will ever come by: chicken, meatloaf, turkey and stuffing, Swiss steak, fish, roast beef sandwiches and gravy, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and roast pork are just some of the specialties that will have your mouth watering. The salads are finely chopped, with a slew of tantalizing dressings to choose from. Thankfully, they sell their dressings by the bottle (and literally by the bucket) so you can slather it on your food at home! Their home baked rolls and soups of the day are to die for.<br />
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But what most people love about The Hartville Kitchen - if you save enough room after dinner - is their desserts! The pies are out of this world. Luckily, you can visit the bakery shop on your way out to take a pie home if you are too stuffed to indulge while you're there.<br />
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The best part is that the price is right! My grandparents have taken me here on several occasions, and we eat a feast for far less than a fortune!<br />
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<i>Photo by <a href="http://www.discoverhartville.com/">Discover Hartville</a></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2RMpGOPaM1w_pUTEl2pdglZcJGaKOFulQTyJw9NXft2B71-QLQw1m45jKK_kj-jaAyu5lm8bUUcZNHw_2bP1N8sULSU8uU2ilCT9PNZo22og8B6Ue9yJH25zW7UVq3hb6saK3Jbks1QD/s1600/Hartville_Hardware_016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2RMpGOPaM1w_pUTEl2pdglZcJGaKOFulQTyJw9NXft2B71-QLQw1m45jKK_kj-jaAyu5lm8bUUcZNHw_2bP1N8sULSU8uU2ilCT9PNZo22og8B6Ue9yJH25zW7UVq3hb6saK3Jbks1QD/s400/Hartville_Hardware_016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.hartvillehardware.com/">Hartville Hardware</a></b><br />
Why on earth would I be featuring a hardware store on OHventures? What could possibly be exciting about a hardware store? Well, Hartville Hardware is unlike any other hardware store you will encounter! I don't even own a home (yet, that is), and even I love going to this place!<br />
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Right when you walk inside Hartville Hardware, you'll see the giant model home (pictured above) in the dead center of the store. Walking inside is like entering one of the awesomely remodeled homes on HGTV! It's called "The Idea House" and it gives you some of coolest inspirations for ways you can remodel or spruce up your current or future home! I seriously have gotten so many great ideas and inspirations from visiting the Idea House (hidden pantries, secret lofts, and a top notch man cave, to name a few).<br />
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Other than the Idea House, the Hartville Hardware store has everything you would need to build, fix, install, create,or design almost anything in and around your house! The lower level is dedicated to lumber, windows, doors, and the like. Upstairs, you'll find everything from patio furniture to pet supplies! It's a great place to go for gifts, or to get all you need for that special project.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-83813261754648907742016-03-13T19:23:00.002-04:002016-03-13T19:23:39.715-04:00Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9q-jAXly8o9pJp4-xFcFzFxdYXWt31lVqL1eGX_TSBoaROnua8soRD4V9BYWhVC2B0ma7Pnin7_CEvQyy-UW5u_JZCEuj6ZgUK0x53NWSgrnBweDBukVCNDgb9N91o1ITKlcHQHrFuzKG/s1600/12742642_10107089541923075_2683874407136538137_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9q-jAXly8o9pJp4-xFcFzFxdYXWt31lVqL1eGX_TSBoaROnua8soRD4V9BYWhVC2B0ma7Pnin7_CEvQyy-UW5u_JZCEuj6ZgUK0x53NWSgrnBweDBukVCNDgb9N91o1ITKlcHQHrFuzKG/s400/12742642_10107089541923075_2683874407136538137_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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ALL ABOARD the <b><a href="http://www.cvsr.com/home.aspx">Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad</a></b>!</div>
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While this is one of the oldest tourist excursion railways in the country, it is one of the most recent attractions I have visited on my growing Buckeye Bucket List!</div>
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The CVSR can be found in Northeast Ohio, running through the heart of the <b>Cuyahoga Valley National Park </b>(the one and only national park in the state of Ohio). The main portion of the railway runs northbound from <b>Akron </b>in <b>Summit County</b>, all the way to <b>Independence </b>in <b>Cuyahoga County</b>. There are smaller stops along the way, such as at the town of <b>Peninsula</b>. Occasional trips are planned to <b>Canton </b>as well, but they have not been on the regular schedule since 2012.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUo2P8baFwPllelbCPJyqgD_wxxBGwEHAAZnG33laawJjUREpKdTcWnCsb083p2lnYylnFk8cykf5Knifr5VY5DOD8S5XV3THz0HA7sHN8I3aVPUbSz_xjr600ANGWQLgah5MRghuMTk8/s1600/IMG_4164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUo2P8baFwPllelbCPJyqgD_wxxBGwEHAAZnG33laawJjUREpKdTcWnCsb083p2lnYylnFk8cykf5Knifr5VY5DOD8S5XV3THz0HA7sHN8I3aVPUbSz_xjr600ANGWQLgah5MRghuMTk8/s400/IMG_4164.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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There are many ways in which one can experience the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The most common way is by purchasing a round trip ticket, boarding at any one of the stations, and taking the full 3 hour ride. You can get coach seats (seats are in sections of 2 seats facing 2 seats), first class seating (cushioned seats in sections of 2 seats facing 2 seats, with plenty of leg room), and upper dome seating (elevated section with a panoramic view of the National Park). </div>
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This is a great way to see the beautiful landscapes roll by: trees, rivers, hillsides, meadows, and some residential areas. You can take an audio tour (called "Voices of the Valley") upon request. Wearing this set of headphones will allow you to hear the tales of the history of the National Park, some facts about the wildlife, and more. </div>
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You could also opt out of the audio tour, and simply enjoy the company of the fellow passengers and the knowledgeable volunteer staff. On my recent trip, the staff pointed out a large eagle's nest, and told us some more fun facts along the way. Take a book or magazine to read, and definitely a camera or camera phone to capture some of the scenery. A snack bar is located in one of the cars in the back of the train, which offers hot dogs, popcorn, chips, candy, beer, wine, soda, and more! There are also souvenirs, like shot glasses, stuffed animals, and t-shirts.</div>
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Aside from a regular trip, there are many extremely creative and exciting special events that take place at different times of the year. Some of these events include:</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.cvsr.com/grape-escape-ales-on-rails">Grape Escape</a>: </b>A 2-hour wine tasting excursion, with 5 different wines paired with hors d'oeuvres. There are several Grape Escape themes, such as California Wines, Summer Wines, and Ohio Wines.</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.cvsr.com/grape-escape-ales-on-rails">Ales On Rails</a>: </b>Much like Grape Escape, but with beer instead of wine! You get 5 different beers paired with hors d'oeuvres. Again, different themes exist for each ride, including: Hoppin' Frog Beers, Summer Brews, and Thirsty Dog Brewing Company Beers.</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.cvsr.com/bike-aboard">Bike Aboard!</a>: </b>This special feature allows you to bring your bike on board the train for just $3. However, this is just a one-way trip! Take it to another station and then bike back to your car at your starting point!</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.cvsr.com/the-polar-express">Polar Express</a>: </b>This extremely popular event takes kids and their families on a holiday themed train ride the the "North Pole!" Complete with elves, Santa Claus, hot cocoa, and a train station transformed to look like it's straight from the famous children's book!</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.cvsr.com/special-events">Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch & Dinner</a>: </b>Special meals are served for those that want to dine on more than just snacks during their train ride. Tickets go fast, so if you want to have this cool dining experience, be sure to plan ahead!</div>
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There are tons of other fun events, such as a "Day Out With Thomas The Tank Engine," and Murder Mystery experiences, so be sure to check the website.</div>
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The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is something everyone should try in one form or another! </div>
<br />Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-30894276608411471502016-01-31T17:36:00.000-05:002016-01-31T17:36:32.639-05:00Escape Room Downtown<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.escaperoomdowntown.com/">Escape Room Downtown</a></b></div>
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203 Market Ave. S. Suite 200</div>
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Canton, OH 44702</div>
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(330) 844-1492</div>
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I think I am now slightly obsessed with the concept of "escape rooms" - small themed rooms where a group of individuals are locked inside and tasked with solving puzzles in order to escape. While I am usually posting about adventures that exercise the body, escape rooms exercise the mind. They bring people together to use their brains to accomplish the goal under the given time limit, which is a huge adrenaline rush!<div>
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After an unsuccessful attempt at the <a href="http://www.ohventures.blogspot.com/2016/01/trapped-escape-room-cleveland.html"><b>Trapped! Escape Room Cleveland</b></a>, I am happy to report that my latest endeavor at the <b><a href="http://www.escaperoomdowntown.com/">Escape Room Downtown</a></b> in <b>Canton</b> had a much happier ending!</div>
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The Escape Room Downtown debuted in late 2015 and was immediately a hit! People have come from all over Stark County, the state of Ohio, and beyond to give the room a whirl! </div>
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On January 16, we had a group of folks whose ages ranged from late 20s to early 60s: myself, my mom, my dad, my aunt, and my friends Tim, Zac, Greg, and Cass. Only Zac and I had previously ever done an escape room challenge (the aforementioned Cleveland room), which we failed. So we were all a bit skeptical of our abilities.</div>
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The Escape Room Downtown currently has one themed room: <a href="https://www-1553b.bookeo.com/bookeo/b_escaperoomdowntown_start.html?ctlsrc=1454278437752&src=02p">The Missing Detective's Office</a>. It essentially is like the board game "Clue" brought to life, with a mix of Dick Tracy thrown in. The story revolves around a private investigator who goes missing, with suspicions of involvement of the Canton mob. Not only is the story line realistic and unique, the room itself is decked out in authentic props that are of the time period, and of course a lot of mind-bending puzzles. There's even live actors that interact with you at one point. It is incredibly well-done and detail-oriented, which our group certainly appreciated.</div>
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There were some really clever elements that were thrown into the mix, that made you think outside the box (literally), and not only unscramble codes and clues, but also use some tools in thoughtful ways to reveal more and bust out of the room!</div>
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I know that all sounds vague, but I don't want to give too much away to readers, as that would take away the fun and integrity of the game! All I can say is: use all the brain power you have available, and communicate with everyone in the room in order to get it all done. You only have 45 minutes to escape!</div>
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All of the folks in our group were on top of our game, because we were able to escape in an impressive time of 25:36, which the employees at Escape Room Downtown said was a very quick time, compared to other groups! We were able to take celebratory pictures (shown above) bragging about our accomplishment!</div>
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Soon, more rooms will be added to the Canton location, with different quests and themes! Reserve your room now to see if your group of detectives and sleuths can beat our group's time!</div>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6277667850746629529.post-55004681598224416212016-01-09T19:34:00.000-05:002016-01-09T19:34:40.241-05:00Cleveland's "A Christmas Story" House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Photos by OHventures</i></div>
<br /><b><a href="http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/">A Christmas Story House</a> & Museum</b><br />3159 W 11th Street<br />Cleveland, OH 44109<br />(216) 298-4919<br /><br />Do you still have that Christmas itch? Did you find it hard to get into the holiday spirit due to the unusually warm winter Oho has had so far? Are you sad that all the festivities have come and gone so quickly?<br /><br />Even though Christmas has technically passed, there is one place in Ohio where the sun never sets on Christmas: the <b>“A Christmas Story” House & Museum</b> located in the <b>Tremont</b> neighborhood in <b>Cleveland</b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />Everyone is familiar with this insanely popular holiday film, in part due to the 24-hour marathon of the movie every Christmas season on TBS! Who could forget the film's central character, Ralphie - the boy who wanted nothing more for Christmas than a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle, but was repeatedly denied of his request by Santa, his teacher, and his parents - all warning him by retorting, "you'll shoot your eye out!" <div>
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The movie is iconic in so many ways. The movie scared me into not swearing so that I didn't get my mouth washed out with a bar of red soap, and to this day I still get freaked out when I watch the "tongue stuck to a flagpole" scene.<br /><div>
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You may recall me participating in the annual <b><a href="http://ohventures.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-christmas-story-run-recap.html">A Christmas Story Run</a></b> around this time last year. This was a 5K with a finish line at the unmistakable yellow and green house (pictured above) that appeared in the 1983 cult classic movie. It's such a popular movie that hundreds and hundreds of people run each year, many dressed in pink bunny suits and evil elf costumes to represent the colorful cinematic characters.</div>
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<i>Goofing around in the gift shop!</i></div>
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This Christmas season, I visited the house once again (this time not in any running attire) with my friend from Toledo, Steve. Steve is a huge movie buff and so I knew this would be right up his alley when he visited Cleveland. The A Christmas Story House is open all year-long, 7 days a week! So even if it's not Christmas time, you can still get a taste of the holidays. Admission is just $10 for adults, and it gives you entry to the house itself, as well as the museum located directly across the street.</div>
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Tickets are purchased in the gift shop (also across the street from the house), and tours run every half hour, beginning at 10:15 AM. Tickets never expire, so you can bring it back again and again in order to visit the house over and over! </div>
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<i>Steve in front of THE house!</i></div>
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Steve and I easily found free street parking, but nearby houses also charge small fees if the streets are filled. Be prepared for standing in line outside, because this place is super popular! We had to wait in line about 15-20 minutes, but this gave us time to pose for photos in front of the house, and hear a few tidbits of trivia from one of the tour guides who was on the porch.</div>
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<i>It's A Major Award!</i></div>
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The house was used for filming all exterior shots of the movie (including when The Old Man put the infamous leg lamp in the front window, and the backyard scenes with Ralphie fighting the robbers and shooting his gun). However, interior shots were filmed on a sound stage. Therefore, the inside of the house is merely a replica of what the film contained. The leg lamps found inside are also replicas (in fact, the original no longer exists, as it was broken after filming). The furniture, props, and Christmas decorations are all recreated to make it look like Ralphie's house. It's fun to walk around and feel like you are in the movie. We had a kick posing with the BB gun and leg lamp!</div>
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<i>Steve and I inside the A Christmas Story House</i></div>
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Immediately after our self-guided tour, we went to the museum across the street where we saw some really awesome memorabilia from A Christmas Story. This included actual costumes (such as the maroon winter coat worn by Ralphie's little brother), vehicles (like the fire truck that came to help during the flagpole scene), scripts, photos, and memorable props (such as a piece of the classroom chalkboard and the actual BB gun)!</div>
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Before we left, I of course had to buy a miniature leg lamp Christmas ornament (which was just $11, versus the $500 for a large leg-size leg lamp)! Our visit to this landmark was one for the books. It's great to have such an important piece of American pop culture right here in Cleveland, Ohio! </div>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16063918854996638772noreply@blogger.com0