Discover The Best Ohio Bars To Catch Up With Friends!

The Federal in Youngstown - Photos by OHventures

Nothing brings people together more than the holiday season. Each year, we look forward to catching up with friends who have come from near and far back to their hometowns. Some of the best places to go to spread the warmth and cheer of the holidays is at your local watering holes.

While bars and pubs can be a dime a dozen in some areas, there are some that stand out above the rest with a certain charm and cool factor. Below are some of those bars that are worth a visit when you're meeting up with old friends and family.

Thirsty Dog

Akron
In Akron, the Thirsty Dog Brewing Company has been concocting tasty beers since 1997. But only recently have they opened their very own Tasting Room, located right on site in the room next to where the stuff is brewed! Found near the University of Akron, this nondescript building lures you in with the aroma of freshly brewed hops. Try the canine-themed beers, such as Whippet Wheat, Irish Setter Red, and of course the 12 Dogs of Christmas!

If beer is not your style, consider heading to Jilly's Music Room on the North Side, where you can get cocktails in a modern and sleek setting while enjoying local live music!


Athens
My pal Jake always shows me some great places when I visit Athens in Southeast Ohio, and one that I will never forget is Tony's Tavern. This is a dive bar where everybody knows your name, and where the house specialty is a shot called the hot nut - made with hot coffee and hazelnut liquor. They are delicious, cheap, and a lot of fun!

Another go-to spot for OU alum and other folks who come back into town is The Pub. Here, they are known for their aquariums of beer and for having the best cheeseburgers in town (according to Jake)!

Buzzbin Art & Music Shop

Canton
If downtown Canton is where you are heading for the holidays, then Buzzbin Art & Music Shop is the destination for you. The atmosphere is eclectic and one-of-a-kind, with a counter made entirely of bottle caps, and an adjacent arcade full of vintage pinball machines. The crowd is great for people watching, and you never know what genre of music will be blaring from the stage that night.

Rhinegeist Brewery

Cincinnati
Rhinegeist Brewery is a brewery situated in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Over The Rhine in Cincinnati. 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. Take a tour to learn about the history, or enjoy the awesome rooftop bar for a 360-degree view of Cincinnati.

Cleveland
We all know that Cleveland rocks, which you can experience for yourself by going to popular music bars such as Euclid Tavern, an old staple of University Circle, which was recently featured on an episode of "Drunk History."

For something new and different, try Punch Bowl Social, located in the Flats neighborhood. It's a bar that focuses on entertainment and games, including bowling, ping pong, karaoke, board games, foosball, video games, shuffleboard, and more! You can't go wrong competing with friends over drinks and games!

Bodega

Kingmaker's

Columbus
It was extremely difficult to choose just one, but my favorite bar in the Short North is Bodega, which is a "hipster" hangout perfect for a small group of close friends. Bodega has been recently renovated and is known for its endless array of draught beers, to-die-for grilled cheese, and a charming crowd of cool kids.

For something really different, you should head down the street from Bodega to Kingmaker's Board Game Parlour. offers over 500 unique board games paired alongside a nice selection of cocktails and beers on draft. Visitors are required to pay a $5 "library fee" that lasts the entire night, and allows them to play any and all of the board games of their choosing.

Blind Bob's

Dayton
The Oregon District is the place to be for nightlife in Dayton. My personal pick is Blind Bob's, a great  mom & pop spot for people in search of a few drinks, good ol' fashioned bar food, some rockin' karaoke, and even "Battle of the Bands" events. Not to mention, the fried pickles are the tastiest I have ever had!

Another fine choice, as told to me by my pal Dan, is The Century Bar, a bourbon and whiskey house. Even if you don't like bourbon, the folks at The Century claim that they can make anyone a bourbon drinker, even those with the most discriminating palate.


Toledo
One of the newest additions to the downtown Toledo scene is also one of the must-visit places. M'Osteria & Bar is situated right between both stadiums, and is a perfect mix of old and new. There's a wraparound bar and open kitchen format downstairs, and a classy lounge area with live entertainment upstairs.

You can never go wrong with heading to the famous Tony Packo's to chow down on chili, and to check out the hot dog bun collection.


Youngstown
For those of you who watch the TV show "Bar Rescue," you might be familiar with The Federal. This recently transformed bar in downtown Youngstown was jam-packed with patrons when I went back home for Thanksgiving - and for good reason! The bar is complete with a dance floor, pool tables, and great drink specials - try the Youngstown Mule, and the Burger Bomb (if you dare).

Right down the block from The Federal is V2 Wine Bar Trattoria, which is definitely worth a visit!

Launch Into Space At The Air Force Museum

Original Full Post by OHventures on DiscoveringOhio!

The National Museum of the United States Air Force, located at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum. I hold our nation's servicemen and women in high regard, have a huge interest in history, and like any young boy growing up, always have had a fascination with airplanes. This museum was calling out to me!

It's always FREE Admission to the museum, which is incredible, given that it is one of the best in Ohio! It consists of three large hangars. The first hangar is dedicated to the beginnings of aviation, the second is about World War II and the third contains memorabilia from the Korean War & the Cold War. You can sign up to take a tour to the nearby base to see more planes, but tours are limited. 

In addition to the sections of the museum dedicated to the pioneers of aircraft (from Ohio and elsewhere), there are 360 aircraft and missiles on display, including many rare aircrafts such as Bockscar the B-29 Superfortress that dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki during the final days of World War II.

Recently (in July), the museum added two new interactive space shuttle simulators. Visitors can virtually fly the shuttle to a safe landing using a joystick and video screens. The simulators are built to resemble the interior of the shuttle commander and pilot's stations.

These simulators are among the first items the museum has received in support of the Crew Compartment Trainer exhibit (CCT) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Learning Node, which are expected to be completed by late fall.

The simulators are free of charge and offer an incredibly unique experience. It's not often that you can say you sat in a space shuttle and "landed" it! With Ohio also having strong ties to space exploration (being home to many famous astronauts such as John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, and 24 others), it's only fitting to have this addition to the museum.

We are truly lucky to have such a renowned museum with such important historical artifacts located here in Ohio. Visit the NMUSAF soon and see for yourself!

25 Great Ohio Hiking Spots (Abridged)

Photos by OHventures

OHventures has compiled a list of 25 Great Ohio Hiking Spots, most from my personal experience and past reviews. And since people don't always have time to read through a ton of text, we made a quick, abridged version of our original list! Be sure to click here for the extended version to read more info on each location!

1. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park (State Route 282, Nelson Township)

2. Shawnee State Park (4404 State Route 125, Portsmouth)

3. Alum Creek State Park (3615 S. Old State Road, Delaware)

4. Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve (2200 Gratiot Rd SE, Newark)

5. Inniswoods Metro Gardens (940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville)
6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (15610 Vaughn Rd, Breskville)

7. Caesar Creek State Park (8570 E. State Route 73, Waynesville)

8. Charles Mill Lake Park (1277 State Route 430, Mansfield)
9. Atwood Lake Park (9500 Lakeview Road NE, Mineral City)

10. Clear Creek Metro Park (185 Clear Creek Road, Rockbridge)

11. Hocking Hills State Park (19852 State Route 664 S, Logan)

12. Mill Creek Park (123 McKinley Avenue, Youngstown)

13. Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve (7984 Fulton Dr NW, Massillon)

14. Quail Hollow State Park (13480 Congress Lake Avenue, Hartville)

15. Scioto Audubon Metro Park (400 W. Whittier Street, Columbus)

16. Prairie Oaks Metro Park (3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, Harrisburg)

17. Pymatuning State Park (6100 Pymatuning Lake Road, Andover)

18. Gorge Trail Metro Park (1270 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls)

19. Wildwood Preserve Metro Park (5100 W. Central Avenue, Toledo)

20. South Bass Island State Park (1523 Catawba Avenue, Put-In-Bay)

21. Indian Lake State Park (2774 State Route 235 N, Lakeview)

22. Twin Valley Backpacking Trail (9688 Eby Road, Germantown)

23. Little Miami State Park (8570 East State Route 73, Waynesville)

24. Caldwell Preserve (430 West North Bend Road, Cincinnati)

25. Portage Lakes State Park (5031 Manchester Road, Akron)

25 Great Ohio Hiking Spots

View 25 Great Ohio Hiking Spots in a larger map

It's summer in Ohio, and it's the perfect time to embark on a road trip and go on a fantastic, scenic hike in one of the many unique areas of the state!

But where to go?!

OHventures has compiled a list of 25 Great Ohio Hiking Spots, most from my our personal experience and past reviews (and others by asking readers for their favorites). Be sure to click the links below to read our more in depth posts on each location!

 

 

(NOTE: These are NOT ranked in any specific order, nor are these considered the "best" hiking spots in Ohio, just great ones to check out!)

Photos by OHventures

1. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park (State Route 282, Nelson Township): Known by regulars and locals as simply “Nelson Ledges,” the Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park has always been notorious for its eclectic visitors (AKA hippies) and risky rock-strewn terrain (AKA not for novice hikers). Check out the dramatic quartz and sandstone rock formations, such as Old Maid’s Kitchen, Dwarf’s Pass, Fat Man’s Peril, The Squeeze, and Devil’s Icebox. 

 

 

2. Shawnee State Park (4404 State Route 125, Portsmouth): This park gets its name from the Shawnee Indians, who used to hunt in the area. Today, the park does not offer hunting, but does accommodate camping, fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, picnicking, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and golf. Also included in the park is a nature center, bridle trails, and many, many more amenities. Nearby points of interest are the covered bridges,Ted Strickland's childhood home, and Ohio's largest yellow buckeye tree.

 

 

3. Alum Creek State Park (3615 S. Old State Road, Delaware): Having the largest inland beach in all of Ohio's parks, there are two hiking trails and both are ranked as "easy" trails. The Park Office Trail is 1.5 miles, and the Hollenback Trail is about double that length. A Multi Purpose Trail is available for snowmobiling, dog sledding, and cross country skiing. 38 miles of bridle trails also exist.
 

4. Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve (2200 Gratiot Rd SE, Newark): Ten miles of hiking paths run alongside the magnificent sandstone formations, which are a tremendous sight to see. On the other side of the path is the Licking River, which runs east to west and is responsible for forming the gorge many years ago. The preserve got its moniker from a dark, hand-shaped Indian petroglyph which was engraved on the face of a massive sandstone cliff along the north side of the river.

 

 

5. Inniswoods Metro Gardens (940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville) Inniswood is one of those places that is so gorgeous that it is difficult to find words to accurately encapsulate its beauty (which is why I have dedicated a photo blog solely to this park). The hiking paths found at Inniswood are mostly man-made boardwalks, which makes exploring the area easy for all types of hikers of all ages and abilities. Be sure to go for the cascading waters at the stunning rock garden, the handsome trellises and brick walkways that make up the rose garden, and the bee garden!

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (15610 Vaughn Rd, Breskville): Radiant with plants and other wildlife, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Ohio's one and ONLY National Park and is ideal for hiking, biking, cross country skiing, picnicking, fishing, horseback riding, sled riding, and even golfing! Marshes, lakes, meadows, hills, and creeks are right at your fingertips, as well as berry, sheep and tree farms. Education centers, shelter houses, nature centers, and reservations add to the lineup of what the colossal park has to offer. Check out the Kendall Lake hiking trails or the famed Towpath!

 

 

7. Caesar Creek State Park (8570 E. State Route 73, Waynesville): Located in the Southwest portion of our state at the crossroads of Warren, Greene and Clinton counties, there are many highlights within Caesar Creek, including an educational Nature Center, and an intricate collection of paths for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Pioneer Village contains 15 authentic buildings from the late 1700s and early 1800s. Many of these buildings are original structures where the founding pioneers of Ohio's earliest years resided.

 

 

8. Charles Mill Lake Park (1277 State Route 430, Mansfield): Pack a picnic to eat at Charles Mill Lake Park's peaceful 1,350-acre reservoir with 2,000 acres of land. Afterwards, hike on designated trails through the woods, but be sure to pack lots of bug spray! The hiking trails are not on difficult terrain and are easily navigable. Afterwards, swing by the marina to rent a boat to enjoy the waters of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District!

9. Atwood Lake Park (9500 Lakeview Road NE, Mineral City): The Atwood Lake Campground in Tuscawaras County is constantly buzzing with activity! Over 500 camp lots are available and 1,500 acres of water surfaces (with 28 miles of shorelines) are an outdoorsman's playground! Each October, Atwood Lake holds its annual "Fall Fest" celebration with fall food, crafts, Native American activities, and more!

 

 

10. Clear Creek Metro Park (185 Clear Creek Road, Rockbridge): This is by far the most strenuous and advanced paths on the list! Perhaps the fact I hiked here during the icy, snowy winter contributed to its difficulty, but regardless, there are plenty of extremely steep hills that will prove challenging (try the Hemlock Trail). Be sure to pack appropriately before heading here for the 12 miles of trails! There is a large barnon site that often holds events for the public.

Hocking Hills State Park

11. Hocking Hills State Park (19852 State Route 664 S, Logan): The holy grail of all Ohio hiking spots! There are 4 "sections" in Hocking Hills State Park. These include: Ash Cave & Cedar Falls, Old Man's Cave, Rock House, and Cantwell Cliffs. They are all based on rock formations that are so unique, you can't find anything like it in the rest of Ohio. Waterfalls, stone stairways, cliffs, and even what is referred to as the "Devil's Bathtub" are just some of the highlights. It is known as the most recognized state park in Ohio! Click here for my photos from Hocking Hills, winter hiking photos, and click here for a map and directions for each section of Hocking Hills! 

 

 

12. Mill Creek Park (123 McKinley Avenue, Youngstown): At 4,400 acres, this is the largest metropark in the entire state!! There are 14 hiking trails, two of which are right by the majestic landmark in the park, Lanterman's Mill. The best are Trails 7 and 8 (East Gorge Walk and West Gorge Trail) which together create a 2 mile loop along Mill Creek. There are massive rocks that exhibit Ohio's geology at its finest. Be sure to grab a trail map and explore! Click here to read about Lanterman's Mill, The Cinderella Bridge, and other attractions at Mill Creek Park.

 

 

13. Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve (7984 Fulton Dr NW, Massillon): This bog is really a sight to see! It is preserved here to keep the ecosystem in tact as well as to educate people about the great importance of bogs. There is a 1.25 mile-long boardwalk trail encompassing the bog as well as a few miles worth of forested dirt paths, which are rather hilly. It's well worth it to see the lily pads and other botanical wonders along the paths. Click here for a list of the 89 preserves throughout the state, courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

 

 

14. Quail Hollow State Park (13480 Congress Lake Avenue, Hartville): Quail Hollow State Park is a multi-functional park that has a variety of trails (14 miles total) accessible to handicapped individuals and experienced hikers alike. There is also a designated horse trail (5 miles) and mountain bike trail (4 miles). One of my favorite aspects of the park is the herb gardens and the Carriage House Nature Preserve, which has educational exhibits and interactive elements. It's a beautiful old house that the hiking path wraps around.
 

15. Scioto Audubon Metro Park (400 W. Whittier Street, Columbus): Of all of the parks listed, the Scioto Audobon Metro Park is the one I frequent most often. There are hiking paths, an educational center dedicated to nature & birds, a dog park, a playground, a small pond, a water tower, and - best of all - an outdoor rock climbing wall. Not to mention, it is one of the best views of the downtown skyline! It's agreat spot for birding and has also been the location for the Run With The Pack dog runs I have participated in.

 

 

16. Prairie Oaks Metro Park (3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, Harrisburg): This is a very nice location for hiking, fishing, picnicking, andhorseback riding. There are long and winding paths for hiking, and some designated specifically for horseback riding. There are also two big ponds, one of which is specifically for dogs to swim in (or for them to frolic on top of when it is frozen over in the winter). The scenery is fantastic here...the lakes make everything look and feel calm and serene, and the trails have great views. The path crosses over the Big Darby Creek via a pretty impressive bridge.

 

 

17. Pymatuning State Park (6100 Pymatuning Lake Road, Andover): I used to frequent Pymatuning State Park as a teenager, heading that way to camp, hike, and best of all, swim and skimboard along the shore of the lake! Pymatuning is one of the only non-manmade lakes in Ohio, having been formed by glaciers many eons ago. It rests on the border of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and therefore, some of it is maintained by the State of Pennsylvania. There are a great deal of waterfowl, game birds, and even eagles! There are two easy hiking trails:Whispering Pines and Beaver Dam.

Gorge Trail Metro Park

18. Gorge Trail Metro Park (1270 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls): This northeast Ohio hiking hot spot has beautiful views and everything from gentle to strenuous hiking paths that are approximately 2-3 miles in length. Aside from the picturesque waterfall, the best part of the trail was definitely hiking in between the large canyons and over intricate root patterns.

 

 

19. Wildwood Preserve Metro Park (5100 W. Central Avenue, Toledo): While Toledo has many metroparks, The Wildwood Preserve is a favorite to locals who come here often to utilize the many trails for walking, hiking, running, or biking. There are many open areas for throwing around the Frisbee or just relaxing in the grass. Charcoal grills and picnic tables are also provided so you can have a picnic. On the grounds of the park is The Manor House, a former mansion with beautifully landscaped gardens.

 

 

20. South Bass Island State Park (1523 Catawba Avenue, Put-In-Bay): Sure, there's a lot of bars, wineries, and clubs to keep you busy when you are visiting Put-In-Bay. But there's also a lot of nature to be explored! After enjoying the nightlife on the island, hop in your golf cart and head to the South Bass Island State Park for a hiking excursion atop of the scenic white cliffs of this 33-acre park. Or, for the more adventurous type, take a canoe or kayak ride to the beautiful and unique park!

 

 

21. Indian Lake State Park (2774 State Route 235 N, Lakeview): A hugely popular tourist hotspot, Indian Lake State Park is located in Logan County, with the Ohio Caverns and Mad River Mountain nearby! One of the most beautiful spots for on-the-water fun, Indian Lake offers two hiking trails: The Cherokee Trail and the Pew Island Trail (a one mile path that encircles Pew Island and gives an amazing view). There is also a three mile bike path.

22. Twin Valley Backpacking Trail (9688 Eby Road, Germantown): Set in the rolling hills of the Twin Valley, this trail provides a backpacking experience reminiscent of other wilderness trails with beautiful hills, babbling brooks, abundant wildlife, history and small town charm. Secluded designated camping opportunities are sprinkled throughout this 22 mile trail that includes and connects Germantown and Twin Creek MetroPark.

 

 

23. Little Miami State Park (8570 East State Route 73, Waynesville): This is a new, non-traditional concept for a park: a trail corridor. The park itself runs 50 miles in length along the Little Miami River and goes through four counties: Greene, Warren, Clermont, and Hamilton. There are trails not only for hiking and backpacking, but for horseback riding, rollerblading, and running. You can also enjoy canoeing down the river, or ziplining at nearby Ozone Zipline Adventures.

 

 

24. Caldwell Preserve (430 West North Bend Road, Cincinnati): I have yet to go to this southwest Ohio locale, but I have heard tons about it from readers of the blog. Cincinnati Parks web site says it: "features a Nature Center, an amphitheater, and 3.5 miles of nature trails, including a level-paved trail that makes it possible for wheelchair users to go into the woods, see the flowers, and hear the birds" 

 

 

25. Portage Lakes State Park (5031 Manchester Road, Akron): While most of my time has been boating on the Portage Lakes and drinking at the Harbor Inn with the locals, there are also great hiking trails to take on if you're in the area: Planet Walk Trail, Shoreline Trail, Rabbit Hill Trail, and Pheasant Run Loop.

10 OHventurous Restaurants

Photos by OHventures. Clockwise From Top Left: Youngstown Crab Company, Melt Bar & Grilled in Cleveland, Crave in Akron, Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace in Columbus, Olive: An Urban Dive in Dayton.

It's time to get adventurous with your food! Here are some of the handpicked best Ohio restaurants that are not afraid to be bold and different with their flavors! Make this a checklist for you to use while traveling the state in search of some unique, memorable meals!

1. Olive: An Urban Dive (Dayton): A true Dayton original, Olive: An Urban Dive is refreshing, eclectic, and surprising in a very good way. Its motto is: "local over import, labor over convenience and service over everything else." It discretely blends in with the metropolitan backdrop of Dayton's downtown roads and humbly presents total knockouts on every dish.Everything found at Olive: An Urban Dive was flavorful, fresh, and fantastic (how is that for alliteration?). The restaurant prides itself in all of these things, along with the fact that they don't even own a microwave or can opener! They have an abundance of gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, and kosher offerings without sacrificing taste. The feel of the diner also adds to the overall experience.

2. Der Dutchmann (Sugar Creek, Walnut Creek, Berlin): The perfect place to become educated and experience the minimalist lifestyle of the Amish is at one of the five Der Dutchman Restaurants in Ohio. The menu consists of many hearty "comfort" foods in generous portions that will leave you stuffed (trust me). I opted to order the Amish Kitchen Buffet so that I could get a sample of all of the different foods offered at Der Dutchman. I piled my plate high with mashed potatoes, salad, baked beans with bacon, ham, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and "broasted" chicken (breaded roasted chicken), which melted in my mouth! I also quenched my thirst with their homemade iced tea, as well as bread rolls slathered with their specially made apple butter and sweet syrupy peanut butter (which surprisingly had hints of marshmallow and maple). 

3. Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace (Columbus): Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace is the epitome of novelty. It's not a tacky kind of novelty, but a breath of fresh air to the downtown Columbus scene. Dirty Frank's boasts a bright yellow awning that begs you to come inside. The hot dog joint has creative combos you'd never think to cook up back home. Or if you have, it has catchy quirky names to refer to them by. For instance, Laura's Pittsburgh Princess (french fries, coleslaw, and vinegar ON the hot dog), Zippity Zam (sriracha cream cheese with roasted red peppers), or one of my favorites, the Classy Lady (crumbled potato chips and cheddar cheese). 

Photo Courtesy of The Golden Lamb 

4. Golden Lamb (Lebanon): The legendary Golden Lamb in Lebanon (Warren County) is known across the state (and country) for its extensive history and impressive guest list! Established in 1803 (the same year that Ohio became a state), the restaurant and inn holds the title of the oldest continuously operating business in the State of Ohio! In over 200 years of operation, The Golden Lamb has served up hearty comfort foods and offered overnight stay for such prominent figures as authors Mark Twain (Samuel Clemons) and Charles Dickens, as well as twelve United States Presidents, including William Henry Harrison, Benjamin Harrison, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, Ulysses S. Grant, Howard Taft, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and more!

5. Melt Bar & Grilled (Cleveland): Everyone loves cheese! Which is what makes "Melt" such a smashing (seemingly overnight) success! Melt has taken our favorite childhood food staple and revoluntionized it! What used to be nothing more than two pieces of Wonderbread, a slice of Kraft Singles American cheese, and a side some Campbell's tomato soup has now become an artform with dozens and dozens of creative, wacky and delicious fixings. Some examples of their fun grilled cheese sammies are: "Parmageddon" which includes 2 cheese and potato pierogis, sauerkraut, cheddar cheese and onions, "The Godfather" which has three-cheese lasagna, provolone and red sauce; and the "Purple Parma" (eggplant, tomato, pesto and provolone).

Top 5 Burger Joints in Ohio

There is  perhaps no better way to pig out than with a plump hamburger! Ohio has some excellent burgers, and to prove it, I have compiled a list of The Top 5 Burger Joints in Ohio (according to ME), as featured on DISCOVERING OHIO, THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF THE OHIO DIVISION OF TOURISM.

1. Swensons Drive-Ins: Swensons has only seven locations and they can all be found in beautiful  Northeast Ohio. The very first of these yummy establishments was erected in 1934  near Market Street in West Akron. Now, you can also find  Swensons in North Akron, Kent, Montrose, North Canton, Jackson Township, and Seven Hills. These restaurants  have been recognized numerous times as having some of the BEST burgers in the  nation, including Forbes Magazine, who gave Swensons the title of America's Best Burger. Swensons was also featured on The Food Network's show "Food Feuds"  in which it won the title of the "Best Juicy Double Cheeseburger in the Akron Area." These are just some of the morsels of praise Swensons has received throughout the decades. The Galley Boy hamburger is what to get when you go there. It is famous for its two mysterious special sauces that are slathered  all over a double cheeseburger and garnished with a single green olive.

2. Kewpee Burger: I had never heard of Kewpee Burger until a  coworker and I made a random trip toNorthwest Ohio. In search of a cheap yet  different lunch, my coworker spotted the Kewpee Burger  restaurant and excitedly squealed into the parking lot. The building  looked like it was straight from the 1960s and had an over-sized baby doll  donning a chef's hat on its sign. Looking past the weird baby dolls and inspecting  the menu, it looked like your standard McDonald's  menu - only cheaper! The prices seemed as frozen in time  as the burnt orange decor! I ordered the  cheeseburger combo meal that came with fries and a soda. As it turns out, there are  only five Kewpee Burger locations still in existence, three of which are in  Lima, Ohio. It was founded in 1923 and is the 2nd oldest hamburger fast  food chain in the world! In fact, Kewpee Burger is where Dave Thomas used to go growing up  as a kid and served as his inspiration for Wendy's. This was some rich fast food history that originated  right here in Ohio!

3. Thurman Cafe: Located in the quaint neighborhood of German Village in Columbus, this burger joint has garnered a great deal of fame, as it has appeared on national television, most notably on the Travel Channel's hit show "Man Vs. Food." On the show, the host takes on the challenge to attempt to eat the ginormous burger "The Thurmanator." It's quite an impressive sandwich that consists of two 3/4 pound beef patties under a half a pound of ham and bacon, covered in mozzarella, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, mushrooms, sauteed onions, pickles, jalapeno peppers and mayo. WHEW! It's so massive that the bodybuilders who come to Columbus each year for the Arnold  Fitness Classic come here to wolf one down. The normal sized burgers are indeed delicious here as well, but be warned that because of its appearance on TV, there is often a wait involved.

4. Fathead's Saloon: Take one look at the photo above of the gargantuan burger with roasted red  peppers, bacon, cheese and a side of homemade chips and you will know why it's called Fathead's! Located in North Olmsted (a suburb of Cleveland), you can not go wrong by visiting this fan favorite brew pub! The amazing food is paired with fantastic award winning  beers like Head Hunter Pale Ale, Up In Smoke Porter, and Bumble Berry Honey Blueberry Ale. Fat Head's  also offers tours, which is an added bonus! The ambiance here is laid  back and perfect for a pre-concert or pre-Cleveland Indians game meal & brew.

5. Tank's Bar & Grill: If you're ever in the Dayton area, you owe it to yourself to head to Tank's Bar & Grill located not far from the Oregon District. This place may look like a dive bar, but they sure know how to throw together one hot, juicy, amazing beef patty! Tank's is known for their Tankburger, which consists of a half a pound of ground chuck on an onion, kaiser, or wheat roll with mushrooms and grilled onions. Additionally, Tank's offers one of the best vegetarian options around with Lori's Veggie Burger (I couldn't forget about all of you herbivores out there). After a long day of fun in Dayton with friends, I stopped here for a refreshing PBR and to find out why Tank's has been dubbed "The Best Burgers in Dayton."

Olive: An Urban Dive

Photos by OHventures

 

 

Olive: An Urban Dive

416 E 3rd St
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 222-3483

 

Cruising into Dayton, I had nearly everything planned for a fun and exciting day trip: a visit to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, a stop at downtown's RiverScape Metropark, and a stroll through the PNC 2nd Street Marketplace. The only thing missing was a fun dining experience that would send my tastebuds on an adventurous ride. A bit of research online, and chatting with my local pal Amanda led me to Olive: An Urban Dive located in what was once a Wympee Burger.

 

A true Dayton original, Olive: An Urban Dive is refreshing, eclectic, and surprising in a very good way. Its motto is: "local over import, labor over convenience and service over everything else." It discretely blends in with the metropolitan backdrop of Dayton's downtown roads and humbly presents total knockouts on every dish.

 

Right out of the gate, it was evident to me that Olive wouldn't be boring when I spotted a freezer full of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in the front of the restaurant. To me, this meant that it would understand food and know how to deliver exciting flavor profiles. It was also evident to me that this tiny diner was a huge hit when the waitress asked me if my two friends and I had reservations - at 11:00 AM! We did not have reservations, however, they managed to "squeeze us in" by taking us to a "community table" on the back patio, where we (happily) sat with strangers.

 

Lining the edges of the fenced in patio were tomato plants and other herbs and veggies that took the meaning of "local" ingredients to a whole new level! The waitress soon arrived with my order of coffee, which happened to be a small $5 pot of French press goodness! A bit pricey, but worth the extra TLC that goes into brewing this smooth blend of Joe. Further impressing me was the fact that the coffee grounds (along with almost every table scrap) are sent right into a compost pile on site.

 

 

 

My friends and I dove right into this dive by ordering brunch, starting with an a la carte side of cayenne maple sausage. It was mouthwatering and the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Amanda ordered a hearty French toasted croissant, which is what I describe as being a "grown up" pancake (pictured above), with over-easy eggs (from cage free chickens) and pancetta. I ordered the special of the day, which was what I'd describe as a "grown up" and amped-up BLT (pictured below) complete with a fried egg and a side of crispy fried leeks (or, you guessed it, "grown up" onion rings)! It was fun to know that the tomato found on that BLT of mine was plucked from the plants growing right within reach of my table!

 

Everything found at Olive: An Urban Dive was flavorful, fresh, and fantastic (how is that for alliteration?). The restaurant prides itself in all of these things, along with the fact that they don't even own a microwave or can opener! They have an abundance of gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, and kosher offerings without sacrificing taste. The feel of the diner also adds to the overall experience.

 

I can't wait to head back to Dayton and try Olive for dinner in the near future!

 

 

 

 

RiverScape MetroPark

Photos by OHventures

 

 

RiverScape MetroPark

111 East Monument Avenue

Dayton, OH 45402

(937) 274-0126

 

On a recent Daytrip to Dayton, my friends and I overindulged in a hefty brunch at Olive: An Urban Dive, mid-afternoon ice cream bars and samples at the PNC 2nd Street Market, and platefuls of fried foods at Blind Bob's in the Oregon District. In other words, we felt like major fatties and decided that we (along with our food babies) needed to get some fresh air and incorporate some physical activities into our agenda!

 

Thankfully, in the hub of downtown Dayton along the beautiful Miami River was the convenient and peaceful RiverScape MetroPark. Here, we took advantage of the scenic walkway along the river (hence the name RiverScape) amongst the landscape gardens, flowering pots, hanging baskets and reflecting pools. There were also large swinging benches perfect for people watching and winding down from our long day of eating! Nearby was also a large sound stage, which we found out has many free concerts and events throughout the summer. The night we were there featured a festive salsa band!

 

On Saturdays in the summer (which is when we were there), RiverScape MetroParks offers kayak rentals for as low as $12. Additionally (and more up our alley since we did not have a change of clothes on hand to kayak in) the park allows you to rent bicycles until 4 PM. Rentals are available until 4PM. In the winter, there is an area for ice skating. And, if we didn't already eat a truck load of food that day, there is also a concession stand that sells shaved ice.

 

RiverScape MetroPark, with its beautiful interactive fountains and wonderful amenities, is a spot I would most certainly recommend to anyone taking a Dayton daytrip!

 

 

 

5 Ohio Museums That Won't Bore You

Museums can be one big yawn fest, and the simple utter of the word can send a shudder down an adventurer’s spine. But there is such a thing as a cool, adventurous museum, and Ohio is home to quite a few kickass museums. Below is a list of some of Ohio’s coolest museums that you’d be more than pleased if you chose to visit!

1. Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton): Ohio has some pretty hardcore football fans, from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Cleveland Browns. The genesis of the nation’s captivity and affection for the pigskin sport began in the Canton area, as the city is considered to be the birthplace of the NFL (originally the American Professional Football Association) in 1920.

2. Rock & Hall of Fame & Museum (Cleveland):  Cleveland was overall chosen as the spot where this iconic structure would be built due to the fact that Cleveland DJ Alan Freed is widely credited as coining the term "rock and roll" and that Cleveland was the location of the very first rock and roll concert. I first traveled here as a junior in high school, and most recently in 2009. It is a jaw dropping experience entering a place where you can marvel at Les Paul guitars, Michael Jackson's glove, Elvis' signature apparel, and numerous other music gems. You can also walk through the "hall of fame" itself which lists all inductees, from The Beatles to Madonna.

3. National Air Force Museum (Dayton): It is only fitting that the Dayton area is home to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (or NMUSAF), as this is known to be the "Birthplace of Aviation," where the Wright Brothers (Orville and Wilbur) lived and invented the world's very first successful aircraft. The museum houses many artifacts relating to the history and development of aviation and pays homage to the Wright Brothers.

4. COSI: Center of Science & Industry (Columbus): This science museum has been named by Parents Magazine as the #1 Science Center for families in the country. But this museum is good for all ages, old and young and everything in between. The plus side is that the museum makes science fun instead of geeky with exhibits on space, the ocean, weather, the human body, and more. There are also limited edition exhibits like the Titanic, dinosaurs, or the current H2O exhibit! You will bring out the kid in you and learn a ton while getting lost for hours in this absolutely awesome learning experience.

5. Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum (Pickerington): While working in the Ohio state legislature, I had the opportunity to meet the government affairs specialist for the American Motorcycle Association (AMA). While crafting bills pertaining to motorcyclists and traffic actuated stop lights, he also took the time to inform me that the National Motorcycle Hall of Fame was located just minutes away from downtown Columbus! Again, I was absolutely gobsmacked that Ohio is home to such a kickass museum that any young boy fascinated with motorcycles (or those experiencing their mid-life crisis) would die for.

National Museum of US Air Force

Photos by Anna Garcia for OHventures

 

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

1100 Spaatz Street
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Dayton, OH 45433
(937) 255-3286

The National Museum of the United States Air Force, located at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum. My former boss was a licensed pilot who would always rant and rave about the Wright Patterson Air Force Base and all that takes place there. I hold our nation's servicemen and women in high regard, have a huge interest in history, and like any young boy growing up, always have had a fascination with airplanes and aircrafts. This museum was calling out to me!

There is no cost for admission to the museum, which consists of three large hangars. The first hangar is dedicated to the beginnings of aviation, the second is about World War II, and the third contains memorabilia from the Korean War & the Cold War. You can sign up to take a tour to the nearby base to see more planes, but the tours are limited. Currently the museum is home to a traveling Holocaust display of personal artifacts, which I would highly recommend, as many of the concentration camp liberators were from Ohio.

It is only fitting that the Dayton area is home to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (or NMUSAF), as this is known to be the "Birthplace of Aviation," where the Wright Brothers (Orville and Wilbur) lived and invented the world's very first successful aircraft. The museum houses many artifacts relating to the history and development of aviation and pays homage to the Wright Brothers. The Huffman Prairie (part of what is now called the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park), where the brothers performed many of their experiments, is located nearby.

In addition to the sections of the museum dedicated to the pioneers of aircraft (from Ohio and elsewhere), there are 360 aircraft and missiles on display, including many rare aircrafts such as Bockscar the B-29 Superfortress that dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki during the last days of World War II.

We are truly lucky to have such a renowned museum with such important historical artifacts located here in Ohio. It’s one of the many reasons I am proud to call Ohio home.

Many thanks go out to my friend Anna Garcia for providing insight, information and photographs from her visit to the museum in June 2012.