Showing posts with label Day Trip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Day Trip. Show all posts

Monday, July 10, 2017

88 Counties In Ohio = 88 Things To Do! (Alphabetical)


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.

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!

Adams – Sightsee at the Great Serpent Mound – the longest serpent effigy in the US
Allen – Pig out at Kewpee Burger – the oldest hamburger fast food chain in the world (Lima)
Ashland – Get cheesy at Grandpa’s Cheesebarn – the name says it all! (Ashland)
Ashtabula – Stay the night at The Lodge at Geneva-On-The-Lake – gorgeous views
Athens – Taste some local beers at Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery – a locavore’s delight (Athens)
Auglaize - Honor Ohio native Neil Armstrong at Wapakoneta's Summer Moon Festival
Belmont - Rock out at the "Superbowl of country music festivals - Jamboree In The Hills
Brown - Soak in the Ohio River at Eagle Creek Landings Marina (Georgetown)
Butler – Plan a trip to Jungle Jim's International Market - more than a grocery store (Fairfield)
Carroll – Saddle up for some Horseback Riding at Faith Ranch (Jewett)
Champaign – Explore the deep caves of Ohio Caverns (West Liberty)
Clark - Hike your way through Buck Creek State Park in Springfield
Clermont – Bike the trail corridor of Little Miami Scenic Trail along the Little Miami River
Clinton – Immerse yourself in Pioneer Village at Caesar Creek State Park
Columbiana – Spend the night at the haunted Spread Eagle Tavern (Hanoverton)
Coshocton – Depart on the Three Rivers Wine Trail, including Yellow Butterfly Winery
Crawford - Gorge on brats & take the "wurst" bike ride at the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival in August
Cuyahoga – See all of Cleveland from atop Terminal Tower (and take a Day Trip to Cleveland)
Darke - Watch the stock cars race by at the world famous Eldora Speedway (New Weston)

Defiance - See the reconstructed historic town of Auglaize Village, with a military museum 

Delaware – Take advantage of the state’s largest inland beach at Alum Creek State Park
Erie – Ride the world’s largest roller coasters at Cedar Point (Sandusky)
Fairfield – Zipline over 100 feet off the ground at Valley Zipline Tours (Lancaster)
Fayette - Shop the day away at the Tanger Outlets right off of I-71 (Jeffersonville)
Franklin – Visit the Ohio Statehouse (and see 100 more things to do in Columbus)
Fulton - Check out the arboretum & ATV, hiking, & horseback riding trails of Maumee State Forest
Gallia - Head "down on the farm" to the Bob Evans Farm Homestead Museum (Bidwell)
Geauga – Give yourself a sugar rush at the Geauga County Maple Festival
Greene - Trek along the Old Woods Trail located at Caesar Creek State Park
Guernsey – Embark on an Open Air Safari at The Wilds (Cumberland)
Hamilton –  Meet an elephant at Cincinnati Zoo (and take a Day Trip to Cincinnati)
Hancock - Go up, up, and away on a Findlay Hot Air Balloon Ride
Hardin - Build Your Own Tour of historic, architectural, and natural attractions in Hardin
Harrison - Paddle through Southeast Ohio thanks to Green Acres Canoe & Kayak Rental
Henry - Grab a photo op with the giant can of Campbell's Tomato Soup (Napoleon)
Highland - Mountain bike in Paint Creek Lake State Park (Hillsboro)
Hocking – Hike your heart out at Hocking Hills State Park, including Old Man’s Cave
Holmes – Embrace yourself in Amish culture with Der Dutchmann Restaurants
Huron - Gawk at the Christmas lights at the annual Light Up Norwalk Festival 
Jackson - Go apple picking and celebrate at the Jackson Apple Festival each year
Jefferson - Step back 200 years to the Ohio frontier at Fort Steuben (Steubenville)
Knox – Stay the night in the Mohican Tree House Cabins (Loudonville)
Lake - Have a night of luxury at Quail Hollow Resort (Painesville)
Lawrence - Spend a day at Lake Vesuvius
Licking – Say hello to the Longaberger Basket Building – the world’s largest basket
Logan – Ski the day away at Mad River Mountain (Zanesfield)
Lorain – Take your pups on a jaunt with the Dirty 5K, Walk & Wash (Avon Lake)
Lucas – Gorge on hot dogs at the famous Tony Packo’s (and take a Day Trip to Toledo)

Madison – Fish, hike, picnic, and more at Prairie Oaks Metro Park (West Jefferson)

Mahoning – Trek the trails of Mill Creek Park to Lanterman’s Mill (and take a Day Trip to Youngstown)
Marion – Visit the epic tomb found at the President Warren G. Harding Memorial

Medina - Celebrate Christmas all year 'round at Castle Noel (Medina)

Meigs - "Milk" your time in Meigs County by visiting the famous Snowville Creamery
Mercer - Tackle the Mad Run - a muddy obstacle run in Fort Recovery
Miami – Take a Day Trip to the quaint town of Piqua
Monroe - Drive along the Covered Bridge Byway on a self-guided scenic tour 
Montgomery – Eat at Olive, An Urban Dive (and take a Day Trip to Dayton)
Morgan – Camp at the Wayne National Forest (the only National Forest in Ohio)
Morrow – Shoot ‘em up at SplatterPark Paintball (Mount Gilead)
Muskingum – Pig out on pasta at Adornetto’s Selected Italian Foods (Zanesville)
Noble - Dine at the Dockside Restaurant overlooking the beautiful Seneca Lake Marina
Ottawa – Kayak the waters of Put-In-Bay (and explore the whole island while you’re at it)!
Paulding - Visit the Paulding County Carnegie Library, on the US National Registrar of Historic Places
Perry - Eat breakfast at Dodson's On Broadway (New Lexington)
Pickaway - Attend the Circleville Pumpkin Show and see the pumpkin water tower!
Pike - Travel Pike's Patches Quilt Barn Trail to see all of the quilt barns in the area!
Portage - Imbibe at Viking Vineyards & Winery (and take a Day Trip to Kent)
Preble - Go ghost hunting and on other spirited adventures
Putnam - Scuba dive at Gilboa Quarry - the Midwest's Premier Dive Site (Ottawa)
Richland - Tour the Mansfield Reformatory (where they filmed Shawshank Redemption)
Ross - Take a day trip to the Ross County seat, Chillicothe (Ohio's first capital)
Sandusky - Learn about one of our presidents at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center

Scioto - Embark on a journey to Scioto County's Shawnee State Park

Seneca - See Ohio's Greatest Underground Adventure, Seneca Caverns
Shelby -  Do a nighttime zipline at VanDemark Farm (Sidney)
Stark  - Run the stairs of the McKinley Monument (and take a Day Trip to Canton)

Summit  - Zoom down the hill of the All American Soap Box Derby (and take a Day Trip to Akron)

Trumbull – Plunge into the waters of Mosquito Lake (and take a Day Trip to Hubbard)
Tuscawaras – Travel back in time by seeing the historic village of Zoar
Union - Scale the steep hiking trails of Clear Creek Metro Park
Van Wert - Hop aboard a plane for a flying tour at the Van Wert Airport
Vinton – Immerse yourself in Zaleski State Forest (second-largest state forest in the U.S)

Warren – Zipline at Ozone Zipline Adventures (Lebanon)!

Washington – Hop aboard the Sternwheeler and drink some Marietta beer!
Wayne - Engage in discussion while eating & drinking at First Amendment Public House (Wooster)
Williams - Check out the Bryan Theatre, local parks, and other fun things in the City of Bryan
Wood - Visit Bowling Green State University and the surrounding area!
Wyandot - Birdwatch at Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area, where you can see bald eagles!

Monday, September 28, 2015

Kalahari Photo Blog

Who: Adults and kids alike! Groups of 2-36!
What: Kalahari Indoor Waterpark & Resort
When: All year 'round, rain or shine (or even snow - it's indoors!)
Where: Sandusky, Northwest Ohio
Why: To experience waterpark thrills any time of the year, to pamper yourself with its many spa options, and to drink & dine in style
How: Book an African-themed room and get your bathing suit ready!


All photos by OHventures

Time for the Lazy River

Ready to hit up the slides!

The Mud Hut 21 & Over Swim-Up Bar!

Outdoor hot tub area connected to the swim-up bar

Kalahari's very own bowling alley


Cheetah Race - dueling slides!

African-themed decor at Kalahari

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Kalahari Indoor Waterpark & Resort

Swahili Swirl

With the nation's largest indoor waterpark, a candy shop with seemingly endless amounts of treats and desserts, and one of the best arcade and gaming areas around, Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio is any kid's dream come true. However, if you're looking for a getaway without the kids, Kalahari has just as much excitement to offer couples or groups of adults. From world-class spa treatments, to a fitness facility, to a fine selection of adult beverages (including a swim-up bar), you'll be surprised how much fun can be had!

Kalahari Resort is primarily known for its impressive indoor water attractions, which makes it a year-round destination for travelers from near and far alike. To get the most out of your stay (especially if you came a significant distance), it's recommended you reserve a room to stay for a day or two (or three or more)!


There are 890 guestrooms and suites, which can accommodate anywhere from two to 36 guests. These room styles are unique and spacious, and are all beautifully decorated with an African theme. The largest room available is the Entertainment Suite, which is perfect for bachelor or bachelorette parties, a spring break destination, or celebrating milestones with friends.

All rooms include a flat screen TV, mini fridge and high speed internet access. Certain rooms also include a balcony patio, fireplace, whirlpool tub, wet bar, and other amenities. All rooms also include wristbands that grant you access to the waterpark.

I recently spent a night in the Nomad Room (which included an awesome patio overlooking the outdoor water recreation area) during a 2-day visit to Kalahari Resort. Of course, the first thing on my list to do was to visit the waterpark.


The indoor waterpark is the size of three football fields and jam-packed with colorful slides and contraptions! There are designated areas for children below a certain age, and other areas that are for all people above a certain height. There are several extreme rides, which were a priority for me and my friends. These included the Zip Coaster (basically a water roller coaster), FlowRider (stand-up surfing and body boarding on a simulated wave), and my absolute favorite, Swahili Swirl (a giant blue raft ride that can seat up to 4 thrill-seekers).

The Mud Hut Swim-Up Bar!

After the adrenaline pumping attractions were out of the way, it was time to relax on the Lazy River tube ride and wade in the Wave Pool, where every 15 minutes, waves pumped through the pool of water. It was also time to head to get a cocktail at the swim-up bar, the Mud Hut. Here, you can sit on an stool submerged just below the water and enjoy one of their special alcoholic concoctions, frozen or on the rocks. The water at the Mud Hut is warm, like a hot tub, so you can truly kick back and enjoy yourself.

Breakfast served all day at the Ivory Coast

All of the waterpark fun can work up an appetite, so thankfully there is a great restaurant selection at Kalahari. My favorites were The Reserve Restaurant & Bar, and the Ivory Coast Restaurant (with its adjacent Ivory Coast Lounge bar). The Ivory Coast serves breakfast all day and both locations have fantastic staff (Aimee and Trisha were superb)!


Every adult who visits Kalahari Resort should book an appointment at Spa Kalahari! There's a long list of massages (relaxation, hot stone, deep tissue, etc.), body treatments (herbal fusion detox, gentleman's sugar scrub, etc.), spa packages , and other ways to pamper yourself during your visit. Men and women both can enjoy facials, manicures, pedicures, or tanning sessions. If you do happen to have children with you, the Junior Spa can help make them feel like princes and princesses.

Next time you think about taking an excursion with friends or your significant other, consider Kalahari Resort so you can get the perfect combination of thrills and relaxation all in one place!

Monday, September 21, 2015

Escape To Kelley's Island

Photos by OHventures

Kelley's Island is located in Erie County 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. Being that it is in the middle of the lake, you have to get either either by ferry (try the Miller Boat Line), private boat, or by airplane (via the Kelley's Island Land Field Airport).

I first visited Kelley's Island in the year 2000, when I was just a freshman in high school. I came to the island for a week-long stay at Camp Patmos, a summer Christian church camp. Back then, it felt like I was in an exotic location far away from home. We sailed, kayaked, swam, and rode bicycles built for two. 


15 years have passed since that visit, and Kelley's Island still has just as much charm and excitement as I remember! I recently took a flight to the island with my buddy Alex on Labor Day Weekend. We decided to spend just a couple of hours at Kelley's Island, having some lunch and doing a bit of exploration! 

Most of this tourist island is comprised of beaches, parks, and campgrounds, which are mostly toured by bike (available for rent at Kelley's Landing), golf cart (also available at Kelley's Landing - hourly, daily, or weekly), island taxi, or on foot.

After you have your mode of transportation down (which can be a fun activity in and of itself), it's time to explore the island! There is a lot to see - from restaurants, to bars, to natural wonders and landmarks!

The Casino Restaurant, Bar & Dockage

f the weather is nice and you're looking for some lakeside outdoor seating, your best bets are Dockers Waterfront Restaurant, and The Casino Restaurant, Bar & Dockage (pictured above). On our visit, Alex and I ate some great burgers and fries at The Casino, where we were able to soak up the sun and relax under some faux palm trees!

Other popular food and drink selections are The Village Pump (they are famous for their perch and their Brandy Alexander drinks) and the Kelley's Island Wine Company (established in 1872 - try their Inscription White, named after the island's Inscription Rock).


Being that I'm an OSU alum, the Buckeye Bar was a MUST on our short visit to Kelley's Island. You can get some good greasy bar food and choose from a vast selection of Ohio-made beers. In addition, the Buckeye Bar also has the Caddy Shack, where you can rent golf carts (on Labor Day weekend, it was so crowded on the island, that they were fresh out. A fun miniature golf course can also be found right next to Caddy Shack & The Buckeye Bar.

A large anchor found near Inscription Rock

On the Northern third portion of Kelley's Island is Kelley's Island State Park, a 676 acre park which includes hiking trail, campgrounds, a sand beach, and ruins of former a limestone quarry mining site (on the West Side). One of the most well known points of interest on Kelley's Island is the Glacial Grooves State Memorial, a rare set of glacial grooves which are the largest in the world (measuring 400 feet by 35 feet). These prehistoric glacial grooves are gashes embedded limestone bedrock, and are a remarkable sight to see, not far from the beaches of the state park.

There is an incredible amount to explore on this exciting Ohio island - so plan a trip soon!

Monday, August 31, 2015

Ariel-Foundation Park

Photos by OHventures

501 S. Main Street
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
(740) 393-9577

Mount Vernon is the county seat of  Knox County, located in North Central Ohio, and is home to the brand new Ariel-Foundation Park, a 250-acre public green space built on the site of the former Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) manufacturing plant (which closed in the 1970s).


This breathtaking park includes historic ruins of once-booming industrial buildings, with certain portions of the factory purposefully left standing. Crumbling brick walls, free-standing freight elevators, and other remnants are strewn across a large grassy field, with terraced landscaping and magnificent earthworks strategically placed throughout the park.

Intriguing art pieces are also found along the pathways of Ariel-Foundation Park, most of which pay homage to the glass industry. Large electric-blue-colored blown-glass and metal scaffolding create art that is incredible and thought-provoking.


The centerpiece of the park is the Rastin Observation Tower, a smokestack from the old factory that has been transformed into a must-see landmark. With a spiral metal staircase built around the 280-foot smokestack, park visitors can climb over 220 steps to reach the halfway point for a magnificent view of Mount Vernon.


Climbing to the top was a workout and a test of my bravery. You are totally safe and secure, but those who are wary of heights (like myself) might feel a bit uneasy. Scaling the stairs was definitely worth the sweat, as it provided a great photo op, and a unique experience unlike anything else in the area.

There's a lot more to do at the park as well: you can fish and boat (non-motorized boats) in the 3 lakes, take a spin on the biking trail, hike the wooded area on site, and visit the museum to learn more about the history of PPG and the relics that are left on display.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Explore Geneva-On-The-Lake


Photos by OHventures (unless otherwise noted)

A tourist attraction for decades, the village of Geneva-On-The-Lake in Ashtabula County has long been known for its 1950s style "Strip" of arcade games and carnival foods along the coastline, and its impressive collection of more than 20 wineries spanning the countryside. I am a HUGE fan of heading up to Geneva-On-The-Lake to take a trip in what feels like a far-off land. The Lake Erie shores add a perfect backdrop of seemingly endless blue waters, and you can find an array of things to do on a weekend or week-long visit. 

There's enough to please any type of adventurer: the wino, the active outdoorsman, the historian, and even the laid-back relaxer in your group! Here's a collection of some of the best things to do when you explore Geneva-On-The-Lake.


1. The Lodge at Geneva-On-The-Lake (4888 N Broadway, Geneva): The romanticism of Ohio's Lake Erie shoreline is encapsulated to perfection at the upscale yet affordable Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. Immaculate views of the state's northernmost shore and an array of activities and attractions for folks of any age are at your fingertips when staying at the Lodge. Dine at the Horizons



2. Lakehouse Inn & Winery (5653 Lake Road East, Geneva-On-The-Lake): While there are many wineries along the coast, I am rather fond of the Lakehouse Inn & Winery mainly due to the picturesque and breathtaking view! The wine was of course very good as well and a very affordable wine-tasting sampler is available. Sitting on the patio on a beautiful sunny day overlooking the lake makes you feel like you are in wine country in Italy or France. Truly one of the most relaxing experiences you can take!


3. Wine Shuttle Tour (board at 4888 N Broadway, Geneva): The wine shuttle pulls right up to the front entrance of The Lodge at Geneva-On-The-Lake and takes thirsty tourists to 4-5 wineries in the area, and returns to the Lodge approximately 5 hours later. Anyone is welcome on the shuttle (even those who are not staying at the Lodge), but reservations are required at $20 a person. You can request to visit certain wineries, and we suggest: Kosicek Vineyards; one of the most widely known wineries in the area, Ferrante Winery; an old church which was converted into a winery, South River Vineyards; Old Mill Winery, Grand River Cellars, and the aforementioned Lakehouse Inn.


4. The Ferris Wheel at Old Firehouse Winery (5499 Lake Rd. E. Geneva-on-the-Lake): Nothing brings back memories of childhood like a ride on an old-fashioned Ferris wheel! The Ferris wheel in Geneva-On-The-Lake can be found next to the Old Firehouse Winery (which, as the name suggests, is a winery built in an old firehouse) with rides costing just $2.75! It's a classic throwback to festivals and amusement parks of yesteryear, and the last standing relic of the now defunct Erieview Park. 


5. Geneva State Park (4499 Padanarum Rd, Geneva): This 698-acre state-run park is situated along the Lake Erie coastline, and has thick forestry and marshy inlands. You're sure to find a number of enticing activities at Geneva State Park,: hiking six-miles of multi-use trails, biking (see below), fishing, hunting, boating, archery, swimming, picnicking at the Crabapple Picnic Area, staying in one of the deluxe cedar cabins, or camping on one of the many campsites.


6. Lake Erie Shoreline (multiple addresses): The "On-The-Lake" portion of the city's name of course refers to the fact that it is located directly on the shoreline of Lake Erie - and it would be a sin to not spend at least some of your time in Geneva-On-The-Lake actually ON the lake. You could visit the shoreline in the aforementioned Geneva State Park, or find another public portion of the beach to visit. Use this time to swim, fish, suntan, picnic, skimboard, or just soak in the sights!

Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor


7. The Pickled Pepper (4949 Golf Ave., Geneva): There's a slew of great spots to grab food while at Geneva-On-The-Lake, but the Pickled Pepper stood out to me on a recent visit! Located on "The Strip," this neon green and yellow restaurant looks straight out of a Jimmy Buffet song, as if it belongs in a beach town like Key West. It has amazing bar food like wings, coconut battered shrimp, burgers, and jalapeno poppers, all paired nicely with a cold (non wine) alcoholic beverage and some live music!


8. Covered Bridge Tour (various locations, self-guided): Ashtabula County is the epicenter of covered bridges in the state. With a total of 18 of these historic structures, Ashtabula has more than any other county in Ohio, helping it to fittingly earning the title of the Covered Bridge Capital of Ohio. Another claim to fame is that one can find both the longest and the shortest functioning covered bridges in the entire United States right here! You can hop in the car and take along with you an official map of all of the covered bridges in Ashtabula County, planning your path through the countryside that will get you to see the most covered bridges possible. Or, if you happen to be partaking in the wine shuttle tour provided by the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, you can ask your driver to take you to a few of the bridges on your way to and from the local wineries.


9. Eddie's Grill (5377 Lake Rd., Geneva): Another worthwhile dining locale on The Strip of Geneva-On-The-Lake is Eddie's Grill! This iconic restaurant is straight from the 1950s era, complete with a working jukebox, a walk-up outdoor ice cream counter, a next door video game arcade, and all of the famous classics unchanged since its inception in 1950. Get the footlong chili dog with fries and a root beer float, and you won't be disappointed!

10. Water Works Water Slides (5485 Lake Rd., Geneva): This is the only item on the list I haven't experienced firsthand, but it's something on the bucket list (although I am still trying to figure out if there is an age limit...). These are 2 giant twisty-turny waterslides right on the shore, next to the Old Firehouse Winery on The Strip. A great way to cool off (again, if they allow adults, that is...).




11. GOTL Bike Trail: You can bring your own bike or even rent bikes from the front desk of the Lodge at Geneva-On-The-Lake so you can take a cycling adventure on a tame lakeside trail. The trail can be seen on the map above (outlined in blue), but you can also take the bike on the streets of GOTL, to the arcade or "The Strip." Just don't wine & bike! 

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Tuscawaras County Wineries

Photos by OHventures

To continue celebrating Ohio Wine Month this June, consider stopping in to one – or all six – of the award winning wineries in Tuscawaras County. While you embark on your wine-tasting experience, be sure to check out the Ohio Grape Industries VIP incentive program, where you can register and win rewards for visiting different Ohio wineries.


Island Palm Winery (Bolivar): Historic downtown Bolivar is the setting for this fun and laid back island-themed winery. When walking in, you immediately get a tiki bar vibe that sets the tone for a good time. Flip Flop Muscat, Seashell Chardonnay, and Shark Bite Zinfandel are some examples of the exciting and whimsical wines found at Island Palm. The best sellers are fruit wines: Pomegranate Cove and Sunset Passion Fruit. They also offer a great bologna sandwich called “The Big Kahuna,” and the tasty home brewed Crow’s Nest Hard Apple Cider.



School House Winery (Dover): One of my favorite wineries in all of Ohio is School House Winery, which was established in an actual schoolhouse from the late 1800s! This bright red structure stands out in the rolling countryside and beckons you to come in the doors and have some wine. All wines have been given elementary school-related monikers, my top picks being Bully Red (dry, smoky, oaky), and Teacher’s Pet (the best seller).


Breitenbach Wine Cellars (Dover): When I visited Breitenbach, it was swarming with visitors, with check-out and wine-tasting lines stretching throughout the winery. Known for over 40 vinifera and hybrid American varieties, Breitenbach produces 135,000 gallons of wine each year. A must-try is the extremely unique (and extremely sweet) Dandelion wine, which has become a mainstay and crowd favorite. It is so popular, that there is even an annual Breitenbach Dandelion Festival each May.


Swiss Heritage Winery (Dover): Located at the Broad Run Cheesehouse, you’ll find yourself amongst an array of cheeses (all made on site), lace, curtains, and other specialty items. Making your way to the rear of the gift shop, you’ll find a counter selling a selection of 17 different wines made on site. The folks at Swiss Heritage will do a great job letting you know which cheeses and wines pair best together. My recommendation is the light and grapey Victorian Lace paired with blue ribbon Swiss cheese!



YOLO Winery (Dover): A winery with the name “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) can only mean good things. The interior has a modern and upscale décor reminiscent of a California-style boutique. Order delicious flatbreads and salads delivered to you fresh from local restaurant Sammy Sue’s. Be sure to sample my personal favorite wine called Party On Garth.



Silver Moon Winery (Dover): A great place to sit back and relax after a long day of traveling and wine sampling. There is a large, open seating area with loads of comfortable couches and chairs that pair nicely with the wines at Silver Moon. Try Blood of Zeus and Luna Bianca. If you’re daring, check out Eve’s Delight or Kiwi Melon Splash!

Saturday, June 6, 2015

88 Counties In Ohio = 88 Things To Do (By Activity)


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.

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!


Parks & Outdoor Adventure
Brown - Soak in the Ohio River at Eagle Creek Landings Marina (Georgetown)
Clark - Hike your way through Buck Creek State Park in Springfield
Clinton – Immerse yourself in Pioneer Village at Caesar Creek State Park
Delaware – Take advantage of the state’s largest inland beach at Alum Creek State Park
Fulton - Check out the arboretum & ATV, hiking, & horseback riding trails of Maumee State Forest
Greene - Trek along the Old Woods Trail located at Caesar Creek State Park
Champaign – Explore the deep caves of Ohio Caverns (West Liberty)
Hocking – Hike your heart out at Hocking Hills State Park, including Old Man’s Cave
Lawrence - Spend a day at Lake Vesuvius
Madison – Fish, hike, picnic, and more at Prairie Oaks Metro Park (West Jefferson)
Mahoning – Trek the trails of Mill Creek Park to Lanterman’s Mill (and take a Day Trip to Youngstown)
Morgan – Camp at the Wayne National Forest (the only National Forest in Ohio)
Scioto - Embark on a journey to Scioto County's Shawnee State Park
Seneca - See Ohio's Greatest Underground Adventure, Seneca Caverns
Trumbull – Plunge into the waters of Mosquito Lake (and take a Day Trip to Hubbard)
Union - Scale the steep hiking trails of Clear Creek Metro Park
Vinton – Immerse yourself in Zaleski State Forest (second-largest state forest in the U.S)
Wyandot - Birdwatch at Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area, where you can see bald eagles!

Active Lifestyle
Clermont – Bike the trail corridor of Little Miami Scenic Trail along the Little Miami River
Harrison - Paddle through Southeast Ohio thanks to Green Acres Canoe & Kayak Rental
Highland - Mountain bike in Paint Creek Lake State Park (Hillsboro)
Logan – Ski the day away at Mad River Mountain (Zanesfield)
Lorain – Take your pups on a jaunt with the Dirty 5K, Walk & Wash (Avon Lake)
Mercer - Tackle the Mad Run - a muddy obstacle run in Fort Recovery
Ottawa – Kayak the waters of Put-In-Bay (and explore the whole island while you’re at it)!
Stark - Run the stairs of the McKinley Monument (and take a Day Trip to Canton)

Extreme Thrills
Darke - Watch the stock cars race by at the world famous Eldora Speedway (New Weston)
Fairfield – Zipline over 100 feet off the ground at Valley Zipline Tours (Lancaster)
Erie – Ride the world’s largest roller coasters at Cedar Point (Sandusky)
Hancock - Go up, up, and away on a Findlay Hot Air Balloon Ride
Guernsey – Embark on an Open Air Safari at The Wilds (Cumberland)
Morrow – Shoot ‘em up at SplatterPark Paintball (Mount Gilead)
Shelby - Do a nighttime zipline at VanDemark Farm (Sidney)
Preble - Go ghost hunting and on other spirited adventures
Putnam - Scuba dive at Gilboa Quarry - the Midwest's Premier Dive Site (Ottawa)
Summit - Zoom down the hill of the All American Soap Box Derby (and take a Day Trip to Akron)
Warren – Zipline at Ozone Zipline Adventures (Lebanon)!

Dining Discoveries
Allen – Pig out at Kewpee Burger – the oldest hamburger fast food chain in the world (Lima)
Holmes – Embrace yourself in Amish culture with Der Dutchmann Restaurants
Lucas – Gorge on hot dogs at the famous Tony Packo’s (and take a Day Trip to Toledo)
Montgomery – Eat at Olive, An Urban Dive (and take a Day Trip to Dayton)
Muskingum – Pig out on pasta at Adornetto’s Selected Italian Foods (Zanesville)
Noble - Dine at the Dockside Restaurant overlooking the beautiful Seneca Lake Marina
Perry - Eat breakfast at Dodson's On Broadway (New Lexington)
Wayne - Engage in discussion while eating & drinking at First Amendment Public House (Wooster)

Beer & Wine
Athens – Taste some local beers at Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery – a locavore’s delight (Athens)
Coshocton – Depart on the Three Rivers Wine Trail, including Yellow Butterfly Winery
Portage - Imbibe at Viking Vineyards & Winery (and take a Day Trip to Kent)

Shops
Ashland – Get cheesy at Grandpa’s Cheesebarn – the name says it all! (Ashland)
Butler – Plan a trip to Jungle Jim's International Market - more than a grocery store (Fairfield)
Fayette - Shop the day away at the Tanger Outlets right off of I-71 (Jeffersonville)

Festivals & Events
Auglaize - Honor Ohio native Neil Armstrong at Wapakoneta's Summer Moon Festival
Belmont - Rock out at the "Superbowl of country music festivals - Jamboree In The Hills
Crawford - Gorge on brats & take the "wurst" bike ride at the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival in August
Geauga – Give yourself a sugar rush at the Geauga County Maple Festival
Huron - Gawk at the Christmas lights at the annual Light Up Norwalk Festival
Jackson - Go apple picking and celebrate at the Jackson Apple Festival each year
Pickaway - Attend the Circleville Pumpkin Show and see the pumpkin water tower!

Landmarks & History
Adams – Sightsee at the Great Serpent Mound – the longest serpent effigy in the US
Cuyahoga – See all of Cleveland from atop Terminal Tower (and take a Day Trip to Cleveland)
Defiance - See the reconstructed historic town of Auglaize Village, with a military museum
Franklin – Visit the Ohio Statehouse (and see 100 more things to do in Columbus)
Henry - Grab a photo op with the giant can of Campbell's Tomato Soup (Napoleon)
Licking – Say hello to the Longaberger Basket Building – the world’s largest basket
Marion – Visit the epic tomb found at the President Warren G. Harding Memorial
Jefferson - Step back 200 years to the Ohio frontier at Fort Steuben (Steubenville)
Paulding - Visit the Paulding County Carnegie Library, on the US National Registrar of Historic Places
Sandusky - Learn about one of our presidents at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center
Richland - Tour the Mansfield Reformatory (where they filmed Shawshank Redemption)

Lodging & Getaways
Ashtabula – Stay the night at The Lodge at Geneva-On-The-Lake – gorgeous views
Carroll – Saddle up for some Horseback Riding at Faith Ranch (Jewett)
Columbiana – Spend the night at the haunted Spread Eagle Tavern (Hanoverton)
Knox – Stay the night in the Mohican Tree House Cabins (Loudonville)
Lake - Have a night of luxury at Quail Hollow Resort (Painesville)

Tours & Day Trips
Gallia - Head "down on the farm" to the Bob Evans Farm Homestead Museum (Bidwell)
Hamilton – Meet an elephant at Cincinnati Zoo (and take a Day Trip to Cincinnati)
Hardin - Build Your Own Tour of historic, architectural, and natural attractions in Hardin
Medina - Celebrate Christmas all year 'round at Castle Noel (Medina)
Meigs - "Milk" your time in Meigs County by visiting the famous Snowville Creamery
Miami – Take a Day Trip to the quaint town of Piqua
Monroe - Drive along the Covered Bridge Byway on a self-guided scenic tour
Pike - Travel Pike's Patches Quilt Barn Trail to see all of the quilt barns in the area!
Ross - Take a day trip to the Ross County seat, Chillicothe (Ohio's first capital)
Tuscawaras – Travel back in time by seeing the historic village of Zoar
Van Wert - Hop aboard a plane for a flying tour at the Van Wert Airport
Washington – Hop aboard the Sternwheeler and drink some Marietta beer!
Williams - Check out the Bryan Theatre, local parks, and other fun things in the City of Bryan
Wood - Visit Bowling Green State University and the surrounding area!