5 Ways To Cool Off In Ohio

Photo by OHventures

It's June and I can feel the temperatures rising! Ohio has been having an exceptionally HOT summer this year...and it's not even summer! The mercury has creeped into the mid-90s already and who knows what else is in store for the hotter days that are to come. But fear not! The Buckeye State has a more than a few outlets for you to cool off by the water. Just be sure to apply your sunscreen and load up on your H2O before embarking on these waterlogged outdoor adventures!

1. Canoeing: Canoeing is a very strenuous activity which requires a lot of upper body strength and coordination & communication with your canoeing partner. It is essential for the 2 of you to synchronize your strokes in order to stay straight or turn when desired. You can canoe in a lake for a more relaxing ride, or downstream for a bit more of a challenge. Either way, add a pack of Miller High Life and you got yourself a "caBREWing" excursion that everyone will be on board for!

2. Kayaking: Once you've mastered the skill of canoeing, you can take on the task of kayaking, which kicks things up a notch. Single and double kayaks exist, so you don't necessarily have to go at it alone. Most everywhere that canoeing is offered or permitted, you will find that kayaking is also offered and permitted. Anywhere from Put-In-Bay to Alum Creek State Park to the Cuyahoga River are some of the many outlets for a great kayaking OHventure.

3. Paddleboating: Introducing the perfect combo of biking and boating: PADDLEBOATING! Also referred to as pedal boating, this activity is perfect for young and old alike, and surprisingly enough does not require a great deal of athletic ability. It is much more relaxing and care free than other waterborne transport such as canoeing or kayaking. Two great benefits of paddleboating is that your hands are free and the boat has a very small chance of tipping. Paddleboating is not an activity that would likely take place on a river, but rather on a small pond or lake.

4. Parasailing: Parasailing: It's the happy medium between the ultra-extreme skydiving and the ultra-lowkey sailing. It's getting towed behind a motorboat while attached to a long cord and hanging from a specialized parachute. It's really an exhilerating activity that's both low risk and relatively low cost. Not only will you get a nice splash from the water to cool off, you will also get the wind whisking against your face! There are two locations to parasail in Ohio: Put-In-Bay and Sandusky. Both of which are worth the price and the drive.

5. Boating: Motor boats allow you to add water skiing, parasailing, and inner tubing in the mix if you have the right equipment. But even without those things, you can still enjoy the wind blowing, the sun shining and the water splashing. Pontoon boats are also great, for things like fishing, swimming, picnicking, and just relaxing! One of my favorite yearly traditions was started 3 years ago with some great friends of mine that live on Portage Lakes in Summit County.

Put-In-Bay Getaway!

 

Photos by OHventures

Why bother planning a Spring Break trip or a summertime vacation to far off places like Florida or Mexico, when you can take a getaway to Ohio's own Put-In-Bay? Put-In-Bay is an extremely popular tourist destination in Ohio that thrives during the months of April-October, which is prime season for outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking and swimming. It is located on South Bass Island in Western Lake Erie, and is a part of Ottawa County. The island is 12 miles from the Ohio mainland, and is the third largest Ohio island. Only about 150 people actually live on the small island, but many tens of thousands visit annually!

I recommend booking a hotel and staying at least one night so you can fully enjoy the nightlife and the true Put-In-Bay experience! Below is a list of 10 Things to do on a Put-In-Bay Getaway!

1. Ride The Ferry!: This is sort of a given! Since you cannot drive directly to Put-In-Bay, you will have to plan ahead and park your car on shore (or pay to have delivered on the ferry). The Jet Express Ferry leaves from both Sandusky and Port Clinton and is always a memorable ride! I have been to Put-In-Bay numerous times, and the ferry ride is always a highlight! However, the real fun begins when you arrive!

2. Rent a Golf Cart!: Renting a golf cart is the easiest, most fun and most popular way to get around the island. Odds are you did not pay to have your car delivered on the ferry, and that’s OK! Island goers (adults and children alike) are encouraged to travel by golf cart on Put in Bay. Not only do they get you from place-to-place, but you get to enjoy a different sort of transportation that is fun for everyone you’re with!



3. Climb Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial: Perry's Memorial was erected in 1936 to commemorate one of the most significant events in the War of 1812, the Battle of Lake Erie. It is named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry who led the victory of the battle. This enormous memorial is a column stretching 352 feet into the sky, making it the tallest "Doric" column in the entire world, and fourth tallest monument in the United States. As of April 30, renovations will be completed and visitors will once again be able to climb to the top of the observation deck!

4. Taste Some Wine: The Heineman Winery at Put-In-Bay has got to be my favorite winery I have been to in Ohio. The fantastic wine offerings are due to Put-In-Bay's rich island soil that helps grow some of the highest quality grapes in the state. Daily tours are offered 11AM - 5PM in which you get complimentary samples of wine. The Pink Catawba is one of the most popular wines. I suggest you get a bottle of that and some of the others to stock up on, since getting to Put-In-Bay is not the easiest of trips.

5. Explore Crystal Cave: As its name suggests, it is a cave full of "crystals" (really, a blueish mineral called celestite) and is the largest geode (a rock cavity with crystals inside) in the WORLD. Most geodes you cannot even put your hand inside, yet this one you can WALK inside. You can get tours of this while also touring the Heineman Winery. This is truly one of the most unique attractions in the whole state!

So You Think Ohio's Boring?

Want to amp up your weekend with new adventures?

 Looking for exciting thrills and & active lifestyle?

 Interested in exploring the state's hidden gems?

Look no further than OHventures!

We have you covered.

Canoeing / Hiking / Biking / Rock Climbing / Skydiving / Camping

Winter Hiking / Parasailing / Ziplining / Boating / Wine Tasting / Running

Hocking Hills / Mansfield Reformatory / Ohio Statehouse / Ohio Caverns

Cleveland / Columbus / Youngstown / Akron / Dayton

Chillicothe / Cincinnati / Toledo / Canton

Come Parasail Away!

Me with my friend Anna parasailing in 2008.

Parasailing: It's the happy medium between the ultra-extreme skydiving and the ultra-lowkey sailing. It's getting towed behind a motorboat while attached to a long cord and hanging from a specialized parachute. It's really an exhilerating activity that's both low risk and relatively low cost.

On a clear day, when winds are calm enough (yet not too calm), parasailing companies operate all over the world, including on Lake Erie. Some offer just one person, but more powerful boats can offer rides for two or three people. Going with someone makes the ride all the more fun, so you have someone to talk to while you're up there in the air.