Cool & Cozy Ohio Cabins

Photo by OHventures

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!

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, visit this site.

1. Island View Cottages: 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.

2. Mohican Tree House Cabins: 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!

3. Geneva State Park Campground: 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. 

4. The Hocking Hills Caboose: 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! 

5. Nomad Ridge at The Wilds: 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!

READ MORE AT OHIO.ORG!

Akron To Cincy

Photos by Tim Fitzwater

The following post was written for publication on the website "The Akronist." 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. 

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.”

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.

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.

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.

READ MORE AT THE AKRONIST

Happy 5th Birthday To OHventures

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY OHVENTURES!

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.

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.

To celebrate this milestone, we sifted through the over 500 posts on the blog to revisit some of our favorite and most popular adventures! 

And now, some OHventures superlatives, as chosen by yours truly!

OHVENTURES SUPERLATIVES

Most Scenic OHventure: Explore Geneva-On-The-Lake

Honorable Mention: Kayak The Bay at PIB

Coolest OHventure: Stand Up Guys Paddle Boarding

Honorable Mention: Kalahari Indoor Water Park 

Coldest OHventure: Cryotherapy Plus

Honorable Mention: Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump

Dirtiest OHventure: Tough Mudder Ohio

Honorable Mention: Spartan Race Ohio

Craziest OHventure: Skydive Your Fears Away

Honorable Mention: Cupid's Undie Run

Scariest OHventure: Haunted Prison Experience

Honorable Mention: Local Music Meets The Walking Dead

Tastiest OHventure: Columbus Food Adventures Taco Truck Tour

Honorable Mention: Canton Food Tours

Wildest OHventure: The Wilds Open Air Safari

Honorable Mention: Meet an Elephant at Cincinnati Zoo

Booziest OHventure: Columbus Pedal Wagon

Honorable Mention: Rhinegeist Brewery

Most Unique OHventure: Float Tank at Bodhi Tree Guesthouse

Honorable Mention: Mohican Tree House Cabins

Most Challenging OHventure: Cap City Half Marathon

Honorable Mention: VeloSano 100-Mile Bike Ride

Here is to many more years of giving the world items for their very own Buckeye Bucket List!

A Trip To Ohio's Rubber City

Photos by OHventures

After recently moving to downtown Akron for a new job, I have settled in quite nicely, much in part due to the wide variety of things to do in the county seat of Summit County!

As the fifth largest city in the state, Akron has thoroughly impressed me with its exciting food offerings, wide variety of entertainment and nightlife, and its own unique and charming personality that make Akron a great place to visit on a day trip or weekend excursion!

What everyone needs most on any road trip is sustenance, and Akron definitely delivers! Probably the most iconic restaurant in town is Luigi's, an Italian joint known for its mouthwatering pizza and cheese-tastic salads! If you go here, be sure to bring cash, as Luigi's does not accept credit cards.

If you are looking for more variety, you can try the ultra-swanky yet ultra-affordable Crave restaurant! Your tastebuds will go on quite an adventure with dishes like the BLT (bacon/lettuce/fried green tomato) and smoked gouda macaroni & cheese with blackened chicken!

Other great dining options include: Bricco (an upscale small chain in the area), Cilantro (Asian food and sushi), and Urban Eats.

For great bar food and a wide selection of drinks for adult trips, be sure to go to Baxter's and the Lockview, both located on Main Street.

Once your belly is full, it's time to explore Akron's art and culture! The Akron Art Museum is a must-see. The building itself is quite a piece of art! Inside, you're bound to find exquisite regional, national and international exhibits! 

READ MORE AT DISCOVERING OHIO!

OHventures Shirts Are Here!

The wait is finally over!

We are so excited to introduce to you the BRAND NEW official "Team OHventures" t-shirts!

After much anticipation, the shirts have arrived and YOU can show your Ohio pride by purchasing one today!

Male and female shirts are available with the above design for a cost of just $15 (plus shipping if applicable).

You can order your shirt directly by emailing ohventuresblog@gmail.com along with your size, gender, and address!

It is our hope that you will show your support for the blog and spread the word by getting yours today for yourself or as a holiday gift for a loved one!

Healthy Home, Healthy You!

Lessen Your Carbon Footprint In Your Home and Save Big!
By Michael J. Evans/OHventures
For: Compass Media, Healthy Home Issue

READ MORE AT COMPASS MEDIA (PAGES 14-21) 

OR PICK UP A HARD COPY OF THE MAGAZINE ON STANDS IN THE CANTON AREA THIS FALL!

It happens every month: you open your mailbox hoping to find exciting letters from friends and family only to discover your ever-dreaded utility bills lurking inside. Begrudgingly, you take the parcels out, hold your breath, close your eyes, and open the envelope. You are hoping that some magical force has somehow yielded a much smaller, more reasonable dollar amount on the piece of paper inside. But, inevitably the number is far greater than you would prefer. You stare at the bill, sure of the fact that the "8" and the "2" should be transposed, or that maybe you are reading it wrong and need to go get your glasses? But then you finally accept the harsh truth: you really did use that much energy in the past month. But you don't always have to settle for high bills. There are things that you and the rest of those in your household can do to not only lessen the impact energy bills have on your wallet, but to lessen the impact they have on the environment, as well.

Since utilities are the glue that holds a house together, there is no way around using them. Whether you are a homeowner or you rent an apartment, using utilities more wisely is the key to a lower bill. The biggest key to success is making sure that everyone who lives under the same roof lives under the same set of rules when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint.

One of the most obvious contributing factors to a high energy bill is the excessive heating and cooling of your home. In the summer, the electric bill tends to skyrocket when using fans and air conditioning units, and in the winter, gas bills can double or even triple as your furnace works overtime to keep you cozy.

To address rising costs associated with cooling your home, you should first and foremost look for appliances and air conditioning units that are Energy Star approved. Energy Star is a program that was started by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a "voluntary program to identify and promote energy-efficient products and buildings in order to reduce energy consumption, improve energy security, and reduce pollution through voluntary labeling of or other forms of communication about products and buildings that meet the highest energy efficiency standards." Seeing the Energy Star symbol on any product is always a good sign of long-term savings.

Follow Compass!

 

Compass Media is based in Canton, Ohio and is a leading publisher of magazines that educate the community in which we all live. Compass Media will issue several themed editions of its magazine, on the topics of: Medical, Health, Fitness, Animal Health Care, Higher Education, Building and Remodeling, Being Green, and Quality Family Living.

 

 

With its team of marketing experts, Compass Media is dedicated to providing smarter solutions for clients’ advertising and branding goals. Compass Media provides award-winning creative designs, brand development, printing and web design; and also creates its very own market segment publications that provide an educational resource for the community.

 

I am a proud member of "Team Compass," serving as a Contributing Writer, and I have thus far written three articles for the magazine: "Improving Your Lung Health" (Medical 2013), "Ohio Runner's Boston Connections" (Fitness 2013), and "Monumental Workouts" (Fitness 2013).

 

I also have participated in the photo shoot for the Fitness edition at the McKinley Monument in Canton. Compass Media gathered hundreds of fitness fanatics from the Stark County area to run the steps of the monument to accompany the feature story I had written. It was a cold day, but very enjoyable to be amongst such great company.

 

I will continue to contribute to Compass Media publications and I encourage you to "Like" them on Facebook, or pick up a hard copy of the magazine on newsstands in the Canton area. 

 





Monumental Workouts

Monumental Workouts

by Michael J. Evans

for Compass Media LLC

2013 Fitness Edition

History is rich and deep in Canton at the absolutely stunning and ornate McKinley Monument that was built as the final resting place of the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley, after he was assassinated in 1901. Having been born in Niles (near Youngstown), President McKinley later practiced law in Canton, which he called his “adopted” home (which explains why he is buried here). Even if you’re not a history buff, you can still appreciate what this building holds and represents.

In addition to the architectural splendor and historical aspects the monument brings to the city (and the state as a whole), the McKinley Monument also adds an element of fitness and adventure to the community. Each and every day, rain or shine, one can find any number of individuals or groups of boot-campers running up and down the stairs Rocky Balboa style!

Over the years, the 106 stairs at the monument have become a hotspot for health nuts and fitness freaks looking to use the landmark as their very own outdoor public gym!

Folks get their cardio fix running the stairs over and over, feeling the burn in their calves, quads and lungs. People can also build muscle by using the landings of the monument as areas to perform sets of push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, and other body-sculpting exercises. Even simply walking your dog or taking the steps at a leisurely pace can do wonders for your overall health and wellbeing!

Maria Potvin, Fitness Director and Certified Personal Trainer at Powerhouse Gym in North Canton, has been working out at the McKinley Monument for at least 15 years, and says there is a reason for its growing popularity.

“The monument provides a very non-intimidating atmosphere because it’s outside and you’ll see all walks of life,” she said. “People are much more inclined to train outside, because they are tired of being in a gym doing the same thing over and over. The monument is instrumental in giving everyone a different perspective and providing different workouts.”

Potvin, who has been in the fitness industry for over 25 years, said that her focus and goal has always been to get people to embrace a healthy lifestyle and get them excited about exercise, no matter who they are or where they workout. She stressed the importance of incorporating a variety into your everyday routine, which is what Powerhouse Gym aims to do with its array of cutting-edge classes: spin, yoga, zumba, kickboxing, and more. She recommends heading to the steps of the McKinley Monument for an equipment-free experience in a stunning location!

Kim Wagler, owner of Impulse Training on Whipple Avenue in North Canton, is one of many local personal trainers that offer free workout classes at the McKinley Monument on a regular basis.

“I love the environment [at the McKinley Monument],” Wagler said. “The smiles on everyone’s face is just what we need in today’s society when most people are so glued to their phone that they don’t even look up to acknowledge other people!”

Wagler has been offering free community outreach classes through Impulse Training since July 2009, when she held an Independence Day Boot Camp. The times and days in which classes are offered vary, but are posted on www.impulsetraining.com/events. She said that clients love to come to the stairs to experience a different type of training, and to socialize with others while busting through obstacles and celebrating those victories together.

“There are so many options,” Wagler said. “No matter what fitness level you are at, just walking or running those steps will provide an amazing workout to strengthen your heart and muscles as well as burn tons of calories, which can lead to great fat loss.”

An extremely wide variety of individuals all ages, both male and female, make it to the stairs to workout! Wagler said she has everyone from 8-year-old boys to 70-year-old ladies join in on the action. However, she noted that the typical participants are 35-55 year-old women.

Daniel Williams, founder and owner of DWFIT, said that age and fitness level is not a factor in the boot camp classes he teaches at the monument.

“The workouts I teach at the monument are set up so you can go at your own pace,” Williams said. “It’s open to super-fit people as well as people who have not worked out in a long time and are looking to get back into shape. I walk around and help everyone individually when I teach. We mix it up so you get the most out of your workout and don’t get bored.”

Williams takes his boot camps to the monument any chance he can. If the weather is nice, he alerts everyone who has signed up for his class that it will be held at the McKinley monument. If the weather is not nice, classes take place at Grand Slam, located on Dressler Road in North Canton. Currently, classes are weekdays at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM; Saturdays at 10 AM; and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 AM.

To spice things up even more, Williams sometimes brings various pieces of exercise equipment with him to his monument classes, including: agility ladders, 4x4 logs (for frog hops) and light weights (for deadlifts and curl presses). He also brings sidewalk chalk to create exercise “stations” so his students can do circuit training at the monument. He said the possibilities are endless, and that one can get a great full-body workout by visiting the landmark!

Below are some exercises that local fitness instructors Maria Potvin, Kim Wagler, and Daniel Williams have recommended to try on your own if you decide to workout at the McKinley Monument. You can pick and choose which workouts to incorporate, customizing your routine to fit your specific needs:

·         Run to the top of the stairs, loop around the monument, and run back down. Repeat.

·         Perform decline pushups on the stairs to work both your upper and lower body.

·         Utilize the stairs to do calf raises and lunges if you are looking to focus on the legs.

·         At the top of the stairs, do plank variations and squats to work the core.

·         At each landing between the sets of stairs, do 30 burpee exercises and/or 30 sit-ups

·         Use the wall at the top of the monument for triceps dips and/or jump squats

·         Bring small dumbbells or wear weighted gloves to add more strength training to your stair climbing!

The fresh air, sunshine, and cool breeze make exercising on the McKinley Monument different than exercising inside the confines of a gym. Knowing that you can strengthen your heart, build muscle, and improve your wellbeing by visiting one of the most noteworthy landmarks in Northeast Ohio makes getting active in the community so much more exciting! We all owe a special thanks to President William McKinley for keeping so many people in shape after all these years!

READ MORE AT COMPASS MEDIA (PAGES 37-39)

OR PICK UP A HARD COPY OF THE MAGAZINE ON STANDS IN THE CANTON AREA IN JUNE!

Ohio Runner's Boston Connections

Local Runner's Boston Connections

by Michael J. Evans

for Compass Media LLC

2013 Fitness Edition

Across the nation, hearts are heavy after the recent tragedy at the Boston Marathon. Fellow runners, fellow spectators, and above all, fellow human beings, are deeply saddened by the horrific events that occurred on April 15. As millions mourn the deaths and injuries from this fateful event, prayers pour out for the families and loved ones of those affected. 

Runners around the world are united by their respect for each other and their passion and commitment to the sport. When the horrific bombing took place at the Boston Marathon, it seemed as if everyone knew someone  who was present.

For marathon runners like John Erme, purchasing manager at The Timken Company in Canton, the events took an extremely personal toll on him. Erme has run the Boston Marathon a total of six times, in the years 

2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. After his first Boston Marathon, Erme increased his marathon frequency to one or two every year. He has run a total of 22 marathons in places like New York City, Scranton, Washington DC, Columbus, and Akron. 

With such an impressive running resume, it was no surprise that Erme received a number of calls and texts from friends across the country checking on him after the Boston bombing. Even though he was not present, many acquaintances thought it was possible he could be, given his continued involvement in marathons througout the years. 

Thankfully, Erme was safe in Canton. However, he knew of two Timken Company associates and others in the Canton running community who were there, as well as other friends he had who live in the Boston area. 

"There were many anxious moments waiting for word on them," Erme said (all were found to be unharmed). "The running community obviously feels a kinship to Boston with one or two degrees of separation from it by having run it or knowing someone who has."

Erme, like many Americans, said he had a flood of emotions running through his mind when he caught wind of the horrible news: concern for the victims; anger at the bombers; pride for the volunteers and first responders rushing to help. 

"The finish line at Boston is such a positive and uplifting experience," he said. "No one should have to worry about anything other than a runner pulling a muscle. The crowds are deep and loud, cheering friends, family and strangers in the final stretch. In past races, my friends and family were on that side of Boyleston Street [where the bombs went off]. The sheer innocence of that is gone. But it will be replaced with resilience, defiance and determination in honor of the victims."

Though the marathon was the target, Erme said that it could have happened at any large open event, running related or not. Since running events are open and free to the public and cover many miles of unsecure are, there will need to be increased security at high profile events. But increased diligence and awareness by the public of suspicious behavior will help most. That said, Erme does not plan to let this tragedy slow down his 25 year running career, and hopes to requalify in the fall for the 2014 Boston Marathon.

In the meantime, Erme is joining thousands of other Americans who are giving back and helping in one way or another. Erme participated along with 80 other runners in a music video produced by the Akron Marathon to benefit One Fund Boston. 

Since its creation, One Fund Boston has raised over $30 million to help those most affected by the bombing. If you would like to donate, visit www.onefundboston.org.  

READ MORE AT COMPASS MEDIA (PAGES 12-13)

OR PICK UP A HARD COPY OF THE MAGAZINE ON STANDS IN THE CANTON AREA IN JUNE!

Improving Your Lung Health

 

 

Improving Your Lung Health

by Michael J. Evans

for Compass Media LLC

 

Breathing is something that many of us tend to take for granted. However, lung cancer and lung-related diseases are an increasing epidemic in the country. With the growing prevalence of respiratory conditions and diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chances are you or someone you know is affected, finding themselves "fighting for air" on a daily basis.

 

In many cases, making positive changes to your lifestyle can dramatically decrease your chances of being diagnosed with such illnesses. Putting yourself in an environment that is smoke free and pollution free is the most obvious and most important step to take. Quitting smoking can be difficult for many, but doing so will dramatically improve one's health in an extraordinary number of ways. Your lungs will thank you, and so will the lungs of those around you. 

 

Living in a home where someone smokes or spending time close to others while they smoke poses many health threats. We have known these things for years, yet the addictive quality of nicotine keeps people from kicking the habit for good. If you or someone you love needs help eliminating cigarettes from their life for good, visit Freedom From Smoking online at www.LungUSA.org.

 

In addition to quitting smoking (which is the number one cause of lung cancer), it is important to address the possibility of radon in your surroundings (which is the second leading cause of lung cancer). Radon is an odorless and colorless gas which can enter your home through your water pipes or cracks in your walls or floors. A home test is inexpensive and easy. To learn more about how you can protect youself from radon and how to get your house tested for the presence of this gas in your home, visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website on the subject at www.epa.gov/radon.

 

READ MORE AT COMPASS MEDIA (PAGES 40-42)
OR PICK UP A HARD COPY OF THE MAGAZINE ON STANDS IN THE CANTON AREA IN APRIL!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It’s amazing how powerful a series of numbers assigned to each day is and the effect it has on the human race: 01/01/2013.

Had it not been for the Gregorian calendar dictating that January 1 marks the beginning of a new year, we would be going about our normal routine, treating it as just another dreary, snowy, groggy day in the cycle of our existence. Most people would rest their heads at a more respectable time, and in a more sober manner, waking up for work or school like the first of any month.

Instead, it empowers us to do things we hold back from, motivates us to change our current ways by breaking old habits, and inspires us to move forward. It causes us to reflect on what we had done the past 365 days and how much has truly changed – for better and worse.

But, it’s just another day.

Why do we need a calendar date to psychologically manipulate us into becoming empowered, inspired, and motivated? Why do we need this day to reflect on our past? Not long from now, old habits will resurface, and resolutions will dissolve. Thoughts of brilliant nostalgia will be in the backs of our minds, and grumblings of the bothersome and tedious chores of everyday doings will be expressed more often.

We put too much pressure on this one day; so much pressure, that soon our plans will shatter if we aren’t careful (there are of course those steadfast few). This is why we need to learn to treat each day how we treat January 1. And by this, I don’t mean by sleeping in and being hungover. What we need to do is wake up each morning motivated to accomplish something new. Reflect on yesterday, but live today to make a better tomorrow.

Our year is not set by what happens or what is said on January 1. Our January 1 is set that way. Our year is how we treat each day and how we handle what God gives to us.

So, inadvertently, I have therefore urged everyone to make a resolution, which is, in a roundabout way, to not limit making resolutions, changes, and new beginnings to just January 1. New Years Resolutions are in no way a bad thing to set, but we need to think on a micro level with our lives and not so macro.

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day." - Edith Lovejoy Pierce

 Sometimes you can’t help but be drawn to the appeal of having a “clean slate” and “starting anew.”

Best of 2012

It was a busy year here at OHventures! With over 100 posts, we hiked, biked, ran, ate, and trampolined all over the Buckeye State! Here are the Top 10 Hottest OHventures tackled in 2012. It was a tough list to compile, as there was so much going on, but we think this list truly encapsulates the best of the best.

1.       Winemaking Part I & II: This summer and fall, I handcrafted my very own wine at Camelot Cellars Urban Boutique Winery. I gave out 13 bottles to some pretty awesome people in my life this Christmas and shared with them the winemaking blog posts to see where their gift came from. If you want to make your own wine too, check it out!

2.       Dog Days of Summer: On May 23, 2012, I adopted my “pride and joy” from the Franklin County Animal Shelter. His name was Slider, and he is a 2-year-old Chihuahua. Since then, we have been on hikes, participated in 5Ks, visited dog parks, and even hung out at wineries! OHventures will never be the same with Slider around!

3.       Capital City Half Marathon Recap: You’ve probably heard it a billion times by now (even if you’re only a casual reader), but in 2012, I ran my first half marathon. Read about it here!

4.       Skiing In Northeast Ohio: One of my favorite things ever is skiing, and it all started for me at Boston Mills & Brandywine Ski Resorts near Cleveland! This is a must for anyone’s Buckeye Bucket List, so make it happen!

5.       Bexa Body Fitness: In the midst of my P90X workouts (from January to April), I spiced up my routine by going to different gyms and trying different regimens! Bexa Body Fitness was my FAVORITE. The staff is great, the boot camp is grueling, and the piloxing is – interesting to say the least!

6.       STOMP Bike Ride: I also bought a bike this year and put it to good use by riding in the STOMP Bike Ride in Summit County! I am hoping to make 2013 “The Year Of The Bike”!

7.       Columbus Food Adventures: My mouth still waters thinking back to this awesome day when I went on a Taco Truck Tour in Columbus courtesy of the Columbus Food Adventures. If you haven’t done this yet, your tastebuds are missing out!

8.       Carew Tower: You will never look at Cincinnati the same way once you view it from atop one of its tallest skyscrapers, the Carew Tower. It was the highlight of my daytrip to Cincinnati.

9.       Clear Creek Metropark: Someone recently asked me where I would recommend they go on a nice winter hike and without hesitation I answered “Clear Creek Metropark.” It’s the best.

10.   Dedicated To My Brother: I had to include this on my list. It was the first time I had ever written about my late brother, Nick, and how he has influenced me to lead such an adventurous life!

I appreciate all of my readers for sticking with me in 2012. Here’s to a healthy, prosperous, and OHVENTUROUS 2013!

Dedicated To My Brother

 

 

I have never really written about my brother and wanted to take the opportunity to do so on this very difficult day. I hope the story can shed some light as to why I feel it's so important to get out and live life to its fullest.

 

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should - Desiderata

This quote was my brother Nick's favorite line of his favorite poem (Desiderata). Now that he has passed away, it takes on a whole different meaning. I can't help but think that God knew that we would need that quote to help cope with the loss of my brother. It helps us to move on with our lives in the best way we can and allows us to accept that what has happened is part of a greater plan.

It's tough to find the best words to share about my brother. He passed away 8 years ago today: October 12, 2004. Whenever this time of year rolls around, I can't help but be reminded (even more so than normal) of the terrible tragedy that me and my family went through. The smell of autumn leaves in the October air, especially when it rains, reminds me of the morning I heard the horrific news that my brother had died.

I was away at Ohio State, living in the dorms with my roommate Austin. It was way too early in the morning to be getting a phone call, yet both my cell and dorm phones were ringing. Austin and I rolled out of bed and I saw that I had missed a call from my Dad. I called him back immediately, with an intuition that something bad had happened. My grandfather had Alzheimers at the time (something I previously blogged about), so my mind went straight to thinking that he might have taken a turn for the worse. However, nothing could prepare me for what I was about to learn.

I don't quite remember the exact way in which my Dad told me, but he let me know that my brother Nick, freshly out of college at the age of 22, had passed away in a car accident. I dropped to my knees, bawling my eyes out, letting Austin know through the tears what had occurred. My dad said my uncle would be coming down to Columbus to get me, as I did not have a car on campus and was 3 hours away from my grieving family. Plans soon changed, however, thanks to my great high school friend, Kelly, who lived down the hall in the same dorm. She immediately offered to drive me to my hometown of Hubbard, no questions asked.

The car ride was surreal. It was gut wrenching to not be hugging and holding my family members. But, thankfully, I could find solace in Kelly, as she was practically the one and only person in my dorm and on campus that personally knew my brother. While I knew that everyone in Columbus was overwhelmingly supportive, the condolences weren't the same coming from people who had never met my brother. It was quite the opposite in my hometown. Everyone knew Nick - and I mean everyone! He was an amazing person who touched so many people's lives - so much so, that I had learned that his funeral broke records in our hometown in terms of how many people attended. He affected so many people in such positive ways, that it was actually a joy to see the overpouring of compassion and sympathy from the community.

Being reunited with my family at this time was one of the most catastrophically beautiful times in my life. Over the next few days, which were a giant blur, I found myself surrounded by love and sadness coming from the hundreds of people who were a part of my brother's life and my family's life. I remember putting together a photo board of pictures of my brother throughout his life to have displayed at the funeral. Going through those shoeboxes of pictures really helped me in my grieving process, providing smiles and laughs as my cousin Sara and I reflected on all of the good times in Nick's time on earth.

I was told that I was one of the strongest of my family members at this time. Losing my closest of kin was by no means easy, but I was able to be a rock for my other brother and my parents as we suffered through these days (and years) ahead. Perhaps it was because Nick and I shared such a special and close bond that I was able to handle the blow a bit better -- because, Nick and I understood each other and I knew that he wouldn't want anyone to be miserable due to his absence. It was my job to help people in this dark time. Nick wanted us to keep living our lives to the fullest. And he would want us to understand that this was his time - things were unfolding as they should, as the poem indicated.

I always have valued life and lived each day fully. However, Nick's death at such a young age (22) made me embrace life even more than ever before.

It made it clearer to me that there is no way of knowing when your time on this planet will be up, and being young doesn't mean you have decades more to live. It sounds morbid and depressing in a way, but I feel it to be encouraging and profound.

You can't hold off on living out your dreams, working to better yourself, exploring the world around you, and showing others how much you love them. You must always do good for others, create a legacy, and never stop growing and learning.

It is why I have taken the liberty to create a blog to share my passion of adventuring and scratching items off of my ever-growing bucket list. I want others to do the same, I want others to never cease to challenge themselves. I don't want anyone to miss out on the beauty of life.

I feel that whenever you are taken from this earth, whether you are 90 like my great grandfather, or 22 like my brother, you have lived a full life. Your purpose has been served, and your physical life on earth is no longer needed. Heaven will take over from there, granting you an eternal spiritual life.

My brother's soul lives on. I will always love him as the best friend I have ever and will ever have. Even 8 whole years after he has passed away, his message to me and to the world lives on as well:

Whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should

RIP NME 9/10/82 - 10/12/04

 

 

ASCENT Magazine

Photo by OHventures

I am honored to have been featured in both the print and online editions of the Ohio State University College of Arts & Sciences Newsletter: ASCENT, for Spring 2012. This is my first glossy magazine article I have appeared in and it is a huge honor (especially to be in the same magazine as RL Stine)! Photos appear in the print edition from my OHventures ziplining in Lebanon and meeting an elephant in Cincinnati. You can read the online edition by visiting the ASCENT website, or reading below!

From the intense outdoor adventure seekers to the self-proclaimed breakfast foodies, Arts and Sciences alumni Nicholas Dekker and Michael Evans are using social media to celebrate and explore the unexpected pleasures of Ohio with their blogs: Breakfast with Nick, and OHventures.

For Nicholas Dekker, breakfast isn’t just the the most important meal of the day, it’s also the most delicious. With hundreds of local restaurants and diners each serving up their own unique breakfast style, Dekker has discovered that Columbus is the perfect place for the breakfast connoisseur. “Breakfast can be solidly traditional or endlessly innovative. It features a wide range of foods: sweet and savory, light and heavy, fruits and meats, dairy and starches, vegetables and proteins.”

Inspired by his passion for breakfast food and love of Columbus, Dekker, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre, began Breakfast with Nick after completing graduate school at Ohio State in June 2007. “Most people are unaware that Columbus has a fascinating breakfast and brunch scene. This city has so much to offer and I want people to go out and experience these unique local places for themselves.”

The thriving success of Dekker’s blog ultimately led to his book, Breakfast with Nick: Columbus, which serves as a guide to the coffee shops, donut shops, and restaurants serving up tasty breakfast fare in Columbus. Dekker’s food blog and book have garnered him local attention from the Columbus Dispatch, Writers Talk, Columbus Alive, Columbus Crave, Good Day Columbus, WCBE Foodcast, and The Lantern. Recently, he was featured as one of Columbus Business First’s “Forty Under 40” honorees.

Fellow alumnus and adventure seeker, Michael Evans, is the voice behind the increasingly popular outdoors blog, OHventures. Evans created the blog to showcase the lesser-known outdoor activities that can be enjoyed throughout the Buckeye State. He uses video and images to capture his adventures to the less explored areas of Ohio. Evans said, “I love the outdoors and I wanted to inspire others to explore Ohio. You don’t have to go to California or Colorado to go hiking or parasailing; you can actually do that right here.”

Evans has been to cities like Akron, Canton, Toledo, Chillicothe, Youngstown, Columbus, Zanesville, and countless others. He’s written about Ohio landmarks like the Statehouse, the Harding Memorial, and the Mansfield Reformatory; as well as staple events such as Warrior Dash, Pelotonia, and the Ohio State Fair.

He said, “My blog isn’t always about me. I have a series, Featured OHventurer, that introduces readers to awesome Ohioans like Columbus Blue Jackets player Derek Dorsett, Zanesville anchorwoman Kelly Mills, and Ohio State Marching Band drummer-turned-actor Drew Thompson.”

For the past two years, OHventures has seen a significant increase in readership and followers. Evans partners with the Ohio Division of Tourisms blog, Discovering Ohio, as a guest blogger. He’s currently blogging about his training for the Capital City Half-Marathon in Columbus, Ohio, where he’ll be featured as a celebrity runner.

Evans has been interviewed by Columbus Alive and Writers Talk. Currently, he plans to transform his blog into a book, like fellow blogger, Dekker.

Yelp All About It!

Photo by OHventures. With Yelp Columbus' City Manager Christina Christian, and Yelp Employee Kristen Radu

Yelp is an extremely popular and useful tool that has been taking over the interwebs in the past few years as one of the most utilized and most popular review-based websites out there! The concept of Yelp is to allow the general public to contribute their very own reviews of area businesses - everything from restaurants to bars, dentists to gyms! Members rank the businesses on a 5-star system and include their own synopsis of their experiences. Giving honest, first hand accounts and personal stories gives readers the ability to more accurately gauge the quality of each location they read about. Yelpers spice up their reviews with fun language, photos, and tips; while readers can add comments and label a review as being funny, useful, or cool!

The Yelp experience and presence in local communities across the country is not just limited to the online world. You can find decals in the windows of establishments along Main Street in your own town that declare "People on Yelp Love Us." And you might even stumble across a Yelp booth or event that happens to be taking place in your city.

For the years of 2010 and 2011, I was chosen to be a "Yelp Elite" in Columbus. This meant that my reviews were deemed as being exceptionally helpful to readers. I was able to attend awesome VIP events such as the Yelp Rooftop Masquerade (pictured below), Yelp in Toyland, and Yelp's Cinco de Mayo Mustache Party! At all of these events, we got to network and get great Yelp "shwag" and items from local businesses for FREE! Definitely a great payoff for writing reviews!

I also have had a number of reviews awared the title of "Review of the Day" and a couple of my reviews have appeared in the Yelp Weekly (see below)

Reviews of the Day (ROTD):
The Candle Lab
Hubbard Grille
Short North Tavern
Camelot Cellars
Gateway Film Center
Spoonful Records
Sugardaddy's Sumptuous Sweeties

Appearances in the Yelp Weekly Newsletter:
Skreened
Commonwealth Sandwich Bar

I have since hung up my "Yelp Elite" hat to focus more on OHventures. However, I still utilize the site to occassionally post a review (as a non-Elite) and to often read reviews before I check out a new place.

I also encourage everyone I encounter to use Yelp if ever they travel to a new town or are looking to see what the masses think of a new pub or diner.

OHventures shares a common goal with Yelp in getting people informed about the great (and not-so-great) things that Ohio has to offer! I will always cherish and appreciate my time as a Yelp Elite and all of the events and cool opportunities that came about from my 2 years networking with fellow Yelpers! I still keep in touch from time to time.

I suggest anyone who loves to write and is looking to meet new people at cool events to get involved in one of the Yelp Communities in Ohio:

Yelp Columbus
Yelp Cincinnati
Yelp Cleveland