DiscoveringOhio

Join Me Under the Stars at Perkins Observatory

Perkins Observatory

My Friday evening begins with a wish for clear skies as I wonder what kinds of galactic gifts the night might bring. Telescopes of enormous sizes are sprinkled across the front lawn of the Perkins Observatory in Delaware, Ohio, as daylight gives way to dusk.

There is a feeling of excitement as families and star gazers arrive for the public program that takes place every Friday evening.

With too much cloud cover to do the program outdoors, Director Tom Burns takes the group inside for an alternative program. In the meantime, we literally wait for the skies to clear and hope for our chance to look through the powerful telescopes. 

Director, Tom Burns

Burns is a colorful character who welcomes the group by saying that we are now “sharing the wonder and majesty of the universe.”

Standing at the front of the room Burns provides an entertaining lesson in planets, stars and the universe. We learn terms like Jovian planet and celestial sphere. We find out how and why to use binoculars backwards to see planets a half billion miles away.

Burns’ passion, expertise and insight about our world make me feel like I am privy to special information. I am sure everyone in the room walked away with new knowledge.

Unfortunately, the clouds never cleared enough for us to use the outside telescopes, but that is the chance you take. Part of the fun in visiting Perkins Observatory is to see this incredible research facility in action.

Built in 1923, the working observatory is used by the Ohio Wesleyan University Physics and Astronomy Department. The dome of the observatory houses a 135,000 pound telescope, the fourth largest in Ohio. Visitors can get up close to examine the many mirrors inside. The observatory is run by Burns, Technical and Project Assistant Don Stevens and a dedicated and passionate cast of volunteers who are excited to share their knowledge.    

Telescope in the dome

Friday night public programs are just one of many programs and lectures offered by the observatory. In July, a series of programs will be offered called Celebration of the Sun. Programs will run during the late afternoon sessions and offer a rare glimpse of the sun through special telescopes.

Most programs require tickets and/or reservations, and all programs, of course, are weather permitting. Even though my visit to Perkins Observatory turned out cloudy, I still walked away with renewed excitement about my universe and look forward to another visit on a clear night.

Bonding and bicycling on the Baltimore & Ohio

Perfect spring weather, exercise and a bit of family bonding: My dad and I had it all for our first-ever trip along the Richland B&O bike trail on a recent Saturday in May.

We mapped a route from Butler to Mansfield and back--about 37 miles round-trip. It was the first bike trip of semi-significant length (well, of any length) I’d made since the birth of my daughter in February, and while I was itching to get back in the saddle, I was a little nervous about how I’d hold up.

We prepared to depart from a parking lot in Butler, set against a backdrop of farm machinery and the Whiffletree Restaurant, which looked like it might be a place to pick up some great local flavor.

Fortunately for us (especially for me, the out-of-shape cyclist), the asphalt trail was smooth, even and very well-kept, and we were free to travel at whatever pace we chose. The route treated us to a number of views: neat old farmhouses, granaries, industrial facilities; former depots and railroad bridges atop lazy creeks; spring foliage, rock outcroppings and farmers’ fields.

The Richland B&O is a rail-trail, meaning it was a railroad (the Baltimore & Ohio, of course) in its former life. Now converted into a scenic path that also passes through Bellville and Lexington, it appeared on our visit to be a popular recreational spot for walkers, joggers, in-line skaters and cyclists alike--plus a number of canine companions.

We stopped for a water break at a quaint-looking train depot-turned-rest area in Bellville, which also boasted an ice cream shop and antique stores across the street (sadly, they were closed at the time of our visit). If you’ve got time or are looking to grab a bite to eat, there are a number of offerings in downtown Bellville, including a dairy isle, pizza shop and coffee shop, among others.

About six miles northwest of Bellville, in Lexington, cycling enthusiasts can stop for repairs or just browse at Y-Not Cycling and Fitness.

Once you arrive in Mansfield (or perhaps you’ll choose to start there), take some time to relax and enjoy the scenery at North Lake Park or venture into town for some shopping, dining and sightseeing.

If you’re looking to extend your trip a bit, you can camp at River Trail Crossing in Butler, located on the Clear Fork Mohican River with easy access to the bike trail. Other nearby attractions include the Gorman Nature Center in Mansfield, Malabar Farm State Park in Lucas and Mohican State Park, about a 20 minute drive east of Bellville along Ohio 97.

Due to an incident with a forgotten backpack, we cut our trip short at around 15 miles (30 round-trip) and never made it to Mansfield. The good news is that a good samaritan kept an eye on the pack until our return--surely a testament to the nice sort of folks that frequent the Richland B&O.

Next time, we’ll make it the whole way. Promise.

Your Guide to Lighthouses Along the Lake Erie Coast

When people think of lighthouses they often think of the East Coast or Florida. But did you know that Ohio is home to a number of lighthouses? Many of these structures once served the robust shipping industry and provided light and signals to ships entering port. Today some of the lighthouses are still active, others are maintained as pieces of Ohio and Lake Erie's rich history.

I have always enjoyed lighthouses. When I travel in Ohio or out of the state boundaries, I always take a photo of a lighthouse if it is nearby. They are majestic yet calming structures at the same time.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has compiled a comprehensive list of past and present Ohio lighthouses, which is a great resource for your next Ohio lighthouse venture. This list is statewide and includes a few lighthouses not along the coast, such as the Grand Lake St. Mary's Lighthouses in Celina, Ohio and the Perry Memorial Monument, built in 1915, and located on South Bass Island.

I encourage you to take a leisurely drive along U.S. State Route 6 this spring. This northern highway will take you past many of Ohio's lighthouses, if not a stone's throw away from them.

Here's my top 4 Ohio Lighthouses:

1) Marblehead Lighthouse (Marblehead, Ohio): Built in 1812, this is Ohio's oldest lighthouse and one of its most breathtaking. Tours are given here in the summer on weekends. Perch on the rocks outside and on a clear day try to spot the Lake Erie Islands.

Marblehead Lighthouse

 

2) Huron Lighthouse (Huron, Ohio): Heading further east, this lighthouse sits a short ways off the shore. It is accessible by a mile-long pier. The lighthouse is not open to tours but is enjoyable to look at and take photos of up close or from shore. It beholds a sort of quiet mystery.

3) Lorain Lighthouse (Lorain, Ohio): Dubbed the "Jewel of the Port" this cheerful lighthouse looks very much like a house. Tours are available in the summer -- accessible only by boat!

Lorain Lighthouse

4) Conneaut Lighthouse (Conneaut, Ohio): A trip to Ohio's far east side will take you to Conneaut, where the waters are just as clear and blue. This lighthouse, built in 1835, sits far from the shore but offers a lovely view of the water and a huge beach.

 

 Which Ohio lighthouse is your favorite?

Family-friendly hiking (and more!) at Alum Creek State Park

The last (and only) time I’d visited Alum Creek State Park before our stop there on a recent weekend was as a participant in the bicycle leg of the Greenswell Triathlon, and while that occasion left me with a nice impression of Alum Creek, I didn’t exactly have time to slow down and take in the scenery.

We ambitiously traveled there with our 2-month-old and 3-year-old daughters for some family-friendly hiking, and left quite impressed with the various options for what you can do there.

In terms of hikes that are accommodating to families of young children (including the kind you pop into a carrier), all four of us recommend the Park Office Trail, a level walk around a small pond near—you guessed it!—the park office that also joins with other trails to lead you to the waterfront of Alum Creek.

Our leisurely pace and the natural diversity of the area allowed for us to make several stops to talk about the little details in nature that we adults often fail to notice, but that might be of curiosity to a preschooler: Red-winged blackbirds perched in trees above the lake, pine cones laying on the ground, a few hawks soaring above, tiny leaves starting to show on the branches along the path.

We were surprised to see a couple boaters out, despite the slightly-chilly weather. We also crossed paths with a few other families who were out enjoying the first signs of spring. 

Sound a little too tame? No worries. More experienced hikers and outdoor lovers should not lose heart: Alum Creek also has offerings for the slightly-more-ambitious, including camping (available year-round), mountain biking (there are trails for easy, moderate and difficult experience levels), horseback riding, fishing, boating and the largest inland beach in Ohio’s state park system.

It was the first hike we’d ever been on with the baby, and though she slept the whole time, we consider that an indication that she found it enjoyable. Which made it a win for all of us.

Families can save money on an overnight stay at Alum Creek State Park - or any Ohio State Parks - by purchasing a Large drink cup from McDonald's this summer. Ohio State Parks campgrounds are offering "25% off one night camping (Thursday-Sunday)" and Ohio State Park Lodges are offering "stay 2 nights and receive 20% off" or "$50 Lodge credit". The Discover Ohio To Go campaign is running until June 9th in McDonald's restaurants (deals are good all summer). 

GateKeeper Highlights New Season at Cedar Point

Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky has a new entrance this year – and standing watch over it is GateKeeper.

GateKeeper is the park’s newest roller coaster, and provides an imposing site to those walking up to the park’s main gate. The winged coaster can reach speeds of up to 67 miles per hour, providing a jarring effect as riders are taken on a zero-G roll – one of several spots that help riders feel weightless – through two keyholes in the support towers around the park’s new entrance. In fact, while many roller coasters have a minimum height, GateKeeper is one with a maximum height as well, of 6 feet, 6 inches.

Riders from a variety of roller coaster and amusement park clubs were enthused at their chance to ride GateKeeper on media day, before the park’s opening this past Saturday. And they were pleased with it, judging from their reactions afterward – and delighted screams on the coaster. In fact, GateKeeper runs surprisingly smooth and quiet – by design. As you walk through the front gate under GateKeeper, all you hear is a whoosh and a scream.

The two minute, 40 second ride also includes 105-foot tall camelback hill, a flat spin of 360 degrees and another 360-degree rotation before the end of the ride. The coaster will run three trains, taking about 1,710 riders per hour, but expect long lines of brave souls trying their hand at a roller coaster that feels like riding on the wing of an airplane.

The coaster, costing about $30 million breaks seven world records, including longest track (4,164 feet) and tallest drop (164 feet).

GateKeeper is the newest of the 16 roller coasters at Cedar Point. Those roller coasters, from the Blue Streak – the park’s oldest coaster dating back to 1964 – to the more recent additions of Maverick and Top Thrill Dragster – form a total of nearly 10 miles of track.

Construction of GateKeeper has also led to a remodeling of the park’s main entrance. New this year, the park has abandoned turnstiles for cameras. Also new this year, Coca-Cola has replaced Pepsi as the official soft drink.

Visitors can save up to $15 on admission to Cedar Point and up to 20% off on lodging at Cedar Point Resorts, this year by stopping at an Ohio McDonald's. Cedar Point is one of the participating attractions in the Discover Ohio To Go promotion, where travelers can buy a large Coca-Cola beverage or iced tea from participating McDonald’s restaurants and redeem it for discounts to 13 travel destinations in Ohio. Some other attractions you can receive discounts at are Great Wolf Lodge, Hocking Hills Canopy tours, Greater Cleveland Aquarium, and more!  Hurry before this promotion ends June 9th. 

2013 Mobile Tour Summer of "hi"

I consider my job to be among the best there is. For the second year in a row I am lucky enough to be involved with a job that lets me travel around Ohio and its surrounding states telling people exactly how this state is too much fun to fit into one day. Working with TourismOhio on the “Too Much Fun Mobile Tour” has been a blast so far, not only because I’ve had the chance to travel and make new friends, but also because I’ve learned so much more than I ever thought I could about Ohio.

As a kid, my family and I would take day trips around the state to check out festivals and museums, but this tour has given me a plethora of knowledge and ideas to bring back to my family; and my prior knowledge has helped me adapt to talking with people, urging them to check out Ohio’s offerings. On the way to each festival, the Mobile Tour team makes stops at Ohio destinations large and small, and takes photos that are posted on DiscoverOhio's Facebook page.

Our tour kicked off this year in Louisville, Kentucky for the Derby Festival Marathon expo. We will head to two more indoor expos the first weekend in May, traveling to both Indianapolis and Cincinnati. After that, begins the outdoor festivals and events. We will be in Cleveland and then Erie, Pennsylvania back-to-back weekends for rib cook-offs. June is really when things kick off, with art festivals in Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Toledo, as well as the Dayton Air Show. We plan to venture out of state in July, with destinations in Naperville, Illinois; Ann Arbor, Michigan; as well as the West Virginia Hot Dog Festival. We will once again end our tour in Marysville for the All-Ohio Balloon Festival.

This is going to be a jam-packed tour of fun. The Discover Ohio tent isn’t hard to spot with our giant blue and green flags, so don’t be shy, stop on over and say “hi” at one of the festivals. We have a fresh group of ambassadors this summer and I think I can speak for all of them when I say we cannot wait to get started. Be sure to follow DiscoverOhio's Facebook page for updates on our whereabouts and join us at an event near you!

 

 

 

McDonald's and Coca-Cola make it easy to Discover Ohio this summer!

As it turns out, this is a perfect summer to celebrate an American combination.  McDonald’s + Coca-Cola + Ohio’s great destinations = wonderful deals and coupons to help you enjoy the summer in this great state!

The Office of TourismOhio recently announced a summer promotion that has moms like me ready to pack up the car and head out. It’s simple, it’s easy, and there are some really great deals available throughout the state.  And I’m pretty sure I speak for most families when I say that everybody loves a good bargain.  I know our family does!

After attending a press conference at a Columbus McDonald’s, I learned just how effortless the cooperating organizations have made this for us all.  As a busy family running between school and other events, we frequently find ourselves stopping to grab a quick dinner at my children’s favorite happy place, McDonald’s.  With the purchase of a large Coca-Cola beverage or iced tea, McDonald’s will serve your drink in a special cup with a “Discover Ohio To Go” logo on the side.  Save your cup – it’s your handy coupon that won’t even get lost in the bottom of your purse…

If you visit the web site, www.DiscoverOhioToGo.com, it will provide a long list of great steals and deals across the state.  From way up north at Cedar Point, to zipping through the middle of the state at Hocking Hills Canopy Tours and Wild Zipline Safari, to riding the coasters down south at Kings Island, there’s something for everyone.

There are nearly 400 Ohio McDonald’s locations participating in this promotion, and 7 million cups printed and ready to be filled, which adds up to a lot of savings for tourists in Ohio!

So here are the basics:

1. Go to a participating McDonald’s.  Order a large Coca-Cola beverage of your choice.  (And maybe some fries, because they’re just that good!)

2. Save your cup!

3. Visit www.DiscoverOhioToGo.com to research the promotional partners across the state, and make sure to double-check their fine print because each deal is different.

Remember that this promotion is limited.  Cups will only be sold from April 29 through June 9.  After that, cups can still be redeemed at many destinations, but you won’t be able to get any more at the restaurants. 

There really is something for everyone, too.  Whether you are interested in adventure, art, culture, or just lounging by the pool or campfire, the major destinations are waiting for you, and your cup, to visit. 

Other fantastic partners helping to provide summer fun include:

Cincinnati Museum Center, Columbus Museum of Art, Great Wolf Lodge (Mason and Sandusky), Greater Cleveland Aquarium, Kalahari Resorts, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Ohio State Parks, and Wildwater Kingdom.

 

There’s not much else to say.  It’s an easy way to enjoy some of the great destinations we have here in Ohio without breaking the bank.  So head to McDonald’s and get ready to sneak in some fun, with things to discover and adventure in every corner.  Here comes your summer getaway!

 

The Hidden Gems of Southeast Ohio

When deciding on a college, the location is just as important as the program you choose to study. I spent four of my most formative years at Ohio University in Athens. As a wide-eyed freshman I was unaware of the all the unique locations and experiences Southeast Ohio has to offer. Between the Appalachian Mountains and the Hocking Hills, this region has some great hidden gems for anyone wanting to visit.

 

Grouse Nest Restaurant, South Bloomingville

I had the delicious pleasure of visiting this restaurant during my senior year. Literally nestled high on top of a hill deep in the Hocking Hills Resort, this casual diner features entrees with ingredients indigenous to Ohio such as rabbit sausage, Ohio Whitetail venison, Bluegill fish, and western diamondback rattlesnake. I tried the Roasted Red Pepper & Smoked Gouda Soup and the Grilled Salmon BLT from their lunch menu and it was probably one of the most tasty soups and sandwiches I’ve ever had.

Barton Meadows, Hocking Hills

My roommates and I stayed here right after graduation as a weekend getaway. This inviting cabin has all the classic country vacation staples including a Jacuzzi, fire pit, a large yard but it was the game room and the library stocked full of movies that kept us entertained on the hot summer night. Being tucked away and secluded (no cell phone service) in this comfortable home in Hocking was a nice break from our busy post grad lives.

Strouds Run State Park, Athens

A popular destination for OU students and Athens County residents, this park features a large lake great for canoeing, kayaking, fishing or just basking in the sun’s rays. I’ve gone for a picnic on a lazy Friday and to a wooded photo shoot for a campus magazine I worked for. This park is great for a leisure-filled day trip.

Athens Farmers Market, Athens

Most people in Athens don’t wake up early enough on Saturdays to take advantage of this gem and they are really missing out. The community gathers at 10 am to buy and sell some of the freshest fruit and flowers this county has to offer. Many times I would get delicious apples and peaches to enjoy and some flowers to put in my dorm room window.

These are only some of a few great places in Southeast Ohio that I was lucky enough to experience. What are your favorite hidden gems?

Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial Celebration

Here are some great ways to see history come to life along Ohio's northern coast as celebrations leading up to the 200th anniversary celebration of Commodore Oliver Perry's great victory at the  Battle of Lake Erie kick into high gear this Spring and Summer.

The battle on September 10, 1813 was one of the biggest naval battles of the War of 1812 and a turning point in the war for Americans.

Summer travelers can get a jump on the celebrations by checking out some of these events prior to the major bicentennial commemorations in September:

• May 3-5

  First Siege of Fort Meigs 200th Anniversary Commemoration (Perrysburg)

  Battle re-enactments commemorate Americans who withstood sieges laid on the fort in 1813, defending American positions and helping pave the way for American forces gaining control of Lake Erie later that year. The event includes one of the first opportunities to view an exhibit full of rare and never-before-seen artifacts from the War of 1812 at the Fort Meigs museum.

  
  

   

• May 25

  4th Annual Salute to the Troops, Perry's Victory Visitor Center (Put-in-Bay)

  The theme of this year's salute is "Honoring War of 1812 Casualties" and features music, games and speakers to kick off the season-long Bicentennial to the Battle of Lake Erie commemoration.

• July 4

  Independence Day at Fort Meigs (Perrysburg)

  An 18-gun salute highlights Fort Meigs’ Independence Day celebration as re-enactors recreate 1813 celebrations with demonstrations, fife and drum music, and fun activities for kids.

• July 4

  Centennial Celebration of the Cornerstone Laying of Perry's Memorial (Put-in-Bay)

  A celebration starts with the swearing in of some of our country’s newest citizens and hundreds of new enlistees to the United States’ Armed Forces. A parade featuring the United States Army Band and re-enactment of the laying of the cornerstone of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial follows.

  
  
  

   

• August 9-November 10

  Perry’s Victory: The Battle of Lake Erie, 1813-Toledo Museum of Art (Toledo)

  Toledo Museum of Art exhibit features paintings, prints, sculpture, artifacts, letters and music to tell the story of Commodore Perry’s victory in Lake Erie. Be sure to check out a special showing of the heroically scaled painting, Perry’s Victory on Lake Erie by Thomas Birch, that depicts a critical moment just before the surrender of the British ships.

• Aug 23

  Happy Birthday, Commodore Perry!-Perry's Victory Visitor Center (Put-in-Bay)

  Celebrate the 228^th anniversary of Commodore Perry’s birth at the Perry Victory Visitor Center. Enjoy a tour with a costumed Perry interpreter and musket and cannon-firing demonstrations. Wear period garb and participate in Perry look-alike and trivia contests with prizes.

  

   Photo courtesy of Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial, National Park Service, used with permission

Visit Fort Meigs and Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial sites for more War of 1812 events. The Discover Ohio, Lake Erie Shores & Islands, Ohio War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission and Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial sites are also great resources for event listings and learning about Ohio’s role in this important era of our country’s history.

I'll be back here later this summer with listings for the big Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial events scheduled for September.

A Trip Down the Road is a Trip Back in Time

For some, the essence of central Ohio can be summed up in one word: farm. The deep agricultural roots that have pushed this state forward for years are still alive and growing, and a day’s visit to Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County can prove it to you.

Malabar Farm State Park has more to offer than we could see on a single, chilly March day, but the prospect of spring was everywhere in the air.  Upon arriving, the Visitor Center was welcoming and informative.  Numerous interactive activities kept our children happy and even taught us a thing or two about farming and the environment.  Malabar Farm prides itself on being a “green” facility; there is a windmill located on the property and even the bathroom ceramic tiles are made from recycled materials!  There is a cow station to learn how to milk, bird calls to learn, and a scale model of the entire property to entice you to head outdoors…after you check out the well-stocked gift store, complete with fudge and a parrot that like to talk to you after you walk away.

The farm itself is a working farm and visitors are able to walk through the barns on a tour or by themselves as we did.  Cows, sheep, ponies, goats, chickens and turkeys graced our afternoon, and a clever barn cat followed us around before sneaking into the straw for a nap. 

Also available for a tour is the Big House, once the home of Louis Bromfield.  The Pulitzer Prize winning author and conservationist lived in a fully-functioning Malabar Farm from 1942 until his death in 1956.  In his lifetime he wrote a number of fictional and non-fictional novels, including many based on his life at the farm.  His books are available in the gift store.

During our spring visit, we decided to head to the woods for a family hike.  The property is laced with hiking trails, allowing you to see all of the property.  We walked through a beech-maple forest and stopped to watch wildlife and play in some of the sandstone blocks that specked the forest.

Malabar Farm State Park has a number of activities planned for the year, and I can easily see how a family would make a wonderful weekend out of a visit.  There are places listed on their website for lodging, and a delightful farm stand and restaurant up the road.  I would say it is well worth the journey in a car to take a trip back in time into a landscape of rolling hills, pastures, forests, and a brilliant writer who made it all possible.