DiscoveringOhio

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.

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. 

Ohioana Literary Immersion - Connecting Readers with Ohio Authors

More than a century after the death of renowned Ohio poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, his words and emotion come alive again in the home and environment that inspired him.

 

Sitting in the Dunbar House in Dayton, African-American poet Herbert Woodward Martin brings to life Dunbar's famous poetry. Dunbar's work is notable for the two distinct voices in his poetry: Standard English and the sometimes controversial style written in dialect that was signature of turn-of-the-century African-American culture.

 

Check out the video from the "On the Road" Saturday Literary Adventure Series.

 

 

Standing in front of a larger than life photo of Dunbar, Woodward personifies the ebb and flow and sometimes musical words of the poet that continue to influence American literature. In between readings, the full-house audience is able to engage in a discussion about all of Dunbar's work that includes novels, short stories, plays, songs and essays. Questions ranged from meanings behind specific works to Dunbar's personal life and close relationship with the Wright Brothers. 

This day of "A Poetic Friendship: Paul Laurence Dunbar and the Wright Brothers" includes a tour of the Dunbar House, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park and the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center.

It is a perfect way to learn about the Ohio author who spent so much time growing up in the exact spot we are sitting, and truly understand him.

This is the first "On the Road" Saturday Literary Adventure Series presented by Ohioana Library that is presented monthly to connect readers with Ohio writers in the setting that made them or their works famous. 

Upcoming series topics include: "Cleveland: Play Ball! The Cleveland Indians, Progressive field and Dan Coughlin," "The Ohio State University: Lit Lives and Landmarks: Get Ready for OSU Football" and "Holmes County: The Mysteries of Ohio Amish Country." For more information about these programs and upcoming monthly programs, check out the full details at On the Road with Ohioana Library. Don't miss the Ohioana Book Festival: Celebrating Ohio's Authors this Saturday, May 11th at the Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center in Columbus.

This fantastic series is truly a sensory immersion! In just a few short hours at this Saturday series, I learned so much about Paul Laurence Dunbar and experienced his surroundings in a way that alters how I will forever read his poetry. What a fun and engaging way to discover our Ohio authors! 

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!

 

 

 

Let the Fiesta Begin!

They say somewhere that if you read five books on the same subject, you can become an expert on that topic.  Apply that same theory to margaritas and I am a Margarita Guru!

As Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) approaches, the commemoration of the Mexican Army’s defeat over the French during the Franco American War and a day of Mexican heritage and pride, Mexican restaurants open their doors for a day of celebration.

As a self-proclaimed Margarita Expert, I want to lend you my expertise on where you could find some great Mexican restaurants in Ohio that will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo so you too could join in the festivities.

 

 

 

 

La Fiesta (Richmond Heights) - As far as margaritas go – they serve the best around.  The bartender will not reveal his secret recipe (trust me I’ve asked – begged even).  As the oldest authentic and family owned restaurant in Cleveland, they have the best experience throwing a Cinco de Mayo blowout bash.  

 

 

Nada (Cincinnati) – A more upscale Mexican dining experience, Nada’s menu has a lot of great selections and some excellent guacamole to boot!  As far as margaritas go – Delicious! It’s a popular night spot and reservations are strongly recommended.

 

 

Barrio (Tremont) – Their build your own tacos was definitely intriguing since I’m such a picky eater and their choices are plentiful. The cost of $3 a taco make it well worth it to try different combinations.  When I tried their margarita I was pleasantly excited. Not too sour and just the right amount of tequila! 

 

Señor Antonio's (Columbus) – I always enjoy going to this restaurant when I am in Columbus. The service is always fantastic and the pitcher of margaritas that we drank hit the spot. When you go, I recommend you order the queso dip, a white cheese dip that goes great with your salsa and chips.

 

Lopez (Cleveland Heights) – During happy hour, they offer half-off tequila which is a perfect way for me to try out different types of tequilas. The different kinds truly alter the flavor of my drink. Their Mexican inspired menu is also a nice culmination of Mexican cuisine with a contemporary fusion style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are just SOME of my favorite Mexican restaurants.  There are too many to list here, but plenty to choose from in Ohio. However you fiesta, enjoy responsibly.  Where are your favorite Cinco de Mayo destinations?

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 Best Birding Locations in Ohio

Ohio offers some of the best birding sites in the country, particularly along the Lake Erie shoreline. Ohio State Parks, nature preserves, forests and wildlife areas are spectacular locations to view many species of birds, including warblers, song birds, waterfowl, and shorebirds among many more.

Kirtland's Warbler

The best times of the year to see these migrating birds begin in April, but more specifically you can see shorebirds from April-June, hawks from April-May, and warblers from April-May.

There are many unique locations around Ohio to see these magnificent birds including:

Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area in Lucas and Ottawa counties is recognized as one of the nation’s premier birding destinations. It offers thousands of acres along the western Lake Erie shoreline ideal for viewing the spring migration activities of warblers, song birds and mentor headlands. A handicap-accessible boardwalk, known as the bird trail, is next to the Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center at Magee Marsh and provides access to one of the best birding areas in the marsh.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Summit County located in the northeastern region of Ohio has many bird watching areas. Some of the popular birds you can see are blue heron, song birds and raptors (which stay in this area to nest).

Shawnee State Park located in Scioto County near the edge of Appalachia is the best region to go to from late April to early May. At this location you can see song birds, blue grosbeaks, prairie warblers and chuck-wills’-widows. These migrating birds are in this part of Ohio during early May for breeding.

Summer Tanger

Oak Openings Preserve in Toledo, the northwest region of Ohio, is where you will see some rare birds as they are migrating north. This is one of the best places to see raptors because they do not like to go over water. Lark sparrow can also be seen in this region as this is the only place where they breed. Bird watchers will get a great view of red headed wood peckers and summer tanagers.

These locations around Ohio are some of the more unique locations to visit to see these one-of-a-kind birds. We will also break it down regionally, as you will see below:

Southwest Ohio

• Spring Grove Cemetery – April and May
• Cincinnati
  • Great for birds due to green space in an urban setting

Southeast Ohio

• Crown City Wildlife Area
• Lawrence/Gallia County line
  • Best location is near Gallipolis during late April and early May
  • You can see grassland birds, henslow’s sparrow (bird watchers come specifically to Ohio to see this bird), eastern meadowlarks and orchard orioles

Central Ohio

• Grange Insurance Audubon Center – Early May
• Columbus
  
  • The rivers in this area are like super highways for bird migrations
  • You can also see water birds and cormorants

Northwest Ohio

• Allen County – April and May
  • Kendrick Woods
  • Johnny Appleseed Park District

 

The Biggest Week in American Birding is May 3-12. Most of these migrating birds can be seen along Lake Erie in northern Ohio. There are more than 150,000 birders along Lake Erie during this time of year. If you have never gone bird watching before, grab a pair of binoculars and head out to enjoy one of the greatest activities Ohio has during the spring season.

Magee Marsh Boardwalk

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?

Earth Day In Ohio

Earth Day is April 22, 2013 but events abound the weekend prior (April 20 & 21) throughout the state. From cleaning up neighborhoods and hiking trails to hands-on educational programs, pick your favorite way to celebrate and protect our precious Earth.  

Earth Day Columbus 

Thousands of people are taking an active role in sustainable living this year in Earth Day Columbus. The weekend of April 20 & 21, you can volunteer to plant trees, clean up neighborhoods and prepare community gardens. A free community celebration touting this year’s theme Stand Together takes place at Columbus Commons on April 27 featuring a day of bands, local food trucks, green businesses and environmental groups.

 

EarthFest 2013 – Cuyahoga County

Billed as the longest running Earth Day celebration in the country for 24 years, EarthFest 2013 kicks off Sunday, April 21^st  (10am - 5pm) at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. New exhibits this year include: a renewable energy exhibit area with a wind turbine and energy education center, healthy local foods demonstrations, composting demonstrations, rides and inflatable obstacle courses for kids and a flea market. There’s even a bike valet for those who arrive on two wheels. RTA buses are running a free EarthFest shuttle to the fairgrounds.

Earth Day at Sawyer Point – Cincinnati

On April 20^th (Noon – 5pm) enjoy a free family Earth Day at Sawyer Point. This year’s theme “One Earth…One Chance” is demonstrated throughout the grounds with hands-on exhibits on environmental awareness, animals from a local farm and Earth Day storytelling. Highlights this year include a children’s fashion show with items made from recycled materials and a parade featuring Earth Day flags made by children.

Earth Day at Garden Station – Dayton

On Saturday, April 20^th at Garden Station in Dayton, take part in dozens of workshops on gardening, beekeeping, composting, solar panels and ways to make your home more energy efficient. Learn how to make homemade paper and get kids craft ideas from recycled materials. You can try yoga, eat organic produce and enjoy lunch from local food trucks. Admission is free!!

Many events happening around Earth Day are settled in locations that your family can return to later in the year and celebrate Earth Day everyday.

Wilmont Wilderness Center - (near Canton)

The Wilmont Wilderness Center has Earth Day education all year long, but on April 20^th instead of just walking the trails, you can help clean them. Programs include learning about native birds and the role that nature plays in sustainable living.

Blue Rock Station

Home to Ohio’s first Earthship, Blue Rock Station is a sustainable homestead farm made entirely from recycled tires, barn wood, straw bales, cans and mud. This 40 acre farmstead runs group tours and programs throughout the year. It will be open to the public for an Earth Day tour on April 20 (1 -3pm). Then, you can plan your next visit to experience one of the many workshops offered throughout the year.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Who can resist a visit to the zoo? Earth Day celebrations at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo begin April 17^th with more than 175 “green” exhibitors on the grounds. Enjoy organic food, eco-friendly activities and even a six-mile educational walk throughout the zoo grounds. Don't miss "Party For the Planet" on Sunday, April 21 from 10am-4pm and receive $2 off regular admission rate.

 

Emphasis on Local at Hills Market Downtown

Downtown hipsters and urban soccer moms unite. The new Hills Market Downtown has arrived for stocking up on local goodies for the week or for a quick weekday lunch. I describe the new grocery as a hybrid of Trader Joes and Columbus’ North Market. The small size and unique array of goods bring to mind Trader Joes, while the emphasis on local conjures up the variety found at North Market. I would say the Hills Market is a very happy medium between the two. Like its sister store in Worthington, the downtown branch makes its own house products and stocks only the finest of goods for a wide range of palates.

I found myself there during the Friday lunch crowd. I could not believe the line for the deli, the salad bar, and the bakery; all of which serve fresh and local fare. The deli offers a plethora of sandwich options stocked full of house-made meats or freshly found veggies. I was fascinated by the bakery. Not only does Hills Market bake their own breads and desserts, but they also carry a large array of baked goods shipped in from the Columbus area and beyond. I picked up a loaf of house-made bread as well as a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie duo that kept me carbed and sugared up for the rest of my excursion.

The growing popularity of “local” is evident at the Hills Market; local fruits and veggies, local cheeses, local home goods, local everything. Celebrating the bounty that Ohio has to offer its inhabitants as well as the drive to produce and prepare what the land has to give has become not only popular but has turned into a culture. This lifestyle is something the store runs by; apparent in a quote on a wall that overlooks the store: “we love food, Ohio, and our community.” This increasingly popular hip and healthy food culture is making an emphasis on “local” cool, and stores like the Hills Market are making it easy to access.

I love the vibe in this place. The old-industrial-car-shop-turned-grocery scores points for its hip factor. The large wooden beams across the ceiling add a rustic charm that adds a homey twist to an industrial building. Be sure to look out for the little 4x6 cards on the shelves that tell you where the item comes from in Ohio. Also check out the website for the most up to date calendar of events, including “Pop-Up Sunday Brunches” and “Charity Happy Hours” at the downtown branch.

There are a few other markets worthy of praise within Ohio’s border. Newly reopened West Side Market in Cleveland offers over one hundred ethnically diverse vendors; Cincinnati’s Findlay Market claims the title of the oldest public market in the state of Ohio; Columbus’ other market, the North Market, sits a few miles from Hills Market. The increasing prevalence of local goods from around the state, as well as an expansion of ethnic flavors, is what these markets are all about. The markets encourage new recipes, new experiences, and new lifestyles for those conscious of Ohio’s bounteous fare.