Posts in category 'Explore Ohio'

Did you know that every June 15 is Nature Photography Day? While there's never a bad time to capture the natural beauty of Ohio, this day provides the perfect excuse to explore the scenery of your favorite communities and take some great photos in the process. Whether you're exploring glacial, urban waterfalls in Northeast Ohio, gorgeous gardens around Columbus, or an ancient, world-renowned historic site near Cincinnati, you're sure to capture something special. Start your photography journey with our guide to nine of the best places around Ohio to capture nature for Nature Photography Day.

Berea Falls Scenic Overlook

136 E. Bagley Rd., Berea, OH 44017

One of the cool things about Ohio cities is how opportunities for nature photography are seamlessly integrated into urban landscapes. The Berea Falls Scenic Overlook, located a short drive from the heart of Cleveland, is one great example. After the glaciers receded following the last ice age, melting water formed rivers that reshaped the landscape. The Berea Falls were created by water from the Rocky River, carved through the abundant sandstone around Berea. There's so much natural beauty to capture here, with a different look every season.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

6947 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264

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Also located a short drive from Cleveland is the vast Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which features some of the most spectacular scenery that you'll find anywhere in Ohio. The park is located around the Cuyahoga River, with a mix of forests, rolling meadows, and farmland, all connected with an extensive, well-maintained trail system. Brandywine Falls is one of the most popular natural sites within the park and a perfect destination to seek out for nature photography. There's a viewing deck near the falls that makes it easy to get a great photo, as well as a nearby trail that allows you to capture images from various angles.

Mill Creek Park

123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509

Did you know that Ohio is home to the second-largest metropark in the United States, behind only Central Park in New York City? Mill Creek Park covers more than 2,500 acres, with a diverse selection of attractions located within park borders. There are beautiful gardens, lush wetlands, waterfront scenery, historic structures, and so much more to capture. Spend your day near the historic Lanterman's Mill, the Fellows Riverside Gardens, or the Ford Nature Center. The D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center is the ideal place to start your journey at Mill Creek Park.

Topiary Park

480 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215

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If you love art just as much as you love nature, then the Topiary Park in Columbus is one destination on our list that you definitely won't want to miss. It's home to one of the world's largest, most impressive topiary gardens, with 80 perfectly maintained life-size topiaries. The topiaries are laid out in a way that recreates a painting from the post-Impressionist era painter Georges Seurat.

Historic Clifton Mill

75 Water St., Clifton, OH 45316

Located less than an hour west of Columbus, you'll find the idyllic, natural setting of Historic Clifton Mill. Home to one of the few working grist mills in Ohio, Historic Clifton Mill is a great destination for blending nature and historical photography. The mill itself is a beautiful structure, which has been preserved to look and work just as it did during its heyday. The natural woodlands, serene creek, and gently flowing waterfalls surrounding the mill provide endless opportunities for capturing the perfect photo.

Schnormeier Gardens

8701 Laymon Rd., Gambier, OH 43022

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With more than 50 acres of beautifully manicured gardens to explore, Schnormeir Gardens will keep you coming back again and again for nature photography. Many of the gardens here were created in the Chinese and Japanese styles, with abundant water features blending in with natural scenery. There are lakes, waterfalls, streams, woodlands, bridges, and beautiful, exotic plants to discover. Spring and summer are ideal times to visit for photography, with so many of the plants within the gardens in full bloom.

Loveland Castle

12075 Shore Dr., Loveland, OH 45140

Part historic landmark, part tribute to an order of knights, Loveland Castle is unlike any other destination on our list. It is, after all, a castle that looks like it was plucked straight from the medieval era and dropped into modern-day Ohio. The castle itself is more than worthy of some dedicated time with the camera, and the natural beauty around Loveland Castle makes this a fun destination for nature photography. While you're there, check out the on-site museum to learn more about how and why a stone castle was built in the 1920s around the corner from Cincinnati.

Serpent Mound Historical Site

3850 OH-73, Peebles, OH 45660

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Here's another truly unique destination with a history that stretches back thousands of years to a time when Ohio looked very different than it does today. The Serpent Mound was built by the Adena tribe of Native Americans who called the area home thousands of years ago, stretching for 1,300 feet and built in the shape of a serpent. It's the largest effigy mound of its kind in the world and still stands out among the wooded, hilly landscape even after thousands of years. So if you want to capture something unique to Ohio which can't be found anywhere else, this is the perfect place to find it.

Krohn Conservatory

1501 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45202

The Cincinnati area is also home to some more conventional locations for nature photography, including some like the Krohn Conservatory, which doesn't even require you to leave the city. Created in 1933, the Krohn Conservatory is home to thousands of plants from around the world, with different "houses" holding plants from different parts of the world. The Palm House replicates a tropical rainforest environment, while the Desert House is attuned to plants that thrive in an arid, hot landscape with minimal rainfall. The Krohn Conservatory is also home to the Orchid House, which showcases orchids from all around the world, and the John Carroll Bonsai Gallery, which highlights the unique techniques used to grow bonsai trees.

Frame Your Next Ohio Adventure

These nine destinations are just the start of what you'll find in Ohio. From limestone caverns deep underground to the rolling, rustic landscape of Amish Country, there's so much to explore. What will you capture next?

One of the many advantages of living in Ohio is the abundant natural resources and recreational opportunities available throughout the state. You'll find plenty of sparkling lakes where you can go boating, fishing, or swimming, and each has its own uniquely beautiful setting.

If you're looking to spend the day on the water near Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati, the following eight lakes are great destinations.

Portage Lakes

5031 Manchester Rd., Akron, OH 44319

Instead of representing just one lake, Portage Lakes is a system of eight lakes that encompass over 2,000 acres. They're very popular destinations throughout the year, with bass fishing in season and ice fishing in the winter. Two of the Portage Lakes, Rex Lake and Cottage Grove Lake, have a swimming area for boaters, and you can relax on a 900-foot public beach and swim at Turkeyfoot Lake. And when you're ready to take a break from your time out on the water and try some different activities, you'll find hiking trails and picnic areas surrounding the lakes.

Pymatuning Lake

6100 Pymatuning Lake Rd., Andover, OH 44003

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Pymatuning Lake is Ohio's largest inland lake, covering just over 17,000 acres. Located on the Ohio/Pennsylvania state line, it's a popular destination for boaters, swimmers, and campers. And if you'd like to fish for walleye, this lake is the perfect destination. Near the causeway, you can enjoy a public swimming beach with amenities like changing facilities, showers, and restaurants, so it's a great place to go with the kids.

Mosquito Creek Lake

2961 Warren Meadville Rd., Cortland, OH 44410

A visit to Mosquito Creek Lake, located near Youngstown, offers plenty of water-based activities like boating and fishing. Crappie, walleye, bluegill, perch, bass, and flathead/channel catfish are abundant. Five launch ramps and boat rentals make fishing on the lake convenient. When you're ready to swim, head to the lake's public swimming beach, complete with a dog swimming area and roomy dog park attached.

Lake Hope

27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651

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About an hour's drive from Columbus, Lake Hope is situated in one of the state's most historic and scenic state parks. The area is rugged and beautiful, filled with steep gorges and narrow ridges. The lake is relatively small compared to some others in the state, but it's still ideal for boats, canoes, and rowboats. Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are offered on the lake, so you can learn a new skill as you take in the beautiful natural setting. If you'd like to swim, head toward the dam to locate a beach complete with a bathhouse with restrooms, showers, and changing booths, as well as a concession building.

Seneca Lake

22172 Park Rd., Senecaville, OH 43780

Ohio's third-largest inland lake, Seneca Lake is an extremely popular destination for boaters. You'll find ski boats, sailboats, pontoons, canoes, kayaks, jet skis, and other watercraft sharing the lake's 3,550 acres of water. You can even dock your watercraft at The Dockside Restaurant and enjoy a meal before heading back on the water. If you'd like to haul in some fish from the lake, you'll find many species in abundant supply, including crappie, bluegill, bullheads, and largemouth bass. A sandy swimming beach is also available, with a full concession stand on-site.

Tappan Lake

84000 Mallarnee Rd., Deersville, OH 44693

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Fishermen and recreational boaters often flock to Tappan Lake's 2,131 acres. It's easily accessible from Stock and Franklin townships, with their roads bordering three long bays on the north side. If you like to fish from the shore, the lake is the perfect spot since it has 47 miles of shoreline, which is the most of any lake in the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.

Caesar Creek Lake

8570 E. State Route 73, Waynesville, OH 45068

This large lake is just about an hour north of downtown Cincinnati, and it's the perfect spot to spend a day on the water. You'll find plenty of places to go boating, kayaking, and fishing, along with plenty of amenities like a marina, launch ramps, and dock rentals. Fishing for muskellunge draws many visitors to the lake, and it's known to offer some of the best crappie fishing in the state.

Harsha Lake

3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel, OH 45106

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Located about 25 miles from Cincinnati, Harsha Lake is often called East Fork Lake due to its location in East Fork State Park. Seven boating launch ramps are available, and plenty of fishermen head to the lake for crappie, bass, and bluegill. The large lake also has a 1,200-foot public beach and swimming area where you can go when you're ready to relax. If you'd like to enjoy a picnic, you'll also find plenty of areas around the lake where you have a bite to eat before heading back out on the boat.

Miami Whitewater Forest Lake

Mount Hope Road, Harrison, OH 45030

Located only about 30 miles from downtown Cincinnati, Miami Whitewater Forest Lake has a wide variety of watercraft to rent, so you can easily get out on the water. Choose from rowboats, pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and motor and pontoon boats; pick up some fishing gear; and head out on the water. Several perfect picnic spots are situated around the lake when you're ready to take a break.

Ready to float your boat?

Which Ohio lakes top the list of the ones you'd most like to visit this season? 

If you're looking for a unique way to spend an evening this summer, dinner and the theater might be just the outing for you. Ohio is home to an impressive array of performing artists, including actors, comedians, and musicians. Take some time to get out there and see them at any of the exciting venues listed below.

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show

1260 Euclid Ave. Inside Crown Plaza at Playhouse Square, Cleveland, OH 44115

At The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show, you get to play the part of a detective in a gripping theatrical murder plot. As you eat your four-course dinner and enjoy access to a cash bar, you will watch the murder scene unfold before your eyes. Each event features plainclothes actors sprinkled throughout the audience, giving the proceedings a more unpredictable and dramatic flair. It's an interactive experience where anyone in the room could be a part of the mystery. At the end of the night, the person who figures out the identity of the murderer first will win a small prize for their efforts. 

Amish Country Theater

4365 OH-39, Millersburg, OH 44654

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Hoping to bring your kids on your night out? The Amish Country Theater is one of the few fully family-friendly theater establishments in Ohio. This local theater features a full complement of nightly variety shows that evoke the popular vaudeville shows of the early 20th century. Special guests appear periodically to shake up the venue's usual farm-themed routines. The performances are diverse, surprising, and always entertaining, giving you something new to look forward to each time you visit.

Noble Art Entertainment

5475 Lake Rd., Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041

The Noble Art Entertainment dinner theater experience is always a fun option for a night out in Northeast Ohio. Some of their shows, such as murder mystery dinners, are interactive. Others are more traditional theater experiences. Each is performed during a three- to six-course dinner with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available. Vegan dishes may also be provided with advance notice and a small surcharge. Check out the list of upcoming shows and show menus on their website to see which types of events are available this summer.

La Comedia

765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, OH 45066

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La Comedia is a popular live dinner theatre in the Cincinnati area. When you attend, you'll be invited to eat your fill from a massive buffet filled with delicious options like fried chicken and fish, homemade cornbread, sauerkraut, and potato soufflé. This company is best known for its musical performances, but you can catch all kinds of shows here at different points in their rotation. This summer, they will be performing Beauty and the Beast starting on June 2nd, followed by The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee starting July 28th.

Cincinnati Landmark Productions

4990 Glenway Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45238 

Cincinnati Landmark Productions has been operating under different names for nearly 36 years. In that time, they have become one of Ohio's premier entertainment destinations. Some of the shows they have lined up for the summer months of 2022 include Newsies, Jerry's Girls, and Carousel. CLP also hosts the Cincinnati Young People's Theater at their Covedale building. This summer, this group will be putting on an all-teen performance of the beloved high school musical Grease.

Cincinnati Dinner Train

2172 E. Seymour Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45237

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Experience a whole new meaning of "meals on wheels" on the Cincinnati Dinner Train. Buying a ticket on this vintage train entitles you to a four-course dinner served while rolling through the most scenic spots around the outskirts of Cincinnati. The train itself is themed around the 1940s and includes several carefully restored cars to accommodate guests. The highlight of these is the Albee Car, an impressive space featuring a full musical stage. This spot is home to the Queen City Sisters, a retro musical group singing songs from the period to complete the mood. By the time you step off the train at the end of the night, you'll feel as if you've gone back in time. 

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show

Inside Hilton, 401 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

The Columbus version of The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show offers the same thrilling experience as the company's Cleveland location. Remember that there is a lot of frightening imagery involved at these dinners, including simulated gunshots and sudden blackouts—all guests must be over 15 to attend. Adults can look forward to a thrilling night of puzzle-solving, intrigue, deception, and eventual triumph. Even if you are not the person to eventually catch the killer, you're sure to leave feeling pleased to have had the chance to exercise your detective skills.

The Murder Mystery Company

2101 Noe Bixby Rd., Columbus, OH 43232

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Over the course of just two hours, The Murder Mystery Company offers a three-course dinner and a Clue-style murder mystery performance. This company themes each of their performances to enhance the experience and provide something different for repeat guests. Some recent themes include Midnight at the Masquerade, Death of a Gangster, and Totally 80s, Totally Murder. Guests are encouraged to dress up to match the theme of the night. Adult guests can also purchase alcohol at any point during the show.

A Murder Mystery Dinner

1625 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220

At Columbus' A Murder Mystery Dinner, you'll experience more than just a show. Guests at this dinner theater are taken through an engaging murder mystery through step-by-step interactive dramatizations of events. In between these dramatizations, guests are invited to solve escape room-style puzzles together as a team. This format is a great way to see how well your companions work together as well as how well each of you works with other people. Some of these events are adult-only, while others accommodate teenage guests as well. Check out your options in advance if you plan to bring younger people to the show.

Double Up on Dinner and Drama

There's nothing like a night on the town to get you feeling on top of the world. Which of these entertainment experiences will you be attending this summer?

No time for an extended getaway? Ohio is full of schedule- and budget-friendly places you can visit in a day. Whether you're in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, or Cincinnati, hop in the car with the family and head out to these wonderful attractions. 

Cedar Point

1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870

The "Roller Coaster Capital of the World" is right here in Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie. But even if you're not a thrill-seeker, there's plenty to enjoy at Cedar Point, voted "Best Amusement Park in America" by readers of USA Today. In addition to more than 70 rides, the park features live entertainment, games, shops and restaurants, a water park, and a mile-long beach. It's a lot to cover in one day, so Hotel Breakers was also voted "Best Amusement Park Hotel." Get unlimited visits and free parking for only $99. Visit the website for schedule and pricing.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303

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Unlike many historic homes, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens isn't named after a former owner. The estate was built in the early 1910s for Goodyear co-founder F.A. Seiberling and his family. "Stan Hywet" is actually an Old English term for "stone quarry," which was the most prominent natural feature of the grounds. Today, visitors can tour the stunning 65-room Tudor Revival Manor House along with the Gate Lodge, Corbin Conservatory, and the series of colorful gardens on the property. Hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Visit the website for pricing.

Put-in-Bay

Put-in-Bay, OH 43456

Put-in-Bay measures a scant 12.5 square miles in size, but it packs in more to do than many cities more than twice its size. The crown jewel of Lake Erie's Bass Islands is often referred to as the "Key West of the North." With a great mix of historic, cultural, and entertainment attractions, Put-in-Bay offers something for everyone. The island's most popular site is Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, with its towering observation deck providing views of Lake Erie, Cleveland, Toledo, and Detroit. Put-in-Bay is accessible by ferry for vehicles and pedestrians.

The Wilds

14000 International Rd., Cumberland, OH 43732

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Have you ever dreamed of taking an African safari? You won't need a passport to enjoy the experience at The Wilds. Jack Hanna, former director of the Columbus Zoo who gained fame from multiple appearances on The Tonight Show, was the guiding force behind development of this incredible attraction. View Bactrian camels and deer, cheetahs, giraffes, Southern white rhinos, and other exotic wildlife in natural surroundings. Get a different perspective from ziplines that soar above the park, or take a behind-the-scenes tour with Animal Management specialists. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily through October, and reservations are required. Visit the website for schedule and pricing.

Cedar Bog Nature Preserve

980 Woodburn Rd., Urbana, OH 43078

Thousands of years went into the creation of Cedar Bog Nature Preserve. The 45 acres formed by retreating glaciers actually constitute a fen, which is a wetland that drains water, as opposed to a bog, which retains water. In addition to being designated as a National Natural Landmark, Cedar Bog has the highest ranking of any site in Ohio on the Floristic Diversity Index for its wide range of plants. Cedar Bog is also home to more than 40 endangered, threatened, and rare plants and animals. Nature Center hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday until October 31, but the boardwalk is open daily during daylight hours. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for ages 6-17.

Malabar Farm State Park

4050 Bromfield Rd., Lucas, OH 44843

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Louis Bromfield was the classic local-boy-makes-good, becoming a Pulitzer Prize-winning author moving in the same circles as Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein. When Bromfield decided to reinvent himself as a farmer, he came home to create the eponymous estate that is now Malabar Farm State Park, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Tour the "Big House," which once hosted the wedding of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, and visit the adorable animals that live in the Main Barn. Other activities include hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Park hours are 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily and admission is free.

Historic Loveland Castle & Museum

12075 Shore Dr., Loveland, OH 45140

Travel back in time to medieval Europe with a visit to Historic Loveland Castle & Museum. This faithful replica of a 10th-century castle was intended to be the base of a group of Sunday school students taught by WWI vet Harry Delos Andrews. As a medieval warrior buff, Andrews dubbed the group, "Knights of the Golden Trail," and began construction on the castle for its 100+ members. After touring Loveland Castle and its display of medieval weapons, stroll the surrounding gardens and have a picnic lunch overlooking the Little Miami River. Hours are 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily through October 31. Admission is $5 with no charge for ages 5 and under.

Rabbit Hash General Store

10021 Lower River Rd., Rabbit Hash, KY 41005

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Rabbit Hash is one of those classic slices of Americana where you might expect to see Sheriff Andy Taylor and his son Opie heading to the local fishing hole. The unincorporated community, which takes its name from a beloved local dish, has a population of just over 300 and the mayor is a French bulldog named Wilbur Beast. Visitors are drawn by Rabbit Hash's quirky charm and quaint downtown, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rabbit Hash General Store, with its eclectic mix of merchandise and nostalgic feel, is the heart and soul of the community. Hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.

Caesar Creek State Park

8570 E. State Route 73, Waynesville, OH 45068

With its scenic setting, numerous amenities, and variety of activities, Caesar Creek State Park is like a giant summer camp for all ages. The main attraction is a large lake that features a marina, launch ramps, and dock rentals for boating, along with opportunities for swimming and fishing. Other outdoor activities include hiking, horseback riding, and archery. Pioneer Village is a unique living history museum consisting of a blacksmith shop, pioneer schoolhouse, and other buildings depicting life in the early 1800s. Caesar Creek State Park is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. and admission is free.

What a Difference a Day Makes

What is the most memorable trip you've made in a single day?

What's not to love about strawberries? They taste delicious, look good on a plate, and are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. Add some color and sweetness to your summer eating with strawberries you pick yourself at these wonderful farms around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Aufdenkampe Family Farm

3275 N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089

The property where Aufdenkampe Family Farm now sits dates back to the Western Reserve. After the Aufdenkampes purchased the farm from its original owners, they became a fixture at the Cleveland Produce Terminal, selling their fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2018, the family decided to focus on strawberries, their most popular crop. The 2022 picking season starts around June 1. Follow them on Facebook for updates.

Fitch's Farm Market

4413 Center Rd., Avon, OH 44011

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Three generations of family work side-by-side at Fitch's Farm Market, founded in 1983 by Richard and wife Rita. Sons Adam and Daniel and grandfather Robert handle everything from field management and harvesting to mechanic duties. In addition to strawberries, visitors can pick their own beans, peppers, and tomatoes in season. Stop by the on-site market for other fruits and vegetables as well as flowers in flats and hanging baskets. Follow them on Facebook for information about u-pick availability. Hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.

Maurer Farms 

2901 Batdorf Rd., Wooster, OH 44691

From its humble beginnings in 1950 on a small patch of land along Highland Avenue, Maurer Farms grew into its current location in 1961. Strawberries have been the primary crop since day one, with peaches, sweet corn, and other fruits and vegetables added over the years. Maurer Farms offers u-pick strawberries and raspberries, and their on-site market sells their own produce along with products from other local farmers. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday between late May and mid-October. Watch their website and Facebook page for updates.

Mitchell's Berries & Blooms 

9331 Mitchell-Dewitt Rd., Plain City, OH 43064

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Farmer Paul and wife Shelly, aka Berrygirl, are a match made at OSU. Together they run Mitchell's Berries & Blooms on a farm that's been in the family for more than two centuries. After son Jake doubled their raspberry production, Paul and Shelly took his advice and added strawberries to their crops. With events like Sunrise and Sunset Yoga, Dairy Day, and the Berry Fairy Summer Tea Party, Mitchell's Berries & Blooms offers fun for the whole family. Follow them on Facebook for current information on hours and availability.

Folck Family Farm

6843 State Route 54, Mechanicsburg, OH 43044

Can't get enough fresh berries? You'll be in seventh heaven with a visit to Folck Family Farm. Berry picking season kicks off in late spring with strawberries, followed by raspberries in June and blackberries in July. After growing up on dairy and cattle farms, owner Bob Folck had a successful career in sales, but he couldn't resist the call of the farming life. Bob and wife Cindy began growing berries in 2003, and in 2018 they opened a winery and tasting room selling wine made from the fruits of their fields. Visit their website and Facebook page for updates.

Doran's Farm Market

5462 Babbitt Rd., New Albany, OH 43054

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In the 1970s, Farmer Jim Doran sold his produce right out in the front yard from one of the wagons that are such a nostalgic part of Americana. Fast forward to 2022, and Doran's Farm Market is a popular destination filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, baked goods, and beverages. Customers also have the opportunity to pick their own strawberries and other select produce. Doran's Farm Market opens with the strawberry season in late May and runs through pumpkin season in early November. Check their website and Facebook page for information.

Irons Fruit Farm

1640 Stubbs Mill Rd., Lebanon, OH 45036

A trip to Irons Fruit Farm is truly an event. Since its beginning in the early 1900s, the farm has expanded to include pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, and pumpkins. The on-site market and bakery is known for the signature cinnamon cider donuts and apple fritters. They also carry jam, jellies, and other specialty products made from produce grown on the farm. Follow them on Facebook for information about the vendor fair, which features local craft artisans as well as food trucks and live entertainment. Summer hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon - 6 p.m. Sunday.

Stokes Berry Farm

2822 Center Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177

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For more than four generations, Stokes Berry Farm has been a fixture in the Cincinnati area. Visitors can pick strawberries and black raspberries from the lush fields or preorder white Georgia peaches, tart Michigan cherries, and other fruits for convenient pickup. The whole family can enjoy a stroll along the creek or catch-and-release fishing in the six-acre lake. Don't forget to bring a picnic lunch! There is a $25 fee for a three-hour fishing pass. In-season hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily. Watch their Facebook page for posts about the current schedule.

McGlasson Farms

5832 River Rd., Hebron, KY 41048

Located in a scenic rural area, McGlasson Farms is rich with family history. After moving west from Virginia in the 1860s, the McGlassons built a log cabin and began farming the land. While the family had success selling to various markets, they discovered there was even more potential in creating a produce stand on their own property. Today, McGlasson Farms even has a devoted following of customers from all around the region. Visitors can join in the fun picking their own strawberries, blackberries, and other fresh produce. In-season hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekends. Watch the website and Facebook page for schedule information.

Strawberry Fields Forever

Strawberries and cream has been a tradition at the classic Wimbledon tennis tournament since it began in 1877. What's your favorite way to eat strawberries?