Posts with tag 'Outdoors'

Did you know that sunflowers are native to North America or that their flowers rotate throughout the day, so they are always facing the sun? There's no doubt about it; sunflowers are incredible. Luckily, there are several wonderful sunflower fields that you can visit in Ohio. Surrounding yourself with these bright, yellow flowers is sure to make you feel uplifted.

Ramseyer Farms

4000 Ramseyer Ln., Wooster, OH 44691

Ramseyer Farms is another great place to enjoy sunflowers in Northeast Ohio. They even have an annual sunflower festival each fall — a good opportunity to celebrate these magnificent flowers. The flowers here are well cared for and brilliantly colored.

In addition to the sunflower fields, Ramseyer Farms has all sorts of other fun activities. In the fall, there's a corn maze for all ages. You can pick your own potatoes, shop for farm produce and baked goods, or simply walk around and see the scarecrows. You can buy tickets or season passes online. They give you access to the sunflower field and other accompanying activities.

Prayers From Maria

Jaycox Rd., Avon, OH 44011

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Prayers From Maria (@prayersfrommaria)

If you're in Northeast Ohio, this is the perfect sunflower field to visit. It was founded in 2014 by Ed and Megan McNamara as a way of honoring their daughter, Maria after she lost her life to brain cancer. There is no charge to visit this sunflower field, but donations are requested, and proceeds go toward cancer research.

The Prayers From Maria Field of Hope is lined with benches, so there are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the view. Visitors love photographing themselves standing on the bridge or by the sign that reads "hope."

Rogish Farm

8637 Mulberry Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026

Rogish Farm is a friendly, family-owned farm established in 2014. They have a large sunflower field, and they let customers visit and cut their own sunflowers. That's right — after admiring these beautiful flowers at the farm, you can take a couple home with you. Visitors do need to register in advance to attend.

Along with their sunflower fields, Rogish Farm also offers blueberry picking, and they have a shop where you can buy various cut and dried flowers, garlic, and other goodies.

Tecumseh Sunflower Field

4625 US-68, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tecumseh Land Trust (@tecumsehland)

The Tecumseh Sunflower Field is a part of the larger Tecumseh Land Trust, dedicated to preserving natural land and ecosystems in Ohio. Admission is free, but visitors are not permitted to cut the sunflowers. Parking can be a bit limited but tends to open up later in the evening.

There is a path that leads deep into the Tecumseh Sunflower Field, offering wonderful, 360-degree views. Many of the sunflowers reach more than 5 feet tall, so you may want to ask your friend for a piggyback ride so you can get a better view.

Van Buren Acres

5066 Keller Rd., Hebron, OH 43025

Van Buren Acres is just a short drive to the east of Columbus. This family-friendly farm opened in 2017, and it offers all sorts of fun activities, from pumpkin picking to corn mazes.  Their sunflower field is approximately 9 acres large, making it one of the biggest on this list.

You will need to pay admission to enter Van Buren Acres, but the cost of admission covers the sunflower fields and other activities. Watch the farm's Facebook page for an announcement when the sunflowers start blooming. They're only around for a few weeks.

22 Acres Farm

5455 Davis Dr. SE, Newark, OH 43056

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by OHIO WEDDING VENUE & FARM (@22acresfarm)

This farm offers a 5-acre sunflower field, and to make things even more interesting, they've planted 15 different varieties of sunflowers in the field. It's entertaining to stroll along and compare the different varieties. Pick a favorite, and see if your friends choose the same one.

22 Acre Farms' sunflower fields are only open through August 31, 2021, so make sure you schedule your visit soon. You can purchase tickets online. The cost is $10 per person, except on Tuesdays when there's a $5 per person deal. Hours are 8 am - 8 pm, Monday-Friday. Visit the website to learn about some special sunflower events, like Sunrise in the Sunflowers.

Dresbach Farms

2626 Higby Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601

Located to the east of Cincinnati, Dresbach Farms is a busy farm with many different animals and crops. They have a sunflower field that guests can visit for a few dollars each. There's an extra fee if you want to clip some sunflowers to take with you. Typically, the sunflowers bloom in late August or early September.

While you're at Dresbach Farms, you may want to do some shopping at their farm market. They offer locally produced honey, cabbage, beef, tomatoes, eggs, whole chickens, and so much more.

Cottell Park

5847 Irwin Simpson Rd., Mason, OH 45040

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ohio Life (@we_heart_ohio)

Cottell Park is a 47-acre public park in the town of Mason. Over the past few years, they have begun planting a sunflower field for guests to enjoy. The sunflowers here are not always as large as the ones seen on private farms, but they are gorgeous, nonetheless.

After walking through the sunflower field, you can spend some more time at Cottell Park enjoying the basketball courts, tennis courts, or soccer fields. There are also several shelters where you could enjoy a picnic lunch, along with playgrounds that are great for kids.

CherryHawk Farm

16220 Springdale Rd., Marysville, OH 43040

CherryHawk Farm is primarily an apple picking farm, but if you visit to pick apples, admission to the sunflower fields is included. The sunflower fields here are vast, and the flowers themselves represent an impressive variety. There are grass paths you can follow for a nice, complete view of the fields. 

Visitors can take one stem home for no additional charge. If you would like more than one sunflower, the farm charges $1 each. Guests are welcome to take photos in the sunflower fields, but professional photographers are asked to check in with the farm beforehand.

Everything's Coming Up Sunflowers

Which of these sunflower fields will brighten your day?

Disc golf is a fun sport that groups of all ages can play together while enjoying the outdoors and getting some exercise. It costs very little to get started, and most courses are free or cost just a few dollars to play, and a three-pack of discs that's good for beginners costs about $20. Although you could technically play with a Frisbee, discs made specifically for the sport are smaller and heavier, so you can throw them for much longer distances. If you become more serious about disc golf, you can buy more discs of different types and at a higher price level if you'd like.

Whether you're an experienced disc golfer or you've never played before, you'll have plenty of fun courses to play on around Ohio. Each has its own unique layout and characteristics, and you'll soon develop a list of your favorites.

Check out the following disc golf courses around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Northeast Ohio

Deis Hill Disc Golf Course

1592 N. Crater Ave., Dover, OH 44622

Beautiful scenery and many hills make for an enjoyable yet challenging play at this 18-hole course in Dover. The course is well-maintained, and every hole offers three distinct tees. More seasoned players will appreciate the added difficulty of wooded areas. Be sure to bring plenty of water as this course requires a good amount of walking to complete.

Wingfoot Lake Disc Golf Course

1097-1219 Goodyear Park Blvd., Mogadore, OH 44260

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Walters (@jwaltatc33)

In addition to several picnic shelters, paved trails, and ball courts, Wingfoot Lake is home to an 18-hole disc golf course. When you're done playing this challenging par 3 course, be sure to take a stroll to the nature center, have a picnic lunch, and let the kids have fun on the playground. Wingfoot also features the Storybook Trail, which includes views of the pond, trees, and Wingfoot Lake as you take in a storybook along the way.

Osborne Park Disc Golf Course

If you're a disc golf novice, you might want to start with the 9-hole course at Osborne Park in Willoughby. While trees or steep hills make some holes more challenging, beginners will appreciate a nice mix of different lengths and difficulty. All players will appreciate the beautiful water views of Lake Erie. The course begins at the rear parking lot.

Columbus

Griggs Reservoir Park

2933 Riverside Dr., Columbus, OH 43221

The disc golf course at Griggs Reservoir Park is made up of 18 holes with large concrete tee pads. Most of the course is long and narrow with lots of mature trees, although some are open. You'll play through some creative features like boulders and bunkers as you make your way through the course, which runs parallel to the Scioto River. On holes 8, 17, and 18, the river factors into play, making the course more interesting. And if you need to buy some discs, you can find them nearby at the Disc Golf Mart.

Brent Hambrick Memorial Disc Golf Course at Hoover Dam

4151 Central College Rd., Westerville, OH 43081

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by . Sam Manning (@mansamming_)

This 18-hole course is a good mix of flat areas as well as hilly ones and has some nice scenic views. It can often be windy, so you may want to bring along a jacket when the weather's cooler. On the back 9, the course has thick trees and a lot of blind holes. It has multiple tees and pin positions, and tees are concrete. The course is also the home of an annual tournament in honor of Brent Hambrick, a local disc golfer who passed away from leukemia.

Walnut Hill Disc Golf Course

1950 Walnut Hill Blvd, Columbus, OH 43232

The old Walnut Hill traditional golf course has found new life as a disc golf course. It's designed to be a putt and approach practice course that the whole family can enjoy. Property owned by individuals is located next to the course, so take care to avoid sailing an errant disc onto private property.

Cincinnati

Burnet Woods Disc Golf Course

3251 Brookline Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220

The Burnet Woods course is located across from the University of Cincinnati's campus. It's a short course with 9 holes and has dirt tees with wooden planks to indicate tees. It's generally rated as a good course that has some added difficulty due to mature trees, elevation, and challenging pin placements.

Mt. Airy Forest Disc Golf Course

4800 Lodge Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45233

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by alan hammerlein (@hammeredtime82)

This course is considered to be pro-caliber, having hosted several world tournaments in the past. The layout is 20 holes, having grown from just 9 holes when the course was opened. You'll find distinct fairways, thick rough, and many elevation changes as you make your way through the course.

Johnson Hills Park Disc Golf Course

7950 Bridle Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45244

Beginners and advanced players alike will enjoy the Johnson Hills Park course, as it serves as a good challenge for beginners and a fun practice course for those with more experience You'll be able to catch some nice shade on hot, sunny days as you play your way through long, open holes and wooded technical holes on Johnson Hill Park's rolling hills.

Let It Fly

Do you have a favorite disc golf course in or around Ohio? Let us know! 

There's just something special about eating at a food truck. You can grab your food, which you know is made locally, and you enjoy it outdoors — usually at a park or on a bustling street. Food trucks have become really popular throughout Northeast Ohio over the past few years, and there are many places and events where you can visit several food trucks all at once. Here are a few well worth visiting.

Lakewood Truck Park

16900 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LakewoodTruckPark (@lakewoodtruckpark)

With over 12,000 square feet of space, Lakewood Truck Park is a lovely place to spend a few hours walking around, trying various foods, and even sipping on a few beverages. There are two bars on-site, and the selection of food trucks changes often.

You can find a schedule that lists specific food trucks on the Lakewood Truck Park website. Frequent visitors include Smoke This, a barbecue truck serving amazing craft BBQ, and Off the GRIDdle, which serves tacos, sandwiches, and other griddle-cooked treats. The Cedar Grill, serving Mediterranean cuisine, is another frequent visitor. The park opens daily at 11 am, so you can stop by for lunch or dinner.

Great Lakes Market

Great Lakes Mall: 7850 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060

Great Lakes Market takes place every Saturday from 11 am - 5 pm and every Sunday from 1 pm - 5 pm in the Firestone space near the Great Lakes Mall food court. There are always plenty of food trucks around, so you have your choice of cuisine.

Some top food vendors to visit include Taste of Pizza and Pap's Kettle Korn. While you're eating, you can always shop for produce or crafts at the accompanying farmer's market. 

Hartville Food Truck Park

811 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hartville Food Truck Park (@hartvillefoodtruckpark)

In the heart of Hartville, this food truck park is always bustling! It's open from 11 am - 8 pm daily, weather permitting. 

Some of the trucks often seen at Hartville Food Truck Park include Anna Maria's Concessions, which serves favorites like lemonade and French fries, and Mi Casa, serving tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites. Another common visitor is Little Red Food Truck, which serves delicious Gyros. 

Solon Home Days

Solon Community Park: 6679 Som Center Rd., Solon, OH 44139

On July 23 -25, 2021, Solon Home Days will be held at the Solon Community Park. This community block party is a great opportunity to let loose and enjoy some entertainment and delicious food. The food trucks will be on-site from 6 - 9:30 pm on Friday, from noon - 10 pm on Saturday, and from 1:30 - 9 pm on Sunday. 

In addition to food trucks, there will be a petting zoo for kids to enjoy, raffles to enter, and lots of carnival games to play. 

The Chomp

Prospect & East 46th Streets, Cleveland, OH 44103

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MidTown Cleveland, Inc. (@midtowncleinc)

The Chomp takes place every Tuesday at the corner of Prospect and East 46th streets. It's a common lunch destination since the hours are 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. 

On July 13th, the line-up includes Fired Up Taco Truck and MoBites Food Truck. MoBites, in particular, is a unique choice because they serve vegan options and soul food. On July 20th, A Slice of Pizzazz is set to attend. They're known for their amazing pizza. Another frequent visitor is Kona Ice of Pepper Pike, which serves delicious shaved ice and other desserts.

Live at the Lake

Coe Lake Park, Berea, OH 44017

Live at the Lake is a concert series, and thankfully, it has come back for 2021! The music may be the star of the show, but plenty of people also show up for the food trucks, and you can, too. Concerts are held almost every Friday throughout the summer, with events currently scheduled for July 16, 23, and 30, and for August 6th.

Although the list of attending food trucks has not been released yet, ones that have attended in the past include Sylmans, The Little Piggy, and Fire Truck Pizza Co. Nothing Bundt Cakes has also attended, and they have amazing cakes to finish off your meal. What could better than eating cake and pizza while watching a live band? Everyone needs that kind of social relaxation right now.

Walnut Wednesday

Perk Plaza: 1717 E. 12th St., Cleveland, OH 44114

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michelle // Chicago Blogger (@midwestfoodiegirl)

Walnut Wednesday is another favorite food truck event that runs throughout the summer in Cleveland. It takes place in the beautiful Perk Plaza, so you can enjoy your food while resting in a green, grassy area or on one of the park benches. 

The trucks are in Perk Plaza from 11 am - 1:30 pm every Wednesday. There are usually at least five different trucks on-site. Common visitors include The Food Depot and Wrap it Up. Wild Spork Food Truck serves American vegan cuisine, and Smooth Rider Smoothies is a top choice for healthy smoothies and coffee.

Painting in the Park Family Fun Day

Lincoln Park: 1200 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland OH, 44113

Do you want to enjoy food trucks with a unique twist? This is a Christmas in July celebration scheduled for 12:00 - 8:00 pm on Saturday, July 17th, 2021. It's an event where families can set technology aside and participate in activities like painting and creating other art.

There will be several food trucks on-site to provide refreshments and lunch. Admission to the event is free, although there are fees for food and for various activities. Bring your kids, and enjoy the day in nature while eating some delicious food truck fare. 

Eat It Up

Food just tastes better when it comes from the back of the truck! What food trucks do you plan on visiting this summer? 

It's almost time to celebrate the Fourth of July in Ohio, and many of your favorite events will be returning for Independence Day in 2021. Whether you're interested in fireworks, music, educational family fun, fantastic food, or all of the above, you're sure to find the perfect celebration in one of Ohio's many vibrant communities. We don't want you to miss any of the action on the biggest holiday of the summer, so we've put together a guide to some of the best Fourth of July events in the Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati areas that offer something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Light Up the Lake

Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica Boardwalk – 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland, OH 44113

The annual Light Up the Lake fireworks celebration can be viewed from a variety of great destinations throughout downtown Cleveland, including the beautiful Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica Boardwalk. This event is always a favorite for Northeast Ohio residents, with plenty of activities to enjoy downtown before the fireworks and festivities begin. As an open-air amphitheater with abundant lawn seating that's perfect for a Fourth of July picnic, Jacobs Pavilion is a great place to take in the sights of the evening. But if you have another favorite location, it's easy to see the fireworks display from anywhere downtown.

First Friday Fireworks: Celebrate America in Downtown Wadsworth

Downtown Wadsworth

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Main Street Wadsworth (@mainstreetwadsworth)

Get ready for a full day of family fun in downtown Wadsworth with the First Friday: Celebrate America event for the Fourth of July. Enjoy specials and activities at more than 30 local businesses in downtown Wadsworth, then be sure to save room for dinner! There will be various great food trucks on-site serving all of your favorite dishes from Ohio and beyond. After dinner, settle in for one of Ohio's best fireworks shows, with fantastic views available from a variety of scenic locations downtown.

Red, White, & Blue Flag Avenue

Sippo Lake Park – 5712 12th St. NW, Canton, OH 44708

Looking for a fun, unique way to keep younger members of the family entertained before the big fireworks shows on the Fourth of July? Kids are sure to love exploring the exciting, educational Red, White, & Blue Flag Avenue at Sippo Lake Park. Walk through the scenic park lined with flags as your kids learn all about the different red, white, and blue species of animals that call Ohio home, then wrap up your trip with a visit to the Wildlife Conservation Center. This event is available to be enjoyed every day during park hours for the two weeks around the Fourth of July holiday.

Fireworks on the Fourth of July

Thomas Worthington High School – 300 W. Dublin Granville Rd., Worthington, OH 43085

While Worthington's annual Rotary Family Picnic is delayed until Labor Day this year, you can still enjoy a festive fireworks display. The Thomas Worthington High School grounds will give viewers plenty of room to watch the annual celebration of the nation's independence. In addition to the stadium, the front lawn and other areas surrounding the venue will be available to attendees. In case of severe weather, the fireworks will be rescheduled with a rain date of Sept. 5th.

New Albany Independence Day Parade & Festival

New Albany Middle School Greenspace – 6600 E. Dublin Granville Rd., New Albany, OH 43054

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by New Albany, Ohio (@newalbanyohio)

The New Albany Independence Day Parade & Festival has a special theme this year, with frontline healthcare workers and first responders being honored throughout the day. After the parade, head to New Albany Middle School for a family-friendly festival that includes games for kids, costumed characters, live music, and food from some of Ohio's best food trucks.

City of Dublin Independence Day Celebration

Dublin Community Recreation Center – 5600 Post Rd., Dublin, OH 43017

The City of Dublin Independence Day Celebration features a full day of fun and special events around the city. Whether you're watching or participating, the annual Shem Sheldon Fishing Derby is the perfect way to spend your morning. The Fourth of July Parade is up next, with a parade route that runs throughout downtown Dublin. After the parade, there will be more than five hours of live music from a diverse selection of bands before the evening wraps up with Dublin's annual fireworks display.

Sawyer Point Summer Concert Series Fourth of July Celebration

705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

If you love live music, you won't want to miss the Sawyer Point Summer Concert Series Fourth of July Celebration this year. The fun starts in the afternoon, with live performances from four different bands that will last well into the evening. There will be plenty of delicious food and drink to enjoy throughout, with a fantastic fireworks display set to follow all of the live music.

Coney Island Park Balloon Glow

6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Coney Island Park (@coneyislandpark)

Enjoy a family evening out at the amusement park on July 3 and experience one of the more unique Cincinnati Fourth of July celebrations at the Coney Island Park Balloon Glow. The show starts with over a dozen colorful, well-lit hot air balloons taking to the sky above the amusement park, which you can enjoy while experiencing all of the attractions that the park has to offer. After the balloons, there will be a spectacular fireworks finale to cap off an evening of family fun at the amusement park.

Colerain Township Fourth of July Spectacular

4200 Springdale Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45251

Get ready for a night of amazing live music and a fantastic fireworks display at the Colerain Township Fourth of July Spectacular. This event is free for everyone to enjoy, and the fun starts with an evening of music from the Classic Rock Experience. They'll be playing all of the hits from the '70s and '80s in an outdoor concert, providing the perfect way to get warmed up for the grand finale. After the concert, the skies will light up with a dazzling display of fireworks to close out the evening.

Celebrate Fireworks, Freedom, and Family

Independence Day celebrations are back with a bang for 2021! Which one will you attend?

Do you ever feel like you're always rushing to get somewhere? When you long to slow it down, unwind with the relaxed pace of a horseback ride. Enjoy this healthy and eco-friendly activity at one of these top riding facilities around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Chagrin Valley Farms 

9250 Washington St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

Chagrin Valley Farms has a mission to serve all riders through every stage of the "horsemanship cycle." Whether you're a veteran rider or a first-timer, their experienced staff will help you reach your goal. The 85-acre facility includes two heated indoor arenas and four outdoor rings along with pastures and trails. Group, private, and semi-private lessons are available for all ages. Newcomers take an introductory ride so instructors can accurately assess your level and make sure you receive optimum placement. Visit the website for information about their horsemanship camps for kids that are offered year-round.

River Road Horse Farm

1009 River Rd., Hinckley, OH 44233

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Benevolent Equestrian (@thebenevolenteq)

For the owner and caretaker of River Road Horse Farm, horses and riding are literally their life. Both live on-site so they're easily accessible and stay responsive to the needs of the farm, including horses and riders. Owner Mark Palik, who purchased the farm in December 2011, is continually upgrading the facility to provide a superior experience for guests. One recent change was the addition of a second indoor arena. Lessons are offered for riders starting at age 5, so kids can get started on a lifelong appreciation of horsemanship. 

Stable Solutions Farm

12381 Easton St. NE, Alliance, OH 44601

Loree Stubblefield, owner of Stable Solutions Farm, knows firsthand how powerful the connection between people and horses can be. After Loree's father was stricken with a brain injury and her daughter was diagnosed with a heart condition, she made the decision to run the farm while caring for her family. Today, Stable Solutions is known for its many equine therapy programs, which benefit those with special physical, emotional, and social needs. Guests also love the miniature Australian shepherds raised by Loree's family, who are frequently wandering the grounds.

Sid Griffith Equestrian Center

7380 Scioto Darby Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Elle Ann Photography (@elle_ann_equines)

The story of Sid Griffith, founder of the popular equestrian center than bears his name, is something of a legend. At the age of 11, when his parents refused to indulge his early love of horses, Sid began working at a dude ranch in order to earn riding time. After purchasing his first horse with money from his 16th birthday, Sid went on to an illustrious career riding, showing, and training horses. These days, Sid remains active running his full-service equestrian center along with his wife and their youngest daughter, an award-winning rider in her own right. 

Field of Dreams

1841 Unbridled Way, Blacklick, OH 43004

You would be forgiven for thinking Field of Dreams is a baseball diamond. The name refers to owner Jennifer Hansen's childhood dream to own a horse. After graduating from law school at Ohio State University, Jennifer finally got her wish and wanted to share the experience with other kids who also thought their dream was unattainable. In addition to offering traditional riding programs, Field of Dreams is the home of Dreams on Horseback, a non-profit organization founded by Jennifer that provides therapeutic riding programs.

Horse-N-Round Fun, LLC

Mount Sterling, OH 43143

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Horse N Round Fun LLC (@horsenroundfun)

Picture yourself on the back of a magnificent horse, enjoying the serenity of nature as you leave the rest of civilization behind. Horse-N-Round Fun, LLC conducts trail rides from 30 minutes to four hours for riders ages 10 and up. You'll pass through peaceful wooded areas, cross gentle streams, and share the space with wild turkeys, rabbits, deer, and other wildlife. If you have a specific trail you want to ride, Horse-N-Round Fun can also bring the horses to you. Hand-led trail rides are available for youngsters ages 4 and up so they don't have to be left out. Plans are in the works to offer riding lessons and other services, so watch their website for news.

Muddy Water Equestrian Park

10129 Mill Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231

Does the idea of riding a horse appeal to you, but you're not quite confident you can handle it? Muddy Water Equestrian Park wants all visitors to be comfortable with their decision to ride. At 10:30 a.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month, they have a horseback riding seminar to help newbies become familiar with the experience. Afterward, you'll head out on the noon trail riding session. One-hour trail rides are held at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. each weekend for guests 8 years or older. Price is $30 per person, or $85 if you want to participate in the seminar. Younger kids can have their own staff-led pony rides for only $5.

Winton Woods Riding Center

10073 Daly Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hartongs | Photojournalists (@thehartongs)

For nearly 70 years, Winton Woods Riding Center has been a leading equestrian facility serving the Cincinnati area. They are known for their outstanding instruction programs as well as their equestrian teams for middle and high school students. Team members get a chance to participate in competitions without having to own a horse. Each Saturday and Sunday at 5:30 p.m., one-hour trail rides are available for ages 7 and up with a fee of $45 per person. Guests are also welcome to bring their own horses and access the trail that's approximately five miles round trip.

East Fork Stables

2215 Snyder Rd., Batavia, OH 45103

Horses are definitely a family affair for George Wisbey, owner of East Fork Stables. As chief of the Cincinnati Fire Department, George's great-grandfather trained the department's horses and later founded the first retirement farm for the fire horses. George, his father, and his grandfather all had successful careers training horses for racing and movies, and his wife Judy runs the summer horse camp. East Fork Stables includes an indoor arena, a riding track around a lake, and 50 miles of trails to accommodate whatever experience you're looking for.

A Horse with No Name

Race horses are known for their quirky, colorful names. If you owned a horse, what name would you choose?