Posts with tag 'Things to Do'

Did you know that maple syrup, like wine, has a specific flavor derived from the geographic area where it's produced? Maple syrup is a Northeast Ohio tradition that predates statehood, and the product is regarded as some of the finest in the country.

Maple tree sap starts running in February, making this a prime time to enjoy syrup and maple-flavored foods. Whether you participate in Maple Madness or conduct your own driving tour, check out the delicious products from these great maple syrup farms and shops.

KC Maple Syrup

16350 Hart Rd., Montville, OH 44064

In 1988, the fledgling run at KC Maple Syrup resulted in a half-gallon of syrup from the sap of about 20 trees. Continued expansion led to the addition of a sugarhouse in 1994. Now their first-class operation includes 450 taps, a 30" x 8' evaporator, and a reverse osmosis (RO) unit for water filtration. All the hard work at KC Maple Syrup was rewarded when they took first place at the 2010 Geauga County Maple Festival. You can even get maple-flavored doggie treats so Fido won't feel left out.

Seldom Seen Farm

10055 Madison Rd., Montville, OH 44064

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Family-owned Seldom Seen Farm is one of the more recent additions to Northwest Ohio's maple syrup network. In 2008, Kevin and Morgan Holy purchased the property and turned their maple syrup hobby into a business. While Kevin hopes to give up his day job someday, he continues to work for local government as an equipment operator while Morgan cares for their two kids. That day may come sooner rather than later, as Seldom Seen Farm is the reigning champion of the Geauga County Maple Festival. Order online or visit the farm Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. by appointment only.

Mowry Maple Farm

3736 State Hwy. 13, Lexington, OH 44904

While Mowry Maple Farm celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, it was originally known for cattle. About 10 years ago, third-generation family member Richard and his wife Carol became intrigued with maple syrup production on the recommendation of a friend, who loaned them supplies. Now maple syrup has become the farm's biggest claim to fame. Experiment in your own cooking with products such as BBQ rub, hot pepper butter, savory herb-maple blend, maple sugar and cinnamon, and habanero-infused syrup. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday.

Ma & Pa's Gift Shack

15161 Main Market Rd., Burton, OH 44021

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Originally built in the 1820s, Ma & Pa's Gift Shack is just as cozy and charming as the name implies. The shelves in the rustic log cabin are filled with syrups, butters and spreads, and other maple products made on-site. Warm up with a cup of maple coffee after one of Ma & Pa's popular sleigh rides when the ground is snow-covered. Ma & Pa's is also known for its wooden lamps and furniture carved out of hickory. Hours are 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are required for sleigh rides.

Messenger Century Farm

17098 Messenger Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

The Messenger family began producing maple syrup in the mid-1800s. While Bill and Dee Belew purchased Messenger Century Farm in 1992, it remains a family-run operation, with three generations of Belews involved. State-of-the-art, "green" equipment replaces buckets and horses, but the original Messenger sugarhouse remains standing as a tribute to the earlier days. Be sure to return in July, when you can pick your own blueberries. The Messenger country store is open daily from 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sugarbush Creek Farm

13034 Madison Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062

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How appropriate that Sugarbush Creek Farm had their first sap boil of 2022 on February 14, the "sweetest" day of the year. While the current farm was established in 1992, trees on the property have been tapped for more than 200 years. The sugarhouse is on the same spot as the original, but it was rebuilt to modern standards using wood sustainably harvested from the farm. Thanks to another update, the entire operation can be monitored on a smartphone app. Sugarbush Creek Farm is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday.

Richards Maple Products

545 Water St., Chardon, OH 44024

Maple salad dressing and maple bacon coffee? Those are only two in the remarkable assortment of items found at Richards Maple Products. Located in Geauga County since 1910, the shop truly seems to live up to its boast of "the world's largest variety of maple products." Surprise family and friends anywhere in the country with a gift box, basket, or crate filled with syrup, cookies, condiments, spreads, and other maple-flavored goodies. Subscription programs are available on a monthly or quarterly schedule. Store hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Burton Log Cabin & Sugar Camp

14590 E. Park St., Burton, OH 44021

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As the first settlement in Geauga County, dating back to 1798, Burton is a quiet community full of history and charm. The town square is modeled after New England's iconic village greens, and maple syrup is such a part of local tradition that the Burton Log Cabin & Sugar Camp is operated by the Chamber of Commerce. Syrup produced each spring is used to make maple candy throughout the year. The Log Cabin also serves as the town's information center. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. seven days a week.

Sweet or Savory?

Blending sweet and savory flavors is one of today's popular food trends. Do you enjoy maple with bacon, hot sauce, and other savory items, or are you a purist who sticks with maple syrup?

Whether you're a historical enthusiast, a lover of fantasy fiction, or an admirer of ambitious architecture, the timeless mystique of castles is impossible to deny. Visiting them is the highlight of many people's European vacations, but did you know there are some you can visit a little closer to home? 

Ohio has many castles and castle-like structures spread out across the Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati areas. Some are historical buildings, while others were constructed a bit more recently. Here are nine of the most distinctive Ohio castles and some background information on what makes each unique. 

Loveland Castle Museum

12075 Shore Dr., Loveland, OH 45140 

Boy Scout leader Harry Delos Andrews created Loveland Castle Museum (sometimes called Chateau Laroche) as a hangout spot for his scout troupe (also called the Knights of the Golden Trail, or KOGT). Construction reportedly began in 1929 using materials fetched by Andrews and the 100-strong group of boys who made up the KOGT at the time. It was finally completed more than 50 years later and is now open to visitors.

Play a few games using the handmade chess, checkers, and puzzle sets scattered around the property, listen to a ghost story from one of the Knights on duty, or picnic in one of the many designated spots around the property. However you choose to spend your time here, this castle is sure to make you feel like a kid again.  

Elsinore Arch

1292-1298 Elsinore Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45202 

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Also known as Elsinore Tower, this small Cincinnati monument was built in the 1880s as a pumping station for nearby Eden Park. The arch's design was inspired by Hamlet's Elsinore Castle, though it was replicated on a much smaller scale; there are only a handful of rooms in this building, and all of them house the equipment needed to run the waterworks. Because it is so small yet still so visually impressive, this is an excellent spot for a quick outing on a trip to the city - you'll see some history up close and get a great photo opportunity as well!

Squire's Castle

2844 River Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 

Squire's Castle is not actually a castle at all, but rather a gatehouse for a castle that was never completed. The building dates back to the 1890s and is designed according to English and German baronial styles of the time. The structure has been remodeled slightly over the years to reinforce its structural integrity: its upper two floors have been removed and its basement filled in with concrete. Visitors can wander around the inside of the building, enjoy walks on the nearby trails, or eat a meal at the picnic area just outside the stone structure.  

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303 

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Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens was constructed in 1915 by F. A. Seiberling, one of the founders of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The property was named after an Old English phrase meaning "stone hewn." Built in the Tudor Revival style, this Northeast Ohio estate includes 65 rooms and 70 acres of gardens and landscaped grounds.

Self-guided indoor tours are available for those who want to take a closer look at the remarkable interior finishes and architecture. Outside, you will find the hall's PlayGarden, a verdant paradise for kids. From bug catching and butterfly watching to geocaching, young visitors will always find something to do at this historic site.

Cote Bonneville

4795 Chapel Ridge Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45223 

Cote Bonneville was built in 1902 by Napoleon DuBrul, a cigar mold mogul originally from Quebec, Canada. This privately-owned 6-acre gated property features a towering stone manor built in the Romanesque Revival style. The stately castle-like home is part of the Cincinnati Preservation Association's annual Raeburn Estate House tour each spring, but even the outside of this incredible structure is well worth a visit. 

Ravenwood Castle

65666 Bethel Rd., New Plymouth, OH 45654

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Ravenwood Castle may look like a historical castle, but it was actually built less than 30 years ago in 1995. Inspired by English and Welsh castles from the 12th and 13th centuries, its original builders hoped to create a place where fans of medieval-themed popular culture could gather for a fun, immersive experience. They even built a tiny medieval village next to the castle to create a more immersive experience for their guests. In addition to grand occasions like weddings and formal events, this location is frequently used for recreational activities like board games, conventions, murder mysteries, and scavenger hunts. 

Glamorgan Castle

200 Glamorgan St., Alliance, OH 44601 

Glamorgan Castle was designed by Willard Hirsch for Colonel William Henry Morgan in 1904 and named for his ancestral home in Wales. Over the years, this gorgeous property has served as an Elk lodge and the corporate headquarters for Alliance Machine; it currently serves as the administrative building for Alliance City Schools, as well as a backdrop for local events like plays, weddings, and even car shows. For those interested in getting a better look at the castle's interior, there are guided indoor tours available every Friday afternoon. 

Landoll's Mohican Castle

561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842 

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If it's a fairytale atmosphere you're after, look for the fanciful peaks of Landoll's Mohican Castle on the horizon. This impressive edifice was built by Jim Landoll, founder of the famous Landoll Publishing Company, in 1997. There were no floor plans or blueprints to guide the construction process; every room was built one at a time according to Landoll's vision. The castle was finally completed and opened for business in 2002. Twenty years later, this one-of-a-kind building is a well-loved hotel and restaurant and an extremely popular wedding destination. You can even go on ghost hunts in the cemetery on the castle's grounds. 

Enjoy a Taste of Royal Living

Which of these magnificent Ohio castles is your favorite? 

Ohio is filled with amazing destinations where you can explore history of all types, including some excellent museums and fascinating historical sites that highlight Black history. With places like the Cleveland African American Museum in Northeast Ohio, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, and the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center near Columbus, there are so many informative, inspiring places to visit during Black History Month in February. Today, we're going to take a closer look at 9 of the best places to explore all around Ohio for Black History Month this year.

John Mercer Langston Historic Home

207 E. College St., Oberlin, OH 44074

John Mercer Langston was a fascinating figure in African American history and a trailblazer who achieved many firsts as a Black man. He was the first known Black elected official in the country and the first Black congressman elected from Virginia. John Mercer Langston spent more than a decade living in Oberlin during the mid-1800s, and his historic residence has been preserved to the present day. You can still visit the home today, and it has been included on the National Register of Historic Places.

The African American Museum of Cleveland

1765 Crawford Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106

One of the earliest independent museums on African American history and culture, the Cleveland African American Museum was founded by Icabod Flewellen in 1953. It moved to its current location in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood in 1984 and has continued its mission ever since. That mission is to raise cultural awareness, provide education about Black history, organize community events, and exhibit artifacts that tell stories about the African American experience. The museum is currently open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays, with fundraising underway to reopen full-time in the future.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Located in downtown Cincinnati since it first opened in 2004, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is an award-winning museum and educational center that tells the story of the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a network that helped escaped slaves reach free territories, and quite a few of the destinations on our list played a role in the Underground Railroad. Along with helping share the Underground Railroad story, this museum also works to pay tribute to all who worked to abolish human enslavement and secure freedom for all people. There are also some great virtual programs available for Black History Month and all year long if you can't make it to the museum in person.

John Parker House

300 N. Front St., Ripley, OH 45167

One of two destinations on our list located in Ripley, a small town southeast of Cincinnati along the Ohio River, the John Parker House is both a museum and the current home of the John P. Parker Historical Society. As a young man, John Parker escaped from slavery and dedicated his life to helping other slaves reach freedom. He was an inventor and was also very active with the Underground Railroad. The museum is open from Friday through Sunday during select times of the year, so be sure to check the schedule before visiting.

John Rankin House

6152 Rankin Hill Rd., Ripley, OH 45167

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Also located in Ripley is the John Rankin House, one of the most active stops along the Underground Railroad in Ohio. The home of Reverend John Rankin was built in 1825 and was home to Rankin, his wife Jean, and their 13 children. The home, which overlooks the Ohio River, was recently restored and includes many unique artifacts from Rev. John Rankin's life as an abolitionist. You can stop by for a guided tour to learn all about this fascinating figure, his family, his work as an abolitionist, and his role in helping escaped slaves reach freedom.

Paul Laurence Dunbar House

219 N. Paul Laurence Dunbar St., Dayton, OH 45402

2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of celebrated African American author and poet laureate Paul Laurence Dunbar, who spent many years living in Ohio. The Paul Laurence Dunbar House is now a museum and cultural center, where you can learn all about the prolific writer who produced 20 books, including novels, poetry, and short stories during his short lifetime. He purchased this home for his mother in 1904 and lived there with her while he produced some of his final literary works. The home is also the location of the Dunbar Literary Circle, which meets on the second Sunday of every month.

National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center

1350 Brush Row Rd., Wilberforce, OH 45384

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Dedicated to helping visitors learn more about African American contributions to history and culture in America, the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center is an excellent place to visit during Black History Month. Exhibits scheduled to run through 2022 include Rhythm of Revolution, Queens of the Heartland, Behind the Mask: Black Power in Comics, African Americans Fighting for a Double Victory, and more. There are also many permanent exhibits, including more than 8,000 artifacts.

John Gee Black Historical Center

48 Pine St., Gallipolis, OH 45631

Housed in the John Gee African Methodist Chapel, which held church services for nearly 200 years from its founding until its final service in 1997, the John Gee Black Historical Center is a cultural and educational center. The center works to preserve the culture, tradition, crafts, art, and music of Black Americans in southeast Ohio. In addition to the many exhibits on display, the John Gee Black Historical Center often hosts lectures where you can learn more about Black history and culture.

King Arts Complex

835 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus, OH 43203

Art, music, and culture play such a vibrant, vital role in telling the story of Black history. The King Arts Complex includes galleries that showcase painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, and decorative arts. Many events are happening at the King Arts Center all year long, including the Heritage Music Festival, First Tuesday Tea, and a wide variety of youth arts education programs. The King Arts Complex is a place where you can learn about the many contributions that African Americans have made to the culture of Ohio and of the entire country.

Remembering the Past Makes for a Brighter Future

Whether you visit during Black History Month or at any other time of the year, all of these museums tell important stories that deserve to be heard. Which places will you explore to get in touch with history in Ohio this year?

Who says outdoor dining is only for summer? Taking a cue from Alaska and other chilly climates, several restaurants around Northeast Ohio feature warm, cozy igloos to keep the fun going all winter long. Head out to one of these great locations with family and friends for a memorable dining experience.

Wishmaker House

116 Main St., Bellville, OH 44813

While the family-owned Wishmaker House dates back to the late 1800s, the seven igloos add a welcome contemporary touch. Each is individually heated and decorated in a different theme inspired by local treasures, such as parks and farms. You won't want the evening to end, and at Wishmaker House, it doesn't have to! The main house is a charming bed and breakfast with rooms that bear inviting names such as "Starry Night" and "Velvet Rain." Wishmaker House is also one of the stops on the popular Wine and Ale Trail. 

Georgetown | Vosh 

18515 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107

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Thanks to the heated igloos, the award-winning outdoor patio at Georgetown | Vosh can be experienced all year long. Each level of the patio also features a fire pit for extra coziness. Choose from elegant table dining or a more casual setting with couches and a coffee table. Georgetown | Vosh serves upscale American cuisine with small plates and entrées such as Maine lobster pizza and short ribs. The five igloos seat up to eight people each for two hours with a rental fee of $45. Two seatings are available Monday through Thursday, and three seatings Friday and Saturday.

The South Side

2207 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44113

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Watching the big game from a toasty-warm igloo at The South Side is better than being there. Lounge igloos, which seat up to eight people, include TVs along with couches, chairs, and a coffee table for a relaxing ambiance. Dining igloos accommodate up to six guests with a formal table and chairs. Bottle service, beer buckets, and food specials are available as well as regular menus. Igloos can be reserved for two-hour periods with no minimums or rental fees. There is a $50 deposit on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday that is applied to the final bill. Hours are 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - midnight Friday, 10 a.m. - midnight Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday.

Bar 32

100 Lakeside Ave. E., Cleveland, OH 44114

You'll feel on top of the world, literally and figuratively, sitting in one of the igloos at Bar 32. Located on the 32nd floor of the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, Bar 32 boasts the best views of the city any time of the year. Heated rooftop igloos add a breathtaking new dimension to the panoramic scenery. Enjoy one of Bar 32's signature cocktails while sharing fresh oysters, Margherita flatbread, and other tasty items from the small plates menu. Both igloos seat up to eight people and come with Bluetooth speakers so you can stream your favorite playlist. Two-hour reservations include a $50 booking fee that goes toward the final bill. Minimum charges apply Thursday through Saturday. Hours are 5 p.m. - midnight Wednesday and Thursday and 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Lakewood Truck Park

16900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107

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Northeast Ohio has embraced the red-hot food truck trend, which offers a convenient way to try some surprisingly high-quality and inventive cuisines.  Lakewood Truck Park is a 12,000 square-foot dining area with two bars and a rotating assortment of food trucks. The lineup showcases local favorites such as Original Steaks and Hoagies, Samurai Dynasty, and Smoke This BBQ. Fire pits keep the patio warm, and the park also has several heated igloos available for reservations. Lakewood Truck Park is open daily from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. except for Friday and Saturday, when closing time is midnight.

Merwin's Wharf

Lakefront Reservation, 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

Located in the iconic Flats neighborhood of Cleveland, Merwin's Wharf is a beloved part of the city's history. Noble H. Merwin was one of the more successful merchants during Cleveland's early days, whose holdings included a tavern, packing and slaughterhouse, and warehouse. Today, eight-person igloos at Merwin's Wharf offer beautiful views of the Cuyahoga River along with a menu of small plates, desserts, and specialty cocktails. Rental fees are $50 for two hours with a minimum charge of $150. Hours are 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. daily.

The Rustic Grill at StoneWater Golf Club

1 Club Dr., Highland Heights, OH 44143

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Temperatures may be a little too frosty for nine holes, but heated igloos at The Rustic Grill at StoneWater Golf Club keep the dining action going strong. Turn a winter weekend into a special occasion with an outdoor Sunday brunch, with seatings at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Dinner seatings are available nightly at 5:00 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 7:45 p.m., while two-hour lunch reservations can be made between 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. There is no rental fee for the igloos, but there is a minimum charge of $100 for dinner on Friday and Saturday.

The Fairmount

2448 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44106

The herb gardens are just one reason that The Fairmount was voted as "Best Patio" by Cleveland Magazine. Come winter, the restaurant ups their outdoor game to another level when the patio is transformed into an igloo village. The Fairmount is committed to freshness in both food and beverages, from the housemade ginger beer in the Moscow Mule to a selection of vegan dishes such as cauliflower rice bowl and pecan tart. There is no rental fee for the igloos, and the only requirement is a four-person minimum. Hours are 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. daily.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

When you want to warm up fast, what's your go-to beverage of choice?

When the snow flies in Ohio, the fun has just begun! With opportunities for skiing, ice skating, winter hiking, and countless other activities, it's the perfect season to enjoy the outdoors in Ohio. Be sure to check out these nine amazing outdoor destinations in Ohio this winter. 

Mill Stream Run Reservation

16200 Valley Pkwy., Strongsville, OH 44136

Tobogganing at the Chalet at Mill Stream Run Reservation is a winter tradition in Northeast Ohio. With its two 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes, Mill Stream Run offers the thrill of a fast-paced toboggan ride all winter long, with or without snow. Just be sure to hold on tight—once you start moving, you're likely to top 50 miles per hour before you reach the bottom! You can always warm up in the Chalet or slow down and explore the park's snowshoe and cross-country ski trails while you're there. Mill Stream Run Reservation is operated by Cleveland Metro Parks and is just 20 minutes from the city.

Alpine Valley Ski Resort

10620 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026

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One of Ohio's top skiing destinations, Alpine Valley Ski Resort is nestled among the rolling hills of Northeast Ohio, less than 40 minutes from Cleveland. Their varied terrain includes gentle slopes that are great for beginners, as well as some more advanced slopes for seasoned skiers. Alpine Valley Ski Resort also offers equipment rentals and hands-on skiing courses with skilled instructors to help new skiers learn the ropes. If you get a little hungry between runs, stop in at the on-site restaurant for a bite, or warm up with a beverage at the Snow Belt Saloon.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

5793 Boston Mills Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264

Endless winter adventures await at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This wild 32,500-acre playground in Northeast Ohio includes 125 miles of hiking trails open year-round. The 19.7-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is especially popular among cross-country skiers thanks to its smooth grade, while the rugged Ledges Trail meanders among large rock formations that become encrusted in icicles every winter. Cuyahoga Valley National Park also offers some great opportunities for snow tubing and sledding, especially in the Kendall Hills section.

Blendon Woods Metro Park

4265 E. Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43230

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Blendon Woods Metro Park is one of the best places in Columbus to get away from city life for a while and experience nature. This 653-acre park includes a waterfowl refuge and nature center, with an elevated platform overlooking Thoreau Lake that's a popular year-round spot for bird watching. Blendon Woods Metro Park also includes several trails that are perfect for a winter hike. The 2-mile Sugarbush Trail is especially popular among cross-country skiers. Best of all, the park has a shallow, man-made pond that freezes over in winter to form a natural ice skating rink.

Buckeye Lake

2905 Leibs Island Rd. NE, Millersport, OH 43046

A mere 30 minutes from Columbus, Buckeye Lake is one of the great winter destinations in Central Ohio. When the 3,100-acre lake freezes over in winter, it's one of Ohio's best ice fishing spots, thanks to its abundant populations of saugeye, panfish, and bass. Stop in one of the gear shops or cafes around the lake to warm up, and be sure to visit on January 22, 2022, for Winterfest. This annual event includes food and drink, live music, and various events around the lake, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show. Buckeye Lake is accessible for fishing through Buckeye Lake State Park, including a 4-mile shoreline path that connects the North Shore to Lieb's Island.

Mad River Mountain

1000 Snow Valley Rd., Zanesville, OH 43360

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Central Ohio's premier ski and snowboard destination, Mad River Mountain is located just an hour from Columbus in the rolling hills of Zanesville. Skiing is available December through March most years on the 1,460-foot mountain, with a vertical drop of 300 feet. Mad River Mountain offers challenging runs for experienced skiers, as well as a learning area with easier terrain for beginners. There's even a tubing area that kids can enjoy while the grown-ups ski and a bar and grill in the lodge that serves up tasty drinks and pub grub.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden opened in 1875, making it the second-oldest zoo in the United States. It's one of the absolute must-visit attractions in the Cincinnati area, no matter the season. In winter, visitors have some particularly special events to look forward to, including the spectacular PNC Festival of Lights. Visit on a winter weekend for Penguin Days, an annual event that includes discounted admission and a chance to meet the zoo's resident penguins up close and in person. Penguin Days goes from January 10 to March 11.

Fountain Square Ice Rink

520 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Fountain Square is at the center of Downtown Cincinnati. Every year from November through February, the square is overtaken by a massive outdoor ice rink open to public skating. A 90-minute ice skating session including skate rentals is just $10, and kids 4 and under can skate for free. The rink also includes a separate area for ice bumper cars, which are a heck of a lot of fun. Visit after dark to see Fountain Square lit up in holiday lights, and be sure to check out some of the shops and eateries that are just footsteps away. It's a perfect place for a romantic winter night out in Cincinnati. 

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013

An outdoor sculpture gallery spanning more than 300 acres, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is a unique place in any season. But it's a particularly magical place in winter, when the trees, trails, and more than 70 sculptures are dusted with snow. Every year, the park also hosts a spectacular holiday lights display. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is located in the community of Hamilton, less than 30 minutes from Downtown Cincinnati. 

Let It Snow

Where will you be spending your time outdoors in Ohio this winter?