Posts with tag 'Things to Do'
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28
Sample Away: 8 Places for Wine Tastings Around Columbus
It doesn't matter if you're an occasional sipper or an experienced aficionado, wine tasting is a great way to unwind with friends after a busy week. While Central Ohio is a long way from Napa Valley, there's no shortage of fantastic wine tasting options in the area. With so many choices, you are sure to discover several new types of wine you absolutely love.
Whether you're planning an upcoming date night or just hanging out with the girls, below are some recommendations for great wineries and vineyards in and around the Columbus area.
Via Vecchia Winery
2050 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43207
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Via Vecchia calls itself an industrial-chic event center and urban winery. This 6,000-square-foot venue in downtown Columbus allows you to escape the busy city without actually leaving, as the property is equipped with a beautiful mezzanine, covered veranda, large patio, and private courtyard. While it's often used as a wedding venue, the winery itself is open by appointment. Vecchia's fine wines are made from traditional Tuscan techniques using certified organic grapes imported from California. All wines are vegan, keto, and paleo diet-friendly as well as gluten-free.
Wyandotte Winery
4640 Wyandotte Dr., Columbus, OH 43230
Wyandotte Winery calls itself the first and oldest winery in Columbus. Here, you can try new wines in a casual "no snob" environment. Located on a neighborhood street near Blendon Woods Park, this winery has a bar, a tasting room, and a wine shop, and all wine is made onsite. The property has a beautiful outdoor patio that is open when the weather cooperates. While they don't have a food menu, the owners will occasionally host a multi-course dinner with wine pairings. The winery is open Thursday - Saturday. Also, if you're traveling toward the Lancaster Ohio area, be sure to check out Rockside Winery and Vineyards, which is Wyandotte's sister winery.
Camelot Cellars
901 Oak St., Columbus, OH 43205
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A Columbus staple since 2005, Camelot Cellars is a boutique winery offering more than 60 unique, high-quality wines that appeal to first-time consumers, experienced palates, and everyone in-between. Camelot's award-winning wines are made on-premise and are recognized nationally and internationally. In addition to wine, they offer a southern, Creole-influenced menu full of tasty modern comfort foods. If some members of your party prefer other beverages, beer and cocktails are also available. With happy hour specials during the week and winery tours on the weekend, make sure a visit to Camelot Cellars is on your list.
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
4230 The Strand, Columbus, OH 43219
What started as a winery in Orland Park, IL in 2005 has now expanded to several dozen locations across 10 states including this spot north of Columbus. Cooper's Hawk's wines have won hundreds of awards and are made with grapes from Chile, France, California, and Washington. Each wine is handcrafted and nurtured "according to its individual needs." With an onsite tasting room and a full dinner menu, Cooper's Hawk is the perfect place for a relaxing night out. Dining is described as modern casual, and they also offer a retail store so you can grab a bottle to take home. The restaurant and tasting rooms are open Monday - Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Good Vibes Winery
2 S. State St., Westerville, OH 43081
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Located north of Columbus in Westerville, Good Vibes Winery brands itself as an urban winery that brings the traditional "wine region" experience to central Ohio. Each of the 20+ wines is named after classic hits and is made in Westerville using grapes from award-winning vineyards from all around the world. With a beautiful tasting room, Good Vibes Winery is a great place to relax. They also have special events throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye on their calendar. While they don't offer a full menu, they do have a handful of small plates and snacks. Wines are also available for carryout. Hours may vary, but they're generally open Wednesdays through Saturdays.
Slate Run Vineyard
1900 Winchester Southern Rd., Canal Winchester, OH 43110
If you're south of Columbus, head over to Slate Run Vineyard. Named for a nearby creek, Slate Run has over sample 17 proprietary wines available to sample, each one made with grapes from their beautiful vineyard. Using 100% Ohio Fruit, Slate Run makes wines that go beyond simple fruit character. Since they're located about 19 miles southeast of Columbus, they're actually 200 feet higher in elevation which creates a unique mixture of soils and microclimate. In addition to a beautiful vineyard, Slate Run also has a 2,400-square-foot Winehaus that is perfect for private parties or special events. Don't feel like making the drive? Slate Run also ships wine anywhere in Ohio. Slate Run is open Mondays - Saturdays from 1 p.m to 7 p.m.
Soine Vineyards Winery
3510 Clark-Shaw Rd., Powell, OH 43065
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This beautiful winery vineyard sits on about 6 acres of land about 4 miles north of Columbus. Ten cultivars of grapes are grown within the vineyard and are used to produce a variety of locally-produced red, white, and blush wines. In case you're hungry, they offer a small menu of appetizers and pizza. They often have live music and special events on the weekends, so if you're looking to a quick way to escape the busy city, head to Soine Vineyard where you can sip wine while relaxing on their beautiful property. The winery is opened Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 to 8 p.m.
Blend of Seven Winery
1400 Stratford Rd., Delaware, OH 43015
This cozy winery located north of Columbus features a tasting room, event space, and outdoor seating. They also host live music, chili cook-offs, and other special events throughout the year. Each of their unique wines is crafted on-site using grapes from all around the world, and the owners are often available to provide food pairing tips and recommendations. If you get hungry, a small menu of appetizers, pizza, and sandwiches is available. Wines are available by tasting, glass, bottle, or carryout bottle. The winery is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Red or White?
When it comes to wine tasting, the Columbus area is definitely coming of age. With so many options around the city, where will you be sipping wine this weekend?
9
8 Places for Halloween Frights Around Ohio
The Buckeye State is a spooky place! From Cincinnati to Columbus to Northeast Ohio and beyond, ghosts, ghouls, specters, and spirits have been sighted near some of our most popular landmarks. The Halloween season is the perfect time to scour Ohio and search for the souls that haunt our state. Don't forget to bring a flashlight when you explore these haunted sites around Ohio!
The Ohio State Reformatory
100 Reformatory Rd., Mansfield, OH 44905
Distance from: Columbus: 69 Miles | Cincinnati: 177 Miles | Cleveland: 78 Miles
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The Ohio State Reformatory is one of the most famous haunted prisons in the country. As the site of many paranormal sightings and events, the prison offers a variety of ghost tours for people of all ages. Ghost Hunting Classes and Ghost Walks are available for those 13 and older. For adults aged 18 and above, you can sign up for a Private Paranormal Investigation or a Public Ghost Hunt. Best of all, after the tour, you can pick up your own ghost hunting equipment from the gift shop so you can search for spirits wherever you go in Ohio.
Night Haunt at Malabar Farm State Park
4050 Bromfield Rd., Lucas, OH 44843
Distance from: Columbus: 69 Miles| Cincinnati: 176 Miles | Cleveland: 85 Miles
Malabar Farm State Park is considered one of the 10 Best Most Haunted Destinations in America, which makes it a must-see for any family who loves ghostbusting. Despite a tragic group of murders, the farm is still in operation…but paranormal activity has continued since the deaths. Visitors have felt "electric waves" crawl up their skin while others have witnessed other mysterious events. If there's one ghost adventure you take this October, a Night Haunt walking tour at Malabar Fark State Park should be it!
Garrison Ghost Walk at Fort Meigs
29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551
Distance from: Columbus: 135 Miles | Cincinnati: 195 Miles | Cleveland: 112 Miles
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Fort Meigs was the site of an important battle during the War of 1812. As is the case with many historic war sites, this battlefield often shows signs of a haunting. Ghosts of dead soldiers are seen walking around at night, as are mysterious blue orbs that float around the battleground. If you listen closely, you might even hear the sounds of marching footsteps or canons being fired in the distance. A great place to learn about the history of our state, a haunted tour of Fort Meigs is perfect for history buffs.
Merry Go Round Museum
301 Jackson St., Sandusky, OH 44870
Distance from: Columbus: 116 Miles | Cincinnati: 231 Miles | Cleveland: 61 Miles
If you thought the Merry Go Round Museum was all fun and games, think again! Paranormal activity has long haunted this colorful museum. The only haunted carousel horse in the world is located in this museum. The carousel's creator had a wife who fell in love with one special horse. They say that her ghost comes back to ride the Haunted Steed quite often. While you're listening closely for her footsteps, don't be surprised if you feel a tug on your shirt — a young girl also haunts this museum and sometimes interacts with visitors.
Hallowed Halls of Horror
281 W. Lane Ave., Columbus, OH 43210
Distance from: Columbus: 6 Miles | Cincinnati: 110 Miles | Cleveland: 139 Miles
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Columbus Ghost Tours is known for taking visitors to the spookiest places in the city. While their city walking tour and cemetery tours are excitingly spooky, one of our favorites takes you to Ohio State University. Tour the school searching for ghouls as you learn about the dark history surrounding one of America's most popular campuses. Trust us, this is one history lesson you'll never forget!
Queen City is Haunted
1332 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Distance from: Columbus: 107 Miles | Cincinnati: 1 Mile | Cleveland: 248 Miles
Cincinnati is a wonderful city to explore, full of museums, amazing sports venues, and plenty of restaurants where you can get your chili fix. Look a little closer, however, and you'll discover a sinister side to Cincy. The Queen City is Haunted walking tour is one of the best ways to learn about the ghastly and ghoulish events that have happened throughout the city. This two-hour tour will guide you through many areas of the town includes havens for paranormal activity and even hallowed grounds where remains have been recently discovered! The Queen City is Haunted is an interesting way to learn about Cincinnati's grizzly past while enjoying a night out in this beautiful urban space.
Loveland Castle-Chateau
12025 Shore Dr., Loveland, OH 45140
Distance from: Columbus: 89 Miles | Cincinnati: 22 Miles | Cleveland: 231 Miles
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This historic castle is now a museum on the banks of the Little Miami River. Built in the 1920s by medievalist Harry D. Andrews, the chateau's beautiful landscape was the site of a fiery tragedy. A moonshiner and his wife lived in a small cabin near the end of the castle's property. One day, Harry Andrews heard an explosion at the cabin and rushed over to help. The moonshiner's wife was found dead and Andrews sustained severe burns that resulted in his untimely death. Visitors claim that the castle is haunted by three ghosts — a male entity who is likely Harry Andrews, a female entity who is assumed to be the moonshiner's wife, and a Viking entity that is said to haunt the castle's exterior. Find our for yourself on a walking tour of the grounds.
Collingwood Arts Center
2413 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo, OH 43620
Distance from: Columbus: 144 Miles| Cincinnati: 204 Miles | Cleveland: 116 Miles
Once a retirement home for local nuns, just one look at the Collingwood Arts Center's Gothic façade is enough to make you believe it's haunted. The retirement home closed for a few years before being reimagined as an arts center…but a few spirits from the past stuck around. From residents dying of Typhoid and other diseases to the occult practices that used to take place in the basement when the building was vacated, guests have reported and photographed mysterious sights in the art center. Floating orbs can be seen in around the home, assumedly spirits of the nuns who perished there. In the basement, spirits have been known to scare visitors. Take a tour inside and see for yourself!
Things That Go Bump in the Night
Where are your favorite haunted places in Ohio perfect for a spooky ghost tour? Tell us your ghost sightings in the comments below!
7
8 Places Around Ohio to Take In Fall Scenery by Zipline
You've probably used the expression "bird's-eye view" dozens of times, thinking it's just a metaphor. But thanks to the thrills of ziplining, you can gain a new appreciation of the landscape around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati as you "fly" high above it. Get your "bird's-eye view" of Ohio's colorful fall scenery with one of these popular ziplining tours.
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
Distance From: Cleveland (182 miles) | Columbus (43 miles) | Cincinnati (136 miles)
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Highly acclaimed by sources such as USA Today, Discovery Channel, and the New York Times, Hocking Hills Canopy Tours proudly bills itself as Ohio's first "world-class" zipline adventure. The attraction gets high marks for innovation and a commitment to safety while maintaining respect for the environment. In addition to the popular Original Tour, HHCT offers several specialty options, including night ziplining and kid-friendly adventures. Get a different perspective with one of the guided Segway® off-road nature tours. HHCT is open seven days a week.
Tree Frog Canopy Tours
Distance From: Cleveland (90 miles) | Columbus (68 miles) | Cincinnati (175 miles)
Located in Ohio's spectacular Mohican region, Tree Frog Canopy Tours recently made the top ten in USA Today's list of Best Aerial Adventure Parks. Tree Frog's 2.5-hour course is the only one in the state using a dual-cable system to provide a faster and smoother ride. Travel across more than 4,000 feet of cable as you ride seven ziplines and cross two skybridges. Each tour is led by two guides who create a safe environment and share fascinating information about the different sights. Tours are scheduled daily, with Mondays and Thursdays designated as "Kids' Days."
Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park
Distance From: Cleveland (19 miles) | Columbus (127 miles) | Cincinnati (233 miles)
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As the name implies, Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park recreates the storybook exploits of Tarzan and his faithful companion, Cheetah. Frolic through the forest at a height of 50 feet with their popular Treetop Adventure, which begins with a climb up a rope ladder and progresses through 40 exciting obstacles, including bridges, ziplines, and breathtaking Tarzan swings. Indulge your competitive spirit by combining your treetop tour with a ground-level session of axe throwing. Three-hour Treetop Adventure sessions are available Friday through Sunday, while hour-long axe-throwing sessions may be booked for Saturday and Sunday.
Wilds Zipline Safari
Distance From: Cleveland (141 miles) | Columbus (75 miles) | Cincinnati (178 miles)
If a ziplining safari isn't on your bucket list, it should be. The Wilds is an impressive and innovative conservation center dedicated to finding solutions for problems impacting wildlife and the environment. Part of their mission is educating the public with activities such as Wild Zipline Safari. A series of 10 ziplines provide incredible opportunities to view giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and other endangered species rarely seen in the United States. If you don't have the time for the full 2-1/2 hour tour, check out the Overlook version. This modified tour lasts 1-1/2 hours and doesn't actually enter the pastures, but still offers unparalleled views.
ZipZone Outdoor Adventures
Distance From: Cleveland (134 miles) | Columbus (16 miles) | Cincinnati (120 miles)
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Urban ziplining? Yes, it's true. ZipZone Outdoor Adventures is an oasis of nature in the heart of Columbus. Situated on the grounds of Camp Mary Orton, ZipZone offers a two-hour tour over 20 acres of forest. The Adventure Park, opened in 2017, adds a new dimension to your ziplining experience. Choose from five different climbing courses, ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert, and make your way through the challenging elements. Guides provide 30-40 minutes of instruction beforehand, and all participants are locked to a lifeline cable with double-connected safety clips. Wee ones can join in the fun at the Kids Park, a modified version of the Adventure Park. Courses are only a few feet off the ground to make it easy for kids between aged 4 to 7. Canopy tours are offered Friday through Sunday, while Adventure Park and Kids Park are open Saturday and Sunday.
Ultimate Zipline Adventures
Distance From: Cleveland (191 miles) | Columbus (52 miles) | Cincinnati (152 miles)
As a kid, did you ever dream of joining the circus to perform on the high wire? The full course at Ultimate Zipline Adventures is even more satisfying than your childhood fantasy. After a training session, you'll head up into the trees to tackle 16 ziplines and 23 high rope activities, completing many of the obstacles while suspended in the air. Zipline purists may prefer the Apex course, which skips the first half of the full course. You'll still get a lot of action packed into seven zip lines, including a set of dual racing lines. Kids under the age of 10 have their own fully supervised course, which features three ziplines and 12 rope activities. Ultimate Zipline Adventures is open Wednesday through Sunday for all courses.
Valley Zipline Tours
Distance From: Cleveland (176 miles) | Columbus (37 miles) | Cincinnati (137 miles)
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Regular ziplining not exciting enough for you? Valley Zipline Tours has the answer. Their course starts with five fairly conventional lines, ranging from 15 to 40 feet above ground. Then you move to the 1,000-foot-long "monster" line, which hovers 120 feet in the air. Speeds can reach up to 40 MPH. The next leg pits you head-to-head against another member of your group on side-by-side 700-foot racing lines. Finish your tour gliding at upwards of 50 MPH on the signature 1,400-foot line spanning the entire course. Newbies can opt for the Tree Top Tour, consisting of the first six lines of the main tour. Having too much fun to stop? Upgrade to the main tour on the spot. Mini Zip tours are available for kids aged 5-7.
Sports Plus Zipline Park
Distance From: Cleveland (237 miles) | Columbus (95 miles) | Cincinnati (17 miles)
Feel the adrenaline rush of ziplining during any season of the year at Sports Plus Zipline Park. The family-friendly indoor facility houses three state-of-the-art ziplines that cover more than 200 feet. With ten 30-foot rock-climbing walls and 10,000 square feet of trampolines as well, you may never come back down to earth! Sports Plus is open Friday through Sunday with three available time slots each day.
Up, Up and Away
From Superman to Captain Marvel, flying is the iconic superpower. If you could fly, where's the first place you would go?
25
See Changing Leaves Around Ohio at These 9 Places
Fall is a wonderful time of the year in Ohio. The cool autumn breeze, the spooky arrival of Halloween festivities, and the many community festivals make this our favorite season for living in Ohio. Of course, you can't mention fall in Ohio without noting the gorgeous colors of the changing leaves.
Northeast Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
15610 Vaughn Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141
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Residents of Akron and Cleveland will agree that a trip to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park does wonders for the soul. A great place to reconnect with nature, there's so much to see and do in this national park that it's not surprising that it draws visitors from near and far each year. During the autumn, the Cuyahoga River weaves its way through rolling hills, farmland, and forests, glistening brightly as it collects falling leaves from the changing trees. With more than 125 miles of trail to hike, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a must-visit in autumn for anyone who loves to embrace the season's beauty.
Eagles Creek Nature Preserve
Center Rd., Garrettsville, OH 44231
A few miles southeast of Cleveland is the Eagles Creek Nature Preserve which is full of Northeast Ohio's wonderfully diverse plants and animals. The landscape varies from marshes and swamps to woodlands and forests, offering a truly exceptional view into the many habitats that house such interesting biodiversity. Manageable trails lead you into this underrated gem, providing you with privacy and peace while you gaze at mix of yellows, reds, oranges, and browns that paint a stunning portrait.
Beaver Creek State Park
12021 Echo Dell Road, East Liverpool, OH 43920
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Do you want a little outdoor adventure to mix in with your sightseeing? Then head to Beaver Creek State Park to watch the leaves change as you cruise down the Little Beaver Creek on a canoe. If you'd rather stay on land, you can hike the many trails on foot, atop a mountain bike, or on horseback. Whichever you choose, make sure you bring your camera to photograph the dazzling colors of this rugged landscape.
Columbus
Tar Hollow State Park
16396 Tar Hollow Rd., Laurelville, OH 43135
Immerse yourself in the dense woodlands and deep ravines of Tar Hollow State Park as you get lost in the beauty of the Appalachian Plateau. A walk through Tar Hollow State Park will make you feel like you're in the wilderness worlds away from Columbus. Turkeys, turtles, skinks, snakes, and more call this area of Ohio home. A stroll through Tar Hollow's 604-acres offers a great way to see the changing of the leaves, only rivaled by the beautiful colors that spring back to life once winter ends.
Scioto Audubon Metro Park
400 W. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Downtown Columbus may be a bustling cityscape, but the Scioto Audubon Metro Park offers an opportunity to get back in touch with nature just a few blocks from the skyscrapers. The park covers 120-acres of previously industrial land, now refreshed as a thriving oasis where wildlife flourishes. The views along the Scioto River, chirping of the birds, and miles of multi-use trails are ideal for working professionals who only have a small period of time to escape from the daily grind. Because it's so close to home, you can visit every weekend and watch as the landscape changes from green to bright reds.
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park
834 Edgewater Dr., St. Marys, OH 45885
Where better to see the leaves change than from the water? The popular boating destination of Grand Lake St. Marys State Park is a beachside paradise where you can relax on or offshore and watch the trees transform around you. We think that this state park is a wonderful place to take the kids for an overnight stay, as fishing, hiking, hunting, and boating opportunities sit alongside volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground, basketball courts, and an off-leash dog park.
Cincinnati
Shawnee State Park
4404 OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663
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Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the Shawnee State Forest is a breathtaking place to become one with nature. Totaling 1100-acres of the 63,000-acre forest, Shawnee State Park is a fantastic place for a weekend getaway with the family. This state park is a popular place to hunt, fish, boat, and hike, offering you the opportunity to take in the changing of the leaves on the banks of the Ohio River. The Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center is within the forest, making it a perfect location to enjoy unspoiled nature during the day before returning to cozy creature comforts at night.
Mt. Airy Forest
5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
You don't have to leave Cincinnati's city limits to enjoy a getaway in nature. Mt. Airy Forest was one of the earliest urban reforestation projects in the country and now provides nearly 1500-acres of multi-use space for hiking, biking, picnicking, and more. Mt. Airy's accessibility isn't limited to its proximity to the city. The forest has an enclosed dog park for hikers to let their pets run free and also houses the state's sole public treehouse that is accessible for those using a wheelchair.
Scioto Trail State Park
144 Lake Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601
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Equal distance between Cincinnati and Columbus, Scioto Trail State Park is a fantastic destination to watch the leaves change this autumn. This park is within the 9,000-acre Scioto Trail State Forest but only encompasses 218-acres, making it an easy state park to tackle in a single trip. Bordering the Scioto River, this area offers amazing views of the Scioto River Valley. Bring a fishing rod to cast a line in the river or pack up the camping gear and spend an early-fall evening enjoying the quiet swaying of the trees.
Ohio Leaf Peeping
Where is your favorite spot around Ohio to see the leaves change?
12
10 Places for a Family Weekend Getaway Around Ohio
Who's ready to get out of the house and get away for a weekend? These last few months have brought our families together closer than ever. Unfortunately, that also meant pretty close quarters at home. While many of our summer vacation plans may be postponed until next year, there's still plenty of time to make the most of a quick trip around the state. Load up the kids, pack a handful of snacks, and head to one of these destinations that are perfect for a family weekend getaway.
Put-in-Bay
Distance From: Cleveland (85 miles) | Columbus (130 miles) | Cincinnati (235 miles)
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Looking to get away only to kick back and relax? Then stay put in Put-in-Bay! This island in Lake Erie is a fantastic play to have an enjoyable yet relaxed family vaca. You can either stay on the island itself or take the ferry back and forth to the mainland. Perry's Cave Family Fun Center is a must-do as it has everything imaginable: mini golf, rock climbing, a maze, and even gemstone mining. There are also tons of hiking trails, nature walks, and on-water activities to fill your getaway!
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Distance from: Cleveland (20 miles) | Columbus (129 miles) | Cincinnati (235 miles)
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Super close to Akron, your visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park will make you feel worlds away from the city. This wonderful natural space is a great place to camp and get your family in touch with nature. Hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, canoeing, kayaking, and stargazing are just the tip of the iceberg! Bring a few coolers of food for unforgettable picnics or eat one of the restaurants just outside of the park. You can stay in lodging within the park or camp at a nearby campground just outside of the park's limits.
Geneva-on-the-Lake
Distance From: Cleveland (53 miles) | Columbus (190 miles) | Cincinnati (296 miles)
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Whether you're looking for indoor or outdoor family fun, Geneva-on-the-Lake is the place to be! Charter a fishing boat or play mini-golf. Take a zipline canopy tour or go canoeing down the Grand River. If the weather isn't cooperating, a roller rink and multiple arcades will deliver indoor fun. Just be sure to hit the beach when you can as no trip to Geneva-on-the-Lake is complete without actually being on the Lake.
Hocking Hills
Distance From: Cleveland (197 miles) | Columbus (57 miles) | Cincinnati (135 miles)
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If your family can't spend enough time outdoors then set a course for Hocking Hills! Southeastern Ohio's scenic wonderland has two nature preserves, five state parks/forests, and six natural attractions. Hike to the Old Man's Cave or Cedar Falls. Camp in a tent or stay in a cabin. Plus, there are plenty of other family-friendly attractions like High Rock Adventures, Skyview Drive-In, Rollerball Lanes, and R Adventure Park.
Sandusky
Distance From: Cleveland (63 miles)Columbus (112 miles) | | Cincinnati (225 miles)
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Have an adventure on the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky. This town is home to adrenaline-pumping action including Cedar Point amusement park, Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark, Castaway Bay Waterpark, and Kalahari Resort. Add a new interesting museums and lovely state parks into the mix, and you've got an active weekend that your kids will love!
Mason
Distance From: Cleveland (227 miles) | Columbus (85 miles) | Cincinnati (24 miles)
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Travelers to the Cincinnati area know that there are hours of fun to be had just a few miles north in Mason. Home to King's Island, the largest amusement park and waterpark in the Midwest. In fact, there are so many great family-friendly attractions around Warren County that Mason is a great home base. Jump & Jack's playground, the WEB Extreme Entertainment, and EnterTRAINment Junction are a few miles east.
Cumberland
Distance From: Cleveland (136 miles) | Columbus (77 miles) | Cincinnati (185 miles)
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Looking to get a little wild on your family getaway? Then head to Cumberland and visit The Wilds. This unique zoo features animals from around the world and you can go on your own safari through the park. You can take a zipline tour, learn about animals in the nature center, and even spend the night on the property and let the sounds of wildlife rock you to sleep.
Yellow Springs
Distance From: Cleveland (195 miles) | Columbus (56 miles) | Cincinnati (70 miles)
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There's a reason Yellow Springs is known as "Everyone's Favorite Place." Arts, culture, local cuisine, and outdoor recreation all combine to give you an awesome weekend trip. Take a family bike ride through the trails within John Bryan State Park or hike around Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve. Grab fresh food from Flying Mouse Farms then dust off your new favorite book at one of the two Yellow Springs independent bookstores. With events nearly every weekend in downtown, there's always something fun to see and do for the whole family in Yellow Springs.
Amish Country
Distance From: Cleveland (78 miles) | Columbus (84 miles) | Cincinnati (200 miles)
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If you've never visited Ohio's Amish Country, then you're in for a yesteryear treat! Amish Country is full of unique little towns that give you a sample of true Amish life. Take an Amish Heartland Tour in Millersburg, eat at the Amish Door Restaurant in Wilmot, and visit the "Little Switzerland of Ohio" in Sugarcreek. Whichever towns you stop in, be sure to sample the fresh cheese and pick up a few handcrafted souvenirs around Berlin.
Toledo
Distance From: Cleveland (114 miles) | Columbus (146 miles) | Cincinnati (202 miles)
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Instead of heading to the three Big C cities, head to Toledo and experience a different side of Ohio. The Toledo Zoo, Imagination Station, National Museum of the Great Lakes, and Wildwood Park are just a few of the great destinations inside Toledo. With dozens upon dozens of indoor and outdoor attractions that are ideal for all ages, Toldeo may just become your new favorite urban getaway in Ohio!
Family Roadtrip
Where is your favorite place to take the family for a weekend getaway? Tell us where we should plan our next family staycation in the comments!
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