When people think of lighthouses they often think of the East Coast or Florida. But did you know that Ohio is home to a number of lighthouses? Many of these structures once served the robust shipping industry and provided light and signals to ships entering port. Today some of the lighthouses are still active, others are maintained as pieces of Ohio and Lake Erie's rich history. I have always enjoyed lighthouses. When I travel in Ohio or out of the state boundaries, I always take a photo of a lighthouse if it is nearby. They are majestic yet calming structures... Continue reading

There are certain events and activities that stand out in my childhood memories. They seem incredibly vivid even though I was very young at the time. One of those memories was when my family took me to to The Warther Museum in Dover, Ohio. I was probably about seven or eight at the time, but the amazement and wonder the museum held stuck in my mind. Fast forward 20 years and I found myself planning a weekend trip to the Dover, Ohio area last fall. When I realized that was the location of the infamous Warther Museum from my youth,... Continue reading

Spring is officially here and it couldn't be a better time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors in Cleveland, Ohio. A visit to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is the perfect solution for that breath of fresh air you've been needing all winter! Enjoy the zoo's year-round exhibits including the Waterfowl Lake, African Elephant Crossing (just opened in 2011) and the Primate, Cat and Aquatics building and more. Also, a number of special events are ongoing including Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Easter weekend, and a special DINOSAURS!, an animatronic technology display opening May 9. Visit the zoo... Continue reading

The winter doldrums can take a toll on the best of us, but there's hope! Even when it's chilly outside and the skies may be cloudy, things are shining "brite" in Ohio City. This eclectic, artisan-focused neighborhood is located on Cleveland's west side, and is home to quaint shops, breweries, fine dining and of course the world-famous West Side Market*, Cleveland's oldest open air grocery and produce market. On top of the usual fun that can be found by exploring these shops, February boasts the "Brite Winter Art & Music Celebration" on Saturday, February 16. This fourth annual event is... Continue reading

The Lights Before Christmas display returns this month at the Toledo Zoo in Toledo, Ohio, now in its 27th year. As a Toledo native, visits to the zoo during the holiday season is a cherished memory from childhood. Today it's an annual tradition that has continued into adulthood. From families, to couples, to the young and the old, the Toledo Zoo truly brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy this festive display, now showcasing more than one million lights! The zoo started in 1900 with the donation of a single woodchuck by the City of Toledo's Parks... Continue reading

A journey along the Lake Erie Shores & Islands Wine Trail is the perfect pairing for an autumn weekend. Enjoy a leisurely trip along this trail which includes wineries on both the mainland and South Bass Island. This trail includes 13 wineries and takes patrons as far west as Bryan, Ohio (near the Ohio/Indiana border) and as far east as Avon Lake, Ohio (just west of Cleveland). Pick a few wineries to visit or enjoy them all over the course of several days. Wine varieties on this trail range from ice wine made from frozen grapes at Firelands Winery, to... Continue reading

With a quaint business district, memorable dining and sandy beaches, Huron, Ohio is one of my favorite stops along Ohio's north coast. This charming community is located an hour west of Cleveland and an hour east of Toledo and sits only two blocks from Lake Erie's coastline. Huron is ideal for a quiet and relaxing weekend away, or perfect paired with a trip to Sandusky's Cedar Point amusement park. Here are some of my personal recommendations: Where to Stay: Lodging options in and around Huron will suit any taste. Enjoy a resort-style stay at Sawmill Creek Resort, which has it's... Continue reading

My writing career began in Sandusky, Ohio. As a young professional I had the opportunity to report on this lakeside community while working at the Sandusky Register. In addition to being the home of America's Roller Coast -- Cedar Point -- and a number of waterparks, Sandusky, Ohio offers the perfect setting for a weekend getaway with quaint downtown shops, comfortable lodging, nightlife options and scenic views of Lake Erie. Stay an extra night next time you visit Sandusky and see all that downtown has to offer. Here are some of my personal recommendations: Where to Stay: The Cottage Rose... Continue reading