I consider my job to be among the best there is. For the second year in a row I am lucky enough to be involved with a job that lets me travel around Ohio and its surrounding states telling people exactly how this state is too much fun to fit into one day. Working with TourismOhio on the “Too Much Fun Mobile Tour” has been a blast so far, not only because I’ve had the chance to travel and make new friends, but also because I’ve learned so much more than I ever thought I could about Ohio. As a... Continue reading

Ohio offers some of the best birding sites in the country, particularly along the Lake Erie shoreline. Ohio State Parks, nature preserves, forests and wildlife areas are spectacular locations to view many species of birds, including warblers, song birds, waterfowl, and shorebirds among many more. Kirtland's Warbler The best times of the year to see these migrating birds begin in April, but more specifically you can see shorebirds from April-June, hawks from April-May, and warblers from April-May. There are many unique locations around Ohio to see these magnificent birds including: Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area in Lucas and Ottawa counties... Continue reading

My son at age 3 It’s funny how a few short years can change a person. When my son was three years old I took him to The Children’s Museum in Cleveland, by the picturesque University Circle area. At three, it was hard to get him to leave. Returning three years later, getting him to go back took even more effort. “I’m too old for The Children’s Museum,” is what he told me. My reply, “It’s called a children’s museum for a reason and last I checked, you're still qualified.” Nevertheless we returned. Inside was the gigantic sand lot that... Continue reading

The newest exhibit to hit the Columbus Museum of Art delves into the work of Mark Rothko (did you know his real name is Marcus Rothkowitz?). It focuses on merely a decade of the artist’s life, but those ten years showcase the severe stylistic transition in Rothko’s creative career. Rothko enters the 1940’s as a figurative painter and leaves the decade as an abstract one. This exhibit traces his development subtly, allowing the viewer to mark the changes he makes within each work. Room one is full of Rothko’s earliest, most figurative works. He focuses on myths and the meaning... Continue reading

February saw many tributes to our nation's presidents and a holiday dedicated to them, but what about their hard-working and supportive spouses? March is Women's History Month, so why not check out the National First Ladies Library and historic Saxton-McKinley home in Canton to learn more about these fascinating women and their place in our history? Seven presidential spouses called Ohio home, more than any other state can boast. Ida Saxton lived in a spacious brick home with her family in Canton. Her father was a prominent local banker who stressed the importance of education and independence to his daughters.... Continue reading

We are all guilty of not taking the time to see the sights that are so close to home, as if the further we travel, the better they will be. The older I get, the more I realize this isn’t true. My family has been spending time in Harrison County my entire life, but it wasn’t until one day with not much to do that I loaded my children up in the car in search for some local landmarks that we have never taken the time to see. The first bit of history is the Skull Fork Covered Bridge, located... Continue reading

Photos by Mike Evans of OHventures All throughout the year, and even on the coldest and most wintry of days, The Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve is buzzing with visitors. Perhaps it is the geographical wonders that draws them in, or maybe it's the historical aspects of the park that brings them by. Whichever it is, the 956-acre area is sure to satisfy. Located in Licking County, just east of the City of Newark and in the small town of Toboso, the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve was established in 1976 in order to protect the area for generations to... Continue reading

This Sunday sees the 85th Academy Awards taking place in Los Angeles. Ohio-based movie enthusiasts have a rich choice of excellent theaters to see nominated films such as Argo, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Les Misérables, Life of Pi and Lincoln before the big day. Here are five of the best movie theaters in the state. 1. Studio 35, Columbus At 75 years old, Studio 35 is Columbus' oldest independent movie theater. Following extensive renovations last year, the theater now offers a comfortable lounge bar area with more than 40 beers on tap -- get there for Happy Hour weekdays... Continue reading

President William McKinley admired the view from atop a hill in Canton and suggested it as home for a memorial honoring Stark County soldiers and sailors who lost their lives during America's wars. Instead, the site became home to a memorial honoring McKinley after his assassination in 1901. The 200,000 visitors the Monument draws each year admire the view from the top of a set of tiered steps leading up to the monument. Visit on a sunny summer day, and you'll find plenty of locals exercising by walking or running up and down the 108 steps! Architect Harold Van Buren... Continue reading

If planning a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway is not really your thing, I have come up with some options to consider as you look to romance your loved one. Turn Valentine’s Day into a weekend adventure at some of these great Ohio destinations. Head to a Bed & Breakfast Ohio has some adorable and unique B&B’s like the Grinnell Mill Bed & Breakfast, a charming restored gristle mill in Yellow Springs overlooking the Little Miami River. The historic building makes for the perfect cozy getaway. For a more themed weekend, plan a stay at the Ravenwood Castle in Hocking Hills... Continue reading

Spring is just around the corner, which means it's time to start making plans for your summer vacations and getaways! DiscoverOhio is giving away a chance to win an amazing trip to Cedar Point, the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World!" Keep reading for more details! If you find yourself in a financial pinch this vacation season, Cedar Point is offering a great way to afford a fun family vacation with the new "Easy Pay Plan." The plan allows you to pay for your summer getaway a little at a time, allowing you more flexibility. Guests who book a stay... Continue reading

As much as I want to revel in the lovely winter weather and be grateful that Ohio has four full seasons to enjoy, there are times when I just want to avoid the cold altogether. Staying indoors, however, is not always that easy when you have an energetic six-year-old literally climbing the walls. That’s why I look for fun “indoor” places for him to enjoy. In Northeast Ohio, there are plenty of places that can absorb his energy. My son loved Fun 'N’ Stuff in Macedonia. We go there every year to celebrate a family member’s birthday. In the summertime... Continue reading

The Wexner Center is by far one of the best intellectual and interesting places on Ohio State’s campus because its exhibits are modern, and attract not just students, but those from all around the Columbus area. The last exhibit, showcasing Annie Leibovitz and her creative eye for capturing the American spirit, was monumental to say the least. The replacement exhibit, More American Photographs, can be considered an extension of the beauty that is the American condition. Beginning in the early 1930’s, when America was at its lowest financial state, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt started an initiative called the Farm Security... Continue reading

So, the charm of Christmas is gone. The glittery stars, the red and white stockings, candy canes and lush greenery have been wiped clear, leaving us with nothing but the bleak gray of Ohio winter. So, imagine the welcome surprise that hit me as I drove into the rich historical town of Lebanon, just a few miles north of Cincinnati in Warren County. There, crisp white and red have found their place to reign in the store windows of the town's antique and specialty shops, giving us Ohioans just one more respite from our colorless winter. There are more than... Continue reading

Bloody Mary via http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhaithaca To me, nothing says "it's the weekend" more than settling down in one of my favorite Columbus restaurants, ordering a drink and slowly perusing the brunch menu. Brunch offerings in Columbus run the gamut from wholesome and healthy, to gluttonous and cocktail-soaked. The following five spots have something delicious for all food gurus. 1. Surly Girl Saloon The Surly Girl is hands down my favorite spot for a bit of brunch and a few drinks. Actually, the drinks are my main draw to this red-hued cowgirl and pirate-themed diner in the Short North. Bloody Mary's are... Continue reading

Recently, I had the opportunity to get a sneak peek of the newly renovated National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center (NAAMCC) in Wilberforce. It was a relaxing getaway trip and a chance for this northern Ohioan to trek down “south” and see all the wonderful updates that have been done to the building. With Black History Month just a few days away, I also thought this would be a great place to learn about Ohioʼs significant contributions to African- American culture through art. The museum, located on the campus of Central State University, a historically black college, and next to... Continue reading

Winter Hiking at Prairie Oaks Metro Park If you're anything like me, the winter blues hit you hard and fast this time of the year. Saved for all of the holiday fun and excitement, motivation tends to set as early as the sun. A lack of daylight hours and warm weather can certainly take its toll! The cold wintry weather in Ohio is inevitable...it comes year after year whether you like it or not. There's nothing you can do to change that, but you certainly CAN change your gloomy attitude and get outside for a winter hike! Should you choose... Continue reading

Martin Luther King, Jr. may not have planned to travel to Ohio for leisure, but when he came here to speak on civil rights, he visited some of our states fairest cities and institutions. I found it interesting to learn that Dr. King made a lot of trips up and down I-71 and across I-70 and discovered some great things about Ohio along the way. 45 years ago on January 11, 1968, Dr. King visited Ohio Northern University in the town of Ada, in Northwest Ohio. He may not have paid attention to the beautiful campus on his trip or... Continue reading

The Village of Granville, home of Denison University, prides itself on its New England charm and small-town feel. Located roughly 30 miles east of Columbus, it’s within a couple hours’ drive from many parts of the state, but something about Granville makes a person feel like they're much farther away than that. Like in New England, for example. (And rightly so: The original Granvillians were settlers from a Massachusetts town of the same name.) One of the great things about Granville is that it has something to offer year-round, whether or not the college kids are in town. In the... Continue reading

Jill and Jenny visit the 21c Museum Hotel in Cincinnati to experience a full modern art museum, boutique hotel and full-service gourmet restaurant. Continue reading

For many people the new year is a time to recharge, set goals and keep diet and fitness on track. What better way to work toward your 2013 goals than by signing up for a road race? Ohio is home to a robust road racing scene, with distances from 5Ks all the way up to full marathons in every large metropolitan city. If you're not ready for a marathon, consider another distance. Here are some of Ohio's largest and most popular races, many of which offer shorter distances in addition to the full 26.2 mile course! Medical Mutual Glass City... Continue reading

The cancellation of a significant part of the National Hockey League season has left fans jonesing for the game. And for fans who can't wait for the NHL to start back up later this month, there are plenty of opportunities to watch the sport on a minor league level throughout Ohio. The Toledo Walleye play at the new Huntington Center. Toledo has a proud history of hockey teams, with numerous teams in the old International Hockey League, including the Goaldiggers, whose alumni include 1980 U.S. Olympic captain Mike Eruzione, the IHL's rookie of the year in 1978. From 1991 to... Continue reading

Now that the holidays have passed and store shelves are filling up with Valentine’s Day gifts, it is time to focus forward on the next major holiday. Doing it right (and avoiding the dog house) means planning ahead. It is a good thing the folks in Loveland, Ohio are focused on LOVE all year round. This year, why not play cupid the old fashioned way with a romantic hand-cancelled Valentine from Loveland that shows you put some thought into your sentiments. The Valentine Program in Loveland has served at Cupid’s headquarters since 1972. Today, the holiday includes a Valentine card... Continue reading

The following is my list of best places to stay warm and entertained during the frigid winter months in central Ohio. The Book Loft: German Village is beautiful any time of year, but on those dismal days when walking around town doesn’t strike your fancy, head to the Book Loft to lose yourself in the thirty-two rooms of literature. Grab a coffee at the nearby Cup O Joe and walk a block to the bookworm’s paradise. The labyrinth of literature is cozy and comfortable with rooms separated by theme; it is hard not to get carried away. Columbus Metropolitan Library:... Continue reading