Apparently I have a penchant for exploring aquatic vessels. I visited the USS Cod, a World War II submarine, now located in Cleveland, Ohio, two summers ago. Last summer I visited the Col. James M. Schoonmaker (formerly the Willis B Boyer). Based in Toledo, Ohio, this massive lake freighter served as a commercial vessel on the Great Lakes for much of the 20th Century. I’m originally from Toledo, so it seemed fitting that I met up with another Toledo native and friend to tour this ship! We started by exploring The National Museum of the Great Lakes, which opened in... Continue reading

Many wine enthusiasts are familiar with Ohio’s premier wine tasting festival - Vintage Ohio. But today I want to share a smaller, more intimate and yet, just as fun, wine festival - the Waterfront Wine Festival, which takes place Saturday, June 20 in Avon Lake, Ohio. Avon Lake is a gorgeous lakefront suburb on the western side of Cleveland, Ohio. This annual wine tasting event features several of the westside wineries that are also part of the Lake Erie Shores & Islands Wine Trail in Ohio. Many of these wineries, which span from Bryan, Ohio to Avon Lake, Ohio, where... Continue reading

One of the great beauties of Ohio is the change of seasons we enjoy - along the fruits that come with those seasons. Here, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, apples and more can all be grown and enjoyed in the moment - or canned or frozen and saved for later. While it can be challenging to grow these fruits at home or in a large quantity - don’t fret! Many local markets and orchards offer what is called “pick your own” opportunities. These are designated days, times and hours of operations where anyone can show up, pick fruits and then have... Continue reading

I recently took my first trip to Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron, Ohio. I now understand why so many different tour options are offered here. It would be easy to return here multiple times and see and learn something new during each visit! Stan Hywet Hall is the name of the former estate of F.A. Seiberling and his family. Seiberling co-founded The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. The estate was constructed between 1912 and 1915, and the Seiberling family lived here until the 1950s. After that the hall was donated to a non-profit organization so that future generations... Continue reading

In about one month, Northeast Ohio will experience one of the biggest racing weekends of the year – the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon! This weekend is also dubbed “The Cleveland Experience” because it’s truly an all-encompassing event for the city. Runners flock to the starting line, many coming from distant states and countries. Spectators flock to the sidelines to cheer athletes on and share their Cleveland pride. It’s challenging to not be touched in some way by this huge event. This year the Cleveland Marathon, Half-Marathon and 10K race all take place on Sunday, May 17. The event also includes... Continue reading

The Cleveland Gladiators kicked off their 2015 season yesterday at Tampa Bay. Their 18-game season lasts from now through August and will go by in the blink of an eye. Don’t miss attending an arena football game in Cleveland, Ohio - along with experiencing the amazing fan base that supports the team night after night! I had the pleasure of attending my first arena football game last year and I cannot wait to go back. The Cleveland Gladiators are all about the fan experience. Games are family-friendly and tickets start at only $7 each! New to indoor football? Check out... Continue reading

In the dead of winter, heels are cracked, skin is dry and hair fly-aways cannot be tamed. And when it comes to pampering, nothing beats the day spa experience. I recently experienced it myself, for the first time! The day spa goes beyond your typical manicure or pedicure. It’s a several-hour long retreat that relaxes both the mind and senses. Before long you will forget the troubles of your day, and more importantly, wonder why you hadn’t done this sooner! Ohio has plenty to offer among day spas, with unique locations in all corners of the state. The day spa... Continue reading

I’ve always enjoyed hockey but it wasn’t until about a year ago that I finally made an appearance at a Lake Erie Monsters hockey game. I'm not sure what took me so long but I have loved going back! The Lake Erie Monsters are one of a handful of developmental circuit hockey teams in the state. The Monsters play out of the multi-functional Quicken Loans Arena (The Q) in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. When the weather is icy outside, it’s much more fun to watch a game on the ice - especially with the addition of the huge “jumbotron” electronic scoreboard... Continue reading

There’s still time left this season to enjoy one of America’s favorite pastimes - a good old fashioned baseball game. And what better place than the home of Ohio’s own Cleveland Indians major league baseball team? At Progressive Field you can enjoy an evening in the heart of downtown, along with all the sights, sounds and tastes that come with a night at the ballpark. Ample parking is located downtown and adjacent to the stadium. Expect to pay $10 to $12 per vehicle. Before or after the game, adults may want to enjoy some of Cleveland’s nightlife at the restaurants... Continue reading

Who would picture a group of young business professional women hanging out on a submarine? I sure didn't, but that's exactly what happened when I recently visited the USS COD in Cleveland, Ohio, with a group of my friends. We stumbled, literally, upon this unique attraction and were intrigued by the prospect of stepping inside this historic submarine. We were all anxious to gain a picture of what it was like to serve our country underwater during World War II. The USS COD SS-224 is a national historic landmark and has been docked in Cleveland for more than 50 years.... Continue reading

Many people have heard of Sandusky, Ohio, because it's home to the world-renowned rollercoaster park -- Cedar Point. But what often interests me even more are the smaller towns around Sandusky and all they have to offer -- including Bellevue, Ohio. This quaint town is home to about 8,000 residents and is located just southwest of Sandusky on the the city limits encompass three Ohio counties. Visiting Bellevue in the summer or fall is ideal as many attractions are in the midst of their busy season. Here are a few of my favorite picks: Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum:... Continue reading

I'm a budget-conscious person and that mindset follows into my travels as well. So when I was planning my trip to Put-in-Bay, Ohio this summer, I immediately sought out how to find the best deals for my visit to South Bass Island, the home of this village. The area has a number of gorgeous attractions welcoming to families and social crowds alike. Here are three easy ways to save on your visit to Put-in-Bay: 1) Ride the Miller Ferry My first tip is to ride to the island on the Miller Ferry, located in Port Clinton, Ohio. The price can't... Continue reading

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