10 Ohio Vacation Tips
After spending some time in the Buckeye State, I have found some truly great experiences. The destination has become a favorite of mine. The midwest location is easily accessible and has a little bit of everything for everyone.
1. Go any time knowing you will have a great time! – The beautiful thing about Ohio is that you seek thrills in water-parks whether it is 10 degrees or 90 degrees. The state is full of indoor and outdoor parks. Check out my review of Great Wolf Lodge by clicking HERE…
2. Plan for several days exploring all the facets of the state. – You can go from lounging on a beach to dining at in a swanky restaurant in a metropolis. The attractions cover just about every interest… If you are looking for hands-on educational experiences that let fly planes, control a model of a Mercury capsule or dive into a ball pond, the Great Lakes Science Center has you covered. Want to get up close Jimi Hendrix’s handwritten lyrics, Michael Jackson’s iconic sparkling glove or Elvis’ three-wheeled motorcycle? The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will provide you with thousands of items from music legends. More of sports fan? Don’t forget the Pro Football Hall of Fame! (The fact it is on George Halas Drive just makes it even better!).
3. Bring shorts and a heavy coat. – The weather can be a bit tricky. Just like my home state, you can experience all 4 seasons in a three day time span. During my tip in early March, we spent one day in light jackets and the next day was snowy and cold. It never hurts to be prepared.
4. Cedar Point, don’t miss it! – The roller coaster capital of the world has resorts, rides and a race coming up in late June 2014. You can race in a 1-Mile, 5K or Half Marathon then conquer the coasters at the Inaugural Run and Ride Weekend.
5. Wild animals are plentiful. – And you can view them from the safety of a zoo experience. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Toledo Zoo, the African Safari Wildlife Park and the Akron Zoo all have hundreds of beasts.
6. Start a Christmas tradition. – If you are a fan of ‘A Christmas Story,’ then make sure you visit the Christmas Story House! It is now restored to its movie splendor, is open year round to the public for tours. Directly across the street from the house is the official A Christmas Story House Museum, which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos.
7. Tour the filming sites from one of the best movies of all time, ‘The Shawshank Redemption‘. – I never realized how much of Hollywood’s history waited in Ohio! Next time I go, I will be taking the driving tour that explores the 14 sites of film based on Stephen King’s amazing novel. Tour the prison where Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) escaped, visit the oak where Andy hid a package for Red and feed the pigeons on the bench Brooks sat at hoping to see Jake.
8. Soak up some history at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. – Learn about the past and the present with exhibits that give you an idea of what people have endured for freedom. Just a few days ago, the establishment unveiled a rare, early first edition copy of ‘Twelve Years a Slave‘ by Solomon Northup, currently on view.
9. Look for travel packages. – Many of the attractions offer package deals that save you money by combining accommodations. Visit the website of the attraction you are planning to visit and look for a tab or advertisement for special deals.
10. Just drive. – There is beauty to be seen everywhere. The parks are as plentiful with foliage that is stunning and the fall and equally pretty in the spring and summer. We turned the GPS off for awhile and just drove through Rockefeller Park. It was snow covered, but still amazing. It is the largest park located completely within city limits and features gorgeous architecturally pleasing elements and the Cultural Gardens. Thirty-one distinct gardens, each commemorating a different ethnic group whose immigrants have contributed to the heritage of the United States over the centuries, as well as Cleveland.
Bonus Tip – TourismOhio has launched an iPad app to streamline travel planning and bring helpful resources directly to the fingertips of Ohio travelers. Sourced with content from the Ohio Travel Guide, the app provides travelers with videos, events and photos to bring the Ohio travel experience to life. The free Ohio iPad app is available by searching “Official Ohio Travel Guide by TourismOhio” in the Apple App Store.