Posts from August 2020
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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!
7
Northeast Ohio: 10 Places to Find Hidden Treasure on Your Next Hike
When you were a kid, did stories of hidden treasure capture your imagination? While you may not find jewels and gold coins, geocaching is a fascinating way for kids of all ages to enjoy the thrill of discovering secret treats.
New and experienced geocachers will get hours of entertainment exploring these popular trails around Northeast Ohio.
Bedford Reservation All-Purpose Trail
18753 Egbert Rd., Bedford, OH 44146
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Located fewer than 20 miles from Cleveland, Bedford Reservation is a perfect spot for a quick getaway. The 7.6-mile all-purpose trail winds through the wooded 2,200-acre grounds, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding as well as geocaching. Don't miss scenic Bridal Veil Falls or the Tinkers Creek Gorge Overlook. Sheltered picnic areas are available. Park hours are 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.
Bike and Hike Trail
Summersweet TR, Walton Hills, OH 44146
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If you're looking for a more vigorous outing, the simply-named Bike and Hike Trail is accessible just across the street from the Alexander Road trailhead of Bedford Reservation's APT. The 34.2-mile trail spans Cuyahoga, Portage, and Summit counties, passing through both rural and suburban territory. Converted from two former railway lines, the route features some gently rolling terrain to add interest without being too strenuous.
Berlin Lake Trail
When it opened in 2011, Berlin Lake Trail revealed some stunning waterfront views that were previously unavailable to the public. At a length of 2.25 miles, the crushed-limestone trail provides a satisfying hike for any level of experience. Visual highlights include the renovated train trestle bridge and frequent appearances of herons, eagles, and ospreys. Leashed dogs are welcome, so Fido can join in the hunt.
Bridgeway Trail
2720 E. 31st St., Lorain, OH 44055
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It's wheels down on Bridgeway Trail, where inline skaters and bikers join hikers and runners. Located in Black River Reservation, the 4.5-mile path extends from Day's Dam to the High Meadows picnic area. The trail passes through peaceful meadows and wooded areas, as well as across a 1,000-foot bridge spanning the Black River. Look for interpretive signs along the way with fascinating information about the area's natural history. The Black River Reservation is open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. seven days a week.
Bruce G. Rinker Greenway
610 S.O.M. Center Rd., Mayfield, OH 44143
The charming Mayfield Village setting of Bruce G. Rinker Greenway gives the trail a neighborhood feel. Known simply as the Greenway upon its opening in 2014, the site was later renamed after a former mayor of the village. The route passes community landmarks such as the fire station, elementary school, and library, along with a wetland preserve.
Euclid Creek Reservation All-Purpose Trail
850 Euclid Creek Pkwy., Cleveland, OH 44121
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Euclid Creek Reservation is situated on the site of the once-thriving ghost town of Bluestone. The village name was taken from the substance excavated at the nearby quarry, the remains of which can still be seen from the All-Purpose Trail and the picnic area. While the APT runs a total of 3.5 miles, the two segments are currently disconnected, with the longer section reaching 2.75 miles. The trail parallels Euclid Creek, with a dense line of trees offering welcome shade. Euclid Creek Reservation hours are 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.
Garfield Park Reservation All-Purpose Trail
11350 Broadway Ave., Garfield Heights, OH 44125
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Since 1895, Garfield Park Reservation has been a popular spot for residents and visitors of Northeast Ohio. The All-Purpose Trail's main attraction is Mill Creek Falls, but hikers also enjoy spotting pieces of historical stonework that date back to the 1930s. Spacious woodlands and wetlands hold the perpetual promise of exciting wildlife sightings. Garfield Park Reservation is open daily from 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Lake to Lake Trail
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The self-descriptive Lake to Lake Trail is a 2.4-mile, universally accessible all-purpose trail stretching from Lake Abram to Lake Isaac. At 175 acres, these two form the largest glacial wetlands in Cuyahoga County and vital homes for local wildlife. Most of the trail is paved or boardwalk, although there is a small section on pavement alongside Hepburn Road. Lake to Lake Trail is part of Big Creek Reservation, which is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Each year, more than 2.5 million visitors get a glimpse of Northeast Ohio's past at the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Already numbering an ambitious 81 miles, the trail will eventually come in at a total of 110 miles, extending from Cleveland to New Philadelphia. As denoted by "Towpath" in the name, the trail is intended to trace the route of a historical canal where mules pulled boats. The current trail runs through Cuyahoga, Stark, and Summit counties and passes through Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Portage Hike and Bike Trail
1557 Lake Rockwell Rd., Kent, OH 44240
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Between the urban areas of Kent and Ravenna lie 10 miles of woods and meadows forming the Portage Hike and Bike Trail. One of the more picturesque sections of the trail borders the southern edge of Towner's Woods Park in Franklin Township. In addition to its natural beauty, the park features an ancient Native American burial ground on the shores of Lake Pippen.
Geocaching Tips
- On state or municipal property, observe the rules and regulations of Cleveland Metroparks and other governing organizations.
- Download the Geocaching app for valuable instructions and hints. This is also a great way to become a member of the geocaching community.
- Don't bury items or hide them in any way that requires hunters to disturb the environment, whether it's natural or man-made.
- Don't hide food and other perishable items.
- Don't hide dangerous or illegal items. Remember that geocaching is a family-friendly activity.
- Use transparent containers and label them clearly as geocaches.
- Be mindful of appropriate social distancing protocols.
Hide and Seek
What item would you put in a geocache container to best represent Northeast Ohio?
5
Tee Up at These 9 Golf Courses Around Cincinnati
If ever there was a summer when we could all use a day on the golf course, it's this one. In the midst of a year that will long be remembered for face masks and Zoom meetings, a breath of fresh air in the great outdoors feels more precious than ever.
Did we mention that August is National Golf Month? When you get down to it, there may be no better game than golf for the times we're living through. You're outside, you can easily maintain social distancing, and you get to release some tension by hitting a ball really, really hard. We recommend doing just that at these Cincinnati area golf courses.
Woodland Golf Course
5820 Muddy Creek Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45233
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Woodland Golf Course is one of Cincinnati's true hidden gems. The 9-hole executive golf course at Woodland makes it a favorite of families, newcomers to the game, and anyone with an hour or two to kill before they have to head back to the office. It's fun, family-friendly, and affordable. Plus, if you're looking to try something new and exciting, Woodland is also home to an 18-hole footgolf course (think of it as a combination of golf and soccer) that has a reputation as one of the best in the Midwest.
Blue Ash Golf Course
4040 Cooper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241
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Public golf courses sometimes get a bad rap for being unkempt and poorly maintained. But Blue Ash Golf Course, often cited as one of Cincinnati's finest public courses, makes a strong argument to the contrary. With a reputation for being professionally and regularly maintained, Blue Ash Golf Course offers a fun and relaxing course that can challenge golfers of all skill levels. Golf Digest ranked Blue Ash Golf Course among the 75 best municipal golf courses in America. There are also terrific views to be had from just about any hole on this 18-hole, par-72 course.
California Golf Course
5924 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45228
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Another of the top public courses in the city, California Golf Course lies on the east side of Cincinnati, on sloping terrain that overlooks the broad expanse of the Ohio River. You'd be hard-pressed to find a city-owned course with a better view. It's a fun 18-hole course, with tree-lined fairways and challenging greens. California Golf Course is also one of Cincinnati's longest municipal golf courses, with 6,227 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70.
Hickory Woods Golf Course
1240 Hickory Woods Dr., Loveland, OH 45140
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Nestled in the community of Loveland, Ohio—about 15 miles northeast of the Cincinnati city limits—Hickory Woods Golf Course is a spot that keeps golfers coming back time and time again. That's partly thanks to the picturesque scenery at Hickory Woods, but also because of its notoriously challenging greens, especially in the back nine. The course makes for a great weekend getaway, equally welcoming to rookies and seasoned golf veterans, and can test just about anyone's skill.
Devou Park Golf Course
1201 Park Dr., Covington, KY 41011
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Devou Park Golf Course lies just over the Ohio line in Covington, Kentucky. One of its most striking features is its scenic hilltop location, which offers a spectacular view of the Cincinnati skyline. It's also a favorite haunt for local bird watchers, nestled among the rolling hills of Devou Park and right under a major flyway, and is a certified Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International. The staff is friendly and experienced, and the 18-hole course feels secluded and peaceful, despite being convenient to both cities.
Aston Oaks Golf Club
1 Aston Oaks Dr., North Bend, OH 45052
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Frequently ranked among the best golf courses in Cincinnati, Aston Oaks Golf Club is a favorite of golfers from across the region. But it's a challenge. With swift greens and rolling fairways, the course is situated on a beautiful landscape that both transfixes and tests golfers of all skill levels. Designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, the course at Aston Oaks Golf Club offers some truly magnificent scenery. It's perched above the Ohio River, and shaded by majestic white oaks and hickory trees. The 18-hole course features 6,908 yards of golf from the longest tees, for a par of 72.
The Vineyard Golf Course
600 Nordyke Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45255
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Although its location on the far east side of Cincinnati might make it seem like a bit of a far-flung destination for some, the Vineyard Golf Course has a lot of great features that attract golfers from all over. A lot of it has to do with the course's handsome scenery, with gently rolling fairways and well-manicured greens lined with mature trees. It's simply a lovely golf course to look at, but the Vineyard offers up a challenging round as well. It's been called one of the best conditioned daily fee courses in Cincinnati and is a favorite of locals and visiting golfers alike.
Twin Oaks Golf Course
450 E. 43rd St., Covington, KY 41015
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One of the finest public courses in the region on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, Twin Oaks Golf Course is known for its palatial Southern-style clubhouse as well as its beautifully maintained 18-hole, par-70 course. Twin Oaks was built in 1927 and is still one of the best places in Northern Kentucky to enjoy a day on the links. With a mixture of mature trees sprinkled throughout the course, as well as its fair share of sand and water obstacles, it's always a fun challenge.
Avon Fields Golf Course
4081 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229
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Avon Fields Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-66 course that's been challenging local golfers since it opened to the public in 1914. It's not only the oldest golf course in Cincinnati, but the oldest municipal golf course west of the Allegheny Mountains. It offers a fun and challenging game of golf to this day, but also has an immense amount of history on its fairways. Avon Fields has historically been very important to the city's African-American community and was one of the few courses in town that didn't discriminate based on race during the era of segregation.
Par for the Course
Did we forget to mention your favorite golf course in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area? Let us know in the comments section below!
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