Ohio, a diverse state in the Midwest, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its major cities, including Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, each boast unique attractions, from world-class museums and vibrant arts scenes to iconic landmarks and culinary delights. Ohio’s industrial past is evident in cities like Akron and Youngstown, while its scenic landscapes, such as the shores of Lake Erie and the rolling hills of Appalachia, provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. With a mix of urban excitement and rural charm, Ohio captivates visitors with its dynamic offerings and warm hospitality, making it a must-visit destination in the heart of America.
Regions
Ohio, the heart of the Midwest, offers a diverse range of regions and cities, each with its own unique charm and attractions.
- Central Ohio: Central Ohio is anchored by Columbus, the state capital and largest city. Known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class museums like the Columbus Museum of Art, and the renowned Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, this region blends urban sophistication with natural beauty. and enjoy outdoor activities along the Scioto Mile.
- Northeast Ohio: Northeast Ohio encompasses cities like Cleveland, Akron, and Canton. Cleveland is a major cultural hub featuring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, and Playhouse Square, the largest performing arts center outside New York City. Akron, known for its rubber manufacturing heritage, offers attractions such as the Akron Art Museum and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. Canton houses the Pro Football Hall of Fame, honoring the history of American football.
- Northwest Ohio: Northwest Ohio includes cities such as Toledo and Sandusky. Toledo features the Toledo Museum of Art, and the Toledo Zoo. Sandusky is famous for Cedar Point, one of the world’s top amusement parks, and the Lake Erie Islands.
- Southeast Ohio: Southeast Ohio is characterized by its rolling hills, forests, and scenic rivers. Athens, housing Ohio University, blends college town energy with Appalachian culture. Nearby Hocking Hills boasts natural wonders like Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave, perfect for outdoor activities. Marietta, Ohio’s oldest city, features rich history and scenic Ohio River cruises.
- Southwest Ohio: Southwest Ohio is anchored by Cincinnati, known for its historic architecture, arts venues, and sports teams. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati Art Museum, and Cincinnati Music Hall are popular attractions. Nearby Newport, Kentucky, offers the Newport Aquarium with views of the Cincinnati skyline. Dayton boasts the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and Carillon Historical Park, celebrating its aviation history and the Wright brothers.
The Same
Both the Family and the DINKs have been to Ohio several times, though the DINKS have probably spent more quality time as the Family is often just passing through. Even so there is some overlap in their experiences.
Local Cuisine
Ohio’s culinary scene is a blend of hearty Midwestern fare, regional specialties, and diverse international influences. It definitely varies by are that you visit and we both make a point to try to eat local. Here are some of our favorites.
- Cincinnati Chili: A unique style of chili characterized by its Mediterranean-inspired spices (cinnamon, cloves, allspice), served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheese, onions, and optional kidney beans. It’s often referred to as “five-way” for the addition of all toppings.
- Buckeyes: A beloved Ohio treat resembling the state tree’s nut, buckeyes are peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter visible on top to resemble the nut.
- Goetta: A Cincinnati specialty, goetta is a breakfast sausage made from ground meat (usually pork and beef) mixed with steel-cut oats and spices, formed into patties, and fried until crispy.
- Corned Beef Sandwich: Cleveland is renowned for its corned beef sandwiches, often piled high with tender, thinly sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles on rye bread.
- Apple Cider: Ohio’s apple orchards produce delicious apple cider, enjoyed fresh or turned into cider donuts—a popular treat during the fall season.
Central Ohio
Central Ohio is the heart of the state and home to Ohio’s capital, Columbus. Columbus is a dynamic city with a thriving arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and attractions like the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the Franklin Park Conservatory. Dayton, known for its aviation history, is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Columbus:
Columbus, Ohio’s state capital, is a vibrant city known for its diverse economy, educational institutions like Ohio State University, and cultural attractions. It boasts a thriving arts scene with galleries, theaters, and the renowned Columbus Museum of Art. The city’s neighborhoods offer a mix of historic districts and modern developments, while the Scioto Mile along the riverfront provides recreational opportunities and scenic views. Columbus is also celebrated for its culinary scene, festivals, and as a hub for sports and entertainment. Check out our blog on Columbus, Ohio and see how we did it differently.
The DINKs
We’ve visited Ohio a lot over the years, and it’s become a place full of familiar sights and experiences. With a close friend living in Columbus, we often find ourselves exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and local gems. Work frequently takes us to Cincinnati, adding another layer of connection to the Buckeye State.
Southwest Ohio
Southwest Ohio offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. Cincinnati, often referred to as the “Queen City,” boasts attractions such as the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and the vibrant Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.
Cincinnati:
Situated along the Ohio River, Cincinnati boasts historic architecture, iconic landmarks like the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and the vibrant Over-the-Rhine district known for its breweries and eateries.
- Cincinnati Riverwalk: I love taking a stroll along the scenic Ohio Riverfront, soaking in the views of the city skyline, parks, and landmarks like the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. We usually park at Newport on the Levee and walk over the Purple People Bridge. It’s about a 3-mile round trip, perfect for a leisurely outing and pet friendly.
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of my favorite spots, home to over 500 animal species and beautiful botanical gardens. Fiona the hippo, born prematurely in 2017, quickly became a beloved symbol of resilience and hope. Her playful antics, along with her brother Fritz, mother Bibi, and stepfather Tucker, make visiting the hippo family a must. Rico the porcupine is another star, especially in the Kids Zoo area, where his spiky appearance and playful personality delight visitors. The red pandas, with their striking fur and playful behavior, are a joy to watch as they climb and forage in their enclosure. The wolf pack surprised us with their activity around 1 PM, likely close to feeding time. Parking at the zoo is convenient, though construction during our visit made it a bit tricky, but street parking in the nearby neighborhood wasn’t bad.
- Cincinnati Food Scene: Cincinnati’s food scene is a unique. You can’t visit without trying the famous 4-way chili, whether at SkyLine Chili, GoldStar, or Camp Washington; with onions. it’s a local staple. Goetta is another must-try, especially on a breakfast sandwich at Camp Washington, where its savory flavor and crispy texture pair perfectly with eggs.
- Findlay Market: Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market, is a gem in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. The variety of vendors, from butcher shops and fishmongers to bakeries and specialty food purveyors, makes it a vibrant community gathering place since 1852.
- Turfway Park: Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky, is a premier horse racing track just a short drive from Cincinnati. Known for its live thoroughbred racing events from December through March, the park offers a family-friendly atmosphere with activities like corn hole and plenty of space for kids to play. We even tried our luck with $40 in free play at their gaming machines.
- Great American Ball Park: Catching a Cincinnati Reds game at the Great American Ball Park is always a highlight. The ballpark offers scenic views of the Ohio River and the Cincinnati skyline, making for a picturesque day at the ballpark. We enjoyed a burger and fries inside the stadium and appreciated the option to bring in a soft-sided cooler with non-alcoholic drinks and sealed snacks.
- Craft Beer Scene: Cincinnati’s craft beer scene is vibrant and diverse. While Fabled Brew Works had a beautifully designed brew house, we found their beers a bit too sweet. Rhinegeist Brewery offered better options with several porter and sour varieties, though the sours were too tart for our taste. Moerlein Lager House, near the ballpark, had our favorite beers and a rich brewing heritage.
- Doe Run Loop Trail: The Doe Run Loop Trail near Covington, Kentucky, offers a pleasant hiking experience around Doe Run Lake. It’s a pet-friendly, 2.5-mile trail ideal for enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The lake was quite low during our visit, so the views weren’t as stunning as expected.
- American Sign Museum: The American Sign Museum showcases the history of signage and advertising in America, with an extensive collection of vintage signs, neon lights, and other advertising artifacts. It’s a nostalgic glimpse into the past, representing different eras and industries. While it’s inexpensive and highly rated, I personally didn’t fully grasp its appeal, though it’s considered one of the top attractions.
Dayton:
Dayton is a city steeped in history, innovation, and culture. It is renowned for its pivotal role in aviation history as the birthplace of aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright, who conducted their early flight experiments here. The city is home to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the largest and oldest military aviation museum in the world, showcasing a vast collection of historic aircraft and exhibits that trace the evolution of aviation from its inception to the present day.
In addition to its aviation heritage, Dayton offers a diverse range of attractions and cultural experiences. Dayton’s recreational offerings include the Five Rivers MetroParks system, which encompasses over 16,000 acres of parks, trails, and river corridors. Dayton combines a rich history with a modern outlook, offering visitors and residents alike a blend of educational experiences, cultural enrichment, outdoor adventures, and community events that highlight its unique character and contributions to American society.
The Family
When taking cross country road trips, we often leave after work the first night and Ohio tends to be as far as we can drive that first night. So we are often passing through after an exhausting day of driving or if we do get to leave in the morning, we are stopping to enjoy a park before we get to the hotel for the night
Northeast Ohio
Northeast Ohio is known for its industrial history, vibrant cultural scene, and scenic landscapes. Cleveland, the region’s largest city, offers world-class museums like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Akron is renowned for its rubber industry heritage and the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, while Canton is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Lakeshore Park
Lakeshore Park is a picturesque waterfront park located along the shores of Lake Erie in Ashtabula, Ohio. Situated in a scenic natural setting, the park offers a variety of recreational amenities and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Lakeshore Park provides direct access to the shores of Lake Erie, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the sandy shoreline. The park features picnic areas equipped with tables and grills, making it an ideal spot for picnics, cookouts, and gatherings with family and friends. Visitors can enjoy a meal outdoors while taking in the beautiful lake views. After a long afternoon of driving, we enjoyed just relaxing and watching the sunset over the lake.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park:
Nestled between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the park’s extensive trail system, which features two waterfall viewing platforms, a valley overlook, the Beaver Marsh, and the Ledges Trail.
- Brandywine Falls: Brandywine Falls is a breathtaking 65-foot waterfall that stands out as one of the park’s most stunning features. The boardwalk and viewing platforms made it easy to get a good look at the falls from different angles. The short hike to the falls was filled with lush greenery and the soothing sound of rushing water, making it a serene and refreshing experience.
- Beaver Marsh: The Beaver Marsh is another must-see in the park, where visitors can witness a thriving wetland ecosystem. This area is great for birdwatching and spotting other wildlife. The boardwalk trail through the marsh offers a peaceful and immersive experience in nature.
- Ledges Trail: The Ledges Trail provides a scenic hike through striking rock formations and overlooks. The trail winds through forests and offers stunning views of the valley below, particularly from the popular overlook. The unique geology and beautiful scenery make this trail a favorite for many visitors.
- Junior Ranger Program: A stop at the visitors center allowed us to pick up Junior Ranger books for the kids. This program is a fantastic way for young visitors to learn about the park through fun activities and earn a Junior Ranger badge.
Summary
It’s clear that both the DINKs and the Family had unique experiences exploring Ohio, each leaving their own mark on their journeys. While both ventured into Columbus for local cuisine and embraced the city’s vibrant atmosphere, their paths diverged significantly beyond the capital.
The DINKs delved deeper into Ohio’s cultural and historical tapestry with visits to Cincinnati’s renowned attractions. Their exploration encompassed diverse experiences from the bustling cityscape to the rich heritage. Conversely, the Family’s focus on natural beauty took them to Lakeshore Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park, immersing themselves in the serene landscapes and outdoor adventures that Ohio’s natural settings offer.
Ultimately, deciding who did it better comes down to personal preference—whether it’s the urban explorations and cultural discoveries of the DINKs or the tranquil escapes into nature pursued by the Family. Both perspectives showcase Ohio’s versatility and charm, ensuring that any journey through the Buckeye State is rich with memorable experiences.
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