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Issue: Spring/Summer 2012
Author(s): Stacey Higgins
When the sun goes down, that’s when the fun begins at Observatory Park in Montville, Ohio . This 1,100-acre park focuses on the natural sciences of astronomy, geology and meteorology. The Park is a dedicated site for stargazing — it’s one of only seven officially designated Dark Sky Parks in the country. Whether you bring the family out for a scheduled star party or drop by any summer night to gaze at the night sky, it’s a guaranteed good time. Try going for a stroll along a mile-long planetary path, wh...
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Issue: Spring/Summer 2012
Author(s): Jenny Pavlasek
If the school year is all about the three Rs, then vacations should teach you about the three Ss — science, stomach drops and savings. The Roar & Explore Package in Columbus , covers all three and a lot more. The deal includes admission for a family of four to three of the capital city’s best family destinations and covers two nights of accommodations, all for a savings of nearly 25 percent off the regular price. (Continued on page 75) Begin your adventure at COSI, the downtown science center that’s...
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Issue: Spring/Summer 2012
Author(s): Ilona Westfall
Kids (and grown-ups) of all ages will love diving into the watery worlds of the new Greater Cleveland Aquarium in Cleveland . The fascinating marine life — nearly 5,000 animals, representing 100 species — reside in realistic habitats including “Weird and Wonderful” (populated by seahorses and octopuses, to name a few) and a swamp exhibit with alligators. The “Coastal” area is complete with a coral reef and a popular touch tank where guests can feel starfish, horseshoe crabs and other creatures while a d...
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Issue: Spring/Summer 2012
Author(s): Stacey Higgins
There are few things more synonymous with summer than the red, ripe strawberry. It’s no wonder, then, that the annual summer festival in Buckhannon, West Virginia , is an ode to that sweet summery fruit. The West Virginia Strawberry Festival started in 1936 as a way to honor the state’s strawberry growers and gave them a place to sell their berries. Still going strong in 2012, the festival now runs for five fruitful days — May 16–20. Activities range from carnival rides, craft fairs and parades to draft...
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Issue: Spring/Summer 2012
Author(s): Tracey Teo
State parks are generally havens for nature lovers, beautiful but remote locations miles from civilization. If your crew isn’t into camping, but is all for summer fun, check out White River State Park in Indianapolis . Smack in the middle of downtown, it’s a 250-acre urban hotbed of culture, entertainment, sports and kid-friendly activities. For a sweeping view of the city skyline, float down the Central Canal on a pedal boat or zip alongside it on a rented Segway or bike. Catching a game at Victory Fie...
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Issue: Spring/Summer 2012
Author(s): Gerald Bartell
Lessons in Lancaster County agriculture probably don’t come any sweeter than the ones at the Turkey Hill Experience in Columbia, Pennsylvania . Here, it’s all about the namesake ice cream and the iced tea. The Turkey Hill dairy began in 1931, eventually becoming a source for dairy products sold around the country. The Turkey Hill Experience, which opened last year, details the company’s growth and its methods for making the dessert that’s synonymous with summer. High and wide windows, originally providi...
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Issue: Spring/Summer 2012
Author(s): Stacey Higgins
Sauder Village in Archbold, Ohio , is the perfect family getaway to discover Northwest Ohio’s days gone by — specifically, the Great Black Swamp era of 1803–1910. Depending on the day and season, your visit might include washing clothes on a scrub board, helping in the gardens, watching historical cooking demonstrations, playing old-fashioned games or meeting oxen, horses and pigs. Explore more than 40 buildings, including a barbershop, village church, herb shop, school and gristmill. Visitors can walk ...
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Issue: Spring/Summer 2012
Author(s): Amy Bizzarri Bocchetta
Celebrate Native American and Western heritage along the rolling Rock River, at Lowden State Park’s annual Oregon Trail Days Festival on July 21 and 22, in Oregon, Illinois . This history-filled event commemorates the creation of the 48-foot statue Chief Black Hawk, the second tallest monolith in the country, designed by artist Lorado Taft in 1910. As you enter the state park, you’ll be struck by one of the largest gatherings of Native American tipi east of the Mississippi River. For the experience of a...
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