Ohio

Out of this World 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...

A Roaring Good Time 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...

Go Fish 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...

History Meets Delight 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 ...

(Chow) Down on the Farm Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Sandie Young One farm, six tables and one big sausage frenzy were just the start of the Bob Evans story — the quintessential farm-fresh fairy tale. Now sold in grocery stores and with a spin-off franchise, the family-friendly chain has grown to nearly 600 restaurants serving arguably the best-tasting breakfast food there is. Now that’s a reason to celebrate. Revel in the delicious success at the 41st Annual Bob Evans Farm Festival, held at the Bob Evans Farm in Bidwell, Ohio , October 14–16. The three-day festivitie...

Imagine That Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Sandie Young A child’s idea of a fun afternoon might include endless cartoons or a muddy game of kickball, and it probably doesn’t include the act of learning. But children and adults alike can expand their knowledge without sacrificing the fun during an entertaining and interactive visit to the Imagination Station in Toledo, Ohio . Your little brainiacs will enjoy intellectual activities in Imagination Station’s seven unique Learning Worlds. Each area has a specific scientific specialty, created for the dual purpose...

Nothing Boar-ing About It Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Betsa Marsh One moment merry teenagers are somersaulting down the church aisle, the next the Three Wise Men are making their stately progress toward the altar. The Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival in Cincinnati is a raucous, moving mix of hijinks and grandeur, telling a tale right out of the Middle Ages. Cincinnati’s Christ Church Cathedral has been offering the free Boar’s Head Festival as its annual gift to the city since 1940, the 600th anniversary of the festival. This Boar’s Head tradition originated at Queen’...

Bike to Basics Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Becky Linhardt “You’re in the middle of the colors, which blur past when riding — orange, yellow and brown. You can almost feel the color because you’re so immersed in it,” says Meredith Erlewine, co-owner of Athens Bicycle. “Honestly, we have so many beautiful things out there, in all seasons.” “Out there” is on the mountain bike trails at Lake Hope State Park in McArthur, Ohio , where more than 23 miles of hard-pack, single-track dirt mountain biking trails climb up and shoot down the rolling hills, bounce across nar...