Ohio

Ohio is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. But there’s more to do than just shop! Below a few non-mall shopping ideas, check out other fun (and some free) activities throughout the state. Consider candlelighting ceremonies, nature walks, and even an independent film festival—there’s an enjoyable activity for everyone in your family.

Nov 1, 2005 - Diane Stresing

Wow, the north coast IS hopping... we recently visited the Great Lakes Science Center in Downtown Cleveland, a trip we sandwiched between the Cleveland/Cincinnati football game and an Indians home game, and guess what? We didn't have any trouble parking. And that was only the beginning of our amazing adventure....

Sep 28, 2005 - Diane Stresing

The soybean business is a neat little Ohio secret. Or at least, it was a secret until the Associated Press story ran, spilling the beans about Honda’s $10 million in soybean exports. Did you see it? Do you know where they export the beans? Guess.

Aug 28, 2005 - Diane Stresing

While researchers mass-produce embryonic stem cells, in Columbus, Ohio politicians try to walk the fine line between tech and moral issues. Meanwhile, our state’s brain-drain continues. I say, take a stand (in the 21st century) and let the scientists do their thing—here, in Ohio. Then, get on to some issues that NEED political intervention: like really improving school funding. And then the teachers worry about the Science Olympics.

Aug 3, 2005 - Diane Stresing

A small but mighty coalition is out to make a splash with Ohio’s waterways. ODNR recently dedicated the state's first official water trail. It's a cool idea... also, a partial list of Ohio’s waterparks. (This time, I mean the kind with big slides.

Jul 6, 2005 - Diane Stresing

Are you an aviator? Well, you're probably already aware of these shows--maybe you're performing in one of them. You can skip this article. Now, if you're an afficianado, check out this list of Ohio's upcoming air shows.

Jun 5, 2005 - Diane Stresing

I love to hike, but this spring I'm limited to short treks. I found one in Hartville that fit me, and my kids, perfectly. Come on along...

Jun 3, 2005 - Diane Stresing

Heading to the southern half of the state? Stop by some of my favorite wild and natural places...OK, some are wild, some are just natural, but all guarantee fun.

May 8, 2005 - Diane Stresing

If you're planning to be in the Northern half of the state, read this before your plan your trip. You just might want to re-route your travels to stop by the Akron Zoo, some great wineries, or the state's biggest tree, which was just recently recognized by the Ohio Division of Forestry.

Apr 10, 2005 - Diane Stresing

I ride, therefore, I am. Well, that was true before...before my bike (and I) got flattened by a Honda Pilot. With pedaling weather just about here, I wonder if I'm still "on a roll."

Mar 28, 2005 - Diane Stresing

It's been reported that Ohio's brain drain is ongoing, that we're losing talented, educated folks at an alarming rate. That's the bad news. The good news: look around, and you can see Ohio's contributions to cutting-edge science, medical, and technological advances.

Feb 28, 2005 - Diane Stresing

"Spring Cleaning" is an over-rated activity. The pinnacle of my personal spring-cleaning ritual came last week, when I sorted through my recipes...

Feb 18, 2005 - Diane Stresing

We've officially entered the season most plaqued by "the blahs." The cure? Beat the Winter Blahs with a visit to the "Ice Age"--but hurry. It's melting away...

Jan 21, 2005 - Diane Stresing

Cough. Gag. Sputter. Ohio has been declared an officially sooty state. What are YOU going to do about it?

Dec 19, 2004 - Diane Stresing

If the holidays make you half (or completely) crazy, you're not alone. The hustle-and-bustle of what's supposed to be a happy season can make me grumpy, too. Check out my solutions for a more reasonable season in this article. Cheers!

Nov 23, 2004 - Diane Stresing

Ah, Halloween in Ohio. If you grew up in the Buckeye state, you remember all too well how to pick out a good Halloween costume: It had to be big enough to wear a coat underneath (never know about the weather here!) and no slippery shoes (wet leaves on sidewalks are a hazard, you know) and, of course, nothing that would interfere with your ability to carry a really, really big bag for all that candy you were sure to collect! Well, it’s time again to shiver, haunt and howl! Grab you favorite goblins and go have some fun.

Oct 22, 2004 - Diane Stresing

Put something nice between your legs--ride a bike. My other car is a bike. Share the road. I'd rather be riding... You get the idea. Seize what's left of Ohio's too-short pedaling season! Here are some great trails to explore, and a host of "chain" links.

Aug 10, 2004 - Diane Stresing

Notes from all over the state, with a quick stop for lunch.

Jul 5, 2004 - Diane Stresing

Ooops. If this was the year you finally splurged on that SUV, gas prices are probably going to keep you within the state borders this summer. No worries--there's plenty to see and do, right here in the Buckeye state.

Jun 22, 2004 - Diane Stresing

If you want help planning a long, elaborate summer vacation, this article isn't for you. I like my summertime fun cheap and easy. As in, quick answers to the question, "What are we gonna do today, Mom?" Here, you'll find a few ideas.

May 17, 2004 - Diane Stresing

As I write this, the sun is shining deceptively. It's almost 42 degrees outside...I think--I wish--it's much warmer. I've got a bad case of spring fever, and the advertisement for the "Hocking Outback Trail Adventure" in my Buckeye Trail Association newsletter is definitely making it worse. Are you ready for adventure?

Apr 19, 2004 - Diane Stresing

They're not exactly John, Paul, George and Ringo, but Ohioans should still be pleased to welcome back these beetles -- American Burying Beetles, to be precise.

Mar 20, 2004 - Diane Stresing

"Everyone complains about the weather, but no one ever does anything about it," or so goes the old saying. Well, I say we do something about it. You can get that springtime feeling (anytime!) at these special Ohio places.

Mar 5, 2004 - Diane Stresing

Is it Spring yet? No, and in Ohio, its arrival is in question from March through June. But if you’re looking for a “lovely” Valentine’s Day activity, dress for the weather and take a hike!

Feb 10, 2004 - Diane Stresing

Maurice Clarett has had his day in court, and he won. While I'm hardly a fan of Mr. Clarett, I find myself in his corner on this issue.

Feb 6, 2004 - Diane Stresing

J.M. Smucker's, the great jam-and-jelly company, was founded in Orrville in 1897. But its first product was neither jam nor jelly. In fact, it wasn’t even spreadable! Find out more about this Ohio original in this month’s company spotlight.

Jan 20, 2004 - Diane Stresing

The Pufferbelly Restaurants of Kent and Berea satisfy diners and history buffs alike. Get the inside scoop on some of Northeastern Ohio’s most attractive and interesting restaurants.

Dec 22, 2003 - Diane Stresing

"Most people are pantywaists. Exercise is good for you."
Q: Who Said It?
A: Ohioan Emma "Grandma" Gatewood, the first woman to through-hike the Appalachian Trail.
"Grandma" left a lot more than recipes to her legacy. We'd do well to consider her example as we trudge on.

Nov 23, 2003 - Diane Stresing

What's wrong with education in Ohio? Plenty, of course...and probably, no more or less than is wrong in any other State Education System. So what's the solution? There isn't ONE, silly. But I say we can make a darned good case for giving every K - 12 student a computer. NOW.

Nov 2, 2003 - Diane Stresing

Long ago, in a bit of a holiday funk, I wrote what I thought was an obviously cranky piece about our national obsession with "Food & Shopping." To my surprise, that article became the most popular on this site. So, in the interest of giving readers what they want, here's another article about...oh, you know.

Oct 15, 2003 - Diane Stresing

On May 8, a truck driver on the Ohio Turnpike called in a report that a woman who had just passed him was driving with a baby on her lap. When Catherine Donkers of Michigan was stopped by a State Trooper, she claimed her husband, Brad Barnhill, was responsible--even though he wasn't in the car. The case was tried in Portage County in August. Donkers, who was found guilty of several misdemeanors, including driving without a valid operator’s license, child endangerment and failure to comply with the order of a police officer, has since appealed. I say, it's enough to drive you...well, you know.

Sep 27, 2003 - Diane Stresing

Did you miss the best show in the state? If you missed Farm Aid 2003, held near Columbus on Sept. 7, you might have. Willie Nelson--and some top-name entertainers who might surprise you-- played like farmers work, all day and half the night.

Sep 15, 2003 - Diane Stresing

Once a private estate, now a Columbus MetroPark. Inniswood Gardens is a beautiful testimony to two sisters, and a fine example of how to maintain natural tranquility amid suburban housing developments and shopping malls.

Sep 4, 2003 - Diane Stresing

Recently, I spent two days in the Sandusky area with a 7 year old and in spite of the fact we did not visit Cedar Point, we had great fun. Here, some of the other things to see and do in Ohio's self-proclaimed "Vacationland."

Aug 5, 2003 - Diane Stresing

If you grew up around the center of the state, the Ohio State Fair probably factored into your summer fun growing up. Maybe you giggled at the butter cow; begged for a chocolate-covered banana, and even had your first kiss (!) on the midway. This year marks the 150th Ohio State Fair. Ah, memories. Why not make some new ones this year?

Jul 15, 2003 - Diane Stresing

Why not turn the sprinkler on the kids, set up the lounge chair (at a safe distance from the sprinkler) and get lost in a good book—or two? Includes a list of a half-dozen great Ohio guidebooks, perfect for folks who can't sit still.

Jun 15, 2003 - Diane Stresing

If you're looking for a party, you're in luck. Ohio has a such a variety of summertime festivals, you can find a different reason to celebrate every weekend!

Jun 1, 2003 - Diane Stresing

Have you seen Lakeside Daisy and Cranberry Bog? They are two rare and wonderful State Nature Preserves. You have one month to visit one of them, and you need a lottery ticket to gain entrance to the other one. The effort is truly worthwhile.

May 1, 2003 - Diane Stresing

No, this is not an April Fool's Day joke. It's a real, live attraction in Columbus.

Apr 1, 2003 - Diane Stresing

Did you know that Chillicothe was named the capital of Ohio before Ohio became a state? And that we had three capital cities by 1809? And how much do you wager that Ohio quarter is worth? It's Ohio's Bicentennial, and a good time to brush up on state history and trivia.

Mar 1, 2003 - Diane Stresing

Valentine's Day is Friday, February 14. Fail to recognize this date with your sweetheart, and it could be a lonnnnng weekend, indeed. Here, a roundup of romantic, Ohio-inspired gifts for the love of your life.

Feb 1, 2003 - Diane Stresing

What's your Beef? If you have a complaint with an Ohio store or company, you can take your beef to the Ohio Attorney General's office. It's easy, and it'll make you feel better.

Jan 11, 2003 - Diane Stresing

School Funding Follies, a 17-year old heroine from Dayton, and Grinch-Nappers in Portage County

Dec 15, 2002 - Diane Stresing

Shop, eat, eat, shop. Is that all we do this time of year? Sure seems like it. Here, a list of Ohio's outlet shopping malls, and a few other places to go where you'll find things just as festive, and (a little) less commercial.

Dec 7, 2002 - Diane Stresing

“Hard-hitting” research and scientific “victories” rarely make headlines, especially during football season. But Ohio has some top-ranked players on the scientific field, too. It’s time to celebrate their achievements.

Nov 14, 2002 - Diane Stresing

Since when do Ohio's fall colors include blue? Here's a hint: If you don't know, you can just go to "Blazes."

Oct 15, 2002 - Diane Stresing

Ohio's farms--and those all over the country--are disappearing. Their amazing contributions to our economy, to our tables, and to our environment may never be adequately recognized. Now that it's fall, corn mazes are making the headlines again. Can 'agritainment' save the American farm? Time will tell. For now, at least us city folk can visit, and have fun.

Oct 3, 2002 - Diane Stresing

Ohio-centric coupons, wooly bears, balloons on high and bikes in graveyards. There’s something here for everyone—an eclectic trip through the notes on my desk.

Sep 6, 2002 - Diane Stresing

Wanna get smart? Are you looking for someplace where the kids (and you) can learn and have fun at the same time? This list is for you.

Aug 2, 2002 - Diane Stresing

The J.J. Brothers have so much fun on stage, and (like any bunch of brothers) razz each other so hard, it's a wonder they get any work done.

Jul 5, 2002 - Diane Stresing

In this article, we go over the edge--of Ohio’s borders, that is. Some trips take but a tankful of gas; others are worth booking a flight to visit. Bon voyage!

Jun 18, 2002 - Diane Stresing

Hey! Who ya' calling "bird brain"?! Last week I happened upon a woodpecker tapping on a metal sign (clank-clank-clank). What was that all about? And how do migrational birds navigate thousands of miles each year? Ohio offers good birding year 'round. Maybe it's time YOU became a bird brain. (Whatever that means.)

May 17, 2002 - Diane Stresing

You can leave the state and find some great places--just over the border! In this article, some great spots you can reach on a tankful of gas or two. Bon voyage!

May 10, 2002 - Diane Stresing

Ohio offers thousands of miles of bike routes. Whether you prefer life in the slow lane, in the dirt, or as a dedicated road ape, there's a place for you. Grease up your gears and go.

Apr 5, 2002 - Diane Stresing

Spring, our fair-weather friend, is a hard gal to figure out. Have you seen her lately? There’s something different about her these days...

Mar 8, 2002 - Diane Stresing

Ohio is 199 years old today. While that’s a pretty big deal, next year the celebration is going to be REALLY grand. Better put on your party hats now!

Mar 1, 2002 - Diane Stresing

The Ohio Memory Project is collecting things you might find in your grandmother’s attic, and other things you probably won’t. Now, where did I put that mastodon tooth...?

Feb 8, 2002 - Diane Stresing

What should Ohio's public schools teach about evolution? About a divine creator? This article includes a Science Experiment for you to try at home. It's easy, but messy.

Jan 26, 2002 - Diane Stresing

Spotlight on Ohio’s official travel site, and why-oh-why-oh would you want to visit OHIO?

Jan 11, 2002 - Diane Stresing

Ohio has seven downhill skiing areas. Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Jan 4, 2002 - Diane Stresing

This article was supposed to be "Ohio--The Year In Review." Then I saw something that changed my mind, a sign of sorts. If you've been less than your usual cheery self this season, maybe you can relate.

Dec 28, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Do you go to the gym every day without fail? Okay, you don't have to read this article. The rest of you, come on! Winter fun can help you work off those holiday cookies--and it's cheaper than a health club membership!

Dec 21, 2001 - Diane Stresing

A 20-ton brain sits in the middle of campus at Kent State University. It's one of hundreds of interesting sculptures waiting to be found, all over the state. Better watch where you step!

Dec 14, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Many Ohio parks have grown out of the generous donations of individuals. Their legacy is beautiful; the bounty is ours to share.

Dec 7, 2001 - Diane Stresing

More ways to give the gift(s) of Ohio, online and off.

Nov 30, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Buy Buckeye! Sites to find Ohio stuff and stuffers. Whew. Maybe you can avoid the mall, after all.

Nov 23, 2001 - Diane Stresing

It's a blood-battle and a long-standing tradition. The Buckeyes have to go to that awful place up north to take on the…YOU know. Get in THE GAME and enjoy the history of what may be the longest-running and most serious rivalry in college football.

Nov 16, 2001 - Diane Stresing

What's for dinner? How 'bout Squirrel Stew and Buckeyes? Links to Ohio-produced food and safety notices about Ohio food recalls, and a recipe so sweet you should call your dentist NOW.

Nov 9, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Question: Why is "Birthplace of Aviation" stamped on so many Ohio license plates? Answer: Wright Patterson AFB, John Glenn, NASA research, an Astronaut Grove ... just to name a few.

Nov 2, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Author Chris Woodyard has dug up dozens of dastardly ditties about Ohio's spirits. Did you know Ohio even has its own headless horseman? Read on, if you dare.

Oct 26, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Fall color is almost at its peak. If you enjoy the leaves most when you're crunching through them, hit the trail at one of our parks. Also noted: Scenic railways, and Halloween campouts at Ohio State Parks!! Don't forget your flashlight, it could get a little spoooooky...

Oct 19, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Check out the AlpacaFest, a lumberjack contest, or the state's covered bridges and seasonal beauty leaves...fall is here, and Ohio is full of fun ways to celebrate the season. Be prepared, you'll probably work up a thirst. So grab a gallon of cider, your jacket, your camera... and we're off!

Oct 12, 2001 - Diane Stresing

The Circleville Pumpkin Show is Ohio's oldest free festival. It's also a guaranteed gourd ... uh, good ... time!

Oct 5, 2001 - Diane Stresing

The Zoar Apfelfest celebrates the fall harvest, it's scheduled the same weekend as an old-fashioned, German beer party. If that's not wild enough for you, there are plenty of other fall bashes throughout the state. Having a good time is mandatory; wearing a costume is optional. Celebrate the season!

Sep 28, 2001 - Diane Stresing

The Ohio Underwater Research Association was started on a coin toss. How serious can it be?

Sep 20, 2001 - Diane Stresing

There are two working canal locks along the river between Zanesville and McConnelsville. Come along for a lazy ride.

Sep 14, 2001 - Diane Stresing

B Is for Buckeye - An Ohio Alphabet, by Marcia Schonberg, is a slim and attractive book, with its shiny scarlet cover and beautiful buckeye leaf.

Sep 7, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Family farms are a tasteful tradition in Ohio. This Portage County farm has been in the same family for more than 123 years.

Sep 5, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Ohio's too-short summers seem to slip away faster and faster each year. Never mind that Ohio's fall brings a bounty of beautiful leaves, cool crisp apples, and death to the mosquitoes--I MISS SUMMER!

Aug 31, 2001 - Diane Stresing

If you haven't heard of TBDBITL, you have a lot to learn about football.

Aug 17, 2001 - Diane Stresing

No beach, no mountains, no problem: Ohio scenery is still fit for a postcard.

Aug 10, 2001 - Diane Stresing

500 feet off I-71 is a quaint little place where you can get ice cream, homemade goodies, and--oh yeah--cheese.

Aug 3, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Cool diving sites are closer than you might think. From Great Lakes wreck charters to quirky quarry quests, Ohio divers are (literally) swimming in dive sights.

Jul 27, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Lake FarmPark will host Ohio wine growers and lots and lots of happy taste buds at the annual "Vintage Ohio" festival.

Jul 20, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Peace, love, and murder ... in sleepy little Danville. It's gonna be some party at The White Oak Inn!

Jul 13, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Who named these crazy Ohio towns, anyway? Find out in Larry Miller's book, Ohio Place Names.

Jul 6, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Manatees can reach 14 feet in length, and 1,500 lbs when fully grown. But can they swim to Columbus?

Jun 29, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Beans Bike Park in Dennison opened up on Memorial Day. It's a step (or a roll) in the right direction for bikers, hikers, and conservationists.

Jun 15, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Looking for a book, map, article or document about an Ohio person, place or thing? These sites will help you find it, FAST.

Jun 8, 2001 - Diane Stresing

June is Ohio Wine Month. You can start it off right at a Lake Erie Wine Tasting this weekend. Cheers!

Jun 1, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Get carried up, up, and away -- at one of Ohio’s many Hot Air Balloon events.

May 25, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Get outside and make a difference this spring - events to show you the way.

May 18, 2001 - Diane Stresing

"Ain't I a Woman?" Sojourner Truth asked in Akron, 150 years ago. She was indeed.

May 11, 2001 - Diane Stresing

The new coaster at Six Flags Worlds of Adventure park may be even more exciting than the traffic in neighboring communities. The newly expanded park opens weekends starting May 5.

May 4, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Ohio is a great place to be from. Turns out it’s a great place to visit, too. A partial listing of fun places, festivals, and even (gasp) educational destinations

Apr 25, 2001 - Diane Stresing

If you read the March issues of Popular Science or Family Circle magazines, you probably saw some Ohioans in the news! Read how these Ohio folks are at home saving time, money, and the planet.

Apr 12, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Come Saturday, May 19, there will be a whole bunch o’ canoes on Hinkley Lake. Check out this event, and learn more about Ohio’s Waterways.

Apr 6, 2001 - Diane Stresing

The Kent Dam is 165 years old; the river it is holding back has a lot more seniority. Who will win?

Apr 6, 2001 - Diane Stresing

The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure will roll through the hilly southeastern portion of the state in June. Will you be among the 3,000 or so passing through the covered bridges, parks and attractions?

Mar 23, 2001 - Diane Stresing

With Ohio State, Kent State, and Cincinnati appearing in the NCAA tourney, sports fans here are having a ball. But as we read beyond the sports page, we might decide to welcome a bit of divine intervention. What the week’s headlines and mean to this Buckeye girl.

Mar 17, 2001 - Diane Stresing

If you're in a spin at the mall, step back in time and shop at Hale Farm & Village in Bath instead. Good news: they don't sell bathing suits.

Mar 9, 2001 - Diane Stresing

The Michael Stanley Band. Knee-high by the 4th of July. Know what I mean? You do if you've ever lived here ...

Mar 7, 2001 - Diane Stresing

When the Akron Zoo's pair of Sumatran Tigers produced two cubs in January, they significantly added to the population.

Mar 5, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Tonto, a Shetland Pony who lives in Medina County, is something of a celebrity in Ohio. Find out what life is like for the famous hoofer, straight from the horse's mouth.

Mar 2, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Inside and out, the F.A. Seiberling Naturealm appeals to all ages with education that’s just too beautiful – and creepy! – to miss.

Feb 23, 2001 - Diane Stresing

You can get your hands in - and on - the strangest things at Akron's Inventure Place.

Feb 16, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Viking Vineyards in Brimfield, Ohio produces more than 2,500 gallons of wine each year. Shouldn't you help drink it?

Feb 9, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Three unusual ways to pop the question or get hitched!

Feb 1, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Ohio is rich with resources for those wanting to trace their roots.

Jan 26, 2001 - Diane Stresing

What will happen when Six Flags takes over well-loved neighbor, SeaWorld?

Jan 11, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Not one but TWO Carousel Manufacturers sit in the middle of the State in Mansfield.

Jan 5, 2001 - Diane Stresing

Cuyahoga Valley National Park's Brandywine Falls, other hikes are enjoyable in any weather.

Dec 29, 2000 - Diane Stresing

Strange places to sleep over; indoors & out, in NE Ohio.

Dec 17, 2000 - Diane Stresing

Thanks to a levy passed by voters last spring, the Akron Zoo is expanding both its hours and its size.

Dec 11, 2000 - Diane Stresing

Jingle Bell Runs Warm Hearts, Raise Money

Nov 24, 2000 - Diane Stresing

How to enjoy a day at SeaWorld-Ohio, including a list of do's & don'ts and other advice.

Oct 25, 2000 - Diane Stresing