As autumn colors unfurl from the Ohio River to Lake Erie this month, Ohio Magazine’s editors, like our readers, are checking their calendars and penciling in weekend trips to enjoy one of the best things about living in this region.

Of course, brainstorming for this month’s “Colorful Adventures” cover story on fall foliage tours began as trees were still blossoming in the spring. And when it came time to assign the article, Associate Editor Ilona Westfall emerged as the writer most likely to find unique ways to experience the season’s best landscapes.

Not only had she already tried ziplining — one of the ways  we suggest to experience the beauty of the season — but Ilona also is known for her adventurous spirit. A meticulous editor and writer, she is a member of the Burning River Roller Girls’ Cleveland Steamers roller derby team in her spare time. We knew Ilona had the perfect combination of daring and talent for the task of chronicling leaf-peeping adventures by air, land and water.

For background, Ilona and Art Director Lesley Blake tried out the new zipline at the Wilds in Cumberland. The two give an enthusiastic thumbs-up to the exhilarating experience of flying over trees, lakes, grasslands and, of course, an array of exotic animals including giraffes, rhinos and zebras.

Click here to check out a video of their treetop exploits.

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As this issue went to press, Ohio Magazine learned it has been named Best Monthly Magazine by The Ohio Society of Professional Journalists. Also receiving SPJ honors are Senior Editor Linda Feagler — Best Arts Reporting for her body of work in 2010 — and Art Director Lesley Blake for Best Graphic Design/Navigation of our website, OhioMagazine.com. Freelancer John C. Bruening’s story on Southeast Ohio wildlife artist and writer Julie Zickefoose won a first place in the category Best Arts Profile, and freelancer Jennifer Rogers won second place in the same category for her profile of Jorma Kaukonen, the former Jefferson Airplane guitarist who teaches and performs at his Fur Peace Ranch in Southeast Ohio.

We’re feeling proud and grateful to our loyal readers — and exhilarated by these honors.

Even without a zipline.