April 2020

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Travel

3 Cool Pieces of Art Hidden in Plain Sight

From Darth Vader frolicking with a Care Bear in Cincinnati to a Dayton sculpture that tells the history of the Miami Valley, these Ohio public artworks invite you to look closer. 

3 Hidden Ohio Restaurants

These hidden-away spots may take a little more work to find, but they’re well worth it.

5 Amish Country Inns and B&Bs You’ll Love

Make your Amish Country trip a getaway by booking a stay at one of these five regional favorites.

A Shore Thing: Geneva-on-the-Lake

With cool breezes, outdoor adventure and a variety of entertainment options, this resort town is an ideal warm-weather destination.

Lake Erie Beaches: 12 to Visit this Summer

Summer on Lake Erie means spending some quality time at one of these 12 spots along the northwest Ohio shoreline.

Secret Ohio: 23 Hidden Gems

We went in search of surprising spots, unusual attractions and fascinating discoveries hidden in plain sight across the state. Here’s how you can, too.

Secret Ohio: Clifton Garden Cabin

This cozy, two-level cabin within walking distance of the iconic Clifton Mill offers a stay that’s part home and part garden.

Secret Ohio: Cy Young’s Grave

The man whose name is synonymous with Major League Baseball pitching excellence
is buried in Tuscarawas County.

Secret Ohio: Gilboa Quarry

Mike Williams’ former limestone quarry in Putnam County offers divers an opportunity to explore submerged aircraft and spot a variety of fish species.

Secret Ohio: Hidden Hocking Hills

It’s no secret this region of southeast Ohio is our year-round playground, but these three out-of-the-way sites promise a fresh perspective.

Secret Ohio: James A. Rhodes State Office Tower Observation Deck

The 40th floor of this downtown Columbus office tower offers great views across our capital city.

Secret Ohio: Johnson’s Island

This island off the Marblehead Peninsula held more than 10,000 Confederate officers and soldiers during its time as a prisoner-of-war depot. Some remain there to this day.

Secret Ohio: League Park

Babe Ruth swatted dozens of home runs at this former home of the Cleveland Indians. Today, visitors can still walk in the footsteps of the greats.

Secret Ohio: The Keeper’s House

Marblehead Lighthouse gets all the attention, but you can also visit the 1822 home where the landmark’s first three keepers resided.

Secret Ohio: View from the Adena Mansion

The vista immortalized on Ohio’s official seal was inspired by a real place in Chillicothe, our state’s first capital. 

Secrets of the Ohio Statehouse

The seat of our state government is filled with beautiful touches and hidden bits of history that can be discovered by way of daily tours.

Step Inside the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Damascus Room

The authentic 18th-century room, complete with intricate carved paneling and an ornately crafted ceiling, showcases a sight rarely seen outside the former Ottoman Empire.

Toledo: Birds, Boats & Blooms

From exploring the Great Lakes to spotting birds at Woodlawn Cemetery & Arboretum, Toledo offers a variety of ways to connect with nature.

Uncover the Secrets of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument

Downtown Cleveland’s memorial to Cuyahoga County’s Civil War veterans is a reminder of the role Ohioans had in helping preserve the Union.

Visit this Tiny Roadside Church on Ohio Route 33

The Healing Chapel in the Athens County village of Coolville started as a labor of love and continues as a place of quiet meditation and prayer for travelers.

West Virginia: Hiking, Rafting & Camping

Whether you’re looking to hike, camp or raft, a trip to West Virginia promises a wealth of experiences for all ages and skill levels.

Why There is a Replica of France’s Lourdes Grotto in Ohio

After visiting Europe in 1932, Bishop Karl Alter spearheaded the construction of a replica of the site where the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared before a young girl in the 1850s. 

Food + Drink

Cozy’s Cafe & Pub, Liberty Township

This inviting Butler County spot offers a menu lineup that ranges from comfort food favorites to prime cuts of meat.

Fox in the Snow Cafe, Columbus

After opening in 2014, Lauren Culley and Jeff Excell’s home for great coffee and scratch-made pastries now has four central Ohio locations.

Le Torte Dolci, Springfield

During their family’s travels through Europe, Lisa and Dan Freeman gathered inspiration for the selection of beautiful pastries they serve at their downtown shop.

St. Anne the Tart, Dayton​

Megan Smith’s St. Anne’s Hill neighborhood bakery merges international influences with seasonal ingredients in a space with history.

Sweet Satisfaction: 3 Ohio Bakeries You’ll Love

When it comes to places known for beautiful pastries that look (almost) too good to eat, these four sweet spots across the state offer creations you’re sure to enjoy. 

The Macaron Tea Room, Broadview Heights

Alla Yakimiv grew up baking for church events and family functions. Today, she serves a beautiful array of pastries at her suburban Cleveland tearoom.

Arts

‘Maya: The Exhibition’ in Cincinnati

Union Terminal hosts the U.S. premiere of more than 300 artifacts from the ancient culture that show its influence on the world.

Spring Arts Preview 2020

Browse our guide to 12 arts events and experiences that should be part of your plans this season.

Home + Garden

Lucca Workshop, Cincinnati

Artist Lindsey Schweitzer crafts journals featuring designs influenced by the natural world.

Ohio Life

Butterfly House, Put-in-Bay

From May until mid-October, a multitude of butterflies float through this 4,000-square-foot attraction on South Bass Island.

Explore the Serene Beauty of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge protects 10,000 acres of habitat along and on Lake Erie. It’s an incredible place to spot migrating birds, turtles, frogs and other creatures native to Ohio. 

Katie Spotz on Pushing Human Limits

At age 22, she became the youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Now the native Ohioan is planning for her next challenge: running 140 miles to raise money for clean water.

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, Bay Village

This attraction has roots dating back to 1945, when local resident Elberta Fleming spearheaded the effort to create a local hands-on nature center.

Ohio Finds: John “Okey” Canfield Wood Carving

Birds were a favorite subject for the artist, with pieces ranging from traditional folk-art carvings to more outsider works like this one.