June 2020

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Travel

5 Summer Finds in Western New York

From trails to bird-watching, these five destinations in the Chautauqua Lake region promise a way to soak in the serenity of the season.

Butler County: 5 Great Places for Public Art

This Southwest Ohio county celebrates art in a mix of forms and in a variety of places. Here are five fun locations to explore, from the City of Sculpture to the Miami University campus. 

Hike & Bike: 25 Great Trails in Ohio

Embrace the outdoors this season with these can’t-miss day hikes and bicycle rides. 

Hike & Bike: Central Ohio

Hike the Darby Creek Greenway Trail, try three trails at Highbanks Metro Park in Lewis Center and ride through Columbus along the Olentangy Trail. 

Hike & Bike: Northeast Ohio

Hike one of the most photogenic spots in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, try three trails at Mohican State Park and pedal a portion of the 87-mile route along the Ohio & Erie Canal.

Hike & Bike: Northwest Ohio

Explore Oak Openings in Swanton, hike the shoreline habitat of East Harbor State Park and ride a stretch of the 66-mile Wabash Cannonball Trail.  

Hike & Bike: Southeast Ohio

Tackle the trail that visits Hocking Hills State Park’s most famous sites, try three woodland hikes in Wayne National Forest and ride the 21-mile Adena Hockhocking Bikeway.

Hike & Bike: Southwest Ohio

Explore Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs, hike the Edge of Appalachia Preserve System and ride a portion of the 78-mile Little Miami Scenic Trail. 

Kingwood Center Gardens Gets Makeover

The estate of Charles Kelley King will now be open to visitors year-round with the addition of a new visitors’ center complete with a gallery, greenhouse and Buehler’s Fresh Foods cafe.

The Toledo Zoo Opens its Barnyard

A new attraction showcases rare heritage breeds found down on the farm. It will ultimately be expanded into a full petting zoo and feeding experience.

The Wagnalls Memorial Library, Lithopolis

In 1923, concert pianist Mabel Wagnalls funded the construction of this library in honor of her parents.

Food + Drink

Fran Dewine’s Mac and Cheese Recipe

To encourage quarantine quality time, Ohio’s first lady shared recipes from her own kitchen, including President Ronald Reagan’s favorite take on mac and cheese.

How Spangler Candy Co. Revived the Necco Wafer

In 2018, the beloved Necco Wafer disappeared from store shelves. In summer 2020, the Bryan, Ohio-based maker of Dum Dums brought them back.

Mister Mustard Meets His Match

Woeber Mustard Co.’s longtime favorite now has a companion: the sweet and spicy Mrs. Mustard.

Ohio Wines: 5 Bottles to Try

Ohio vintners produce award-winning wines from grapes that grow in our state. Here are several suggestions to get you started. 

Arts

Connie Schultz on ‘The Daughters of Erietown’

The author and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist’s debut novel delves into the dreams and realities of working-class families.

Home + Garden

Accidental Art by Andrea Kay, Cincinnati

This southwest Ohio artist crafts collages to honor her favorite wonder of nature.

Rock Riffle Run Pottery’s Berry Colander

Potter Susan Abramovitz followed her dreams to southeast Ohio where she creates clay art that combines form and function, including this beautiful piece.

Step Inside 3 Homes in Columbus’ German Village

This neighborhood has long been a place filled with beautifully renovated historic homes. Three homeowners invited us in.

Ohio Life

Have a Pop-Up Wedding in Our National Park

The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Haus of Cool have teamed to offer small-scale ceremonies for an intimate wedding.

How Garfield’s Front Porch Changed Campaigning for President

Before whistle-stop tours and crisscrossing the country, presidential candidates spoke to crowds at their own homes. Here’s how three Ohioans used the approach to win our nation’s highest office.  

Justin Sanchez on Fighting COVID-19 with Scientific Innovation

Battelle’s technical fellow for life sciences shares how the Columbus-based nonprofit ended up playing a pivotal role in battling against the contagious disease.

Nation’s Shortest Covered Bridge, Geneva ​

Ashtabula County is home to 18 traffic-bearing covered bridges including this diminutive 18-foot-long span.

Ohio Finds: Silver Percheron Trophies

These trophy vases were awarded to horses from Woodside Farms of Sandusky. 

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens on Postage Stamp

The U.S Postal Service commemorates the Akron landmark’s iconic Birch Tree Allée.