Ohio Magazine May 2026

109 Days and Nights of SUMMER

Your guide to great concerts, family favorites, classic festivals and outdoor adventures

Meet the Man Preserving Amusement Park Memories

Author Jessica Strawser Discusses Her New Novel

in the place that feels like

Be part of a historic year in Tuscarawas County with a lively mix of events, local traditions, and unforgettable experiences for all to enjoy.

MAY

Revolution on the Tuscarawas

Fort Laurens

Newark Strawberry Festival Train Ride

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum

Ice Cream Social and Historical Music Program

Olde Main Street Museum

JUNE

Warther Fest

Ernest Warther Museum and Gardens

Victory on the Homefront Train Rides

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum

Steam to Victory

Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum

Tomb Rededication

Fort Laurens

JULY

Celebrate America: Picnic, Lego Contest, Music Performances

Performing Arts Center at KSU Tuscarawas

Akron Symphonic Winds and Street Festival

Village of Dennison

50th Anniversary Celebration & Homecoming Picnic

J E Reeves Victorian Home Museum

Community Picnic and Entertainment

Trumpet in the Land

Homecoming Picnic

Historic Zoar Village

AUGUST

Changing of the Guards Sons of the American Revolution

Fort Laurens

Community Picnic and America 250 Celebration

Schoenbrunn Village

Tuscarawas County Commissioners County-wide Picnic

Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds

SEPTEMBER

Zoar Stars and Ohio Muffins Vintage Baseball Game

Historic Zoar Village

America 250-Ohio Goes to the Movies Film Fest Train Rides

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum

America 250 Fall Lantern Tours

Schoenbrunn Village

OCTOBER

Moccasin Roast Dinner

Fort Laurens

Falliday Train Rides

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum

Grudungstag- Founders Day Celebration

Gnadenhutten Museum Park

Fill your calendar with great concerts, fun festivals, the beauty of the outdoors and other adventures.

Parsh’s Amusement Preservation Museum saves rides and other artifacts from long-gone attractions.

Fort Laurens honors Ohio’s role in the Revolutionary War, and an Ohio Bigfoot hunter discusses the big guy.

9 Datebook

Author Jessica Strawser’s new novel has ties to Athens, and the art of Chris Ware comes to Columbus.

Farm & Table

Kekis Cafe brings Mexican breakfast dishes to Fremont, and LBM cocktail bar gets creative in Lakewood.

96 Backstory

Our May 1982 cover feature told the story of Ohio’s reallife cowboys through the lens of the East Sparta Gang.

CONNECT

Winged Wonders: At Magee Marsh along Lake Erie, spring migration transforms a quiet boardwalk into a premier birding destination. During the Biggest Week in American Birding each May, thousands of visitors from across the country travel to northwest Ohio to see warblers, pelicans and other species as they pass through the region. ohiomagazine.com/birding

Bolivar, p. 7

Bowling Green, p. 5

Chillicothe, p. 24

Cincinnati, p. 12

Cleveland, p. 9, 12

Columbus, p. 6, 12

Fort Recovery, p. 61

Fremont, p. 23

Grafton, p. 50

Lakewood, p. 25

Nelsonville, Cover

the Lustron HOme: Lustron homes were launched as a steel house built for a postwar future. Made in Columbus, Lustron homes were an ambitious housing experiment aimed at mass-producing maintenance-free homes. That promise ultimately faltered, but surviving Lustron homes still capture midcentury optimism and ingenuity ohiomagazine.com/lustron

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St. Marys, p. 57 Wapakoneta, p. 59

Scenic Sips

BY SERENA ATKINSON |

From flower-lined patios to lush gardens, these Ohio wineries boast breathtaking venues that perfectly complement their wines.

For an enchanting outdoor setting, visit Harpersfield Vineyard in Geneva. Trees lining the path to the wine cellar create a beautiful pattern of dappled sunlight, and the outdoor patio invites guests to unwind with a glass of one of the estate-grown blends. Summery picks include Le Jacques Terrier, a Riesling blend named after owners Patty and Adolf Ribic’s terriers, and an aromatic, lychee-and-rose-tinged Gewürztraminer.

Sarah’s Vineyard in Cuyahoga Falls, located inside the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, offers nature on a grand scale. The butterfly garden and koi pond provide a stunning setting to experience wines like Double Trouble, a summery white blend named after cofounders Mike and Margaret Lytz’s two dogs, and Blue Heron Blush, a mix of five of the winery’s estate-grown grapes. There’s also plenty of outdoor seating to take in the backdrop of rolling hills and forests.

Another lovely outdoor setting is Monarch Winery on Kelleys Island. Originally opened as a butterfly garden, the winery is a gorgeous setting to enjoy fruit wine and wine smoothies. Sip on wines named after different butterfly species: try the juicy, sweet Painted Lady Peach either by itself or in a smoothie, or the tart Swallowtail Sweet Apple Wine flavored with green apples.

Walk into a real-life postcard when you enter the 30-plus acres of rolling hills at Vinoklet Winery in Cincinnati. With more than 12,000 vines, Vinoklet offers an escape to an endless green backdrop for a leisurely glass of wine. Sip on a glass of Brother Joe, a rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Chambourcin grapes. For a lighter option perfect for spring, choose Traminette, a white with notes of honey and florals.

Chairman Lute Harmon Sr.

President & Publisher Lute Harmon Jr.

Summer, Now Longer

People sometimes look at the cover headline for our May kickoff-to-summer issue with one question: How are there more than 100 days of summer when it looks like just three months on the calendar? In these instances, they’re not complaining, just gently asking how we arrive at our count. They’re content to agree to it, of course, but how do we get to that triple-digit figure?

Growing up, the kickoff to summer always coincided with the end of the school year that fell somewhere around Memorial Day weekend celebrations and fireworks. It’s a long weekend that is eyed on the calendar weeks if not months in advance until the Friday leading into it finally arrives.

That’s where our summer begins. Given how the calendar falls, that day arrives May 22 this year — as early as it possibly can. Conversely, Labor Day arrives Sept. 7, as late as it possibly can. The last time the span of these dates totaled 109 was summer 2020.

So, as we assembled this year’s 109 Days & Nights of Summer, we brought back an approach that we had lost over the years: suggesting a specific activity or destination for each and every one of those 109 days.

Our senior editor Erin Finan researched festival dates and rounded up concert lineups, looked up marquee touring shows and found upcoming museum exhibitions to help you make the most of summer this year.

Also this month, associate editor Lainey Novak delves into the backstory of four Ohio summer festivals. Each has a long and intriguing history, from the world’s largest gathering of twins and multiples to a celebration that has its roots in honoring the man who developed the tomato as we know it today.

Finally, summer in Ohio is synonymous with amusement parks. Although Kings Island and Cedar Point are the lone survivors still operating today, the memories of bygone parks such as Geauga Lake, Idora Park and a multitude of others live on thanks to people like Troy Parsh of Grafton.

Troy is in his 20s but has fond memories of Geauga Lake that have fueled his interested in collecting and preserving rides and other artifacts from longlost amusement parks. He invited contributing writer Vince Guerrieri out this spring to take a look around and learn more about his collection, which he opens to the public each June.

EDITORIAL

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Editor Jim Vickers

Senior Editor Erin Finan

Associate Editor Lainey Novak

Contributing Writers Maggie Amacher, Jason Brill, Hollie Davis, Nicholas Dekker, Vince Guerrieri, Amanda Larch Hinchman, Jenna Nahhas, Lauren Serge, Kristina Smith

Digital Content Assistant Kelly Larson

Editorial Interns Brandon Gross, Natalie Saddler

Art Director Rachael Jirousek

Contributing Artists Matthew Allen, Ken Bigham, Laura Watilo Blake, Ken Blaze, Erik Drost, Doug Hinebaugh, Cody York

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Ohio Magazine is not responsible for the care and/or return of unsolicited photographs, illustrations, manuscripts, books or any other material submitted for possible publication. All photographs are courtesy of the event or organization listed, unless otherwise credited.

mural memories

In the summer of 1966, then-artist in residence at Bowling Green State University

Don Drumm was commissioned to create a large-scale mural for the William T. Jerome Library building as it was being constructed. The artist’s unique style embraces contemporary materials and techniques, including concrete, paint and sandblasting, all of which are represented in his design for the mural. A $1 million restoration project to revive the work was completed in March 2026, enhancing it to resist harsh weather, temperature changes and expansion. 1001 E. Wooster St., Bowling Green 43403, bgsu.edu

War Stories: Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort was abandoned in 1779. Today, the site is home to a museum that shares the story of the men who were stationed there.

Color Calling

Columbus resident Collin Williams creates warm and vibrant designs that grace the surface of stickers, greeting cards, notepads and more, which he sells online and at pop-up markets.

Collin Williams likes to refer to himself as a “one-man brand of color, craft and cozy warmth.” The description is fitting, as visitors to his website find adorable ladybugs, mushrooms and sunny-side-up eggs in his bright, soft designs. A current resident of Columbus, Williams has Miami Valley Career Technology Center to thank for his passion. He attended the graphic commercial art lab there during his junior and senior years of high school.

“I just was able to go crazy,” Williams says. “I would get a project, and it would be three deliverables, and I would make five or six or 10 or whatever. It was just as much fun as I could have.”

He later attended the Columbus College of Art and Design, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and advertising in 2023. Around the fall semester of his freshman year, Williams began posting his playful work more earnestly on social media, as well as selling stationery and art pieces. Since then, his eye-catching creations have graced many products, from sweatshirts to tea towels to totes, which he sells on his online shop and at pop-up markets across Ohio and beyond.

“[I love] embracing color, embracing the world around us,” Williams says. “Pushing it into things that people can actually use and connect with themselves.”

Today, Williams’ online shop is filled with greeting cards, wrapping paper, art prints and sticker sheets, each product patterned with icons in his signature approachable style. He is particularly fond of his “Clay Friends” series, ceramic magnets featuring frogs, kittens, hearts and rocks, named by customers and sporting friendly faces. Ultimately, Williams hopes when people see his work, it acts as a gentle reminder for them to take time to create.

“I can inspire people and encourage people and motivate people to craft,” Williams says. “To tap into that, that’s one of the real big-ticket items; that’s the picture right there. That’s what keeps me going.” — Kelly Larson

For more information, visit collinmakesmagic.com.

War Stories

Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort was abandoned in 1779. Today, the site is home to a museum that highlights the history of those who served there.

Fort Laurens was built in 1778 along the Tuscarawas River in the wilds of what was then the Ohio frontier. It was intended to be used as a staging area for attacks against the British during the American Revolution. Today, visitors can walk the grounds and check out a small on-site museum that shows what happened here during the fort’s brief lifespan.

Named after Henry Laurens, president of the Continental Congress, the fort served as a secure base for 150 American soldiers. In 1779, British troops and Native American forces attacked, leaving 15 soldiers dead. Later that year, George Washington ordered Fort Laurens to be abandoned. In total, 30 men lost their lives there.

Inside the museum, visitors can learn more about the history of the fort and the soldiers who were stationed there through videos, artifacts and exhibits. Tracy Britton, site coordinator at Fort Laurens, says that while elements of the original fort are still underground, many artifacts have been excavated from the site.

“There are artifacts here that were actually found on the site and others that were donated as authentic period items,” Britton says. “We have an archaeologist on-site who is regularly doing work, and he offers public archaeology days where the public can come in and help with the digs.”

Visitors can also walk the grounds and see a partial outline of where the fort once stood. The Tomb of the Unknown Patriot is located on-site and memorializes an unidentified soldier who was laid to rest at Fort Laurens. The museum also regularly hosts events, including ones scheduled in 2026 coinciding with the nation’s semiquincentennial.

“We’re the only Revolutionary War fort in Ohio,” Britton says. “So just knowing that we have that connection to the American Revolution, that we were involved in the start of this country, I think people really enjoy that aspect of it.” — Lauren Serge

11067 Fort Laurens Rd., Bolivar 44612, 330/874-2059, fortlaurensmuseum.org

OPTICAL GLASS SCULPTURE

Christopher Ries made this nearly 20-inch work of art.

Spring sunshine is pouring in, and nothing captures that bright purity like this optical glass sculpture by Christopher Ries. Ries grew up on a family farm in Franklin County, and in the 1970s, he pursued a degree in fine art from Ohio State University, initially focusing on ceramics. His attention was quickly captured by the glass techniques used for glazing, and he would go on to build the university’s first glass studio.

Ries’ most popular work is in optical glass, which, unlike window glass, is created to manage light in specific ways. It is typically used in lenses, mirrors and prisms needed for scientific equipment. Ries found that he could create dazzling pieces by cutting, carving, grinding and polishing optical glass into sculptures.

Ries’ sculptures range in size, with the largest weighing as much as 1,500 pounds. The pieces often start as enormous glass blocks that can take up to several years to reduce and refine. His work is held by museums around the world, but smaller items like this one that sold in August 2025 are quite popular with private collectors. — Hollie

Davis

$3,700 SOLD

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Use Ohio Magazine’s event search to learn what’s happening near you and across Ohio.

Legendary Treks

Bigfoot investigator Dusty Ruth leads groups on several Ohio expeditions throughout the year in search of the elusive creature.

Since Dusty Ruth was young, he has been fascinated with Bigfoot, reading and learning everything he could about the cryptid — a creature some believe to exist but is not scientifically proven to be real.

For more than 20 years, Ruth has used the investigative skills he gained during the 25 years he spent working as an investigator and 11 years as an administrator for Job and Family Services in Fayette County to hunt Bigfoot with organizations like the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, a national network of investigators who look into reported sightings.

Through the BFRO, Ruth leads three four-day-long expeditions throughout the year in southern Ohio, where reported sightings of the creature are common. Participants in these expeditions can enjoy camping with investigators and hearing from speakers each night. Then, they split into teams and head out with night-vision or thermal cameras in search of Bigfoot. Visitors claim to have seen the creature approach camps to see what the groups are doing.

During the day, groups learn investigative techniques and make casts of any footprints Bigfoot might have left. We talked with Ruth ahead of his speaking appearance at the Ohio Bigfoot Conference at Salt Fork State Park Lodge and Conference Center on May 2. — Kristina Smith

Can you tell us more about the expeditions and how they benefit the participants?

A: Some of the things you need if you want to have Bigfoot activity are waterways, some type of forests or woods and food sources. … I’ve trained a lot of [BFRO investigators] on the proper ways to collect evidence and prints. [Participants] have a lot of fun. A lot of times you end up making friends that you have for the rest of your life.

You mentioned you’ve had a few Bigfoot sightings in your career. Can you share one of them?

A: It was between 2 and 2:30 in the afternoon on an expedition with a group in northern Kentucky. You got to see him clearly. It was only for about 3 seconds. He walked through a canopy of trees through a clearing into another canopy of trees, and I was able to get a good look at him. ... It was kind of amazing; it was so dark black. With the sun shining through that canopy of trees, it almost glistened and shined with the sun shining off his hair.

How do you respond to people who think that Bigfoot is a silly myth?

A: I’m not trying to convince anyone of anything. When I got into this, I wanted to learn how and why Bigfoots did what they did. I wanted to learn their behavior. ... There are lots of people in the [BFRO] and the Bigfoot world in general who, at one time, did not believe. Once they have their own sighting, they believe.

Start your search at ohiomagazine.com/events.

For more information about the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, visit bfro.net.

DATEBOOK

Cleveland Asian Festival

May 17–18: Cleveland

Since 2009, the Cleveland Asian Festival has celebrated Asian culture, identity and community in the city during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The twoday event features traditional performances and demonstrations across two outdoor stages, as well as a marketplace with more than 100 vendors and exhibitors, games, trivia, an Asian-Pop Dance Cover Competition, mascots and more. Be sure to check out the more than 30 local restaurants and food trucks represented at the Asian Food Court. The festival concludes on Sunday with the “Colors of Asia” Fashion Exhibition, which showcases traditional clothing from across Asia. East 27th Street and Payne Avenue, Cleveland 44114, clevelandasianfestival.org

Calling It Quits: Jessica Strawser’s upcoming novel The Quitters Club tells the story of four friends and their pact to make a change in their lives, together.

Calendar of Events: Your spring and summer plans start here. Check out our guide to exhibitions, shows and other happenings scheduled between now and the end of June.

Calling It Quits

Jessica Strawser’s upcoming novel The Quitters Club tells the story of four friends and their pact to make a change in their lives, together. By Gracie Metz

Gathered at a dinner table along the beaches of Hilton Head, South Carolina, Brooke, Collins, Marie and Lucy look back on their two decades of friendship as they enjoy fresh seafood and hush puppies. Around the tranquil glow of citronella candles, they grapple with how their lives have changed since they met 20 years earlier at Ohio University and how they might be different if they had said “no” more often.

Their stories unfold in Jessica Strawser’s newest novel, The Quitters Club, to be published June 1. Strawser, an Ohio University alumnus herself, released her debut novel, Almost Missed You, in March 2017. She now lives in Cincinnati and serves as editor-at-large for Writer’s Digest. Her newest book has her revisiting her alma mater.

“I really like setting stories in a place that means something to me and also that maybe people don’t write about as often,” Strawser says. “Athens certainly fit the bill.”

The Quitters Club follows the story of four women who met at Ohio University and their mission to take back their lives. A beach vacation opens the door for discussing struggles with infertility, loss, marriage and career, leading to the formation of the eponymous Quitters Club. Strawser sprinkles in locations from across the Buckeye State into all her books, and graduates of Ohio University will recognize familiar places such as Court Street Coffee and Goodfella’s Pizza. With Marie working as a professor at the university, she opens the door for her friends to come back to the place they met, a journey that reframes the idea of quitting in a way that is relatable to readers no matter their age.

“Our whole life we’re told to stick with things and never quit, and usually that’s great advice, except for when it’s not,” Strawser says. “I wanted to tell a story that embraced the idea that quitting doesn’t always mean giving up.”

For more information, visit jessicastrawser.com.

DATEBOOK

exhibit

Chris Ware: Life Is Complicated

May 23–Jan. 3, 2027: Columbus

The dozens of multicolored squares are both eye-catching and overwhelming. Slow down and take a closer look, though, and you’ll see that each panel is distinct: one depicts a snowflake; another a fragment of a city skyline; yet another a single human eye. Each consists of simple lines and solid colors that combine to create a vivid scene from everyday life.

Cartoonist Chris Ware created the illustration, titled “Seen,” which is part of his career retrospective “Life is Complicated.” After three years of touring European museums, the exhibition makes it final and only United States appearance at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum in Columbus from May 23 through Jan. 3, 2027.

The Nebraska-born artist has produced several acclaimed graphic novels, such as Building Stories and Jimmy Corrigan: Smartest Kid on Earth. He is perhaps best known, though, for his variety of graphically interesting covers for The New Yorker magazine.

“When visitors arrive, they’re going to see this unbelievably immersive exhibit that was curated and designed head-to-tail by Chris himself,” says Caitlin McGurk, associate professor at Ohio State University and curator of comics and cartoon art at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum.

Catch a glimpse of Ware’s creative process by way of original sketches and plans for some of the displayed pieces. These sketches, which resemble blueprints and diagrams, show how the artist’s final pieces are planned precisely and intentionally. Along with the collection of drawings and paintings, the exhibition features sculptures and other objects. Many are being presented for the first time, as they were deemed too fragile to ship overseas for the European exhibitions.

“There is so much to absorb in in every single inch of every single page,” McGurk says. “To be able to be in this space with his artworks and with his characters is going to be a really effective experience for visitors.”

— Lainey Novak

1813 N. High St., Columbus 43210, 614/292-0538, cartoons.osu.edu

May 12–17: Cincinnati

The fight for women’s suffrage in the United States is captured in its most heartwarming, hilarious form in this Tony Awardwinning Broadway musical. Follow along with the women who stopped at nothing to earn the right to vote and witness their triumphs and tribulations live on the Aronoff Center stage. cincinnatiarts.org

music Bruno Mars

May 20: Columbus

Catch this 16-time Grammy Award winner as he makes a stop at Ohio Stadium during his first full headlining tour in over a decade. The show brings new hits from Mars’ fourth studio album, “The Romantic,” as well as critically acclaimed and fan-favorite songs like “24K Magic,” “Uptown Funk” and more. brunomars.com

exhibit

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

May 21–Jan. 18, 2027: Cleveland

A shipwreck that has captured the imagination for over a century, Titanic can now be explored in a new way during this exhibition at the Great Lakes Science Center. See more than 200 artifacts recovered from the wreck, walk through re-created rooms from the ship and immerse yourself in a historically accurate Titanic VR experience. (The virtual experience includes areas of the ship that have not previously been seen by the public.) greatscience.com

CALENDAR

MAY Central

FESTIVALS

MAY 15–17

Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest

This free family event features a vendor market, a treasure hunt and more. Enjoy parties and activities all weekend long. Big Stan’s Bar and Grill , 8635 Blackbird Lane, Thornville, 740/6418412. buckeyelakepiratefest.com. Visit website for festival schedule. Free.

MAY 23–24

Asian Festival

Learn about the cultures of several Asian countries, including China, India, Korea and Thailand. The weekend’s activities span visual arts, cultural displays, educational exhibitions and martial-arts demonstrations. Franklin Park , 1755 E. Broad St., Columbus, asian-festival.org. Visit website for festival schedule. Free

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

THRU MAY 31

Artemisia Gentileschi: Naples to Beirut

This exhibition explores 17th-century artist Artemisia Gentileschi’s Naples period, pairing major paintings with newly restored works. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614/221-6801. columbusmuseum.org. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

THRU JAN 3

Chris Ware: Life Is Complicated

After touring major European museums, Chris Ware’s work makes its only American appearance. Designed and annotated by the artist, the exhibition features original drawings, notes, sculptures and rarely seen objects. Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, 1813 N. High St., Columbus, 614/292-0538. cartoons.osu.edu. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

MAY 2–JULY 10

Shared State

This single-group exhibition is made up of a series of seven smaller, two-person exhibitions,

each pairing artists with aligned material investigations and like-minded conceptual interests. Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery, 77 S. High St., Columbus, 614/644-9624. riffegallery.org. Tues.–Fri. Noon–5 p.m. Free.

MUSIC + THEATER

MAY 13–17

BalletMet Presents La Bohème

Doomed love inspires Remi Wörtmeyer’s reimagining of “La Bohème,” his first full-length work as BalletMet artistic director. The tale moves to New Orleans’ French Quarter, where a story of art, passion, friendship and loss unfolds through evocative puppetry and striking choreography. Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. Visit website for show times and prices.

MAY 14–JUNE 7

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Six quirky kids compete in a cutthroat spelling competition filled with humor and heart. Featuring songs like “Pandemonium” and “Magic Foot,” this lively production explores insecurity, ambition and adolescence as contestants navigate pressure, identity and moments of connection. Garden Theater, 1187 N. High St., Columbus, 614/725-4042. capa.com. Visit website for show times and prices.

MAY 15–17

Hadestown

A haunting journey to the underworld intertwines the mythic stories of Orpheus and Eurydice with Hades and Persephone. Featuring music by Anaïs Mitchell and direction by Rachel Chavkin, this Tony Award-winning musical blends love, doubt and resilience into a powerful theatrical experience. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. Visit website for show times and prices.

MAY 20

Bruno Mars

Global superstar Bruno Mars brings his first full headline tour in nearly a decade to Columbus. Enjoy this high-energy showcase of chart-topping hits, showmanship and fan-favorite performances. Ohio Stadium , 411 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, 800/462-8257. ticketmaster.com. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices.

Northeast FESTIVALS

MAY 8–9

Maifest German Festival

Celebrate the coming of spring with a traditional German festival featuring beers, brats and

State Regions

Because dates, times and locations are subject to change, please call ahead to confirm all details before traveling. For a more complete listing of events, visit ohiomagazine.com/events.

To submit event information, visit ohiomagazine.com/submit. Events must be submitted at least 8 weeks in advance. Include the date, cost, address of the event, phone number and website, as well as a brief description of the event. Events are published on a space-available basis; however, all events submitted 8 weeks in advance appear on ohiomagazine. com/events.

Some listings were written with the help of AI. Listings with photos are paid for by advertisers. Email us at adsales@ohiomagazine.com for more information on enhanced listings.

bands. Visit Historic Zoar Village and enjoy a variety of festivities, including German food and drink, local craft beers, live German music, discounted museum tours and a Maypole. Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 330/874-3011. historiczoarvillage.com. Fri. 5:30–10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.

MAY 8–9

48th Annual Spring Festival and Auction

Enjoy a weekend of fun in Amish Country. Friday brings live music, volleyball and a bake sale, while Saturday brings a breakfast, barbecue chicken lunch and various auctions. Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities , 8001 Township Rd. 574, Holmesville, 330/6748045. facebook.com/HCAHCSpringFestival. Fri. 5–10 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

THRU JUNE 8

still/emerging: Native American Works on Paper

See the Cleveland Museum of Art’s expansive collection of 30 drawings and prints from Native American artists, spanning the 1950s to present day. The exhibition surveys the media Native people have used to explore their heritage. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/421-7350. clevelandart.org. Visit website for museum hours. Free.

THRU JULY 5 Manet & Morisot

Explore the artistic exchange and personal ties between Édouard Manet and Berthe Morisot in this exhibition that traces their 15year relationship through paintings and works on paper that reveal collaboration, influence and contrasting perspectives. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/421-7350. clevelandart.org. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

THRU JULY 5

Transfiguration: Rachel Liebskind and the Tiffany Window

View this restored Tiffany stained-glass window from Rachel Libeskind that depicts the trans

the display are animatronic, meaning they move and make noise. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, 330/375-2550. akronzoo.org. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $11–$21.

Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, 330/833-4061. massillonmuseum.org. Visit website for museum hours. Free.

MUSIC + THEATER

Cleveland Heights, 216/932-3396. dobama.org.

Swing into a night of timeless hits and lively entertainment at this Rat Pack tribute concert. Enjoy iconic music, great atmosphere and an unforgettable evening under the stars. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard.com. 8–9:30 p.m. $17-$27.

OTHER EVENTS

MAY 2

Hope Walk

Take part in a group walk through Fairlawn and Canton to honor those impacted by cancer. Whether you walk individually or gather a team, every step helps to raise awareness. Thomas and Lisa Mandel Cancer Wellness Center,

supporting your local makers. Shop a variety of handmade artisans at this indoor spring market in Willoughby. Willoughby Senior Center, 36939 Ridge Rd., Willoughby, avantgardeshows.com. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free.

MAY 9

Hat’s & Heels: A Mother’s Day Gathering

Celebrate Mother’s Day in style with a chic afternoon of tea, treats and togetherness. Dress your best and toast to the special women in your life. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard. com. 2–3:30 p.m. $44.

MAY 9

Zoar Art Tours

Discover the village of Zoar through the eyes of the artists inspired by its beauty. This guided

MAY 16

720 May Market

Celebrate 10 years of shopping local and connecting community. Meet more than 100 of the best makers, bakers, brewers and growers in Ohio while enjoying live music and free crafts. North Canton City Square & St. Paul Lot, 141 N. Main St., North Canton, eventsby720.com. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free.

MAY 17

Wildlife Trek

Join a naturalist for a guided hike in Firestone Metro Park. Keep an eye out for critters while walking around the water. Firestone Metro Park, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron, 330/867-5511. summitmetroparks.org. 3:30–5 p.m.

MAY 23–24

11067 Fort Laurens Rd. NW, Bolivar, 330/8742059. fortlaurensmuseum.org. Visit website for times and prices.

Northwest

FESTIVALS

MAY 9

21st Annual Lilac Festival & Street Fair

Celebrate this vibrant art and craft fair in Downtown Defiance with over 750 free lilac seedlings. Visitors can enjoy unique food vendors and fun, family-friendly entertainment throughout the day. Downtown Defiance, 419/782-0739. visitdefianceohio.com. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

THRU JULY 5

Cursed! The Power of Magic in the Ancient World Showcasing amulets, papyri and curse tablets from major institutions, this exhibition reveals

how ancient cultures sought protection, healing and power over unseen forces. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, 419/255-8000. toledomuseum.org. Visit website for museum hours. Free.

MUSIC + THEATER

MAY 2

World Ballet Company: Cinderella

Watch the beloved fairy tale come to life with a blend of classical ballet and Broadway-style flair. Featuring grand sets, more than 150 handsewn costumes and sweeping choreography, this production delivers on humor, romance and visual spectacle. Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, 200 W. Main Cross St., Findlay, 419/423-2787. mcpa.org. 7:30 p.m. $49–$89.

MAY 26–31

The Wiz

This all-new touring revival of the groundbreaking Broadway hit returns with dynamic choreography, visionary staging and vibrant energy, blending soul, gospel, rock and ’70s funk. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, 419/381-8851. thestranahan.com. Visit website for show times and prices.

OTHER EVENTS

MAY 1

The Shawshank Redemption

This screening celebrates the iconic film shot in Mansfield. Based on Stephen King’s novella, the story explores themes of hope, resilience

WHAT’S ON YOUR Summer BUCKET LIST?

Make your plans in Findlay

o Attend an Award-Winning Festival

o Try Ohio’s Best Ice Cream

o Luxuriate in an Overnight Stay

o Experience a Meal to Remember

o Visit a One-of-a-Kind Museum

o Strike a Pose along the Mural Trail

o Treat Yourself to a Shopping Spree

The opportunities for fun in Findlay are limitless. Make your summer bucket list and check off every item in Findlay, Ohio. Go to VisitFindlay.com to plan your summer adventures.

and the enduring power of human connection. Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St., Toledo, 419/242-2787. valentinetheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.

MAY 8–17

Black Swamp Bird Observatory’s Biggest Week in American Birding

The Biggest Week in American Birding draws birders to northwest Ohio for peak migration, guided tours, workshops and rare species sightings along Lake Erie’s renowned birding trails and natural marshlands. Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center, 1750 State Park Rd. #2, Oregon, biggestweekinamericanbirding.com. Visit website for times and prices.

MAY 29

100 Years of Broadway

Created by Neil Berg, this engaging production features a rotating cast of Broadway stars performing iconic songs from classic and contemporary musicals. The show offers insight into the evolution of musical theater while delivering high-caliber, crowd-pleasing performances.

Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St., Toledo, 419/242-2787. valentinetheatre.com. 8 p.m.

Visit website for prices.

MAY 29–30

Put-in-Bay Dog Bowl

High-flying DockDogs comes to Put-in-Bay for two days of canine competition and family fun. Watch incredible jumps or register your dog to compete in this exciting island event. McCann Field, 325 Toledo Ave., Put-in-Bay, 419/2852832. visitputinbay.com. Fri. 4–6:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free.

Southeast

FESTIVALS

MAY 2

Author Fair

Meet and support Ohio authors and discover your next favorite read. Whether you’re an avid reader or an aspiring author, this event offers the chance to connect with creative minds shaping

the Ohio literary scene. Chillicothe Ross County Public Library, 140 South Paint St., Chillicothe, 740/702-4145. crcpl.org. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free.

MAY 22–24

Feast of the Flowering Moon

This annual festival features Native American dancing and drumming, along with unique craft vendors, festival foods, local bands and a Memorial Day parade celebrating America 250. Yoctangee Park, 1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe, 740/702-7677. feastofthefloweringmoon.org. Visit website for times. Free.

MUSIC + THEATER

MAY 2

Twitty & Lynn: A Salute to Conway & Loretta

There’s a moment right at the very beginning of any Twitty & Lynn show that affords country music fans the chance to look back in time. Just after the band has played the signature intro, Tre Twitty and Tayla Lynn shoot each other a glance that summons their electrifying chemistry.

Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 740/772-2041. majesticchillicothe.net. 7 p.m.

$45–$65.

MAY 15

Hollywood Nights: Bob Seger Tribute

This nine-piece band strives to re-create everything about Bob Seger and his music, including putting on a high-energy show. Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 740/772-2041. majesticchillicothe.net. 7:30 p.m.

$39–$59.

OTHER EVENTS

MAY 23–24

Historic Marietta Tour of Homes

Tour a variety of homes that make up the first established settlement of the Northwest Territory. If you’re an architect, historian, photographer or just love old homes, this tour is for you. The homes that will be toured differ from Saturday to Sunday. The Castle Museum, 418 Fourth St., Marietta, 740/373-4180. mariettacastle.org. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $30-$50.

Southwest festivals

MAY 15–16

SchoolHouse Park Rocks Festival

The second annual Schoolhouse Park Rocks Festival features 12 bands performing across two stages, food trucks, a social tent, local vendors, kids activities and more. A drone show will close the festival on Saturday evening. SchoolHouse Park, 25 N. Grant St., Covington, homegrowngreat.com. Fri. 5 p.m.–11 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

THRU MAY 17

Rembrandt: Masterpieces in Black and White

This exhibition presents nearly 50 etchings that reveal Rembrandt’s innovation, psychological depth and lasting influence. They are presented alongside works by his contemporaries and

later admirers. Taft Museum of Art , 316 Pike St., Cincinnati, 513/241-0343. taftmuseum.org. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

MUSIC + THEATER

MAY 12–17 Suffs

This Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of the passionate American women who fought for the right to vote. Both inspiring and entertaining, the production explores the triumphs and setbacks of the suffrage movement and its ongoing relevance in the pursuit of equality. Aronoff Center for the Arts , 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, 513/621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org. Visit website for show times and prices.

OTHER EVENTS

MAY 2

Bear’s Mill Spring Open House

Shop new products in the store and enjoy free tastings. Stick around for grinding demonstrations at noon, 2 and 4 p.m., and make sure to

visit the Millrace Gallery for handcrafted pottery. Bear’s Mill, 6450 Arcanum Bear’s Mill Rd., Greenville, 937/548-5112. bearsmill.org. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.

MAY 2

Watercolor Painting Workhop

Whether you’re exploring your own backyard, a national park or another country, learn to document your travels with beautiful watercolor paintings. Take part in a painting tutorial, learn tips for crafting travel watercolor kits and gain the skills to work comfortably on location and in nature. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 513/868-8336. pyramidhill.org. 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. $35–$45.

MAY 31

Clash Spring / Summer Fashion Show

This event brings bold runway style to life with visionary designers, emerging talent and striking collections that celebrate creativity, craftsmanship and fearless fashion in a vibrant community showcase. The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, 937/410-0450. thebrightsidedayton. com. 6–9 p.m. $30.

MAY 31

Jim and Dan Comics and Toy Show

Visit Ohio’s longest-running quarterly comic show, featuring nearly 100 tables, as well as food trucks and family-friendly fun. Wright State University Student Union, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Dayton, 937/839-7068. jimdancomics. com. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $5, children 12 and under free.

Ready When You re !

Unplug, unwind, and discover the simple beauty of a getaway that feels worlds away but is just down the road. From peaceful parks to local flavors and vibrant arts, Greater Lima is your easy escape.

JUNE

Central

FESTIVALS

JUNE 12–14

Columbus Arts Festival

Columbus’ welcome-to-summer event pairs the finest visual artists from around the country with four stages of entertainment, activities for all ages and great food on the city’s stunning downtown riverfront. Scioto Riverfront, 200 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, 614/224-2606. columbusartsfestival.org . Fri. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.

MUSIC + THEATER

JUNE 13–14

Ancient Gods

Join The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus for this show that explores ancient gods from differ-

ent religions and cultures by way of popular music. The chorus sings and dances in a vibrant performance celebrating the art of storytelling. Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Visit website for prices.

JUNE 19

Front Porch Concert Series

The Mount Vernon Summer Front Porch Concert Series, held once a month between June and August, is a delightful musical street fair that captures the essence of local musicians, storytellers and artists. Historic East High Street, Mount Vernon, kokosingarts.org. 6 p.m. Free.

OTHER EVENTS

JUNE 17

Ilana Glazer

The acclaimed comedian, actor and “Broad City” co-creator brings her sharp, socially aware standup to the stage. Known for her special “Human Magic” and podcast “It’s Open,” Glazer delivers bold, insightful comedy shaped by her

work across television and film. Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices.

JUNE 20

Brains On! Live: Your Brain Is Magic

The popular kids podcast comes to the stage with a lively, science-filled adventure exploring how the brain works. Featuring hosts Molly Bloom, Marc Sanchez and Sanden Totten, this interactive show blends comedy, games and fun. Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. 1 p.m. Visit website for prices.

Northeast

MUSIC + THEATER

JUNE 20

Sounds of Summer: A Beach Boys Tribute

This group has been paying tribute to The Beach Boys since 2015, delivering an authentic look and sound that transports audiences back to the 1960s. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39 NE, Sugarcreek, 855/344-7547. dhgroup. com. 1–3 p.m., 7–9 p.m. $39.

OTHER EVENTS

JUNE 6–13

Zoar Towpath Trail History Tours

Walk the scenic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail between Zoar and Fort Laurens, Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort, while exploring the rich

history of the Ohio & Erie Canal. This guided tour highlights the canal’s vital role in the growth of Zoar as a thriving communal village. Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 330/874-3011. historiczoarvillage.com. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $12.

JUNE 13

Ohio BioBlitz 250

Celebrate Ohio’s incredible biodiversity and conservation history as part of the America 250-Ohio celebrations. This event invites nature lovers of all ages to help discover, identify and record as many species as possible. Mosquito Lake State Park, 1439 Wilson Sharpsville Rd., Cortland, 330/637-2856. trulytrumbull.com. 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Free.

JUNE 21

Main Street Medina: Cars & Coffee

Spend a morning on the square and see cars of all shapes, sizes, makes, models, decades and designs on display. While you look at the cars, enjoy some treats at downtown breakfast spots. Medina Public Square, 330/722-6186. mainstreetmedina.com. 8 a.m.–Noon. Free.

Northwest festivals

JUNE 12–13

Pork Rind Heritage Festival

This annual festival offers family fun, entertainment and Rudolph Foods’ famous pork rinds, which are popped fresh during the festival for participants to enjoy. Downtown Harrod, Main Street, Harrod, porkrindfest.com. Visit website for festival schedule. Free.

JUNE 26–28

Maria Stein Country Fest

Held on the historic shrine grounds, this familyfriendly event features live entertainment, food vendors and activities for all ages. Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics, 2291 St. Johns Rd., Maria Stein, 567/890-8092. facebook.com/ mscountryfest. Visit website for festival schedule and prices.

MUSIC + THEATER

JUNE 7

Toledo Guitar Show

This old-school, swap-meet-style event welcomes dealers, vendors, collectors and musicians to buy, sell or trade instruments. Attendees can browse a wide selection or bring their own gear to exchange. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, 419/3818851. thestranahan.com. Visit website for times and prices.

JUNE 16–21

A Beautiful Noise

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond, this musical traces the journey of a Brooklyn kid who became a chart-topping American rock icon. Featuring beloved hits like “Forever in Blue Jeans” and “Sweet Caroline,” the production brings Diamond's celebrated career to life on stage. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, 419/381-8851. thestranahan. com. Visit website for show times and prices.

OTHER EVENTS

JUNE 26–27

Lima Half Mile Motorcycle Races

Join over 7,000 spectators in Lima to watch the Grand National Circuit’s top racers participate in the area’s premier motorcycle racing event. Allen County Fairgrounds, 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, 419/991-1491. limahalf-mile.com. 6:30–10 p.m. $65.

Southeast

festivals

JUNE 6

Chillicothe BrewFest

This is your chance to talk to brewers, distillers and vintners from all across Ohio and sample their fare while listening to live local music. Majestic Theatre Courtyard, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, downtownchillicothe.com. 1:30–7 p.m. $20–$75.

MUSIC + THEATER

JUNE 4–SEPT 6

Tecumseh!

Witness the epic life story of the legendary Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s. “Tecumseh!” has been lauded as one of the most mesmerizing outdoor dramas in the nation. Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, 866/775-0700. tecumsehdrama.com. 8 p.m. $35–$75.

OTHER EVENTS

JUNE 11–13

Southern Ohio Forest Rally

This event transforms the rolling hills and forests of southern Ohio into a high-octane playground for rally families and thrill-seekers alike. Chillicothe High School, 421 Yoctangee Pkwy., Chillicothe, southernohioforestrally.com. Visit website for times. Free.

JUNE 13–14

Revolutionary Family Experience

This event brings history to life with 18th-century military demonstrations, reenactors, games, cooking demonstrations, a flag retirement, beer-making and more. Adena Mansion and Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, 740/2531067. visitchillicotheohio.com. Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. Noon–4 p.m. Free.

Southwest

MUSIC + THEATER

JUNE 18–20

Salome

The Cincinnati Opera presents Richard Strauss’ “Salome,” based on Oscar Wilde’s scandalous play. The teenage princess of Judea becomes dangerously fixated on the imprisoned prophet John the Baptist. When he rejects her advances, her desire curdles into obsession. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/2412742. cincinnatiopera.org. 7:30 p.m. $25–$257.

OTHER EVENTS

JUNE 20

MOAM Presents: Red, White & Bloom

Take part in this vibrant summer evening celebrating local food, vendors, flowers and makers with a patriotic twist. Enjoy farm-fresh goods, festive food trucks, live music, a kids wagon parade, a flag-making craft tent and more. Middletown Open Air Market, 916 First Ave., Middletown, 513/760-8053. facebook. com/moamohio. 2–7 p.m. Free.

Vern Riffe Center for Government & the Arts 77 S. High St., First Floor Lobby 614-644-9624

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FARM & TABLE

Bright Flavors

Kekis Cafe in Fremont serves both Mexican and American breakfast and lunch offerings, with a focus on fresh-made fare that ranges from chilaquiles to pancakes.

Nestled in a historic brick flatiron building in downtown Fremont, Kekis Cafe has served homecooked authentic Mexican and American breakfast and lunch favorites since 2022. The cozy restaurant delights customers with its signature chilaquiles (a food the cafe’s owners grew up eating), breakfast burritos, homemade pancakes and French toast, biscuits and gravy, and a full menu of other breakfast and lunch offerings. »

FARM & TABLE

SWEET SPLIT

This Chillicothe doughnut shop has ties to the Krispy Kreme chain due to a business deal made decades ago.

If you’ve ever visited the city of Chillicothe and wondered why there is a Krispy Kreme location with a slightly different spelling, you’ve just uncovered a bit of doughnut-shop history.

Jack Renison founded his Crispie Creme Donuts, in Mulberry, Kansas, in 1929, before heading east, opening shops in other states and eventually settling in Portsmouth, Ohio.

When his wife wanted to start a family, Renison began selling some of those locations, according to Hallie Renison, Jack’s

Owners Dora and Jesus “Chui” Ortiz saw a need for Mexican breakfast offerings in the area after observing the popularity of Dora’s parents’ Mexican restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner, in Fremont.

“It’s definitely a niche,” Dora says. “We noticed when we first opened, we had more American options being asked for. Now we go through a lot more Mexican than we did when we first opened.”

After the Ortizes bought the flatiron building at the corner of State and Napoleon streets, they renovated it, and Chui chose the bright turquoise accents for the brick building’s exterior, as well as the sunny yellow and dark and light blue colors inside.

Dora and Chui named the restaurant Kekis because in Jalisco, Mexico, where Dora is originally from, pancakes are called kekis. There is no direct Spanish word for pancakes. Pancakes and French toast (Dora’s personal favorite at the restaurant) are among the restaurant’s top sellers.

The most ordered item is the breakfast burrito with chorizo (bacon and other breakfast meats are available too). The chilaquiles feature fried corn tortilla chips served with red or green sauce (or half and half), queso fresco, sour cream, onion, cilantro and beans. Eggs and breakfast meat can also be added.

“People are surprised that Mexican doesn’t always have to be spicy,” Dora says. “That’s a misconception that people have.”

Nearly everything here is made to order. Kekis Cafe also offers daily specials, which have included cactus, fish tacos and more to keep things interesting for customers, some of whom come in daily.

“It’s so cool that something I have I can share and you like,” Dora says. “I’m super proud that I can introduce new flavors to people that otherwise wouldn’t have an option unless you go to a bigger city or you travel to Mexico.” —

Kristina Smith

601 W. State St., Fremont 43420, 567/280-9229

great-granddaughter and co-manager of Crispie Creme in Chillicothe.

One of those buyers was Vernon Rudolph, who purchased the Puducah, Kentucky, Crispie Creme, changed its name a bit and grew it into the Krispie Kreme chain we know today.

“He didn’t sell the recipe, just the building, more or less,” Hallie Renison says. “There were no animosities between my great-grandfather and Vernon. He was still a family friend before his passing.”

Jack’s son, Jim, opened his Crispie Creme in Chillicothe in 1954 and built its current location along North Bridge Street a decade later. Today, it is proudly owned by a fourth generation of the Renison family and still uses all the shop’s original doughnut recipes.

“We have a lot of pride in what we do,” Renison says, “and hope to continue our legacy for many more generations to come.”

— Amanda Larch Hinchman

47 N. Bridge St., Chillicothe 45601, 740/774-3770

LBM, Lakewood

Fueled by the creativity of owner Eric Ho and his team of hospitalityindustry veterans, this cocktail spot feels more like a neighborhood bar.

Located in an unassuming red brick building on the city of Lakewood’s east side, Eric Ho’s LBM strays from the typical cocktail-bar vibe. The result is a space that feels like a lived-in neighborhood spot as much as it does a love letter to cocktail culture.

“I like to call it a friendly neighborhood cocktail bar,” Ho says.

Opened in 2017, LBM has Viking-inspired decor and intricately carved doorframes that make the space feel like a cozy hideaway, despite its location along Lakewood’s bustling Madison Avenue. Ho honed his mixology skills working behind the bar at the former Sweet Melissa’s in Rocky River, where he often tried his hand at developing new drinks.

“I was given the chance to actually just use anything in the walk-in and the pantry,” he says. “I could just experiment to my heart’s content.”

Then, after crafting cocktail menus as general manager at Melt Bar & Grilled in Lakewood, Ho struck out on his own. After leasing the property where LBM is located, he and his crew of hospitality-industry veterans began building their dream bar.

“Traditionally, when you think of a

cocktail bar, it’s much more quiet and intimate and sometimes, maybe a little pretentious,” Ho says. “We wanted to break that down with the music, art and decor where it could be more fun.”

The vast cocktail menu here spans mainstays like the dry-gin-based Hellhound to seasonal cocktails like the Demiurge made using pistachio-infused mezcal.

LBM presents a new set of seasonal cocktails four times a year, a process that requires two months of preparation. The bartenders consider ingredients that will be in season and begin experimenting around a theme. A seasonal menu released in April was inspired by retro video games and is set to run through the middle of summer.

The bar also offers a mindfully crafted menu of small plates and sandwiches. The loaded fries are a favorite, smothered in barbecued pulled pork, smoked cheddar cheese and jalapeño cheese curds. LBM’s burger features a half-pound patty sourced from TJ’s Butcher Block and stacked on focaccia from Blackbird Baking Co., which are both in Lakewood.

What about that name? Ho isn’t sharing but did offer a bit of background.

“I came up with it while I was on an island in Lake Superior on the Canadian side. I was reading a couple of cocktail books, and that’s kind of when I realized I wanted to open a cocktail bar,” he says. “I’m still not telling what it actually means.” — Lainey Novak

12301 Madison Ave., Lakewood 44107, lbmbar.com

BELMONT COUNTY

67800 Mall Ring Rd. #485 St. Clairsville 43950 740-695-4359 visitbelmontcounty.com

Belmont County is known for its small-town hospitality, picturesque main streets and beautiful landscapes. Discover museums and events that represent the heritage and history located in the heart of Appalachia. Plan your visit to friendly, beautiful Belmont County today!

ZANESVILLE

205 N 5th St. Zanesville 43701, 740-455-8282 visitzanesville.com

Your wild adventure starts at The Wilds, home to Ohio’s premier safari experience. Then treat yourself to the #1 donut shop in the USA at Donald’s Donuts or a scoop from nationally loved Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl. Discover even more in Muskingum County.

Winding roads, rolling hills, rivers and creeks, plus some of the best food in the Midwest - it can all be found in Ohio’s Appalachian Country. Plan your trip today.

CAMBRIDGE/GUERNSEY COUNTY VISITORS & CONVENTION BUREAU

627 Wheeling Ave., Suite #200 Cambridge 43725, 740-432-2022 visitguernseycounty.com

Play Outside the Ordinary in Guernsey County, Ohio! The great outdoors isn’t just scenery—it’s an open invitation to adventure. Experience an immersive learning adventure alongside the mythical Bigfoot at the new Salt Fork State Park Eco-Discovery Center.

VISIT ATHENS COUNTY

8 W. Stimson Avenue, Suite 100 Athens 45701, 740-592-1819 athensohio.com

We offer outdoor adventures, arts and culture, great food, live entertainment, fun festivals, but most of all we offer a feeling of acceptance. Come experience the hospitality of our friendly community. Visit Athens County, Ohio. “It’s more than a place. It’s a place to belong.”

DISCOVER PERRY COUNTY

W.

St. Youngstown 44503, 800-447-8201 exploremahoning.com

through the tulip fields at White House Fruit Farm filled with vibrant color. Visit nearby TP Tools Auto Museum and Mill Creek MetroParks Farm. Enjoy afternoon tea at Piccadilly

MARIETTA OHIO PORTSMOUTH-SCIOTO COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU

212 S. Main St. New Lexington 43764, 740-342-2045 discoverperrycounty.com

Southeast Ohio’s Perry County is home to gently rolling hills under expansive, open skies. With Buckeye Lake to the north and Wayne National Forest, with over 240,000 acres of accessible trails and lakes, to the south, there are plenty of adventures waiting for you. Find Yourself Here.

days and nights of

109 SUMMER

Experience a season of festivals, concerts and events with our guide that runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

By Erin Finan and Lainey Novak

5/22

Celebrate the start of summer along Lake Erie at the Port Clinton Walleye Festival During Memorial Day weekend, visitors to the Walleye Capital of the World can enjoy live concerts, a parade, a kids fishing derby, educational activities and programs, carnival rides and more. May 21–25. portclintonchamber.com/walleye-festival

5/23

Join more than 100,000 visitors in celebrating and uplifting Asian culture in Ohio’s capital city during Columbus’ Asian Festival. Watch teams compete in the dragon-boat races and table-tennis tournaments, and immerse yourself in the rich and diverse heritage, fashions, music and cuisines of Japan, China, India and other Asian countries. May 23–24. asian-festival.org

5/26

Park Pals: Bats! at Erie MetroParks’ Osborn MetroPark shows there’s nothing to fear from these flying nocturnal creatures. The program encourages kids to learn about bats and the important role they play in our ecosystems. Children ages 3 through 6 can stop by for a storybook reading and eriemetroparks.org

5/24

Get ready to groove at Reggae Fest Cleveland, where 10 bands hit the stage to bring the soulful and relaxed sound of reggae to the city’s Voinovich Park. In addition to the live music, attendees can dig into traditional Jamaican jerk chicken and pork from food trucks stationed on-site for the event. May 23–24. reggaefestcleveland.com

5/27

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to see the seven-time Tony Award-winning musical that originally hit Broadway stages back in 1975. “The Wiz” features an all-Black cast, as well as soul, gospel, funk and R&B music. This take on L. Frank Baum’s classic novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz makes a stop at Toledo’s Stranahan Theater May 26–31. thestranahan.com

5/25

Beyond the science- and history-focused exhibits you’ll find inside the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton, the Storybook Trail in Werthner Woods on the museum grounds offers the chance to slow down and explore nature. Children can follow along with the pages of a storybook while they climb rope webs, look for critters in the Toad Abode and more. boonshoft.org

5/28

All aboard! Built in 1873, the Dennison Depot today houses a museum that shares the Tuscarawas County village’s rich railroad history. Since 1980, that heritage has been celebrated at the Dennison Railroad Festival, which features festival food and live music, as well as train exhibits and museum tours. May 29–31. facebook.com/ DRRFestival

5/29

Honor Italian heritage in the Queen City during CincItalia Fest. This threeday festival features live entertainment from The Whammies, Phil DeGreg Trio and EuroRhythms, as well as cooking demonstrations, drone shows, games, a vintage religious art show and plenty of delicious Italian cuisine. May 29–31. cincitalia.org

5/30

Visit the college town of Bowling Green during Bowling Green Porch Fest and hear live music from the driveways and porches of neighborhood homes. This community celebration features more than 21 bands performing throughout the day. bgporchfest.com

5/31

Take a ride on the wild side — literally. At The Wilds in Cumberland, visitors can venture through more than 10,000 acres of protected land to see a variety of threatened and endangered animal species. Pick a tour that suits your pace, with options ranging from openair safaris to horseback tours to zip lining. thewilds.org

June

6/1

Take part in a friendly competition to find and identify 250 different species of plants, animals and insects during BioBlitz - Race to 250 at Maumee Bay State Park. The monthlong event encourages families to get out and explore the variety of habitats that can be found in this 1,336-acre park. June 1–30. ohiodnr.gov

6/2

Celebrate theater, art, music film and dance over the course of two weeks during the Cincinnati Fringe Festival

See more than 150 performances of over 35 different productions at venues across the city. Stick around for late-night fun, including the adult-oriented Kinda Weird Puppet Slam. May 29–June 13. cincyfringe.com

6/3

Since 1979, the Dairy Barn Arts Center has been hosting art exhibitions in a repurposed dairy barn in Athens County. Visit throughout the year to see rotating exhibitions. This summer features several, including one highlighting the woodcut prints of Marietta-based artist Bobby Rosenstock. dairybarn.org

6/4

See 21 colorful balloons take to the skies over Coshocton County during the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival. From a balloon that looks like a giant strawberry to an Ohio State Buckeyes-themed balloon, this event is sure to dazzle onlookers. June 4–6. visitcoshocton.com

6/5

Celebrate the heritage of the Columbus Washboard Co. during the Logan Washboard Arts & Music Festival

Since 1895, the company has been handcrafting these pieces of Americana. This festival celebrates the home of the nation’s only operating washboard manufacturer with music, food and fun. June 4–6. loganwashboardfestival.com

6/6

Always held the first Friday and Saturday in June, the Van Wert Peony Festival has been a longstanding tradition in this city that’s known as the Peony Capital of the World. First held in 1932, this celebration features a car show, live performances and a grand parade. June 5–6. vwpeonyfestival.com

6/8

Each year, the annual Blooms & Butterflies event returns to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus. Explore the Pacific Island Water Garden to see these beautiful, delicate creatures. Watch them flit about the garden and stop to rest on flowers. Feb. 21–July 5. fpconservatory.org

6/11

Nothing says summer like a campfire cookout. Head to Summit Metro Park’s Liberty Park in Twinsburg to participate in Campfire Cooking: Three-Course Meal. Watch cooking demonstrations and learn the proper techniques to perfect an appetizer, entree and dessert over a roaring flame. summitmetroparks.org

6/7

Held in a new location this year at Bank Run Metro Park, the Central Ohio Folk Festival honors roots music at its finest. Drawing more than 12,000 visitors, this festival features workshops, kids activities, local beer and live performances by musicians from across the country. June 6–7. columbusfolkmusicsociety.org/festival

6/9

Named for one of the greatest arrangers and composers of all time, the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra has been performing and touring since its second iteration formed in 1938. This legendary group currently features 18 members and brings its classic jazz and swing sounds to Columbus’ Southern Theatre this summer. capa.com

6/10

Feel transported to the African Savannah through the abstract visuals, heart-pounding music and beautiful storytelling of this six-time Tony Award-winning musical. The third-longest-running show in Broadway history, “The Lion King” comes to Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center. June 10–July 5. cincinnati arts.org

6/12

The southwest Ohio city of Versailles was once one of the largest poultry producers in the country. That legacy is celebrated during Versailles’ Poultry Days. The festival features live music across three days, a parade, agriculture shows and, of course, delicious chicken dinners. June 12–14. versaillespoultrydays.com

LEARN MORE ON PAGE 34

Poultry Days, Versailles

This festival celebrates the Darke County village’s deeprooted poultry heritage as thousands gather to dig into the event’s famous secret-recipe chicken dinners.

Versailles was once known as Chicken City by the truckers who regularly passed through town. Home to poultry producers and chicken processors, the Darke County village has long embraced that history with its annual Poultry Days festival held each summer.

Darke County, along with neighboring Mercer County, is the center of Ohio’s egg and poultry industry, and our state boasts the second-highest level of egg production in the nation. Versailles’ tradition of celebrating this heritage began with informal community barbecues in the early 20th century.

“It started when businesses on a Thursday afternoon would shut down early ... and they all came together and just had a barbecue,” says Poultry Days board member Eric Stachler.

During this time, many businesses in the area not only raised chickens, but also produced feed, cages and incubators. The original Poultry Days barbecues in the following years morphed into mini trade shows.

“After that, the community festival part started to emerge,” Stachler says. “Over the years, those early trade show things went away.”

The first official Poultry Days festival was held in 1952 in the parking lot of Versailles’ original high school. In the early 1970s, Poultry Days grew into a three-day festival held annually on the second full weekend in June. (It’s set for June 12 through 14 in 2026.)

During that time, the festival added carnival rides and an automated system of cooking the chicken for its famous barbeque dinners.

“We partnered with Nelson’s Port-A-Pit out of Indiana. It’s a portable barbecue fueled with real charcoal,” Stachler says. “It’s got an auto-

mated rotisserie in it. I think there’s a couple different variations of the machines, but the big ones are putting out, like 240 halves every two hours. We have 10 to 12 of those machines here.”

The chicken dinners are the centerpiece of Poultry Days. The chickens are roasted after being basted in a secret-recipe marinade and served with potato chips, a roll, applesauce and traditional Chilly Willee orange drink.

The festival, which is now held at the Versailles Village Schools’ district board of education, also includes live music, art shows, vendors and the Poultry Days 5K. Last year, the community that is home to approximately 2,700 people produced 40,179 chicken dinners over the three-day period.

“The best part of the chicken dinner is not the chicken, it’s not the flavor,” Stachler says. “It’s the pride the community has in the chicken.” 459 S. Center St., Versailles 45380, versaillespoultrydays.com

6/13

Vibrant costumed performers and human-powered floats take to Cleveland’s University Circle during the annual Parade the Circle celebration. The theme of this year’s event is “Momentum,” based on a special exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art highlighting early 20th-century textile designs. clevelandart.org

6/14

Held along the scenic Scioto Riverfront each June, the Columbus Arts Festival features 250 visual artists from across the country displaying their works. Visitors can find unique pieces to purchase, food and four stages of live entertainment to enjoy June 12–14. columbusartsfestival.org

6/15

Between 1932 and 1944, Ben Hartman constructed a whimsical world in his own backyard. Today, travelers can visit the Hartman Rock Garden in Springfield and take a self-guided tour of the stone castles, houses, arches and other sculptures that are collectively regarded as a folk-art masterpiece. hartmanrocks.org

6/16

Fans of Fleetwood Mac will love Fleetwood Gold, one of the most followed Fleetwood Mac tribute bands in the Midwest. The group tours regularly, making a stop at Mentor Rocks to bring fans the flair of the original group as well as some of the solo work of Stevie Nicks. mentorrocks.info

6/19

Gather in Gahanna for three days of live music during the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival Hear world-class performers playing tunes ranging from blues and rock to soul and swing, shop wares from regional artisans and enjoy delicious eats. June 19–21. creeksideblues andjazz.com

6/17

A summer in Ohio isn’t complete without a visit to Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky. The first roller coaster opened here in 1892, and today, the park offers dozens of thrilling rides, including Siren’s Curse, which opened last summer. sixflags.com/cedarpoint

6/18

Have you ever wondered how Peter Pan arrived in Neverland and gained eternal youth? Find out during this theater-style adaptation of “Peter and the Starcatcher” at Columbus’ outdoor Schiller Park Amphitheater. This adaptation of the bestselling novel shares the origin stories of Peter Pan and Captain Hook. June 18–July 12. theactorstheatre.org

6/20

The Nelsonville Music Festival returns to Snow Fork Event Center with a bit of a changeup this year. Now running Thursday through Saturday, this three-day event brings headliners Geese, Marcus King Band and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, plus dozens of other artists in the folk, bluegrass and country genres. June 18–20. nelsonvillefest.org

6/21

Celebrate a sunny summer fruit at the Holland Strawberry Festival. This long-running event features all the usual festival favorites like rides, games, vendors and a parade on Sunday. The highlight, of course, is all the tasty strawberry-themed desserts, including pies, shortcake and milkshakes. June 17–21. holland-strawberryfestival.com

6/22

Dayton is home to the largest military aviation museum in the world: the National Museum of the U.S. Airforce. Here, visitors can explore 20 acres of indoor exhibition space holding over 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles, as well as thousands of artifacts. nationalmuseum.af.mil

6/23

See and hear Paul Simon as he stops at Cuyahoga Falls’ Blossom Music Center while touring in support of his most recent album, “Seven Psalms.” The entirely acoustic album features Simon’s iconic vocals and guitar work in a more conceptual effort than he has ever released before. blossommusic.com

6/24

Professional floral and garden designer Luke Simon leads attendees in making a wreath, vase, and planter from materials found in and around your garden. Visit F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm in Akron to take part in Meet Me in the Garden: Crafting Gorgeous Gifts and Home Decor summitmetroparks.org

6/25

Check out the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure as it travels through Ashland and Wooster on June 25. The route of the seven-day ride makes stops in several Ohio towns, providing participants a fun and family-friendly way to explore the state. June 20–27. outdoor-pursuits.org

6/29

A trip to the Hocking Hills wouldn’t be complete without taking on one or both trails found in Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve. For a leisurely hike, opt for the Gorge Trail (an accessible 0.5-mile route), while those looking for a challenge and treetop views should try the 1.9-mile Rim Trail. ohiodnr.gov

6/26

Touring in support of its latest album, “Victory Garden,” Young the Giant makes a stop at Kemba Live! in Columbus. The California-based group is known for its upbeat sound, making it a great summertime experience. Cold War Kids and Almost Monday are on the bill as well. promowestlive.com

6/27

Shop from a selection of handmade ceramic, porcelain and terracotta pieces crafted by Hocking House owner Jean Magdich. The Hocking House Annual Garden Happening features the artist’s beautiful and practical works, including stepping stones, garden sculptures and watering cans. June 27–28. explorehockinghills.com

6/28

Roll into Dayton’s Carillon Historical Park for miniature and full-size train rides during the two-day Carillon Park Rail Festival. Learn about the park’s rail history, including it being home to the oldest surviving American-built locomotive, as well as historical and model train displays, live steam engines and more. June 27–28. daytonhistory.org

6/30

Mentor’s annual summer concert series draws popular headliners ranging from notable cover bands to well-known performers. Held each Tuesday from June through August, Mentor Rocks hosts singer-songwriter and “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips, known for hits like “Home,” “Raging Fire” and “Gone, Gone, Gone.” mentorrocks.info

July

7/1

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Cedar Point is hosting a special Star-Spangled Celebration this summer. Each night features a fireworks display, stilt walkers, live entertainment and more leading up to the showstopping Light Up the Point event July 4. June 29–July 4. sixflags.com/cedarpoint

7/5

The snow has long melted off the slopes at Boston Mills Ski Resort, and the peak of summer ushers in the annual Boston Mills Artfest. Held over the course of two weekends, this event features 300 different artists from roughly 35 states sharing their work. June 27–28, July 4–5. bmbw.com

7/2

Bring the family to Cincinnati’s Smale Riverfront Park to take part in Smale Family Fun Days Kids will delight in the bounce houses, puppet shows, petting zoos, live music and free ice cream during the first Thursday of each month all summer long. June 5–Aug. 7. cincinnati-oh.gov

7/6

Head to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden to meet your favorite Reds mascots and players during Reds Day at the Zoo. Rosie Red, Gapper and Mr. Redlegs will all be in attendance. Visitors can take part in a Q&A session at 11 a.m. at the Wings of Wonder Theater. cincinnatizoo.org

7/3

Every Fourth of July weekend, more than 400,000 visitors gather in Columbus for the largest fireworks display in the Midwest: Red, White & Boom! The free event features a street festival, live music and a glorious display of fireworks. redwhiteandboom.org

7/4

Enjoy a Fourth of July concert under the stars at Cuyahoga Falls’ Blossom Music Center. The Salute to America Concert features the Blossom Festival Band performing patriotic tunes and marches. The event concludes with a fireworks display immediately following the performance. clevelandorchestra.com

7/7

Watch the legendary story of the Shawnee leader come to life on stage during “Tecumseh!” at Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre. With captivating sounds, visual effects and music, it’s no surprise that this performance is one of the most popular outdoor theater productions in the country. June 4–Sept. 6. tecumsehdrama.com

7/9

Learn more about the technology and machinery behind the agricultural practices of yesterday during Greenville Farm Power of the Past. The event features displays and demonstrations, including steam- and animal-powered vehicles, as well as truck and tractor pulls, a flea market, kids events and more. July 9–12. greenvillefarm power.org

7/10

LilyFest brings a lively celebration of arts and music to the Bishop Educational Gardens in Rockbridge. Shop from more than 60 local makers selling garden art pieces, pottery, jewelry, leather goods and more while surrounded by 3 acres of beautifully curated garden space. July 10–12. lilyfest.com

7/8

Spend a day hiking at Toledo’s Wildwood Preserve Metropark. The centerpiece of this 493-acre park is its historic manor house, formerly home to the Stranahan family. With eight trails traversing meadows, prairies, woods and a boardwalk, there’s enough here to fill a day of exploring. metroparkstoledo.com

Headline: Two Tracks. Full Throttle

Body:

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course brings the legends Mansfield Speedway brings the dirt, the comeback, in the Racing Capital of Ohio. Mansfield, Ohio — As Real As It Gets.

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course brings the legends and speed. Mansfield Speedway brings the dirt, the comeback, and the attitude. Rev up your fun in the Racing Capital of Ohio.

Mansfield, Ohio — As Real As It Gets.

DestinationMansfield.com

7/11

Country music fans, get ready. The Country Concert music festival returns to Fort Loramie for its 45th year, bringing three days of top-tier musical acts, including headliners Jason Aldean, Alabama and Riley Green, as well as dozens of other artists. July 9–11. countryconcert.com

7/12

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is planning a slate of America 250-themed events throughout the summer. Spend a day in the sun at Deer Creek State Park during the America 250 Deer Creek Beach Bash, featuring live entertainment, opportunities for outdoor recreation and more. ohiodnr.gov

7/13

Pet, feed and interact with the adorable animals at Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery. Buy cones of feed or carrots to give to the more than 100 animals at the largest petting area in Holmes County. Look both indoors and outdoors to find horses, miniature ponies, alpacas and sheep. hershbergers farmandbakery.com

7/14

Strap on your skates and get on a roll at the 1,000-foot loop trail at Toledo’s Glass City Metropark. Opened in 2023, The Ribbon offers opportunities for traditional or inline skating, as well as two playgrounds and a water play area. metroparkstoledo.com

7/16

Enjoy three days of live entertainment in the form of music, comedians and speakers during Alive Music Festival, held at Atwood Lake Park in Mineral City. The event draws more than 40 performing artists in the Christian music genre, including this year’s headliners: Skillet, Josiah Queen and Lauren Daigle. July 16–18. alive.org.

7/17

7/15

Since 1973, the Valley Gem Sternwheeler has been toting passengers along the Ohio River. Today, the Valley Gem offers scenic and narrated sightseeing tours on the water, and the Major/Riviera hosts special dinner theater cruises on select nights. valleygemsternwheeler.com

In 2005, a local restaurant owner had an idea to bring people and brewers together. The idea became Ohio Brew Week, an annual summer event that welcomes visitors to Athens to sample craft beer from across Ohio. The event includes unique offerings from local breweries and talks from industry experts. July 10–18. ohiobrewweek.com

7/18

In 1969, Ohioan and astronaut Neil Armstrong took the first steps on the moon. This historic achievement is celebrated each year in Armstrong’s hometown of Wapakoneta. The Summer Moon Festival features events around town and at the Armstrong Air and Space Museum. July 14–19. summermoonfestival.com

LEARN MORE ON PAGE 40

Summer Moon Festival, Wapakoneta

Celebrate an American hero during this five-day festival where smalltown pride, space history and quirky traditions combine to honor astronaut Neil Armstrong’s giant leap.

As far as hometown heroes go, few are quite as revered as astronaut Neil Armstrong is in Wapakoneta. Every summer the charming downtown streets transform into the Summer Moon Festival, a lively community celebration honoring the astronaut who became the first person to walk on the moon during the historic Apollo 11 mission in July 1969.

Armstrong and his family lived in several Ohio communities, including Warren, Jefferson, Ravenna, St. Marys and Upper Sandusky, before returning to Wapakoneta. It was in this small northwestern Ohio town that he earned his pilot’s license and his high school diploma.

“Armstrong is always viewed as very humble, never really boastful, and that really comes from those small-town values that he was raised in,” says Logan Rex, curator and communications director at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta.

Rex says the museum had always celebrated the anniversaries of Armstrong’s milestone moment, but in the last two decades those celebrations expanded out of the museum walls and into the streets of Wapakoneta. The Summer Moon Festival began as a community cel-

ebration in 1991, but around the mid-2000s, it shifted into an all-out bash of all things Neil Armstrong and space exploration.

“There are still so many people within the community that remember the moon landing or remember having connections with Armstrong and his family or contributed to companies that worked on the Apollo program,” Rex says. “So, there’s that sort of pride within the community.”

The festival invites locals and travelers alike to celebrate the Apollo 11 mission and Wapakoneta’s long-lasting pride in Armstrong during five days of events at the museum and throughout town. (It runs July 14 through 19 in 2026.)

Enjoy food trucks, live music, shopping at the Moon Market and a car show. Some of the biggest draws each year are the quirky annual contests like the wiener dog and bed races, as well as a cornhole tournament and fishing derby. Although Rex says Armstrong didn’t like celebrating his own accomplishments, his hometown clearly feels differently.

“I think, for a lot of people, just showing that you can come from any type of background and reach for the stars, it’s very inspirational,” Rex says.

Armstrong Air & Space Museum: 500 Apollo Dr., Wapakoneta 45895, 419/7388811, armstrongmuseum.org; To learn more about the festival, visit summermoonfestival.com.

7/19

Experience a seven-day celebration of art and music at the Lancaster Festival. This community event offers concerts, workshops, exhibits and classes for all ages. Headliners for this year include country-pop group Lady A and tribute performer Elton Rohn. July 18–25. lancasterfestival.org

7/20

Visit Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs to take part in the festivities during Cowtherine’s Carousel Round and Round Celebration Week. Enjoy miniature golf, batting cages, Cowvin’s Fast Slide, wagon tours and more in honor of the anniversary of the carousel’s grand opening. July 20–26. youngsdairy.com

7/21

Introduce little ones to the wonders of nature during Five Rivers MetroPark’s Tike Hike series. Be prepared to get a little messy, as this event invites children ages 3 to 5 to stop by Sugarcreek MetroPark to explore the 618-acre park’s tallgrass prairie, woodlands and Sugar Creek. metroparks.org

7/22

Friends and families gather at Cincinnati’s Burnet Woods for the Clifton Cultural Arts Center’s Wednesdays in the Woods summer concert series. Play lawn games, make crafts at the Kids Art Corner and listen to live music. This date features a performance from local Cajun music group The Hot Magnolias. June 3–Aug. 12. cliftonculturalarts.org

7/23

Ohio’s Grand River Valley is home to some of the greatest wine growers and producers in the state due to its unique climate. Make stops at more than 30 wineries to enjoy award-winning wines ranging from cabernet franc and pinot noir to riesling and chardonnay. ohiowines.org

7/24

Make a splash at the Celina Lake Festival this summer. Taking place on the shores of Ohio’s largest inland lake, this festival features a car show, amusement rides, live music and the return of the famous Amphicars, vehicles that can traverse both land and water. July 24–26, celinalakefest.com

7/25

First held in 1962 as the Ohio Valley Jazz Festival, the Cincinnati Music Festival brings three days of music from some of the greatest artists in the genres of R&B, jazz, soul and hip-hop. This year’s headliners include Charlie Wilson, Mary J. Blige and Nelly. July 23–25. cincymusicfestival.com

7/29

What would summer in Ohio be without the Ohio State Fair? This 12-day event features agricultural and craft displays, unique festival food and live performances for all ages, including For King + Country (Aug. 3) and “Weird Al” Yankovic (Aug. 5). July 29–Aug. 10. ohiostatefair.com

7/26

Held along the Scioto Mile in our capital city, the Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest offers a relaxed environment to enjoy all manner of barbecue and festival fare from over 30 food vendors, as well as the smooth, soulful sounds of jazz music throughout the weekend. July 24–26. hotribscooljazz.org

7/28

Catch the three-time Grammy Award-winning pop-rock group Train as it makes a stop at Blossom Music Center for the “Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere” tour. The show celebrates the birthday of this album and includes performances of hits like “Drops of Jupiter” and “Hey Soul Sister.” blossommusic.com

7/27

Kirtland’s Penitentiary Glen Reservation offers many ways for kids to play and engage with nature. Children can dig, crawl and create at Nature Play, a nature-inspired playground where imagination can run wild. Be sure to stop and see the animals before heading home. lakemetroparks.com

7/30

With over 16,000 animals representing more than 600 species, the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium offers a great place to explore all walks of life, from the smallest treefrog to towering elephants. In addition to seeing the animals, visitors can take part in an aerial course, interactive animal encounters and more. toledozoo.org

7/31

Celebrate local arts and community in Zanesville during the Y-Bridge Arts Festival. This spirited event sees dozens of art vendors selling their wares, as well as food trucks, art activities hosted by the Zanesville Museum of Art, live music and more. July 31–Aug. 1. artcoz.org

8/1

Join nearly 2,000 participants in kayaks, canoes and paddleboards as they navigate a portion of the Ohio River during Ohio River Paddlefest. Those interested can sign up for a 4.5- or 9-mile paddle to take in the natural scenery near Cincinnati and join in a shared love of the outdoors. ohioriverpaddlefest.org

8/2

The spirit of the Emerald Isle is alive and well in Dublin, Ohio, during the Dublin Irish Festival. This three-day celebration honors Irish culture and tradition through authentic music and dancers, as well as over 50 food vendors and 70 arts vendors. July 31–Aug. 1. dublinirishfestival.org

8/3

Visit Cincinnati’s Winton Woods for Growing in the Garden. This recurring monthly event teaches children ages 2 through 6 about what grows in the farm’s garden and invites them to participate in planting seeds, watering plants, harvesting vegetables and joining in a storybook reading. greatparks.org

August

8/4

Nearly 500 years ago, herds of bison roamed Ohio. Today, you can see these creatures grazing in two different pastures during a visit to the 7,358-acre Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, where you can also explore forests, prairies and wetlands. metroparks.net

8/5

Spot native summer wildflowers along 3 miles of trail during a visit to Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs. Located east of John Bryan State Park, this 268-acre preserve is home to one of the most significant limestone and dolomite gorges in the state. ohiodnr.gov

8/6

From its location at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers to its nearby trails to its local beer scene, Marietta is a must-visit summer stop. Plan your trip around the Rivers, Trails & Ales Festival, which invites visitors to paddle, hike, bike or run before enjoying tasty local brews. Aug. 6–9. rtafest.com

Twins Days, Twinsburg

Each August, Twinsburg hosts the world’s largest annual gathering of twins, a multiday celebration rooted in the city’s origins and filled with lookalike contests and camaraderie.

Long before the city of Twinsburg became a place where thousands gathered each summer to celebrate their unique sibling bond, a pair of twin brothers from Connecticut set the stage for what has become one of our state’s most unusual festivals.

The largest annual gathering of twins in the world happens the first weekend of August in this Summit County city. (It’s set for Aug. 7 through 9 in 2026.) Founded in 1976 to coincide with the nation’s bicentennial, the event also reflects a deeper community history that even people who are familiar with the festival may not know about.

In the early 19th century, the Connecticut Land Co. owned the land that became Twinsburg, which was at the time known as Millsville. In 1818, identical twins Moses and Aaron Wilcox bought over 4,000 acres of that land and sold it off in low-priced parcels to other settlers. The brothers offered 6 acres for a public square and $20 toward the community’s first school if residents would agree to change the settlement’s name to Twinsburg.

Almost two centuries later, on the nation’s bicentennial in 1976, city volunteers planning Twinsburg’s participation in the celebration designated a day for twins. The first Twins Day Festival was a flag raising and dedication at the Wilcox Memorial followed by a picnic.

In the following years, volunteers kept the idea going, and Twins Day eventually expanded to a multiday festival with food stalls, live

8/7

music and a parade. Executive director of the festival and a twin himself, Andrew Miller says he’s only ever missed one festival in the event’s history. His father was executive director of the festival before he took over in 2007.

“[The festival] just continued to grow and grow,” he says. “Then somehow we started to get international media coverage and then we started to get people attending from overseas.”

Today, Twins Days is an all-out celebration of all things multiple. It attracts thousands of sets of twins, triplets, quadruplets and other multiples from around the globe to show off their biological connection through talent shows, look-a-like contests, parades and other twin-focused activities.

“For the ones who have been coming for a long time, the common thing we hear is that it becomes a reunion,” Miller says. “It gives them a place to celebrate their twinship.”

Glen Chamberlain Park, 10260 Ravenna Rd., Twinsburg 44087, 330/425-3652, twindays.org

During World War II, Toledo produced more than 363,000 Jeeps, and certain models of the vehicle brand are still made in the city today. Celebrate that history at Toledo Jeep Fest, which features an all-Jeep parade, all-Jeep car show and historic Jeep display at Glass City Center. Aug. 7–9. toledojeepfest.com

8/8

Celebrate the wonderful and wild uses of herbs at Appalachian Herbfest in Wisteria. Learn more about different types of herbs and their benefits with the help of speakers and workshops. Plus, enjoy shopping from vendors and listening to local music. Aug. 6–9. wisteria.org/herbfest

8/9

You might have to do a double take at this festival in Twinsburg that celebrates twins and multiples. The Twins Days Festival has been a celebrated tradition since 1976 and is the largest annual gathering of twins in the world. Aug. 7–9. twinsdays.org

8/10

Catch the Foo Fighters as the group makes a stop at Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field as part of its “Take Cover” tour. Formed by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, the band is considered one the biggest arena rock acts of the 21st century. huntingtonbankfield.com

8/12

The annually occurring Perseid meteor shower is one of the best meteor-viewing experiences in the United States, leaving clear streaks of light across the night sky. On a clear evening in mid-August, you can take in this awe-inspiring event from John Glenn Astronomy Park in Logan. Peak viewing: Aug. 12–13. jgap.info

8/11

Grab your lawn chairs and a picnic blanket and gather in Cincinnati’s Mount Storm Park for a performance from the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Get ready to laugh out loud as a comedy of errors unfolds in this Shakespeare in the Park rendition of “Much Ado About Nothing.” cincinnati-oh.gov

8/13

Experience an authentic Italian tradition during Feast of the Assumption, held each year in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood. Enjoy performances from local bands, a solemn Mass followed by a procession on Saturday and plenty of Italian cuisine from local restaurants. Aug. 13–16. littleitalyfeast.com

8/14

Head to the Vinton County Fairgrounds to join like-minded cryptid enthusiasts at the Hocking Hills Bigfoot Festival Take part in fun competitions like the Squatch ’N Seek, Squatchy-Oke and a Bigfoot Beard Competition. Aug. 14–15. hockinghillsbigfoot.com

8/15

The Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival got its start in 1966 to celebrate hometown hero Alexander Livingston, who pioneered the commercial tomato, immortalizing Reynoldsburg as the Birthplace of the Tomato. The festival also features the Tomato Wars and a spaghetti-eating contest. Aug. 13–15. reytomatofest.com

LEARN MORE ON PAGE 47

8/16

Hear one-of-a-kind musical performances during the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival. This year welcomes longstanding act Phil Dirt and the Dozers, the nine-piece Forever Segar tribute band (Friday), as well as Knox County native Preston Cooper (Saturday). Aug. 14–16. mvmaf.org

8/17

As the largest beach along the Lake Erie shore, Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor is a great place to cool off as summer heats up. Spend a day lounging on the 35-acre beach or taking in the wildlife that calls this unique ecosystem home. ohiodnr.gov

8/18

Explore Ohio’s oldest continuously operating public market in Cincinnati. Since 1855, Findlay Market has offered a bustling farmers market atmosphere with vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheese, fish, flowers, ethnic and artisanal foods and more. findlaymarket.org

GET YOUR GUIDE TODAY!

America is turning 250! Stark County will honor Ohioans’ unique contributions to the U.S. with dozens of celebrations around the region. Check out this guide to plan your trip now.

8/19

Millions of years ago, Ohio was covered by massive glaciers that left deep gashes in the Earth’s surface as they moved. Today, visitors to Kelleys Island can see these marks at Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve kelleysisland.com

8/20

High-octane energy comes to the Wood County Fairgrounds in Bowling Green for the PullTown National Tractor Pulling Championship. The world’s largest tractorand truck-pulling event sees various trucks, semis and diesel vehicles compete in different competitions across the three-day event. Aug. 20–22. pulltown.com

Tomato Festival, Reynoldsburg

From one local farmer’s relentless experimentation to a citywide summer tradition, this central Ohio festival celebrates Alexander Livingston’s legacy of food innovation.

W8/21

Returning for its second year, That Arena Rock Show brings a high-ener gy tribute to classic ’70s and ’80s rock ’n’ roll to Fraze Pavilion in Kettering. Rock out to musical acts paying tribute to Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC and more. fraze.com

hat began as one man’s fascination with perfecting what is now a commonly eaten food has grown into a decades-long celebration known as the Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival.

In 1821, Alexander Livingston was born in a house off Waggoner Road and grew up to become a farmer. By 1845, he had leased a 113-acre farm in Reynoldsburg. Obsessed with the wild tomatoes that grew in the area, he began to cultivate his own and to study the plants before launching the Livingston Seed Co. in 1850.

“He started out by growing a small field of tomatoes, and then he went and picked the biggest and the best ones, and the next year he planted the seeds from those tomatoes,” says Mary Stoots, president of the Reynoldsburg-Truro Historical Society.

For 15 years, Livingston selected what were considered the best seeds and took specimen tomatoes that had the qualities he sought: large fruit with a meaty interior and bright color, but after his many trials he was no further ahead than when he started.

So, Livingston changed his approach and began selecting the tomatoes of the best quality from his fields and saving the plants. In the spring, he set just two rows of the plants in his garden. Each produced perfect tomatoes from the parent vine.

After repeating this process, Livingston finally perfected his tomato in 1870. The fruit he called The Paragon was bright red and juicy, with solid meat on the inside and a durable, smooth skin. He went on to cultivate 31 more tomato varieties.

Livingston’s legacy is memorialized during the Tomato Festival held in Reynoldsburg each August. (This year’s is set for Aug. 13 through 15.) Originally called The Heritage Holiday Festival and Tomato Show when it debuted in August 1966, the event has turned into an all-out celebration of Livingston’s contributions and Reynoldsburg community pride.

A tomato contest lets local growers show off their prize plants, while the crowd-favorite Tomato Wars sees participants take part in a dodgeball-style game. The more family-friendly Tomato Smash contest sees who can stomp out the most tomato juice.

“Alexander had started a revolution. With the Paragon, tomato culture began at once to be the great enterprise of the country,” Stoots says. “Today, the crop is grown in every state in the Union.”

Huber Park, 1640 Davidson Dr., Reynoldsburg 43068, 614/322-6819, reytomatofest.com

Celebrate one of the longest-running balloon festivals in the country in Marysville during the All Ohio Balloon Festival. Join 30,000 attendees in watching hot air balloons take to the skies over central Ohio while enjoying food and beer vendors, live music, aerial entertainment and more. Aug. 21–22. allohioballoonfest.com 8/22

8/23

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a force in worldwide conservation, working to spread awareness to preserve our planet’s ecosystems. In 2025, the zoo’s waterpark, Zoombezi Bay, unveiled its new Conservation Tower, a collection of three different exciting waterslides that help share the spirit of conservation. zoombezibay.com

8/24

Between 1827 and 1913, the Ohio & Erie Canal was a crucial mode of transportation for moving goods and people across the state. Today, the collective trails once traversed by mules towing canalboats serve walkers and bikers as the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. ohioanderie canalway.com

8/28

Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium after hours to see it lit up in an array of glowing Asian-style lanterns during the annual summer Lantern Festival. Enjoy 70 sets of lanterns illuminating walkways and animal habitats, special performances, character meetand-greets, animal encounters and more. Aug. 20–Oct. 25. columbuszoo.org

8/29

Some of Ohio’s best artisans and craftspeople gather at the Summer Hocking Hills Craft Show in Logan to display their one-of-a-kind creations. Stroll through a forest filled with vendor tents while perusing embroidery, woodcarvings, clothing, soaps, homemade foods and more. Aug. 29–30. thehockinghillscraftshow.com

8/25

Famed sharpshooter Annie Oakley was born in Ohio, and her early life can be explored along the Annie Oakley Trail in Darke County. The nine stops include the site of her childhood home, her gravesite, and the Garst Museum and The National Annie Oakley Center in Greenville. visitdarkecounty.org

8/26

Toledo was the birthplace of the studio glass art movement. That history of creativity is embodied at the Toledo Museum of Art, where visitors can watch glassblowing demonstrations by professional glass artists during the afternoons, Wednesday through Sunday. toledomuseum.org

8/27

Get ready to rally in Ironton for Thunder on the River. This thrilling event invites motorcycle enthusiasts to show off their bikes in a friendly, community-focused setting. Take part in the bike show, a kickoff ride, bike games and more. thunderontheriver.net

8/30

Bring some gum to this stinky festival that celebrates a pungent yet flavorful bulb. The Cleveland Garlic Festival features local garlic growers, music, kids activities and plenty of garlic-infused foods, including garlic fries, garlic-grilled meats and even garlic ice cream made by Mitchell’s. Aug. 29–30. clevelandgarlicfestival.org

8/31

Travel back to a simpler way of life and learn how early settlers lived by spending a day at Sauder Village in Archbold. Walk the 1920s Main Street or visit with artisans to learn about traditional trades like blacksmithing, weaving and woodworking. Even sign up for a class if you’re interested. saudervillage.org

September

9/1

Meet the animals of Discovery Zoo, a daily event hosted by the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton. Each afternoon, visitors have the chance to meet with zookeepers who showcase and educate them about different kinds of animals. boonshoft.org

9/3

Touring and performing in northeast Ohio since 2009, the Liverpool Lads make a stop at The Grove Amphitheater in Mayfield Village for the city’s summer concert series. This Beatles tribute band re-creates the look and sound of one of the greatest rock bands of all time. mayfieldvillage.com

9/4

See the Cincinnati Reds take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park. Stick around after the game to catch a performance from hip-hop artist Ludacris as part of the ballpark’s popular post-game show series, which is included with admission. mlb.com/reds

9/2

What started as an unclaimed green space in Delaware is now a vibrant 2.2-acre park. At Boardman Arts Park, visitors can take a walk along paved paths while admiring the outdoor art pieces. New this year is the Rainbow Bridge, which serves as a place to honor lost pets. boardman artspark.org

9/5

Celebrate Greek culture in Ohio’s capital city during the Columbus Greek Festival. Watch traditional dancers, listen to Greek folk songs, take a cathedral tour and enjoy plenty of traditional cuisine, including gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita, baklava, macaroons and more. Sept. 4–7. columbusgreekfestival.com

9/6

Held each Labor Day Weekend at Summit County’s Hale Farm & Village, the Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival features a variety of local artisans selling their wares. Shop a selection of handmade jewelry, pottery, wood creations, glass works, lotions, soaps, quilts and more. Sept. 4–6. madeinohiofestival.org

9/7

Send off the summer in style at Canal Winchester’s Labor Day Festival. This free event bills itself as the oldest and largest Labor Day celebration in the state. It features live music, a car show, parade, rides and games, a quilt show, vendor market, tailgate party and more. Sept. 5–7. cwlaborday.org

Troy Parsh is the keeper of countless amusement-park memories. He pieces together the past at his Lorain County home and once a year invites the public to see his collection.

Story by Vince Guerrieri | Photography by Ken Blaze

Troy Parsh was 7 years old when Geauga Lake closed, and he was there on its last day of operation. The memory has stuck with him and is one that has fueled his quest to become a caretaker of artifacts tied to some of our most cherished bygone amusement parks.

“We didn’t know it at the time, but I noticed something was wrong,” Parsh recalls of that last visit to Geauga Lake in September 2007. “We rode the Double Loop, and half the people on the train with me were employees. It’s like, ‘Something ain’t quite right here.’ ”

The 26-year-old missed the heyday of Ohio amusement parks, but you wouldn’t know it from the collection assembled at his home in the rural Lorain County village of Grafton. He opens his Amusement Preservation Museum to the public each June, and if you’re headed out to see it, keep an eye out for the 15-foot Swingin’ Gyms ride out back. You can’t miss it.

The flying-cage-style ride, which was housed at Sauezer’s Kiddieland in Shererville, Indiana, for decades is the largest piece in a collection that is focused largely on preserving parts of beloved amusement rides. Parsh estimates he has cars from 61 different rides, including 36 roller coaster cars, that once operated across the United States.

Many are from amusement parks in Ohio, such as the long-lost Euclid Beach Park in Cleveland and Chippewa Lake Park in Medina County. He also has several items from Aurora’s Geauga Lake, which is, understandably, Parsh’s sentimental favorite.

The collection was inspired by Parsh’s formative experiences visiting amusement parks with his family as a child, although he freely admits it’s a bit of an unwieldy hobby.

“Sometimes I wish I’d have picked up collecting baseball cards instead,” he jokes. “It’d be much, much easier.”

But Parsh understands the importance of the work he’s doing. Judging from the popularity of the open house he has hosted during the first weekend of June since 2018, others do too. Parsh provides a window into the past for his visitors and a second life for objects that would have otherwise ended up in the scrap heap of history.

“A lot of people are very nostalgic for their childhood, and we hear a lot of childhood stories,” Parsh says, before adding that people also frequently comment on the enormity of the task he’s taken on. “It’s very quickly followed up by, ‘I think you guys are crazy.’ ”

Parsh estimates he was 5 or 6 years old when he went to his first amusement park: Cedar Point in Sandusky. But the amusement park that’s really stuck with him has been Geauga Lake, and he’s just old enough to have vivid memories of it.

About a decade after the Aurora amusement park’s closure, Parsh bid on some old roller coaster parts on eBay.

“I ended up losing the auction, but I reached out to the guy to see if he had any more parts,” Parsh recalls. “He said, ‘I don’t, but I have a friend who has parts from [Geauga Lake’s] Raging Wolf Bobs.’ ”

The collector told Parsh he had enough spare parts to rebuild two of the coaster’s cars, so he gave the project a try.

“A lot of people are very nostalgic for their childhood, and we hear a lot of childhood stories... It’s very quickly followed up by ‘I think you guys are crazy.’” − Troy Parsh

Troy Parsh shows how the Swingin’ Gyms ride operates; signs from bygone amusement parks (opposite page)

When it opened in 1988, Raging Wolf Bobs was a relatively modern wooden roller coaster at Geauga Lake. During the 2007 season, the coaster train derailed, causing it to get stuck on one of the turns. The ride closed for the remainder of the season, which turned out to be the amusement park’s last.

Parsh’s collection now includes three cars from Raging Wolf Bobs. Two are fully restored, while one was left in the condition it was received in.

“The first two cars we got, the owner that had gotten them, brought them out to Chicago, dismantled them and left them outside,” he says. “They fell off their stands and rotted.”

It’s a common problem for amusement park rides, few of which even get salvaged when a ride or park closes.

“When a lot of amusement parks close, the ride cars get put in dumpsters or taken to a scrapyard,” he says. “Not many get out of the park, especially roller coasters. They’ll pull the parts they can use and then scrap the frames.”

The ones that do get out often end up in varying states of disrepair. Parsh has encountered many rides that ended up in a collector’s hands only to be left outside to deteriorate.

“We have a pair of racing coasters from Euclid Beach, and they had been outside and just rotted into the ground,” he says. “They’re termites holding hands. It was frozen when we got them, and as it thawed out, it was bowing and just snapped in half. We don’t put them out on display for the open house. We have them in a safe spot until we can do something with them.”

Given such a wealth of items to prioritize repairs for, how does Parsh decide what to focus on? He has a simple standard

for whether a ride gets renovated.

“Can I recognize the ride car?” he asks. “Yes? Then it can stay. No? Then it has to be restored. Another consideration is if the car’s been modified since it’s left the park. … Some modifications are simple: Someone painted it and added a sign. But if it doesn’t look original, it gets redone.”

When Parsh held his first public open house at his Amusement Preservation Museum in 2018, he quickly heard from people who were looking to find a good home for some items in their own collections.

“When we announced [the dates] we were doing it, we had a couple people who had things say, ‘Here take this,’ ” Parsh recalls.

New for the 2026 open house (set for June 6 and 7 this year) will be cars from Cedar Point’s old Pirate Ride, as well as some boats from the Motoworld attraction at New Jersey’s infamous Action Park. The park was so dangerous that it was nicknamed “Class Action Park” for the sheer number of lawsuits. (An HBO Max documentary of the same name details the madness that transpired there.)

“Every part of me wishes I could have gone,” Parsh says of Action Park. “There wasn’t a person I could find who wouldn’t go back in a heartbeat. They loved that place.”

“If it wasn’t for us, a lot of the things would have been lost. That makes it worth it.”

− Troy Parsh

As his collection has grown, Parsh has met fellow amusement-park aficionados who are also holding onto artifacts and memorabilia of places that have been gone for decades.

“The only park that I grew up going to in this area that’s now gone is Geauga Lake,” Parsh says. “Euclid Beach and a lot of those old parks have been passed down to me. One of my big mentors was John Frato from the Euclid Beach Boys.”

Frato and his partner at a Cleveland towing company, Joe Tomaro, bought a car from the Thriller, one of Euclid Beach’s roller coasters, and turned it into a street-legal vehicle. They then did the same with one of the park’s famous silver rocket cars.

As the president of Euclid Beach Park Now, Frato collected oral histories of the park and helped organize the annual Remembering the Sights and Sounds of Euclid Beach Park event, the last of which was held in 2025, a year after Frato’s death.

Kevin Smith, vice president of Euclid Beach Park Now and administrator of Kevin’s Northeast Ohio Amusement Memories, set up a display at the Amusement Preservation Museum’s open house in 2025 and plans to do the same this year.

Smith said he first met Parsh when they both had displays at a Cleveland History Center event. His own collection, with memorabilia from 20 different amusement parks, is significantly smaller than Parsh’s — both in number of items and size of items. Smith’s collection mostly spans signs and some artifacts, many of which were found at vintage shops and estate sales. He says he believes that the work Parsh is doing is important.

“A lot of those rides — especially roller coasters — bring back a lot of nostalgia,” Smith says, “and I’m grateful he’s doing it.”

Parsh has even made it possible for visitors to take a small part of those lost amusement parks home, after 3D printing a small roller coaster train replica for himself in 2024.

“I wanted a roller coaster toy for my desk,” he says. “I made them and thought, ‘I guess other people are interested in them, and it does fund the museum.’ ”

He now has two 3D printers working almost around the clock and a third one for backup. His online store includes roller coaster cars, sections of track and welcome signs from places like Idora Park in Youngstown, West View Park outside of Pittsburgh, Puritas Springs Park in Cleveland and, of course, Euclid Beach Park’s iconic arch.

Much like how Parsh still has vivid and warm memories of Geauga Lake, he understands how his collection — regardless of the current state an object may be in — can inspire powerful memories for his open-house visitors.

“Some people will show up, see something from Euclid Beach and just start bawling their eyes out,” Parsh says. “If it wasn’t for us, a lot of the things would have been lost. That makes it worth it.”

For more information about the Amusement Preservation Museum and Parsh’s annual open house each June, visit amusementpreservationmuseum.com.

GRAND LAKE REGION

From bird-watching at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park to exploring the life of Wapakoneta native and astronaut Neil Armstrong, connect with nature and history in northwest Ohio. By Kristina Smith

GRAND LAKE REGION

Birding at Grand Lake St. Marys

Hand dug from 1837 to 1845 as a reservoir to feed the Miami & Erie Canal, Grand Lake St. Marys was once the world’s largest manmade lake. Today, the giant body of water in Auglaize and Mercer counties is a playground for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts, in addition to being one of Ohio’s top birding spots.

Marshes and wildlife areas around the lake offer great looks at a variety of species. There are more than 10 bald eagle nests near the lake. At least six of them, including one at the state park’s dog park and one at the Little Chickasaw Boat Ramp, are easily visible.

“Any given day, pretty much, if you spend a couple hours around the lake and you pay attention, guaranteed you’re going to see an adult or an immature eagle flying around,” says Dave Faler, manager at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park.

American white pelicans, once a rarity in the area, started showing up in small numbers about six years ago and have since returned in huge numbers, Faler says. He estimates there are close to 2,000 of them.

“That’s really impressive to see that,” adds Neil Baker, wildlife research technician for

the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ District 5. “White pelicans aren’t really historically native to here. Over time, their range has moved eastward.”

Great places to see the birds include the St. Marys Fish Hatchery and Windy Point, a long outlet where one can walk out and sometimes see pelicans flying, Baker says. Shorebirds also love the fish hatchery, and black-necked stilts are among some of the rare ones spotted in the area.

During spring migration, neotropical warblers in their vibrant breeding plumage,

such as yellow, prairie and black-throated blue warblers, migrate through the area. Resident woodpeckers, kingfishers, bluebirds and other species also live in the woodlots and prairies around the lake, according to Baker. Pairs of sandhill cranes nest around the lake as well.

During late winter, early spring and fall duck migrations, a variety of ducks ranging from common mergansers to mallards to blue-winged teal stop by. Common loons, as well as some rarer ocean birds like eiders and scoters also move through in spring and fall.

“You could do a whole birding loop through all these parks [around the lake],” Baker says.

Explore the Armstrong Air & Space Museum

When Ohioan Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon July 20, 1969, it was a defining moment in human history. That feat sealed the United States’ role as the leader in space exploration and showed how far determination and teamwork could take humanity.

The Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Armstrong’s hometown of Wapakoneta celebrates that extraordinary achievement by taking visitors inside the story of how it happened and offering inspiration for future space explorers and engineers.

“I think there’s a relatability to Armstrong,” says Logan Rex, museum curator and communications director at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum. “He was just this really ordinary kid from northwest Ohio. ... It’s a very aspirational story. He wasn’t a superhuman person. ... He was just a kid who liked flying and he followed his passion.”

Through artifacts, photos, interactive kiosks, lunar and shuttle-landing simulators and the museum building itself (built to look like a moon base), visitors learn Armstrong’s story. They can see a rock Armstrong’s crew collected from the moon, artifacts related to the moon landing and four crafts that Armstrong flew during his career: the Aeronca Champion, Gemini VIII capsule, F5D Skylancer and Learjet 28 Longhorn.

The Explore! series takes place the first Saturday of each month and focuses on different parts of science, technology, engineering and math with hands-on experiences. Activities include building a model rocket and a balsa-wood flyer.

“We’re trying to get kids involved and

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GRAND LAKE REGION

show them contributions that America has made to sciences,” Rex says.

The museum is participating in the statewide America 250-Ohio’s Ohio Goes to the Movies program and showing a documentary on Armstrong’s Apollo 11 moon landing May 30 on the museum lawn. This fall, the museum will debut an exhibit of restored photos of the Apollo 11 mission remastered by Andy Saunders, a British author, science writer and one of the world’s foremost experts on NASA digital restoration.

“There are some [images] of Armstrong that are more iconic and some that people may not have seen before,” Rex says. “We’re trying to show Armstrong through the photos of NASA that are remastered.”

After touring the museum, be sure to head to downtown Wapakoneta and snap a photograph with the giant astronaut helmet.

Celebrate Northwest Ohio’s Contributions to the Nation

Step back into the days when a canalboat ride was a modern way of traveling at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park and the Belle of St. Marys canalboat replica at Memorial Park in St. Marys. Both locations are stops on the America 250-Ohio Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail, which highlights places along Lake Erie and our state’s waterways that helped turn the Ohio wilderness into a corridor of commerce and connection.

When Grand Lake St. Marys was created, it played an important role in the region by linking the Great Lakes to the Ohio River. The original hand-laid stone guard lock still stands on the east side of the lake at the state park, and visitors can see water running through it to feed the canal, Faler says. The park also offers camping, boating, fishing and picnicking opportunities. In Memorial Park in nearby St. Marys, the Belle of St. Marys offers a stationary canalboat replica that invites travelers to step aboard.

The Grand Lake Region also has several works of art featured as part of America 250-Ohio’s Murals Across Ohio program. In Fort Recovery “The

Jubilee” celebrates a local multiday event that has taken place since 1905. The mural and its use of muted colors depicts the event as it was in its early years.

Wapakoneta continues its celebration of Neil Armstrong with its “First on the Moon” free-standing cutout mural, which shows Armstrong in his spacesuit on the moon. The “Beauty of Diversity” mural features brightly colored koi fish swimming in a pond. It’s located in the Artist Avenue stretch of downtown Wapakoneta that showcases rotating works by locals.

In St. Marys, the “Memory Garden” mural offers a nod to a local couple’s creative outlets and depicts them in a beautiful garden, with the woman painting on an easel and the man watering flowers.

When You Go

For more information about these and other destinations in the Grand Lake Region, visit seemore.org.

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park ohiodnr.gov

Armstrong Air and Space Museum armstrongmuseum.org

America 250-Ohio’s Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail america250-ohio.org/ lake-erie-to-ohio-river

America 250-Ohio’s Murals Across Ohio america250-ohio.org/ muralsacrossohio

St. Marys Memorial Park cityofstmarys.net

The most extensive collection of bicycles in the world resides in downtown New Bremen. Make sure you see and enjoy these bicycles from all eras.

7 West Monroe St. 419-629-9249 www.bicyclemuseum.com

Experience high-end dining with a family-centric atmosphere at 17 West, an American bistro located in historic downtown New Bremen.

17 West Monroe St. 419-629-3800 www.17west.com

Featuring the latest released movies. Check the website for dates and times.

8 West Monroe St. 419-629-4100 www.lockonetheater.com

The Goods is a specialty market offering everyday essentials, gourmet foods, grab-and-go meals, madeto-order items and a large selection of beer, wine, liquor and more.

444 South Washington St. 419-629-5001 www.thegoodsmarket.com

HOCKING HILLS

From winding trails and towering cliffs to small-town stops and food finds, this southeast Ohio getaway offers options for every kind of explorer. By Maggie Amacher

STAY AT SPREAD EAGLE TAVERN & INN AND CAR COLLECTION TOUR

Enter for your chance to win overnight accommodations with breakfast for two at this historic country inn dating back to 1837. The Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn is located in historic former canal town of Hanoverton, once a stop on the Underground Railroad. This experience is valued at $250. Plus, enjoy a private tour of a pre-World War II era vintage car collection in nearby Salem. Redeem this coupon through dwjohnson@summitville.com.

Grand Lake Region

Greene County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Hale Farm & Village

Hocking Hills Tourism Association

Hometown Opportunities

Iron & Rind 30. Jerry’s Hamburg Fireworks

Kentucky Dept. of Tourism

CLASSIC CAR CLUB’S ANNUAL FATHER’S DAY CAR SHOW

Win four tickets to the 69th Annual Father’s Day Car Show hosted by the Ohio Region Classic Car Club of America. This elaborate, family-friendly car show is held on Father’s Day (Sunday, June 21) at Hale Farm & Village. Enjoy an 18-piece big band, American Revolution reenactments and more. This experienced is valued at $60, and on-site parking is free.

52. Streetsboro Visitors & Convention Bureau

53. The Castle

54. The Scioto Society - Tecumseh

55. Travel Butler County, OH

Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

Ohio Amish County | Holmes County Chamber & Tourism Bureau

Ohio Byways 42. Ohio Caverns

43. Ohio Grape Industries

Ohio Region Classic Car Club of America

Paddle The River

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park

Riffe Gallery

Ross Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau

Shores & Islands Ohio

50. Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn

51. StayInAkron.com

56. Trumbull County Tourism Bureau

57. Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau

58. Visit Athens County Convention & Visitors Bureau

59. Visit BG (Bowling Green)

60. Visit Canton

61. Visit Cincy

62. Visit Dublin, Ohio

63. Visit Findlay

64. Visit Greater Lima

65. Visit Grove City

66. Wayne County Convention & Visitors Bureau

67. Zanesville/Muskingum County Convention & Visitors Bureau

HOCKING HILLS

Hit the Trails

Hocking Hills State Park spans seven sites, with each stop offering a different perspective on the cliffs, caves and waterfalls that have long drawn travelers to the area. Some hikes are short and easy, while others are more difficult and rugged. Together, they showcase the range of treks available in this incredibly scenic part of the state.

Ash Cave offers an easy hike that delivers with a big payoff. A quarter-mile paved path leads to the largest recess cave in Ohio, where a seasonal waterfall spills over a broad sandstone overhang. The enormous size of the cave makes it memorable, and it’s one of the most accessible places in the park to take in such geology.

Cedar Falls offers a short half-mile roundtrip that leads to one of the park’s most powerful waterfalls when water levels are high. A short drive from there, the well-known Old Man’s Cave tends to draw the largest crowds. The 1-mile loop (and additional half-mile trail to the Lower Falls) winds through the gorge along a route with stone steps, bridges and narrow passageways.

“If you can only do one short thing, and you want to see as much as possible, you do Old Man’s Cave,” says Courtney Silver-Peavey, naturalist supervisor at Hocking Hills State Park.

Whispering Cave , which includes the swinging Hemlock Bridge, offers a 4.5-mile trek that leads out to a 105-foot waterfall (when seasonal conditions are right) and back.

Rock House stands apart as Hocking Hills State Park’s only true cave and is reached by an uneven 0.6-mile trail. Inside, light filters through openings in the rock, and carvings left by visitors more than a century ago are still visible.

For a more challenging hike, Cantwell Cliffs (2 miles roundtrip) features steep sections and uneven footing, but it rewards that effort with a quieter experience and incredible views for those willing to take it on.

Just outside the state park, Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve provides a breathtaking setting. The flat Gorge Trail (1mile roundtrip) runs between cliff walls that rise up to 200 feet. As the gorge narrows, the trail becomes more enclosed, with ferns and wildflowers growing along the path. Above it, the Rim Trail (2.5-mile loop) offers a different view, with overlooks that are especially popular in the fall.

Head Into Town

A short drive from the trails, downtown Logan offers a slice of small-town living with places to shop, eat and drink after a day of exploring. 58 West features a restaurant, brewery, winery and distillery under one roof, which was the aim of Blaine Davidson, CEO of Hocking Hills winery, who created the downtown spot.

“As far as we knew, nowhere else in the state had all three manufacturers in one location,” Davidson says.

The result is a space that works just as well for a meal after a day on the trails as it does for a night out. Housed in a renovated 1920s car dealership, the building still has its original brick walls and tin ceiling, giving it an elegant feel without losing its casual atmosphere.

The menu spans burgers, flatbreads and

HOCKING HILLS

entrees like the Deconstructed Cordon Bleu, while the drink list rotates with house beers, local spirits and wines.

A short walk away, the Columbus Washboard Co. provides a glimpse into a piece of Ohio manufacturing history. Founded in 1895, the company is the last remaining washboard-maker in the United States. After nearly closing in 1999, the operation was purchased and moved to Logan, where production continues today, still using much of the company’s original machinery.

Workers shape the locally sourced poplar wood and roll and crimp the metal used in the washboards by hand. Guided tours walk visitors through each step of the process, moving from the downstairs workshop to the assembly area upstairs. While many washboards are bought for decoration or musical use, a large number still serve their original purpose.

“We still get a lot of orders for people who want to use washboards as a washboard,” says Jacqueline Barnett, co-owner of Columbus Washboard Co.

Those looking for casual and creative comfort food can check out Chef Moe’s on Main, while Brewery 33 Hocking Hills, a short drive from downtown, offers a rotating selection of house-made beers, food trucks and live music. It also has a spacious outdoor area that’s both family- and dog-friendly. Cap the day off with a round of mini golf at Adventure Golf at Rempel’s Grove, located just outside downtown Logan.

Have An Adventure

For those wanting to trade their hiking boots for a saddle, Rose Moon Ranch offers a way to explore the landscape on horseback. Owner Elizabeth Gray started the ranch as a rescue operation, rehabilitating and retraining many of the horses used for trail rides. She cut trails through her property by hand and began offering rides to the public in 2022.

Rides are available for all experience levels, from beginner-friendly paths through the valley to advanced routes up steep hills with great views at the top. Along the way, riders pass creeks, rock walls and a waterfall, seeing parts of the region more removed from the busier trailheads. Each ride also includes a photoshoot, giving visitors something to take home to remember the experience by.

“I always say [horses] are the original four-wheeler because they can get over anything,” Gray says.

Hocking Hills Canopy Tours takes visitors up into the treetops and provides thrilling zips that offer overhead views of the terrain. Since opening in 2008, the operation has expanded to include a range of courses, from the classic Original Canopy Tour to the faster X-Tour, where lines

HOCKING HILLS

stretch out over the forest and across the Hocking River.

“You get a bird’s-eye view of what’s below you … and you can see views from the zip lines that you can’t see from the ground,” owner Julieann Burroughs says.

There are options for different comfort levels, whether it is your first time trying zip lining or you’re looking for something a little more intense. For those who prefer to stay on the ground, there are also guided hikes and off-road Segway tours.

Not far away, Hocking Hills Ecotours offers a more deliberate way to explore. Guided hikes move at a slower pace, with a focus on the smaller details, from plant life to rock formations. Private tours are also available, giving visitors a more flexible way to explore with a guide.

WHEN YOU GO

For more information about these and other destinations in the Hocking Hills, visit explorehockinghills.com.

58 West 58west.com

Adventure Golf at Rempel’s Grove golfinthegrove.com

Brewery 33 Hocking Hills brewery33.com

Chef Moe’s on Main chefmoesonmain.com

Columbus Washboard Co. columbuswashboard.com

Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve ohiodnr.gov

Hocking Hills Canopy Tours hockinghillscanopytours.com

Hocking Hills Ecotours hockinghillsecotours.com

Hocking Hills State Park ohiodnr.gov

Rose Moon Ranch 740/486-0031

BUTLER COUNTY

Make your visit to southwest Ohio an outdoor adventure this season. Whether you want to hike, ride horses or mountain bike, these eight communities offer much to explore. By Jenna Nahhas

Voice of America

MetroPark Lake Trail

This 435-acre park in West Chester once housed Bethany Relay Station, the broadcasting towers that aired the World War II-era Voice of America program internationally. Today, the Voice of America Park, which sits next to the National Voice of America Museum of Broad casting, contains 9 miles of trails, including a 1.4-mile paved loop that meanders along the 35-acre Voice of America lake. A kayak launch provides opportunities for on-the-water recreation, while observation platforms along the path offer perches for spotting migratory birds. The lake is stocked with fish, and those inter ested can purchase a fishing permit at the park’s welcome center. 7850 VOA Park Dr., West Chester 45069, yourmetroparks.net

Side Trip: Visit The Cone, with its iconic orange and vanilla swirl top, to enjoy a soft-serve ice cream, a tiramisu Wizzard or a game of pinball. thecone.com

Pyramid Hill

Sculpture Park

Visitors to this 470-acre outdoor art park in Hamilton can appreciate its more than 75 sculptures and several

miles of trail. In addition to the 1.75-mile main Gallery Loop that takes visitors by outdoor art installations and an overlook patio that is perfect for afternoon picnics, the wooded Blue Trail offers a mile-long loop. Native oak and hickory trees populate the half-mile Harry’s Hiking Trail, which was once the walking path of the park’s founder, Harry T. Wilks. Once visitors have tackled all three trails, they can return to the visitor center to get a free sticker depicting John Henry’s “Passage,” the park’s iconic,

large red sculpture. 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton 45013, pyramidhill.org

Side Trip: Stop by Sweden Creme for a burger topped with pickles, mustard and sautéed onions. It’s a $2 deal that can’t be ignored. facebook.com/SwedenCreme

Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum

Mayapples, bloodroot, wild ginger and white trillium bloom along the trails of Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum in Middletown. Visitors can wander the preserve’s three interconnected trails, which trace the woodlot and prairie that was once used to pasture bulls during the mid-19th century. The arboretum sits at the front of the sanctuary, where labeled markers identify different tree species. Farther along, a one-third-mile mulched trail guides hikers through the remaining areas of the park, including birding areas, a meadow and along the edge of Bull’s Run Creek. The sanctuary also offers free monthly programs, including tree-identification walks and guided night hikes. 3909 Rosedale Rd., Middletown 45042, bullsrun.org

Side Trip: Enjoy smoked ribs and brisket served with a heaping helping of macaroni and cheese, jalapeño cornbread and other sides at Combs BBQ Central. combsbbq.com

Horseback Trails at Nation Road Horse Rental

Since opening her business in 2016, Judy Sheard has worked to pair visitors with horses and trails that are best suited to them. Nation Road Horse

Rental in Oxford offers six trails in total, with the latest being added in 2026. Measuring 8 miles, it is the longest trail yet, offering a two-hour jaunt through wooded areas and open fields. Whether cantering on the 4-mile, adults-only trail or taking children on a parent-assisted pony ride, even nervous riders return feeling confident. The Start2Finish program lets visitors saddle and ride their horses before grooming and sending them into the pasture for the day. 6484 Morning Sun Rd., Oxford 45056, nationroadhorserental.net

Side Trip: Open for early morning breakfast all the way through the late-night rush, Bagel & Deli offers dozens of steamed bagel sandwiches, specialty subs and baked bialys. bagelanddeli.com

Hiking Trails at Dudley Woods Park

Aseries of benches dot the trails winding through Liberty Township’s Dudley Woods Park, offering tranquil moments to pause and listen to the rush of Gregory Creek or spot a goldfinch among the maples. The park preserves 63 acres of wooded land, with three interlocking loop trails that come together for an easy 1-mile hike. Blue herons can be found populating the creek, where visitors can cool off and

Visit today to experience over 70 monumental sculptures nestled into 470 acres of beautiful park grounds, gardens, overlooks, and hiking trails, plus two indoor museums.

Cascades Trail at Rentschler Forest

Located in Rentschler Forest MetroPark, one of Fairfield Township’s oldest parks, the Cascades Trail offers a 1-mile path. Starting at the main parking lot, the loop trail descends to follow Kennedy Creek, where hikers can stop and wade in the cool waters. At its peak elevation, the trail intercepts with the Chuck Holliday Bridge, a swinging wood suspension bridge that carries hikers over a creek. Views of the Great Miami River beckon visitors farther along to the adjacent Great Miami River Trail, which travels south several miles to downtown Hamilton. 5701 Reigart Rd., Hamilton 45011, yourmetroparks.net

fish. At the trailhead, a shelter with charcoal grills provides a place to picnic. The historic 18th-century Grego ry Log Cabin sits nearby and is open for tours during the Liberty Township Historical Society’s annual Heritage Day in September. 5591 Hankins Rd., Liberty Township 45044, liberty-township.com

Side Trip: Grab a morning coffee, afternoon beer or dou ble-decker cheeseburger between games of volleyball and pickleball at the Liberty Collective. liberty-collective.com

Mountain Biking Trails at Harbin Park

Amenities at this park in Fairfield range from pickleball courts to a disc-golf course to a splashpad. But it’s the nearly 7 miles of mountain-biking trails that make Harbin Park a destination for bikers of all skill levels. The challenging Orange Trail offers significant elevation changes,

Side Trip: For a place to read or catch up with a friend, Coffee Cup Overflowing delivers on warm coffee and espresso, baked goods, smoothies and a welcoming atmosphere. coffeecupoverflowing.com

Nature Trail at Rosemont Park

Wwhile the shorter Blue Trail provides an easier alternative. Nearby, the moderate green trail offers an equal balance of challenge and ease in the wooded Muskopf Preserve. Open for hiking as well as biking, the trails are sustainably maintained in partnership with the Cincinnati Off Road Alliance. Each September, the annual Harbin Park Cyclocross takes place on the park grounds. 1300 Hunter Rd., Fairfield 45014, fairfield-city.org

Side Trip: For over 50 years Jungle Jim’s International Market has been Fairfield’s most eclectic and comprehensive market for global ingredients, snacks, produce and specialty finds. junglejims.com

alkers can explore this mulched, half-mile loop trail on the outskirts of Monroe for the chance to surround themselves with lush ground foliage, blossoming flower bushes and towering trees. Butler Tech students partnered with the city to beautify the park, installing stone landscaping and planting Russian sage near the park entrance. Tree identification markers engage curious naturalists by providing details about the red oak, black cherry, box elder and elm trees that border the walking path. Farther along the trail, visitors can see newly planted native wildflowers in an array of spring colors. Beneath the canopy of dense foliage, a pond invites meditation, with a bench to sit and rest weary legs. 6388 Hamilton Middletown Rd., Middletown 45050, monroeohio.org

Side Trip: The century-old Garver Family Farm Market remains dedicated to serving farm-fresh produce alongside local wines and baked goods. garverfarmmarket.com

SCENIC BYWAYS

Summer offers the perfect time to take the back roads and storied routes, including these drives that reflect the history of our state and nation. By Jim Vickers

Ohio Scenic Byways

The Ohio Byway routes offer an unending and diverse selection of experiences. From the bright lights of the city to relaxing country landscapes, the routes allow history as well as modern times to come alive. See Ohio one route at a time and create your own memorable journeys.

Every road leads to adventure.

For more information on Ohio Byways visit: www.ohiobyways.com

www.OhioByways.com

Highway Numbering System Commemoration

The U.S. Numbered Highway System turns 100 on November 11, 2026. Created to replace the confusing patchwork of privately named roads, it introduced a standardized national network that included famous routes like the Lincoln Highway (Route 30) and National Road (Route 40), making it easier for early tourists to follow. The system assigned even numbers to major east–west roads and odd numbers to north–south routes, with lower numbers in the north and east and higher numbers in the south and west. Ohio adopted its own renumbering in 1927, following the same guidelines that shaped the state route system we use today. Ohio’s byways feature many of the historical routes that helped shape American life.

SCENIC BYWAYS

Historic National Road

The first interstate highway built entirely with federal funds, the National Road stretched from Cumberland, Maryland, to Vandalia, Illinois, at the time of its completion. The route reached Zanesville in 1830, Columbus three years later and Springfield by the end of the decade. Much of the National Road later became part of U.S. Route 40, and Ohio’s Historic National Road byway stretches 225 miles across the state.

Sites of note along the route include the National Road & Zane Grey Museum in Norwich, which also tells the story of the famous Western novelist who hailed from Zanesville, and the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. Farther west along the byway, travelers pass by the Clark County Historical Society in Springfield, which houses a National Road Gallery that shares the story of the route’s evolution. Springfield is also home to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Westcott House, which is open for docent-led tours.

Amish Country Byway

Ohio’s Holmes County has one of the largest concentrations of Amish communities on the planet. Unlike some of our state’s other scenic byways, the 190-mile Amish Country Byway spiderwebs out across 13 different roads that provide an up-close view of the slower rural lifestyle for which the region is known. A visit this time of year means seeing horses and plows in the field and men and women working in their gardens.

There are a multitude of sites to visit along the way with several bakeries and

cheesemakers on the route. Families should make a point to visit Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery just west of Berlin, which offers an adorable farm-animal petting zoo. Farther east, the route reaches the communities of Walnut Creek and Sugarcreek, which offer a wealth of stops for home decor, foods prepared from traditional Amish recipes and comfortable places to stay.

Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

Stretching 26.4 miles through one of our state’s most beautiful regions, the Hocking

Discover America’s Story in Stark County

From presidential libraries to national historic sites, take a road trip through American history on the Stark Stories History Trail. Explore thought-provoking museum exhibitions that honor under-recognized American icons, and experience special events, patriotic art installations, and more—all celebrating

Hills Scenic Byway passes the seven sites that make up Hocking Hills State Park as it follows parts of state Routes 374, 664 and 56. Travelers can choose their own adventure, but stops at some of the region’s most notable rock formations make for a great day.

Step inside the area’s only true, publicly accessible cave at the Rock House, where a path leads to a large, window-like opening in a cliff. The darkness of the cave contrasted with the natural light spilling in makes for dramatic photographs.

The most well-known destination within Hocking Hills State Park is Old Man’s Cave, where a trail descends into and along the top of a gorge that contains the area’s namesake feature. Also be sure to visit Ash Cave, a 700-foot-wide recess cave that sits at the end of a short, flat trail.

Ohio River Scenic Byway

Tracing the path of the Ohio River along the southern edge of our state, the Ohio Scenic Byway stretches 452 miles, from the Pennsylvania border near East Liverpool to the Indiana border near Cincinnati, and travels through 14 Ohio counties.

Those fascinated by history of our nation should stop in Marietta to visit the Campus Martius Museum and Mound Cemetery, while nature lovers can check out the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge or the sprawling Wayne National Forest.

In Clermont County, those interested in presidential history can tour the small one-story home where Civil War general and President Ulysses S. Grant was born. About 25 miles away in Georgetown stands Grant’s boyhood home and the schoolhouse he attended, which are both open to

Experience historic Marietta through a tour of eleven homes in the first established settlement of the Northwest Territory. Whether you are a collector, architect, historian, photographer, or just love old homes, this tour includes a location to pique your interests! Different homes featured each day.

visitors. Ohio’s role in the Civil War also draws many travelers to the southwest Ohio village of Ripley, where they can tour the John Rankin House, a storied location that was once part of the Underground Railroad.

Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail

This 293-mile drive along Lake Erie passes through cities and towns dotting Ohio’s northern shoreline that have all been shaped by their proximity to the water.

Those who want to learn more about our state’s freshwater natural resource will want to stop at the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo. The museum offers an overview of the Great Lakes, from the natural history behind their formation to the industry they helped make possible. Farther east along U.S. Route 6, travelers pass through Sandusky, best known to most as the home of Cedar Point amusement park.

The city’s downtown has also undergone

SCENIC BYWAYS

a revival and has a beautiful public gathering space at Jackson Street Pier.

Although Cleveland is often associated with industry, travelers will be delighted to find a beautiful sand beach at Edgewater Park, just a short drive away from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame that sits at the end of Cleveland’s East Ninth Street.

Miami & Erie Canal

Trace the route that mule-drawn canalboats once traveled to transport cargo through this part of western Ohio. The Miami & Erie Canal byway along state Route 66 follows a 54-mile stretch of the historic route that offers a window into local history.

The Johnston Farm and Indian Agency in

men’s Bicycle Museum of America shares how bikes have evolved from the wooden models of the 1800s. Grand Lake St. Marys State Park also sits along the byway and is known for its opportunities for boating and bird-watching. The Delphos Canal Commission Museum at the northern end of the

helped enslaved people make their way to freedom, and there was a time when the nation’s largest population of Quakers lived in Clinton County.

Members of the faith practice principles of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship, and their meeting

Discover Ohio’s authentic charm along the Amish Country Byway – where rolling hills, handcrafted goods, and small-town hospitality invite you to slow down and savor the journey.

the route include the Wilmington Friends Meeting House and Dover Friends Meeting House and Burial Ground.

Travelers can stop and explore nature at Caesar Creek State Park with its hiking trails, boat launches, swimming beach and nature center, while the neighboring Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Villages cares for preserved 19th-century cabins.

Big Darby Plains Scenic Byway

The 27-mile main route of this byway passes through Union, Champaign and Madison counties as it runs parallel to Big Darby Creek, offering views of the prairie for which the area is known. Be sure to stop at the scenic Pottersburg Bridge, a footbridge that leads to a walking trail. From June through October, Dine on the Covered Bridge lunch and dinner events are held here and feature live music and locally sourced food.

In Milford Center, once the Union County seat, stands a replica of the first county courthouse, while the village of Plain City is known for the Plain City Clock Tower, one of the last public timepieces

made by renowned 19th-century clockmaker Seth Thomas. Stop along the route to look at the Old Indian Trail historic marker. The area is home to trails blazed by Shawnee leader Tecumseh that were later used by the Pony Express.

For more information about these and other Ohio Byways, visit transportation.ohio.gov/ traveling/ohio-byways.

Did You Know?

The U.S. Numbered Highway System celebrates its 100th birthday Nov. 11, 2026. Created to clear up the patchwork of auto trails named by private associations, the federal government introduced a standardized numbering system for early tourists to follow. The number of even (east-west) federal highway routes increase from north to south, with odd (north-south) routes increasing from east to west. Ohio renumbered its own routes in 1927 following the same guidelines, which led to the system we know today. Ohio’s scenic byways follow many of these historical routes that helped shape daily life in the United States.

AMERICA 250-OHIO

From aeronautics to the arts, take a history road trip along these driving trails created in celebration of our nation’s semiquincentennial that show our state’s influence on the nation. By Jason Brill

AM250-OHIO

Explore the multitude of ways the people of our state shaped the nation along America 250-Ohio’s themed driving trails. Created with the help of Ohio Travel Association executive director Melinda Huntley, the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial’s Creativity, Air & Space, Innovation and Lake Erie to Ohio River trails share how Ohio influenced not only our nation’s culture but also the course of history.

“We’re linking these sites into a bigger picture and a cohesive story,” Huntley says. “When you connect all these things, you realize … there’s something special [here].

She also notes that, once travelers begin exploring, they quickly start to find interesting connections and crossovers between the trails. Explore them yourself this summer and beyond to learn about innovative Ohioans, the wealth of artists and craftspeople that hail from the Buckeye State, our deep air-and-space connections and how Lake Erie and the Ohio River provided a geography that helped us flourish.

Innovation Trail

The Innovation Trail’s 81 sites include locations tied to inventors who transformed how we live. The Thomas Edison Birthplace

Museum in Milan details the prolific inventor’s beginnings, and in Dayton, you can visit Delco Park and the Charles Kettering History Walk, which traces the story of the National Cash Register founder, who also

AM250-OHIO

invented the electric car starter, electric windshield wipers, techniques to diagnose cancer and more. In fact, many of the Innovation Trail sites in southwest Ohio are located in or near Dayton.

“You have communities in Ohio that support innovation,” Huntley says. “Where you can experiment and you can innovate; you have suppliers and resources.”

Bill Kennedy, site superintendent for Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve, says community-level innovation has been at work in Ohio for 2,000 years. Part of the larger UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks spread across the southern half of Ohio, Fort Ancient is an example of the innovations displayed by Indigenous people who didn’t have a written language, lived seminomadic lives and used basic digging tools.

The 126-acre hilltop enclosure was created using the equivalent of 125 million basket loads of soil at 30 pounds per basket, Kennedy says. While it’s impressive that the builders were able to construct such large

Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve is part of the larger Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans eight Ohio locations.

structures in precise shapes such as circles, squares and octagons (some of which incorporate astronomical alignments that mark the summer and winter solstices), Kennedy points out that organizing labor at such a significant scale over centuries is equally impressive.

Your mobile resource for all that is great about hotel & lodging in Akron. Find, explore and book your adventure, learn about local partner experiences and take part in events. Find out more information about lodging options in Akron and Summit County online at StayInAkron.com

Make Your Stay

“They’re sharing knowledge and traditions through stories and songs,” Kennedy says. “There’s a collective memory of

Steam In The Valley returns June 5-7 and 12-14! Experience the mighty Nickel Plate 765 steam locomotive, thrilling sights, sounds, and smells of history in motion through Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

cvsr.org

Downtown Akron Partnership

Looking for things to do, places to eat, shop, or relax? Downtown Akron has something for everyone. Let Downtown Akron Partnership help you explore with our extensive event calendar, dining resources, and guides for any occasion.

downtownakron.com

Hale Farm & Village

Paddle the River

Hale Farm & Village connects past to present, celebrating early American life as we approach United States Semiquincentennial - honoring 250 years of history, heritage, and community. halefarm.org

Paddle the river in a single kayak, tandem kayak or a raft. Our paddling options are perfect for all skill levels to embrace nature and make unforgettable memories. Reserve your adventure today! paddletheriver.com

what they’re working on. And it’s not done through coercion. They are building works of a monumental scale voluntarily.” Visit america250-ohio.org/ohio-innovation-trail to learn more about the America 250-Ohio Innovation Trail.

Air & Space Trail

One of Huntley’s favorite stories on the Air & Space Trail involves a supposed newspaper typo. Ida Holdgreve, who was born near Delphos, applied for a “plain sewer” job listing she found in the newspaper. When she showed up at the Wright brothers’ airplane factory in Dayton, they told her she’d be sewing fabric for “planes,” as in airplanes. Turns out, the newspaper had mistakenly changed the word, thinking it was a typo.

“She’s probably thinking, ‘Well, I’m not fancy; I can do this,’ and applies for the ‘plain’ job,” Huntley says with a laugh, not-

The John & Annie Glenn Museum in New Concord and the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, dedicated to the Ohio-born astronauts. But it was the work

“The first human-powered flight features pretty prominently in air and space,” he says, “and the guys who did it are from here.” At Carillon Historical Park, visitors can

around Dayton enabled their advances. Plus, from Kress’ viewpoint, the Holy Grail of powered flight is on display at the museum in an exhibit area designed with the help of Orville Wright himself.

“The 1905 Wright Flyer III is the only airplane designated a National Historic Landmark,” Kress says. “It was built, engineered, flown and tested all here in Ohio. The brothers considered it their most important aircraft.” To learn more about the America 250-Ohio Air & Space Trail, visit america250-ohio.org/air-and-space-trail.

Creativity Trail

Huntley says she thought she knew Ohio well, but it turns out there was a lot that she discovered or re-discovered when developing the Creativity Trail, which spans 115 sites tied to music, ceramics and glass, literature, visual arts, folk arts and carousels.

For example, she didn’t know about northeast Ohio’s influential Cleveland School art movement in the first half of the 20th century that included artists Viktor Schreckengost, Julian Stanczak and Charles Burchfield, whose former Salem home is

Always in Season?

IT’S A SHORE THING

Experience Shores & Islands Ohio, a year‑round destination just a short drive away. Immerse yourself in culturally diverse events. Take a ferry ride to a Lake Erie island. Indulge in local cuisine, from upscale to casual, even dine by the lakeside. Enjoy quaint downtowns and interactive museums. Explore miles of serene trails and beaches that showcase the beauty of the changing seasons in the region. Plan your trip and find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com.

their own works. They had access to inspiration, and the region nurtured this talent.”

Those regional connections are part of what Jason Annecy attributes to the wealth

of creativity found in the state’s rural Appalachian areas, where glassmaking, woodworking and ceramics were creative outlets that also met basic needs.

“Creating is heritage, and it’s community,” says Jason, who re-opened 1940s-era glassware-maker Gay Fad Studios in Lancaster with his husband, David Annecy, in 2022.

Founded by Fran Taylor, Gay Fad Studios created midcentury glassware that gained national attention and eventually became a $10 million company with international sales. Inspired by Taylor’s success

as a woman in a male-dominated world, the Annecys reopened Gay Fad Studios as a boutique and museum, where they create and sell glassware based on Taylor’s designs and tell the story of her company.

“The glassware makes you feel like you can take a moment, make yourself a really special cocktail and sit down with a friend and have a conversation,” Jason says. “Those are the universal things that we as people have desired for centuries.” To learn more about the America 250-Ohio Creativity Trail, visit america250-ohio.org/ohio-creativity-trail.

Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail

It’s easy for Ohioans to be spoiled by their access to water. Living sandwiched between Lake Erie and the Ohio River will do that to you. Both have played large roles in the evolution of the United States in the 250 years since the country’s founding.

The 161 stops on the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail (by far the most among the announced America 250-Ohio trails) chart a course that includes War of 1812 locations

such as Fort Meigs Historic Site in Perrysburg, spots along the Miami & Erie and Ohio & Erie canals that spurred Ohio’s economic development in the 19th century, and the Campus Martius Museum, which shares Marietta’s history as the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory.

But keeping all that freshwater fresh involves research too. Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory, located on the 6-acre Gibraltar Island in Lake Erie, houses one of the oldest freshwater biological field stations in the United States, with roots dating to 1895.

Students and researchers at Stone Laboratory routinely monitor water quality by testing for algal blooms, mercury and more to gauge the lake’s health and its effect on wildlife. The lab also hosts scheduled tours and field trips.

The two-hour public tours take visitors around the island to check out Cooke Castle (a mansion that once served as a dormitory for students), a former fish hatchery with educational exhibits operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, natural wonders such as grooves left by retreating glaciers and the lab itself.

“We’re an information hub for Lake Erie right in the middle of all this,” says Kevin Hart, laboratory manager. “It’s a unique opportunity in a unique setting.” To learn more about the America 250-Ohio Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail, visit america250-ohio.org/ lake-erie-to-ohio-river.

Charming Visitors Since 1788

Founded in 1788 as the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, Marietta invites your group to experience the birthplace of America’s westward expansion. Cruise our scenic rivers aboard authentic sternwheelers, ride the charming trolley through historic streets, explore fascinating museums, and enjoy live music in a setting where history truly comes to life.

As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, discover the place where the pioneering spirit first took root.

Contact: Marietta-Washington County CVB 740-373-5178 • MariettaOhio.org • info@mariettaohio.org

AM250-OHIO Save The Date

Check out these upcoming America 250-Ohio celebrations scheduled for this month and next. For more information about America 250-Ohio activities, visit america250-ohio.org or ohiomagazine.com/america250-ohio.

MAY 30-31

Train to Newark Strawberry Festival and America 250-Ohio Picnic

Take a train ride to Downtown Newark to enjoy the Americana Strawberry Festival and participate in the America 250-Ohio picnic. Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, 400 Center St., Dennison 44621, dennisondepot.org

JUNE 6-8

Day in the Life of a Lighthouse Keeper

Brian Ellis of Fox Tales International will re-create the daily life of a lighthouse keeper on the Great Lakes. He will be at the Port Clinton Lighthouse on June 6, South Bass Island Lighthouse on June 7 and the Lakeside Chautauqua Orchestra Hall on June 8. america250-ohio.org

JUNE 13-14

America 250 Celebration: America in 1776

Join a celebration of America complete with costumed interpreters, 18th-century games and historic demonstrations. Adena Mansion and Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe 45601, ohiohistory.org

JUNE 24

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Toy Story 2 Academy Award-winning director and editor Lee Unkrich hails from Chagrin Falls and was co-director of the 1999 film “Toy Story 2.” Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Theater, 77 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls 44022, clevelandfilm.com

JUNE 27

Ohio’s Homecoming & Signature Picnic: Lima

Join the city of Lima for an all-star picnic extravaganza including the Lima Symphony Orchestra. Greater Lima Region Park & Amphitheater, 128 E. Spring St., Lima 45801, america250-ohio.org/picnic

BACKSTORY

Ohio’s Real-Life Cowboys

Rodeo! It’s what keeps the East Sparta Gang thirsty for beer, aching with pain, hungry for glory and happy with life.

This is an excerpt from a story that ran in our May 1982 issue. Read the entire story at ohiomagazine.com/cowboys.

Afoot-tall cowboy stands on the hood of the dark green Malavite family van. Two weathered horseshoes welded together shape his body, the lower one his bowed legs, the upper one his shoulders and torso. A thick industrial nut surmounted by a high-crowned steel cowboy hat forms his head. A wire lasso extends upward from one of his horseshoe hands, roping air. The East Sparta Gang is on the road again.

The cowboy on the hood is about as far as Gust Malavite Jr. can see as he and his rodeo mentor, Dick Zaleski, drive all night through thick fog, guiding the van and the horse trailer behind it at a risky 50 miles an hour from Rockford, Illinois, where they and their fellow travelers rodeoed on Friday eve-

ning to Dayton’s Hara Arena, where they are entered in the early Saturday morning “slack time” calf roping.

Gust Malavite Sr., his nephew Tim and Barbara Zaleski, Dick’s daughter, who is one of the country’s top barrel racers, sleep on the mattress that dominates the van’s carpeted interior while the Malavites’ horses, Rattler and Slick, and Barbara’s barrel horse, Quick Win, catch their equine shuteye in the trailer. Dick and Gust Junior spell each other at the wheel, assuring the green-and-white Skoal spittoon on the dashboard an active life.

The East Sparta Gang arrives at daybreak, shakes off the night’s hard traveling and immediately begins warming up the horses. Slack time is bleary-eyed, bare-bones rodeo, the pro circuit’s way of accommodating the overflow of contestants after the slots for the public matinees and the evening performances are filled.

It is run in almost perfect silence, stripped of the announcer’s cornball humor, the clowns with names like Taco Billy and Señor Whoopee, the costumes, the trick riding acts, the band music and the crowd noise that punctuate public performances. The cowboys couldn’t care less. — Dan Geringer

STAY AT THE PLAY AT THE LAKE

8 LAKES FOR CAMPING, BOATING, HIKING, FISHING, WATER SKIING, SWIMMING, KAYAKING, BIRDING, HUNTING, AND PICNICKING.*

Make the lake your own. Stay a night, a week, or a whole season, in your RV or our cabins. You’ll never run out of lake at our premium Muskingum Watershed lakefront campgrounds, with 16,000 acres of water recreation and 365 miles of shoreline.

From lush parks river gorges aviation heritage, thriving arts, and downtowns, Greene County invites you to explore, connect, and discover. Here, every adventure feels uniquely Greene, where nature, tradition, and discovery come alive. Plan your next getaway now!

WHERE EVERY TRAIL LEADS TO