There are still two months left to enjoy before the kids head back to school. If you missed the window of opportunity to plan a faraway getaway this summer, don’t fret. There are plenty of travel opportunities that only require a tank or so of gas:
Week 1:
Cleveland rocks. This city simply has it all – from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (
www.rockhall.com) to the Indians to the beach. Purchase a Cleveland Plus Pass (
www.positivelycleveland.com/pluspass) for access to 10 major attractions this summer, including the Costa Rican butterflies at the Cleveland Botanical Garden and the Jersey cows at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, and receive a savings of 30 percent or more in traveler discounts.
Week 2:
Akron especially takes delight in summer’s “dog days” this year. Through August, the Akron Art Museum features the Fay exhibit, with the work of William Wegman and his photographical series of his beloved Weimaraner Fay (
www.akronartmuseum.org). Through October, the famous Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens hosts Barkitecture, an artful exhibit of one-of-a-kind doghouses (
www.stanhywet.org). To tie you over during the off season, head south to Canton and check out the Pro Football Hall of Fame, honoring the best professional gridiron players since 1920 (
www.profootballhof.com).
Week 3:
A daytrip to Zanesville provides an abundance of adventure. Hop on the Lorena Sternwheeler for a lunch, dinner or twilight cruise along the Muskingum River (
www.visitzanesville.com). Or join a safari tour at The Wilds in nearby Cumberland, one of the largest wildlife conservation centers in the world and home to rare and endangered species (
www.thewilds.org). If animals aren’t your thing, check out the Zanesville Art Center’s 60th Ohio Show, with more than 70 pieces of work from Ohio artists (
www.zanesvilleartcenter.org).
Week 4:
What’s a summer without grabbing a hot dog and catching a Cincinnati Reds game at the Great American Ball Park (
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com)? While you’re there, peruse the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, paying homage to the team’s past. Spend the day at Fountain Square, or on the Cincinnati Riverfront, or at the Cincinnati Museum. Plan a trip around the Cincinnati USA Brew Ha-Ha event, Aug. 21 and 22, with 50 comedians and 60 different beers. While you’re playing in the city, stay at the Garfield Suites, the only hotel downtown that offers condo-suites, ideal for the entire family.
If the hustle and bustle of the city isn’t your thing, stay just north in Warren County – also known as Ohio’s Largest Playground (
www.ohioslargestplayground.com). Experience the Diamondback, King’s Island’s new roller coaster that hits 80 mph (
www.visitkingsisland.com), or trek to the other side of I-71 for a dip at the Beach Waterpark (
www.thebeachwaterpark.com). When the weather cools off, you can still splash around at Great Wolf Lodge, one of the largest indoor water parks (
www.greatwolflodge.com).
Week 5:
Summer wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the water world of Sandusky. Kick off your visit with a trip to Cedar Point, the world’s largest amusement park (
www.cedarpoint.com), including Soak City’s many adventures. Hop a ferry to Put-in-Bay (
www.putinbay.com), with its charming shops, historical landmarks and endless entertainment options. Or, visit the more peaceful Kelleys Island (
www.kelleysisland.com) and go bird watching, Scuba diving, kayaking or fishing.
Week 6:
Slow things down and take a step back in time at Roscoe Village in Coshocton. The 1800s-era town celebrates its 40th anniversary of restoration this year with many special events. In July, guests can learn about the Toll House renovations and, in August, they can experience the “Towpath” tour about its canal history. Check out the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum through August to enjoy an exhibit of contemporary art quilts, or shop the variety of unique stores in the village (
www.roscoevillage.com).
Week 7:
Just a hop southwest is Greene County, which offers up plenty of small town surprises, including Yellow Springs’ Art on the Lawn event, Aug. 8, gallery hop/wine tastings downtown on select Fridays and The Ice Cream Tour July 26 (
www.yellowspringsohio.org). Fairborn presents the annual Sweet Corn Festival Aug. 18 and 19, and don’t miss Xenia’s Rail and Arts Fest Aug. 22.
Week 8:
It’s time to hit the stores for some prime back-to-school shopping deals. Where better to do that than Prime Outlets (
www.primeoutlets.com) in Jeffersonville? Barely more than a half hour drive from Columbus, Prime Outlets offers more than 100 stores – including Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, COACH, Gap, J. Crew, Nike, Ralph Lauren and more – so you can get in some shopping for yourself, as well.