The South-Central Ohio Wild, Weird, and Wonderful Social Distancing Driving Tour!

My family was sick and tired of our indoor quarantine life, so we took a simple road trip to some of the more interesting and off the beaten path sights in the Dayton – Xenia – Wilmington area. I like to call this the Wild, Weird, and Wonderful Social Distancing Driving Tour!  This was our route for sightseeing satisfaction at a socially acceptable distance. Every stop on this tour is free, open at all hours of the day, and provides enough space to keep socially distant from other folks. The route follows a U-shape formation, starting in Enon and ending in Dayton.

Adena Burial Mound

Stop 1: Enon Adena Burial Mound, 400 Mound Cir, Enon, OH 45323.

This conical burial mound is the second tallest in Ohio. The mound is 40 feet high and is thought to be the work of the Adena Native Americans, original settlers of the area. There is a small parking lot, and it’s an easy walk up to and around the mound.

Stop 2: Beavercreek 9/11 Memorial, 1152 N Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek, OH  45432

These 25-feet-tall steel beams came to Beavercreek from the World Trade Center site. This respectful memorial features placards naming all the 9/11 victims from all the crash sites. It’s easy to spend some time here reading and remembering. This stop is at Beavercreek Station, which also provides access for the Creekside recreational trail. When social distancing, this is the most challenging stop as it can be very busy with people accessing the trail. There is a great parking lot, picnic tables, and restrooms, although they were closed while we visited.

Stop 3: Engle Mill Rd. Covered Bridge, 3420 Engle Mill Rd, Xenia, OH 45385

It’s an easy country drive to the Engle Mill Rd. Covered Bridge. Visitors can’t drive across the bridge, but there are places to park on either end to get out and walk. When we visited, it was a lovely day, so we paused to enjoy nature for few moments. Descriptive signs provide the history of this bridge.

Engle Mill Rd. Covered Bridge

Stop 4: Downtown Wilmington wall mural (Corner of Rt. 68 and Main St.), 2 E Main St., Wilmington, OH 45177

It's easy to park across the street from the mural by the county courthouse and have the perfect spot for picture taking. This mural is the work of local artist Jason Morgan and it features images from the Century Farms life in the 1930s.

Stop 5: Frankenstein’s Monster, 1261 W Dalton Rd, Wilmington, OH

Standing guard at the gate of the Wilmington Haunted Hollow Ride, it doesn’t have to be Halloween to snap a picture with this guy! He’s officially the scariest stop on our tour, standing about 15 feet tall with a permanently creepy face. There’s no official parking during the off season, but it’s easy to pull in the driveway long enough to take a photo.

Stop 6: World’s Largest Horseshoe Crab, 7592 OH-124, Hillsboro, OH 45133

World's largest horseshoe crab

This crab is currently sitting in its fourth location having previously lived in Baltimore, the Creation Museum, and Blanchester, Ohio. At 28 feet wide and 68 feet long, it’s affectionately known as “Crabby,” and it’s worth the stop. The crab is large enough to house a picnic table and umbrella inside, although there's really no time for picnicking these days. The parking situation at this site is the most difficult. There is a driveway adjacent to the crab that will work for a quick stop. We missed the driveway, so we pulled across the street to an apartment complex. It's tough to pull off along the side of the road, and there’s no official parking lot.

Stop 7: Large Adirondack Chair, 6945 Hwy 73, Wilmington, Ohio 45177

This larger than life piece of furniture sits at The Wooden Branch business, so if visitors are in the market for a shed, they can kill two birds with one stone at this top. It’s easy to park in the parking lot and take a photo by the chair. Unfortunately, climbing up into the chair is frowned upon.

Stop 8: Tall Stack of Books, 111 West Spring Valley Pike, Centerville, OH

This sculpture can be found at the Washington-Centerville Public Library. Officially called “The Record,” it is 22 feet tall and is made of terracotta. The library parking lot makes for easy parking and access.

Stop 9: Big Apple Made of Flatware, 56 Armor Place, Dayton, OH 45417

This eight-foot-tall apple sculpture is the work of artist Chad Johnson and features thousands of knives, forks, and spoons. It can be found outside the Dayton Foodbank on the south side of their property. The adjacent parking lot makes it easy to visit.

 

Large apple made of Flatware

When touring during the pandemic, it's smart to pack sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, although we didn’t have trouble finding enough drive thru restaurants to feed us on our journey. Restrooms are harder to come by during the shut down. Gas stations proved to be the best bet. As always, pack hand sanitizer and masks to be prepared for any situation. The total travel time will be 4-6 hours depending on the starting point and how much time is spent at each spot. We had an easy five-hour journey on our travel day. 

Map of the driving route

Frankenstein's Monster

Large stack of books

Large Adirondack chair

Wall mural in downtown Wilmington

This beaver is an added bonus when you stop at the 9/11 site.

The 9/11 memorial

Yes, you can get close to the world's largest horseshoe crab!!

Day tripping at Charleston Falls

The Miami County Parks in western Ohio are a local treasure. Besides being so well maintained, they offer a wide variety of educational programs and activities for the entire family. My favorite park is the Charleston Falls Preserve.

This gem of a park is located between Tipp City and Huber Heights, Ohio. It covers 216 acres and offers almost 4 miles of hiking and jogging trails. The main reason to visit this particular park, though, is the waterfall. At 37 feet in height, it can be called a “Miniature Niagara” due to the rock strata of the same nature as the real Niagara Falls. These falls are fed from underground springs several miles away, but they are most spectacular after heavy rainfall. During periods of intense cold in the winter, the falls will actually freeze, and it’s worth the chilly walk to see this amazing sight.

The trek to the falls is an easy gravel pathway from the parking lot, less than half a mile. There are two vantage points for seeing the falls. The upper view allows visitors to see the top of the falls as the water tumbles over the cliff. Informational signage is posted as well as warning signs for safety. The lower vantage point is from a staircase which leads visitors down to the observation boardwalk. Visitors can see the falls as they splash down into the pool at the bottom. A bit of spray can sometimes be felt depending on the amount of water and the wind.

Most kids love the cave! Bring a flashlight and watch
out for standing water. 

From the lower observation boardwalk, it’s a short walk to the limestone cave. This is a popular spot with kids as they love to climb inside. The opening isn’t huge, so crawling is required (parents beware!). A flashlight or headlamp is handy since it becomes dark quickly. If the weather has been rainy, cave crawlers can expect standing water on the bottom.

From the cave, continue to follow the trail which rises to the junctions of the Redbud Valley and the Thorny Badlands. Either trail takes visitors to the outer reaches of the park. The trails loop through the woods, sometimes winding alongside the stream, the same one created by the waterfall which eventually empties into the Great Miami River. The lookout tower can be accessed from the Thorny Badlands trail, and it allows travelers to climb a bit higher for a birds’ eye view.

Visitors can also inspect the Cedar Pond, where glimpses of fish, snakes, or frogs may be seen. The pond is one section of the park not covered by trees, so sunny days are even more pleasant there. No fishing or swimming is allowed, just careful observation.

Charleston Falls Preserve also has picnic tables and full service restrooms adjacent to the parking lot. As with all the Miami County Parks, the preserve is open from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Helpful signs at the park entrance alert visitors to the official closing times each day. Other handy signs are also posted throughout the park to remind visitors about safety and to also give directions.

Plan a visit to Charleston Falls or any of the Miami County Parks by visiting the website at http://www.miamicountyparks.com/ .

The stream running away from the falls is quite picturesque.

Wintertime visitors might get lucky enough to see this!

The Thorny Badlands is neither thorny, not bad! It's a lovely tree lined
walk through the woods.

Living the Simpler Life in Ohio's Amish Country

Looking to escape the hectic rat race of everyday life? Why not take a short journey to Ohio’s Amish country? With the largest settlement of Amish and Mennonite people in the United States, its’s a refreshing look at a slice of yesteryear.

Berlin, Ohio is an ideal place to stay and use as a jumping-off point for exploring Amish Country. Centrally located in Holmes County, it’s blessed with a variety of lodging options, as well as restaurants and shops.

Watch cheese being made at Heini's Cheese Chalet.

A must-see attraction for those who want to learn more about the history of the Amish, is the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center, featuring the Behalt. This 265 by 10-foot cyclorama painting tells the history of the Anabaptist people, who later split into the groups Amish, Mennonite, and Hutterite. It took the artist, Heinz Gaugel, 14 years to complete the mural, and it is one of only four cycloramas in North America. A small fee is charged to view the Behalt which also includes a 30-minute guided tour. A gift shop and small museum are also featured. Find out more at http://behalt.com .

Fun times at Guggisburg Cheese

Cheese making is a major industry in Amish Country, and visitors can witness the cheese making process at two different places. Heini’s Cheese Chalet provides a short tour to learn about the cheese making process which begins with the milk provided from local Amish farmers. From there, step into the country store where over 35 varieties of cheese can be sampled before buying. The store also features other delicacies such as fudge, jams, jellies, Ohio honey, meats, and more! Learn more and order online at http://heinis.com .

Not far away is Guggisburg Cheese, home of the original Baby Swiss. Visitors can again watch cheese being made as well as shop in the store. Stroll the gardens and take pictures before stepping across the street to eat at the Chalet in the Valley. This restaurant, built in the style of a Swiss Chalet, features authentic Austrian and Swiss dishes. Learn more at www.babyswiss.com .

More than a store, Lehman's is a
destination!

It’s a shopper’s paradise in Amish Country! Fine hand-crafted furniture, quilts, baskets, hand-sewn items, outdoor furniture, and more can all be found from one end of the county to the other. For a truly unique experience, be sure to visit Lehmans in Kidron, Ohio. This farm store bills itself as the place to find “Simpler Products for a Simpler Life.” Beyond the many Amish-made items sold there, they also feature unique items that typical stores just don’t sell. Their website is a treasure trove, too. Check it out at www.lehmans.com .

An enormous rocking chair? Why not!!

Don’t miss an authentic farm experience while in Amish Country. Ride horses, see farm animals, take a horse and buggy ride, tour authentic Amish homes to see life without electricity, or visit petting areas. Many working farms also feature markets where visitors can purchase produce and baked goods straight from the source. A farm visit is fun for everyone, especially kids.

When planning a trip to Ohio’s Amish Country, know that most restaurants and businesses are not open on Sundays. Also, shops tend to close at 5:00 p.m. and most restaurants are closed by 8:00 p.m. A slower pace of life is the norm. But, if Ohio’s back country roads and byways are where you want to be, then Ohio’s Amish Country is the place for you!

More Recommendations:

Berlin Resort -- http://www.berlinresort.net/ 

The Berlin Resort was a pleasant surprise in all aspects. Nestled in the hills of Ohio's Amish Country, the resort felt like a little slice of heaven. We stayed in a standard suite, and it was huge. The room featured a king-sized bed, 50 inch television, Jacuzzi bathtub, large walk-in shower with a rain shower head, two sink areas and a separate toilet room, and a refrigerator. Breakfast was included with our stay, and I recommend the cinnamon rolls. They were so good!

The grounds are beautiful at the Berlin Resort.

The indoor swimming pool area was also very nice with a heated saltwater pool and a whirlpool. The sauna and steam room were also right there, and my husband found the steam room to be of excellent quality. We didn't use the exercise room, but from what we could tell, it seemed the be well outfitted. There was also a room used for fitness classes, which seem to be offered throughout the week. 

The grounds are gorgeous! There's a lovely gazebo right next to the koi pond. Also featured is a pergola, a putting green, a children's play village, and a fire ring. Unfortunately it rained during most of our visit, so we didn't get to use these items as much as we would've liked to, but we during a break from raindrops on the last day we had the chance to walk around and take a look at everything. 

Finally, I have to speak about the cleanliness. The entire property was spic and span. I didn't see anything that looked less than spectacular. A huge plus in my book!

Restaurants

Berlin Farmstead -- Delicious Amish Cooking in Berlin, Ohio -- www.berlinfarmstead.com 

Boyd and Wurthmann -- Berlin, Ohio -- www.boydandwurthmann.com

Homemade Amish food in a place where the locals eat. If you're looking for an authentic experience, this is the place for you. The roast beef dinner was particularly good.

Chalet in the Valley -- Across from Guggisburg Cheese in Charm, Ohio -- www.babyswiss.com

Shopping in Berlin, Ohio

Helping Hands Quilt Shop -- www.helpinghandsquilts.com 

Watch Amish women quilt (and speak in German) while you shop in the premier quilt shop of Berlin. 

Hershberger's Farm and Bakery -- http://www.ohiosamishcountry.com/listing/hershberger-farm-and-bakery.html 

Hershberger's was the perfect blend of farm experiences, food shop, and gift store. The petting area for the farm animals is free (great on the budget!), and there are tons of animals to pet. Be sure to see the 3,000 lb horse (oh my!) and the goats on the roof of the barn. You can send ice cream cones up on a pulley for the goats. There were lots of baby animals there on the day we visited, and they were so cute. For a fee you can ride in a horse and buggy around the farm and kids can ride the horses or ponies. There are two stores, one is where they sell gift items. I bought a handmade basket for under $20, and they sell many other handmade items there. Just check labels because not everything is made locally. After that, step over to the food store where you can buy any number of homemade delicacies. We bought fry pies that are to die for! The kettle corn, made right outside in a big kettle, was also delicious. 

Goats on the barn roof at Hershberger's Farm

Off the Beaten Path in Ohio....The Ohio State Reformatory

I love to visit places that are unique and not necessarily on everyone’s “must-see” list. That’s exactly what my girls and I found when we visited the Ohio State Reformatory Historic Site in Mansfield, Ohio. Ever since we visited Alcatraz in California, we’ve had a fascination with old prisons, so this trip was right up our alley.

It's an easy interstate drive to Mansfield from most major cities in Ohio. The Reformatory sits very close to the road, and as soon as we turned from the main drag, we could see it. “Oh wow! Look at that! It’s like a castle,” were just a few of the comments that drifted from the back seat. The Reformatory is one of the most castle-like structures in Ohio, and it is indeed an impressive structure.

Our self-guided tour of the Reformatory began in the front section of the building that used to house the prison offices as well as the warden’s living quarters. The rooms are now empty except for the occasional chair or random fixture that’s been left behind. It’s all peeling paint and dark corners for the most part. Still, it was easy enough for us to imagine what life could’ve been like during the prison’s glory days. The audio wand that we rented helped us understand how these rooms would’ve been used by the warden and his family.

From the living quarters and offices, we made our way into the main prison building, which consists of two cell blocks, east and west. The east cell block, where we spent the most time exploring, stands silent and empty with just its steel cellblock as a reminder of the past. This cellblock is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest freestanding steel cellblock in the world. It is not supported by any of the outside prison walls. It’s 6 tiers high, and at one point in time it held 2,000 prisoners. As we strolled the area, we saw remnants of beds and washbasins, toilets and bookshelves. It was hard to imagine how two grown men would have shared such a small space.

Looking down the walkway on the upper
part of the east cell block.

The west cell block is the older part of the prison, and its cells were constructed from concrete cinder block. These cells are bigger than the ones in the east side of the prison, and prisoners felt lucky if they got transferred to a cell in the west. From this part of the prison we also saw the solitary confinement cells which were windowless and lonely. At that exact moment, we happened to be the lone tourists exploring that part of the prison, and it was creepy enough to send us scurrying back to the main area.

The Reformatory claims paranormal activity is a regular occurrence, and many of the audio wand recordings shared the various supernatural happenings. Visitors interested in that side of the Reformatory can sign up for the regular ghost walks and ghost hunts that are offered.

A small museum at the front of the Reformatory also features artifacts from the prison days past. A museum highlight is “Old Sparky,” the original electric chair on permanent loan from the Columbus Penitentiary. Scratches and the impression of a handprint adorn that chair, and it’s a bit unnerving to see it in person.

Don't miss "Old Sparky" on loan from the
Columbus Penitentiary. 

Surprisingly, the facility is air conditioned, but beyond that, it feels like people walked away from the site once it closed in 1990 and never returned. Visitors are warned that they will encounter stairs, uneven walkways, and lead-based paint. This is an old building, not a modern structure with all the latest conveniences. Note that the Reformatory is not handicapped accessible, nor is it recommended for pregnant women or children under 7.

It takes around two hours to explore the Reformatory. The aforementioned audio wands are available for an extra $5 each, and I recommend them as the informational signage throughout the prison is minimal. Most tours are self-guided except for the guided tours that are available on Sundays. Special events are also scheduled throughout the season which require specific tickets purchased in advance.

Those who’ve seen the movie “The Shawshank Redemption,” will find special significance here since the majority of the movie was filmed at the Reformatory and around the town of Mansfield. In fact, there’s a “Shawshank Trail” that visitors can follow to see many of the movie filming sites, both at the Reformatory and around town.

It’s worth the drive to Mansfield to see this unique prison and little slice of Ohio’s history. Plan your visit today at http://www.mrps.org .

The famous bedroom scene from "The Shawshank Redemption" was actually
filmed here.

This windowless room had a single chair in it. For some reason, this space
was super-creepy. We didn't spend much time in here!

The former Warden's quarters have been
abandoned and sit empty except for a stray
piece of furniture here and there.

The former prison chapel

The west cell block is the older of the two and
was built from concrete block, not steel.

The east cell block is the largest free-standing steel
structure in the world.

These doors opened into the turrets that adorn the outside
walls of the prison. They were dark. We finally ventured
into one using our flashlights, but it was too scary
to stay.

This circular staircase is on the outside of the steel cell block
of the east side of the prison.

This is the "alley." It ran down the middle of the east cell
block. Guards could access the pipes for each cell from
here and could also eavesdrop on the prisoners.

Two men would share these small cells.

Looking at the upper portion of the east cell block

Family Fun in Cincinnati

In Ohio for some family fun this summer? Head to the Queen City...Cincinnati. Packed with family-friendly destinations, you’ll think you’ve traveled to an entertainment hot spot. Try a few of these attractions to make the most of your visit.

The new Banshee coaster is the world's longest
inverted coaster.

King’s Island. Record-breaking rollercoasters, a world-class water park, and star-studded entertainment make King’s Island one of Ohio’s best attractions. Don’t miss the newest coaster, Banshee, which set a record as the world’s longest inverted coaster. The Beast, which celebrates its 35^th birthday this season, still holds the record as the world’s longest wooden coaster. It sits adjacent to the Diamondback, the Vortex, and a host of other rides that will surely deliver the thrills, chills, and spills that your family craves. Milder rides also abound in every section of the park along with an award-winning kids’ section, and the recently remodeled water park, Soak City. Daily admission starts at $59.99, but many discount offers are available online. Plan your visit at www.visitkingsisland.com .

The Asian elephants are always a favorite at the
Cincinnati zoo. See over 500 species of animals!

Cincinnati Zoo. If rollercoasters aren’t your speed, then head on over to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Consistently rated as one of the top zoos in the country, over 500 animal and 3,000 plant species are featured. Don’t miss the newest exhibit, Africa, which opens on June 28^th. Designed like an African savannah, visitors will have unrestricted views and close encounters with the animals. Other exciting exhibits include polar bears in the “Lords of the Arctic,” orangutans in “Jungle Trails,” and Asian elephants in the “Elephant Reserve.” There’s also  giraffes, rhinos, reptiles, and more. It’s a full day at the zoo! General admission is $15 for adults and $11 for kids, but there are many package deals available. Plan your visit online at http://cincinnatizoo.org.  

Kids of all ages love the Duke Energy
Children's Museum!

Cincinnati Museum Center. If you’d rather spend the day indoors, then try the Cincinnati Museum Center. Housed in the former Union Terminal train station, this museum houses three different museums, an Omnimax theatre, and a variety of traveling exhibits. The “Diana: A Celebration” exhibit is currently featured and showcases the life and work of Diana, Princess of Wales. This award-winning exhibit will be at the museum through August 17^th. While you’re there, visit the Cincinnati History Museum which takes visitors on a walk through the past of this great city. The Museum of Natural History and Science provides a wealth of hands-on experiences about prehistoric history and the scientific world. Finally, the Duke Energy Children’s Museum offers hours of hands-on play and exploration for kids of all ages. Wrap it up with a movie on the Omnimax’s five-story screen, and you’ve got a day full of excitement. Ticket prices vary depending on the number of museums visited. The website at www.cincymuseum.org explains the various options available.

Fountain Square.  Whether you choose to spend an entire evening here, or you stop by on your way to another location, Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati has food, fun, and entertainment all summer long. An daily schedule of events means that there’s always something happening, in addition to the permanent dining and shopping storefronts that surround the square. Music, dancing, sports events on the big screen...you’ll find it in the square. Check out their website at http://myfountainsquare.com for the full schedule of summertime events. Also, keep in mind that there’s ice skating here in the winter.

Reds Baseball. It’s the great American pastime, and a chance to see live Major League baseball in action. Tickets can be had for as little as $9, depending on the game. Visit http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com for ticket information and details on special events.

You can have a fun, family-filled adventure in southwest Ohio. Try Cincinnati and see what a great time you can have!

Other places to explore in the Cincinnati area...
The Beach Waterpark: http://www.thebeachwaterpark.com/
Newport Aquarium:  http://www.newportaquarium.com/
The Creation Museum: http://creationmuseum.org/
Newport on the Levee: http://www.newportonthelevee.com/
Cincinnati Art Museum: http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: http://freedomcenter.org/

Riding the Rails in Ohio!

The Diamondback at King's Island ends with a
spectacular splashdown.

Roller coaster and theme park enthusiasts are lucky to live in Ohio which ranks third in the country for theme park visits. Ohio boasts two of the top 15 amusement parks in the country, Cedar Point and King’s Island. Each park drew over 3.2 million visitors in 2012, and major roller coasters are part of their appeal. If you’ve been considering a trip to these two roller coaster hotspots, here are a few highlights to entice you.

Cedar Point. Cedar Point holds the title of, “The Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” and with 16 coasters, it’s an appropriate designation. Cedar Point bills its newest coaster, the Gatekeeper, as the world’s longest, fastest, and tallest winged coaster. Reaching speeds of 67 mph, this monster greets visitors at the front gate with a 164-foot drop and two keyhole passes.

After riding the Gatekeeper, consider the Millennium Force. An elevator cable system pulls riders up 310 feet and then drops them at speeds of up to 92 mph. Not to be outdone is the Top Thrill Dragster. It launches riders from zero to 120 mph in a mere three seconds and then shoots them up a 420-foot vertical tower. Rounding out this trifecta of bad boys is one of the earliest mega coasters, the Magnum XL-200, which still thrills with a first hill of over 200 feet and reaching speeds of 72 mph.

Fans of wooden roller coasters will find plenty to keep them occupied at Cedar Point. The Gemini, a wooden racing coaster, reaches speeds of 60 mph. Also watch out for the Mean Streak. With 1.7 million feet of pine to provide the structure, the Mean Streak takes riders on a rip-roarin’ trip at 65 mph. Don’t forget an old favorite, the Blue Streak. This classic from 1964 still offers riders plenty of air time, bumps and jostles.

Are you brave enough to ride these coaster giants in Ohio?

A trip to Cedar Point wouldn’t be complete without a ride on the Raptor, a suspended coaster that’s situated on the midway. Its riders’ feet hang free as they endure six inversions at 57 mph. From there move to the Mantis, one of the world’s great standing coasters. Riders stand for a 145-foot climb that dives into a 119-foot loop while traveling at 60 mph.

If roller coasters don’t appeal to you, there’s still plenty to enjoy at Cedar Point. 72 rides dot the property, from wild to mild. The park also boasts live entertainment, midway games, a kids’ area, a water park, a campground, several resort hotels, and a beach. Find out everything you need to know for your trip at www.cedarpoint.com .

King’s Island. King’s Island is the midwest’s largest amusement and water park, boasting 14 roller coasters and over 80 rides. Two headlining coasters, the Diamondback and the Beast, dominate the park’s major attractions. New in 2008, the Diamondback towers as the tallest and fastest coaster in the park, and it treats riders to a 215-foot drop and speeds of up to 80mph. It features six drops and concludes with a spectacular splashdown ending. The open stadium-style seats provide riders with superb views of the park as they ride.

Not to be overshadowed is the Beast. This classic wooden coaster still holds the world record as the longest wooden coaster with 7,400 feet of track and more than four minutes of ride time. With two lift hills and a 540-degree helix tunnel for the grand finale, the Beast is consistently voted as one of the world’s greatest coasters by coaster enthusiasts worldwide.

These two giants aren’t the only ones lurking at King’s Island. In addition to three kiddie coasters, wooden coaster fans will enjoy the Racer, a racing-style coaster that’s been at King’s Island since the beginning. After a turn on the Racer, head over to Invertigo, a steel coaster where riders face each other as they move through three inversions forward and again backward. Thrill seekers also won’t want to miss Firehawk where riders flip through five inversions all while facing the ground as if flying. The Flight of Fear coaster features a catapult launch taking riders from zero to 54 mph in just four seconds. Keeping riders in the dark is part of the fun since the entire ride is enclosed. The Vortex, another steel coaster favorite, flips riders upside down six times and was the first coaster in the world to do so.

Plenty of rides are available in both parks for
non-coaster riders.

Just as with Cedar Point, non-coaster riders will still have plenty to do at King’s Island. Live entertainment, midway games, a water park, and a wide variety of other rides will keep the entire family busy. The kids’ area at King’s Island has been voted as the world’s best by Amusement Today magazine 12 years in a row. Go to www.visitkingsisland.com for more information.

With all this excitement packed into two amusement parks, no wonder Ohio ranks third in the U.S.A for theme park visits. Take time this summer to ride a few of the rails in the Buckeye State and see for yourself why Ohio is a hot spot for amusement park fun.

Day Trippin' in West Central Ohio

Kids love to explore the subterranean world at Ohio Caverns.

5 Trips in the "Heart of it All!"

Take a fun day trip or a short stopover in west central Ohio and see some of what the Buckeye State has to offer.

Ohio Caverns. It’s an easy country drive to West Liberty, Ohio, where you can tour magnificent caverns, billed as the world’s most beautiful and Ohio’s largest caverns. Open year-round, the caverns maintain a comfortable 54-degree temperature no matter what the season. You’ll see some of the most colorful crystals in the world, including the Crystal King, a pure white formation that’s nearly 5 feet long. Visitors can take the Natural Wonder tour, a 50-minute walking tour that winds through a mile’s worth of subterranean splendor. The path is paved, although stairs and narrow passages are part of the tour, so it is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Other tours are also available, including one that does accommodate wheelchairs. All tours require an admission fee. Ohio Caverns also features 35 acres of grounds that include picnic pavilions, restrooms, a gift shop, and gem and fossil mining. Visit www.ohiocaverns.com for more information and to plan your visit.

Piatt Castles.  After you go to Ohio Caverns, make a short jaunt over to the Piatt Castles, also in West Liberty, Ohio. Built by the Piatt Family, the two castles, Mac-a-Cheek and Mac-O-Chee, showcase the history of the family and the splendor of the western Ohio countryside in which they reside. The castles are open daily during the summer, and summertime camps are available for kids.  Visitors may choose from a combo ticket for both castles or a single-castle ticket. Discounts are offered for kids, seniors, and AAA members. The first floors of each castle are wheelchair accessible. Visit the website at www.piattcastles.org for more information and to plan your visit.

Airstream Factory Tours. Ever wondered about those sleek silver bullet trailers seen in campgrounds and cruising along the interstate? Well, they’re made in Ohio! Each trailer is made by hand in accordance with the company’s belief of quality, innovation, and design. To watch this process in action, take a trip to Jackson Center for the Airstream Factory Tour. This free tour is given every Monday through Friday at 2:00 p.m. You’ll tour the production facility in an easy ¾ mile walk. Group tours for 10 or more people can be arranged in advance. Visit http://www.airstream.com/company/tours/ for more information.

Bicycle Museum of America. Do you have a bicycle buff in your family? If so, consider a trip to New Bremen, Ohio, and the Bicycle Museum of America. This museum features over 300 bikes on permanent display and another 1,000 bikes displayed on a rotating basis. The collection includes bikes from the 1800s through current times. An on-site theatre provides the history of bicycles, and a gift shop is also available. The museum’s interactive website is worth a visit for bicycle fans and students conducting research. The museum is open Monday through Saturday in the summer. A small admission fee is charged for entry with discounts for kids and seniors.  See more at www.bicyclemuseum.com .

At Ohio Caverns, see the Crystal King, a
5-foot formation. Amazing!

 

Armstrong Air and Space Museum. It’s an easy interstate drive to Wapakoneta, Ohio, where you can visit the Armstrong Air and Space Museum. Visitors will view exhibits related to Neil Armstrong and space travel, including an Apollo 11 moon rock, Neil Armstrong’s Gemini and Apollo spacesuits, and the Gemini VIII spacecraft. In addition to the memorabilia on display, visitors can try their hand at three different simulators where they can try to land the lunar module and space shuttle or dock the Gemini capsule. A 25-minute film showcases the Apollo 11’s lunar landing. Open daily during the summer, admission is charged for entry. Discounts are available for children, seniors, and active military personnel. Group visits may be arranged for 10 or more people. Find more information at www.armstrongmuseum.org .

A trip through Ohio can be a fun vacation with some easy research and a day’s worth of travel. After all, Ohio is the heart of it all!