I appreciate all the feedback I've received from readers about what you would like to hear more about. I will be doing my best to incorporate some of those requests over the next couple months.
I was asked about day trips in and around Ohio. Since a lot of readers come from Ohio, I will make a few suggestions of places that are within 4 hours of Columbus, Ohio. Below you'll find four day-trip/overnight suggestions of places that I've personally visited. I plan on doing my wishlist on another post of places I'd like to go within 4 hours to give you even more ideas.
If you're looking for just things to do in Columbus, I want to give a shout out to my former editor and friend, Dennis Laycock, who writes a blog called 1,000 Things I Love About Columbus. There are so many beautiful parks and treasures he's been uncovering in Columbus and may be of interest to Ohio travel-lovers.
Additionally, there are a lot of museums in Ohio that have some great history to share, and on top of it do a lot of public programming. If you're a history-lover, you should check out the Ohio History Connection's calendar of events to get ideas for not only what's going on in Columbus, but in all the different historic homes, museums and outdoor sites managed by the Connection. At a glance for the next few weeks, I've noticed a self-guided hike at Wahkeena Nature Preserve, the art of historical cooking at Fort Hill Earthworks and a White House chef visit at the Hayes Presidential Center. Those would make great day-trips.
1. Yellow Springs, Ohio
Distance: 1 hr.
This place was suggested to me by a good friend and there are many fun options. There is a place called Young's Jersey Dairy Farm, which has excellent ice cream and a restaurant.
You can also visit the Glen Helen Nature Preserve, which has a nice visitors center where you can find out what there is as you walk through the pathways. There is a grotto and some interesting wildlife.
In and around Yellow Springs, is Clifton, Ohio with a covered bridge and the Historic Clifton Mill. (There are less than 100 mills still in existence today.)
If you've seen Shawshank Redemption (and if you haven't, come on it's a classic) you will really enjoy Mansfield. Even if you haven't seen the movie, you will really enjoy Mansfield. The Ohio State Reformatory is fascinating and intriguing. You're allowed to wander around and freak yourself out with all the nooks, crannies and peeling wallpaper in every room. The audio guides enrich your time and point out things that you would probably never notice. (For example, there's an 'x' of light that's made between four door ways that is always there because of the symmetry of the building. Interesting, but I would have walked by and never noticed.) Beware that there is no heat in the building, so we went in February and nearly froze to death. However, we still loved it and can't wait to visit again.
About 20 minutes from this site, is another wonderful site worth visiting: Malabar Farm State Park. This state park features lots of events, like Wildflower hikes and Maple Syrup Festivals. The home was built by a man named Louis Bromfield in the 1940s and has all the original furnishings. (Paintings from France, a grand piano, etc.) The home is interesting to explore, and the history is fascinating. There were many celebrities that visited the home, and in fact, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall actually got married here. The home was donated to be part of a state park, and is very well-done.
3. Cincinnati, Ohio
Distance: 1 hr. 45 min
There is a lot to do in Cincinnati, and I haven't had the chance to explore all of it. A few places I'd like to visit are the Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati Art Museum and the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. Just across the river is Newport, Kentucky, where I've visited the wonderful aquarium and waterfront area. The aquarium is a great place to visit at any time of the year, but the winter is fun to visit the turtles and alligators. The sharks that swim overhead while you're walking through is a wonderful feature.
4. Louisville, KY
Distance: 3 hrs.
If you like Bourbon, this is the place for you. There are many bourbon distilleries around Louisville, and you can pick up a pass book and follow the trail. You can also do tastings in the city (although you won't see how it is manufactured.) Some of the restaurants and bars offer tastings, and there is also a place called Evan Williams Bourbon Experience which is a fun option within the city.
The boardwalk is a nice place to walk around, and there are good views of the river. There are a lot of places to eat and bars with all sorts of live music.
5. Coopers Rock State Forest, WV
Distance: 3.5 hrs.
I just visited this place on our way back from Maryland. The views are beautiful, and I didn't get a chance to explore the entire place. The main lookout point was very crowded with people, although I think it was the time of year and time of day we went. (Perfect October weather in the afternoon!) I suspect if you aim to go here in the morning it will be less crowded, and when you get to some of the main trails it won't be so bad. There is a main overlook area, with pay-to-view finders, and then there are trails you can take that will bring you off the main overlook to an under look. There is also a gift shop and a park. If it's nice out, I think you can really make a full day of it.
I was asked about day trips in and around Ohio. Since a lot of readers come from Ohio, I will make a few suggestions of places that are within 4 hours of Columbus, Ohio. Below you'll find four day-trip/overnight suggestions of places that I've personally visited. I plan on doing my wishlist on another post of places I'd like to go within 4 hours to give you even more ideas.
If you're looking for just things to do in Columbus, I want to give a shout out to my former editor and friend, Dennis Laycock, who writes a blog called 1,000 Things I Love About Columbus. There are so many beautiful parks and treasures he's been uncovering in Columbus and may be of interest to Ohio travel-lovers.
Additionally, there are a lot of museums in Ohio that have some great history to share, and on top of it do a lot of public programming. If you're a history-lover, you should check out the Ohio History Connection's calendar of events to get ideas for not only what's going on in Columbus, but in all the different historic homes, museums and outdoor sites managed by the Connection. At a glance for the next few weeks, I've noticed a self-guided hike at Wahkeena Nature Preserve, the art of historical cooking at Fort Hill Earthworks and a White House chef visit at the Hayes Presidential Center. Those would make great day-trips.
1. Yellow Springs, Ohio
Distance: 1 hr.
This place was suggested to me by a good friend and there are many fun options. There is a place called Young's Jersey Dairy Farm, which has excellent ice cream and a restaurant.
You can also visit the Glen Helen Nature Preserve, which has a nice visitors center where you can find out what there is as you walk through the pathways. There is a grotto and some interesting wildlife.
In and around Yellow Springs, is Clifton, Ohio with a covered bridge and the Historic Clifton Mill. (There are less than 100 mills still in existence today.)
2. Mansfield, Ohio
Distance: 1 hour
The state park (which is also near Mohican State Park) features hiking trails and look-outs. (See a map here.) The tallest point in the area, Mt. Jeez, is a great overlook to see the entire farm.
Distance: 1 hr. 45 min
There is a lot to do in Cincinnati, and I haven't had the chance to explore all of it. A few places I'd like to visit are the Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati Art Museum and the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. Just across the river is Newport, Kentucky, where I've visited the wonderful aquarium and waterfront area. The aquarium is a great place to visit at any time of the year, but the winter is fun to visit the turtles and alligators. The sharks that swim overhead while you're walking through is a wonderful feature.
Distance: 3 hrs.
If you like Bourbon, this is the place for you. There are many bourbon distilleries around Louisville, and you can pick up a pass book and follow the trail. You can also do tastings in the city (although you won't see how it is manufactured.) Some of the restaurants and bars offer tastings, and there is also a place called Evan Williams Bourbon Experience which is a fun option within the city.
The boardwalk is a nice place to walk around, and there are good views of the river. There are a lot of places to eat and bars with all sorts of live music.
5. Coopers Rock State Forest, WV
Distance: 3.5 hrs.
I just visited this place on our way back from Maryland. The views are beautiful, and I didn't get a chance to explore the entire place. The main lookout point was very crowded with people, although I think it was the time of year and time of day we went. (Perfect October weather in the afternoon!) I suspect if you aim to go here in the morning it will be less crowded, and when you get to some of the main trails it won't be so bad. There is a main overlook area, with pay-to-view finders, and then there are trails you can take that will bring you off the main overlook to an under look. There is also a gift shop and a park. If it's nice out, I think you can really make a full day of it.
