Ohio

There are three large urban centres in Ohio, each with its own personality. In the state capital of Columbus, history and culture thrive at places such as the historic German Village, Short North Arts District, Center of Science and Industry (COSI) and Columbus Museum of Art.

A hub of professional sports teams overlooking Lake Erie, Cleveland is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; Playhouse Square (the largest performing arts centre outside of New York); and impressive monuments including Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, James A. Garfield Monument and USS Cod Submarine Memorial.

Riverfront Cincinnati features a fun neighbourhood scene, especially in historic Over-the-Rhine, a shopping, dining and entertainment district distinguished by its incredible architecture. Also, check out the Cincinnati Museum Center, a revered example of Art Deco architecture, and the Findlay Market, the oldest continuously operated public market in Ohio.

From Theme Park Rides to Nature Time
Thrill seekers will find endless loops, towering hills and high-speed tracks at Ohio’s two major amusement parks, Cedar Point and Kings Island. There are plenty of rides and attractions for families and little ones, too.

Prefer more low-speed adventures? Play on the beaches of Lake Erie, discover Lake Erie Islands by boat or escape to Ohio’s sprawling nature parks. Cuyahoga Valley National Park has more than 200 kilometers of hiking and biking trails, opportunities for canoeing and camping, and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad train ride. In southeastern Ohio, nature and time have carved the sandstone of the Hocking Hills region into stunning rock formations, waterfalls and valleys ideal for hiking, zip lining and paddling.

Diverse Culinary Landscape
With more than 300 wineries, 300 craft breweries and dining options ranging from casual favourites to fancier fare, Ohio is a foodie’s delight. Sample regional specialties such as Cincinnati-style chili, served on hot dogs or atop a pile of spaghetti, or goetta, a breakfast sausage with flavours that attest to the region’s German heritage. Tempt your appetite along food trails dedicated to donuts, coffee, beer, cocktails, burgers and the state’s famous Buckeye candies – peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate.

Foodies obsessed with notable chefs can sample a totally new style of barbecue inspired by Eastern European flavours at Mabel’s BBQ in Cleveland, owned by “Iron Chef” star Michael Symon, or go upscale at Trentina, an Italian restaurant by James Beard Award winner Johnathon Sawyer.