bigtravelbuzzOhio is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is the 34th largest state by area and the 7th most populous state with a population of over 11.6 million people. The state capital is Columbus, and other major cities include Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo.
Ohio is known for its diverse economy, which includes manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and education. The state is also home to several major universities, including Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, and the University of Cincinnati.
Ohio has a rich history and is home to several historic sites and landmarks, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, and the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.
In terms of natural attractions, Ohio has several state parks, including Hocking Hills State Park, which offers opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and zip-lining, as well as the Lake Erie Islands, which are popular for boating and fishing.
Ohio is also known for its sports teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Cincinnati Reds. The state has a strong football culture, and high school football is a popular pastime throughout the state.
Overall, Ohio offers a mix of urban and rural experiences, with plenty of opportunities for culture, recreation, and entertainment.
Places to Visit in Ohio
There are many interesting and diverse places to visit in Ohio. Here are some suggestions:
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland): This museum celebrates the history of rock and roll music and features exhibits on famous musicians, instruments, and memorabilia.
Cedar Point Amusement Park (Sandusky): This popular amusement park is known for its roller coasters and other thrill rides.
Hocking Hills State Park (Logan): This beautiful state park is home to caves, waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic vistas.
National Museum of the United States Air Force (Dayton): This museum features a large collection of historic aircraft, including the presidential planes used by several U.S. presidents.
Ohio Statehouse (Columbus): This historic building serves as the state capitol and features beautiful architecture and exhibits on Ohio’s history.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden (Cincinnati): This zoo features a wide variety of animals from around the world, as well as a large botanical garden.
Amish Country (Holmes County): This area is home to a large Amish community and offers a glimpse into their traditional way of life.
Cleveland Museum of Art (Cleveland): This museum features an extensive collection of art from around the world, including works by famous artists such as Monet and Picasso.
Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton): This museum celebrates the history of professional football and features exhibits on famous players, coaches, and teams.
Lake Erie Islands (Put-in-Bay): These islands offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and relaxation, as well as historic sites such as Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Best Time To Visit Ohio
The best time to visit Ohio largely depends on your preferences for weather and activities. Ohio experiences all four seasons, so the weather can vary widely throughout the year.
If you prefer mild weather and outdoor activities, the best time to visit Ohio is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, the temperatures are comfortable, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and visiting state parks.
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Ohio, with warm temperatures and many events and festivals. However, the summer months can also be hot and humid, especially in the southern part of the state.
Winter (December to February) is the least popular time to visit Ohio due to the cold temperatures and occasional snowstorms. However, winter can be a great time to visit if you enjoy winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, or if you want to attend winter festivals and events.
Overall, the best time to visit Ohio depends on your interests and what you want to do while you’re there.
Things to Do in Ohio
Ohio offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some things to do in Ohio:
Visit Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, known for its roller coasters and other thrill rides.
Explore Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, which offers opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and zip-lining.
Tour the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, which celebrates the history of rock and roll music.
Visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, which features a large collection of historic aircraft.
Attend a professional sports game in one of Ohio’s major cities, such as the Cleveland Browns or Cincinnati Bengals football games, or the Cleveland Cavaliers or Cincinnati Reds games.
Explore Amish Country in Holmes County and experience the traditional way of life of the Amish community.
Visit the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, which features a wide variety of animals from around the world.
Take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which offers scenic views of the Cuyahoga River Valley.
Visit the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus and learn about Ohio’s political history.
Explore the historic German Village neighborhood in Columbus, which features beautiful brick homes, unique shops, and delicious restaurants.
Go fishing, boating, or swimming on Lake Erie, the fourth-largest of the Great Lakes and the 11th largest lake in the world.
Tour the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, which celebrates the history of professional football and features exhibits on famous players, coaches, and teams.
Enjoy the fall foliage in Ohio’s many state parks, such as Mohican State Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, or Lake Hope State Park.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Ohio. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities, history, culture, or sports, Ohio has something to offer for everyone.
How to get around in Ohio
Ohio has several transportation options for getting around the state:
Car rental: Renting a car is a popular way to get around Ohio, especially if you plan to explore multiple cities or rural areas. Major car rental companies have locations at airports and in major cities.
Public transportation: Ohio has a variety of public transportation options, including buses and light rail in larger cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus. In some cities, such as Dayton, trolleys or streetcars provide transportation in the downtown area.
Ride-sharing services: Popular ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Ohio, offering convenient and affordable transportation options in larger cities.
Taxis: Taxis are also available in Ohio, especially in larger cities and at airports.
Train: Amtrak offers train service to several cities in Ohio, including Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad also offers scenic train rides through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Bicycle: Ohio has many bike trails and paths, making biking a popular option for transportation and recreation.
Overall, the transportation options in Ohio are plentiful and can accommodate a variety of travel needs and preferences.
Where to eat in Ohio
Ohio has a diverse culinary scene with a range of dining options, from upscale restaurants to local diners and cafes. Here are some places to eat in Ohio:
Slyman’s Restaurant in Cleveland – Known for its massive corned beef sandwiches and other deli fare.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant in Columbus – Famous for its German cuisine, including its giant cream puffs.
Melt Bar and Grilled in Cleveland, Columbus, and Dayton – A popular spot for creative grilled cheese sandwiches.
The Thurman Cafe in Columbus – Known for its massive burgers and creative toppings.
The Eagle in Cincinnati and Columbus – A southern-style restaurant that serves fried chicken, mac and cheese, and other comfort foods.
Iron Chef Michael Symon’s Lola Bistro in Cleveland – A high-end restaurant that specializes in contemporary American cuisine.
Taft’s Ale House in Cincinnati – A brewery and restaurant housed in a historic church that serves craft beer and pub fare.
Skyline Chili in Cincinnati – A regional chain that serves Cincinnati-style chili over spaghetti or hot dogs.
Tommy’s Restaurant in Cleveland – A popular spot for vegetarian and vegan cuisine, including its famous milkshakes.
The Pine Club in Dayton – A classic steakhouse that has been serving customers since 1947.
These are just a few of the many dining options available in Ohio. Whether you’re in the mood for casual comfort food or high-end cuisine, Ohio has something to offer for every taste and budget.
Famous street stalls in Ohio
Ohio has a rich culinary scene with many great street food vendors and food trucks. Here are some of the most popular street stalls and food trucks in Ohio:
Cheesy Truck in Columbus – A food truck that serves gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, and tomato soup.
Banh Mi & Tea Company in Cleveland – A Vietnamese food truck that serves banh mi sandwiches, rice bowls, and bubble tea.
Por’ketta in Columbus – A food truck that serves slow-roasted Italian pork sandwiches and other Italian-inspired dishes.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati – A local ice cream chain that serves artisanal ice cream in unique flavors like goat cheese with red cherries and sweet potato with torched marshmallows.
Green Meanie in Cincinnati – A vegetarian and vegan food truck that serves falafel, hummus, and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Umami Bites in Columbus – A food truck that serves Asian fusion dishes like bao buns, Korean-style tacos, and rice bowls.
Rollin’ Bowls in Cleveland – A food truck that serves healthy and flavorful grain bowls, salads, and wraps.
The Little Kitchen Food Truck in Dayton – A food truck that serves gourmet street food like chicken and waffles, poutine, and lobster rolls.
Dojo Gelato in Cincinnati – A gelato truck that serves artisanal gelato and sorbet in flavors like salted caramel, lavender honey, and blood orange.
Streetpops in Columbus – A food truck that serves handmade popsicles in unique flavors like pineapple basil, blueberry lemonade, and cucumber lime.
These are just a few of the many street food vendors and food trucks in Ohio. Be sure to check out local events and markets, where you can often find a variety of street food options.
Where to stay in Ohio
Luxury accommodation
Ohio offers many luxury accommodation options for travelers looking for an upscale stay. Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Ohio:
The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland – Located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, this luxury hotel offers elegant guest rooms, a restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine, and a fitness center.
Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection – A historic Art Deco hotel in downtown Columbus, featuring stylish guest rooms, a rooftop bar, and a French brasserie.
The Westin Cincinnati – A contemporary hotel in downtown Cincinnati, offering modern guest rooms, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a rooftop pool and lounge.
The Hilton Cleveland Downtown – A sleek hotel in downtown Cleveland, featuring spacious guest rooms, a restaurant serving locally-sourced cuisine, and a fitness center.
The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Columbus – A boutique hotel in the Short North neighborhood of Columbus, featuring contemporary guest rooms, an art gallery, and a rooftop lounge.
The Summit, A Dolce Hotel – A modern hotel in Cincinnati’s vibrant Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, offering spacious guest rooms, a fitness center, a rooftop bar and lounge, and a restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine.
The Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel – A contemporary hotel in the heart of downtown Toledo, offering stylish guest rooms, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a rooftop bar and lounge with views of the Maumee River.
The Hilton Columbus Downtown – A sleek hotel in downtown Columbus, featuring modern guest rooms, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar and lounge.
These are just a few of the many luxury accommodation options available in Ohio. Whether you’re looking for a high-end hotel in the heart of the city or a boutique hotel with unique character, Ohio has something to offer for every luxury traveler.
Where to stay in Ohio
Budget accommodation
If you’re looking for budget accommodation options in Ohio, there are plenty of choices available. Here are some affordable options to consider:
Red Roof Inn – With locations throughout Ohio, Red Roof Inn offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price. They also offer free Wi-Fi and pet-friendly rooms.
Motel 6 – With several locations across the state, Motel 6 offers budget-friendly accommodations with free Wi-Fi and basic amenities.
Super 8 – This hotel chain offers affordable rooms with basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi and breakfast. They have several locations in Ohio.
Rodeway Inn – With locations throughout Ohio, Rodeway Inn offers budget-friendly rooms with free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast.
Airbnb – There are many affordable Airbnb options available in Ohio, ranging from private rooms to entire apartments or houses. This can be a great option for budget-conscious travelers who want a unique and personalized experience.
These are just a few options to consider when looking for budget accommodation in Ohio. Be sure to do your research and read reviews to find the best option for your needs and budget.
Travel Tips Ohio
If you’re planning a trip to Ohio, here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Explore Ohio’s cities – Ohio is home to several vibrant cities, including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Dayton. Each city has its unique attractions and cultural experiences, so be sure to explore them during your visit.
Sample Ohio’s cuisine – Ohio is known for its comfort food, including Cincinnati-style chili, Buckeye candy, and fried chicken. Be sure to try some of these local delicacies during your visit.
Visit Ohio’s state parks – Ohio has over 70 state parks, including Hocking Hills, Cuyahoga Valley, and Lake Erie Shores and Islands. These parks offer a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and camping.
Attend a festival or event – Ohio hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Ohio State Fair, Cleveland International Film Festival, and the Cincinnati Oktoberfest.
Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Located in Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a must-visit attraction for music lovers. It features exhibits, artifacts, and memorabilia from some of the most iconic musicians in history.
Plan for the weather – Ohio experiences all four seasons, so be sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.
Take advantage of public transportation – Ohio has several public transportation options, including buses and trains. Taking public transportation can be an affordable and convenient way to get around the state.
By following these travel tips, you can have a fun and memorable trip to Ohio.