Ohio’s Hocking Hills region is packed with natural wonders –– and packed with people enjoying those natural wonders. But there are equally beautiful hikes without the crowds. Sometimes you gotta take the road (or trail) less traveled. Fortunately, you’ll find friendly skies and first-class hiking at Airplane Rock. The Airplane Rock Trail is a stunning…
Category: Local Wanders
5 Best Things to do in Ohio’s Hocking Hills
Ohio has 76 state parks, and they all have something special about them. From Lake Erie to the Ohio River they are all gems in their own right. But perhaps the shiniest gem of all is Hocking Hills State Park in Logan. Don’t just take my word for it. It was recently named “one of…
8 Great Ways to find your Lake Erie Love
With its sandy beaches, fresh seafood, island hopping, and laid-back vibe, Ohio’s Lake Erie region just feels like vacation. Not to mention it’s the home to the epic Cedar Point Amusement Park, the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.” Yes, there’s a lot to love here. Locals call it their “Lake Erie Love.” That’s also…
Take a rockin’ walk down David Grohl Alley
If you’re a fan of Nirvana or the Foo Fighters, do yourself a favor. Put on your Chuck Taylors, crank that music to 11, and head to Warren, Ohio to experience the one-and-only David Grohl Alley. Like most people I assumed Dave Grohl, drummer for the seminal grunge band Nirvana and lead genius of the…
Purple Reign: This Ohio lavender farm is the cool, calming vibe you didn’t know you needed
The zen begins the moment you turn down the long gravel driveway and head toward that iconic purple barn. The peaceful vibe of this Ohio lavender farm will soothe your senses…and blow your mind. Located in Enon, Ohio, just 8 minutes outside Yellow Springs, Sunset Ridge Lavender Farm is 33 acres of fragrant fields and…
Thinking of Inking? How to Choose the Right Tattoo
I’d been thinking about a tattoo for years. Not the sidekick on Fantasy Island who didn’t say much, but some ink that really said something. So when my daughter Birdie offered to get one with me as a Father’s Day gift, how could I possibly refuse? But how to choose the right tattoo? I’d spent…
Beer, Bites & German Delights: 3 Cheers for Hillgarten!
My good friend recently opened a German biergarten. But even if I didn’t know the owner it would still be wunderbar. Hillgarten Beer and Wine Garden is an upscale (but relaxed and comfy) German-inspired bar and restaurant located in the charming downtown of Old Hilliard, a suburb of Columbus. From the moment you step foot…
Dare to take a Haunted Hike through Moonville Tunnel
Legend has it there’s a haunted railroad tunnel in Vinton County, Ohio. So of course we had to walk through it at night. On Halloween. Now dotted with graffiti and loaded with haunted hype, Moonville Tunnel strikes an imposing image as you approach. Moonville was a small mining and railway town that popped up during…
5 Fave Buckeye Bike Trails
There are sooooo many amazing bike trails in Columbus and throughout Ohio. I’m lucky to say I’ve ridden many of them with my awesome daughter Hannah. AKA “Birdie.” While I lovingly taught her how to ride a bike, she’s repaid that kindness by now smoking past me and leaving me in her dust. While it’s…