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Find First-class Hiking at Airplane Rock
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 path that’s off the beaten path. This 4.5 mile loop trail is located near Rockbridge, Ohio, within the Hocking State Forest and not far from the far-more famous Conkles Hollow. The hiking trail runs on a bridle trail and riders get the right of way. It’s listed on AllTrails as moderately challenging, but when it’s…
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5 Best Things to do in Ohio’s Hocking Hills
Ohio has 75 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 the most beautiful state parks” in America, and has been recognized as one of the nation’s 50 Best State Parks. Indeed, there are world-class wonders waiting to be discovered in Ohio’s Hocking Hills. The much-loved park is within the iconic Hocking Hills region, and features over 25 miles of world-class hiking trails, Insta-worthy waterfalls, scenic…
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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 the name of a tourism campaign I helped create a few years ago that still resonates with locals and loyal visitors alike. Trust me, you’ll want to come back again and again to America’s North Coast. And we do. While it’s hard to narrow them down, here are 8 perfect ways to find your Lake…
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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 Foo Fighters, comes from the Pacific Northwest. That’s where Nirvana got their start, changing the sound of rock and the look of fashion to distortion-filled, flannel-clad, delicious disenchantment. Of course he comes from Seattle and helped craft that grimy Seattle sound, right? Nope. A proud son of Warren, Ohio David Grohl was born January 14,…
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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 bucolic beauty. It’s also an Instagrammable paradise for senior pics and selfie sticks. We saw plenty of both the day we visited. The ideal time to visit is June and July, when the lavender is in full bloom. When you arrive at the barn they give you scissors and a rubber band (purple of course!),…
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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 days…weeks…years actually, imagining what tattoo to get. I’d concepted and sketched dozens of options. Even had my art director friend Gene illustrate a few possibilities with skulls and fire and such. In the end, I settled on something simple and meaningful to me. An ampersand. The “&” sign. I’ve always been fascinated with typography and…
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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 in this impressive outdoor space, you can feel the attention to detail. My friend and co-worker of 30 years, Marty Nowak, put his heart, soul, and considerable talent into making it a special gathering spot. It’s the Prost with the Most You can see the love in the inviting design, meticulous woodworking, and oh man…
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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 the 1800s iron boom, yet totally disappeared years later. Barely a trace left behind. Haunted history According to local legend, the ghost is that of a railroad worker who was crushed by an oncoming train in the spring of 1859. Those who claim to have seen him say he carries a lantern and often appears…
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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 hard to narrow it down to just a few (mostly) local rides, here are our five fave Buckeye bike trails. 1. Olentangy Trail The OT is the OG of awesome C-bus bike trails. It can get a little crowded at times, but there’s a reason it always ranks at the top of most lists. Pedaling…