Group Travel Guide
Transcription
Group Travel Guide
WWW.OHIOHASIT.COM 2015 Group Travel Guide What do 500 butterflies sound like? What’s it like to feed a stingray? From learning Irish dance moves to face-to-face encounters with stingrays, Columbus is full of unforgettable hands-on experiences perfect for groups of all sizes. Start planning your Columbus visit today at experiencecolumbus.com/tours or call 800-354-2657. What do they serve at 125-year-old dinner parties? What will you experience? 2 SM 3 Welcome Ashland County Ohio Has IT! is an organization created out of need and driven to succeed by strong partnerships and a unifying passion for group travel in our great state. We love Ohio, and we love sharing its best group-friendly destinations and attractions with top travel professionals like you. We know there is no auHorizontal Version | Color thority more qualified to appreciate our depth, character and value. Whether you are looking for educational opportunities for students, experiential adventures for seniors or custom itineraries for your group’s unique needs, Ohio Has IT! will provide you with all the tools needed to create memorable and successful tours. Our name is a point of pride. When we say we have “IT,” we’re talking about a lot more than any one neat thing. From big-city productions to historic outdoor dramas, Ohio brims with art and culture. Discover magnificent gardens and modern galleries, handmade baskets, pottery and music of every genre imaginable. Our state’s love of sports will get your group in the game. Outdoor adventures, water activities, ziplining and the roar of our twin stadiums are guaranteed to thrill. Ohio flows with rich heritage and historic experiences. Our state is the birthplace of football and aviation, the home of rock and roll and, by contrast, the quiet and subdued charms of thriving Amish communities. Regardless of your group’s age range, Ohio has plenty to bring out its inner child. Roller coaster adventures, wildlife encounters, safaris and water parks are just some of the experiences that will make anyone feel like a kid again. We are arts and culture, sports, history and heritage and family fun all rolled up into one magnificent treasure of a state, with five complementary yet distinct regions that are as welcoming as they are complex. That is “IT.” Well, in a nutshell. Whether you’ve visited our state or not, consider our Ohio Has IT! Group Travel Guide anHorizontal introduction to Version what makes| Color this a place like no other. We are confident that this magazine will be an invaluable resource as you plan your first, next or 500th Ohio tour. Sincerely, The Ohio Has IT! Team Ally Bussey 4 Tiffany Gerber Roger Dudley Ohio Has IT! www.OhioHasIT.com [email protected] Ohio Has IT! is an industryled marketing partnership comprised of five regions and created to showcase the endless experiences Ohio has for motorcoach groups. TEAM MEMBERS Ally Bussey Canton Stark County CVB (330) 454-1439 Tiffany Gerber Tuscarawas County CVB (800) 527-3387 Roger Dudley Experience Columbus (614) 222-6136 PUBLISHED BY: GROUP TOUR MEDIA 2465 112th Avenue Holland, MI 49424-9657 (800) 767-3489 (616) 393-2077 Fax: (616) 393-0085 Website: www.grouptour.com ADVERTISING Jim Holthaus I Media Consultant (859) 273-6464 [email protected] Where students love Taking Notes. SM Join in at This isCLEveland.com | #This isCLE 2015 Table of Contents d Fans ens Muddy an Toledo Mud H 4 Welcome About Us 8 Regions & Partners 10 Festivals & Events 11Allied Partners and Receptive Operators 12 Northwest 22 Northeast 42 Central 50 Southwest 59 Southeast Short North, Co lumbus 66 Partner Index Arnold Agency /SNBA Photos top left strip, left to right: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cedar Point ©Office of Tourism Ohio Photos main strip, left to right: Jack Hanna, Slots ©AzmanJaka, Cincinnati Symphony and Pops, Great_ American Ball Park, Amish Buggy ©cristalsimon Darke County All photos within courtesy of Ohio Has IT! unless otherwise noted. 6 Regions & Partners Northwest Bowling Green CVB Destination Seneca County Destination Toledo CVB Ghostly Manor Thrill Center Huron County Visitors Bureau Lake Erie Shores & Islands Lima/Allen County CVB Put-in-Bay Tour Train Rossford CVB Sandusky County CVB Sauder Village Tour West Ohio Toledo Zoo Northeast Akron/Summit CVB Amish Country Musicals at Carlisle Inn The Amish Country Theater ArtsinStark/Canton Arts District Ashland Area CVB Aurora Farms Premium Outlets Beachwood CVB Berlin Farmstead Restaurant Best Western Inn and Suites Cleveland Best Western New Phila. Canton Stark County CVB Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek Carroll County CVB Castle Noel Cleveland POPS Orchestra Comfort Inn and Suites, Fremont The Corner Alley Country Coach Adventures Dennison Railroad Depot Museum Der Dutchman Restaurant & Carlisle Gifts Destination Cleveland Doubletree by Hilton Tudor Arms Hotel Dutch Valley Gifts & The Coop Dutch Valley Market Dutch Valley Restaurant Dutchman Hospitality Group Emerald Hospitality Associates, Inc. Fairfield Inn and Suites Austintown Flannery’s Pub Fort Laurens Fostoria Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau Geauga County Tourism Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky 8 Greater Cleveland Aquarium Hampton Inn Akron Hampton Inn and Suites Canton Hampton Inn and Suites Middleburg Heights Hampton Inn Kent Hampton Inn New Phila. Hampton Inn Newcomerstown Hampton Inn Wooster Hartville Collectibles Hartville Hardware Hartville Kitchen Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market Hilton Garden Inn Wooster HIMSS Innovation Center Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Philadelphia Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Akron Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Mansfield Holiday Inn Mentor Holmes County Tourism Bureau Horse Shoe Casino Cleveland Hower House J.E. Reeves Victorian Home Lake County Visitors Bureau Lehman’s Hardware Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake Lodi Station Outlets Mansfield/Richland County CVB MAPS Air Museum McKinley Presidential Library & Museum Medina County CVB Microtel Inn and SuitesCanton Nautica Queen PlayhouseSquare Pro Football Hall of Fame Quail Hollow Resort Ramada Limited Residence Inn Akron Residence Inn by Marriott Avon & Emerald Event Center Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Schoenbrunn Village Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Steubenville Visitor Center Historic Fort Steuben Thistledown Racino Trumbull County Tourism Bureau Tuscarawas County CVB Uhrichsville Clay Museum Village of Sugarcreek Visit Lorain County Northwest Northeast Central Southwest Wallhouse Hotel Warther Museum, Inc. Wayne County CVB Youngstown Live-Mahoning County CVB Zocalo Central Alliance Hospitality Inc. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Delaware County CVB Der Dutchman Restaurant & Carlisle Gifts Destination Hilliard Dublin CVB Experience Columbus Fairfield County VCB Gahanna CVB Greater Licking County CVB Grove City Area CVB Holiday Inn Express and SuitesPolaris Holiday Inn Worthington Homewood Suites Polaris Knox County CVB La Quinta Inn and Suites Hilliard Marion Area CVB Ohio History Connection Scioto Downs Racino Union County CVB Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market Southwest Butler County Visitors Bureau Cincinnati Museum Center and National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Cincinnati Premium Outlets Southeast Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra Cincinnati USA Clermont County CVB Clinton County CVB Comfort Inn Piqua Darke County Visitors Bureau Dayton CVB EnterTRAINment Junction Fayette County Travel & Tourism Bureau Great Wolf Lodge-Cincinnati/ Mason Horseshoe Casino-Cincinnati Miami County VCB Ohio Travel Treasures LLC Spring Hill Suites Dayton Warren County CVB The Web Extreme Entertainment Southeast Athens County CVB Cambridge/Guernsey County VCB Eastern Ohio Tours, LLC Hocking Hills Tourism Association Holiday Inn Express Chillicothe East Marietta-Washington County CVB Portsmouth Scioto County CVB Ross Chillicothe CVB Zanesville-Muskingum County CVB Experience the cultural phenomenon that rocked the world THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME The greatest of all time live in Canton. Collection Auto Group Plaza 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44114 216-515-1228 rockhall.com Group packages available for admission to both Halls! 2121 George Halas Drive Canton, Ohio 44708 330-456-8207 ProFootballHOF.com 2015 Festivals, Events, FEBRUARY JUNE 13-15 • Winterfest in historic downtown Bowling Green, www.facebook.com/ WinterfestBG June 2-Aug. 13 • Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Half-Stitched: The Musical, amishcountrymusicals.com 14 • Valentine’s Barbershop Spectacular Amish Country Theater www.amishcountrytheater.com 5-6 • Founders Day Weekend, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, www.stanhywet.org MARCH All month • March Madness EnterTRAINment Junction, Cincinnati Ohio www.entertrainmentjunction.com 14 • St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Historic Dublin, www.IrishisanAttitude.com 14-15, 21-22 • Geauga Maple Sugaring Weekends, www.TourGeauga.com 17-19 • NCAA First Four Men’s Basketball Tournament, University of Dayton Arena www.ncaa.com/final-four/tickets-hospitality APRIL Allied Partners and Receptive Operators 5-7 • Troy Strawberry Festival, Troy, Ohio www.gostrawberries.com 5-7 • Columbus Arts Festival, Columbus www.columbusartsfestival.org 12-13 • Banana Split Festival J.W. Denver Williams Jr. Park, Wilmington www.bananasplitfestival.com 13 • Fostoria’s 1st Smokin Pig Rib-Off Downtown Fostoria, FostoiraOhio.org 14 • Gospel Concert, Sauder Village, Archbold, OH, www.saudervillage.org 19-21 • Gahanna’s 17th Annual Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival, Gahanna www.CreeksideBluesandJazz.com 25 • Art Walk in historic downtown Bowling Green! www.downtownbgohio.org 19-21 • Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival Veterans Memorial Park, Avon www.visitloraincounty.com April 29-May 3 • Quilt Show, Sauder Village, Archbold, OH, www.saudervillage.org 21 • Tractors Tractor Tractors, Sauder Village, Archbold, OH, www.saudervillage.org April 29-May 17 • Wicked at the Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton, www. schustercenter.org/ 26-27 • Powell Festival, Historic Downtown Powell, visitpowell.org MAY 6 • Flower Power, Amish Country Theater amishcountrymusicals.com 8-17 • The Biggest Week in American Birding, Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Oak Harbor, www.biggestweekinamericanbirding. com 9 • Spring on the Farm, Sauder Village, Archbold, OH, www.saudervillage.org 26-28 • Lorain International Festival, Black River Landing, Lorain, www.visitloraincounty. com 27 • Ohio Scottish Games, Lorain County Fairgrounds, Wellington, www.visitloraincounty.com 27 • German Village Haus und Garten Tour German Village, www.germanvillagetour.com JULY 14 • Amish Country Theater Opening Night www.AmishCountryTheater.com All month • Christmas in July EnterTRAINment Junction, Cincinnati Ohio www.entertrainmentjunction.com 15-16 • Artique Ohio: art and antique show 330-452-4096, www.artsinstark.com/artique All month • Christmas in July Castle Noel, www.CastleNoel.com 15-17 • Hamvention Gathering of HAM Amateur Radio Operators, Dayton www.hamvention.org All month • Franklin County Fair Franklin County Fairgrounds, www.fcfair.org 16 • Antique Cars, Sauder Village, Archbold, www.saudervillage.org 16 • Cleveland International Tattoo, PlayhouseSquare, Cleveland, www.tattoocleveland.org 16-17 • Delaware Arts Festival, Historic Downtown Delaware, delawareartsfestival.org 30 • Oxford Wine Festival, Oxford Uptown Parks, Oxford, www.oxfordchamber.org 2-5 • Ashland Ohio Bicentennial, Ashland Area CVB, www.visitashlandohio.com 2-5 • 25th Anniversary of Ashland Balloon Fest, Freer Field, www.ashland200.com 4 • Central Ohio Symphony Outdoor Patriotic Concert & Fireworks, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, visitdelohio.com 10-11 • Ohio Challenge Balloon Festival, Smith Park, Middletown www.ohiochallenge.com 10-12 • Marietta Riverfront Roar Ohio River Levee, Marietta www.mariettariverfrontroar.org/ 10-14 • Major League Baseball All Star Game, Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati www.reds.com 11 • Fiddle Contest/Summer on the Farm Sauder Village, Archbold, OH www.saudervillage.org 11 • Classics on Main Car Show, downtown Bowling Green, www.downtownbgohio.org 18 • Explore the Crafts, Sauder Village, Archbold, OH, www.saudervillage.org 25-26 • Gathering at Garst Living History Encampment, Garst Museum, Greenville, Ohio, www.gatheringatgarst.com July 25-Aug. 8 • Wood County Fair, Wood County Fairgrounds, woodcounty-fair.com July 31-Aug. 2 • Dublin Irish Festival Historic Dublin, www.IrishisanAttitude.com AUGUST All month • Everything Thomas EnterTRAINment Junction, Cincinnati Ohio www.entertrainmentjunction.com 1-2 • The Battle of Fort Stephenson Fremont, Ohio, www.sanduskycounty.org 1-2 • Geauga Arts Festival Weekend www.TourGeauga.com 2 • Doll & Teddy Bear Show, Sauder Village, Archbold, OH, www.saudervillage.org 7-8 • Vintage Ohio Wine Festival, Lake Metroparks Farmpark, www.ohiowines.org 8-9, 5-16, 22-23 • 33rd Annual Shaker Woods Festival, Shaker Woods Grounds, Columbiana, OH, www.shakerwoods.com 10-11 • Geauga Apple Butter Festival www.TourGeauga.com 12-15 • Rug Hooking Exhibition, Sauder Village, Archbold, OH, www.saudervillage.org 14-16 • National Tractor Pull, Wood County Fairgrounds, woodcounty-fair.com 15 • 37th Annual “Golfing in the Tropics” Fostoria Country Club, FostoiraOhio.org 18-23 • Book of Mormon at the Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton www.schustercenter.org 22 • Barbershop Concert, Sauder Village, Archbold, OH, www.saudervillage.org Aug. 22-Dec. 19 • Martha Bolton’s Josiah for President: The New Musical amishcountrymusicals.com 24-30 • Lorain County Fair, Lorain County Fairgrounds, Wellington, www. visitloraincounty.com SEPTEMBER 3-5 • Marion Popcorn Festival, Marion CVB www.visitmarionohio.com 3-7 • The Great Geauga County Fair www.TourGeauga.com 4-6 • Black Swamp Arts Festival, Downtown Bowling Green, www.blackswampfest.com 10 11-13 • Ohio River Sternwheel Festival Ohio River Levee, Marietta www.ohioriversternwheelfestival.org 12 • All-Horse Parade, Historic Downtown Delaware, delawarecountyfair.com 12-13 • Jazzin’ Tiffin, Frost Parkway, Downtown Tiffin, www.jazzintiffin.com 18-20 • Delphos Old Fashioned Canal Days Downtown Delphos, www.delphoschamber. com/canaldays 18-19 • Meet Jack Hanna Exclusive Group Event, Experience Columbus, www. experiencecolumbus.com/meetjack 18-20 • Country Living Fair, Experience Columbus, www.experiencecolumbus.com 19 • Fall Harvest Festival, Wood County Historical Center & Museum woodcountyhistory.org 19-20 • Tiffin Seneca Heritage Festival, Living History Village at Hedges Boyer Park, Downtown Tiffin Street Festival www.tiffinfestival.com 19-26 • Delaware County Fair with 70th Little Brown Jug Grand Circuit Harness Racing and Jugette Filly Pace Race, Delaware, delawarecountyfair.com or littlebrownjug.com 25-27 • Ohio Swiss Festival, Sugarcreek, www.villageofsugarcreek.com/ohioswissfest/ 26 • 14th Annual Fostoria Rail Festival Fostoria, 419-435-1781 26-27 • Pyramid Hill Art Fair, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, Hamilton, www.pyramidhill. org OCTOBER All month • Jack O’Lantern Junction EnterTRAINment Junction, Cincinnati, www.entertrainmentjunction.com 1-4 • Ohio Mart at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, www.stanhywet.org 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 • Murder in the Mansion at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, www. stanhywet.org 17 • Halloween Folklore & Funfest Wood County Historical Center & Museum woodcountyhistory.org NOVEMBER 13-15 • Fabulous Food Show, I-X Center, Cleveland, Ohio, www.fabulousfoodshow.com 14-15 • 3rd Annual Northwest Ohio Association’s Artistry in American Glass Show & Sale, Calvert Elementary School Activity Center, Tiffin, www.nwoga.org 14-22 • Warthers Christmas Tree Festival Warther Museum, Inc., warthers.com Nov. 20-Jan. 3 • Wildlights, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, www.columbuszoo.com Nov. 20-Jan. 5 • 15th Annual Fantasy of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show & Santa’s House, Alum Creek State Park, Delaware visitdelohio.com Nov. 27-Dec. 30 • Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, www.stanhywet.org 28 • Hometown Holidazzle Illuminated Parade & Festival, Downtown Wilmington www.clintoncountyohio.com Nov. 28-Jan. 3 • Nativity Creche Exhibit, Historic Kirtland, www.lds.org/locations/ historic-kirtland-visitors-center. Nov. 28, Dec. 5, Dec. 12 • Christmas In the Country, www.AmishCountryTheater.com DECEMBER All month • Christmas at the Junction EnterTRAINment Junction, Cincinnati Ohio www.entertrainmentjunction.com 1-13 • Tree-mendous: Artist-inspired Holiday Trees, www.artsinstark.com/trees 2-7 • Christmas Tree Festival, Allen County Museum, www.allencountymuseum.org • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ALLIED PARTNERS Alliance Hospitality, Inc. 600 Enterprise Drive, Lewis Center, OH 43035 • (614) 846-6600 Contact: Betsy Kinnear [email protected] www.ahihotels.com A locally owned and managed company since 1984 with more than 20 professionally managed hotels conveniently located throughout the state of Ohio. We have the right fit for your next tour. MRN Ltd. 402 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114 (216) 298-4070 Contact: Mary Lessick [email protected] www.thecorneralley.com Dutchman Hospitality Group PO Box 158 Walnut Creek, OH 44687 (330) 893-2926 Contact: Vicki VanNatta [email protected] www.dhgroup.com Emerald Hospitality Associates, Inc. 2001 Crocker Road, Ste. 300 Westlake, OH 44145 (440) 239-9848 Contact: Lori Berhent (440) 378-0573 [email protected] www.emeraldhospitality.com Emerald Hospitality Associates is a fullservice hotel management and consulting company providing a wide range of specialized hospitality industry services. Our corporate team provides more than 200 years of hospitality experience to each project! HRM Enterprises Hartville Collectibles (330) 877-2172 www.hartvillecollectibles.com Hartville Hardware (330) 877-3631 www.hartvillehardware.com Hartville Kitchen (330) 877-9353 www.hartvillekitchen.com Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market (330) 877-9860 www.hartvillemarketplace.com Contact: Trista Todd [email protected] Rock Gaming Caesars Entertainment, Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, 100 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113 • (216) 297-4863 Contact: Larry Marrs [email protected] www.horseshoecleveland.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • RECEPTIVE OPERATORS Country Coach Adventures 13519 Stoneford St. Beach City, OH 44608 (877) 359-5282 Contact: Carol Glessner [email protected] www.amishadventures.com Country Coach Adventures is a receptive service specializing in unique and fun group tour packages featuring meals in Amish homes, entertainment, step-on guide service and seasonal-and holiday-themed tours. We are here to make you look good by providing the best possible experience! Eastern Ohio Tours, LLC P. O. Box 494 • 1695 Newark Road, Zanesville, OH 43702 • (740) 297-8495 Contact: Dixie L. Wyler [email protected] www.easternohiotours.com We are the premier, full-service group tour company specializing in exciting, interactive historical tours throughout the eastern Ohio region. From step-on guide service to fullyguided tour packages, groups can count on an entertaining and inspiring adventure. Ohio Travel Treasures, LLC 5270 Day Road, Cincinnati, OH 45252 (513) 923-9112 Contact: Diane Sphar [email protected] www.ohiotraveltreasures.com Let Ohio Travel Treasures customize a tour just for your groups. Our goal is to create memories one tour at a time! We add new and unique tours and events on a monthly basis. If you don’t see something, give us a call! Nov. 26-Dec. 31 • Light Up Middletown Smith Park, www.lightupmiddletown.org 11 Northwest History and haunts Heritage and spooky tales go hand in hand in Northwest Ohio The past and ghosts are alive and well in Northwest Ohio. For example, strange blue lights have been seen around Perrysburg’s Fort Meigs, known as Ohio’s War of 1812 Battlefield. The blockhouse is said to be a very haunted part of the reconstructed fort, open from April to October. Garrison ghost walks take place in the fall, while staff members routinely tell ghost stories on the walking tours. Fort Meigs, Perrysburg Back in 1813, Fort Meigs successfully withstood two sieges by a combined British, Canadian and Native American force. The visitor center and museum is open year-round and explains Ohio’s pivotal role in the War of 1812. Ghostly Manor Thrill Center in Sandusky welcomes groups to its haunted houses and X-D 4-D Theatre. Prepare for eerie, bone- 12 Ghostly Manor Thrill Center in Sandusky chilling frights. Groups not into super scary can try the attraction’s wizard-themed 3-D black light mini golf. Bowling Green Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a dark tour that includes allegedly haunted locations such as Holcomb Woods, Wood County Historical Museum and sites at Bowling Green State University. Northwest Ohio also offers plenty of history without ghosts. Fun in the past is the tagline at Sauder Village, Ohio’s largest living history village. Costumed interpreters and artisans at the site near Archbold depict rural life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Group tours can be customized with a special workshop, lecture or guided tour. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial on South Bass Island is the only international peace memorial in the U.S. National Park System. After serving as the 19th U.S. president from 1877 to 1881, Rutherford B. Hayes returned to Sauder Village, Archbold Hayes Presidential Center home, Fremont his home in Fremont, the seat of Sandusky County. Groups visiting the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center can tour the Hayes Home, restored to its 19th-century appearance in 2012, the Hayes Museum and the president’s burial site. Firelands Museum in the Huron County city of Norwalk was established in 1857, making it Ohio’s oldest museum. Displays present antique guns, pioneer farm and household implements, textiles, paintings, china, glassware and Civil War and prehistoric Native American artifacts. Rossford, now known for Hollywood Casino Toledo, got its start due to glass. In 1898, Edward Ford of the Libbey-Owens-Ford Glass Company purchased property along the Maumee River to build the plate glass company. Ford named the resulting town that formed around the factory Rossford by combining the last name of his second wife, Caroline Ross, with his. A memorial honors Ford. Itinerary Sparkle on Northwest Encounter gems of agriculture, glass and nature in Northwest Ohio Day One Tilton Farm: Travel back in time at this agricultural destination, located in Allen County and open to groups by appointment. Visit the Tilton Circus (a room-size 3/4-inch scale circus); 19th-century barn and cabins filled with antiques and collectibles; and the carriage house showcasing antique vehicles. MacDonell House Victorian Mansion: Take a guided tour of this mansion with 17 rooms furnished in grandiose style, reminiscent of the wealthy oil-boom era in Allen County. Built in 1893, the MacDonell House is one of few remaining examples of Victorian architectural elegance that once marked an area known as the “Golden Block” in Lima. Steiner Stock Farm: The farm in Lima includes 200 acres and runs about 50 brood mares. A guided tour offers a glimpse into the daily procedures of a working stock farm. Take a peek at the horse farm lifestyle as the group goes behind the scenes to explore and visit with the premier Standardbred horse farm in Ohio. Appropriate clothing for the season and comfortable closed-toe shoes are required. Day Two Tiffin Glass Museum: On display at the museum is glassware produced at the Tiffin factory from its beginning in 1889 as the A. J. Beatty & Sons Company until the end of production in 1980 as the Tiffin Glass Company. Many pieces are on loan from members of the Tiffin Glass Collectors Club. Old tools, photographs and memorabilia can also be seen at the Seneca County attractions. Tours are welcome and should be arranged in advance. The adjacent glass shop has thousands of items of Tiffin glass for sale. Crystal Traditions of Tiffin offers tours of glassmaking and a retail showroom in one location. Fostoria: Glass collectors, train enthusiasts and history buffs all find something to love in Fostoria. The glass museum, operated by the Fostoria Glass Society of America, displays items produced by the Fostoria Glass Company (1887–1986). Groups can also visit the Fostoria Area Historical Society Museum, which has in its collection a vintage automobile produced by the now-defunct, Fostoria-based Allen Motor Car Co. Seneca Caverns: The guided walking tour at the cavern in Bellevue goes through seven rooms or levels. At the lowest level, 110 feet below the surface, visitors view “Ole Mist’ry River,” the clear stream that is part of the area’s groundwater system. Reservations are accepted for groups of 15 or more with two weeks’ advance reservation. Seneca Caverns is closed from November through April. Day Three Toledo Zoo: Adventure reigns year-round at the zoo, which offers habitats ranging from the Arctic tundra to the wilds of Africa. New at the zoo is Penguin Beach, offering viewing of penguins from above, underwater and right through the exhibit. The Toledo Zoo Aquarium will have a grand re-opening on March 27, 2015. Although the aquarium’s historic WPA architecture is being preserved, the interior will be completely remodeled. Special rates are available for groups of 20 or more. Glass Museum, Tiffin Toledo Museum of Art Cloister Toledo Zoo Toledo Museum of Art & Glass Pavilion: The museum is known for its art collection, sustainability practices, visual language and art education initiatives. Toledo is the birthplace of the studio glass movement and the museum keeps that heritage alive with daily glassblowing demonstrations and hands-on glassblowing experiences. Glass Pavilion, Toledo Museum of Art For contact information, see Northwest listings starting on page 14. 13 NORTHWEST Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce & VB DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATIONS Bowling Green CVB 119 E. Court St., Bowling Green 43402 (800) 866-0046 www.visitbgohio.com Contact: Wendy Chambers [email protected] Join us for a fun tour filled with memories. Your group will enjoy hands-on experiences with art, food, gardens, sports, history, architecture, genealogy and more! Choose from 10 excellent themed tours or a custom tour just for your group! 121 N. Main St. Fostoria 44830 (419) 435-0486 www.fostoriaohio.org Contact: Pamela Smith [email protected] Come visit historic Fostoria, where you will find history around every corner, whether it’s glass making or automobile manufacturing or the interest in over 100 trains that roar through Fostoria every day. You can enjoy a summer concert in the park amphitheater or fishing in one of five reservoirs. You are going to love it here! Huron County Visitors Bureau 10 West Main St. Norwalk, OH 44857 (877) 668-4155 www.VisitHuronCounty.com Contact: Melissa James [email protected] Set your own pace in Huron County, home to historic Monroeville, the maple trees of Norwalk, former locomotive hub Plymouth Village and Willard City, known as the City of Blossoms. Numerous educational, recreational and dining opportunities await in this friendly destination. Bowling Green and Rossford Custom Island Getaway Packages Adult Groups of 25 or more • All Day Packages, including attractions and lunch, with a narrated historical tour on the Put-in-Bay Tour Train; or tours with time to explore on your own, or with a golf cart. • Choose from the Butterfly House at Put-in-Bay and Antique Car Museum, Heineman Winery and Crystal Cave, or many more. • One, Two and Three Hour Tours School Tours • The rich history of Put-in-Bay, as well as the natural geological treasures of our caves, provides a unique learning experience for students. We have special rates for schools which include transportation on the Put-in-Bay Tour Train and admission to island attractions. WWW.PUTINBAYTRANS.COM • 419-285-4855 • E-MAIL: [email protected] 14 Put-in-Bay Tour Train @TourPIB shore thing Northwest It’s a Sun-soaked adventures in Northwest Ohio Refreshing breezes. Warm sand. The soothing sound of water meeting the shore. The beaches and islands of Northwest Ohio provide these experiences plus legendary rollercoaster rides at Cedar Point and indoor waterpark fun at Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky. Grand Lake St. Marys was constructed in 1845 as a feeder lake for the Miami-Erie Canal. Now Ohio’s largest inland lake, it covers 13,500 acres in Mercer and Auglaize counties and is a prime spot for boating, fishing and birding. The lake even has three lighthouses. Lake Erie Shores & Islands boasts three jewel-like islands: Kelleys, Middle Bass and South Bass. For biking, hiking and paddling excursions, head to Kelleys Island, the state’s largest and known as Lake Erie’s Emerald Isle. The glacial grooves on the north side of Kelleys Island are the largest easily accessible grooves of their kind in the world, a reminder of the ice age. Put-in-Bay Tour Trains offers a variety of packages for groups visiting South Bass Island and its Victorian-era village of Put-in-Bay. All packages include round-trip ferry transportation and a one-hour narrated historical tour train with photo opportunities at South Bass Island Lighthouse and Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, which honors those who fought in the Battle for Lake Erie in the War of 1812. Lake Erie Shores & Islands CVB 4424 Milan Rd., Ste. A, Sandusky, OH 44870 (800) 441-1271 www.shoresandisland.com/group Contact: Brian Shifflet [email protected] This year-round destination located on the shores of Lake Erie just off the Ohio Turnpike delivers adrenaline-pumping adventures, soothing relaxation and everything in between. Opportunities include Cedar Point, cruises to the islands, water park resorts, historical and educational tours, wineries and dinner theater! Lima/Allen County CVB 144 S. Main St., Ste. 101, Lima 45801 (419) 222-6075 www.lima-allencvb.com Contact: Cara Stombaugh [email protected] Lima/Allen County is conveniently situated along eight highways, including one of the nation’s busiest, I-75 in Northwest Ohio. Our location makes traveling easy … easy to find on your map, easy to get to and easy to enjoy as you discover the many things to see and do. Let us show your group Allen County’s hidden treasures! Rossford Convention and Visitors Bureau 133 Osborn St., Rossford, Ohio 43460 (800) 866-0046 www.visitrossfordohio.com Contact: Beth Genson [email protected] Rossford is an ideal destination for discovery. Explore a quaint downtown and its historic surroundings. Spend time at the marina, at one of the events at the Bass Pro Shop, take a tour back in time at the Edward Ford Memorial. Try a bit of luck at the Hollywood Casino or enjoy a day of retail therapy. Sandusky County CVB 712 North St., Ste. 102, Fremont 43420 (419) 332-4470 Contact Brenda Havens [email protected] www.sanduskycounty.org Nestled in the cradle of America’s freedom, Sandusky County invites you to unlock our hidden treasures. From history to haunting, find the perfect activity to delight, entertain and inspire your groups. Offering complete planning services for your group. Destination Seneca County 19 W. Market St., Tiffin 44883 (888) 298-7236 www.destinationsenecacounty.org Contact: Carol Ann Yager [email protected] Take a peek at Seneca County and discover where history sparkles. Experience the rich glass heritage and the origins of a multitude of railways. Enjoy year-round activities, abundant historical museums and landmarks, exciting events, festivals and unique shopping opportunities. 16 Northwest www.lovemyparks.com The Hayes Presidential Center is proud to present Dressed for Life: 1st Ladies & Red Dress Collection. Available April through December 2015 ONLY! HAYES PRESIDENTIAL CENTER, FREMONT, OHIO CREEK BEND FARM, LINDSEY, OHIO Beats, Bites & Boogie Your mystery evening of entertainment that will take your group on an experience they’ll not soon forget. Put on your dancing shoes and celebrate the evening away! Themes include: Roaring 20’s, The Great Gatsby, Big Band & 50’s Sock Hop. The Complete meal experience will give your group something to write home about! WHITE STAR PARK, GIBSONBURG, OHIO website: www.sanduskycounty.org HISTORIC STRAND THEATER, FREMONT OHIO email: [email protected] Advertisment Sponsored by the SCCVB Northwest Destination Toledo CVB Sauder Village 401 Jefferson Ave. Toledo 43604 (800) 243-4667 www.dotoledo.org Contact: Cathy Miller [email protected] Toledo … your destination on the edge of Lake Erie! Discover the new National Museum of the Great Lakes, Hollywood Casino, Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Zoo, Mud Hens and famous Tony Packo’s! Waterfront dining, cruises, birding, history, gardens, art scene, Broadway theater and more! 22611 SR-2 Archbold 43502 (800) 590-9755 www.saudervillage.org Contact: Jeanette Smith [email protected] At Sauder Village, guests can experience the lives of our ancestors while visiting with costumed guides and working craftsmen in historic homes, community shops, farms and gardens. Have fun in the past with Tour West Ohio 900 Edgewater Drive St. Marys 45885 (800) 860-4726 www.seemore.org Contact: Donna Grube [email protected] With Tour West Ohio, visit Neil Armstrong’s hometown and museum; ride down memory lane at the Bicycle Museum of America; and experience the beauty and peace of the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics. We strive to make your group’s visit special. ATTRACTIONS Ghostly Manor Thrill Center 3319 Milan Road (419) 626-4467 www.ghostlymanor.com Contact: Billy and Laura Criscione [email protected] NE, NW, I represent the entire state Ghostly Manor Thrill Center is your ticket to fun! Bring in your group and enjoy the 4-D Motion Theater, 3-D Wizard’s Journey Mini Golf, skating rink and Ghostly Manor haunted house. For the younger crowd, enjoy hours of fun on jumbo bounce houses, slides and a three-level jungle gym! Fun for every age group! Ghostly Manor 18 Thrill Center Sauder Village Heritage Inn unique events, shopping, home-style food and welcoming accommodations at Ohio’s largest living-history destination. 4424 Milan Rd. Ste. A Sandusky, OH 43614 (419) 285-4855 www.putinbaytrans.com Contact: Carolyn Miller [email protected] Escape to an island! For groups of 25 or more, packages typically include two attractions, narrated tour, group lunch and time for shopping. Explore caves, wineries, a 317-foot monument high above Lake Erie and a butterfly house. Great for school groups, too! Put-in-Bay Tour Trains New themed tours, perfect for an overnight to Rossford and BG, Ohio! X IXIX XX IX IX X V VI I VVII VV VIIIVIII VIII VIII IV IV XXII XXIII I I II II III III VI IIII IIIIII XIXI XIXIII I I VII I VIVI V V IV IV Northwest Put-in-Bay Tour Trains, Inc. THE DARK TOUR Spend the Day in Rossford Themed Tour options: meal, presentation, take-away and step-on guide. Convention & Visitors Bureaus visitrossfordohio.com visitbgohio.com 19 Great Wolf Lo Toledo Zoo dge 2 Hippo Way Toledo 43609 (419) 385-5721 www.toledozoo.org Contact: Michelle Doyle [email protected] Named the No. 1 zoo by USA Today readers choice! Toledo Zoo has so much to offer. Come check out three new experiences: Flamingo Key, Keet Retreat and Penguin Beach! © Dirk-jan Mattaar|Dreamstime Northwest Toledo Zoo LODGINGS Comfort Inn and Suites 840 Sean Drive Fremont 43420 (419) 355-9300 www.comfortinn.com/hotel/oh224 Contact: Jason Hawkins [email protected] We are a 64-room hotel that has been renovated in 2014. We offer an indoor pool and hot tub that is open 24 hours and a complimentary hot breakfast daily. Bus groups are welcome. Great Wolf Lodge, Sandusky 4600 Milan Road Sandusky 44870 (419) 609-6000, ext. 517 www.greatwolf.com Contact: Jan Kinkopf [email protected] Great Wolf Lodge is your destination for weatherproof fun! Our tour coordinators love the flexibility and ease of planning a group excursion with our seasoned staff. We will work with you to execute every detail flawlessly, making you the star in the eyes of your guests. 20 The AQUARIUM Explore the mysteries beneath at the Zoo’s newly renovated Aquarium. Don’t miss the 90,000-gallon Pacific Reef exhibit, with small sharks, colorful fish and interactive Zoo divers, or the new touch tanks with sea stars, harmless sharks and more. It’s oceans of fun. OPENS MARCH 27, 2015 800-243-4667 / www.DestinationToledo.org March 27, 2015 Aquarium Grand Re-Opening June 27-28, 2015 50th Annual Crosby Festival of the Arts @ Toledo Zoo The newly renovated Zoo Aquarium has been extensively upgraded inside and out while maintaining its historic WPA exterior. @Toledo Botanical Garden Celebrating 50 years in 2015! Browse and purchase stunning, original works from over 230 artists. Live entertainment, delicious edibles & more. Feb. 6–May 3, 2015 Drawn, Cut & Layered: The Art of Werner Pfeiffer July 11-12 Toledo Lighthouse Waterfront Festival @Toledo Museum of Art A prodigious artist, Pfeiffer’s works on paper have been shown and collected internationally. @ Maumee Bay State Park Lighthouse enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy arts and crafts and boat rides to the lighthouse for tours. May 8-17, 2015 The Biggest Week in American Birding August 28-30, 2015 German-American Festival @ Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center Activities include guided tours through Magee Marsh and the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. @ Oak Shade Grove Non-stop German music & fun. Known for their potato pancakes, authentic food & great selection of German beer. The Toledo Zoo Three new exhibits: Penguin Beach, Flamingo Key & parakeets @Keet Retreat. Toledo Museum of Art & Glass Pavilion A collection of more than 30,000 works of art ranks among the finest in the world. The Biggest Week in American Birding Magee Marsh was voted USA Today’s 2014 award for Best Birdwatching destination. National Museum of the Great Lakes Toledo’s newest attraction reveals the fascinating history of our treasured Great Lakes. Hollywood Casino Toledo Featuring over 2,000 slots, 60 table games, live entertainment & fine dining. Northeast Simple elegance Geauga County Big city vibe rural charm in Northeast Ohio Cleveland Skyline ©Cody York As Cleveland’s magnificent skyline twinkles in the distance, other urban destinations in Northeast Ohio shine. Meanwhile, Amish communities maintain a luster all their own. The Cleveland suburb of Beachwood is an ideal Northeast Ohio tour hub. While in town, take a guided tour of Beachwood Cemetery, where veterans of the Revolutionary War through World War II have been laid to rest. Midway between Cleveland and Sandusky is Lorain County, known for its Underground Railroad and stained glass church tours. In greater Akron, groups find the legacy of pioneering industrialists reflected in historic estates and museums like the Hower House and the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens along with great shopping and dining. Farther northeast, in neighboring Trumbull and Geauga counties, is the second largest Amish population in the state. Other tour options in Trumbull include a stroll along Millionaires Row in the Mahoning Avenue Historic District. In Geauga, fall colors are particularly breathtaking on a driving tour. Step into the shoes of suffragette 22 Harriet Taylor Upton whose home was used at the turn-of-the-century as headquarters for the National American Women’s Suffrage Association. To the north along Lake Erie, Lake County boasts 3,500 acres of display gardens within its arboretum as well as a distinct New England vibe and fantastic microbreweries and distilleries. In Tuscarawas County, the elegant J.E. Reeves Victorian Home and Museum and the Historic Schoenbrunn Village offer glimpses of two very different historic lifestyles. Farther east, kick back on a 60-minute Atwood Lake excursion onboard the Atwood Queen Cruise Boat in Carroll County. Medina County is nearer Akron and Cleveland. It is home to splendid Victorian architecture, an internationally famous candle making facility and Castle Noel, America’s largest indoor, year-round Christmas entertainment attraction in Medina. In addition, holiday shoppers and bargain hunters of all seasons must visit Lodi Station Outlets in Lodi, a 311,478-squarefoot mall offering fantastic deals on name brand apparel as well as classic train rides from late May to November. South of Medina, visitors find the crossroads of culture and countryside in Wayne County. To find just about any life-simplifying gadget one can think of, look no further than Lehman’s in Kidron, a 35,000-square-foot home retail store family owned since 1955. For a blast from the past, check out the Soda Pop Shop, which pours over 70 varieties of root beer. Nearby Holmes County, home of the world’s largest Amish community, treats groups to buggy rides and home-cooked meals. Make time for a meal at Berlin Farmstead Restaurant and feast on the signature broasted chicken and real mashed potatoes. Immediately to the west, explore the Ashland area. Its big event draw is the Antique Tractor & Engine show, held annually the second weekend in July. From July 2–5, the Ashland BalloonFest will color the sky for its 25th year. In the Youngstown and Mahoning County area, the Butler Institute of American Art is the first museum in the nation dedicated to housing works created solely by American artists. Art classes for groups are available. Itinerary Crafted with TLC Northeast Enjoy quality food and wares in Amish Country, Tuscarawas and Canton/Stark counties Day One Dennison Railroad Depot Museum: Welcome to Dreamsville USA, the nickname bestowed to Dennison during World War II. This museum celebrates the village’s extensive railroad heritage. The town boasted 21 passenger trains and 3,000 railroad employees in its 20th-century heyday. The depot now houses a museum, restaurant, gift shop and numerous steam locomotives, freight and passenger cars on display. at this 55,000-square-foot haven for shoppers. Find locally made Amish foodstuffs and furniture, live entertainment, crafters plus a wide variety of vendors. Der Dutchman Restaurant: Chicken, country-cured ham, roast beef, turkey and chicken pot pie are among the hearty, straightforward classics served at this Walnut Creek favorite. Leave room for date nut pudding, ice cream and a slice of one of the eatery’s 20 different types of pie for dessert. Uhrichsville Clay Museum: The Uhrichsville area in Tuscarawas County once was considered the clay capital of the world. At one time there were over 30 clay manufacturing plants. Museum highlights include vintage pipe, antique tools, historic images and creative folk art that came from the plants. See marbles, elaborate ashtrays, handcrafted animals and lamps. Day Three Fort Laurens Historic Site: Part of the Ohio History Connection, Fort Laurens in Bolivar was built in 1778. It served as an American military attack base and a deterrent to wouldbe British loyalists. It is the only fort Americans built in Ohio during the Revolutionary War. Warther Museum: Located in Dover, Warther Museum is dedicated to master carver Ernest “Mooney” Warther. One-hour guided tours explore the museum as well as Warther’s life story. A new, three-hour garden dinner tour option, available June through September, offers groups a BBQ-themed meal. Dinner tours are available. MAPS Air Museum: See vintage aircraft restored by Military Aircraft Preservation Society members at this not-to-miss North Canton attraction. Sit in the gondola of a Goodyear Blimp and the cockpit of a Russian MiG and check out the world’s first monowing aircraft, designed and built in Canton. Tours, many led by military veterans, last about two hours. Day Two Sugarcreek/Dutch Valley: Shop for authentic Amish meats and cheeses at Dutch Valley Market. Items come directly from the smokehouses, dairy farms, chicken coops, orchards and gardens of the Ohio countryside. Next, browse Dutch Valley Gifts & The Coop for darling gifts, beautiful jewelry, primitive rugs and candles as well as well-crafted Amish furniture. Enjoy lunch at Dutch Valley Restaurant, specializing in wholesome and wholly satisfying meals.The Village of Sugarcreek is also home to the “World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock.” Hartville: Explore four Hartville attractions on one campus. Hartville Collectibles sells gifts, jewelry, clothing, accessories and home decor as well as engraving services for personalized gifts. Hartville Hardware & Lumber is the largest independent hardware store in the United States, covering a massive 305,000 square feet. Check out the Idea House, a complete house built inside the store. Or, visit the Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market, with over 100 shops inside and 800 flea market vendors at peak season outside. Feast on home-style cooking at Hartville Kitchen and pick up fudge or another sweet treat at the candy shop. Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market: The welcome mat is always out for motorcoaches Warther Museum Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market MAPS Air Museum For contact information, see Northeast listings starting on page 25. 23 Fun with a side of learning Itinerary Bowl, cruise, shop and feast in the Cleveland area Day One Greater Cleveland Aquarium: Boasting nearly a half million gallons of water and the SeaTube underwater walk-through experience, Greater Cleveland Aquarium makes a splash with any group. Go on a behind-the-scenes tour of this top Cleveland attraction with a professional guide and explore working areas normally closed to the public. Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Zocalo Mexican Grill & Tequileria: Enjoy authentic Mexican dining with southof-the-border ambiance and hospitality. Zocalo serves up cuisine from different regions of Mexico and pours a large selection of tequilas and Mexican beers. Try fresh salsa and slow roasted carnitas in Cleveland’s bustling East 4th neighborhood. Nautica Queen: Accommodating groups of 25 to 400, the Nautica Queen cruise ship is the perfect way to see a Lake Erie sunset and take in Cleveland’s dynamic skyline. Lake and river cruises include an unlimited buffet meal and musical entertainment featuring a DJ or live band. Cruises run until New Year’s Eve, with a limited schedule October through December. Day Two HIMSS Innovation Center: This 30,000-square-foot demonstration, exhibition and education center shows how information technology improves the quality and efficiency of patient care. Groups can tour the facility, located on the fourth floor of the Global Center for Health Innovation, and learn about various products and services advancing health care. Tours are self-guided and highly interactive. Thistledown Racino: Featuring over 1,150 video lottery terminals (VLTs), seasonal live racing and year-round simulcast racing, Thistledown is a premier entertainment destination. It is also a solid dining option, with six distinct eateries on site. Groups of 30 people or more staying four hours receive a special incentive. Flannery’s Pub: For a taste of Ireland in Cleveland, look no further than Flannery’s Pub. Located in the heart of the Gateway Neighborhood, Flannery’s features over 15 imported draft beers poured into a 20-ounce Imperial pint glass — bigger than the traditional 16-ounce U.S. pint. The menu offers traditional Irish dishes as well as familiar American comfort foods. The fish and chips is a must. Nautica Queen Day Three Aurora Farms Premium Outlets: With regular savings of 25 to 65 percent on top name brands, Aurora Farms is guaranteed to make for happy shoppers. Groups of 15 or more receive free VIP Coupon Books upon arrival. The Simon Center’s 70 outlet stores include Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Bose, Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren and more. Horseshoe Cleveland casino: Groups can choose from 1,600 slots, including 200 video poker machines, as well as 89 table games and poker with varying limits. There is a variety of dining options, including The Spread Buffet, a deli and an Italian eatery. Flannery’s Pub The Corner Alley: Located in Cleveland’s East Fourth Neighborhood, The Corner Alley offers 16 lanes of bowling, two sleek bars and Cleveland-inspired cuisine. The venue is able to accommodate gatherings of up to 600 people. Its mezzanine with flat-screen TVs seats up to 45 people. Groups can rent the full 16 lanes. For contact information, see Northeast listings starting on page 25. 24 Zocalo Mexican Grill & Tequileria The Corner Alley NORTHEAST DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATIONS Akron/Summit CVB 77 E. Mill St., Akron 44308 (800) 245-4254 www.akron.travel Contact: Allyson Boyd [email protected] Greater Akron/Summit County offers an array of exciting itineraries to make planning your next trip to our area fast and fun. Custom packages can be created to accommodate groups of all sizes. Easily accessible, greater Akron affords visitors equally affordable and memorable travel experiences! Ashland Area CVB 211 Claremont Ave., Ashland 44805 (877) 581-2345 www.visitashlandohio.com Contact: Amy Daubenspeck [email protected] If you’re looking for exciting events, a relaxing family outing or a day of shopping and dining, Ashland County offers a little something for everyone. Our fun, inviting events and attractions are sure to satisfy any member of the family. Carroll County CVB 61 N. Lisbon St., Carrollton, OH 44615 (877) 727-0103 www.carrollcountyohio.com Contact: Amy Rutledge [email protected] The Carroll County CVB will work with your group to customize an itinerary for your group. We offer a relaxing, rural atmosphere with small towns, museums, unique agriculture, festivals and a pontoon boat ride. Check our website to learn more. Destination Cleveland 334 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 44114 (216) 875.6607 www.thisiscleveland.com Contact: Jane Tougouma [email protected] Bring your group to Cleveland and experience rock and roll history at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, enjoy the world-class Cleveland Orchestra or tour the 100-year-old West Side Market. Beachwood CVB 3201 Enterprise Pkwy., Ste. 145, Beachwood, 44122 (216) 378-9333 www.visitbeachwoodohio.com Contact: Patty Lampert [email protected] Visit the city with world-class museums, luxurious shopping and fabulous food. Experience Food, Fun & Fashion Week, Beachwood Place and the Maltz Museum. Beachwood is just 11 miles from Cleveland and is convenient to I-271, I-480, and I-90. Canton/Stark County CVB 222 Market Ave. North, Canton, OH 44702 (330) 458-2086 www.VisitCantonStark.com Contact: Allyson Bussey [email protected] Home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, McKinley Memorial & Museum & the National First Ladies Library. Stark County offers world-class attractions, Amish country and endless shopping. Discover rich culinary and dining experiences including wineries and chocolate factories. 25 Northeast Lake County VB unty rk , Geauga Co Obser vatory Pa Geauga County Tourism 14907 N. State Ave., Middlefield 44062 (800) 775-8687 www.tourgeauga.com Contact: Lynda Nemeth [email protected] Geauga County Tourism can help rejuvenate your groups! Explore the solar system at Observatory Park, indulge your inner foodie and shop for fresh produce, cheese and chocolates! Visit our quiet Amish backroads for an authentic experience, meal and shopping! One Victoria Place, Ste. 265A, Painesville 44077 (800) 368-5253 www.lakevisit.com Contact: Bob Ulas [email protected] Lake County is Cleveland’s eastern neighbor off I-90 along Lake Erie. Fresh hotels, from boutique to resort, offer group tour rates and free motorcoach parking in the same location. Lake County is midway between New York and Chicago. Mansfield-Richland County CVB 124 N. Main St., Mansfield, OH 44902 (800) 642-8282 www.mansfieldtourism.com Contact: Jodie Snavely [email protected] Walk the halls of Ohio State Reformatory, tour 14 real filming sites from The Shawshank Redemption, stand where Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall got married, tour BibleWalk’s wax museums and savor local foods in the Carrousel District. Themed itineraries to begin your adventure! Historic Fort Steuben/Steubenville Visitor Center 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville 43952 (740) 283-1787 www.visitsteubenville.com Contact: Judy Bratten [email protected] From larger-than-life murals to the fully reconstructed,18thcentury Fort Steuben, to memorabilia of entertainment icon Dean Martin, Steubenville offers a number of diverse tour opportunities for all ages that include art, music, history and food. Holmes County Tourism Bureau 6 W. Jackson St., Ste. A, Millersburg, OH 44654 (330) 674-3975 www.visitamishcountry.com Contact: Bonnie Coblentz [email protected] Explore the unique culture of the Amish with a group itinerary in central Ohio, home of the world’s largest Amish community. Enjoy beautiful scenery, visit an Amish farm, savor homemade foods and listen for the clip-clop of a buggy. Shop for handmade quilts, artwork and furniture in Millersburg, Berlin or Walnut Creek. 26 The Carroll County Visitors Bureau invites you to bring your group to the county. Visit one of our museums, shop at one of unique stores in downtown Carrollton, visit a local farm, take a relaxing ride on the Atwood Queen, eat at one of our great restaurants and stay at the Atwood Lake Resort. That is just some of the things that await in scenic Carroll County. To learn more call 877-727-0103 www.carrollcountyohio.com Medina County CVB 32 Public Square, Medina 44256 (330) 722-5502 www.visitmedinacounty.com Contact: Dan Hostetler [email protected] Medina County (northeast Ohio) has something for everyone! Groups can enjoy a Victorian tour, home tour, tea room, toy and train museum, farms and gardens, candles, bull riding, unique shops, outlets and the new Castle Noel, a Christmas movie museum and entertainment center. Trumbull County Tourism Bureau 321 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren 44483 (866) 360.1552 www.exploretrumbullcounty.com Contact: Stephanie L Sferra [email protected] What do birds of prey, the Amish, Faberge-style eggs, the Packard automobile and an African safari ride have in common? Trumbull County! Located in northeastern Ohio between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, we offer unique itineraries, step-on guide service and one-on-one FAMs. Tuscarawas County CVB 124 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia, OH 44663 (800) 527-3387 www.traveltusc.com Contact: Tiffany Gerber [email protected] Gateway to Ohio Amish country! Home of many historic villages, Wather Museum and Carvings, train museums, performing arts and more! Less than two hours from Cleveland, Columbus and Pittsburgh! Village of Sugarcreek 106 W. Main Street, Sugarcreek 44681 (888) 609-7592 www.visitsugarcreek.com Contact: Clayton Weller [email protected] Isn’t it time your group visited Sugarcreek? With attractions like the world’s largest cuckoo clock, brick wall sculpture, downtown trolley and live theater, you’re sure to make some memories in the Little Switzerland of Ohio! Visit Lorain County 8025 Leavitt Road, Amherst 44001 (800) 334-1673 www.visitloraincounty.com Contact: Michelle VanWormer [email protected] Lake Erie south to the rural countryside. Enjoy lakeside dining, lighthouse tours and riverboat cruises. Get up close to elk, alpaca or horses. Learn about the Underground Railroad and how we are connected to the raid on Harper’s Ferry! Star-studded lineup Celebrate leaders, rockers and winners in Northeast Ohio Welcome to the A-list. The Canton/Stark County, Cleveland and Mansfield/Richland County areas are prepared to roll out the red carpet for groups. Legacies of music legends, gridiron greats, the United States’ 25th president and a timeless tale of vindication make Northeast Ohio a glamorous group destination. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland shines the spotlight on rock’s all-time greats. The experience includes four theaters, multiple interactive stations and seven floors of exhibits. Learn about the who’s who with temporary and permanent exhibits exploring transformative movements, recent inductees and icons, including The Beatles. In Canton, the Pro Football Hall of Fame pays tribute to the greatest to ever grace a field. Its awe-inspiring Hall of Fame Gallery features the bronze bust of every enshrinee. Visitors also can experience the big game like never before within the interactive Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery, which recaps every Super Bowl played to date. While in Canton, visit the William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum for an in-depth look at presidency of the nation’s 25th commander-in-chief. In addition to guided tours and planetarium shows, groups can go on a behindthe-scenes tour of the McKinley Monument, a tribute to the Niles-born, assassinated president who led the U.S. to victory in the Spanish-American War. Make the leap from real-life to fictitious drama with a visit to Mansfield & Richland County. Explore The Shawshank Trail, featuring 14 filming sites of the famous 1994 prison drama The Shawshank Redemption, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. 27 Northeast Wayne County CVB 428 W. Liberty St., Wooster 44691 (800) 362-6474 www.wccvb.com Contact: Martha Starkey [email protected] Wayne County is part of the world’s largest Amish community. We are home to Lehman’s, the J.M. Smucker Company and P. Graham Dunn. Shop downtown Wooster, with the Everything Rubbermaid store, unique shops and delectable restaurants. Youngstown Live-Mahoning County CVB 21 W. Boardman St., Youngstown 44503 (800) 447-8201 www.youngstownlive.com Contact: Tara Mady [email protected] Located in northeastern Ohio, midway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh and New York and Chicago, Youngstown is an ideal destination for your next group tour. Whether a multi-day or a simple day trip, there is plenty to do, see and enjoy! 28 ATTRACTIONS Amish Country Musicals 1357 Old Route 39 Sugarcreek 44681 (855) 344-7547 www.amishcountrymusicals.com Contact: Vicki VanNatta [email protected] Hit musicals are playing at Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek. With hundreds of standing ovations and thousands of happy patrons in the basket, come see what all the fuss is about! The Amish Country Theater 3149 SR-39, Walnut Creek 44687 (888) 988-7469 www.amishcountrytheater.com Contact: Jeff Conn [email protected] Get ready for some explosive laughter! This rib-ticklin’ variety show features live bluegrass music, hilarious comedians, Amish characters and internationally acclaimed ventriloquist Ken Groves! Performed in a 325-seat, group-friendly, professional auditorium, the witty characters put on a show that appeals to grandparents, parents and kids! Aurora Farms Premium Outlets Wayne County 548 S. Chillicothe Rd. Aurora, OH 44202 (330) 562-2000 www.premiumoutlets.com/aurora Contact: Kyle Hersch [email protected] Group tours find impressive savings at name brand outet stores that make shopping part of the journey. Tour packaging ideas and travel trade benefits too. Berlin Farmstead Restaurant 4757 TR 366 Millersburg, OH 44654 (330) 893-4600 www.dhgroup.com Contact: Nancy Ward [email protected] Our group-friendly Family-Style and Buffet service for banquets support the tradition of fellowship at the table. Groups of all sizes are served hot, freshly prepared foods quickly and efficiently, so they can make the most of their time together at the table. Canton Arts District/ ArtsinStark 900 Cleveland Ave. NW Canton 44702 (330) 453-1075 www.cantonartsdistrict.com Contact: Judi Christy [email protected] The Canton Arts District is a walkable, eclectic, edible and entertaining experience. Jammed with galleries, boutiques, local eateries, stunning architecture, a historic theater and Canton Museum of Art, spend the morning, day or evening Wednesday through Saturday. Do it yourself or let us help with the planning. Greater Clevel and Aquarium Castle Noel 260 S. Court St., Medina 44256 (330) 721-6635 www.castlenoel.com Contact: Dana Klaus [email protected] Castle Noel is America’s largest indoor, year-round entertainment attraction. We offer a personalized tour for all ages. Seniors feel like kids again. Mark Klaus gift shop; optional add-on, personal experience with Mark Klaus includes hot chocolate and cookies. Plus a resort-level mini golf course. A great destination. Greater Cleveland Aquarium 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland 44113 (216) 862.8803 www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com Contact: Joe Prada [email protected] Featuring more than 50 exhibits in a historic powerhouse. With brick walls, steel girders and coal tunnels (we’re the only aquarium boasting jellyfish above you in a smokestack!), the architecture is almost as much fun as the sharks and stingrays. Lehman’s, Kidron 888.438.5346 www.Lehmans.com P. Graham Dunn, Dalton 866.922.0306 pera O t h g i try + L n u o C jellies d Amish n a jams 0 5 3 x rden a g e s o a r ime t e m o wes = an a unty! o C e n in Way www.pgrahamdunn.com Downtown Wooster 330.262.6222 www.mainstreetwooster.org Ohio Light Opera Resident Professional Company of The College of Wooster 330.263.2345 www.ohiolightopera.org The J.M. Smucker Company Store and Cafe, Orrville 330.684.1500 www.smuckers.com Secrest Arboretum & Gardens, Wooster 330.464.2148 www.secrest.osu.edu Hampton Inn, Wooster 330.345.4424 www.wooster.hamptoninn.com Hilton Garden Inn, Wooster 330.202.7701 www.wooster.stayhgi.com WWW.WCCVB.COM 1-800-362-6474 Shisler’s Cheese House, Orrville 330.682.2105 www.cheesehouse.com 29 Northeast Cleveland POPS Orchestra The Coop 24000 Mercantile Rd., Unit 8 Beachwood, OH 44122 (216) 765-7677 www.clevelandpops.com Contact: Shirley Morgenstern [email protected] Cleveland POPS Orchestra offers worldclass entertainment, generous group discounts and a full range of benefits including priority seating. Experience a POPS Orchestra rehearsal on the day of the concert. Maestro Topilow leads a discussion of the music to be played, introduces musicians and guest artists, and answers questions. 1373 Old Route 39 Sugarcreek 44681 (330) 852-4026 www.dutchvalleygifts.com Contact: Vicki VanNatta [email protected] The Coop offers more of the softer side of home furnishings with textiles, furniture, home accessories, kitchen gadgets and lighting. Located on the Dutch Valley campus. Handicap accessible. Open Monday–Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check website for seasonal hours. The Corner Alley Cleveland 402 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114 (216) 296-4070 www.thecorneralley.com Contact: Mary Lessick [email protected] The Corner Alley features 16 lanes of upscale bowling action. State-of-theart, custom designed scoring systems, satellite music through a MyTouchTunes jukebox and an All-American menu with lane-side service or separate dining areas. Food and beverage packages available for groups. E S CA PE TO TH E H EART OF OH IO W I N E COU N TRY. On the shores of Lake Erie, The Lodge at Geneva offers an endless selection of activities. Covered bridge tours, hiking trails and a shuttle to nearby wineries are just a few of the ways The Lodge creates memorable Ohio experiences. T h e L o d g e At G e n ev a.c o m · 8 6 6.55 4.0 015 4888 Nor th Broadway · Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041 Of f I-90 on SR 534 Nor th Hospitality by Delaware North ©2014 Delaware North at Geneva State Park, LLC. DNGN120_6169_OhioHasIt_2.25x4.75_2014_P.indd 111/20/14 1:03 PM Live music, visual art, fine and casual dining and the most walkable downtown in northeast Ohio. Home to the year round canton First Friday celebrations. For more information visit cantonartsdistrict.com 30 31 Northeast Dennison Railroad Depot Museum 400 Center Street, Dennison, OH (740) 922-6776 www.dennisondepot.org Contact: Jacob Masters [email protected] A beautifully restored 1873 Pennsylvania Railroad depot depicts the role of the train during WWII, the American home front and canteen life through interactive exhibits, restored train cars and experiential stories. Polar Express train rides and special exhibits and programs also offered. Der Dutchman Restaurant 4967 Walnut St., Walnut Creek, OH 44687 (330) 893-2961 www.dhgroup.com Contact: Linda Miller [email protected] The slower pace, simpler life, and pastoral setting of Walnut Creek are an almost irresistible draw for groups seeking a peaceful place to relax, reconnect, or be productive. Experience genuine hospitality, high quality, and value-added service extended by Der Dutchman Restaurant and the Carlisle Inn. Dutch Valley Gifts 1367 Old Route 39 E. Sugarcreek 44681 (330) 852-4926 www.dutchvalleygifts.com Contact: Vicki VanNatta [email protected] Dutch Valley Gifts earns its keep by offering an elegant selection of fine gifts, fashionable boutique items and jewelry, gracious accessories for home and garden, designer-original florals and more. Located on the Dutch Valley campus. Handicap accessible. Open Monday–Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check website for seasonal hours. 32 Der Dutchman oad Depot Dennison Railr Restaurant The Dutch Valley Market 1411 Old Route 39, Sugarcreek 44681 (330) 852-2631 www.dutchvalleymarket.com Contact: Vicki VanNatta [email protected] Fresh meats, turkeys, hams, cheeses, our own smoked sausage, Der Dutchman jams and jellies, spices and pantry items, gift boxes and more. Take home a taste of the country! Located on the Dutch Valley campus. Handicap accessible. Open Monday–Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check website for seasonal hours. Dutch Valley Restaurant 1343 Old Route 39, Sugarcreek 44681 (330) 852-4627 www.derdutchman.com Contact: Vicki VanNatta [email protected] Featuring Amish kitchen cooking. Select from menu, buffet, or family-style. Hot breakfast buffet is a local favorite. Banquet facilities for up to 300. Bakery and cafe. Located on the Dutch Valley campus. Restaurant hours: Monday–Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bakery hours: Monday–Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Flannery’s Pub 323 E. Prospect Ave. Cleveland 44115 www.flannerys.com (216) 781-7782 Contact: Sean O’Donnell [email protected] Downtown Cleveland on Historic East 4th Street — Voted one of America’s top Irish pubs! Cleveland’s friendliest staff serving up fine Irish cuisine and American favorites! Cleveland’s downtown neighborhood Irish pub landmark since 1997. Fort Laurens 11067 Fort Laurens Road, Bolivar 44612 (330) 874-2059; (800) 283-8914 http://fortlaurens.org Contact: Karah Haines [email protected] Fort Laurens offers a museum housing artifacts from the Revolutionary War and a video describing the Fort Laurens campaign. The site offers a large park with picnic areas, access to the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail and is in close proximity to Zoar Village. The site is fully handicap accessible. ART more of Visual and performance arts beautify Northeast Ohio No matter the artistic discipline, the Canton/ Stark County, Cleveland, Amish Country and Tuscarawas County areas demonstrate an eclecticism and creativity unrivaled in the Midwest. Discover the history of Ohio’s first settlement, Schoenbrunn, through a performance of Pulitzer Prize recipient Paul Green’s, “Trumpet in the Land” at the Schoenbrunn Amphitheatre in New Philadelphia. And discover the magic of theater by taking an actor-escorted backstage tour. Look no further than the Canton Arts District, in Canton, for an example of dedication to aesthetics and community. The district manages a 330,000-square-foot arts facility and coordinates tours of its thriving art galleries and museums. In Cleveland, enjoy world-class orchestra and theater performances. PlayhouseSquare presents Broadway shows, plays, musicals, opera, ballet and contemporary performing arts in the largest center of its kind outside of New York. For an enchanting blend of classical, swing, jazz, Broadway, Dixieland and Klezmer music, enjoy an evening with the 65-member Cleveland POPS Orchestra. It is led by conductor Carl Topilow, who also serves as director of the orchestral program at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Entertainment takes a more rustic turn in Amish Country. Amish Country Musicals at Carlisle Inn in Sugarcreek. Playing at the inn through Aug. 15, 2015, is Half-Stitched, The Musical, a Broadway-style musical comedy/drama that tells the story of colorful characters at a quilting class. Walnut Creek is home to Amish Country Theater. The 12,000-square-foot venue and 325seat auditorium is pattered after an authentic Amish barn. However, this “barn” is configured with state-of-the-art sound, lighting and effects. The 2015 season runs May 14 to December 12. Two Tuesday performances have been added to the traditional Thursday–Saturday schedule. 33 Northeast Hartville Collectibles HIMSS Innovation Center 1015 Edison St., Hartville 44632 (330) 877-2172 www.hartvillecollectibles.com Contact: Trista Todd ttodd@hrm_enterprises.com Don’t let the name fool you. In addition to a wide variety of collectibles and one-of-a-kind keepsakes, we also feature a beautiful array of women’s fashion accessories, like the latest designer jewelry and handbags, as well as clothing and other unique items to brighten your wardrobe. 1 St. Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland 44113 (216) 416-6228 www.himssinnovationcenter.org Contact: John Paganini [email protected] The 36,000-square-foot HIMSS Innovation Center, on the fourth floor of the Global Center for Health Innovation, is a demonstration and testing site to show how interoperable information technologies improve the quality and efficiency of care for patients and communities. Hartville Hardware Hower House 1315 Edison St. NW, Hartville 44632 (330) 877-3631 www.hartvillehardware.com Contact: Trista Todd ttodd@hrm_enterprises.com Unique features include a 1,850-square-foot Idea House, which was almost entirely constructed of products made in the United States and products that are in stock daily at the store. Along the back of the kitchen and bath area is a four-house facade that houses a showroom inspiring to builder and re-modeler alike. University of Akron 60 Fir Hill, Akron, OH 44325 (330) 972-6909 www.howerhouse.org Contact: Linda Bussey [email protected] Hower House, completed in 1871, is Akron’s Victorian masterpiece that was occupied by the Hower family for 100 years. It features treasures from around the world collected by the family. Open 11 months a year for tours and rentals. Closed January. Hartville Kitchen 1015 Edison St., Hartville 44632 (330) 877-9353 www.hartvillekitchen.com Contact: Trista Todd ttodd@hrm_enterprises.com Our cozy, comfortable dining room was designed to enhance your dining experience. Although we can seat 440 guests, we provide ample space between tables. Whether your group is large or small, there’s a place for you at our table. Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville 44632 (330) 877-9860 www.hartvillemarketplace.com Contact: Trista Todd [email protected] The Hartville MarketPlace has grown into a three-acre, indoor, year-round shopping experience that you have to see to believe. Over 100 independently owned indoor shops. It is air conditioned and heated for year-round comfort. It also is handicap accessible, with a convenient elevator to the 2nd floor. 34 JE Reeves Victorian Home Dover Historical Society 325 E. Iron Ave., Dover, OH 44622 (330) 343-7040 www.doverhistory.org Contact: Tammy Mackey-Shrum [email protected] Return to the elegance of the late 19th century by visiting the 17-room J. E. Reeves Victorian Home and its adjoining Carriage House Museum, located in Dover. This opulent mansion, the former residence of prominent Dover industrialist, Jeremiah E. Reeves, is owned by the Dover Historical Society. Lehman’s Hardware 4779 Kidron Road, Dalton 44618 (800) 438-5346 www.lehmans.com Contact: Glenda Ervin [email protected] It’s like visiting a museum and going shopping at the same time! Your group will love wandering through our rambling store, purchasing items they probably thought weren’t made anymore. Hower House Lodi Station Outlets 9911 Avon Lake Road, Ste. 80 Lodi 44214 (330) 948.9929 www.lodistation.com Contact: Trinity D’Andrea Elmiger [email protected] Lodi Station Outlets is a destination outlet shopping center featuring vintage trains and a lineup of national retail brands, including Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Pendleton, Gap Outlet, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armor Clearance House, American Eagle Outfitters, Gymboree Outlet, Bath & Body Works Outlet and more! MAPS Air Museum Nautica Queen 2260 International Pkwy. North Canton (330) 896-6332 www.mapsairmuseum.org Contact: Kim David Kovesci [email protected] MAPS’ mission is to educate the public on the history of aviation and its impact on man. We accomplish this by acquiring, restoring, displaying and talking about the planes and artifacts that played an important part in the evolution of flight. We have over 41 aircraft in our inventory and over 50 world-class displays in our Gallery of Heroes. 1153 Main Ave., Cleveland 44113 (216) 696-8888 www.nauticaqueen.com Contact: Colleen M. Grey [email protected] The Nautica Queen offers lunch, Sunday brunch, and dinner cruises from April through New Year’s Eve. Our lavish buffets satisfy any palate and all cruises feature onboard musical entertainment and commentary about Cleveland. Your group will enjoy spectacular views of Cleveland and Lake Erie. Sunsets await aboard the Nautica Queen. MAPS Nautica Queen McKinley Presidential Library & Museum 800 McKinley Monument Dr, NW Canton, OH 44708 (330) 455-7043 www.mckinleymuseum.org Contact: Joyce Yut [email protected] The William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum Looks forward to working with your group to plan an educational and enjoyable visit. We offer guided tours and planetarium shows, step-on guides and behindthe-scenes tours of the McKinley Monument. Playhouse Square 1501 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115 (216) 640-8600 www.playhousesquare.org Contact: Renee Boermer [email protected] The country’s largest performing arts center outside of New York, PlayhouseSquare hosts over one million guests each year to its 1,000plus events. Backstage tours are available for groups. 35 Discover a whole new Northeast Pro Football Hall of Fame 2121 George Halas Dr. Canton, OH 44708 (330) 456-8207 www.profootballhof.com Contact: Susan Campbell [email protected] The Pro Football Hall of Fame is America’s premier sports museum and showplace. Our exhibits are ever changing as we use our collection of artifacts to help tell the story of the game’s great history. We are conveniently located off I-77. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd. Cleveland 44114 (216) 515-1228 www.rockhall.com Contact: Sharrona Burns [email protected] The greatest stories and biggest names in rock and roll shine on at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The experience includes four theaters, multiple interactive stations and seven floors of exhibits that tell the story of the world’s most powerful art form. Schoenbrunn Village/ Uhrichsville Clay Museum Ohio Amish Country, 330 N. Main St. Uhrichsville, OH 44683 (740) 922-5455 www.claymuseum.com Contact: Jacob Masters See the history of the Clay Industry and how clay workers were the artists of their time at the Clay Museum in Uhrichsville or visit Ohio’s first settlement at Schoenbrunn Village in New Philadelphia to experience life on the Ohio frontier. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens 714 N. Portage Path, Akron 44303 (330) 315-3284 www.stanhywet.org Contact: Pamela Courrier [email protected] Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is the former estate of F.A. Seiberling, cofounder of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. The estate features a historic 65-room Tudor Revival manor and 70 acres of artistically landscaped grounds and formal gardens. Hit Musicals Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek is pleased to present wholesome familyfriendly entertainment in their theater-in-the-round for 2015. Back by popular demand, Wanda E. Brunstetter’s H AL F- ST ITCH E D Playing June 2 through August 13, 2015 Debuting in Sugarcreek, Martha Bolton’s J O SI AH F OR P R E S ID E NT Playing August 22 through December 19, 2015 For Tickets – Box Office 855-344-2275 or amishcountrymusicals.com Playing at Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek 1357 Old Rt 39 in Sugarcreek, Ohio 36 still full of quiet charm. Foodie Groups rejoice! Bring your coolers as you nibble your way through the county. Have an ‘Out of this World’ experience at Observatory Park; one of only 8 such parks in the world. Whether you are looking for itineraries with a step on guide or help in customizing your own tour we are happy to assist. Geauga County Tourism Lynda Nemeth, [email protected] www.TourGeauga.com 440-632-1538 • 800-775-8687 Point your groups in a new direction Trumbull County in northeastern Ohio Begin by downloading our Group Tour Planning Packet ExploreTrumbullCounty.com 866.360.1552 37 Northeast Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market LODGINGS 1900 State Rte. 39 Sugarcreek, OH 44681 (330) 852-0181 www.wcfleamarket.com Contact: January Tango Come to the Flea Market for a shopping experience to remember. Open Aprilmid December 9 a.m.-5 p.m. More than 55,000 square feet of indoor shopping. Handicap-accessible, pet friendly, air conditioned and one-level shopping. Indoor and outdoor eateries, weekly live entertainment, monthly giveaways and special events. Able to accommodate all bus sizes. Best Western Airport Inn & Suites Warther Museum, Inc. 331 Karl Ave., Dover 44622 (330) 343-7513 www.warthers.com Contact: Carol Moreland [email protected] Warther Museum, family-owned and operated, is home of the world famous woodcarvings of steam engines by Ernest Mooney Warther, carved of ivory, ebony and walnut. See Mrs. Warther’s button collection and Swiss-style gardens. Also see the original home and workshop. Zocalo 2071 E. 4th St., Cleveland, OH 44115 (216) 781-0420 www.zocalocleveland.com Contact: Joe Fontana Mexican restaurant and tequileria that can accommodate parties up to 200 people. We offer fresh Mexican fare prepared daily as well as Ohio’s most extensive tequila cabinet. Zocalo 38 16501 Snow Rd,, Brook Park 44142 (216) 267-9364 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Ray Vallee [email protected] Inside our newly renovated hotel, guests will find spacious, wellappointed accommodations, each featuring free cable television and free Wi-Fi. Guests of our Clevelandarea hotel will also enjoy a deluxe complimentary continental breakfast each morning, swimming in the heated indoor swimming pool and working out in the exercise facility. Best Western Dutch Valley Inn 161 Bluebell Drive SW New Philadelphia 44663 (330) 339-6500 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Melissa Sedlock [email protected] The Best Western Dutch Valley Inn prides itself on friendly customer service, great amenities and comfortable accommodations. We offer newly appointed guest rooms, each with refrigerator/microwave and complimentary continental breakfast. We also feature an indoor, heated swimming pool, fitness center and complimentary bus parking. Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek 1357 Old Route 39 Sugar Creek, OH 44681 (855) 411-2275 www.carlisleinns.com Contact: Kriss Ott [email protected] Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek features a more rural atmosphere with views of the Ragersville Valley and its signature dairy farms. Families will love both the luxury as well as a heated pool, hot tub and fitness room. Jacuzzi tubs are available in many rooms, including spacious two-bedroom suites. Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek 4949 Walnut St. Walnut Creek, OH 44687 (855) 400-2275 www.CarlisleInns.com Contact: Matt Haun [email protected] Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek affords guests an exceptional view of Amish farmsteads in the Genza Bottom Valley. We’ve recently added quilts in every room, including hand-stitched Amish quilts in deluxe rooms. The newest addition is a fitness room with a view of the valley. DoubleTree Hilton Tudor Arms Hotel 10660 Carnegie Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44106 (216) 455-1260 www.doubletree3.hilton.com The Tudor Arms reopened in 2011 as a restored historic venue. We can accommodate groups to 450. Our executive chef will create the perfect menu while the beauty of the beauty of the building will wow your guests! Fairfield Inn & Suites Youngstown Austintown 801 N. Canfield Niles Road Austintown 44515 (330) 505-2173 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Rachel Miskell [email protected] We are located in the heart of Mahoning Valley just off I-80 and are the closest hotel to the brand new Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course — opening fall 2014. Hampton Inn Akron 880 Arlington Ridge Road Akron 44312 (330) 644-6579 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Lynsey Elmo [email protected] Newly renovated - summer 2014! Located just off I-77, our hotel is only 13 miles from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, five miles from the Soap Box Derby and two miles from Firestone Country Club. We are seven miles from Akron University and 10 miles from Kent State University and the Blossom Music Center. Refined and resilient www.discoverohio.com Hampton Inn & Suites Canton 5251 Broadmoor Circle NW Canton, Ohio 44709 (330) 491-4335 www.cantonohsuites.hamptoninn.com Contact: Julie Karma [email protected] Relax at our award-winning hotel and enjoy some of the complimentary amenities our hotel has to offer including hot breakfast, indoor pool and spa, fitness facility, business center and Internet. At Hampton, “We love having you here!” Hampton Inn Kent 4406 SR-43, Kent 44240 (330) 673.8555 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Jasmine Neloms [email protected] Hampton Inn Kent, located 3 miles from Kent State University. Take advantage of the city’s parks, hiking trails and antique malls. Our hotel is 12 miles from Akron, 25 miles from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and 40 miles from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Venture to Amish Country and take a tour on horseback. Hampton Inn Newcomerstown 200 Morris Crossing, Newcomerstown 43832 (740) 498-9800 www.newcomerstown.hamptoninn.com Contact: Sally Clark [email protected] Enjoy award-winning accommodations and service at an affordable rate. The beautiful short drive from Amish country will be well worth your time! Free hot breakfast buffet, indoor pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi and more! VIP motorcoach group package and accommodations. Member of American Bus Association. Hampton Inn New Philadelphia 1299 W. High St., New Philadelphia 44663 (330) 339-7000 www.newphiladelphia.hamptoninn.com Contact: Sally Clark [email protected] Ideally located off I-77 near exit 81, just minutes from Amish country! Enjoy our free hot breakfast buffet, indoor pool, hot tub, free Wi-Fi and spacious guestrooms as well as Hampton’s 100 percent satisfaction guarantee! VIP motorcoach group package and accommodations. Heritage and history attractions withstand test of time Northeast Ohio has a rich and varied history, one shaped by Native Americans, early settlers and prominent industrialists. Akron, Dover, New Philadelphia and Steubenville all contain important chapters of this fascinating region’s tale. In Akron, see two grand estates different in style, but similar in spectacle. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is a massive country estate anchored by a 65-room Tudor Revival manor house. The property, formerly owned by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. co-founder F.A. Seiberling, also includes about 70 acres of landscaped grounds and formal gardens. Hower House, preserved by The University of Akron, is a Second Empire Italianate structure built in 1871 by John Henry Hower and wife Susan Youngker Hower. The 28-room Victorian mansion is filled with unique artifacts collected by the family during their world travels. Holiday tours begin in early November. Lavish Victorian splendor is also found in Dover with a visit to the J.E. Reeves Victorian Home, owned by the Dover Historical Society. Original furniture and antiques in the 17-room home have been arranged as Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah E. Reeves would have had them 100 years ago. The adjoining Carriage House Museum contains vintage vehicles including the family’s hansom, sleigh, electric car and a restored doctor’s buggy. Groups see Ohio through the eyes of settlers and Native Americans at Schoenbrunn Village in New Philadelphia. Highlights of the recreated village include cabins, a school, a church and the original cemetery. Along the Ohio River, Steubenville welcomes groups to explore Historic Fort Steuben, a fully reconstructed 18th-century fort, and the First Federal Land Office. The original fort was built in 1786 by the First American Regiment to protect surveyors. 39 Northeast Holiday Inn and Suites Mansfield Conference Center Ohio State Re formator y Hampton Inn Wooster 4253 Burbank Road, Wooster 44691 (330) 345-4424 www.wooster.hamptoninn.com Contact: Amanda Enkemann [email protected] Just a short drive from Amish country, we offer beautiful guestrooms, free hot breakfast buffet, free hot beverages 24/7, indoor pool, fitness room and Hampton’s 100 percent satisfaction guarantee! VIP motorcoach group package and accommodations. Member of American Bus Association. Hampton Inn & Suites Middleburg Heights 7074 Engle Road, Middleburg Heights 44130 (440) 234.0206 www.ahihotels.com [email protected] We go above and beyond at Hampton Inn & Suites. Within three miles of the frequent shows and conventions at the I-X Center. Less than 25 minutes from our hotel to downtown Cleveland, you’ll see Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, PlayhouseSquare Center in the heart of theater district, Lake Erie and the world-famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Hilton Garden Inn Wooster 959 Dover Road, Wooster 44691 (330) 202-7701 www.wooster.hgi.com Contact: Vickie Wickens [email protected] Beautiful short drive from south side of Wooster to heart of Amish country! Enjoy our well-appointed, full-service accommodations and hotel featuring restaurant, lounge, indoor pool, whirl pool and fitness center. VIP motorcoach group package and accommodations. Member of American Bus Association. 40 116 Park Ave. Mansfield 44902 (419) 525-6000 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Christina Mansfield [email protected] Just outside of Amish Country, retro enthusiasts consider Mansfield a hub of Ohio culture. With the Ohio State Reformatory only two miles away, guests relive the great escape of The Shawshank Redemption when visiting Mansfield. The hotel’s guests can also travel into the 1940s with a tour of Richland Carrousel Park and the carousel district. Holiday Inn Cleveland East Mentor 7716 Reynolds Rd., Mentor 44060 (440) 951-7333 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Thomas Duren [email protected] Newly renovated hotel in Mentor near Great Lakes Mall, Lake Erie and Headlands Beach State Park, The Historic Kirtland, Lake Farm Parks, Lost Nation Sports Complex and Eastlake Ballpark, home of the Lake County Captains, are all within 10 minutes of the hotel. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Akron South 898 Arlington Ridge Road Akron 44312 (330) 644-5600 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Lynsey Elmo [email protected] Located off I-77 near exit 120, our location makes it easy to visit attractions like Pro Football Hall of Fame, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and National Inventors Hall of Fame. Akron Zoo and Akron Art Museum are nine and seven miles away, respectively. Chocolate treats can be found at the Harry London chocolate factory seven miles away. Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Philadelphia 145 Bluebell Drive SW New Philadelphia 44663 (330) 339-7731 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Melissa Sedlock [email protected] Big-city-hotel feel in a small town is our promise. Guests capitalize on procuring artisan Amish crafts and scouring the numerous antique stores nearby. Other area activities include ambling in Amish Country, visiting Warther Museum in Dover and relaxing with the family at Tuscora Park, which features an amphitheater and theme park rides. The Lodge & Conference Center at Geneva-on-theLake 4888 N. Broadway Geneva-on-the-Lake 44041 (440) 466-7100 www.thelodgeatgeneva.com Contact: Ken Hlavek [email protected] Located in Ohio’s scenic wine country just east of Cleveland, discover our Lake Erie resort for your next excursion. Experience lakefront dining at its finest in our glass-enclosed Horizons Restaurant or meet with success in our conference center. Plan a wine tour or covered bridge tour for the full flavor of Ohio! Microtel Inn & Suites North Canton North Canton 44720 (330) 966-7551 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Renee Smith [email protected] Brand new – 100 percent extensive renovation completed in the summer of 2013. Each room includes microwave and refrigerator. Hotel is conveniently located close to Pro Football Hall of Fame, Kent State University and Belden Village Mall. ght Cleveland at ni GAMING Quail Hollow Resort 11080 Concord Hambden Road Painesville 44077 (440) 497-1100 www.quailhollowresort.com Contact: Kari Brozic [email protected] We are perfect for every tour. In the heart of Northeast Ohio you are just 30 minutes to downtown Cleveland, 15 minutes to Geauga County and 45 minutes to the Akron/Canton area. With interior corridors, and indoor and outdoor pool, and inclusive pricing available, we are an excellent destination for you and your group. Ramada Limited Strasburg 509 S. Wooster Ave. Strasburg, OH 44680 www.strasburgramadalimited.com Contact: Denise McConnell [email protected] Located at I-77 exit 87 Strasburg on SR-250, the Ramada Limited is just minutes from Amish country, historical attractions, shopping, wineries and much more. We offer a deluxe hot continental breakfast, indoor pool, hot tub and free WiFi. Residence Inn Akron South 897 Arlington Ridge Road Akron 44312 (330) 644-2111 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Colleen Davis [email protected] Brand new — opened June 2014. Spacious studio, one- and twobedroom suites with separate living and sleeping areas. A fully equipped kitchen ready for your favorite cuisine. Evening social hours MondayWednesday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to end the day well. And a fitness center for strengthening your body and soul. Residence Inn by Marriott Avon 33040 Just Imagine Drive Avon 44145 (440) 937-0909 www.emeraldhospitality.com Contact: Lori Berhent [email protected] Opening spring 2015. Conveniently located 15 minutes from downtown Cleveland near I-90. Great hub-and-spoke location for groups experiencing the sights and sounds of downtown Cleveland one day and the thrills and chills of Cedar Point and the Lake Erie islands the next! Member of American Bus Association. The Wallhouse Hotel 2870 Cove Ln Walnut Creek, Ohio 44687 (800) 824-2013 www.wallhousehotel.com Contact: Linda Riffle [email protected] When your group is coming to town to experience all that our area has to offer— from dining experiences to antiquing to plenty of Amish country experiences and shopping—make The Wallhouse Hotel your home. We have new rooms with state-of-the-art amenities and our whisper design means you can sleep without waking to the noises outside. Horseshoe Casino Cleveland 100 Public Square Cleveland 44113 (216) 297-4863 www.horseshoecleveland.com Contact: Lindsey Kelly [email protected] Located in downtown Cleveland, Horseshoe Casino boasts 89 table games, a poker room, electronic table games and hundreds of slot machines. Dining options include three locally owned restaurants and The Spread Buffet. Free bus parking is available to booked groups. Thistledown Racino 21501 Emery Rd. Cleveland, OH 44128 (216) 438-6918 www.thistledown.com Contact: Kiana Gay [email protected] [email protected] Bringing together the fun of gaming and the excitement of live thoroughbred racing, ThistleDown Racino features nearly 1,300 Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), seasonal live racing as well as year-round simulcast racing, 6 great dining options for every taste, top notch entertainment, and through it all, the power of the Total Rewards network. On the Trail to Freedom is part of: For group tour information and itineraries contact: Visit Lorain County 800.334.1673 | www.visitloraincounty.com 41 Central Imagination unleashed Dublin Inspiration and Irish flavor Hyatt on Capitol Square, Columbus For an uptick in experiential travel, put on the brakes in Central Ohio. Pick a niche to explore, then follow its theme in the capital and beyond into the collar counties. Experience Columbus works with groups to customize itineraries that go behind the scenes or answer questions like, “How did they do that?” as in getting a ball into a whistle or a yummy filling into the center of a truffle. Making memories is the plan for groups visiting Hilliard. For its itineraries, Destination Hilliard zeroes in on its heritage and opportunities for adventure. If the timing is right, the group will be in town for an area festival. The idea of memory making plays well in Grove City where the CVB combines visits with artists with an art lesson and puts international destinations on cooking class menus. 42 in Central Ohio Step on guides narrate covered bridge tours at any time of the year in Fairfield County. The Bureau also arranges guides for tours of the 19th-century mansions in Lancaster’s historic district. In Dublin, guides lead groups through this Irish-centric city with opportunities for 30 Irish experiences and, if the dates are right, the Dublin Irish Festival. With any luck, all will leave with a bit of a brogue or at least toasting with a hearty, Slainte! Toasting is part of the tasting in the vineyards in Union County where the CVB creates customized tours with an agri-tourism touch. Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau invites groups to embrace the agricultural heritage of the area in its museums, along its rail-to-trail system and in gardens where horticultural opportunities abound. Check the calendar for dates of the Knox County Barn Tour. Antiquing usually heads the list for shopping groups in Delaware County and the CVB is pleased to oblige with a customized itinerary that includes stops within the historic district and a visit by a First Lady costumed interpreter. In Marion County, fun is always poppin’. Choose an itinerary that includes dinner theater and themed tours, such as tea and tractors and a museum about popcorn. The Greater Licking County CVB won’t be outdone for fun as it has itineraries that request groups to act like a kid again plus adult-like stops to museums, a winery and, of course, for ice cream. Of popcorn, presidents and prowlers Central Marion County Itinerary Eclectic mix thrives in Central Ohio Day One Marion County: A group’s interest is all the Marion County CVB needs to hear to arrange a hands-on itinerary from decorating cookies to performances at the Palace Theatre. Stop at the Wyandot Popcorn Museum, even tour President Warren G. Harding’s home before visiting where the buffalo roam in Central Ohio. Delaware County: Find the Nash House Museum, Ross Art Museum and Sunbury Square in Delaware County. The CVB arranges treasure hunts and customizes tours that include visiting with a costumed interpreter of First Lady Lucy Webb Hayes. Shopping excursions include antiquing. 90,000-gallon aquarium is a sight to behold. Motorcoach parking available. Ohio History Center: In Central Ohio, groups can pick from 12 of the 58 historic sites managed by Ohio History Connection. These include Ohio Village and Ohio History Center in Columbus. Interact with reenactors in the recreated Civil War-era village or enjoy actors at the Echoes Time Theater. Motorcoach parking available. Scioto Downs: Spend the evening at Scioto Downs Racino. Scioto features more than 2,100 video lottery terminal games, harness racing, simulcast wagering, dining and live entertainment. Free motorcoach parking. In Hilliard, Destination Hilliard CVB offers a number of itineraries including heritage, adventure, girls getaway and sweet confections. A highlight is a stop at Anthony Thomas Chocolate in Columbus, where groups watch as nine lines of workers produce 30,000 chocolates per shift. Day Two Grove City: The Grove City CVB presents ideas to tap into a group’s artistic side. Paint with muralist Dave Maple, carve Chinese vegetables during a cooking class at China Bell or stroll the Arts in the Alley Festival. To customize a tour, contact the CVB. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: Located in Powell, the zoological duo stretches over 580 acres, representing 577 species and environments from Africa to Australia. Favorites include the Heart of Africa area and the untamed adventure where groups get to meet exotic animals up close. The Columbus Zoo Day Three Union County: Covered bridges lure groups to Union County, but they stay for behind-the-scenes tours at Leo Berbee Bulb Co., Discount Fashion Warehouse, the Phoenix Bat Company and Eldchrist Winery. The CVB also arranges step-on guides. Dublin: Enjoy a day of Irish entertainment. The Dublin CVB provides Irish-themed itineraries that include a stop at an Irish dance school, 4-leaf clover scavenger hunt or an opportunity to be guided through a recreated Irish wake. Delaware County Fairfield County: Lancaster is home to the Ohio Glass Museum, a National Register Historic District, and the birthplace of General William Tecumseh Sherman. The county boasts more covered bridges than any other in the state. Bureau itineraries can feature festivals. Ohio Historical Center Destination Hilliard For contact information, see Central listings starting on page 44. 43 Central CENTRAL DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATIONS All-Horse Para de, Delaware Delaware County CVB Destination Hilliard Dublin CVB 34 S. Sandusky St. Delaware 43015 (888) 335-6446 www.visitdelohio.com Contact: Deb Shatzer [email protected] Fun for everyone with big-time attractions to small-town charm, nature’s endless outdoors to metropolitan excitement. A destination or stop along your way, we know you’ll want to stay another day! Delaware County is the center of Ohio, just minutes north of Columbus. 5274 Norwich St. Hilliard 43026 (614) 664-3290 www.destinationhilliard.com Contact: Christy J. Clark [email protected] Hilliard offers small-town charm and hospitality just minutes from Columbus and other major attractions. Visit our historic treasures, dine at a local restaurant and experience fun events year-round. 9 S. High St. Dublin 43017 (614) 792-7666 www.irishisanattitude.com Contact: Amanda Mikkelson [email protected] Treat your group to world-class adventure without crossing an ocean. Dublin is located 15 minutes NW of Columbus and offers a wee bit o’ Ireland with hands-on Irish experiences and one of the nation’s largest Irish Festivals (a four-time ABA top 100 event). You’ve reached your pot of gold…destinationally speaking. With 30 Irish Experiences, the largest three day Irish Festival in the world and complimentary step-on driving tours, groups leave Dublin with a whole lot o’ Irish Attitude. Discover your Irish Attitude at www.IrishisanAttitude.com | 614.792.7666 44 BOOK YOUR NEXT GROUP EVENT AT THE COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM AND ZOOMBEZI BAY! • Outdoor and Indoor Settings • Perfect for groups of 25+ • Over 14 picnic shelters to choose from • Package prices to accommodate all budgets • Ideal for your next group outing CALL US AT 614-724-3787 FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.COLUMBUSZOO.ORG Also, remember to ask about employee discounts for Zoo admission and memberships. 45 Central Experience Columbus 277 W. Nationwide Blvd., Ste. 125 Columbus 43215 (614) 222-6146 www.experiencecolumbus.com/tours Contact: Marceline Dyer [email protected] Go behind the scenes and enjoy VIP treatment with our 70-plus experiences. Discover what it takes to bring a ballet production to life, become a winemaker, enjoy an adventure on an open-air safari, taste Columbus’ award-winning culinary scene and more! Fairfield County VCB 124 W. Main St., Ste. 200 Lancaster 43130 (740) 654-5929 www.visitfairfieldcounty.org Contact: Greg Eyerman [email protected] Fairfield County has carefully preserved its past while embracing the features today’s visitors expect. Sixteen museums, 18 covered bridges and eight major hotels. We can help you plan a memorable visit for your group! Creekside Blu es + Jazz Fest , Gahanna NOW OPEN! Gahanna CVB 167 Mill St. Gahanna 43230 (866) 424-2662 www.visitgahanna.com Contact: Mary Szymkowiak [email protected] Experience Gahanna, Ohio’s Herb Capital. Meet the “Willy Wonka” of farmers. Enjoy a farm-to-table meal. Tour a winery and sample herb-infused wine cakes. Create your own bath products or gifts from the kitchen. Experience the Creekside District and Herbal Trail culinary pleasures. Greater Licking County CVB 455 Hebron Rd., Heath, Ohio 43056 (740) 345-8224 www.escapetolickingcounty.com [email protected] Contact: Carol Thress Just east of Columbus, Licking County is the perfect getaway to discover the adventure of indoor water parks or arboretums, at historical sites, award-winning golf courses and factory tours. Discover dining, country inns, Bed and Breakfasts, and unparalleled hospitality at our hotels. Get a remarkably realistic look at life in the 1950s. Peek in the closets and snoop in the drawers of a real, fully-furnished Lustron prefab steel house made right here in Ohio. From the contents of the cupboards to the news on TV and the toys in the yard, this hands-on exhibit is a fascinating journey back in time! To book your visit, contact our Scheduling Office: 614.297.2266 • 800.686.1541 [email protected] 800 E. 17th Ave. Columbus, OH 43211-2747 ohiohistory.org 46 46 Culinary central Knox County Grove City Area CVB 3378 Park St. Grove City, OH 42123 (614) 539-8747 www.visitgrovecityoh.com contact: Ron Bowers [email protected] Meet at one of our cafes or unique dining options. Stay in one of our 13 hotels. Play at several of the awe-inspiring attractions in and around Grove City. Take an improve class, bottle wine or sculpt a pirate ship out of fruit! Knox County CVB 107 S. Main St. Mount Vernon, OH 43050 (800) 837-5282 www.VisitKnoxOhio.org Contact: Sandy Crow [email protected] Where else can you go to find brick streets, historic homes, recreational trails, camping, elegant bed-and-breakfast inns, and stunning college campuses? You will be delighted when you come to our area to visit, whether it is for business or pleasure. Marion Area CVB 1713 Marion Mt. Gilead Road Marion 43302 (800) 371-6688 www.visitmarionohio.com Contact: Diane Watson [email protected] Make Marion your destination or a unique side trip while traveling through Ohio. We offer presidential history, theater entertainment, popcorn fun, hands-on activities, unique attractions and hometown restaurants to make a wellrounded itinerary for your group’s enjoyment. Union County CVB 227 E. 5th St. Marysville 43040 (800) 642-0087 www.unioncounty.org Contact: Tina Knotts [email protected] Welcome to Union County, where small-town charm and history come together with contemporary interests: covered bridges, wineries, festivals, hands-on agricultural tours and more along with the breathtaking Big Darby Plains Scenic Byway. Farm to table experiences await in Central Ohio Central Ohio takes food stops up a notch. Whether visiting the source of their meal, seated at a family-style dinner or discovering markets in the capital, this region revels in opportunities for groups to step into the wonderful world of food. One of the tastiest ways to tour Gahanna is along the city’s Herbal Trail, which includes opportunities from sampling fresh herbs to cooking classes. The Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau lists 45 culinary and shopping venues within the city limits including acres of themed herbal collections, such as the Culinary Garden and the Biblical Garden. All contribute to its wellearned moniker, the Herb Capital of Ohio. Garden fresh ingredients are the only kind used in the kitchen at Der Dutchman Restaurant in Plain City. A gathering spot for locals as well as groups, family-style meals are most popular with the Barn-Raising Buffet a close second. Both spotlight classics like meatloaf, fried chicken and mashed fresh potatoes. Der Dutchman makes all of its baked goods including many with Ohio’s Amish Country roots like Dutch apple pie. Carlisle Gifts is adjacent to the restaurant. Experiential food opportunities are found throughout the capital, Columbus. One of the suggested itineraries from Experience Columbus is a guided tour around North Market. Groups literally taste their way through the history of the public markets in the city. And get first-hand reports from local growers and farmers that are met along the way. 47 47 Central Zanesville-Muskingum County CVB 205 N. Fifth St. Zanesville, OH 43701 (800) 743-2303 www.visitzanesville.com Contact: Lori Kappes [email protected] Experience a safari tour, riverboat cruise, winery, brewery, murder mystery and a behind-the-scenes manufacturing tour. History, adventure. arts and culture, unique shopping, delicious dining, comfortable accommodations and more await you. Conveniently located off I-70. ATTRACTIONS Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 4850 W. Powell Rd Powell, Ohio 43065 (614) 645-3400 www.columbuszoo.org Contact: Mike Mikola [email protected] Home to more than 10,000 animals representing nearly 577 species. A recreational and education destination including the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and Safari Golf Club. Columbus Zoo and Aquarian was named the No. 1 zoo in American by USA Travel Guide. Der Dutchman Restaurant Bellville 720 State Route 97 W. Bellville, OH 44813 (419) 886-7070 www.dhgroup.com Contact: Jeremy Hawkins [email protected] Located just off I-71, Der Dutchman Bellville is a convenient stop on a trip to Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati. Every meal features genuine hospitality and flavors from Ohio’s Amish Country. Country Breakfast Buffet served 7 to 11 am. Barn-Raising Buffet is available from 11:30 am to 4 pm. Der Dutchman desserts are made in-house. 48 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Ohio History Connection Holiday Inn Worthington 800 E. 17th Ave. Columbus 43211-2474 (614) 297-2319 www.ohiohistory.org Contact: Brian Cheek [email protected] Experience history up close with interpretive tours, dinner theater shows and new exhibits. Free admission for driver and escort and meet/greet service also available. 7007 N. High St. Worthington 43085 (614) 436-0700 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Merilynne Stumbo [email protected] Visitors to our hotel can enjoy many area attractions. Downtown Columbus is just 10 miles away and offers activities that include tours of the Ohio Statehouse. Also within 10 miles of our hotel is Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay water park, Six Flags, German Village, the brewery district, COSI and Ohio Stadium. LODGINGS Holiday Inn Express & Suites Polaris Parkway 8670 Orion Place Columbus 43240 (614) 781-6100 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Thomas Graffeo [email protected] This hotel offers 104 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites. Our guests will make a splash in our splash pad, indoor water recreation area with 29-foot spiral water slide, lap pool and designated area for our youngest guests with mushroom spray fountain and frogslide, whirlpool and fitness center. Homewood Suites Polaris Parkway 2045 Polaris Pkwy. Columbus 43240 614-396-5100 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Thomas Graffeo [email protected] Brand new - opening late summer 2014. This modern hotel offers a convenient suburban location off I-71 near Polaris Fashion Place. Enjoy close proximity to numerous restaurants and shops as well as popular attractions including Ohio State University, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Nationwide Arena. lumbus Short North, CoJohn Angelo Scioto Downs La Quinta Columbus West 5510 Trabue Road Columbus 43228 (614) 266-9821 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Alex Settlemire [email protected] Just off I-70 and surrounded by shopping and restaurants, our nonsmoking hotel offers contemporary rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-panel TVs. Our indoor pool is a hit year-round and, if you’re ready to hit the jackpot, Hollywood Casino Columbus is only three miles from our hotel. Racino GAMING Scioto Downs Racino 6000 S. High St. Columbus 43207 (614) 295-4012 www.sciotodowns.com Contact: Sallie Cerrie [email protected] Twenty-one hundred machines to test your luck! We greet buses seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (7-77!) Group incentives always available. Groups of 20 or more with a four-hour stay will receive an incentive! Live harness racing May–September! 49 Southwest Cultural crossroads Cincinnati History Museum at the Cincinnati Museum Center ©Robert Webber Strong places and personalities have shaped Southwest Ohio Cincinnati Skyline ©The Enquirer/Jeff Swinger Southwest Ohio communities were forged in the frontier and crafted with heartland values. This is a place of stories. The French explorers who arrived in the 16th century inspired the name of Clermont County, birthplace of Ulysses S. Grant. Miami County, home to the former largest manufacturer of civil aircraft in the United States, honored the Native Americans who called this area home. Many counties were named for Revolutionary War heroes. Clinton County’s namesake was George Clinton, fourth U.S. vice president. With a new geocaching trail, Clinton County offers the chance to learn about its history, both cultural and natural. Another place where history is waiting to be discovered, Fayette County, was settled by Civil War veterans from Virginia. Warren County, best known as the home of King’s Island theme park and Cincinnati Premium Outlets, takes its name in honor of Dr. Joseph Warren, the hero who sent Paul Revere on that midnight ride. 50 Cincinnati’s leaders chose their name as a nod to George Washington, the man considered as great a speaker as the Roman statesman Cincinnatus. Dayton’s namesake was Jonathan Dayton, the youngest man to sign the Declaration of Independence. collection of museums exploring the stories of history and science. A visit gives a deeper understanding of the region’s role in the path to freedom — and the role the Ohio River played in slaves crossing from south to north. Just as the people of Southwest Ohio are proud of their connection to the founding fathers, they’re as proud of their connection to the fathers of flight. The Wright Brothers tinkered in their Dayton bicycle shop and ended up conquering the skies. One museum shows how scientists and engineers took the steps to go from the Wright Flyer to the moon. For more of the story, make a visit to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and take a tour of the historic sites along the Clermont County Freedom Trail. For generations, Southwest Ohio has been a destination at the crossroads; steamboats along the Ohio River, cars along the highway, planes in the sky and rockets in space all have a connection to the region. Cincinnati’s Union Terminal once hosted railroad passengers on the way east or west. Today, the art deco building is home to the Cincinnati Museum Center, a dynamic There is plenty to please shoppers, foodies, music fans and gamers. In Butler County, shop at Ohio’s only Ikea and follow the foodies to Jungle Jim’s International Market. Darke County is home to the KitchenAid Experience retail center, another foodie favorite. After dark, a performance of the Cincinnati Symphony and POPS Orchestra or gaming at Horseshoe Casino complements the day’s adventures. Lofty legends Southwest Itinerary Art and aviation make Southwest Ohio distinctive Day One Garst Museum, Greenville: Before Annie Oakley thrilled audiences with her sharp-shooting skills in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, she was a young lady from western Ohio. Darke County Historical Society honors its favorite daughter with the National Annie Oakley Center at the Garst Museum in Greenville. Other exhibits throughout the 35,000 square foot campus honor broadcaster Lowell Thomas, Native Americans and Darke County history. WACO Air Museum, Troy: In the 1920s and ’30s, the employees of the WACO Aircraft Company made their Miami County company America’s largest manufacturer of civil aircraft. Dedicated volunteers of the WACO Historical Society preserve this history on 77 acres in Troy. Tours of Historic WACO Field bring groups to a former airstrip that features a runway, radio-controlled aircraft flying field and a pair of hangars filled with aircraft and exhibits. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base: After seeing an original Wright Brothers Flyer at Carillion Historical Park, dive deep in the history of flight at the U.S. Air Force’s official museum. Guided tours showcase the exhibits and take groups behind the scenes. Day Two Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, Hamilton: One of Butler County’s treasures, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park packs some amazing things into its 264 acres. Stroll through the grounds to see the wildlife and more than 50 pieces of sculpture plus the arboretum, amphitheater and the Museum of Sculpture featuring ancient works of art. ings at Cincinnati Premium Outlets. Its stores include Michael Kors, Samsonite, Under Armour and Banana Republic. Be sure to register the tour in advance so everyone in the group can receive a VIP coupon book. Horseshoe Casino, Cincinnati: Spend some time with Lady Luck on the 100,000-square-foot casino floor with table games or the 2,000-plus slot machines. Enjoy a cold drink at Margaritaville, an upscale dinner at Jack Binion’s Steak or a hearty meal at the Spread Buffet. Catch a big-name concert or relax in one of the lounges at this downtown casino. WACO Air Museum Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park Day Three Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati: More than 1.4 million people experience the Cincinnati Museum Center each year. Step into Union Terminal to explore the museum complex, home to the Cincinnati History Library, Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Museum of Natural History & Science and the Robert D. Linder Family OMNIMAX Theater. U.S. Grant Birthplace, Point Pleasant: See the birthplace of Ulysses S. Grant, a small house near the Ohio River where everything began for the future Union General and U.S. president. Follow with an Underground Railroad tour throughout Clermont County. Cincinnati Symphony and POPS Orchestra, Cincinnati: When Louis Langrée raises his conductor’s wand, Music Hall fills with song. The Cincinnati Symphony rolls out the red carpet for groups with free motorcoach parking, backstage tours, pre-concert lectures, meet and greets and significant discounts. Two free tickets are provided for groups of 25 or more. Cincinnati Premium Outlets Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Symphony Cincinnati Premium Outlets: Monroe: Find name-brand style at significant sav- For contact information, see Southwest listings starting on page 52. 51 Southwest SOUTHWEST Clermont County CVB DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATIONS Cincinnati USA CVB Butler County VB 8756 Union Centre Blvd. West Chester 45069 (513) 860-4194; (888) 462-2282 www.gettothebc.com Contact: Sandy Walther [email protected] Wow your group in Butler County! Full of one-of-a-kind attractions like Jungle Jim’s International Market and EnterTRAINment Junction, world-class shopping, historical sites and hidden gems. Custom experiences come to life and will leave your group ready for another adventure! 525 Vine St., Ste. 1500 Cincinnati 45202 (513) 686-7783 www.cincinnatiusatours.com Contact: Randie Adam [email protected] Come to where north and South connect for memorable group experiences. Cincinnati offers one-of-akind events and attractions, including the American Sign Museum, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and fascinating brewery and prohibition heritage tours. American Sign 410 E. Main St. Batavia 45103 (513) 732-3600 www.visitclermontohio.com Contact: James Barger [email protected] Clermont County is filled with historical sites, home to some of the best festivals in the country and lots of family fun. Come discover a friendly place to visit. You are sure to enjoy Clermont County! Clinton County CVB 13 N. South St. Wilmington 45177 (877) 428-4748 www.clintoncountyohio.com Contact: Debbie Stamper [email protected] Down-on-the-farm, theater and historic experiences are our specialty. Come to a place where you’ll be a big fish in a little pond, a destination where hospitality is second to none. Museum Your group will be a “big fish in our little pond.” You've heard the saying, “a big fish in a little pond,” haven't you? Well, in the grand scheme of things Clinton County may be the little pond but you're our VIP, our big fish if you will. You are important to us. We love groups that visit our county, and we'll show you just how important you are by providing that extra special treatment, namely hospitality with a capital “H.” That's where our Open Invitation comes in. Your invitation to visit Clinton County is open-ended. Come anytime. Located in the middle of Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton in southwest Ohio. Call us today for details on tour promotions and discounts. www.clintoncountyohio.com/group-planners.php 877-428-4748 52 Inside Historic Union Terminal Cincinnati History Museum Museum of Natural History & Science Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater Duke Energy Children’s Museum Cincinnati History Library & Archives ® Conveniently located off I-75 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203 (513) 287-7021 (800) 733-2077 cincymuseum.org/groups 53 Southwest Darke County VB 421 S. Broadway St. Greenville 45331 (800) 504-2995 www.visitdarkecounty.org Contact: Deanna York [email protected] Bring along your sense of discovery and experience small-town charm, distinct shopping districts and our land’s rich frontier heritage and urban-country spirit … uniquely Darke County. Dayton CVB 1 Chamber Plaza, Ste. A Dayton 45402 (800) 221-8235 www.daytoncvb.com Contact: Dawn Mader [email protected] Known as the Birthplace of Aviation, Dayton is located at one of the busiest crossroads of America, where I-75 north/south meets I-70 east/west and is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. 54 Fayette County Travel & Tourism Bureau 101 E. East St. Washington Court House 43160 (740) 335-8008 http://www.fayettecountyohio.com Contact: Roger D. Blackburn [email protected] “The Crossroads of SW Ohio” are in Fayette County, so please contact us for area information. We are known for shopping. From the Tanger Outlets fashion stores to Jeffersonville Crossing outdoor outfitters and our local antique and specialty boutiques, there is something for everyone. Miami County VCB 405 SW Public Square, Ste. 272 Troy 45373 (800) 348-8993 www.homegrowngreat.com Contact: Leiann Stewart [email protected] Whether you are an adventurer, historian, foodie or animal lover, discover everything we have to offer in Miami County. Your experiences here will be one-of-a-kind because they are grown right here. And the hospitality you will receive is only found in a place where people consider you family. Right off I-75, 10 minutes north of Dayton. Warren County CVB National Museu m of the United States Air Force 5412 Courseview Drive, Ste. 220 Mason 45040 (513) 204-7040 ohioslargestplayground.com Contact: Linda Smith [email protected] From world-class amusement parks, water parks and outdoor adventures to charming towns, museums, theaters and unique shopping, Warren County has a terrific variety of group-friendly attractions to fit your needs. Escaping ATTRACTIONS the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal 1301 Western Ave. Cincinnati 45203 (800) 733-2077 www.cincymuseum.org/groups Contact: Violet Rae Webster [email protected] Three permanent museums, a state of the art OMNIMAX® Theater and 15,000 square feet of exhibition space for blockbuster traveling exhibits all under the historic roof of Union Terminal, once a bustling train station and now a nationally recognized educational and research resource and one of the top cultural attractions in the Midwest. Cincinnati Premium Outlets 400 Premium Outlets Drive Monroe 45050 (513) 539-0710 www.premiumoutlets.com/cincinnati Contact: Alaina Norbeck [email protected] Conveniently located off I-75 between Cincinnati and Dayton, Cincinnati Premium Outlets features 100 stores including Banana Republic Factory Store, Coach, Gap Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Michael Kors, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and more at savings of 25-65 percent every day. Cincinnati Symphony and POPS Orchestra 1241 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513) 744-3590, groups www.cincinnatisymphony.org Contact: Jered Webster [email protected] The Cincinnati Symphony and POPS Orchestra rolls out the red carpet for groups with free motorcoach parking, free backstage tours, pre-concert lectures and meet and greets plus discounts. Free dinner buffet before each Thursday concert and Bravo Shop discounts. classroom Educational thrills await students in Southwest Ohio Roller coasters, living history interpreters, model trains, laser tag conquests, animal encounters and large-screen movies all bring learning beyond the classroom. All of these await students in Southwest Ohio in and around Cincinnati and Dayton. At Kings Island in Warren County, 14 coasters provide a lesson in physics. Kings Island offers more than 80 rides and attractions to teach and thrill, including Planet Snoopy and Boomerang Bay Water Park. EnterTRAINment Junction customizes packages for student groups — coupling curriculum and fun in a safe atmosphere. There’s more than two miles of track.The newest attraction at the junction, A-Maze-N Funhouse, sends students on a colorful adventure. Active adventures also are a specialty at another Butler County attraction. The Web Extreme teaches team-building skills with its laser tag arena, indoor go-kart track, miniature bowling alley and backlit mini-golf course. To top it off, the ice cream parlor serves Aglamesis Brothers ice cream, a Cincinnati favorite. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden stretches over 70 acres. Since opening in 1875, the zoo has been a leader in conservation. Students connect with this message through tours, face-to-beak encounters, overnights and on-site classes. nter at Union eum Ce Cincinnati Mus Terminal For student-friendly accommodations, Great Wolf Lodge – Cincinnati/Mason is more than just a place to snooze. The Warren County hotel offers student-friendly perks, among them a 79,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, games, a kids spa and dining. 55 Southwest EnterTRAINment Junction 7379 Squire Court West Chester 45069 (513) 898-8000, ext. 203 www.entertrainmentjunction.com Contact: Louie Churbock lchurbock@entertrainmentjunction. com Cross the threshold of EnterTRAINment Junction into a 1930s streetscape reminiscent of bygone times. Marvel at the world’s largest indoor train display with 25,000 square feet featuring three historical periods of time. Enjoy our Coney Island miniature replica — Cincinnati, circa 1965 — and much more! ent Junction EnterTRAINm National Under ground Railroa National Underground Railroad Freedom Center 50 E. Freedom Way Cincinnati 45202 (513) 333-7737 www.freedomcenter.org Contact: Violet Rae Webster [email protected] Freedom’s heroes have a story to tell. Find yours! The Freedom Center positively impacts visitors by revealing stories about freedom’s heroes, from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times, and inspires people to take courageous steps for freedom today. d Freedom Ce nter The Web Extreme Entertainment 7172 Cincinnati Dayton Road West Chester 45069 (513) 860-2882 www.funattheweb.com Contact; Jerry Weber [email protected] The tri-state area’s newest and most exciting entertainment center! Attractions. Games. Food. Prizes. Fun! We have laser tag, go-karts, mini golf, mini bowling and arcade plus a great restaurant. BUTLER COUNTY A GREAT TOUR STARTS HERE! Ohio Bring your next group to Butler County, Ohio and experience one-of-a-kind attractions and activities! From world-famous Jungle Jim’s International Market to BeauVerre Riordan Stained Glass Studios to EnterTRAINment Junction and some of Ohio’s best shopping, your group will be thrilled with the stop. Great restaurants and new hotels are waiting for you. Butler County is where you want to be! Start Planning Today at GetToTheBC.com/Groups or 888.462.2282 56 1. KITCHENAID STAND MIXER FACTORY TOUR & KITCHENAID EXPERIENCE CENTER Enjoy an escorted walking tour through the factory that crafts the #1 Stand Mixer in the world. Once you’ve watched as this beloved kitchen icon is “made in the U.S.A.” travel to the KitchenAid Experience Center to roll up your sleeves and get baking! 1 7 11 2. NATIONAL ANNIE OAKLEY CENTER Learn about one little lady who changed history with a hunting riffle and an eye for success... our very own, Annie Oakley! 3. HISTORIC BEAR’S MILL Built in 1849, Bear’s Mill is one of the few remaining operating water-powered buhrstone grinding flour mills open in Ohio today. 1 7 4. DESTINATION: DOWNTOWN GREENVILLE Downtown is the heart of any community and Greenville has managed to keep that spirit alive. A historic district with architecture, charm and a vibrant shopping atmosphere with over 50 quaint shops, stores and dining opportunities for all to enjoy. 421 S. Broadway Greenville, Ohio 45331 1.800.504.2995 www.VisitDarkeCounty.org 5. FARM TO TABLE Eat your way through Darke County with hand-painted chocolates, locally-made wines and brew, locally-grown apples and peaches as well as “slow food” gourmet dinners. Stay connected. Follow us at Darke County 57 Ohio. Southwest LODGINGS GAMING Comfort Inn Piqua Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati 987 E. Ash St. Piqua 45356 (937) 778-8100 www.comfortinn.com/hotel-piquaohio-OH078 Contact: Phyllis Miller [email protected] Conveniently located of I-75 just north of Dayton. Attached to the Miami Valley Central Mall with many dining and shopping options. Near Johnston Farm, Eldora Speedway, Neil Armstrong and Air Force museums. VIP Motorcoach group package and accommodations. Member of American Bus Association. 1000 Broadway St. Cincinnati 45202 (513) 250-3167 www.horseshoecincinnati.com Contact: Andrew Gramke [email protected] Located in downtown Cincinnati, Horseshoe Casino boasts over 100 table games, a poker room and nearly 2,000 Great Wolf Lodge Mason 2501 Great Wolf Dr. Mason, OH 45040 (513) 229-5817 www.greatwolf.com/mason Contact: Betsy Kang [email protected] Great Wolf Lodge is your destination for weatherproof fun. Our tour planners love the flexibility and ease of planning a group excursion with our friendly and fun staff. We will work with you to plan every detail flawlessly, making you the star for your guests. Horseshoe Ca sino Cincinnati slot machines. Dining options include Jack Binion’s Steak, The Spread Buffet and four more food outlets. Free bus parking is available to booked groups. Zip. Sip. Play. Stay. Ride. Roar. Soar. Explore. Springhill Suites Dayton South 417 Sprinkboro Pike Dayton 45449 (937) 432-9277 www.ahihotels.com Contact: Kevin Thompson [email protected] We are conveniently located near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Wright State University and University of Dayton. Our spacious studio suites are equipped with microwave, refrigerator and separate area for eating, sleeping, working and relaxing. Keep your fitness program on track by visiting our indoor pool and 24-hour exercise center Recess your way – EVERY day! Plan your group’s getaway today. Visit OhiosLargestPlayground.com or contact Linda Smith at [email protected] or 1-800-433-1072. 58 14WCC209 WCCVB Ohio Has It Ad_F.indd 1 11/19/14 10:31 AM Southeast Appalachian sensation Hocking Hills Rich and rugged history shapes Southeast Ohio Guernsey County Southeast Ohio was the first part of the Buckeye State to be settled and is still filled with reminders of its storied past. The region is made up of rugged and hilly country, with the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains beginning there. Whether enjoying the many outdoor recreation options, discovering historic places or admiring artworks from local crafters, groups will feel welcome in Southeast Ohio. Cambridge/Guernsey County, also known as the “Crossroads of America” is nestled at the intersection of Interstates 70 and 77. The county is home to Ohio’s largest state park, Salt Fork and the state’s third largest lake, Seneca Lake. In addition to the various recreational activities available for visitors year-round, national attention is gained annually as visitors flock there to enjoy the Dickens Victorian Village and the Official Paul Bunyan Show. Other special events, such as Ohio’s only outdoor passion play, the Living Word Outdoor Drama, also draw visitors. Nearby, Zanesville/Muskingum County offers history of its own. Muskingum County was home to the nation’s first highway, the National Road, and celebrates that history at the National Road-Zane Grey Museum. The county is also known for its crafters, as Zanesville was once referred to as the “Pottery Capital of the World” and still has nine pottery companies in the area. Every year in July, pottery lovers collect in Muskingum County for Pottery Lover’s Week when various auctions, festivals and signings take place. Muskingum County is also known for its baskets and is home to the largest manufacturer of handmade baskets in the United States, The Longaberger Company, as well as the world’s largest basket. spending time at the world’s only Pencil Sharpener Museum, with more than 3,400 sharpeners on display or touring the Columbus Washboard Company, the last operating washboard manufacturer, located in Logan. In Hocking Hills, groups find breathtaking views and eco-adventure opportunities. The region’s beauty can be found in trails, waterfalls, prehistoric caves and cliff-top vistas and depicted in art galleries. A thriving artist community of sculptors, potters, painters, glass blowers, wood carvers and furniture makers allow visitors to take pieces of the Hocking Hills back home. Groups will also enjoy Farther south on the banks of the Ohio River in Scioto County, an outdoor gallery of three-dimensional murals are painted along a 20-foot by 2,090 feet section on Front Street of the floodwall that protects the city from powerful Ohio River. Called the Portsmouth Murals, tours can watch the artist in action from May through September. In Ross County and Chillicothe, groups find many destinations to celebrate the area’s heritage. Chillicothe was the state’s first capital and was home to four Ohio governors. Groups can witness the “Tecumseh!” Outdoor Drama and learn the epic story of the legendary Shawnee leader and even take a backstage tour. Also in the outdoors, groups can explore Hopewell Culture National Historical Park and tour the 120-acre tract of restored earthworks, led by a park ranger. 59 Southeast Wildly sophisticated Beauty and beasts collide in Southeast Ohio Day One The Wilds, located in Zanesville-Muskingum County, is one of the largest and most innovative conservation centers in the world. Groups can take a guided safari tour to encounter rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes and other rare and endangered species. The animals are situated in a 10,000-acre, open-range habitat. Step-on and youth safaris are available. The Wilds’ Gift Market includes unique items from around the world. Motorcoach parking is available on-site. Open by appointment only, Dickens Universal takes groups behind the scenes and shows them how Cambridge’s Dickens Victorian Village mannequins are created and stored. Groups explore four areas of the facility including the costume room, the artist studio, the “Dressing Room” and the warehouse space where 186 characters are stored and restored each year. The experience is available January through October. At the National Museum of Cambridge Glass follow a guide through a collection of over 6,000 pieces of glassware produced by The Cambridge Glass Company from 1902 to 1958. Groups can view a vintage film and dress as glass workers did years ago while holding tools used to manufacture glass. Visit the gift shop to find unique gifts to take home. Day Two Campus Martis Museum of the Northwest Territory invites tours into the era of the Ohio frontier and its first settlement, Marietta. Both permanent and changing exhibits depict life of the late 18th century. Three floors of information is provided about Ohio’s First Peoples, the arrival of Revolutionary War veterans and the role of the original Ohio Company in settling the area. A companion stop at the Ohio River Museum is recommended. Step inside The Castle, a focal point of Marietta’s historic district and former home of some of Marietta-Washington County’s influential citizens. The Castle, featuring Gothic Revival-style architecture, welcomes groups with its octagonal tower, trefoil attic window and stone-capped spires. The house is furnished with items of historical significance to the area, as well as those typical of the Victorian era. The Carriage House Visitors Center includes introductory exhibit and a video on the history of the site and its families. Explore Marietta’s historic district aboard the Marietta Trolley Tour. Guided by a local expert, groups are introduced to the architectural treasures and notable places that line the city’s legendary brick streets. The 90-minute tour of Ohio’s oldest city begins and ends at the Levee House Cafe. Step-on guides are available as well. The Kennedy Museum of Art is located in historic Lin Hall at The Ridges on the Ohio University campus in Athens County. The museum features collections including important southwest Native American textiles and jewelry and a renowned contemporary print collection. Throughout the year, the museum presents a wide variety of permanent and changing exhibitions. Educational programs and guided tours are available with advance notice. The 30 Mile Meal, a 30-mile radius from Athens is called the “Garden of Eatin’.” Within the super-local circle, groups can savor a meal (or two) made with ingredients grown or made in-house by the 140-plus members of the 30 Mile Meal partnership. There are non-profits, farms, eateries and even microbreweries to be discovered and wares to be savored. Special events are held throughout the year, like 30 Mile Meal restaurant week in July. Throughout the year, 30 Mile Meal night is held on Tuesdays. For contact information, see Southeast listings starting on page 61. 60 Southeast The Wilds Dickens Universal National Museum of Cambridge Glass Marietta Trolley Tour Kennedy Museum of Art SOUTHEAST DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATIONS Athens County CVB 667 E. State St. Athens, OH 45701 (800) 878-9767 www.athensohio.com Contact: Jake Sharp [email protected] Nestled deep in the Appalachian foothills to Southeast Ohio. Lively arts and music scene entertains locals and visitors alike. Eclectic shopping and dining is a result of rich Appalachian heritage. Experience the best of local foods with our 30 Mile Meal. Dairy Barn Ar ts Center Ross-Chillicoth e 61 Southeast 62 Hocking Hills Athens County v i s i t g u e r n s e y c o u n t y . c o m 800.933.5480 Where History & Adventure Discover Explore Await Southeast Cambridge/Guernsey County VCB 627 Wheeling Ave., Ste 200 Cambridge 43725 (800) 933-5480 www.visitguernseycounty.com Contact: Dixie Wyler [email protected] Our destination offers exciting and affordable experiences for your groups. Take a safari adventure to the Wilds or a hands-on tour through a glass factory or museum. Marvel at the pageantry of the Living Word Outdoor Drama, get your cowboy on at the Hopalong Cassidy Museum or stroll through Dickens Victorian Village. Campus Martiu s Museum Hocking Hills Tourism Association 13178 SR-664 S. Logan 43138 (740) 385-2750 www.explorehockinghills.com Contact: Karen Raymore [email protected] Ohio’s Hocking Hills is the only destination in North America to be named to BuzzFeed’s “22 Stunning Under-The-Radar Destinations To Add To Your Bucket List In 2014.” Hocking Hills is an adventure lover’s paradise and perfect for active groups. Marietta-Washi ngton County find your add 64 side to your life Marietta-Washington County CVB 119 Greene St., Marietta 45750 (800) 288-2577 www.mariettaohio.org Contact: Jeri Knowlton [email protected] Marietta is a charming and vibrant community nestled at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers. Tucked between acres of forest and farmland, Marietta is enriched with beauty and history. Discover Ohio’s bold beginnings and create new adventures! Portsmouth Scioto County CVB Kim Bauer 342 Second St. Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 (740) 353-1116 Fax (740) 353-5824 www.ohiorivertourism.org [email protected] Ross-Chillicothe CVB 45 E. Main St. Chillicothe 45601 (800) 413-4118 www.visitchillicotheohio.com Contact: Melody Young [email protected] Discover the history of the first capital of Ohio! Experience the epic Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama. Explore the prehistoric earthworks of the Hopewell culture. Tour the home of Thomas Worthington and so much more! LODGINGS Holiday Inn Express Chillicothe 1003 E. Main St. Chillicothe 45601 (740) 851-6140 www.ahihotels.com Contact; Deejay Howard [email protected] Welcome to the Holiday Inn Express Chillicothe, located in historic Chillicothe in the foothills of the majestic Appalachian Mountains. You can tour Adena Mansion & Gardens, home of Thomas Worthington; catch a show at the 152-year-old Majestic Theatre; and see the epic Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama. Awesome adventures Nature trails, watersports and high-flying thrills in Southeast Ohio Adventure-seekers will find abundant opportunities in Southeast Ohio. From soft adventure to extreme thrills, the region offers many options for memorable outdoor experiences. Fly among the treetops in Hocking Hills, known as the canopy tour capital of the Midwest. The title is rightfully earned, with more than 60 ziplines available for bird’seye views of the beautiful Southeast Ohio landscape. Eco-adventurers will also find miles of trails, waterfalls and prehistoric caves to explore in the region. Mother Nature graced the Hocking Hills with more than 10,000 acres of unbroken forests, which provide an ideal location for hiking. In addition, rock climbing. rappelling, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking and bird-watching are available in the area. Zipline adventures are also found at The Wilds near Zanesville in Muskingum County. Groups can take a 2½-hour zipline safari tour consisting of 10 ziplines and a rappel built on a series of observation platforms overlooking various exotic animals like giraffes, zebras and rhinos. Muskingum County also offers outdoor enthusiasts two navigable rivers and three state parks to explore. Chillicothe and Ross County have many wonderful opportunities for canoeing and kayaking along Paint Creek. The area boasts eight state parks that offer miles of hiking and biking trails. Ross Chillicothe 65 Partner and Advertiser Index NORTHWEST............................. Ad.. Listing Bowling Green CVB.......................... ...... 14 Comfort Inn and Suites, Fremont........ ...... 20 Destination Seneca County............18 ...... 16 Destination Toledo CVB................21 ...... 18 Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau............. ...... 14 Ghostly Manor Thrill Center............... ...... 18 Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky............... ...... 20 Huron County Visitors Bureau............ ...... 14 Lake Erie Shores & Islands CVB.... 15....... 16 Lima/Allen County CVB.................19 ...... 16 Put-in-Bay Transportation..............14 ...... 16 Rossford CVB..............................19 ...... 16 Sandusky County CVB..................17 ...... 16 Sauder Village.............................19 ...... 18 Tour West Ohio................................ ...... 18 Toledo Zoo..................................20 ...... 20 NORTHEAST............................. Ad.. Listing Akron/Summit CVB......................35 ...... 25 Amish Country Musicals Carlisle Inn .. ...... 28 The Amish Country Theater............... ...... 28 ArtsinStark/Canton Arts District......30 ...... 29 Ashland Area CVB............................ ...... 25 Aurora Farms Premium Outlets.......... ...... 28 Beachwood CVB..........................28 ...... 25 Berlin Farmstead Restaurant ............ ...... 29 Best Western Inn/Suites Cleveland...... ...... 38 Best Western New Phila................... ...... 38 Canton Stark County CVB.............31 ...... 25 Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek .................... ...... 38 Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek ................. ...... 38 Carroll County CVB......................26 ...... 25 Castle Noel..................................... ...... 29 Cleveland POPS Orchestra................ ...... 30 The Coop ....................................... ...... 30 The Corner Alley.............................. ...... 30 Country Coach Adventures................ ...... 11 Dennison Railroad Depot Museum...... ...... 32 Der Dutchman Rest./Carlisle Gifts ...... ...... 32 Destination Cleveland.................... 5....... 25 Doubletree by Hilton Tudor Arms....... ...... 38 Dutch Valley Gifts............................ ...... 32 Dutch Valley Market ........................ ...... 33 Dutch Valley Restaurant ................... ...... 33 Dutchman Hospitality Group.........36 .......... Emerald Hospitality Assoc., Inc......... ...... 11 Fairfield Inn/Suites Austintown........... ...... 38 Flannery’s Pub/MRN........................ ...... 33 Fort Laurens ................................... ...... 33 Geauga County Tourism.................... ...... 26 Greater Cleveland Aquarium.............. ...... 29 Hampton Inn Akron.......................... ...... 38 Hampton Inn and Suites Canton ....... ...... 39 Hampton Inn/Suites Middleburg Hts.... ...... 40 Hampton Inn Kent............................ ...... 39 Hampton Inn New Philadelphia......... ...... 39 Hampton Inn Newcomerstown........... ...... 39 Hampton Inn Wooster....................... ...... 40 Hartville Collectibles ........................ ...... 34 Hartville Hardware........................... ...... 34 Hartville Kitchen.............................. ...... 34 Hartville MarketPlace/Flea Market...... ...... 34 Hilton Garden Inn Wooster................ ...... 40 HIMSS Innovation Center.................. ...... 34 Holiday Inn Express/Suites New Philadelphia............................. ...... 40 Holiday Inn Express/Suites Akron....... ...... 40 Holiday Inn Hotel/Suites Mansfield...... ...... 40 Holiday Inn Mentor.......................... ...... 40 Holmes County Tourism Bureau......... ...... 26 Horse Shoe Casino Cleveland............ ...... 41 Hower House.................................. ...... 34 J.E. Reeves Victorian Home............... ...... 34 Lake County Visitors Bureau.............. ...... 26 Lehman’s Hardware......................... ...... 34 Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake........30 ...... 40 Lodi Station Outlets.......................... ...... 34 Mansfield/Richland County CVB......... ...... 26 MAPS Air Museum........................... ...... 35 McKinley Pres. Library/Museum......... ...... 35 Medina County CVB.....................25 ...... 27 Microtel Inn and Suites-Canton.......... ...... 40 Nautica Queen.............................34 ...... 35 PlayhouseSquare............................. ...... 35 Pro Football Hall of Fame.................. ...... 36 Quail Hollow Resort......................... ...... 41 Ramada Limited.............................. ...... 41 Residence Inn Akron......................... ...... 41 Residence Inn by Marriott Avon & Emerald Event Center ...................... ...... 41 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.............9 ...... 36 Schoenbrunn Village......................... ...... 36 Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens............... ...... 36 Steubenville Visitor Center/ Historic Fort Steuben....................61 ...... 26 Thistledown Racino.......................... ...... 41 Trumbull County Tourism Bureau...37 ...... 27 Tuscarawas County CVB...............32 ...... 27 Uhrichsville Clay Museum................. ...... 36 Village of Sugarcreek........................ ...... 27 Visit Lorain County.......................41 ...... 27 Wallhouse Hotel............................... ...... 41 Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market....... ...... 38 Warther Museum, Inc....................... ...... 38 Wayne County CVB......................29 ...... 28 Youngstown Live-Mahoning Co. CVB.6 ...... 28 Zocalo/MRN.................................... ...... 38 CENTRAL................................... Ad..Listing Alliance Hospitality Inc..................... ...... 11 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium........45 ...... 48 Delaware County CVB...................... ...... 44 Der Dutchman Rest./Carlisle Gifts ...... ...... 48 Destination Hilliard.......................... ...... 44 Dublin CVB.................................44 ...... 44 Experience Columbus.....................2 ...... 46 Fairfield County VCB........................ ...... 46 Gahanna CVB..............................46 ...... 46 Greater Licking County CVB..........68 ...... 46 Grove City Area CVB......................... ...... 47 Holiday Inn Exp./Suites Polaris.......... ...... 48 Holiday Inn Worthington................... ...... 48 Homewood Suites Polaris.................. ...... 49 Knox County CVB............................. ...... 47 La Quinta Inn and Suites Hilliard....... ...... 49 Marion Area CVB.........................48 ...... 47 Ohio History Connection...............46 ...... 48 Scioto Downs Racino........................ ...... 49 Union County CVB.......................49 ...... 47 Zanesville-Muskingum County CVB. 64....... 48 SOUTHWEST............................. Ad.. Listing Butler County Visitors Bureau........56 ...... 52 Cincinnati Museum Center............53....... 55 National Underground Railroad Freedom Center...........................53 ...... 56 Cincinnati Premium Outlets............... ...... 55 Cincinnati Symphony/Pops Orchestra... ...... 55 Cincinnati USA ............................... ...... 52 Clermont County CVB....................... ...... 52 Clinton County CVB......................52 ...... 52 Comfort Inn Piqua............................ ...... 58 Darke County Visitors Bureau........57 ...... 54 Dayton CVB.................................... ...... 54 EnterTRAINment Junction................. ...... 56 Fayette Co. Travel/Tourism Bureau....... ....... 54 Great Wolf Lodge Cincinnati/Mason..... ....... 58 Horseshoe Casino-Cincinnati............. ...... 58 Miami County VCB...................... 54....... 54 Ohio Travel Treasures LLC................. ...... 11 Spring Hill Suites Dayton.................. ...... 58 Warren County CVB .....................58 ...... 54 The Web Extreme Entertainment........ ...... 56 SOUTHEAST.............................. Ad.. Listing Athens County CVB......................62 ...... 61 Cambridge/Guernsey County VCB...63 ...... 64 Eastern Ohio Tours, LLC.................... ...... 11 Hocking Hills Tourism Assoc............3 ...... 64 Holiday Inn Exp. Chillicothe East....... ...... 65 Marietta-Washington County CVB...... ...... 65 Portsmouth Scioto County CVB.......... ...... 65 Ross Chillicothe CVB........................ ...... 65 For more information visit our website: www.OhioHasIT.com 66 It’s a beautiful day to plan your next group tour in Licking County... Greater Licking County Convention and Visitors Bureau 455 Hebron Road, Heath, Ohio 43056 740.345.8224 • 800.589.8224 EscapeToLickingCounty.com