Western Ohio, where I live, may appear to travelers to be a land of flat to gently rolling farm fields. But tucked away in a little corner of Greene County (east of Dayton) is a hemlock-lined hollow, graced by the swiftly-coursing waters of the Little Miami River. This gorge, with its boulders, cliffs and ancient trees, appears to be a bit of the boreal forest of Canada plunked down in the flat cornfields of the Buckeye State.... Read More

It’s a testimony to the longevity of a career in rock music when artists can reinvent themselves to appeal to each new generation. Elvis transformed from hip-swiveling rebel to flashy Vegas headliner. Cher and Madonna have changed their images as seamlessly as their costumes. And Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler has transitioned from outrageous bad boy to the “nice” judge on American Idol. ... Read More

This story was written by Anietra Hamper and originally appeared in AAA's Home & Away magazine.

After Jack Hanna left Muskingum College in 1969, he had no plans to return to Ohio.

“If you ever told me I’d be back in Ohio, I’d have told you you’re crazy,” the Tennessee native said. At that time, he said, Columbus was known as a “cow town.” But it was—and still is—also the home of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, which brought Hanna back to Ohio after all. He returned in 1978 seeking treatment for his daughter, who was suffering from cancer.

Everything changed when he found out the Columbus Zoo was looking for a new director. ... Read More

While many people don’t consider Cleveland a vacation destination, there are many wonderful attractions to share with visitors.  One of my favorite places to take guests is the Cleveland Botanical Garden (CBG) located in University Circle.   My visits are usually in summer when the outdoor gardens are in full bloom (and it’s more agreeable weather-wise), but this time was as the CBG was preparing for the holidays and their WinterShow, special exhibits that are on display through January 2nd.

Visitors are greeted by a huge, beautifully decorated live Christmas tree with a toy train looping around it.  Surrounding the atrium were life-size animal topiaries and the hallways were lined with smaller Christmas trees and unique gingerbread houses (and even a plane) created by children, adults and professional bakers.... Read More

 
Question: My husband and I were hoping to take our 3 kids (ages 7,9 and 12) on a driving vacation this August. We were hoping to combine Cedar Point, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cooperstown and Niagara Falls. Since we will be leaving from Chicago, can you suggest an order of attractions or are we planning to visit too many different spots in the course of 9 days? Also, which side of Niagara Falls would you recommend?

Answer: This sounds like an ideal vacation for your family and nine days may be... Read More

Although my wife and I can now claim to be experienced campers, this was not always the case. I recall many years ago when the two of us embarked on one of our early camping trips to Hocking Hills State Park in southeastern Ohio.

 The first mistake we made was in choosing to camp on Memorial Day weekend (don’t do it!); our second mistake was ... Read More

    

“No! No! I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two Hundred Shot Range Model Air Rifle,” said Ralphie.  “You’ll shoot your eye out kid,” was Santa’s response.   I had heard that exchange countless times, but somehow had not seen the movie A Christmas Story.   (If you haven’t seen it yet, check your local cable stations for the upcoming 24-hour A Christmas Story movie marathon.) 

I found out there was a Cleveland connection (parts of the movie were filmed in Cleveland) when I began working for AAA.  I stumbled across an old issue of The Ohio Motorist magazine with a scene from the movie on the cover.  When I finally had the chance to watch the movie, I had a whole new appreciation for “double dog dare ya,” and “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!” ... Read More

The biggest soft-serve ice cream cone I ever attempted to eat was at Brown’s Dairy Dock in Marblehead, Ohio. Not that I thought I could actually conquer this nearly foot-high swirling pillar of vanilla and chocolate delight, but I had to give it the old college try! Needless to say, the cone won—and I had plenty of melted ice cream all over my clothes to attest to the fact—but there are many more challenges to meet and sights to see in this area commonly referred to as “Ohio’s Vacationland”.

The quaint village of Marblehead, located along the shores of Lake Erie on the Marblehead Peninsula, provides a great starting point to explore the Lake Erie Islands area. Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, located along Ohio Route 163,... Read More

Question:  Terry Houston asks: I'd like to take a car trip within a 150-mile radius of Cincinnati. Any suggestions?

Answer: Mary Ann Bayer, travel professional at the AAA office in Cincinnati suggests several trips.  If you are looking for someplace close to home, consider Indianapolis, which is approximately 100 miles from Cincinnati.  The Children’s Museum , for children of all ages, is a good place to start your adventure.  Meet a mummy, climb a limestone wall, ride the world famous carousel,... Read More

 
      Has the end of football season led to withdrawal symptoms? Looking for the perfect experience for that football fanatic in your life? Consider a road trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

      A seven-foot tall bronze statue of football legend Jim Thorpe greets visitors as they enter the Hall’s round entrance building. Thorpe was one of the game’s first... Read More