Ohio
Discover Ohio
Ohio's nickname is "the Heart of It All", purportedly because of its shape (kind of like a heart), its central location in the American Midwest, its mosaic of big commercial cities, small towns, industry and farmland, and its critical role in "America's Heartland". The terrain is generally flat in the northwestern parts due to ancient glaciers, and gradually gets hillier as one heads east and southeast toward the Allegheny and Appalachian mountain ranges. Aside from a Great Lake (Erie) and a major navigable river (Ohio), the State of Ohio offers a national park (Cuyahoga Valley), a national forest (Wayne), a number of National Wildlife Refuges, and a bundle of islands on Lake Erie.
What to Experience in Ohio
Taste of Ohio...
Not only are there great places to dine and things to eat throughout Ohio, but these cuisines, several of which define American Food, were born in Ohio: The Toledo metro offers the main culinary scene in Northwest Ohio. In particular, Hungarian immigrants brought some trappings of their cuisine with them, best epitomized at Tony Packo's Cafe on Front St. The agricultural communities dotting northwest Ohio are often known for their snacks. Findlay, Ohio is known for its confections, ice cream, and spiced nuts. Ohio's liquor laws are somewhere in the middle in terms of restrictions. Beer, wine, and liquor can be found in many stores. You can search for stores and products using the Ohio Liquor agency's website OHLQ.com. It can be sold until 1AM (some stores don't have the permit to sell some or all types of the alcohol on Sundays). Hard liquor can be purchased at state liquor agencies (some of which are found in grocery stores). These stores also sell wine, beer, soda, mixers, etc. and have an earlier closing time. Two provisions may affect purchases of alcohol for personal off-premises consumption. First, it must be sold to you by an employee above the legal drinking age of 21, which can sometimes mean the cashier will have to go find someone who can, and if you're at a convenience store with no other employee available, you're out of luck. Second, it must be carried out of the store in a bag that conceals it, even if it's a single.
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Ohio.
Ohio has been nicknamed the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World" due to the number of record breaking amusement park rides that call Ohio home. Cincinnati area: Nearby Mason is the home of three amusement parks: Kings Island and Soak City, The Beach Waterpark, and Great Wolf Lodge. Coney Island is a small historical amusement park on the Ohio River in Cincinnati. Cleveland area: Cedar Point and Pioneer Waterland, a waterpark in Chardon. Columbus area: Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark, CoCo Key Water Resort at Cherry Valley Lodge in Newark, and Splash Harbor in Bellville. Not only are there great places to dine and things to eat throughout Ohio, but these cuisines, several of which define American Food, were born in Ohio: The Toledo metro offers the main culinary scene in Northwest Ohio. In particular, Hungarian immigrants brought some trappings of their cuisine with them, best epitomized at Tony Packo's Cafe on Front St.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsOhio is served by many interstate highways. The Ohio Turnpike (Interstate 80/90, Toll Road) is the main East-West route in the northern part of the state, linking Toledo and Cleveland, while Interstate 70 is the primary East-West thoroughfare in the Central section, linking Columbus and Dayton. The principal North-South routes are Interstate 75, linking Toledo, Dayton, and Cincinnati, while Interstate 77 links the Greater Cleveland area, Akron, Canton, and Marietta on the Ohio River. In addition, a major highway linking Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati is Interstate 71, which takes a diagonal path through the state from Northeast to Southwest. Travelers should be advised that the Ohio State Highway Patrol has a reputation for strict enforcement of traffic laws with frequent patrols and little tolerance. Drive safe! Ohio is a bit under served by rail, however a few Amtrak routes crosses through the state....
Regions
Explore AreasComprising 88 counties, Ohio can be roughly characterized by these regions: Ohio is the 35th largest state by size, but 7th by population (11,459,011 residents in 2004 according to the US Census Burea…...
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Most points within Ohio are easily accessible by auto with longest distances across the state of about 300 miles (480 km) and less than 5 hours in driving time. For instance, driving from Cleveland-to-Columbus and Columbus-to-Cincinnati via I-71 takes about 2 hours (give or take 15 minutes). The larger cities in the state all have public mass transit systems. North Coast Scenic Byway (OH-2) is a principal route between Sandusky and Cleveland that provides easy access to the Lake Erie Islands and one of the worlds most famous amusement parks Cedar Point. Like most of the midwest, highways are long, straight, and flat, and drivers are often going long distances--in other words, a hitchhiker's dream. Be aware that most if not all interstate highways are closed to pedestrians, so you're probably better off trying to catch a ride from an on-ramp. I-80 is the preferred route for those trying to travel across the state east or west.
Where to Stay
Visitors may want to consider staying at one of Ohio's resort lodges or state parks, which are spread throughout the state. Most are very pleasant to visit and offer an opportunity to visit Ohio's great outdoors. The lodges offer outstanding locations and amenities, while the parks usually offer primitive camping, camping, backpacking, group camps, horseman camps and boat camping. All are State of Ohio owned, some are operated by contractors. Smoking is banned in most public areas with very few exceptions. Hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities may still allow smoking in designated rooms. Restaurants and bars are forbidden from allowing smoking or ashtrays on their premises unless they have an outdoor patio. If you're at a place that is in violation of the law you can report the violation to the Ohio Department of Health by calling the toll-free number: ☏ +1-866-559-6446. Alternatively, you can email a complaint to NoSmoke@odh.ohio.gov.
Language & Talk
Despite what you may have heard, Ohio is actually very diverse with regional dialects. In the middle of the state, especially Dayton and Columbus, many people speak what is commonly known as General American Dialect, or Standard Midwestern Dialect. Around Cleveland and Toledo people speak with what is known as the Northern Cities Vowel shift of same dialect, sounding way more like a Chicagoan (think Da Bears from Saturday Night Live for a really exaggerated example). In the Amish Country between Cleveland and Columbus, English is actually a second language for the Amish populations with Pennsylvania Dutch, their first. Pennsylvania Dutch is related to German. Pretty much all Amish speak English outside of the home but with a distinct accent.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
In general, Ohio is a fairly safe state. During the day most places are completely safe, however, take normal precautions against crime. The biggest threats to visitors are the winter weather and potential for traffic accidents. If you travel by car, be safe while driving in inclement weather and always be aware of traffic alerts around major cities. Ohioans are somewhat defensive over their state's reputation as a boring, forgettable "Flyover State." If you ever call their state "boring" within earshot, Ohioans will be sure to provide you with a list of the state's finest attractions, along with a thorough explanation of why you are mistaken. Ohio's population is very representative of the country as a whole. You will encounter staunch conservatives and progressives alike, as well as sizable Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern, and African communities. Columbus has a thriving LGBT scene.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Ohio
June 30th 2017, I turned 24 and buzzed around and captured this popular Cincinnati bridge.
time lapse photography of city during night time
green and yellow trees near body of water during daytime
view of bridge and high-rise buildings at daytime
Cityscape of Cincinnati's Roebling bridge.
Taking photos at parks around the downtown Cincinnati, Ohio area. Follow me on Insta @zvessels55
Ripley Ohio at Sunset
Casting its shadows before the sun hits the horizon.
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November 2020. Cleveland, OH.
June 30th 2017, I turned 24 and buzzed around and captured this popular Cincinnati bridge.
time lapse photography of city during night time
green and yellow trees near body of water during daytime