Ohio

"The Buckeye State"

 Head to Ohio, known as the Buckeye State and you can discover the lighthouse-dotted coastline or plunge to the depths of Lake Erie in search of shipwrecks. The Lake Erie Islands are also the place to go for a really relaxing break - perfect for fishing, boating, hiking, birding, wine tasting or just getting away from it all. Throughout the state there is plenty to see and do as Ohio is home to numerous ‘one and only’ destinations including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum; the National Inventors Hall of Fame; the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, the birthplace of professional football; the United States Air Force Museum in Dayton, the world’s largest aviation museum; and the world’s largest Amish population. Ohio’s world-record-holding theme parks offer their share of exhilaration and excitement too with some of the tallest, fastest coasters and rides on the planet. Among those worth making a date with are Cedar Point Amusement Park, Kings Island and Geauga Lake and Wildwater Kingdom. No trip to Ohio would be complete without visiting one of the Buckeye State’s metropolises. Ohio’s big cities, such as the state capital, Colombus, garner attention for their nightlife and arts" attractions as well as for the wide range of shopping opportunities on offer.

Ohio highlights include Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Columbus’ world renowned zoo, Cincinnati’s historic paddle-wheel boats, and Cedar Point, the world’s number one rated roller coaster park.

The Amish may be slow moving in their horse and buggies but their population is growing fast with Ohio having the largest population in the world at over 60,000.

Land Area: 40,952.6 sq. miles

Population: 11,353,140

State Capital: Columbus

Largest City: Columbus

Local Time: EST - 5 hrs behind the UK

Average temperatures range from 9.7 to 29.7°F (-12 to -1°C) in January to between 62.9 and 85.3°F (17 to 30°C) in the summer. Rainfall averages between 1.2 and 4.0 inches per month.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park 

If the USA could have a “greatest hits” for a single state, it just might be Ohio. All your favourite things about the USA — idyllic scenery, hearty cuisine, professional sports, even rock ‘n roll — have a home here. This Midwestern state borders Lake Erie to the north and the Ohio River to the south with diverse people, places and experiences waiting in between. Three major urban centres – Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati – offer arts, culture, music, cuisine and spirits, but authentic experiences abound across the state. For families, there are top-notch theme parks, aquariums and zoos. Outdoors enthusiasts can hike, bike, paddle and camp amid thick forests and sandstone cliffs, or on the shores of Lake Erie. Sports lovers have their choice of professional baseball, football, soccer, hockey and basketball. And when you’re hungry, Ohio delivers with cuisine ranging from regional comfort food to award-winning restaurants.

Urban Centres with World-class Attractions.

There are three large urban centres in Ohio, each with its own personality. In the state capital of Columbus, history and culture thrive at places such as the historic German Village, Short North Arts District, Centre of Science and Industry (COSI) and Columbus Museum of Art.

A hub of professional sports teams overlooking Lake Erie, Cleveland is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; Playhouse Square (the largest performing arts centre outside of New York); and impressive monuments including Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, James A. Garfield Monument and USS Cod Submarine Memorial.

Riverfront Cincinnati features a fun neighbourhood scene, especially in historic Over-the-Rhine, a shopping, dining and entertainment district distinguished by its incredible architecture. Also, check out the Cincinnati Museum Centre, a revered example of Art Deco architecture, and the Findlay Market, the oldest continuously operated public market in Ohio. 

Thrill seekers will find endless loops, towering hills and high-speed tracks at Ohio’s two major amusement parks, Cedar Point and Kings Island. There are plenty of rides and attractions for families and little ones, too.

Prefer more low-speed adventures? Play on the beaches of Lake Erie, discover Lake Erie Islands by boat or escape to Ohio’s sprawling nature parks. Cuyahoga Valley National Park has more than 200 kilometers of hiking and biking trails, opportunities for canoeing and camping, and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad train ride. In southeastern Ohio, nature and time have carved the sandstone of the Hocking Hills region into stunning rock formations, waterfalls and valleys ideal for hiking, zip lining and paddling. 

With more than 300 wineries, 300 craft breweries and dining options ranging from casual favourites to fancier fare, Ohio is a foodie’s delight. Sample regional specialties such as Cincinnati-style chili, served on hot dogs or atop a pile of spaghetti, or goetta, a breakfast sausage with flavours that attest to the region’s German heritage. Tempt your appetite along food trails dedicated to donuts, coffee, beer, cocktails, burgers and the state’s famous Buckeye candies – peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate.

Foodies obsessed with notable chefs can sample Cleveland-style barbecue inspired by Eastern European flavours at Mabel’s BBQ, owned by “Iron Chef” star Michael Symon, or experience a modern take on the classic Jewish deli at Larder Delicatessen & Bakery by James Beard Award nominee Jeremy Umansky.