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Fun Travels Across the United States

OHIO

NEWS: Note: Towns and Cities follow after News

New Columbus Food Adventure Tours; historic pub tours launched (Details below under Columbus)

Hocking Hills Has An Exciting Contest this Summer (check details below as well as special events)

Warren County Has Lots on Tap This Summer (Check below under Warren Cty)

Mansfield's 2010 Tourism Guide is Available (Go to Mansfield, below)

Kelleys Island is Very, Very Special (for details, go below to Kelleys Island)

Woodhaven Farm heats up 2010 with cooking classes, wine workshops
(For details go below to Johnstown)

Ride & Roar With More Savings Than Ever Before

There has been a dramatic increase in travel intentions indicating traveler confidence is on the rise according to hospitalitynet.org. However, says Victoria Petrock author of Online Leisure Travel: Six Post-Recession Trends, “amid the economic rubble, travelers have adopted a back-to-basics mentality, seeking quality at the right price. Value takes center stage.”

To help consumers get back to the basics, the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB) in southwest Ohio will unleash the Ride and Roar Family Vacation for only $319. This three-day vacation package includes four tickets to Kings Island, four tickets to the Cincinnati Zoo, two nights lodging with free breakfast at either the Comfort Suites Kings Island or Hyatt Place Cincinnati Northeast and two free kids meals at a local Bob Evans Restaurant.

“This year the CVB has worked with its partners to develop a set price point for this getaway which makes this vacation package an unbeatable value. Ride and Roar can be purchased for less than $40 per person per day including Kings Island and Cincinnati Zoo tickets,” said Derrick. “This saves families up to $200. We know that families are looking for value when booking their vacation and we think this package really delivers.”

The getaway can be booked online at www.rideandroar.com or by calling the hotels directly. (Comfort Suites Kings Island, 513-336-9000, or Hyatt Place Cincinnati Northeast, 513-754-0003).

The value-packed vacation is just one of many new offers available on the WCCVB website, www.ohioslargestplayground.com. The site also provides new money-saving deals for families such as discount attraction tickets, coupons and more vacation packages. Plus, visitors will find new planning tools such as a list of free things to do, a calendar of events and more to add value to their next Warren County vacation.

About Warren County and the WCCVB:

Warren County is Ohio’s Largest Playground! With easy access from Interstates 71 and 75, visitors to Warren County can enjoy more activities within a 30-mile radius than anywhere else in Ohio. The Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a progressive destination marketing organization committed to economic growth by increasing overnight and year-round visitors. Tourism is the leading industry in Warren County. The 6.4 million yearly visitors drive an economic impact of $917 million and 11,029 tourism-related jobs.

For additional information, visit www.ohioslargestplayground.com or call 800-433-1072.

Treat that Special Someone to a Romantic Cleveland Getaway

Love is in the air in Cleveland with everything you need for an affordable romantic weekend getaway. Spoil that special someone over a candlelit dinner, shower them with gifts from local businesses and pamper their every need over spa treatments and wine trails.

HOTEL PACKAGES

Book your room in advance because your promptness and special planning will pay off when you have the finest hotel packages from which to choose including bottles of champagne, bouquets of roses, comfy bathrobes and luxurious bedding. Or, make it even more magical by staying at one of our cozy B+Bs for the weekend. Here's a sneak peek of what's being offered.

InterContinental Hotel Cleveland (downtown)

216.707.4100 www.cleveland.intercontinental.com  
A Touch of Romance
This ultra-romantic package will wow your loved one on a special occasion or no occasion at all. Chilled champagne, a dozen roses and Godiva chocolates are ready upon your arrival. Later in the evening you can relax in "his and her" personalized bathrobes. Breakfast for two in North Coast Café and a keepsake frame are included.

Crowne Plaza Cleveland City Centre (downtown)

216.771.7600 www.clevelanddowntownhotel.com  
Romance Package
Snuggle in for a comfortable and romantic stay at the Crowne Plaza and enjoy the compliments of free parking, a made-to-order breakfast and a 2pm late checkout so you can sleep in the next morning.

Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade (downtown)

800.233.1234 cleveland.hyatt.com  
Amour Package
Oohlala -- Enjoy time for just the two of you during your stay at Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade. The historic elegance of The Arcade makes for a picturesque setting for a romantic weekend.

Kalahari Resort (45 minutes west)

419.433.7200 www.kalahariresorts.com  
Spa, King Bed and Breakfast Package
Ohio's largest indoor waterpark has a romantic side. Deluxe accommodations including a king size bed and a special spa treatment are just some of the perks in this package.

The Lodge at Sawmill Creek Resort (45 minutes west)

419.433.3800 www.sawmillcreek.com

Romance Package
A luxurious king size bed, a bottle of wine and fine dining are just some of the amenities included at this picturesque lakeside resort.

J. Palen House Bed and Breakfast near west side)

216.664.0813 www.jpalenhouse.com
Escape the Ordinary Package
Escape packages include a beautiful suite, a three-course breakfast, complimentary beverage and snacks, and a home-baked evening "sweetie" to ensure pleasant dreams. Guests of J. Palen House receive a 10% discount at Light Bistro, The Flying Fig or Bier Market and Bar Cento -- some of the best restaurants in the neighborhood.

Hallauer House Bed and Breakfast
(near west side)

440.774.3400 www.hallauerhousebnb.com
Stay for a romantic weekend and get a free night included in your stay when you book the Union or Confederate rooms.

Homestead House Bed and Breakfast
(near east side)

440.946.1902 www.homesteadhousebb.com
Sweet Heart Package
Relax in front of your private fireplace or enjoy a bubble bath in the two-person jacuzzi tub. Savor a Valentines Day candlelit dinner for two, specially prepared by the world-class chefs at the Laura Paganni Culinary Institute.  

WINE + DINE

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but a bottle of red and a delicious dinner are sure to win almost anyone over. Check out some of Cleveland's most romantic locales.

Pickwick and Frolic

Valentines Weekend Dinner Show Package
216.241.7425 www.pickwickandfrolic.com Laugh the night away with that special someone at Cleveland's hottest venue for live comedy. Package includes dinner in the Cabaret Room, musical entertainment on stage during dinner, a glass of champagne and a preferred seat to see the hilarious Maryellen Hooper live in Hilarities 4th Street Theatre.

Pier W

216.228.2250 www.selectrestaurants.com
Fresh seafood and contemporary fare served with arguably the best lake and city views in Cleveland. How much better can it get? Pier W, a Cleveland dining institution for more than 40 years underwent a $3.5 million extreme makeover a few years ago, transforming into a scenic dining destination.

Lola Bistro

216.621.5652 www.lolabistro.com  
Make it a special evening at Cleveland's hottest new eatery -- owned and operated by Iron Chef Michael Symon of the Food Network.

Osteria Di Valerio + Al

216.685.9490 osteria.us  
Authentic flavors of northern Italy are woven into stylish contemporary dishes at this upscale, secluded eatery.

John Q's Steakhouse

216.861.0900 www.johnqssteakhouse.com  
Reserve a private booth and pull down the curtains for a private dinner with just the two of you. Paired with a bottle of wine and surf-n-turf, who could resist?

Mallorca

216.687.9494 www.clevelandmallorca.com  
Spice up the evening with genuine Spanish and Portuguese recipes.

Lago

216.344.0547 www.lagotremont.com
It doesn't just need to be the two of you... invite the whole gang to a private wine dinner at Tremont's most popular Italian eatery. Customize your wine selection and menu to fit the tastes and style of your guests and learn a thing or two about this seductive cuisine.

Fahrenheit

216.781.8858 www.fahrenheittremont.com
Tucked away in the cozy Tremont neighborhood, Fahrenheit is owned and operated by Chef Rocco Whalen who trained under Wolfgang Puck before returning to Cleveland.

Sarava

216.295.1200 www.sergioscleveland.com

This dimly lit eatery reflects owner Sergio Abramof's Brazilian roots.

Red The Steakhouse

216.831.2252 www.redthesteakhouse.com
This sexy steakhouse has all the allure you'll need in an evening. Voted one of America's 10 Best Steakhouses by Playboy.

D'Vine Wine Bar

216.241.8463 www.dvinewinebar.com
Housing one of the largest wine selections in the city, D'Vine Wine Bar features small plates and appetizers that are perfect for sharing.

La Cave Du Vin

216.932.6411
Located in the eclectic Coventry Village, La Cave Du Vin features a wide variety of wine, champagne and beer, both domestic and imported. The cave like atmosphere creates a relaxed and romantic evening anytime of the year. 

Budapest Blonde

216.328.8780 www.budapestblonde.com
Budapest Blonde offers a variety of wines by the glass and by the bottle, as well as specialty martinis including the "BlondeTini" and "ChocolaTini."

Market Avenue Wine Bar

216.696.WINE marketavewinebar.com
Serving more than 70 wines by the glass and more than 400 by the bottle.

The Velvet Tango Room

216.241.8869 or www.velvettangoroom.com  
An upscale and intimate lounge is a great way to top off a romantic evening. Dive into the chocolate fondue for two or sip on a chocolate martini.

THE ROYAL TREATMENT

Marengo Luxury Spa

216.621.4600 www.marengospa.com  
Located in the Historic Arcade in downtown Cleveland, Marengo Luxury Spa offers a relaxing and romantic spa package, The Couple's Delight Massage Package that begins with a signature full body massage. After enjoying an assortment of snacks and refreshments, couples are treated to side-by-side hand and foot paraffin treatments to moisturize and soothe the skin.

Jack Arra's Salon and Spa

440.375.0055 www.jackarras.com  
Pamper yourself at a sophisticated 5,600 square foot day spa and salon offering more than 100 massage, facial, hair and nail services.

The Spa at Yellow Creek

330.665.2555 www.yellowcreekspa.com  
This luxurious spa destination works with area hotels to provide some of the best body and foot treatments for you and your loved ones.

SWEET OUTINGS

So, you book a quiet hotel room for two and make reservations for an intimate dinner at an upscale eatery. There's still plenty to do that'll keep this love-fueled weekend going strong.

Cleveland Botanical Garden 

216.707.2846 www.cbgarden.org  
Even the most budget conscious can take their dates to Costa Rica this Valentine's season by visiting Cleveland Botanical Garden's dual climate Glasshouse. You and your date will forget that the snow is falling outside when surrounded by lush tropical foliage, plants and flowers. And if you and your date get carried away, it wouldn't be the first time wedding proposals have been made beneath the green canopy or romantic waterfall. Throughout February, the Garden also features Orchid Mania (free with general admission), its annual parade of hundreds of blooming orchids.

.Ohio Wine Producers Association

Chocolate is for Lovers
440.466.4417 www.OhioWines.org  
Enjoy mouthwatering chocolates and wine samples on a self-driving wine tour along the vines and wine trails in Cleveland Plus.

Cleveland Museum of Art

216.421.7340

Spend the afternoon viewing one of the most prestigious art museums in the country. Packed with prestigious traveling and permanent exhibits, the acclaimed museum continues to reopen galleries to show off their treasures as it undergoes a multimillion dollar renovation and expansion.

Cleveland Orchestra

216.231.7300 www.clevelandorchestra.com  
A Brahms Violin Concerto on Valentines Day weekend performed by one of the top three orchestras in the world makes for a great gift to that special someone.

PlayhouseSquare

216.771.8403 www.playhousesquare.org  
Make it a special evening in the second largest theater district in the nation. Grab tickets to see the romantic musical I Love You Because on Valentines Day weekend.

Ambiance, Inc.

440.234.6996 www.ambiance.com
Ambiance, the store for lovers, works with local businesses to find fun and affordable ways for couples to have fun and reconnect. They have partnerships with hotels, boudoir photographers and a local chef to provide lovers in Cleveland Plus with romantic getaways and sexy escapes.

Walking Tours of Cleaveland

216.394.0095 www.clevelandwalkingtours.com  
Step on a segway and glide your way through a moonlit tour of Cleveland followed by dinner at a downtown restaurant.

The Divas of American Song: A Valentine Cabaret

Stocker Arts Center
A breathtaking performance by Helen Welch including favorites like "My Funny Valentine," "Unforgettable," "Have I Told You Lately" and "The Look of Love."

Lilly Handmade Chocolates

216.771.3333 www.lillytremont.com  
Decorated in hot pink and black, Lilly is reminiscent of those upscale chocolate boutiques you see on the Food Network. The hand-painted chocolates look so much like works of art that you don't even want to eat them.

Sweetie Candy Company

216.739.2244 or www.sweetiescandy.com  
Get your sweetie some cool retro candies like wax lips, candy hearts, flipstick lipsticks and chocolate kisses.

CLEVELAND PLUS PASS

Cleveland has a card that makes your romantic weekend to the Great Lakes city even more affordable. A single Cleveland Plus Pass gives you admission to ten major attractions and other valuable traveler discounts in the region. Purchase your pass for two, three or five consecutive days and then experience the gardens, museums, zoos and other destinations in Cleveland Plus.

Visit www.positivelycleveland.com/pluspass for more information and to purchase your Cleveland Plus Pass today!

BURTON

Ma & Pa's Gift Shack Horse-Drawn Sleigh & Carriage Rides

Ma & Pa's Gift Shack, 15161 Main Market Road (S.R. 422), Burton, OH
440.548.5521 or www.maandpas.com
Gather up the family for a brisk ride in an antique sleigh or carriage through the woods. Warm up by the fire after your outdoor adventure with hot chocolate, coffee and cookies. Romantic night rides are also available.

CEDAR FALLS

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls breaks ground on The Gathering Place event facility

The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls announced that it has broken ground on an innovative new meeting and events facility, The Gathering Place Located on the grounds of the renowned spa and inn and surrounded by the caves, forests and waterfalls of southeast Ohio's magnificent Hocking Hills region, The Gathering Place is a one-of-a kind facility. The 5,000-square-foot, fully handicapped accessible space will feature an open layout and space for meetings and social events of up to 50 people. Events are already being booked; visit www.innatcedarfalls.com or call 1-800-65-FALLS (800-653-2557).

The Gathering Place--

located in an 1840s log cabin, will boast gorgeous views of the Hocking Hills and plenty of warm, natural light filtering into its large meeting room. It also includes a more intimate 450-square-foot windowed breakout space, featuring local artists from southeast Ohio. A 1,000-square-foot rooftop herb and flower garden with walking paths and a covered outdoor wraparound porch furnished with comfortable chairs and rockers offer additional space for breaks and cocktail events. The 1840s log cabins that serve as Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls‚ existing tavern and dining room provide added space for meals and functions. Thirty new parking spots are also part of this major Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls expansion.

This one-of-a-kind events facility will boast state-of-the-art green features, including:

· One third of the building is underground for most energy efficient heating and cooling
· High-energy windows and doors
· Tankless hot water heaters offer hot water on demand in meeting space, kitchen, and spa, with inn rooms, cottages and cabins going tankless as existing heaters are replaced
· 5,000-gallon rain water storage recycles water for garden and toilets· Recycled logs and lumber used whenever possible (more than 50%)· Fully energy efficient florescent lighting in meeting and common area· Recycled carpet· Outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic (milk and water bottles)· Vinyl flooring in bar and restrooms made from 40% recycled plastics· Advanced high-energy efficient heating and cooling features computerized thermostat, which monitors outside air and anticipates heat load
· State-of-the-art heat and cooling recovery ventilator air return system (uses existing air to heat and cool air within ductwork)· Dehumidifiers create cooler, dryer air cutting the air conditioning use· 2‰ x 6‰ wood walls offer greater energy efficiency· 22% more energy insulated efficiency than green recommendations· Rooftop garden offers eight inches or more of added natural earth and plant insulation

The Gathering Place will offer full-service dining for every meal and break, featuring The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls‚ legendary fine dining experience led by Executive Chef Anthony Schulz. Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls talented event planners will also create and facilitate team building workshops and memorable activities designed to enhance any meeting or social event, such as: organized hikes; zipline canopy tours; spa treatments; cooking and wellness classes; wine and beer tastings; rappelling/rock climbing; kayaking/canoeing, and skeet shooting and other special group experiences.

In addition to events for corporate and social groups, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls will hold special events for the Inn's leisure guests within the new space. With its state-of-the-art flat-screen TVs and AV system, The Gathering Place will create and host parties for sporting and other televised events such as the Academy Awards, Kentucky Derby, World Series, major golf tournaments, the Super Bowl and Buckeye football and other major sporting contests.

Perched on the edge of a craggy gorge in southeast Ohio's spectacular Hocking Hills, The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls offers corporate, group and leisure visitors an unprecedented opportunity to turn off their cell phones and reboot their spirit. Crafted from several log cabins that date back to the 1800s, the inn and the spa are surrounded by breathtaking scenery and miles and miles of trails for bird watching, hiking, horseback riding and more. Executive Chef Anthony Schulz prepares wonderful meals and breaks using produce from local growers whenever possible. Many of the herbs and flowers that decorate the Inn are rooted just outside the kitchen door. Complete information on the Gathering Place and the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls is available at www.innatcedarfalls.com or (800) 653-2557.

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls introduces new 'Taste of Ohio' culinary, artist offerings

Long known for a commitment to sustainable tourism, and for offering one of the Midwest's most unique relaxing, scenic escapes, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls has just launched a new program featuring local and regional artists and food offerings. A new art gallery has been added to the renowned Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls gift shop, featuring a wide sampling of some of the region's fine artists. In addition, The Inn will now offer a host of Ohio gourmet specialty foods in both the gift shop and at the table. For example, the roast beef Panini served at lunch features slow-roasted beef, Heine's Amish Vidalia onion cheese and watercress greens topped with Coopers Mill Vidalia onion relish and served on whole wheat bread

'We have a strong commitment to buying local and to introducing our guests to the very best the area has to offer,' said Innkeeper Ellen Grinsfelder. 'We hope to not only share some of the treasures we've discovered with our Inn and Spa guests, but also to help our local economy by supporting the region'‚s finest artists and food purveyors.'

Some of the fine foods that will be featured in The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls Gift Shop and kitchen, as well as being available in special gift baskets, include:

· Ben's Sweet & Hot Mustard
· Coopers Mill jam, jelly, fruit butter, etc.
· Tonn‚s Apiaries Amish honey products
· Herbal Sage Tea Company
· Red Onion Kitchen
· Heini‚s Cheese Chalet Amish milk-based artisan cheeses
· Jose Madrid salsa and tortilla chips
· Misty Mountain Estate herb blends
· Vino de milo pasta sauce

The Inn Gift Shop Gallery and dining room décor will feature a number of area artists, including:

· Photography: Eric Hoffman, Jeff Shaw and James Crotty
· Pottery: Lisa Jollic, Carmen Schulz and Marietta Run Clay
· Watercolor painting: Dennis McCann and Lisa Schorr
· Acrylic painting, wood carving: Eric Murphy

· Blown glass: Nick Delmatto
· Stained Glass: Bonnie Proudfoot
· Glassworks: Janet and Dave Gustafson Woodturning: James and Suzanne Hizer
· Poetry Books: Stephen Emerick
· Hand-made soaps: With Nature in Mind
· Glassworks by Janet & Dave Gustafson

Perched on the edge of a craggy gorge in southeast Ohio's spectacular Hocking Hills, The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls offers visitors an unprecedented opportunity to turn off their cell phones and laptops and reboot their spirit. Crafted from several log cabins that date back to the 1800s, the inn and the spa are barren of phones, fax machines and data ports. Guests find only breathtaking scenery and miles and miles of trails for bird watching, hiking, horseback riding and more. The Inn's Chef prepares wonderful meals using produce from The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls garden. Even the herbs and flowers that decorate the place are rooted just outside the kitchen door.

CLEVELAND

NOTE: For more information on Cleveland, contact:

Positively Cleveland at web site www.positivelycleveland.com, or write to Positively Cleveland at The Higbee Building, 100 Public Square, Suite 100, Cleveland, Ohio 44113; Phone: 216-875-6600, email: cvb@positivelycleveland.com

About The Culinary Vegetable Institute

The Culinary Vegetable Institute was created in 2003, as a result of the synergy between The Chef's Garden sustainable farm and the nation's finest chefs. This setting provides chefs with a retreat to foster a closer relationship with the farmer, to provide inspiration and to promote agriculture and a return to the soil.

The Culinary Vegetable Institute is a culinary educational center surrounded by a working farm in a pristine, rustic riverside setting. This hidden gem houses a state-of-the-art kitchen facility surrounded by the finest kitchen gardens for not only the nation's most forward-thinking chefs, but anyone who steps foot on the grounds. In addition to providing educational advancement in the culinary arts, the Institute is designed to help preserve and promote small farms and sustainable agriculture, as well as to teach the joys of healthy and delicious eating to all generations.

From ethnic eateries to offbeat American fare, Cleveland Plus is becoming a culinary hotspot. Discover it for yourself! Tour the West Side Market, take a seat at Table 45, sip on some of Great Lakes brews, check out the Fabulous Food Show and explore neighborhoods--just for starters.

Here are some savory new dining selections

New to the Hanna building at Playhouse Square, the sister spot to the restaurant of the same name is located in Akron. They feature more than 100 varieties of beer and 200 wines.

Buckeye Beer Engine, 216.226.2337 www.buckeyebeerengine.com
With 27 beers on tap and at least one cask offering, this beer haven also has some pretty decent pub fare.

Crop Bistro & Bar
216.696.2767 www.cropbistro.com 
Longtime restaurateur, inventor and Product Development guru Steve Schimoler and his partner, Jackie Shultz, opened CROP Bistro and Bar in 2007. CROP serves as a test kitchen and concept center by day to support the pair's development and consulting business and expands to a cozy open kitchen bistro in the evening. The menu at CROP is designed to be simple yet inventive and changes as the "crop" shifts through the seasons. (Try the popcorn salad!)

Luxe Kitchen and Lounge
216.920.0600 www.luxecleveland.com
New to the Cleveland's Gordon Square Art District, an emerging destination for dinners. Marlin Kaplan, owner and chef is also the owner of Cleveland's prestigious One Walnut Restaurant.

Stone Mad Pub
216.281.6500
This newly-opened Irish pub on West 65th is designed to look the part of an old Irish pub inside and out. Detailed wordwork, a cobblestone parking lot and bocce ball court are just two of many details.

GET THE BUZZ

Check out these food-related blogs:

http://blog.ruhlman.com/

http://clevelandfoodie.blogspot.com

<http://mailcenter.newmediagateway.com

SOME TOP CHEFS

You could say we are striking while the "Iron Chef" is hot. Cleveland's Chef Michael Symon is the newest addition on the popular reality program. He's not the only chef in Cleveland with notoriety, though. Here are Symon and just a few others to check out:

MICHAEL SYMON, Michael and his future wife, Liz Shanahan, created a 60-seat restaurant opened in 1997 that opened to glowing reviews. Symon was named a national "rising star" for 1997 by Restaurant Hospitality, "Best Restaurant and Chef in Northeast Ohio" by Northern Ohio Live and one of the "Ten Best New Chefs in America" by Food & Wine magazine in 1998. Since then, Symon has gone on to even better things and he was nominated for the 2007 Beard Foundation Award and is one of HGTV's Iron Chefs. Check out his blog http://mailcenter.newmediagateway.com

AARÓN SÁNCHEZ, .Mexican Grill and Tequileria
Aarón Sánchez comes to Zócalo as the new consulting chef for the East Fourth Street eatery. Chef and co-owner of Paladar Latino Food and Drink in Manhattan, Sanchez is among the country's leading contemporary Latin chefs. He was also a fourth place finalist on the Iron Chef TV show in 2007.

ROCCO WHALEN, Rocco Whalen has manned the stoves at some of the country's hottest restaurants and now he's cranking up the heat at Fahrenheit. Esquire's John Mariani put Rocco on his list of "Chefs to Keep Your Eye On," while Gourmet magazine upped the ante by listing Fahrenheit in its Guide to America's Best Restaurants (2002).In 2004, Restaurant Hospitality named Rocco a "Rising Star."

DANTE BOCCUZZI, Dante Boccuzzi has come home to Cleveland after 16 years of working in some of the best restaurants. Most recently, he was Executive Chef at Charlie Palmer's flagship restaurant, Aureole, in New York City. His impressive resume also includes restaurants in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, France, England, Taiwan, China and Italy. Dante received back-to-back nominations for the James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year and was named one of New York's top 10 chefs.   

CHEF JOE ELLIOT, The Leopard  -- The Leopard Restaurant offers an award-winning menu that Chef de Cuisine Joe Elliott describes as "eclectic": a diverse selection of dishes, that combines the unique tastes and ingredients of America, France and Japan. Chef Elliott also brings a talent for "low-country" cooking. Recently the Leopard was awarded its fifth consecutive 4-Diamond award.

SERGIO ABRAMOF, A native of Brazil, Sergio moved to the US at the age of 10. His recipes have been published in Chefs of Cleveland, The Dinah Shore Cookbook, The Joy of Grilling, Dining in Cleveland and The Best of the Midwest. His two restaurants, Sergio's and Saravá, are family-run independents. His wife, Susan, is involved in all creative elements of the restaurants and their son, Julian, created the children's menus. Sergio is one of the founders and past president of Cleveland Independents, a group that promotes and supports local independent restaurants.

ZACH BRUELL, Bruell's restaurant experience includes Z Contemporary Cuisine, 20th Street Café, Michael's Santa Monica, California, Ken Stewart's and Par allax Restaurant and Lounge. His work has earned him praise in publications like The New York Times, USA Today, Food & Wine, Art Culinaire and Nation's Restaurant News. Most recently, Bruell reinvented The InterContinental Hotels' restaurant (formerly Classics) as Table 45. You can read his blog http://mailcenter.newmediagateway.com.

PAUL MINNILLO, Baricelli Inn Paul Minnillo represents the third generation in a family of restaurateurs. In 1985 he opened the family's crowning endeavor, The Baricelli Inn. Paul is active in area hunger centers and food pantries, and serves on the boards of several charitable culinary organizations around the country.

KAREN SMALL, Flying Fig  -- Earth-toned elegance sets the tone in this Ohio City dining favorite, but the real draw is chef and owner Karen Small's menu, a marriage of regional flavors and personal panache.

JONATHON SAWYER, Sawyer has worked at The Biltmore Hotel in Miami and alongside Chef Charlie Palmer in New York at Kitchen 22, Aureole, Astra and Kitchen 82. He has also worked with Michael Symon in Cleveland and in NYC at Parea. Eventually, Sawyer opened his own restaurant and is now Chef/Partner of Bar Cento, a modern Roman enoteca in Ohio City. He is in the process of opening The Greenhouse Tavern, the first Green restaurant in Ohio. You can read his blog http://mailcenter.newmediagateway.com

The Nature Buffs

If the family prefers a more scenic and relaxing trip, ride the historic rails of Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad along the Cuyahoga River and dip in and out of beautiful Cuyahoga Valley. Hop off the train and onto a mountain bike from Century Cycles in Peninsula and ride the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trails.

For information, contact the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, 800.468.4700 or click on web site www.cvsr.com

If you're looking to get away from the city skyscrapers and the hustle and bustles, then see how life slows down at Lake Farmpark. This family-oriented science and cultural center is devoted to agriculture, farming and country life. If you're feeling up to it, you can even milk a cow! 

THRILLED TO BE HERE

If it's thrills you seek then seek no more.  USA TODAY hails Cedar Point as the "best amusement park in the world," with more than 16 rollercoasters that will raise the hair of your head. From wet to wild fun, there's something here for every thrill seeker. 
www.cedarpoint.com 419.627.2350

Castaway Bay, Cedar Point's indoor waterpark resort features wave pools, water slides and water obstacles that will have the family feeling like they're in a Caribbean environment. www.castawaybay.com 419.627.2106

Or head to Kalahari Waterpark Resort, the world's largest indoor waterpark with more than 173,000 square feet of super soaked fun. Kalahari also features their very own Kid's Zone, filled with kid-friendly games and specialty rides. www.kalahariresort.com 877.525.2427

How about a little spooky adventure to get the whole family on their toes? The "spooktacular" Ghostly Manor is one of the top 10 haunted attractions in the nation. 
www.ghostlymanor.com 419.626.4467

FAMILY OUTINGS

It's important to get the whole family involved and educated at the same time so make it a day at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and RainForest. This-must see attraction features more than 3,000 animals and is located throughout 165 rolling wooded acres and a two-story RainForest full of exotic creatures and striking plant life from across the globe. www.clemetzoo.com 216.661.6500

For a lesson in Cleveland history, take it from the knowledgeable experts aboard Lolly the Trolley. Kick up your feet, let the wind blow through your hair and enjoy the ride during a variety of guided outings like ethnic market tours to downtown cityscape tours. 
www.lollytrolley.com 216.771.4484

Lift off and explore the Cleveland Plus region and discover the multitude of air and space attractions during NASA's 50th anniversary. 

Take in the awe-inspiring scenic sights as you and the family explore the Cleveland Metroparks. 20,000 acres of plush green woodlands surround the Cleveland area, known by many as the Emerald Necklace. The 14 parks that make up the Cleveland Metroparks offer hiking, biking, horseback riding, golfing and fishing.
www.clemetparks.com 216.351.6300

Choose from hundreds of different specialty candies like iconic PEZ dispensers, flavored wax lips and gourmet jellybeans at Sweetie Candy Company Inc. This amazing store has every delight for every sweet tooth. Rediscover how it feels to be a kid again.
www.sweetiescandy.com 216.739.2244

FAMILY HOTEL PACKAGES

Gas prices getting you down? Save with these family-friendly hotel packages.
Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center
216.696.9200

Kids under 12 eat every meal free all weekend long with the "Family Time" package. 

Embassy Suites Cleveland
216.523.8000
www.embassykids.com
Embassy Suites makes you feel at home. Large suites, kid-friendly activities and a huge pool will keep the kids occupied and entertained.

Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Downtown
216.658.6400 www.clevelanddowntown.stayhgi.com
Directly across from all the Cleveland Indians baseball action at Progressive Field, HGI provides peanuts and other pregame fun before the big game with their "50 Paces from the Bases" package. Or, spend an adventurous day at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and RainForest with the "Zoo" package.

FIRST-RATE VALUE

Want to know how much money you'll save when you visit Cleveland? Let's take a look at what a family of four would pay in two other cities like, say, Boston and Chicago, over a four-day weekend during the peak summer months. If you go to all the same type of attractions including the zoo, science center, art museum, natural history museum, amusement park and you stay in a high end hotel, after it's all said and done, you can save more than one third on costs when visiting Cleveland Plus.

TRAVELERS TIPS

Take advantage of the numerous annual festivals taking place in Cleveland during the summer season. Many of these festivals and street fairs offer one-of-a-kind local art, Cleveland memorabilia, delicious food and live music at affordable prices. Some notable family-friendly festivals include: Coventry Street Arts Fair, Parade the Circle, Taste of Tremont, iNGENUiTY Festival and Feast of the Assumption.Fwww.fireflysminigolf.com>

If rain is in the forecast, head over to South Park mall for some indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf action at Fireflys Mini Golf. Everything glows in this amusement park themed mini golf course. www.fireflysminigolf.com

If the kids are too young to appreciate the Great Lakes Science Center, take them to the Children's Museum for an educating and entertaining experience that will suit them better. www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org Or take the young tots to the retro Memphis Kiddie Park  for some fun. lwww.memphiskiddiepark.com

In need of some ice cream to get you through those hot summer days? Check out some of these local favorites with multiple locations.

Mitchell's Ice Cream  www.mitchellshomemade.com

Honey Hut Ice Cream Shoppe www.honeyhuticecream.com/cleveland.htm

East Coast Custard   www.eastcoastcustard.com

Want some deliciously inexpensive pizza?

Mama Santas in Little Italy has been a Cleveland tradition for more than 60 years. Very kid-friendly. 216.421.2159

Be sure to check out hotel websites for family discounted rates and packages at www.positivelycleveland.com/visiting/accommodations.

Some hotels throw in family-friendly meals and tickets to preferred attractions. Search through the member hotels and find out which ones have pools and other kid-friendly activities. 
www.positivelycleveland.com/visiting/things_to_do/family/category.list.php?category=4691

Want to know where to bring the kids for dinner? Search through kid-friendly restaurants that will be enjoyable for all.
www.positivelycleveland.com/visiting/things_to_do/family/category.list.php?category=4692

Trolley Tours of Cleveland

216.771.4484; www.lollytrolley.com
Catch Lolly the Trolley and take a narrated tour of the city. There are a variety of tour options, but stops on the two-hour tour include many European landmarks such as the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, Little Italy and inspired architecture including several beautiful churches.

Hungarian Heritage Museum/Galleria

Erieview, 1301 E. Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114; Explore the beauty and diversity of the cultural of Hungary and Hungarian-Americans through colorful and educational exhibits and special programs.
www.jcu.edu/language/hunghemu.htm

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum

One Key Plaza, 751 Erieside Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114
www.rockhall.com

Americans lay claim to rock and roll, but where would we be without out the British invasion and The Who, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones or Dusty Springfield? Trace the roots of rock and roll, check out musicians from around the world, watch groundbreaking performances and explore seemingly endless memorabilia at the one and only Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Mallorca Restaurant

1390 West Ninth Street, Cleveland, OH 44113
216.687.9494; www.clevelandmallorca.com
A restaurant specializing in the finest of Continental, Spanish and Portuguese cuisine.

Osteria Di Valerio & Al

408 W. St. Clair Avenue, Box 110, Cleveland, OH 44113; 216.685.9490
The authentic flavors of Northern Italy are woven into sophisticated contemporary dishes.

Ponte Vecchio

2100 Superior Viaduct, Suite 520, Cleveland, OH 44113; 216.556.8200
www.pontevecchioristorante.com
Transport your palate to Northern Italy! Enjoy grand Italian fare and a breathtaking view of Cleveland.

Sans Souci Restaurant

Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, 24 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113; 216.696.5600
www.renaissancehotels.com
Hearty, country fare of the Provincial region in France.

Vivo Restaurant Bar

347 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114; 216.621.4678
www.vivo-cleveland.com
Tuscan summer meets urban loft party at this downtown hot spot. Rustic contemporary Italian fare featuring creativity with seasonal ingredients in a historic Cleveland landmark.

NEAR WEST SIDE

Westside Market

1979 W. 25th Street (at Lorain Avenue), Cleveland, OH 44114 216.664.3387 www.westsidemarket.com
The West Side Market is a cultural and culinary experience. Opened in 1912, the West Side Market has both an indoor market with a distinctive clock tower and a semi-enclosed "outdoor" market. The outdoor market has fresh produce and flower vendors, while the indoor portion features cheeses, dairy products, meats and ethnic specialties. From pierogi to fresh Hungarian sausage and designer pastas to croissants, there is something to suit every taste. Check website for dates and times.

Johnny's Bar

3164 Fulton Road, Cleveland, OH 44109; 216.281.0055
Northern Italian and Continental cuisine.

The Harp

4408 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113; 216.939.0200
Old World charm meets city life. Menu includes traditional Irish favorites such as boxty & shepherd’s pie.

EAST SIDE

Lake View Cemetery

12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4393 216.421.2665 www.lakeviewcemetery.com
Founded in 1869, Lake View Cemetery sits on 285 acres of land and was modeled after the great garden cemeteries of Victorian England and France. The final resting place of John D. Rockefeller, President Garfield and others, the monuments and landscape in this outdoor museum are stunning.

Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage

2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, Ohio 44122; 216.5923.0575
www.maltzjewishmuseum.org
The Maltz Museum showcases the history of Northeast Ohio’s Jewish community through artifacts, unique exhibits and interactive displays including sacred books and fine art from around the world. Threads of Remembrance: Artistic Visions of the Holocaust (Dec. 13, 2006 - Feb. 18, 2007) features Holocaust wall hangings by Judith Weinshall Liberman and portraits by Herbert Ascherman, Jr. in a stirring and visually powerful exhibition that addresses the horrors of the Holocaust as seen through the eyes of survivors and their families.

Little Italy

216.791.4907; www.littleitalycleveland.com
Just up the road from the cultural gems of University Circle is Little Italy, one of the city's best-known and geographically distinct neighborhoods. First settled in the late 19th century by skilled Italian artisans, Little Italy (also known as Murray Hill) has retained much of its Old World charm and sense of tight knit community. The area is home to a blend of art galleries and shops, offering a wide variety of crafts, paintings and sculptures. (Murray Hill Art walks are held the first weekend of June, October and December.) As its name might suggest, Little Italy offers some of the finest Italian dining in the Greater Cleveland area. Whether it's pizza or pasta, calzone or calamari, if it's Italian, you'll find it in Little Italy's ristorantes. The Feast of the Assumption is a weeklong street festival that begins and ends with a traditional procession in August.

Sergio's In University Circle

1903 Ford Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106; 216.231.1234
www.sergioscleveland.com
Inspired cooking in Cleveland's cultural playground. Global menu features Brazilian, coastal and Asian flavors as well as many classic dishes.

Guarino's Restaurant

12309 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106; 216.231.3100
www.guarinos-restaurant.com
Celebrating 83rd year - Est. 1918. Cleveland's oldest located in the heart of Little Italy.

Marbella Restaurant

29425 Chagrin Boulevard, Pepper Pike, OH 44122; 216.464.9939
www.marbellarestaurant.com
Specializing in the finest Continental Spanish and Portuguese cuisine and featuring wonderfully prepared seafood and fish.

For an expanded “European Tour” itinerary, visit web site www.travelcleveland.com/EuropeanTour.

Cleveland Plus Remains True to its Roots -- AN ALL-AMERICAN CLASSIC

What's more satisfying than rockandroll, rock concerts, classic American comfort foods and delicious burgers, halls of fame, cool old cars and planes and drive-in movies served up with a dash of history? If you crave these American essentials, then Cleveland is the place for you. Not only does Cleveland rock, but it's also home to past presidents, space stations, diners, eateries, vintage shopping and authentic American entertainment.

SO WHAT'LL IT BE? 

Step back in time at some of the city's oldest drive-ins and diners still serving up traditional American food at moderate prices. 

Dee's Old Brooklyn Diner

4326 Pearl Rd, Cleveland, OH; 216.398.1633
Try the famous steakburger with grilled onions and sauteed mushrooms while you take in the Cleveland memorabilia lining the walls.

Swenson's Drive-In Restaurant

www.swensonsdriveins.com
A burger so good, served on a buttered baked bun. It's no wonder this Northeast Ohio drive-in chain survived the Great Depression. 

Somer's Diner

4002 Prospect Ave, Cleveland; 216.361.1743
Serving up familiar favorites like mac-and-cheese, meatloaf and matzo ball soup.

Bearden's

19985 Lake Rd, Rocky River, OH; 440.331.7850 -- www.beardenscleveland.com

A Cleveland institution since 1948, Bearden's burgers wrapped in wax paper and served drive-in style are said to be the best in the city, but who are we to judge?

The Harley Diner

23105 Aurora Rd, Cleveland OH; 440.439.5300; www.southeastharley.com
Inside the South East Harley-Davidson dealership, down some great comfort food in a restored Worcester dining car from 1946.

Gali Gali Diner

1975 Lee Rd, Cleveland, OH; 216.321.4257; www.galigalidiner.com
The only kosher diner in the city. 

Big Al's Diner

12600 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, OH; 216.791.8550
The staff in this cozy eatery has been serving up Al's famous omelets for years.

Dink's Restaurant

16 N Main St, Chagrin Falls, OH; 440.247.5679
The oldest restaurant in Chagrin Falls is best known for old-fashioned favorites that match the historical significance of the scenic town.

The Diner on 55th

1328 E 55th St, Cleveland, OH; 216.361.0550 -- www.dineron55th.com
Traditional comfort food is dished up at this shiny silver Cleveland staple.

Silver Spartan Diner

11419 Bellflower Ct, Cleveland, OH; 216.368.0634
This authentic 50's diner in University Circle is decked out in chrome and vinyl.

Eddie Sand's Blueline Café

20255 Van Aken Blvd, Shaker Heights,OH; 216.561.5050 -- www.eddiesands.com
Within walking distance of RTA's "Blue Line," traveling commuters have been stopping in for breakfast for more than 50 years.

BETTER BURGERS

Looking for the best burger in town? You can try and duplicate them yourself but these burgers aren't pitiful patties kept warm by heat lamps.

Whitey's Booze 'N' Burgers

3600 Brecksville Rd, Richfield, OH
330.659.3600; www.whiteyschili.com
Whitey's serves more than 12 signature burgers. Consider trying the famous chili topped burger.

Yours Truly Restaurant

25300 Chagrin Blvd, Beachwood, OH; 216.464.4848--www.ytr.com
Burgers cooked juicy and ready to order. Eight locations across Cleveland Plus serving up these American favorites since 1981.

Fosters Tavern of Hinckley

1382 Ridge Rd, Hinckley, OH; 330.278.2106
These burgers mean business and are in no way, shape or form something you'll find at your typical burger joint.

Ray's Place

135 Franklin Ave, Kent, OH; 330.673.2233 -- www.raysplacekent.com
Ray serves up the perfect burger for Kent State University students and visitors.

The Little Bar + Grill

614 Frankfort Ave, Cleveland, OH; 216.861.2166
This little watering hole serves up a big burger with a bite long through the late night hours.

Tommy's

1824 Coventry Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH; 216.321.7757 -- www.tommyscoventry.com
Cut the vegetarian in your life some slack and hit Tommy's . . . you'll love it too. While the gluten free/vegan/vegetarian menu items range from tasty veggie burgers to toasted cheese with peanut butter, they do serve meat too. (Top it off with killer fries and a milkshake you won't soon forget.)

CLASSICS, KICKED UP!

Consider it the best thing since sliced bread. Well, stuffed between two slices. Some of the best American favorites are found right here in Cleveland Plus.

Slyman's

3106 St. Clair Ave, Cleveland, OH 216.621.3760 -- www.slymans.com
The highly coveted Slyman's has been serving up Cleveland's best corned beef sandwiches for countless generations.

Melt Bar + Grilled

14718 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH; 216.226.3699 -- www.meltbarandgrilled.com
Grilled cheese, a favorite to all, old and young. But this isn't your typical piece of American cheese slabbed between two slices of white bread. Melt features more than 20 different takes on the original all with their own unique twist. Try a "Parmageddon" stuffed with onions, kraut and a potato and cheese perogie.

Great Lakes Brewing Company

2516 Market Ave, Cleveland, OH; 216.771.4404 -- www.greatlakesbrewing.com
An eco-friendly restaurant and brewery that names their hand-crafted beers after local historical figures and events. Try the Eliot Ness lager or the Holy Moses (in honor of Moses Cleaveland).

Sokolowski's at University Inn

1201 University Rd, Cleveland, OH; 216.771.9236 -- www.sokolowskis.com
Experience traditional Polish comfort food just like grandma used to make. Cleveland memorabilia covers the walls reflecting three generations of family history.

Hard Rock Café

230 West Huron Rd, Cleveland, OH; 216.830.7625-- www.hardrock.com
After you visit the Rock Hall, check out more memorabilia at the Hard Rock.

VegiTerranean

21 Furnace St, Akron, OH; 330.374.5550 -- www.vegiterranean.com
Chrissie Hynde, lead singer of the iconic rock band The Pretenders, recently opened this upscale vegetarian hotspot in her hometown.

Cheddars

5810 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH; 216.651.1610
Mac-and-cheese has gone upscale in this inventive establishment. Choose from 20 different combos like the Black Forest Macaroni with pasta, wild mushrooms and fresh herbs coated in a rich white cheese sauce and topped with fresh Gouda.

VINTAGE FINDS

Cleveland Plus pays tribute to vintage throwbacks in a variety of trends and styles. If you dig retro threads, then we have the shops for you.

Chelsea's Vintage Clothing

1412 W 116 St, Cleveland, OH; 216.226.9147
It may look like a garage from the outside, but inside you can steer your way upon a '60s dress or suit for under $40.

The Cleveland Shop

11606 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH; 216.228.9725 -- www.clevelandshop.com
Rated the best vintage clothing store in the city. Features attire from the Victorian era all the way to disco.

Cosmic Collectibles

14532 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH; 216.221.1085
Spend the entire day at this vintage clothing and furniture store where you can accessorize your entire apartment for under $100.

Deja Vu

14411 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH; 216.228.7212
Offering a variety of vintage threads and accessories for every occasion.

Elegancia

1873 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH; 216.861.2553
Consisting of all the latest trends and fashions, plus a stock full of timeless vintage replicas.

Flower Child

11508 Clifton Blvd, Cleveland, OH; 216.939.9933 -- www.flowerchildretro.com
Step back in time in this vintage establishment that features gear from the 1930s - 1970s.

Suite Lorain

7105 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH; 216.281.1959 -- www.suitelorain.net
Step into a former bowling alley to find 8,000 square feet of classic vintage attire.

FROM COASTERS TO CARRIAGES

Cedar Point

One Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH; 419.627.2350 -- www.cedarpoint.com
Consistently rated the best amusement park in the world.

Ohio's Amish Country

www.oacountry.com
The largest Amish community in the nation. Experience a culture that lives simply and with the bare necessities.  

IT'S ONLY ROCK 'N' ROLL

In the early 1950's local deejay Alan Freed started playing up-and-coming bands on the air and coined the phrase rock and roll.  Check out these venues for a truly genuine "Cleveland rocks" experience.

House of Blues Cleveland

308 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH; 216.523.BLUE; www.hob.com/cleveland
An intimate concert hall in a converted Woolworth's "five and dime" store showcasing outsider art and the nation's top acts.

Blossom Music Center

1145 W Steels Corners, Cuyahoga Falls, OH; 330.920.8040
Scenic outdoor amphitheater located just south of Cleveland.

The Agora Theater

5000 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH; 216.881.2221 -- www.clevelandagora.com
One of Cleveland's most storied concert halls with a neon marquee you can't miss.

The Beachland Ballroom

15711 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH; 216.383.1124 -- www.beachlandballroom.com
A former Croatian Hall, Beachland is now a great venue for all types of live music.

Fat Fish Blue

21 Prospect Ave, Cleveland, OH; 216.875.6000 -- www.fatfishblue.com
Got the blues? Let Fat Fish Blue's live jazz, blues and rock chase them away.  

Grog Shop

2785 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland, OH; 216.321.5588 -- www.grogshop.gs
Catering to the college crowd, the Grog showcases some of the best underground rock bands in the nation.

Nighttown

12387 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH; 216.795.0550 -- www.nighttowncleveland.com
From the outside, it looks like a small neighborhood place but, in this case, looks are deceiving. Voted one of the top 100 jazz clubs in the world by Down Beat magazine with music nearly every night.

Wilbert's

812 Huron Rd, Cleveland, OH; 216.902.4663 -- www.wilbertsmusic.com
Downtown club with name recognition showcases roots, blues, folk, world, jam, reggae, jazz and pop music.

A NIGHT AT THE DRIVE-IN

Some of us remember piling in the station wagon for family night at the drive-in movie theater. Although many of these historic gems have come and gone, here you can still catch an outdoor picture show.

Mayfield Road Drive-In

12010 Mayfield Road, Chardon, OH; 440.286.7173 -- www.funflick.com
This single screen theater is open seven nights a week between April and October.

Auto-O-Rama Drive-In

33395 Lorain Rd, North Ridgeville, OH; 440.327.9595
Owned and operated by the same family since it opened in 1965.

Magic City Drive-In

5602 S Cleveland/Massillon Rd, Barberton, OH; 330.825.4333
This classic drive-in can hold more than 500 carloads and features a twin-screen theater atmosphere.

HALLS OF FAME TOUR

From jocks to rock. Step inside these famous halls of fame and discover the greats.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

1100 Rock and Roll Blvd, Cleveland, OH; 216.781.ROCK -- www.rockhall.com

Pro Football Hall of Fame

2121 George Halas Dr NW, Canton, OH 330.456.8207; www.profootballhof.com
The ultimate football experience is inside the domed cathedralesque complex, full of the greatest football players of all time and their career achievements.

The National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame

866.66POLKA; www.clevelandstyle.com
A National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame

The National Inventors Hall of Fame

221 S Broadway, Akron, OH; 330.762.4463 -- www.invent.org
Have a great idea waiting to be discovered? Perhaps one day it'll be featured in this hall.

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

Long before Ohio became so important in the elections, some prominent political figures grew up right here.

James A. Garfield National Historic Site

8095 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH; 440.255.8722 -- www.nps.gov/jaga
Explore the family life and legacy of the nation's 20th president at his home, nicknamed "Lawnfield" in the1880s.

McKinley Memorial

40 N Main St, Niles, OH; 330.652.1704 -- www.mckinley.lib.oh.us
Celebrate the life and history of the nation's 25th president, William McKinley.

The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center

Spiegel Grove, Fremont, OH; 419.332.2081 -- www.rbhayes.org/hayes
Rutherford B. Hayes was the nation's 19th president and he was the first to host the annual "Easter Egg Roll" at the White House in 1878.

First Ladies National Historic Site

331 S Market Ave, Canton, OH; 330.452.0876 -- www.firstladies.org
Some say that for every good man, there is a great lady. The First Ladies National Historic Site (in William and Ida McKinley's home) honors these women and their accomplishments.

Lake View Cemetery

12316 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH; 216.421.2665 -- www.lakeviewcemetery.com
This historic garden cemetery is the resting place of President Garfield, Police Chief Eliot Ness and famed businessman, John D. Rockefeller.

FROM WINGS TO WHEELS

Lift off and explore the Cleveland Plus scenery. 

International Women's Air & Space Museum

Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 N Marginal Rd, Cleveland, OH; 216.623.1111 -- www.iwasm.org
Discover the preserved history of women's impact in the aviation and space industry. Featured exhibit: Mercury Women: Forgotten Link to the Future, Ongoing

Canton Classic Car Museum

Market Ave at 6th St SW, Canton, OH 44702; 330.455.3603 -- www.cantonclassiccar.org
45 vintage automobiles on display, along with thousands of historic memorabilia.

The National Packard Museum

1899 Mahoning Ave, Warren, OH; 330.394.8484 -- www.packardmuseum.org
Houses many beautifully restored and original Packards.

EXPERIENCE AMERICANA

A rich history of sacrifice and accomplishment surrounds this great region.

Western Reserve Historical Society

10825 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH; 216.721.5722 -- www.wrhs.org
Genealogy, history, a costume wing and more.Featured exhibit: A Proud Tradition: Cleveland Baseball History (Rare photographs, artifacts from Cleveland baseball, pro and amateur, and collectibles.)

Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial

93 Delaware Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH; 419.285.2184 -- www.nps.gov/pev
Celebrating the long-lasting peace between the US and Canada, it stands 352 feet tall and is the tallest "Doric" column in the world.

USS Cod

1089 East 9th St, Cleveland, OH; 216.566.8770 --www.usscod.org
One of the most prolific WWII naval submarines in the nation's surviving fleet. The USS Cod sunk more than 12 enemy vessels totaling more than 37,000 tons. Jump aboard and relive all the action of America's past.

POSITIVELY CLEVELAND

The Higbee Building

 100 Public Square, Suite 100, Cleveland, Ohio 44113 -- www.positivelycleveland.com

CLEVELAND'S CULTURAL LANDSCAPE EXTENDS WELL BEYOND CITY LIMITS

Cleveland Plus boasts residents representing more than 117 different ethnicities, creating a region ripe with cultural offerings. Discover the multitude of fine ethnic eateries, charming neighborhoods and attractions that reflect this rich diversity.

See the following for lots to do and see:

ETHNIC CHURCHES + TEMPLES

Did you know there are more than 2,000 churches and temples in Northeast Ohio? Distinct and original by design, here are few notable architectural classics.

St. Patrick's Catholic Church -

(Irish Catholic); 216. 251.8286; www.oldstonechurch.org

St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral - (Russian Orthodox)

216.741.1310; www.sttheodosius.org

Kirtland Temple  - (Latter Day Saint)

216.256.3318l; www.kirtlandtemple.org

Temple Tifereth Israel - (Jewish Synagogue)

216.831.3233

St. Stanislaus - (Polish Shrine)

216.341.9091

COLUMBUS

New Columbus Food Adventure Tours; historic pub tours launched

Highlights of Columbus‚ lively culinary scene are now neatly packaged for an unforgettable visitor experience with Columbus Food Adventure Tours. Launched today by veteran local food blogger Bethia Woolf, Columbus Food Adventure Tours takes travelers behind the scenes of some of the city‚s more offbeat and special culinary offerings.

'With its unusual position of being a major metro area with more than 1.7 million people surrounded by thousands of acres of some of the nation‚s richest farmland, Columbus chefs and culinary entrepreneurs have easy access to the best produce and products from which to draw their ingredients and inspiration,' said Paul Astleford, president and CEO of Experience Columbus. 'The result is a rich food culture that travelers can experience even better through these new culinary tours.'

Building on the burgeoning popularity of food tours and culinary tourism, Woolf offers guided, personalized experiences built upon the concepts behind her three popular food websites: alteatscolumbus.com, hungrywoolf.com and tacotruckscolumbus.com. Each tour includes 4-6 stops at select local and independently owned businesses and food trucks, with tour attendees sampling select menu items.

Initially, Columbus Food adventures will offer three fixed tour itineraries: Short North Walking Tour, featuring a few of the many incredible eats in Columbus‚ ultra-hip arts and entertainment district; Taco Truck, showcasing some of the unique Hispanic foods offered from the city's many taco trucks; and an Alternative Eats Driving Tour, taking visitors off the beaten path to some of the city‚s more unusual and ethnic restaurants, including Somali, Ethiopian and other cuisines. Additional itineraries including microbrewery tours, German Village walking tours and an ice cream lovers tours will soon be announced. Seasonal, special event and customized tours are also offered. Detailed tour information and tickets are available via www.columbusfoodadventures.com.

In addition, the Columbus Landmarks Association is hosting its popular Historic Tavern Tours, Thurs., Aug. 19 and Thurs., Aug. 26 from 6-9 p.m. The itineraryincludes three of the cities early watering holes that were important to Columbus‚ largest 19th-century immigrant populations: the Irish and Germans. The Flatiron, Hey Hey Bar & Grill and Columbus Maennerchor will be featured for their architectural, cultural and historical significance. Tours visit each location via bus, so participants can enjoy liquid assets while the Landmarks guides spin their stories. A driving narration of the Brewery District is also included. Tickets are $15 per person and reservations are needed, as seats are limited. Reservations and more tour details are available at www.columbuslandmarks.org.

Columbus is a city unlike any other. Vibrant and alive, Ohio‚s capital city is known for its unique style: an uncommon blend of neighborhoods, events, attractions and accommodations. Free visitors guides, maps and complete information about visiting Columbus are available at www.ExperienceColumbus.com or by calling 1-866-397-2657 (1-866-EXP-COLS). The web site offers on-line booking at more than 125 hotels.

Pulitzer Prize Photo Exhibition Opened at Ohio Historical Center

Capture the Moment: The Pulitzer Prize Photographs, the largest display of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs ever shown, is open at The Ohio Historical Center in Columbus. This special exhibition features 150 award-winning images from 1942, when the Pulitzer Prize for photojournalism was established, through 2007. Information on the exhibition and all that Columbus offers visitors is available at experiencecolumbus.com or by calling (866) Exp-Cols.

Of the millions of photographs seen in newspapers each year, only two win the coveted Pulitzer Prize; one for breaking news and the other for feature photography. The images record the defining moments of our time captured by photojournalists doing their daily job ˜ working on assignment close to home or around the globe.

Visitors will see one of the most extensive and dramatic photographic displays ever mounted at the museum. The images, 20-by-30-inches and 30-by-40-inches, are arranged chronologically on large panels, filling the main exhibit gallery. Each image is accompanied by a firsthand account of the events leading up to the photograph.

Some photographs have become icons of their time: the flag raising on Iwo Jima; the shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald; the joyful family reunion of a returning Vietnam POW; the World Trade Center attack. Others record forgotten events of the last six decades. Some images tell the stories of the famous, while others portray the lives of ordinary people.

'The pictures show the brutalities of our age, but the Pulitzer photojournalists also recorded tender and compassionate moments,' said curator Cyma Rubin. 'Shown together in the exhibition the photographs make us think about the realities of world events. Anyone who views the exhibition will be changed by the experience"

Rubin produced Moment of Impact: Stories of the Pulitzer Prize Photographs, an Emmy and Telly award-winning documentary of six of the Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalists. This 72-minute video captures the tension and fast pace of the unfolding events resulting in the Pulitzer Prize images. It will be shown continuously throughout the day.

The exhibition catalog, Capturing the Moment: The Pulitzer Prize Photographs, co-edited by Rubin, features the photographs in the exhibition along with firsthand accounts of each image. Other highlights include a history of the Pulitzer Prize and biographies of the photographers who have won this coveted prize. Both the video and catalog will be for sale at the Ohio History Store.

The Kent State Shootings Revisited
To tie into the 1971 Pulitzer winner 'Kent State Massacre' by photographer John Paul Filo and the upcoming anniversary of the event, the Ohio Historical Center will feature It Happened in Ohio: The Kent State Shootings. Visitors will learn about the build up and reaction to the Kent State shootings on May 4, 1970, through artifacts, photos and personal accounts.

The Ohio Historical Center is located at I-71 and East 17th Avenue in Columbus. Parking is $4 per vehicle and free to OHS members. For information on upcoming events, call 614.297.2300 or 800.686.6124 or visit www.ohiohistory.org/capture.

The Ohio Historical Society is a nonprofit organization that serves as the state's partner in preserving and interpreting Ohio's history, archaeology and natural history. It administers the largest statewide network of sites and museum in the nation. For more information about the Ohio Historical Society memberships and programs, call 614-297-2300 or 800-686-6124 or visit www.ohiohistory.org.

HOCKING HILLS REGION

Complete information on festivals, accommodations and the many sites in the Hocking Hills region is available online at www.1800HOCKING.com or toll-free at 1-800-HOCKING.

Hills offer scenic alternative to crowded, costly beach spring break

Ohio's scenic Hocking Hills region offers an inexpensive, close-to-home spring break option, without requiring costly, time-consuming air travel. Travelers of all ages will be entertained as well as inspired by the region's adventure, culinary and other unique offerings. Easily accessible from any city, Ohio's Hills are just an hour's drive from Columbus, OH.

Fun for Families: This beautiful region is home to many unforgettable, affordable activities, making it an ideal family Spring Break destination. Mom and dad get a break from staying in the same room as the kids with one of the region's fully-equipped cabins. Available for as few as one or two nights, most cabins feature a full kitchen where families can prepare quick and inexpensive meals. But the area offers plenty of family friendly restaurants as well, from casual cafes and old-fashioned diners to relaxed Mexican and BBQ restaurants. Kids and parents alike love the free and natural attractions offered in the area, including hiking hundreds of miles of trails or touring America's last remaining washboard factory. Families can also experience the Hocking Hills by horseback, kayak, canoe, canopy tour, ATV or the historic Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Nelsonville's Rocky Boots factory outlet store offers great deals in three stories of outdoor gear, boots, cloths, home and fashion accessories, food and more.

Perfect for Couples: Getting away from the hustle and rush of the city, couples will enjoy a secluded and romantic spring escape in one of the region's many cozy cottages, historic B&Bs or charming inns. The area offers intimate two-person cabins, often decked with a relaxing hot tub. Couples can enjoy a candlelit dinner out or have a traveling chef deliver a gourmet meal right to their cabin. Romance is inspired during a peaceful stroll past picturesque waterfalls or a relaxing couple‚s massage at a spa or in their cabin. A romantic scenic air tour with dinner or a hot-air balloon ride for two is also available. New this season, a two-person canopy tour allows couples to enjoy breathtaking zip line scenery side by side.

Bonding for Friends: Groups of couples, guy or girlfriends will find an abundance of lodges and cabins that offer loads of deluxe amenities and plenty of room for up to 20 guests at a wildly affordable shared price. Many cabins feature a covered hot tub, private patio with grill and more. An inexpensive getaway, friends will enjoy a homemade meal in a fully-equipped kitchen and an evening of relaxing together surrounded by the beauty of the Hocking Hills. The region's many nearby attractions offer great bonding fun, including free hiking, adventurous zip lining, ATVs, rock climbing, rappelling and more.

Located 40 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio's Hocking Hills region offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make every day feel like Saturday, with plenty of Admission: FREE activities. The region boasts a wide variety of affordable lodging, from camping, cabins and cottages to hotels and inns. In addition to hiking trails, parks and forests, the Hocking Hills area offers unique gift and antique shops, canoeing, horseback riding, golf and more. Complete traveler information is available www.1800Hocking.com or 1-800-Hocking (800-462-5464).

JOHNSTOWN

Woodhaven Farm heats up 2010 with cooking classes, wine workshops

Woodhaven Farm has announced their exciting 2010 Event Calendar. With numerous food and wine pairings, cooking classes, workshops and parties available year round, Woodhaven Farm features endless amounts of fun for corporate events or personal occasions. A full list of events is available at www.woodhavenfarm.com.

In addition to private group events, Woodhaven Farm provides open cooking classes year round, each with a seasonal theme. Every class incorporates expert instruction and fresh ingredients. Fun and affordable, classes run just $41 per class, or $117 for an entire season. Offered every third Wednesday and Thursday of each month from 6:30 ˆ 9 p.m., the full list of scheduled classes includes:

· Aug. 18 or 19 A Return to the Grill
· Sept. 15 or 16 Annual Summer Harvest Dinner
· Oct. 13 or 14 Tailgating Fun!
· Nov. 17 or 18 Comfort Foods with a Twist
· Dec. 14 or 15 Annual New Year‚s Eve Buffet

Another event featured at this scenic 10-acre farm is the food and wine pairing workshop available four times throughout the year. This hands-on experience shows participants how to enhance their dishes with the perfect wine, with tastings and demonstrations. Each workshop fills up quickly, so make sure to reserve a spot in advance. Pairings will be held July 28 and Oct. 27.

Located in Johnstown, OH, just 30 minutes east of Columbus, Woodhaven Farm is a pastoral 10-acre farm designed to host corporate and social events, cooking parties and classes. With its two lovely ponds with fountains, relaxing boathouse, greenhouse, organic produce and herb garden, barn and sprawling state-of-the-art kitchen, Woodhaven Farm offers guests an unforgettable sensory experience, featuring unmatched culinary, educational and socialization highlights. Complete information, cooking class and event schedules, recipes and reservations are available at WoodhavenFarm.com or 614-470-COOK (2665).

LICKING COUNTY

OHIO's MUSEUMS + CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

Karamu House

216.795.7070; www.karamu.com
The nation's oldest African American cultural arts institution.

Slovak Institute

216.721.5300; www.slovakinstitute.com

Since 1953, the Slovak Institute has been a resource center for Slovak culture and literature.

Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage

216.593.0575; www.maltzjewishmuseum.org
Established in 2005, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage highlights the achievements and history of the Jewish community in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.

Hungarian Heritage Museum

216.523.3900; www.jcu.edu

A continuous effort to bring Hungarian traditions and customs to the Hungarian community.

Little Italy Historical Museum

216.231.8915; www.littleitalycleveland.com
Located in the heart of Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood, this small museum has a collection of photographs, records and artifacts that illustrate the long-lasting Italian roots in Cleveland.

Croatian Heritage Museum and Library

440.946.2044; www.croatianmuseum.com

A vast collection of Croatian historical artifacts and exhibits, this museum also promotes local Croatian artists.

Cleveland Cultural Garden Collection

Surrounding the perimeter of University Circle, each unique garden represents a different ethnicity in Cleveland.

The National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame

866.66POLKA; www.clevelandstyle.com
A National Polka Hall of Fame

Looking for info on the latest renovations, expansions, added attractions and more? Get the lowdown on "What's New in Cleveland Plus" by clicking www.positivelycleveland.com

OHIO's NEIGHBORHOODS

Little Italy

www.littleitalycleveland.com

Experience the Old World charm of Cleveland's Little Italy; a neighborhood centralized around the sloped brick road of Murray Hill. Relatively unchanged in more than seven decades, Little Italy is home to fine Italian eateries, bakeries and art galleries. Have an authentic Italian lunch at Guarino's, the oldest restaurant on the hill, then check out Pennello Gallery, a unique boutique that specializes in handcrafted goods from around the world. If it's sweets you crave, experience the good life at La Dolce Vida or Presti's Bakery and indulge in Italian desserts like Tiramisu and Cassata Cake.

Asiatown

www.asiatowncleveland.com
Just east of downtown, Cleveland's Asiatown is home to about two dozen family-owned eateries serving up authentic and affordable cuisine from Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean cultures. Cultural institutions, bakeries and shopping caters to the Asian population on this ten square block radius from East 30th - East 40th between Superior and Payne Avenues. C&Y Chinese Restaurant, the official restaurant for A Christmas Story House + Museum serves up the "Chinese turkey" memorialized in the cult classic film. Then check out some specialty Chinese baked goods at the Golden Bakery with dim-sum-style buns stuffed with anything imaginable.

MORE MARKETS

Gallucci's Italian Food Market

216.881.0045; www.gustgallucci.com

Three generations of Gallucci's have been selling authentic Italian ingredients since 1912. This large specialty import market has a variety of everything Italian, including olive oils and pancetta.

Mediterranean Market

440.234.6600
Features an onsite halal butcher, also serving specialty sandwiches such as falafel and tawook.

Pincus Bakery

216.382.5120
Find traditional Jewish baked goods, like Challah, kichel and other "Old World" favorites.

ADDITIONAL ETHNIC EATS

Brazilian

www.brasagrillsteakhouse.com

Brasa Grill Brazilian Steakhouse

216.575.0699

Chinese

Siam Café

216.361.2323

Pearl of the Orient

440.333.9902; www.pearlwest.com

Vietnamese

#1 Pho Vietnamese Restaurant

216.781.1176

Thai

Sweet Mango

440.238.9921
Featuring Thai classics like Pad Tai and Chicken Satay, this new restaurant is getting rave reviews.

Mint Café

216.320.9915; www.mintcafe.org

Indian

Café Tandoor

216.371.8500
Intensely flavored food full of signature Indian ingredients like cinnamon, cumin and ginger.

Saffron Patch

216.295.0400

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART CLEVELAND

The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA), the city's preeminent presenter of contemporary and cutting-edge visual art, has announced the selection of the London-based firm, Foreign Office Architects, to design the Museum's new and expanded permanent home. The facility will be located in the city's cultural hub, University Circle, where it will be a centerpiece of a planned cultural and retail corridor adjacent to the campus of Case Western Reserve University. Since 1991, MOCA Cleveland has occupied galleries on the second floor of the Cleveland Playhouse complex on Carnegie Avenue, where space for the Museum has been constrained. MOCA Cleveland Executive Director Jill Snyder noted, "MOCA Cleveland has undergone tremendous growth in recent years, and is now poised to become a national and international destination for audiences interested in contemporary art. In looking to the future, we have been engaged in a strategic-planning process that, like MOCA itself, embodies a twenty-first century vision of contemporary creativity and innovation. We are confident that Foreign Office Architects will produce a design that will add a new perspective to the contemporary dialogue about how we view museums.

The Museum's new building will be an iconic structure in one of the Cleveland area's most important redevelopment programs - the eight-acre University Arts and Retail District (UARD). The District will be designed to enhance existing historic qualities of the area and serve diverse populations, including residents of nearby neighborhoods, visitors, and Case students, staff, faculty, and alumni. MOCA is the only museum in the greater Cleveland area exclusively devoted to the presentation and interpretation of contemporary art. First known as The New Gallery and located in University Circle, the Museum, which is not a collecting institution, later changed its name to the Cleveland Center for Contemporary Art, and in 2002 adopted its present name. Each year, the Museum presents approximately ten exhibitions, which have been acclaimed for their quality, scholarly standards and innovation. In addition, its experimental and cross-disciplinary public programming, including many activities for families, and its far-reaching partnerships with the region's other cultural organizations, have made the Museum a national leader and model in the exploration and presentation of contemporary art.

For more information, contact Jeanne Collins & Associates at 646-486-7050.

KELLEYS ISLAND

If you're looking for a unique place to stay -- one away from the maddening crowds, and yet lush green, quiet, with lots ot do and see - head over to Kelleys Island.

Getting to Kelleys Island

The Jet Express:

The fastest way to Put-in-Bay or Kelleys Island this is the island's only direct downtown service. Departures are from Port Clinton and Sandusky and includes exclusive late night service, scenic island view routes, stylish, comfortable passenger cabins, kids 5 & under ride free, and if you want to see two islands in one day, an island hopping discount is offered! I thought the ride was very comfortable, with lots of photo opportunities from the outside upper deck and feel fresh breezes from Lake Erie. If you don't want your hair to blow in the wind, stay inside in the stylishly appointed passenger lounges featuring comfortably cushioned chairs, carpeted decks, and panormic windows for island sight-seeing. The Jet Express is handicap accessible with safe, secure dockside parking.

Departures are from #3 N. Monroe Street, Port Clinton or from 101 W. Shoreline Drive, Sandusky. For more information call 800-245-1JET or go to www.jet-express.com.

The Two Islands:

Put-In-Bay on South Bass Island:

one of the stops, is a colorful, Victorian village with nightlife and live entertainment during summer weekends. This island boasts a waterfront park, unique shops, eateries, and historical attractions.

Kelleys Island

This island's appeal ranges from natural spaces to rousing nightlife. Explore the scene from your own car or, rent a bicycle or golf cart. Stopping at the Glacial Grooves - the largest glacial grooves in existence - is a must. (More about the Grooves follows); grab some food at an island eatery, or check out the beach at Kelleys Island State Park.

Where to Stay

Kelleys Island offers lots of accommodations. We chose

Lakeshore Landing Bed & Breakfast.

Located on the south side of the island just west of Seaway Marina, it has three immaculate rooms overlooking the lake - two with private baths - plus a small private beach and dock with a lookout that's ideal for watching lake activities and gorgeous sunsets. Our room on the first floor was huge, complete with TV, clock radio and private bath. We enjoyed our stay, which included a simple Continental breakfast (juice, cake, fruit and coffee) which was self-service and one we could awaken to whenever we wished. A plus to staying here was it was close to all attractions, and our hostess and her daughter gave great recommendations on where to dine.

For more information on Lakeshore Landing, write to Caroline DeBoard at Lakeshore Landing, 229 E. Lakeshore Drive, P.O. Box 332, Kelleys Island, OH 43438; e-mail lakeshorelanding@yahoo.com; or check out web site www.kelleysisland.com/lakeshorelanding.

What to do on Kelleys Island

Located adjacent to Kelleys Island State park Campground and public beach on the island's north side, the Grooves are the finest example of glacial scouring/scoring in North America and probably the world! The example shown here at about 430 foot in length, 15 foot deep and 35 foot wide is only a small sample of the grooves that at one ltime extended into the lake. The remainder of the grooves were quarried and sold for limestone. Since 1923 the site has been protected and maintained by various state protective agencies and groups. The deep grooves and markings were caused as the heavy glacial wall, which had rocks and boulders embedded in its base, moved south carving out the relatively soft island linestone. Admission is free and the boardwalk surrounding the area makes for safe walking, but it's best to wear sturdy shoes.

MANSFIELD

For information or to order the Visitors Guide, consumers can call (800) 642-8282 or visit www.mansfieldtourism.com.

Mansfield launches FREE 2010 Visitors Guide, featuring Shawshank Redemption Trail, America‚s Best Racing, Family Getaways, Haunted Prison and more

The Mansfield/Richland County, Ohio Convention & Visitors Bureau has announced the release of its 2010 Visitors Guide. This year's visitors guide features the area‚s many extraordinary attractions -- offering dozens of experiences that represent America at its Best! The visitors guide is available at no charge by calling (800) 642-8282 or by going online and visiting www.mansfieldtourism.com.

The guide features details of the Shawshank Redemption Trail, a drive-it-yourself tour of the area‚s many sites that served as backdrops for the cinematic classic. Visitors will enjoy loads of other unique experiences, including the Mansfield Reformatory, renowned for its Ghost Hunts and a location for the 'The Shawshank Redemption,' as well as other Hollywood movies. The Squirrel's Den has been featured on the Food Network and in national magazines for its awesome chocolates, fresh-roasted nuts and flavored popcorn. Just around the corner, guests can enjoy the casual atmosphere of the new Cypress Hill Winery in the Historic Carrousel District.

Also featured in the guide is information about the incredible growth of the area's motorsports offerings. World-class racing events are offered at both Mansfield Motorsports Park and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, including the EMCO Gears Classic, Honda Indy 200 and ARCA (Automobile Racing Club of America). With Vintage and Superbike motorcycle racing, Indy Car and a host of other motorsports events, Mansfield offers visitors the chance to be a part of more nationally televised racing action than any other region. Combine all that excitement with the area‚s uniquely relaxed, affordable and family friendly attractions, accommodations and atmosphere and Mansfield truly offers America‚s best motorsports experience.

The free visitors guide also contains information about the many outdoor activities and golf courses, which have resulted in Golf Digest naming the area a best golf value. In addition, the guide has complete details on unforgettable area getaway packages. The Mansfield/Richland County Visitors Guide offers travelers highly affordable inclusive trips that include a wide variety of options, including the Shawshank Redemption Trail Package, starting at just $64.99.

For information or to order the Visitors Guide, consumers can call (800) 642-8282 or visit www.mansfieldtourism.com.

ROSSFORD

Rossford Bass Pro Shops to Employ Nearly 300

David Harre believes that one of the most important things a company can offer its customers is well-educated associates who have a passion for what they do. As the recently named manager for the new Bass Pro Shops opening in Rossford, Ohio, near Toledo, he also believes that’s one of the things that make Bass Pro Shops so special.

“I believe one of the most important things we can do is to hire, train, teach and develop our associates who love the business and love helping others,” David said. “Without them, we could not provide the level of customer service that has become legendary with Bass Pro Shops.” The store is expected to employ 250 to 300 associates.

The 150,000 square-foot outdoor store, equivalent in size to 3 and 1⁄2 football fields, opened in June. It is located at the intersection of the nation’s longest north/south interstate—Interstate 75—and east/west interstate—the Ohio Turnpike 80/90. The development, Crossroads of America, is being touted by retail experts to become one of Ohio’s largest retail/tourist destinations with a projection of over 6 million visitors per year.

“The Rossford/Perrysburg community and Toledo area is very excited about Bass Pro Shops coming to Northwest Ohio,“ stated David. “Many have visited our other store locations or catalog. Our commitment at the store will be to bring the same awesome experience to the surrounding communities of Northwest Ohio.”

The Rossford Bass Pro Shops will offer some exciting features including museum-quality wildlife mounts and dioramas, hand-painted murals, a 25-yard live fire archery range, a general store, laser arcade, fudge shop, a White River Fly Shops department and an expansive boat showroom.

One of the main focal points of the store will be the large, 3-story waterfall and 25,000 gallon aquarium and touch pool which will showcase native fish that Rossford and area sportsmen and women love to catch. The store will also feature a sandwich and ice cream shop. As typical in stores in other geographic locations, this newest Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World will be uniquely designed to pick up the local flavor of the area’s outdoor heritage and include state record fish and wildlife exhibits and historical pictures and artifacts from local hunters and fishermen.

Another hallmark for Bass Pro Shops is their dedication to conservation and outdoor education. “One of the things that drew me to Bass Pro Shops is their commitment to conservation and their partnership with these and other organizations that work so hard to maintain and improve our great outdoors,” said David.

Born and raised on a farm in the rural Midwest, David was introduced to the outdoors at a very young age. He developed a passion for hunting, camping and enjoying what the outdoors offered as he grew older. “I love to share my outdoor interests with my wife of 23 years and our twins whenever I can,” he added.

This love of the outdoors is another reason David is excited to be manager of the Rossford Bass Pro Shops. “I look forward to working with our local groups to share in the responsibility of ensuring there is an outdoors for future generations,” he said.

Recognized many times for their conservation efforts and outdoor education programs the store will also offer free Outdoor Skills Workshops for adults, kids and families that will help maximize outdoor fun by teaching new skills and improving existing ones.

“Bass Pro Shops is the perfect place to start whether you’re beginning in the outdoors or an expert,” David said. “We offer many kinds of outdoor skills workshops from hunter education courses to beginning fishing, setting up a campsite, fly tying, nature photography and more. We not only sell the outdoor product but we teach you how to use it,” he added.

David comes to Bass Pro Shops with 24 years of retail experience with Kmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement, as a general manager and district manager for various stores and locations across the Southeastern and Midwest United States.

A special Evening of Conservation, the night before the official grand opening, will showcase many local conservation groups. This event is free and open to the public and a portion of the night’s sales will go to a special designate group.

About Bass Pro Shops
A major catalog and Internet retailer, Bass Pro Shops, headquartered in Springfield, MO, currently has 49 retail locations across the United States and Canada. The stores attract some 90 million visitors a year. In addition, Bass Pro Shops also provides products and services for thousands of independent dealers world wide through its subsidiary company, American Rod & Gun. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, visit www.basspro.com. Request a free catalog by calling 1-800-BASS-PRO. Those interested in applying for positions at Bass Pro Shops can go online and click on Career Opportunities for more information.

Warren County unveils Summer Playlist

Ohio’s largest vacation destination for family fun also will feature musical events every weekend June through August. The eclectic mix of events includes salsa, blues, gospel and country to name a few. 

Fans of Warren County, Ohio’s Largest Playground are encouraged to submit summer travel song suggestions on theWarren County Facebook page or on twitter.com/warrencountyoh Twitter by using the hashtag #summerplaylist. Suggested Tweet: twitter.com/warrencountyoh@WarrenCountyOH will be rockin’ this summer with musical events every weekend.

For more information or to view more events in Warren County visit www.ohioslargestplayground.com/summerplaylist.

Aug 14, Free Concerts at Glendower Mansion - Lebanon

Relax on Glendower’s beautiful tree-lined lawn for a series of three free concerts this summer. www.wchsmuseum.org

Weekends through Aug. 22, Weekend Concert Series at the Beach Waterpark - Mason

Surf Rock on Friday’s, Salsa on Saturday’s and Reggae on Sunday’s. Live bands. Concerts are free with park admission. www.thebeachwaterpark.com

Aug. 7, The Sean Hannity Freedom Alliance Concert at Kings Island - Mason

The charity event will raise funds for the Freedom Alliance, which provides scholarships to the children of military killed or injured in the line of duty. Entertainment includes performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Charlie Daniels, and Michael W. Smith. www.visitkingsisland.com

Aug. 7, Lebanon Blues Festival - Lebanon

One day event featuring eight blues bands, food vendors, deluxe beer garden and classic car show. <www.lebanonbluesfestival.org

Aug 21, The Ohio Hayride presents George Hamilton IV

Grand Ole Opry style production and live radio show on the third Saturday of the month May - October. 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Reservations Recommended.  www.keepinitcountryfarm.com

About Warren County and the WCCVB:

Warren County is Ohio’s Largest Playground! With easy access from Interstates 71 and 75, visitors to Warren County can enjoy more activities within a 30-mile radius than anywhere else in Ohio.

For additional information, visit www.ohioslargestplayground.com or call 800-433-1072.

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