Hello everyone and HELLLOO Summer! Summer has officially begun, and it is a hot one! Summer means getting out and exploring all that Ohio has to offer. What better way to explore Ohio than with another partnership with Ohio. Find It Here. If you were following the blog for the past two years, you likely saw my partnership with them which took me on foodie tours, outdoor adventures, to charming towns, and provided a time well spent creating memories with my family. Together, with Ohio. Find It Here, I have some fun things lined up for the remainder of 2022 and the beginning of 2023. Our first topic for exploring Ohio is Summer Memories. Summers in Ohio are warm and perfect to get out and spend time with loved ones and friends. There is so much to do and explore, and so many great inviting regions to visit. Ohio is great for exploring wineries, parks, outdoor adventures, sports games, amusement parks, rooftop bars, museums, food, or simply enjoying a staycation in your own city. There’s something for everyone! Experiences to take in with your friends, your family, or flying solo.   

Wineries

WINNNNEEE! Let’s start off with talking about wine! I mean who doesn’t love wine?! Wineries are amazing and provide a way to try different types of wines and the makers styles on classic versions of wine. I am a girl who loves her wine, ANNNDD June is Ohio Wine Month so a trip to Wine Country is right up your alley! There are so many wineries in the state of Ohio that you can explore. Each winery specializes in something different or unique to them. Whether it’s the perfect glass of red or white, or a crisp blend, you will surely find something no matter what winery you visit.

Vinoklet Winery – Vinoklet Winery is the only working winery in Hamilton County Ohio. It is located in Colerain Township in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is home to 12 award-winning wines and is proud to represent the Greater Cincinnati area in local and regional wine competitions. Ohhh, did I mention the size is quite huge. You enter through the restaurant and the vineyards and winery are out back. It is gorgeous! It also overlooks a huge pond. Its location and scenery is perfect for weddings or other celebratory events. They also offer good wine and food.  They have a nice selection of dry and sweet wines to choose from. If you are unsure of what to get, I recommend starting with a tasting. That is what I did. The tasting I did consisted of 12 different wines each 1-oz, white and red wines, starting with dry and progressing to sweet. Don’t fill up on wine with an empty stomach. They also have a full menu that you can choose from various appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and dessert. This was a super cute winery that is great for a good date night or catching up with friends. I was happy to visit!

Buckeye Lake Winery – This little winery is for sure a hidden gem in Thornville, OH. It’s located on a lakefront. How cool is that? I would have never known this winery was here, but that’s what happens when you get out and explore. ; ) The views, food, and wine are amazing! This winery does make and bottle their own wine. I tried about 5-6 different wines. One of my favorite wines I tried was the Sweet Lake Views. They also have delicious food. You can never go wrong with a cheese plate. I also tried their Fried Green Beans and their Fig & Gorgonzola Flatbread. Want some good wine with views of a lake, this is the winery for you!

Henke Winery – Henke Winery is a cool, small winery located in Cincinnati’s Westwood neighborhood. Henke is an Urban Winery with many accolades around the world. If you are not familiar with an Urban Winery, it is a winery that does not grow their own grapes. However, they do every other part of the wine making process at their facility. They have their grapes shipped in from different parts of the world, depending on their preference of grape growers and the wine they want to make. I am a sweet wine drinker, so I tried their Cellar Blush. They also have small plates to pair with your wine. Try a charcuterie plate or their famous Air-Fried Cheese. Their Air-Fried Cheese tasted like the perfect homemade cheese stick. It is a sharp Vermont White Cheddar in a crunchy herb jacket. The crust was seasoned and fried perfectly! It also came with some berry compote to sweeten things up a bite. Grab a friend or two and don’t be cheesy and miss out on this Urban Winery!

Breitenbach Winery – Breitenbach Winery is a cute winery nestled among the rolling hills of Ohio’s Amish countryside. Breitenbach produces an array of extensive award-winning grape, fresh fruit, and berry wines, and what they are most known for, Dandelion wine. They produce 40 varieties of grape and fruit wines resulting in about 150,000 gallons. WOOOOW! That’s a lot of wine, but hey someone must make it for us wine lovers. They have plenty of flavors to choose from and man did I indulge. They also have a great tasting offer. You can sample 4 wines for $1.00. Yes, you read that correct! I ended up sampling 12 wines. I also bought a small cheese plate to enjoy with my wine. Also, make sure to try the Dandelion wine. It is unique! By the time wine tasting ended, I left with 5 bottles of wine and 2 candles. What can I say, I am a girl who loves her wine and candles! I highly encourage experiencing Amish country and then relaxing at Breitenbach Winery! The is the perfect day trip.

Na zdravie – Located about 25minutes outside of Chillicothe, Na zdravie is located on 10 acres of land with vineyards rolling across hills. This winery had a very homely, comfort feel. I decided to try their wine flight. It was perfect! A flight includes 6 1-ounce wine samplings for the price of $5.72. You cannot bet that. I had the sweet wine flight.

I was pleasantly pleased with all these different wineries located within my region and how beautiful their properties were. Although there are only a few days left in June, I hope that you will visit one of the 300 wineries to celebrate Ohio Wine month. I highly recommend the four I have shared above, but also encourage you to try others. I am excited about getting to visit new wineries this summer. I plan to stop by one of these wineries in the Ohio region – Kosicek Vineyards, Ferrante Winery, Cask 307, Laurentina Vineyard, Old Firehouse Winery or even South River Winery. The breezes off Lake Erie and the rich soil left behind by the glaciers that carved out the Great Lakes make Ohio’s Wine Country prime for grape growing. Pull up a chair and enjoy tastings, see the sights and explore what makes this distinct region so special.

Parks

Parks are so fun, especially in the summer. Parks can offer different experiences whether it’s walking around outside and exploring nature or grabbing a blanket and sitting in the park. My family and I love to get out and explore different parks, enjoy the interactions of nature and its beauty, or simple sit in the park and enjoy ice cream and people watch.

Washington Park – This park is huge and spacious and one of the best parks in Cincinnati for events, festivals, flea markets, or just relaxing. This park is perfect for various reasons. It’s a great way to just sit and relax in the grass, it has regular festivals taking place, it has live music, it’s a great place to have a good drink and food, and it even has a playground and water area for the kids or ADULT kids! LOL, have fun and enjoy summer!

Ziegler Park – If you are looking for a kid friendly park, this is it! Ziegler Park is awesome for the kiddos and families. It has a huge playground, nearby basketball courts, and a pool! A pool is the best way to beat the heat other than ice cream! LOL! There is a small fee that comes with the pool, but it is a fun summer activity for kids. They also offer swim lessons and adult swim times.

Smale Park – I love fresh flowers and the pops of color they give! Smale Park is gorgeous and perfect for beautiful views and pops of color from the blooming flowers. The flowers start to bloom in the Spring and last throughout most of fall. This is also an activity park that you will always see people out and about. You can ride bikes, play on the playground, or hop on a boat for a nice afternoon voyage. The Ohio River and bridges are right in view which makes for such an awesome site.

Wegerzyn Gardens – The Wegerzyn Garden is a metropark in Dayton. You will be wowed by its beauty. A hidden gem?! Very much so! The next time you find yourself in the area, certainly get out and explore this gem of a garden. This garden is perfect for a summer afternoon stroll. The flowers are in full bloom and the garden turns into what we will call a magical place. It certainly offers the most picturesque backdrop. The garden is surrounded by the Stillwater River Trail. Wegerzyn Garden also has a cool, exploration park for kids called the Children’s Discovery Garden. Wegerzyn Gardens is beautiful and packed with fun and offers the perfect family time. 

Cox Arboretum Metro Park – Cox Arboretum is another metropark in Dayton. Like its counterpart, Wegerzyn Gardens, Cox too provides the beauty of nature. Here is a place for you to come and connect with nature. Discover the peacefulness nature, its trees and shrubs thoughtfully placed to capture your imagination and take you to a place of serenity. My family and I enjoyed a nice stroll admiring all that Cox Park has to offer. We spent a lot of time at the pond at the entrance. It had all the “fishys” and turtles. Go get out and explore Cox Park and enjoy a relaxing family adventure.

Topiary Park – Topiary Park is a beautiful, public park and garden located in downtown Columbus and is officially known as the Topiary Garden at Old Deaf School Park. It is such a cool place! When I visited, I originally thought there were just cool figures cut into the trees, but what they actually depict are figures from Georges Seurat‘s 1884 painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. It is the only park based entirely on a painting. They are life-sized shapes which makes it really fun to take pictures with. I really enjoyed pulling up the actual image and picking out which topiary matched to each part of the picture.

Hopewell Culture Park – I enjoyed the fresh air, while walking around learning about the broad network of beliefs and practices among different Native American groups over a large portion of eastern North America. The culture is characterized by the construction of enclosures made of earthen walls, often built-in geometric patterns, and mounds. Below you can see me standing next to the Mica Splendor sign with the mounds behind me. It was a cool experience and a good way to learn about Native American culture. 

These parks all lend something different to Ohio, but there are tons more to see. Also, visit Hocking Hills State Park, Sulphur Springs, Buckeye Lake State Park, Lakewood Park and many more.

Outdoor Adventures

The great outdoors! There is so much to see when it comes to exploring outdoors. How do you do the outdoors? Is it a good patio with fancy drinks, an outdoor mural, or maybe a good ole breath of fresh air outside hiking or a walk in the park! Let’s explore some different outdoor activities.

Findlay Market – Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market that has more than 50 full-time merchants. The market is open year-round Tuesday-Sunday and attracts over a MILLION visitors a year! There is such a community feel every time I visit. It can be a very cool, chill place and also be very crazy, busy on other days, so you get the best of both worlds. There is typically live music being played, people drinking and eating, and lots of shopping! From fresh produce, to restaurants, to customizable cuts of meat, to spices, to plants, to jewelry…Findlay is ready to meet your needs.

Pedal Wagon Cincinnati – Experience Cincinnati’s colorful side through the beautiful mural masterpieces! Whether you’re a local looking for a unique way to explore the art that Cincy has to offer, or a out-of-towner visiting for the first time, Pedal Wagon Cincinnati’s Mural Tour makes for a fun and creative day! This is the perfect insider to Over-the-Rhine’s (OTR) most known murals. What is also really cool is that Pedal Wagon Cincinnati gives back. Ten percent of all proceeds of this our go to ArtWorks, an award-winning non-profit arts organization that empowers and inspires the creative community. I took this tour and loved exploring the city through its creative art. Each mural told a story and gave a piece of the city in its own unique way. Grab your friends and pedal your way through Cincinnati’s OTR neighborhood and tap into your creative side. 

East Town Center – Shopping is an activity, right? Hmmmm Of course it is!! And it just happens to be one of our favorite ones! If you also enjoy shopping, Easton in Columbus is absolutely the place to be. It is one of the largest outdoor shopping centers in all of Ohio. If you’re looking for something specific, they probably have it. That can range from items for kids, items for the home, shoes and so so much more! But the thing is, they are not just for shopping. There are quite a few delicious restaurants there, ranging from grab and go to high-end sit-down options.

Cincinnati Zoo – Cincinnati’s Zoo is one of the nation’s top-rated zoos. They have tons of animals to see and watch roam around their habitats. My kids love coming to the zoo and pointing out the animals they are learning about in school. It is also very fun to see when the animals welcome their babies. While speaking of animals we cannot forgot the zoo’s most beloved and famous hippo, Fiona. She is a site to see and is no longer a baby! She has grown, and guess what?! She is getting a little sibling coming in the near future. How exciting! Her mother is expecting another BIG bundle of joy! LOL! There are also other activities to do at the zoo like encounters, train rides, carousels, and much more. You certainly don’t want to miss out on the zoo experience. This is a great family experience. 

Young’s Jersey Dairy – Take a visit to Young’s Jersey Dairy located in Yellow Springs, OH. It is also about 10 minutes away from the main strip in Yellow Springs filled with shopping, outdoor activities (bike riding, hiking, and more), and restaurants. I know taking the kids to a dairy may sound strange, but I am here to tell you there is a lot more fun than the name suggest. I took my 5-year-old daughter for a mommy and me day. We both had a lot of fun! The farm offers their Dairy Store, Two Miniature Golf Courses, Batting Cages, Covered and natural grass driving range, Moovers & Shakers (a fun barrel ride around the farm), and so much more. Additionally, aside from their milk and cheese, Young’s Dairy is known for their fresh ice cream made on their site.

50 West Brewery – Need a brew or want to have some outdoor fun? Either way, 50 West has you covered. Located on US 50 heading west into the city of Cincinnati. This brewery is huge with lots to do, eat and drink! It is the perfect summer activity for outdoors adventures as well as outdoors sports. They have a cycling trail, volleyball, and so much more. Not only do they have outdoor activities, but they also even have food and drinks to keep you fueled. They are known for their burgers and fries. After you’ve burned some carbs indulging in the outdoor activities, make sure to grab a burger and fries. 50 West is giving all the vibes with food, drinks, and outdoor fun!

While these are some pretty, cool outdoor adventures, there is always something taking place in Ohio. I am looking forward to experiencing so many more outdoor adventures with my family. A few additional stops are Mahoning River Water Trail, Ohio State Fair, Ohio’s Nature Trails, and more.

Another great outdoor place to visit is Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. It is also nationally ranked and accredited. There are tons to see and do and I heard the Aquarium is amazing.

Sporting Events

One thing you must know about Ohioans is, we love our sports! I mean when you live in a state with four major teams (Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Red, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Cavaliers) how could you not be a sports fan?!

Red’s Game – Take me out to the ball game… Who doesn’t love a good ole Cincinnati Reds Game? Baseball games can be a lot of fun although they are long. It is fun to watch the players, listen to the crowd, eat baseball food and enjoy the atmosphere. Whether you’re waiting to catch a ball in the stands or fellowshipping with friends and family, a baseball game is certainly one for the books! It’s always fun to hear and watch the fireworks at the end of the game.

Bengals Game – Everyone loves a good football game! It’s something about being in a packed stadium, yelling with tons of other fans cheering on the home team, and watching the players create a win! Football games are fun, exciting, and intense. Whether you are in the stands or in a box, you can’t deny the fun exhilarating atmosphere.

Whether you’re a Cincinnati fan or a Cleveland fan, sports games are always an amazing and fun time!

Amusement Parks

Amusement parks are such a fun time! Whether you like thrill seeking rides or cool, calm and collective rides, they always have something for everyone. Ohio has two major theme parks which are Cedar Point and King’s Island.

Cedar Point – Have you been to an amusement park this year? If not, you must visit Ohio’s Cedar Point. Cedar Point is located in Sandusky, OH, right outside of Cleveland. If an adrenaline rush and need for speed is your thing, you will certainly find it here. They are known as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, with jaw dropping drops on certain rides. Talk about a fun time and an amazing experience. They have your traditional rides like the Ferris Wheel, Loopty Loop Rides, Water Rides, and Kid’s Rides. Then there are the rides that they are most known for like Top Thrill Dragster, GateKeeper, Millennium Force, and more. This park is full of rides with adventure, twist, and turns. My husband and I went for a weekend on a couple’s date, and it was fun.

King’s Island – King’s Island is located in Cincinnati and has become a family go-to yearly. My husband and I have been a few times before we had kids. Now that we have two little ones, we take them there to have fun during the summer. There is always a new ride or encounter being added every some many years. It keeps things interesting. If rides are not your thing, they have other things to do like eat park food, play games or walk around and explore. They also have a water park section that can be fun and help cool your summer down.

Rooftop Bars

Drinks plus views, yes please! Most people love a good rooftop bar. It’s something so satisfying about having drinks with friends or family with perfect views overlooking a city.

Rhinegeist – The view of Cincinnati is amazing from the rooftop of Rhinegeist. Rhinegeist is such a cool and chill vibe. It certainly makes a great fun night out. If you catch a sunset on the comfy couches, you’ll be in for a treat. Grab some friends, grab a beer and enjoy an awesome experience.

Lytle Park – Lytle Park has been around for about 2 years now and offers some amazing views of the city. You get to see the Ohio River, bridges, and stadiums. It is a really nice view at night. I went with my husband and our friend at night and it was awesome. They offer light bites and fun cocktails. The vibe is very cool and chill.

21C Hotel – While the 21C Hotel is known for their amazing hotel and museum, did you know they also have a rooftop bar? It is smaller but cozy and fun. It’s a nice experience with friends and family. They have a variety of fun cocktails to choose from. This is certainly a good spot for a summer evening. A great way to relax and unwind.

The Views at Shire Garden – Let me start by saying brunch is life! My family and I love a good brunch especially one with a good view. Whether you are enjoying brunch or the bar, The Views at Shire Garden overlooking the city of Cincinnati are amazing. The rooftop is open year-round. However, from November-March (only) they offer rooftop igloo and terrace greenhouse seating. Each igloo or terrace is enclosed and has a heater. It was a lot of fun and made for a personal, cozy family experience.  

BrewDog Cincinnati – BrewDog Cincy is a fun bar! It is HUGE on the inside and offers a cool rooftop bar. They offer beer, ciders and cocktails with plenty of small bites to go with your drink. I went with my husband for a fun night out. We enjoyed some time inside in the bar and moved upstairs to the rooftop for a few minutes to experience some views outside. You get a view of the casino and other downtown areas. It’s certainly a good time.

VASO – Vaso is located in Dublin, OH on top of the Marriott Hotel. Its views of Dublin and the shopping area it is located in are nice. Their rooftop bar is a fun night out. They offer fun cocktails and wine. I went with my husband and kids, and we enjoyed an afternoon out. They also serve food if you are feeling hungry.

Museums

Where are the history lovers at?! Museums are such a cool way to learn about history and the times that came before us. If you want to spark your inner nerd, I have some museums just for you. Let’s take a look!

Loveland Castle Museum – Plan a visit to Loveland Castle Museum located in Loveland, OH. The castle is filled with history about Sir Harry and the KOGT (Knights of the Golden Trail). I found it very interesting to learn we had a castle right here in the Cincinnati, OH area. When I hear the word castle, I offer times think of large castles such as Buckingham Palace. I do not think of smaller castles with a great foundation behind them. I was so happy to hear of a castle here in Ohio and it made me rethink of my appreciation of what is in my own back yard. I had to go check it out.

Duke Energy Children’s Museum – A cool place for kids and adults right here in the Queen City. What I found unique about the atmosphere and look of the museum, was that is resembles the New York Train Station. This is a great way for kids and families to get out and explore together. The vision of the Cincinnati Museum Center is to bring understanding of their past, present, and future by providing world-class learning experiences enjoyable for children and adults, and they do just that! My family and I visited the Children’s Museum and had a blast. You will learn about dinosaurs, the evolution of technology, Cincinnati’s history, and so much more. They also have a cool OMNIMAX Theater.

National Veterans Memorial and Museum – Located in Columbus, OH, this museum is sure to give you another level of respect for the men and women that serve(d) our country. It is well put together, organized, and teaches you a lot about what a veteran may experience during his or her time in the military. It is so unique! I enjoyed my time learning about the process a veteran takes from enlisting to retirement or sadly even a lot of times death, listening to stories given by veterans, and learning history through a cool timeline wall. This museum is truly a wonderful experience as well as an awesome way to pay homage to the men and women that took an oath to protect and serve the United States of America.

Adena Mansion and Gardens – Did you know that Chillicothe is Ohio’s First Capital? This is pretty cool! Also, Thomas Worthington served as the sixth Governor of Ohio. Adena was the house that Governor Worthington and his wife, Eleanor built just outside of Chillicothe. I visited Adena and the Gardens. I walked the grounds of the mansion and garden. The property is huge. I entered through the visitor center where there is a mini museum loaded with tons of history about Adena. It was interesting to learn and visit such a historical site. This is certainly a history lover’s dream. The garden is still in use and veggies are harvested from the garden every day. In the visitor center they had a cart of fresh veggies that could be taken in exchange for a donation. If you are a history bug, this is the place for you.

While I have shared a few museums that I have visited, there is so much history in Ohio to be learned. I am so excited to get out and tap into my history bug side. Grab some friends and family and experience Ohio’s history. Some additional stops can include Children’s Museum of Findlay, Akron Children’s Museum, COSI in Columbus, The Works in Newark, Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Lake Erie Science & Nature Museum, Armstrong Air & Space Museum, The Ohio State Reformatory, Marblehead Lighthouse and many others.

Staycation

Sometimes we are so busy in our life’s everyday hustle and bustle that we often forgot to just look around us. While there are plenty of places to have a staycation, one of my favs is the 21 C Hotel. As you may recall, I mentioned it had a nice rooftop bar in the rooftop bar section of this blog. However, now we are going to talk a little about what a 21 c experience is like.

If you’re unfamiliar with 21c Museum Hotel, they are a contemporary art museum and boutique hotel chain that originated in Louisville. Since opening in 2006, they have expanded to 7 additional locations in different states- with more coming soon! They have won many awards as the top hotel in America and named in the top 10 in the world by some! Their rooms are nice and spacious. A fun thing to look out for: In the shower, there are body parts carved into the tile. As mentioned, the hotel is artsy! Another fun trend you’ll notice is the iconic penguin. Every location has them throughout the establishment, but each in a different color. I have visited the art museum that’s located on the first floor of the hotel.  Each location has their own museum that is open 24 hours a day and is free of charge. Remember I told you they had a rooftop terrace, make sure you check it out during your next stay. It is great for happy hour. They offer these cool slushie drinks with a variety of flavors. This is perfect and refreshing for the summer. They also have an amazing spa with tons of different treatments. After you’ve explored the rooms, museum and rooftop terrace, they have an amazing restaurant downstairs called Metropole. Metropole is a modern spin on French and Italian cooking done by the Executive Chef, Vanessa Miller, and her team. Metropole’s food is amazing and the menu changes seasonally to always provide the freshest ingredients. While this is a very amazing experience in a nutshell, you can experience the full bells and whistles 21 c has to offer by booking your next weekend staycation right in the heart of Cincinnati. Relax and stay awhile! 

Food

Now this is a food and travel blog, we can’t talk about all the activities and not share any food recommendations. I’m sure by now after all this reading, you have worked up an appetite. Like activities to do, Ohio has so many food places to choose from. I will share a few of my faves here.

Metropole – a modern spin on classic French and Italian cooking.  Focused on local and seasonal offerings, the menu at Metropole is constantly changing to provide the best and freshest ingredients to each meal. I have dined at Metropole a few times and it is always delicious. It is good for date nights as well as family dinner outings.

Boomtown Biscuits – A contemporary take on classic American frontier food. Boomtown biscuits, hence the name, is known for their delicious homemade biscuits. They offer an array of comfort food dishes like Shrimp & Grits, Meatloaf, and many of dishes to include their homemade biscuits. I have dined here for their brunch and dinner, and both are good. You will leave full and happy!

Lucius Q – You can’t have summer without some banging BBQ! Lucius Q is serving up some delicious BBQ right here in Cincinnati’s Pendleton neighborhood. Their BBQ joint is welcoming and inviting. It is pretty big and seats plenty of people. They offer live music on different nights. They also have a spacious outdoor patio for when you want the real summer experience, BBQ + summer heat! I have tried many of items from Lucius Q’s such as their pork, chicken, wings, sandwiches, smoked turkey, greens, red beans & rice, mac & cheese, baked beans, and more. Everything is flavorful and delicious. Oh, did I mention they smoke all of their meat on site. YUMMM! This is a good one and you don’t want to miss out.

Graeter’s – You cannot live or visit Cincinnati, and not have the hometown ice cream, Graeters. Graeter’s was started by Louis C. Graeter back in 1870, and they have been making amazing ice cream ever since. Their ice cream is creamy but smooth and comes in a variety of flavors. My family’s favorite is Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cookies n’ Cream, Chocolate, and Strawberry. Their ice cream tastes like it’s made with love in every bite. We come here very often in the spring and summer, and it has become a family favorite.

Jeni’s Ice Cream – This is hands down my favorite ice cream ever! Jeni’s has worked to perfect her ice cream for years and she has done just that. It is delicious, creamy, smooth, and her flavors are unique and fun. While I am a Cincy girl, I love this Columbus based ice cream shop. While it was started in Columbus, Jeni’s has since branched out to states all over the US. I have some exciting news!!!!! If you live in Cincy, Jeni’s is coming to Cincy soon!! WHOOOO HOOOOO! I saw this information last week and it absolutely made my night! I can’t wait! My favorite flavors of hers is Ooeey Gooey Butter Cake and Strawberry.

Roost – Modern Italian, it’s as simple as that! Located in Dayton, OH, Roost is serving up their modern twist on classic Italian dishes. I loved Roost and the food is amazing. While they have indoor seating, they also have an awesome outdoor courtyard right in front of the restaurant. We choose to eat outside and enjoy the weather. We had Bolognese, watermelon salad, side salads, and lamb chops. Very tasty!

Sueno – Sueno is serving up some yummy Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. I tried Sueno for Valentine’s Day and the food and atmosphere was good. It is a good spot for a date night or night out with friends. The dimly lite restaurant has a nice size bar and restaurant. Sueno is a tapa style restaurant. This means small plates to share with the table. I went with my husband and kids. We ordered different menu items and shared them all. They also have some good cocktails.

Hot Chicken Takeover – Started in Columbus, Hot Chicken Takeover is bringing the Nashville classic, Hot Chicken, to the Midwest. I love Hot Chicken Takeover and sometimes my family and I drive 2-hours just to come and eat here and drive back home. Yes, its that good. They season their chicken well, fry it to the perfect golden brown, and then drudge it in hot chicken spices. You can pick your heat and the type of meat you want (i.e. thighs, drumsticks, wings, boneless, and more). The chicken meals come with their homemade ranch sauce which is amazing, and two sides. They also have sweet tea and banana pudding. This is certainly Midwest meets the South. If you want a taste of Hot Chicken, then this is certainly the place to come.

Fox in the Snow – Fox in the Snow is a one bomb bakery! Every time I come to Columbus; I always make it a point to stop by. Their pastries are so delicious, flakey, and buttery. My faves are the Strawberry Diamonds and the Blueberry Galette. They are known for their Buttermilk Biscuits, which are also amazing! If you are a pastry/sweets lover like me, Fox in the Snow is calling your name.

While these are some of my favorites in our region get out and be a foodie while you explore some of Ohio’s cool locations. Whether you are visiting a winery, museum, park, outdoor activities, sporting event, amusement park, or a staycation, there is a great restaurant within miles of your destination.

Summer is just beginning, there is so much to see and do. Ohio has so much to offer, and I love being able to explore such a fun midwestern state. If you have never been to Ohio, put it on your bucket list to come and visit. This guide along with many other locations can provide such a fun and amazing summer. There are tons of little gems waiting to be discovered. Make those summer bucket list a reality. Whatever you have been meaning to do this summer, now is the time! Grab those friends or family and seize the day! I hope you have an amazing summer soaking up every minute of fun!