Travelkatz will put together an Ohio Vacation Package custom tailored just for you. We handle all aspects of your trip so you can sit back, relax and enjoy. We provide three options for every state in the USA. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
Alabama Military: Alabama is a southeastern U.S. state that’s home to significant military landmarks and events from the Civil War, World War I and World War II, all the way through history to space travel.
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum: This Museum is operated by the Alabama Center of Military History and is dedicated to promoting and disseminating the accomplishments of American military men and women. The emphasis is on participants of World War I and subsequent conflicts. The survivors and families can use the Museum facilities to reminisce on their own experiences and those of parents, grandparents, and other close relatives. There are displays – more than 30 historical military vehicles from World War I to the present, as well as tableaus, artifacts, and other memorabilia dating back to the Revolutionary War. Supporting organizations include the 19th Alabama Infantry which sponsors exhibits from 18th and 19th Century conflicts, and the 8th Air Force Historical Society, which sponsors a Bomb Group briefing room. Both organizations support ‘living history’ presentations on many Saturdays. At the Museum is a reference library, in addition to published material such as the Seventh Army After Action Report from World War II. The library offers written and oral reminiscences of Alabama veterans. In this vein, veterans and their families are invited to send written material or audio cassette tapes to the Museum for inclusion in the library. A narrative by the veteran, or an interview by a relative, will provide a legacy of the contribution. The Museum welcomes the participation of military and veterans’ groups and individuals in making this a valued educational piece of history in Huntsville.
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park: At this Battleship Memorial Park, you don’t have to look very far to find heroes. From the Battleship USS ALABAMA to the Submarine USS DRUM and over 25 aircraft, the spirit of military pride is alive and well. Aboard the battleship you will be able to explore 12 decks. Among those, you can climb inside gun turrets, get locked in the Brig, man a 12mm gun and much more. Also at the park, you will be able to go below and explore the oldest Submarine on display, the USS DRUM. In the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion as well as in the park, you will be able to view many rare and historic aircraft. A few in the collection include a A-12 Blackbird Spy Plane, OS2U Kingfisher, F-86L Sabre Jet, and B-52 Bomber, just to name a few. While in the pavilion, don’t forget to take a ride on the Flight Simulator and experience flight without ever leaving the ground. It’s an unforgettable experience for the entire family. All tours are self-guided. Allow approx. 2.5 hours to really see what it was like to be on this battleship when on active duty in Mobile.
United States Army Aviation Museum: The U.S. Army Aviation Museum maintains a collection of over 160 military aircraft, including one of the largest collections of military helicopters in the world. Approximately 50 beautifully restored, historic, and one-of-a-kind aircraft are proudly displayed both inside the Museum exhibit space and outside on the grounds. The collection includes many significant examples of early research efforts and developments in rotary wing technology and the evolution of the helicopter. Represented is the Army’s involvement in military aviation from the Wright brothers, the early combat aircraft of WW I, and today’s technological machines such as the AH-64 Apache and the UH-60 Blackhawk. You’ll find this in Ft Rucker.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC): This is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. On Display, they have one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia anywhere in the world. Guests journey through America’s Space Race and NASA’s plan to put man on the moon. Witness the development of the space shuttle program and the International Space Station, get a glimpse of the future in commercial space ventures, and the latest technological innovations. The Rocket Center regularly features traveling exhibits from around the world. Also, enjoy daily films on the 67-foot screen in Huntsville’s only full-dome IMAX® Theater or in the 52-foot, high-definition screen in the National Geographic Theater. Finally, plan a ride on the motorcoach tour of Redstone Arsenal, headquarters to the Army Material Command and home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Travel to Huntsville to enjoy.
Crooked Creek Civil War Museum: This is a must see if you are a Civil War buff. It’s small but it makes this time in our history come alive in Vinemont.
Travelkatz is waiting to hear from you so we can make the history of our country come alive. Call us at 352-277-7300.
STATE PARKS
Ohio State Parks:
Ohio State Parks – Ohio is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. Of the fifty states, it is the 34th-largest by area, and with a population of just over 11.8 million, it is the seventh-most populous and tenth-most densely populated. Columbus is the capitol. Ohio boasts of 77 State Parks, 17 State Forests, 20 State Memorials, 4 State Nature Preserves, 2 State Reserves, and 14 State Wildlife Areas. Let’s see what Sandra has found for us in Ohio – remember she lived in this state for most of her married life, so this should be very informative for you.
Hocking Hills State Park: Old Man’s Cave is awesome. You will love hiking from Upper Falls to Rose Lake and on to Cedar Falls. Also, you may want to hike around Rose Lake too. Rock House is one of many favorites, but you will need your flashlight for Rock House. The Cantwell Cliffs is neat as well as Ash Cave and Conkle’s Hollow. As you can tell, there is lots to see and do here. The campgrounds have tent areas as well as cabins so you can plan to stay awhile. You will find this great park on 19852 State Route 664 S, near the town of Logan.
Geneva State Park: The beach is clean and not very crowded. The bathrooms/showers are also clean. It is nice and there are some shaded spots to sit on the beach. The campgrounds for weekend camping are nice. You will love the area because of the beautiful scenery, trails, and bike path. The town is fun to stop for a meal and come back to a peaceful and serene campsite! Found on Lake Erie in Geneva.
Mohican State Park: This is a popular place, with lots to do including mountain bike and hiking trails, as well as the major attraction: canoeing/rafting/kayaking. Well-spaced-out camp sites and they are well maintained. Nice walking and biking paved paths. The beach is good too. There is lots to enjoy like the covered bridge, the hiking trails, and the campground. A return visit to the clean campground with all the amenities is necessary for a great experience in a state park – guaranteed. Found in Loudonville.
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve: There are gorges even in Ohio that are longer or deeper but there simply are not enough positive adjectives in the English language to describe this hidden gem. Everyone whizzing by doesn’t know what they are missing. If you are short on time or stamina, the deepest part of the gorge is less than a mile down the paved trail from the paved east lots. Scenic and historical sites are designated and posted with a letter starting at A and distances between each point are clearly marked as well. The main path is fine for strollers and wheelchairs but not on the dirt paths on the side hikes, especially the quarry rim trail. Dogs are allowed – on leash – on the primary path as well but not on the other routes because the area is a state nature preserve. You can also kayak on the Licking River with excellent scenery, highly recommend. Found near Newark.
Kelleys Island State Park: On this island you will find the stillness of nature, the vegetation, lake, rocks, views, sunsets, the quaint downtown area, and the quarry. It might be small but there are so many nature trails, and the beaches are wonderful. You can go kayaking, biking, hiking, shopping, and just standing still for a bit on this gem of an island to relax and enjoy. While you are on the island you must see the glacial grooves seen at the Glacial Grooves State Memorial Park. The glacier actually carved the grooves! You get to read the info plaques along the way. There is a lot to see on Kelley Island.
Glacial Grooves State Memorial Park – The Glacial Grooves on the north side of Kelleys Island are the largest easily accessible such grooves in the world. They were scoured into solid limestone bedrock about 18,000 years ago by the great ice sheet which covered part of North America. A trough 400-feet long, 35-feet wide, and up to 10-feet deep remains today. The ice, probably hundreds of feet thick, flowed from the north in what is now the Lake Erie basin. The Devonian limestone containing the grooves contains marine fossils that are 350 to 400 million years old. Many other grooves were quarried away during the last century. Fencing now protects this National Natural Landmark. A walkway and stairs permit visitors a good view of the grooves.
TravelKatz is waiting for your call so we can put together a special vacation for you and your family or friends to visit Ohio. Call us at 352-277-7300 or “chat” on our web site at www.travelkatz.com
Ohio Museums – Located in the East and North Central region of the Midwestern United States, it is the 34th largest by area, the seventh most populous, and the tenth most densely populated. The state’s capital and largest city is Columbus. The state has the honor of having two presidents, William Taft and Rutherford Hayes.
National Museum of the Great Lakes: This is a maritime museum dedicated to the Great Lakes. There are six exhibit galleries, an outdoor maritime park, and the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship. This is a real gem. Well organized, very interactive and informative. The staff is wonderful and knowledgeable. we would make sure you do not miss this great museum when planning a trip to Ohio. While the Ship is open seasonally May- October, the museum and maritime park open year-round in Toledo.
America’s Packard Museum – The Citizens Motorcar Co.: The museum is located in downtown Dayton, but parking is plentiful. You will see some of the most beautiful automobiles ever build from the early 1900’s to the late 1950’s. They do a good job with information about each vehicle and about the timeframe the vehicle came from. There are lots of fine examples of this favorite car brand. They also have engines on display from the early days to the mid 1950’s as well. It includes engines for boats, planes (even jets and motor vehicles). It is definitely worth your time spent in Dayton.
The Wright Cycle Company Complex: The old bicycle shop gives a glimpse into the exacting and organized thinking of Orville & Wilbur. The museum is very interesting with many displays. It is a rather unique museum – small in size but large in information. You can only access this shop with a Ranger. They are informative, knowledgeable, and patient with the questions that you can ask, and they have the answer for each one. It was interesting to learn about this part of the lives of the Wright Brothers. The displays were clear and most informative. This is another great stop in Dayton.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: Located in Cincinnati, the National Freedom Center stands as the nation’s newest monument to freedom. It brings to life the importance – and relevance – of struggles for freedom around the world and throughout history, including today. The exhibits are well designed, well laid out, and full of a tremendous amount of information. The role Cincinnati played in dealing with slavery, the Underground Railroad, and especially as it related to its position in the Northwest Territories was fascinating.
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum: Overall, the recently renovated Reds Hall of Fame and Museum is an excellent experience, particularly for adults who want to connect with the history of baseball’s oldest professional franchise. The exhibits are great, particularly mementos from past world championships and the room where stories of Reds baseball greats come to life. The admission price is more than reasonable, and the museum attendants are very friendly. In fact, there is an area where you can make your own baseball card photo. A great blend of interactive factual exhibits, and a healthy combination of artifacts to see and information to read. A diehard baseball fan can spend 60-90 minutes easy. The Hall of Fame room alone could take that long – comfortable place to watch video. Well worth it even if you are not a fan of the Reds in Cincinnati.
If Ohio is on your bucket list, TravelKatz is just a call away at 352-277-7300 or a “chat” with us at www.vacationnationradio.com .
Ohio Festivals are some of the best in the mid-west and Ohio River Valley. Call TravelKatz at 352-277-7300 and we will help you plan for your next vacation to Ohio. And don’t forget about the wonderful Amish family farms, antiques and craft shops, and restaurants.
Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks: This traditional, end-of-summer event began more than 40 years ago when WEBN treated the tri-state to a firework show in honor of the radio station’s 10th anniversary. The party, held annually at Sawyer Point on Sunday of Labor Day weekend, has grown into an all-day affair with music, food, family fun and entertainment. On both sides of the river, nearly a half-million people view the choreographed Rozzi’s Fireworks show while listening to the soundtrack on WEBN (102.7 FM) starting just after 9pm and lasting for about 30 minutes. Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove; Free. Sep. 1st.
Rock the Light Music Festival: A 2-day music festival on the shores of Lake Erie! This year it is on Friday September 6. Gates open at 3:30pm and on the Party Stage (Inside Tent) you’ll hear bands such as; Athens Wheeler, and Master TC & The Visitors. Accessible by water or land, cruise into the downtown Port Clinton, a popular destination on Lake Erie. It is a thriving, year-round community, welcoming residents and visitors alike to enjoy the vibrant businesses, unique shops, excellent restaurants, and quality entertainment. Waterworks Park, Port Clinton; Sep 6 – 7.
3rd Annual Columbus Caribbean Festival: Join us for this Annual Festival – for two days of celebrating the culture and heritage of the Caribbean islands right here in Columbus! There will be a parade, live music, amazing food, island drinks and vendors. Admission is free to all ages. Columbus; Sep 13 – 14.
Outlaw Music Festival 2019: This special country music event features the following artists: Willie Nelson & Family, Luke Combs, Bonnie Raitt, and Brothers Osborne. Held at the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati on Sun, Sep 22, 6:30 PM
Columbus Mac and Cheese Festival: Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food for many, so get ready to be comforted. It’s even for a good cause – #MacOutCancer with this Mac and Cheese Festival, featuring an array of macaroni and cheese creations from the best restaurants. There will be live entertainment at this tasty family-friendly festival. Easton Town Center, Columbus, Sep 27 – 28.
Ohio City Street Festival: Join neighbors and visitors as they celebrate Ohio City with the best food, drink, retail and arts entertainment that the neighborhood has to offer for this annual Street Festival. Music and arts programming will take place throughout the day, and the KeyBank Kid Zone will offer family-friendly fun including arts performances, interactive games, activities, crafts, inflatables and more. As always, this event is Free and open to all. West Side Market, Cleveland, Sun, Sep 29.
41st Annual Oak Harbor Apple Festival: Come celebrate – where there is something for everyone! The Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors this family-oriented festival with over 30,000 visitors attending annually. Our festival is held in downtown Oak Harbor with all activities located within a one block walking area. Come and see the crowning of our 2019-2020 Royalty Court at opening ceremonies on Saturday, followed by the cutest baby contest. You can enjoy the Grand Parade at 2:00pm, with chainsaw carving demonstrations, a cornhole tournament, bingo at the fire station and the talent show to round out the day’s entertainment. Saturday night be sure to come out for live band entertainment. Sunday is chuck full of fun as well, with our Classic Car Show, 5K Apple Run, 1 Mile Kids Run, Apple Pie Eating Contest and local performers to make for a day of pure enjoyment! No admission fees for the festival. Oak Harbor; Oct 12 – 13.
Just as we said, contact TravelKatz and we will help you plan your next visit to Ohio. These festivals along with many others around the state are sure inviting. 352-277-7300 or at travelkatz.com.
Hilly Cincinnati boasts a thriving arts scene, major league sports teams, a world-class zoo and aquarium and a revitalized riverfront with shopping, clubs and restaurants. Located on the Ohio River in southwestern Ohio, Cinci claims more than 4,000 restaurants, and more chili restaurants than any other city in the world. Adrenaline-junkies will want to visit the nearby Kentucky Speedway and Paramount’s Kings Island, home of the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world.
In the early 19th century, Cincinnati, then the biggest city in the west, was nicknamed Queen City. Two hundred or so years later, it is experiencing another boom, this time in its historic Over-the-Rhine district, which is being transformed with significant investments in infrastructure. Changes include a new streetcar that connects downtown to the neighborhood, and an expansion of the district’s art scene. The latter will include three new or enlarged performing arts venues opening this fall. By then, the Brewing Heritage Trail in Over-the-Rhine will feature signposts linking many of the city’s old breweries. Spotlighting the city’s fine arts, Blink Cincinnati, a display of light installations projected across 20 blocks, will run in October.
Great American Ball Park: This park is always clean and has a great staff and every seat has a great view. The VIP experience with a tour and on the field for batting practice is great. The tour guides are great and all the staff during the game are incredibly accommodating. The Fox sports club and scout seats have great views and amenities. They really go out of their way to make you feel welcome. The food, drinks and atmosphere make this place All American as apple pie! GABP gives fans value that may not be found at any other stadium. Keep it up!
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum: This is going to be your mecca if you’re a Reds fan. But even if you aren’t it’s worth a visit. The Reds have a long history and this museum does a good job taking you through it from their early days to the Big Red Machine to the present day. It’s got some fun interactive exhibits as well as the space it’s in is very nice. You will enjoy the exhibits and particularly the pitching cage which measured speed and accuracy. The lady at the front desk is friendly and helpful! Do not miss seeing one of the films in the theater. They are about 10-15 minutes and well done (such as Johnny Bench). Enjoy the new exhibit on clothing. Brings back many memories of the 70’s teams.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: The Cincinnati Zoo is one of the best. The Cincinnati Zoo ranks way up there as one of the best, not just for the animals but the interaction opportunities are plentiful, the employees are helpful and knowledgeable, and the zoo works very hard so that everyone, including the inhabitants, have a good time every day. The Kroger sponsored Cheetah Run demonstrations where you can watch these amazing animals hit speeds of 70 mph as they chase a tethered toy around a grass track; as well as the Insect House where you find out about lots and lots of bugs make for a great day! Prices for food and drink were very reasonable compared to most parks these days. Allow yourself 3 hours or more to truly enjoy the zoo and all its displays at a nice calming pace. Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful gardens too.
Taft Museum of Art: One of the gems of Cincinnati. Convenient to get to, this beautiful mansion and gardens was exhibiting the traveling Tiffany glass exhibit. It is gorgeous. The museum also has some very impressive pieces in their permanent collection. The murals by a prominent African American artist were also lovely. The rooms and halls are spacious, with art tastefully displayed. That includes works by Corot, Goya, Turner, and the Barbizon School. But the main attraction may be the Taft itself with its tasteful decor and cozy ambience.
Eden Park: Not only a beautiful park with great views of the river and city, but contains the Krohn Conservatory, Playhouse in the park, Amp-theatre, Museum — worth several trips and lots of time.
Krohn Conservatory: Krohn Conservatory is a charming rarity that provides a tranquil and beautiful escape from the every day. Take a journey around the world through the eyes of nature and make a memory that will last forever. Regardless of season, there is always something to see. Spring and summer are particularly nice however. Great location, Krohn is nestled in beautiful Eden Park. Parking will be your only challenge, but worth it. This voyage is affordable.
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: There are two theaters, one larger and one smaller. The smaller one holds about 200 people. Very intimate theater. Not a bad seat in the place, and it allows you to be close to the stage and really see what is going on. The Playhouse offer a full bar and a place to get something to eat. Building is ADA accessible. A verity of shows are available for your enjoyment.
Fountain Square: After the hustle and bustle of doing some sightseeing and shopping, going to Fountain Square to have a beer and relax outdoors enjoying the entertainment. Located at the Square is one of Cincinnati hidden treasures in “Graeters Ice cream” the wide variety of flavors with no duplication demands that you return. The place to catch your breath.
A direct flight from Tampa will get you to Cincinnati in short order. Just give Travelkatz a call at 352-277-7300 and we will make you vacation one to remember.
Alabama Gardens- Come witness the beautiful colors and varieties of flowers and plants as we travel to Alabama for a look. There are 13 varieties of gardens located all over the state. Call us to help you create that springtime Alabama adventure! Or maybe you would rather witness the fall colors instead.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens: A cherished place of respite and inspiration since 1962, these Gardens promote a passion for plants, gardens, and the natural world. Located in the heart of Birmingham, this 67-acre urban oasis offers beautiful blooms, glorious specialty gardens, and opportunities to grow your green thumb throughout the year. The Gardens are free and open to the public every day of the year. A facility of the Parks and Recreation Board, these Botanical Gardens are the result of a public-private partnership between the city the nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Beautiful gardens with lots of incredible plants and water features and benches to sit and take it all in and it’s also right across from the zoo. It’s a beautiful place to take a walk, read a book, have a picnic, or take photos. The gift shop is lovely as well. Found in the city of Birmingham.
Dunn Formal Rose Garden: This Rose Garden is an official All-America Rose Selection Display Garden. It features tea roses, floribundas, grandifloras, climbers, miniatures and shrub types that bloom in glorious colors from late April until frost. You’ll see old favorites such as ‘Peace’, ‘Chrysler Imperial’, and ‘John F. Kennedy’ mingle with newcomers like ‘All That Jazz’, ‘Dolly Parton’ and ‘Fourth of July’; our bounty of roses has made this spot a mainstay attraction since The Gardens first opened in Birmingham.
Hess Camellia Garden: Another beautiful site, this Shade Garden and the Japanese Garden are found at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Come and enjoy the diversity these gardens offer.
Huntsville Botanical Garden: The 112-acre Botanical Garden is open year-round and contains a diverse ecosystem of meadows, upland and bottomland forest, and wetlands, as well as a variety of specialty gardens and native plant collections. The Mathews Nature Trail contains the largest accredited trillium collection in the U.S. and the Anderson Education Center is home to the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. The Native Plants Teaching Garden is a public space that highlights the way local plants, soil, pollinators, and birds create distinct communities and how they interact to form a diverse, sustainable, and attractive landscape. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Garden is a member of the American Public Gardens Association of North America. Discover this garden in Huntsville.
Dothan Area Botanical Gardens: Serene retreat featuring 50 acres of lush, manicured gardens with ponds & shady walking trails. It is on the smaller side but for $5 a person it was well worth the money! There is a gorgeous Asian garden and tropical plant house. You can see a good variety of roses, camellias, and herbs, too. There are paved walkways for a very peaceful and quiet stroll on a Sunday morning. For the children, there is a kid zone which everyone loves. Found in town Dothan north of Atlanta.
Aldridge Gardens: This spot is amazing. Wonderful accessible walking trails, a hands-on bonsai educational opportunity, a Veterans Memorial Arbor and Pentagon Plaza with beautiful views of the lake, also a great place to take a run in the park – and just adorable geese or ducks! They also have a venue you can rent for events. Come experience the beauty and hospitality the city of Hoover has to offer.
Cornerstone Gardens: This garden is a beautiful hidden gem! You might very well love all the Bible verses throughout the garden! Cornerstone Gardens and Arboretum was created as a place of meditation, rest, and reflection for Carriage House Repose & Restore, Inc., a Christian support ministry for ministers, missionaries, and evangelists. The Carriage House is situated on the property close to the gardens, and the pastors and others come to stay there as a short-term respite. The caretakers and stewards of the Carriage House ministry have opened the gardens to the general public to share the natural beauty and wonder of over 5,000 plants and trees comprised of over 150 different species. Travel to Mobile to enjoy this garden.
TravelKatz is looking forward to helping you and yours have a special vacation in Alabama where you will get to see beautiful gardens. Just call us at 352-277-7300 or chat at www.travelkatz.com.
COLUMBUS, OHIO
Alcohol has played some small role in several of the stories so far, and Columbus is no exception. Almost called Ohio City, Columbus was, of course, named after Christopher Columbus. The name was suggested by General Joseph Foos, a state legislator and local tavern owner who, according to legend, got his fellow legislators drunk at his tavern in order to sway their vote toward Columbus. The Ohio General Assembly officially named the town Columbus on February 20, 1812.
Ohio Statehouse: The grounds are as impressive as the building itself. Don’t miss the very moving holocaust memorial and the war letters carved in stone. The rotunda is lovely. The tours are every hour on the hour and are free. The tour guides are so informative. This is a must for all grade school children to learn about Ohio government. Parking is nearby at the commons and is very reasonable priced. The tour starts in the basement. Reservations are not needed for individuals. This could be a fun afternoon for adults looking for an activity. You will get more access and get to see the senates and house of rep meeting rooms when you go on the tour. The architecture is beautiful. They also have elevators to access the second and third floors, so for children and elderly it should not be a problem. The beauty of the meeting rooms, dome, and overall structure are unique and exemplary. The nooks and crannies and historic staircases will surprise you. The gift shop is worth a separate trip and makes Ohio’s creativity and resourcefulness shine.
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum: it is a national treasure for cartoons. Come here to see the history of comics, funny papers, editorial commentary. Multiple galleries and a library; comfortable and spacious. Located on the Oval, near the Ohio State University Union. Two rooms and a hallway comprise this museum of mirth and politics. You know, cartoons are either political or funny. The museum has permanent exhibits and ones that change throughout the year. Depending on your level of interest, you can spend as much time as you want or spend about 20-30 minutes. Either way, you will be pleased that you visited. The staff is passionate about preserving the cartoon history and is very friendly and accommodating.
Central Ohio Fire Museum: Tons of fun and interactive activities. You can take great pictures of the kids dressed up in fireman clothing and sliding down the fire pole. Kids will talk about this for weeks after you trip. Great teaching opportunity for kids as well. Top notch displays in a historic fire station. The museum is hosted in an old Columbus Fire Department station from 1908. It originally had 10 horses in the station and sometime in the early 1920’s went away from the horses and to fire trucks. It was purchased from the city in the 1980’s and fundraising and restoration started at that point in time. This is a must do in Columbus. It kind of bring out that inner kid in all that at some point in time wanted to be a fire fighter. Oh and by the way, be sure to ask about the ambulance restoration taking place.
Ohio History Center: This is a great place to spend a couple of hours learning and re-learning some of Ohio’s amazing history. From the natural history gallery to the “White Castle exhibit on the second floor and everything in between, there is something for everyone. You may especially like the 1950’s exhibit featuring the Lustron home, the ’56 Chevy Bel-Aire, and the vintage Airstream. The Civil War battle flag exhibit is also a favorite. Currently there is an exhibit of Korean War photographs by Max Desfor. The Ohio Village is open during the museum hours during the summer. the village is great, and great gift shop. Such an assortment of historical items and placed so that it is easy to navigate. A must.
Kelton House Museum & Garden: On the national register of historic places, Kelton House is gem. This 1800’s Victorian brick home built by a well-respected businessman of the time is pleasure to experience. The terrific audio tour (included in your $6 admission fee ) provides a wealth of information on the family that owned the home, the practicality of decor in the 1800’s ( i.e. lace curtains on every window as screens were not yet invented & curtains served as a bug/dust barrier to the home during the summer months, and the history of one runaway slave that helped to support the undocumented history of this home as a stop on Ohio’s Underground Railroad. The garden behind the Carriage House is small, but delightful. Make sure to visit the basement for an amazing but shocking story.
Ohio Stadium: Filled with tradition, school spirit, and fall fun, this is a must do experience for any buckeye fan. Avoid B deck, as viewing can be restricted by poles or the overhang of c deck. Any seat in c deck will give you a great view. Make plans to attend the skull session before the game to get pumped up with the band and team! Ohio Stadium is a unique experience since you have 110,000 screaming fans and if that doesn’t give you goosebumps nothing will. Home of the Ohio State buckeyes powerhouse football team packed to capacity and rocking almost every Saturday in the fall, if you’re a Buckeye fan this is a must on your bucket list, you will not be disappointed.
You can flight directly into Columbus and have a great time in this state capital. Just give TravelKatz a call at 352-277-7300 and we will make it happen for you.
If you prefer to stay in Cincinnati, here are 36 fun filled hours to keep you busy…
36 Hours in Cincinnati
In the early 19th century, Cincinnati, then the biggest city in the west, was nicknamed Queen City. Two hundred or so years later, it is experiencing another boom, this time in its historic Over-the-Rhine district, which is being transformed with significant investments in infrastructure. Changes include a new streetcar that connects downtown to the neighborhood, and an expansion of the district’s art scene. The latter will include three new or enlarged performing arts venues opening this fall. By then, the Brewing Heritage Trail in Over-the-Rhine will feature signposts linking many of the city’s old breweries. Spotlighting the city’s fine arts, Blink Cincinnati, a display of light installations projected across 20 blocks, will run Oct. 12 to 15.
Friday
4 P.M. Stimulus Plan
The Contemporary Arts Center in downtown Cincinnati, which opened in 2003, is best known as Zaha Hadid’s first American project. But it’s the curatorial content that makes it truly compelling, from an entire floor that was recently filled with lifelike clown sculptures by the Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, to topical shows covering racism and sexism. Last year, thanks in large part to $150,000 raised by many millennial donors, the museum went admission-free, at least for the next two years — a yardstick by which to measure support for the arts in Cincinnati. Make art of your own at the top-floor UnMuseum, a play space not limited to children.
6 P.M. Highbrow Happy Hour
Browse the contemporary art collection at the gallery-like 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati over drinks from the hotel bar. A fitting neighbor to the Contemporary Arts Center, the 156-room hotel harbors a bi-level gallery of rotating exhibits largely drawn from the collection of the hotel’s owners, Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson. Grab a vodka-grapefruit Sunrise in Florence ($8) or a tequila-lemon Juarez ($10) from the hotel bar and restaurant Metropole and browse the collection. The management often stocks art supplies in a room adjoining the second-floor galleries, should inspiration strike.
7:30 P.M. Seductive Supper
When you descend from street level to the subterranean, candlelit Sotto with quasi-private, brick-arched nooks, you can understand why Serena Williams and Drake were photographed canoodling here one summer. The sexy Italian restaurant, a casual counterpart to Boca restaurant above, specializes in wood-grilled dishes from the exposed hearth. They include simple bread rubbed with garlic ($4), quail ($34) and a porterhouse steak for two ($85). Don’t miss the homemade pastas, especially the ravioli-like short rib cappellacci ($18), and the piping hot ricotta doughnuts ($8). If the atmosphere doesn’t improve your date, nothing will.
Saturday
10 A.M. Rolling on the River
Cincinnati’s shared bicycle system, Red Bike, with 56 stations in the metro area (including Newport, Covington and Bellevue in northern Kentucky) gives cyclists the singular thrill of cycling in two states. A one-day pass ($8) allows unlimited rides of up to one hour at a time, easily allowing renters to pedal along the banks of the Ohio River on the Cincinnati side, which is largely park land, then crossing over to Kentucky via the Purple People Bridge. Opened in 1872 as the area’s first train bridge, the half-mile span now serves only pedestrians and cyclists. On the Kentucky side, bike paths top the grassy levee, offering views to flood gates. Return to Cincinnati via the 1866 vintage John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, a fraternal twin to the namesake engineer’s Brooklyn Bridge.
11 A.M. Freedom Quest
On the banks of the Ohio River, which once separated a free state, Ohio, from a slave state, Kentucky, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (admission $15) examines slavery in America, from the nameless scores who died at sea during the Middle Passage from Africa, to the enslaved heroes who went on to be authors, lawyers and leaders. Powerful exhibits include a slave pen from the early 1800s, which once held individuals in rural Kentucky before they were sold. Other exhibits explore past and present human rights issues. A new virtual reality experience puts users in Rosa Parks’s seat on the Montgomery bus ($5).
2 P.M. Progressive Feast
Use the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar ($1) to travel from downtown to the nearby Over-the-Rhine district (abbreviated as OTR), a former German enclave. Stylish boutiques, trendy restaurants and handsome Italianate buildings fill the gentrifying district, especially along Vine Street. Follow your nose to the bustling Findlay Market. In operation since the mid-19th century, the market today mixes produce stalls with cheesemongers, butchers and prepared-food specialists serving everything from barbecue to gelato. Sample its offerings with Barb Cooper, the owner of Cincinnati Food Tours, during a 90-minute walk ($20) that introduces visitors to the market. Samples en route often include goetta, the traditional pork-oat sausage patty synonymous with Cincinnati.
4:30 P.M. Houses of Mirth
Cincinnati was home to 36 breweries by 1860, a density that earned it the nickname “Beer Capital of the World.” Prohibition doomed most of them, but new microbreweries are reclaiming the city’s place in the beer galaxy. Try the Truth IPA ($6) at Rhinegeist, which occupies the former bottling building of historic Christian Moerlein brewery, a warehouse so vast patrons can play whiffle ball indoors. In 2015, Taft’s Ale House moved into an abandoned 1850-vintage Protestant church, replacing pews with picnic tables and the altar with a bar tapping styles from the quaffable Nellie’s Keylime Caribbean Ale to the rich Maverick Chocolate Porter ($8 for a five-sample flight).
6 P.M. Farm-Fresh Fare
The chef José Salazar, a James Beard nominee for best chef in the Great Lakes region, mixes a respect for ingredients, often locally sourced, with a sense of play at his eponymous Over-the-Rhine restaurant Salazar. It seats only 40, so make a reservation in advance for a spot in the bright, storefront bistro where seasonal dishes may include heirloom polenta with a duck egg ($12), and “everything salmon,” a play on a loaded bagel, complete with a sesame-poppy seed crust on the fish ($29).
8 P.M. Curtain Time
Catch a show at one of three major performing arts theaters in Over-the-Rhine, each either reopening after major renovations or debuting in the fall. The grand red brick Music Hall, home to the Cincinnati Symphony, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet and Cincinnati Opera, will reopen in October after a $143 million investment in the 1878 landmark. Down the block, Ensemble Theater Cincinnati will unveil its approximately $7 million renovation and expansion in October with “This Random World,” by the playwright Steven Dietz. Nearby, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will open its new theater where no seat will be farther than 20 feet from the thrust stage when its fall season opens with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” running Sept. 8 to 30.
11 P.M. Doctor’s Orders
Review the show over an adult elixir at Sundry and Vice, a neighborhood corner bar modeled on an old apothecary (antique pharmacists’ prescriptions paper the bathrooms). Try the thematically appropriate Night Cure ($10) with bourbon, lemon, honey and grapefruit oil, or an old-fashioned on draft ($9). Wine lovers can catch last call at the laid-back urban winery Revel OTR.
Sunday
9:30 A.M. Sunny Side Starter
Stick to your diet or go gleefully off it at the new Maplewood Kitchen and Bar downtown. Its breakfast choices hew healthy — green juice ($8), avocado toast ($6) and Greek yogurt with chia seeds ($8) — with a selection of more substantial dishes, including chipotle-braised chicken with two eggs ($10) and a side of goetta from locally acclaimed Eckerlin Meats ($4). The sunny restaurant has an organic appeal in its food and décor, with pale wood rafters and hanging ferns that attracts a hipster-to-senior range of fans.
11:30 A.M. Queen of the Tunnels
Many 19th-century breweries in Over-the-Rhine maintained subterranean tunnels that allowed them to age their lager in cool, dark places. American Legacy Tours guides visitors to some of them in its Queen City Underground Tour ($20). The two-hour walk provides a historic overview of the neighborhood before descending to a historic church crypt and a warren of brick-arched lagering tunnels. The tour ends in the former malt-house-turned-tap-room of Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. for a final toast to the weekend.
Lodging
In addition to its art galleries, the 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnatifeatures 156 rooms, a spa with three treatment rooms, and a rooftop cocktail lounge. Rooms from $199.
For a stylish hotel at more affordable rates, cross the river to the new Hotel Covington in Kentucky, a former 1910 department store refashioned by the Aparium Hotel Group to hold 114 rooms, a restaurant and coffee bar. Rooms from $149.
Another option for our Ohio Vacation Package is the Natural Wonder. See our selection of choice below to see if it fancies your style. Please don’t hesitate in contacting us with any questions or concerns.
OHIO: Hocking Hills State Park
Follow the hemlock-lined trails of Hocking Hills State Park and you’ll find cascading waterfalls, deep-recessed caves, and cliff views that will steal your breath away. For thousands of years, water flowed through the valley and cut away the Blackhand Sandstone, smoothing out a walkway for visitors.
