Ohio aka The Buckeye State, The Birthplace of Aviation, The Heart of it All. If you’d asked me about Ohio before we moved here, I’d have told you it was a state you drove through. We still joke that there is something about Ohio that makes people want to leave the planet due to how many astronauts hail from here! Ohio is also the Mother of Modern Presidents, which incidentally gives me hope for my strong-willed child’s future. But did you know that we celebrate National Ohio Day every year on November 2nd? Seeing as Columbus is the central hub of Ohio both in terms of geography and government, I thought it would be fun to put together a few bucket list items for celebrating that which is uniquely O-H-I-O.
Scarlet and Gray
You can’t turn around without seeing or hearing something about THE Ohio State University. Ohio State football game day is equivalent to not seeing my die-hard fan friends, but also being able to run errands on a Saturday in record time. The word Buckeye is everywhere; from the actual Ohio state tree to every other business’ name and chocolaty confections. Is it clear yet that they bleed scarlet here? I tease, but this fandom owns it and I love them for that.
So eat a buckeye candy from your local shop. Go hunting for buckeye nuts at one of Columbus’ numerous metro park trails. Catch a show at one of the multiple venues and performance centers at OSU. Have a family date night on campus like these lovely locals did. Best of all, join a tailgate or attend a game-day party! Buckeye fans are as loyal to their colors as they are kind and welcoming. There’s zero doubt they’ll want to celebrate Ohio and cheer on their favorite team with you!
Flight and Space
One hour west of Columbus is the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton. Their incredible exhibits walk you through time from the Wright brother’s inventions all the way to the Cold War. It provides tons of information as well as interactive walk-abord aircraft smattered throughout over 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles on display. There’s even a space shuttle exhibit!
If the space gallery at the museum wasn’t enough, the Great Lakes Science Center is worth the trip up to Cleveland. With hundreds of hands-on exhibits, it’ll probably become clear that there’s nothing wrong with Ohio. We generate so many astronauts because space exploration is simply irresistible.
Time and Travel
The Ohio History Center right here in Cbus is the perfect place to celebrate Ohio roots. Explore exhibits on the native flora and fauna and discover what life was like from ancient archaeology and frontier days through the Civil War, WWI, and the 1950’s. Learn how Ohio influenced the sports world either at the history center or at a 19th-century style baseball game played by the Muffins at neighboring Ohio Village. You can’t celebrate there during National Ohio Day seeing as the outdoor village is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. But you can continue the party during the summer months by strolling on wooden sidewalks and gravel roads past Town Hall, Barrington Bicycles, or Murphy’s Lodging House.
It would be remiss not to mention the rich Native American history in Ohio. Take a short trip up to Chillicothe to see Tecumseh and learn about the legendary Shawnee leader. While there, you could visit a few of the more than 70 Indian mounds located around the state. Most notable of these are the impressive Serpent Mound near Chillicothe, the Newark Earthworks an hour east of Columbus, and the Shrum Mound in Campbell Park right downtown Columbus.
In fact, there are quite a few excellent destinations in Ohio within perfect road-trip distance from Columbus. Hocking Hills, Yellow Springs, and Lancaster are only a few of the worth-while day trips you’d enjoy with the whole family!
Tours and Tastes
Ohio’s scenic railroads and covered bridges are iconic. Our state played host to America’s first regular commercial rail service on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad back in 1828 and we haven’t stopped chugging along. Check out the Ohio Railway Museum in Worthington or take a ride aboard one of over ten beautiful and operating scenic railroads. I was delighted to find out recently that covered bridges were a thing to tour here too! Ashtabula County boasts the most covered or “kissing” bridges. However, there are 135 historic covered bridges in various states of use spread throughout Ohio. Self-guided driving tours and/or seasonal scenic tours are available in some areas.
Whether you want to celebrate the city’s culture, heritage, flavors, landmarks, government, or ghost stories, a multitude of tours are available in and around Columbus. Tour via segway, pedal wagon, bus, bike, zipline, or on foot.
Make a day of it by dining at one of Ohio’s best-ranked restaurants and craft breweries that reside in the Columbus area. Make reservations at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, Thurman’s Cafe, or Lindey’s. Go out afterward for drinks at Columbus Brewing Company, Seventh Son Brewing Co., Kindred Brewing or any one of the many excellent breweries and other restaurants around town. Can’t find a sitter? Columbus has some great family-friendly restaurants you should try too.
Perhaps you know Ohio for its Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Maybe you know of Sandusky because of Cedar Point or the movie Tommy Boy. No matter your knowledge or ideas about Ohio, there’s sure to be more to this Buckeye state than you realized. How will you show your Ohio pride on National Ohio Day?
