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Whether it's here in Ohio or road-tripping across the country, Sam of @sam_schoeny doesn't shy from adventure. He hikes Hocking Hills, explores the Lake Metroparks, and takes advantage of all the different things going on in downtown Willoughby. He's currently planning a move to Colorado, but judging by his love of Ohio it seems safe to say he'll be back from time to time. And now, meet Sam...
Where from? I was born and raised on the east side of Cleveland. Specifically I have grown up in Lake County where you’re never more than 10 minutes from one of the Lake Metroparks. Favorite Ohio Adventure? Hmm, that’s a tough one! It’s a close call between Nelson’s Ledges State Park and Hocking Hills. Both of them are so beautiful! I love the diverse landscapes and the caves provided at Nelson’s. Although I think Hocking Hills takes the cake simply because waterfalls… Ha! There’s something sacred about the area, and since I don’t visit too frequently (because it’s much further away), I cherish every step I take while I’m there. There are so many different hikes at Hocking, it’s like another world there. If Narnia was a real place, this would be it. What do you love most about Ohio? The landscape has to be my favorite part about Ohio, which is funny because I grew up with the mentality that Ohio sucks. I was fortunate enough to be exposed to traveling from a young age, and, after visiting oceans and mountains, it’s been hard for me to be content with the flatlands. Although now that I have decided I’m moving to Colorado, I seem to have found a new appreciation for the state I call home. I’m definitely going to miss this place. Favorite Ohio company? I guess if I had to choose one, my favorite Ohio-bases company would be Fat Heads Brewery… because they make several of my favorite beers! I’m probably their biggest individual customer. Favorite Ohio Drink? I don’t think I could choose one :) My two favorite Ohio drinks are Fat Heads Head Hunter & Sunshine Daydream. I’m an IPA enthusiast, and both of these selections will rock your taste buds! I tend to judge beers based on how good the burps taste (lol) and these two are delicious ;) Favorite Ohio City? My favorite city in Ohio is Downtown Willoughby. I moved here over a year ago and I must say I have never felt such a strong community vibe anywhere else in Ohio as I have right here. Public events are held every weekend throughout the summer, and I love living within walking distance to Todd Field, which has river access :) My dog, Cooper, and I have met so many fascinating humans (and cute pups) while swimming and playing at this park. So lovely! My Ohio Adventure to-do list? Honestly, now that my attention has shifted towards moving to Colorado, one of the few things remaining on my Ohio adventure to-do list is to lead an adventure hike through one of my favorite parks on the east side. Parks like Hell Hollow and Indian Point have SO MANY hidden gems, but most people stay on the gravel paths and never really get to experience all these parks have to offer. I don't blog, but I once wrote a little piece about some of the hikes around here. I was surprised to learn how many locals hadn’t known about these gems: http://www.schoenymedia.com/blog/2015/4/4/7-underrated-hikes-in-lake-county-ohio Favorite place to visit outside of Ohio? I can’t say I have one favorite place outside of Ohio. I love every single place I have ever traveled to, and for different reasons. I first fell in love with the state of California before I was old enough to drive. I’ve spent months out there, traveled up and down the coast, and definitely loved the redwoods. Although I love Colorado because of the atmosphere. There’s a huge entrepreneurial ecosystem there, too, which I am excited to be a part of :) I love hiking the Pacific Northwest too, although I don't think I would survive the winters there. Last April I drove across the country again, and it was during this journey that I fell in love with Jackson, Wyoming. A big part of my heart will always be in West Virgina. I just love to travel. It’s hard for me to sit still. Colin is no stranger to adventure. To follow him on Instagram is to hike at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, check out the North Chagrin Reservation, or cross old covered bridges. He's never alone - you'll usually find him with his English Golden Retriever, Charlie. He captures some amazing moments (with his iPhone6, no fancy camera) and they all inspire you to get outside. Read more about what he loves about Ohio, and be sure to follow him on Instagram at @yukoncolin. And now, meet Colin... Where from?
Born and raised in North East Ohio, more specifically Chesterland. I’ve lived here all 25 years of my life and don’t plan on that changing anytime soon. Favorite Ohio Adventure? Locally it would have to be North Chagrin Reservation. It’s not the grandest park around here, but it’s the park that I have been visiting since I was a child. Lots of memories from there. But I’d have to say my hands down favorite “adventure” would be the Lake Erie Islands. There’s nothing like boating up around the islands in the summer. What do you love most about Ohio? The opportunities that the seasons provide are endless in Ohio. I can be skiing in January and then 5 months later I’m skiing on the lake. Camping and hiking in the fall is stunning. Spring… is growing on me. So I would have to say my favorite thing about Ohio is the seasons. O, and the beer. We have really great beer here. Favorite Ohio Company: Ray’s MTB Indoor Park. Everything about this place is amazing. The park is top notch and constantly being improved, the staff is awesome and knowledgeable, and Ray himself is a legend. We’re lucky to have such a unique place in Ohio. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend going. Favorite Ohio Drink? Please don’t make me choose. We have so many great breweries here. But if I had to pick my favorite beer it would have to be White Rajah from The Brew Kettle. It’s so damn delicious. Blackout Stout from GLBC is a close second. Peanut Butter Cup Coffee Porter from Willoughby Brewing as well. There’s just too many to pick from. Favorite Ohio City? Again, tough to choose just one. I’d like to say Put-In-Bay, but currently I would have to say Ohio City in Cleveland. Great food, great people, and I’ve never had a bad trip to the West Side Market. My Ohio Adventure to do list? I’d really like to visit Hocking Hills in the winter. I’ve never been there in the winter but it looks like it would be spectacular. Also I’ve been eyeing kayaks on craigslist, so that’s a thing that might happen soon. Favorite place to visit outside of Ohio? Anywhere in Colorado. If I were to relocate, this is where I would be headed. But visiting will do for now. Fort Collins, Telluride, and Denver come to mind. ,
Nothing refuels my love for Ohio quite like seeing someone new to the state experience it. Kayla, or @stitchedwithwander, is one of those people. She grew up in Minnesota, spent four years playing in the mountains of Colorado, then moved to Ohio 8 months ago. She's really embraced her new home, having already visited many Buckeye state favorites (many on my own bucket list). Check out her website and be sure to follow her daily adventures on Instagram - you won't be disappointed! And now, meet @stitchedwithwander... Where from? Originally from a small town of rural northwestern Minnesota. I lived in northeastern Minnesota along Lake Superior for four years, then Colorado (Denver and Loveland) for four years before moving to Ohio. I have been living in Ohio for a total of 8 months (in the greater Dayton area). Favorite Ohio Adventure? Pretty much the most recent one -- every time I go on a new adventure I constantly find myself saying how it was the best / favorite one! Not to mention it all depends on the conditions, reason, season, time of day, etc. Some of my favorite adventures happen at sunrise, in rain showers or snow falls. But to list a few: Mohican State Park + fall colors, Hocking Hills + rain, Headlands Beach Lighthouse + winter, Sugarcreek Metro Park + snowfall. What do you love most about Ohio? That it borders one of the Great Lakes. And also, the Midwest vibes -- nice people, true wilderness lovers, simplistic living, homegrown pride, open roads.. Favorite Ohio Company? Appalachian Outfitters located near Cuyahoga Valley National Park because they are involved in promoting and protecting the great outdoors. I look forward to someday experiencing Kendall Cliffs there (I have yet to rock climb)! Favorite Ohio Drink? The Carillon Brewery has some awesome sour beers, not to mention a rustic, historical environment as the oldest brewery in America! Favorite Ohio City? Yellow Springs -- it reminds me of a mini-Boulder with its vibrant character, counter-cultural movement, free-spirited history, locally grown food and surrounding hiking trails. My Ohio Adventure to do list? Visit all of the lighthouses and as many metro parks.. Discover more places to camp, mountain bike, kayak, snowshoe, snowboard.. Learn more about the history and culture.. Inspire others to get out and explore all this state had to offer. Favorite place to visit outside of Ohio? The Colorado Rockies or San Juan mountains in Colorado -- I have hiked 9 of the 53 total 14ers (mountains in excess of 14,000') and hope to make it up several more, if not all, throughout my lifetime. I would also have to say Thailand -- my only real culture shock experience when I studied abroad there back in 2009. The final week of 2015 seems like the perfect time to recap some of my favorite adventures of the year. One of these adventures was the Ohio State Fair. I went while I was nursing a stress fracture. Nothing puts your love of fried food to the test quite like a stress fracture. I realized I might love fried buckeyes a little too much because I was willing to hobble around the Ohio State Fair in one of those Stormtrooper looking boots they put you in when you’ve got a broken foot - FOR FOUR HOURS - all for a fried buckeye. I exaggerate a bit, there was a lot more to see and do at the fair that I went for: baby pigs, butter cows, Smokey the Bear, a petting zoo, corn dogs, bison, the list goes on and on. One of my favorite features of the fair, and where I spent a big part of my day, is the Natural Resources Park. Here you will find a prairie, butterflies, fishing, archery (for real!), lots of info on the Ohio State Parks, and much more. Definitely plan a stroll through next year if you’ve never stopped. You’ll learn a lot about the state, and feel like you’re a million miles away from the midway. The Fair also brings in a variety of bands and artists each year, and there are usually at least one or two decent acts. While I didn’t attend any of the concerts this year, I saw the Beach Boys there two years ago, and it was obviously amazing. John Stamos joined on the drums. I’m still not ready to talk about it. Rides, animals, Ohio history, crafts, food, drink, games, and much more are all found at the Ohio State Fair. Keep it in mind next summer if you’re looking for something different to do! Things you must check out when you go:
One of the highlights of 2015 for me was the Columbus Ale Trail. There are 25 breweries in the Columbus area. They teamed up, along with a network of partners and supporters, to create the Columbus Ale Trail. You simply stop by any of the participating breweries to get your Ale Trail Brew Book, then get it stamped at each location you visit and purchase a beer from. When you make it to four, stop by one of the Experience Columbus locations for a free pint glass. The first 500 people to visit all 20 participating breweries receive a free tshirt (legit most comfy shirt ever), which can be picked up at the Ohio Tap Room. There are about 60 left, and shirts will be available to purchase for $8 after. The trail isn’t just about drinking beer - it takes you to new parts of town, allows you to meet cool people (the staff and customers alike), and supports local businesses. We started in May and ended in August, and found it the perfect summer activity (but really any time of year would have been perfect for it). We often paired our trips to breweries with stops to restaurants or parks nearby that we might not have otherwise visited, adding to the adventure. Good news from Ale Trail cofounder, Cheryl Harrison of Drink Up Columbus fame: The trail is returning in 2016, and making its debut during Columbus Craft Beer Week May 13-21st! There may be new breweries and there will be new rewards, so even if you complete the 2015 trail, there will be incentive to trail again next year! Here is a roundup of my 5 favorite stops. Even if you don’t want to complete the full trail, or are just visiting Columbus for a day, definitely look into these spots out - you won’t regret it! Rockmill Brewery: Located in Lancaster (about 30 minutes from Columbus), Rockmill is one of the most unique locations on the trail. They specialize in Belgian beers because the water found on their farm has a similar mineral content of that found in Wallonia, Belgium. You’re free to roam around the property, so you can enjoy a beer on one of the couches in the old farmhouse, out on the patio, or down by the pond. While they don’t serve food, they encourage you to bring your own. They sometimes close for private events, so check their website first before visiting. *Tip: Rock Mill Park is located just down the street. Stop by to check out the old grist mill, covered bridge, and charming little waterfall. I also suggest a trip to Slate Run Farm or Chestnut Ridge, which are close, for a hike if you’re feeling real ambitious. North High Brewing: This was our first stop on the trail. We’d been before, and quite a few times since, and not just because we can walk there. We love the beer, the staff is always friendly (and super excited to give us tips on other breweries to check out), and the crowd never too fratty or crazy. North High is unique in that you can brew your own beer here. You can choose from dozens of blends, and even get to come back to bottle. There is always a party there brewing - which you can watch from the bar. Perhaps that will be on my 2016 to do list! *Tip: There is parking, across the street, behind Kroger. Come during sunset and, thanks to the open lot across the street, you can view the best sunsets. Elevator Brewing Company: Elevator operates a bar and restaurant, as well as a taproom. We opted to visit the taproom on a rainy Saturday. It’s perfectly low key, with a small bar (with kegs for stools!) a few tables to hang out at, a couple of tvs with old school Nintendo - yes, please. The atmosphere alone is enough to bring me back, but the beer is delicious. If you can’t make it to all stops on the trail, prioritize this one. *Tip: There is parking lot, as well as plenty of street parking. Wolf’s Ridge is a block away - two for one stop! Homestead Beer Company: We made to Homestead, located in Heath, on a sunny afternoon in the summer. Although it was nice outside (and they have cornhole!), we opted to sit at the bar where the staff and patrons were so friendly and fun to talk with. The bartender was knowledgeable about the company's operations, the fellow patrons immediate new friends, and the beer delicious and reasonably priced. Not surprising, lots of regulars stopped in to get growlers refilled while we were there. We opted to start with a flight of 5 samples before committing to a pint. When you visit (and you must), note that you will not see signage for it off the main road. It will look like you’re turning into Boeing’s facilities, but you’ll cross the train tracks and drive on back and find this small but awesome operation. *Tip: Check out their website in advance for hours and food truck offerings, and a map view of where you’re heading. Four String Brewing Company:
Like most stops, Four String offers flights or pints in their small but awesome tap room, tucked away off 6th Ave in Grandview. There isn’t much here but a small bar, a few tables, and the equipment used to brew their beers, but really what else do you need? Their Brassknuckle IPA is my current favorite beer, and has been for some time. I order it wherever I go, and gave my mother strict orders to have it for me at Thanksgiving. *Tip: Check out their website for food truck offerings, or swing by Zauber (across the street) for a bite and another stamp in your book. I’m in love with REI’s #optoutside movement, and have huge respect for their decision to close their doors on Black Friday. That said, I work retail, and appreciate the business Black Friday shoppers will bring retailers and thus keep me employed. However you plan to spend Friday, I encourage you to at least spend part of your day outside, enjoying the fresh air. The mall can wait. Below I’ve listed a park within a few minutes of some of the state’s major malls. This list is by no means comprehensive, but meant to be a guide and inspiration for getting in some steps outside.
Your mall or shopping spot not on the list? Do what I did: search where you plan to shop on Google maps, zoom out, find a green spot, zoom in and read what park it is – that simple! Doesn’t have to be a big, popular spot. Lots of neighborhoods around the malls have small but beautiful spots where you can take a walk amongst the trees, along a creek, or around a lake or pond. Whatever you do this holiday weekend, have fun and be safe! Adventure on. Cincinnati:
Cleveland:
Dayton:
Lancaster:
Toledo:
Some of us Ohioans saw our first snow this past weekend, but don’t let that dull your sense of adventure, especially if you’ve got kids. Even when the temperatures turn cold there is still plenty to do around Ohio. I teamed up with Stacie from Little Adventures Await to create a list of 10 fun day trips designed with kids in mind. While we focused on areas within about 90 minutes or so of Columbus, these are easy trips from just about anywhere in Ohio - and fun even if you don’t have kids. So pack some snacks and bundle everyone up for a drive. Most of these include indoor experiences, but some will require some snowsuits and boots and a sense of adventure! 1. Hocking Hills (Logan):
2. Loudonville: Both Mohican and Malabar have a lot to offer, and could easily be day trips on their own. That said, you can also shorten your stay at both and easily see each of these State Parks in one day trip.
3. Yellow Springs:
4. Dayton Air Force Museum Dayton holds enough activities for an entire post of its own, so we decided to stick with just one of its most famous and well-known indoor attractions. Dads and little airplane and space enthusiasts will have lots to explore, and best of all...it is FREE!
5. Mansfield: At about an hour north of Columbus off 71, Mansfield is reasonably close and convenient, and with lots to do there, a great place to check out this winter!
6. Canal Winchester/Lithopolis: Close enough to not be a hassle, but feels a million miles from the city (in a good way!) when you’re there.
7. Delaware: Delaware sits just far enough to our North that it could be considered a day trip, and an opportunity to discover a place you never knew was so close.
8. Springfield:
Springfield is located near Dayton, so you can easily add these stops to a Dayton trip, if you’re up for it! That said, Springfield has a lot to offer, so worth spending a day. Here are a few options of places to check out.
9. West Liberty:
10. Zanesville/Newark: Straight out 70, you’ll find some indoor fun at these two places and make it back home in time for dinner.
And a very special bonus this holiday season... 11. Sugar Creek:
I started the Adventurer Profiles back in July as a way to get to know the people exploring Ohio - the people behind the pictures. I started with myself. Because it's been a few months and 7000 more of you all have followed along since, I thought I'd reintroduce myself, the person behind @myohioadventure.
I started the account because I wanted a place that I could not only share my adventures around Ohio, in hopes that it would inspire others to get out and explore, but also share what others are up to as well. I can't do and see it all, bills won't pay themselves, so I love sharing your experiences as well - helps me share more than I could otherwise. And so, @myohioadventure and the #myohioadventure hashtag was born. I didn't, and still don't, want it to simply be a feed of perfectly posed shots (check out @socality if that's what you're into), but rather a mixture of everything from professionally captured moments to the beautiful quick shots we capture on our phones. And now, meet me, @luftballoons.... Where from: Born and raised in Worthington (a Columbus suburb). Did a brief stint in Athens to attend OU, finished my degree back in Columbus at Ohio State, spent 3 years in Brooklyn, a year in Memphis, and am now back and settled in Cbus. Currently live in Victorian Village and absolutely love it. Favorite Ohio Adventure: The Columbus Metro Parks. There are 16, each unique in size and what you can do there, and all are fun and beautiful. Battelle Darby Creek has bison, my favorite animal, so obviously it's my favorite of their parks. Back in March I made a goal for myself to visit all 16 this year. They've since added 2 parks, and have a 3rd in the works. With a few weeks to go, I've got 5 left. It's been such a fun challenge that's allowed me to see new spots around my city. I'll probably do it again next year! What do you love most about Ohio? The Ohio pride. Not everyone, but I feel like so many people from Ohio have such love and respect for their home state. Even people I know that have moved away (and will probably never move back) have deep love for Ohio and pride about being from here. It's contagious, and a big reason why I moved home. Favorite Ohio Companies: 7thirty8 Apparel. Owner Matt shares my love of exploring Ohio (and Pearl Jam), but also his stuff is awesome. Ohio themed, Ohio made. Homage. They started with Ohio tshirts, but even as they’ve grown much larger, they stay loyal to Ohio and Columbus. Every year they still set up a booth at Columbus’ Comfest and I love that this event, even if small compared to their size, isn’t beneath them. Glitteracy. Chelsea's work is super cute and fun. Great for the home, great for gifts, great for whatever. Favorite Ohio Food: Ice cream from any rural Ohio ice cream establishment. No one does ice cream quite like rural Ohio, amiright? Favorite Ohio Drink: Four String Brass Knuckle, CBC IPA, North High anything, and Land Grant Stiff Arm. I like beer, can you tell? Favorite Ohio City: Quaker City. It’s where my grandparent’s farm is located. Population hovers around 500, neighbors houses can’t be seen because they’re too far away, and only recently did they finally pave (some of) the roads. I grew up playing in the woods there, and while I went through a decade-long phase where I didn’t care for the outdoors, I now can’t imagine my life without the farm. It's where I learned to adventure, and will be forever grateful for it. My Ohio Adventure to-do list: The Canopy Walk and Emergent Tower at Holden Arboretum, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, Mansfield Reformatory Favorite place to adventure outside of Ohio: Arizona. My dad lives in San Tan Valley, AZ, outside of Phoenix. When I visit we hike, take his ATV out for rides, day trip to the Grand Canyon or California, eat our way around the area, and just sit and enjoy the views of the mountains from his backyard. It’s hot as hell, but perfect. New York City. It's the most amazing city to just wander around and get lost in. Never a dull moment. Never not exciting. And if you need an escape from the craziness, parks like Prospect Park and Central Park make you feel like you're a million miles away. Thanks for following along and helping me learn more about Ohio! A quick hop on over to @normadodge's Instagram page and it's easy to see why she has so many followers. Norma is 90 years young and living life to the fullest. From Instameets with her son, to Columbus Metro Parks with her great grand kids, she knows how to get out there and have fun. And her throwback pics are equally awesome - like shots of her petting white tigers or gorillas at the zoo. All we can hope is to be half the adventurer she is at her age, or any age.
And now, meet @normadodge... Where from? Ross County, but called Columbus home for 72 years. What do you love most about Ohio? I love Ohio and its history - from the hills and hollows of Ross County, where I grew up, to my husband's flat prairie lands in Union County. There is beauty in every season, emerging green in the spring, summer sun and flowers, the beautiful colors of fall, and the first snowfall. What is more beautiful to see than trees covered with sparkling ice? Favorite Ohio adventure? Columbus, my home for the last 72 years, is my very favorite city but I love to visit the others! Country woods and lanes, metro and state parks, the Wilds and the Columbus Zoo are some of my very favorite places to visit. I love finding new places to read about and visit (Thanks @myohioadventure). Favorite Ohio drink? My favorite Ohio drink has to be fresh apple cider -the best from Whitehouse, near Canfield or that from Laurelville. I can't think of anywhere I would rather live than Ohio. |
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