Ohio is a diverse state with five distinct regions: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest and Central Ohio. The local accent varies greatly by region; for example, in the northern regions, Ohioans are likely to speak with the nasal twang common to Midwesterners. Travel to southern Ohio, and you may hear pronunciations like “warshed,” for "washed," and “hunnerd,” for "hundred," that are more commonly associated with the Southern states. The weather in Ohio is just as diverse, ranging from an average January temperature of 25 degrees Fahrenheit to 72 degrees in July.
The Northeast Ohio region puts you within minutes of a variety of activities, including The Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Hall of Fame, a 150,000-square-foot facility with seven floors and a number of exhibits. You should allow a minimum five hours to see everything. Another attraction is the Great Lakes Science Center, which has several permanent exhibits, temporary exhibits and an Omnimax Theater. The suggested time to tour this site is four to six hours. Other options include the U.S. Women’s Air and Space Museum, and if you are traveling between May 1 and September 30, you can tour the submarine memorial, the USS Cod.
Rated as one of the 10 best zoos in the country, the Toledo Zoo, at the south end of the city has more than 9,000 animals and 8,000 species. Plan to spend four to six hours experiencing the entire zoo. The Toledo Museum of Art houses over 30,000 works of art in the downtown business district. You can also spend hours at the Toledo County Metro Parks enjoying a variety of outdoor activities, including walking, biking and cross-country skiing.
Columbus offers a variety of activities, including the Center of Science and Industry that offers live shows as well as exhibits. Allow three to four hours to tour the entire center. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium can provide hours of enjoyment with hundreds of animals, shops, shows and several rides. For history buffs, the Ohio Historical Center will give you an informative glimpse into Ohio’s past.
Marietta is rich in Ohio history and provides visitors with a variety of choices. A day trip down the Ohio River Scenic Byway provides scenery along the Ohio River and several hiking trails along the way. Visitors will find museums in town, including a Toy and Doll Museum, a Railroad Museum and an Art Glass Museum as well as historic homes with guided tours. Guided carriage and trolley tours of the city are also available that highlight the history of the area.
Cincinnati is a diverse town that offers something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve, the Mitchell Memorial Forest and Mount Echo Park. History lovers can choose from the Underground Railroad Museum, a Creation Museum and the William Howard Taft historic site. Cincinnati is also home to malls, antique shops and boutiques.
