Every year, Americans pack their luggage and head off on a vacation. The destination, method of travel and time away may all differ from one vacation to another, but the common goal of every vacation is the same--to get away. Mini-vacations allow you to get away for a shorter amount of time, stay closer to home and save a little money. Every state offers different types of mini-vacations for all interests and age groups.
Located directly on Lake Erie in Northwest Ohio, Sandusky offers vacationers many options for a mini-vacation getaway with affordable lodging, numerous restaurants and unique attractions, according to the Sandusky Tourism website. Thrill-seekers and families can spend a day at Cedar Point Amusement Park and then crash at one of six Cedar Point hotels and campsites. For a more low-key experience, take a ferry from Sandusky to Put-in-Bay or Kelley's Island, two Lake Erie islands full of restaurants, historical sites and other activities like winery tours, water sports and parks. Sandusky is also home to the Cedar Downs casino, Soak City Water Park and the Merry-Go-Round Museum.
Cedar Point Amusement Park
One Cedar Point Dr.
Sandusky, OH 44870
419-627-2350
cedarpoint.com
Cedar Downs
1935 Cleveland Rd
Sandusky, OH 44870
419-626-6761
cedardownsotb.com
Merry-Go-Round Museum
301 Jackson St.
Sandusky, OH 44870
419-626-6111
merrygoroundmuseum.org
To really get away from it all, consider Hocking Hills in Southeast Ohio. Known for its outdoor activities, numerous parks and nature areas and secluded cabin and cottage accommodations, Hocking Hills offers vacationers of all ages a great mini-vacation. Outdoor activities include canoeing, hiking, zip lines, rock climbing, hunting, fishing, ATV tours and plane rides, according to the Hocking Hills website. Families will love the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway and mini-golf. For the less outdoorsy types, Hocking Hills also features art galleries, antique shops and other shopping.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
33 W. Canal St.
Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
740-753-9531
hvsry.org
Hocking Hills Canoe Livery
12789 St Rt 664
Logan, OH 43138
740-385-0523
hockingriver.com
Try the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area as another destination for a mini-vacation in (and near) Ohio. Cincinnati gives visitors the best of both worlds--big-city amenities and small-town charm. According to the Cincinnati tourism website, Cincinnati and nearby Northern Kentucky present mini-vacationers with a plethora of accommodations, restaurants and attractions. Families will love King's Island Theme Park, Newport Aquarium and the Cincinnati Museum Center. Sports fans can check out the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum and Paul Brown Stadium, home of the Bengals. Numerous restaurants can be found on both sides of the Ohio River. You can even dine on the river, with several restaurants on old riverboats floating on the river.
King's Island Theme Park
6300 Kings Island Dr.
Kings Island, OH 45034
513-754-5700
kingsisland.com
Newport Aquarium
One Aquarium Way
Newport, KY 41071
859-261-7444
newportaquarium.com
Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45203
513-287-7000
cincymuseum.org
