Teeny Tiny Escapes
In between our normal global travels, it is fun to explore nearby venues and points of interest. There is so much in our own backyard to keep us busy! From finding new bike trails, to museums, gardens, and architecture ~ we do not have to look too far to stir our passion for learning.
Touring my home city of Cleveland!
Fun Facts:
Cleveland was the first city to be lit by electricity. Benjamin Franklin may have been the one to discover electricity, but Charles Brush of Cleveland is credited with illuminating Public Square in 1879. Side fact, the first electric traffic signal was placed at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and East 105th Street.
In 1952, the first rock concert was held in Cleveland. The concert featured acts such as Paul Williams and the Hucklebuckers, and Tony Grimes and the Rockin’ Highlanders. Entrance fees were $1.50.
The Old Arcade was the first indoor shopping mall in the United States and dates back to 1890.
So many things to see; movie locations, the West Side market for lunch, public square, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. My favorite has to be getting out on Lake Erie on the Goodtime 3!
A little gem near downtown Columbus, The Scioto Audubon Metro Park is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.
There is a great dog park for your furry friends, a climbing wall for the brave, a bike trail with easy parking, and a boat ramp near by to launch whatever it is you like to paddle. Enjoy!
Kelly's Island
One of our favorite escapes is to Kelly's Island on Lake Erie.
Visit the petroblyphs on the north shore that are close to 1000 years old. The 100 + inscriptions are listed in the National Register of Historic plances and thought to be Pre- Columbian.
Next on your mini tour is to the Glacial Groves created over 18000 years ago and preserved by the state park.
Explore the beautiful Herndon sculpture gardens ~a ten acre stroll around his gallery to the lake. Dont forget to visit the gallery to admire his works.
If you are a camper, make sure you check out the state park - the campsites are quiet and many sites are right on the lake, I love falling asleep to the gentle sound of the waves.
After morning coffee, the (shark free) waters are great for an afternoon of kayaking!
Arts and Crafts, shops, a winery and brewery, hiking the quarry, taking a stroll on the boardwalk, all can be done socially distanced.
So, whether you take a bike or a car across on the ferry, take some time to visit one of our favorite treasures in Ohio ~ Kellys Island.
Hocking house
If you need to get out and take a scenic drive or hike the beautiful Hocking Hills area, be sure to make the Hocking House one of your stops.
The artist has created soothing gardens to walk thru and admire her whimsical art. These pieces and many more inside the log cabin gift shop available for purchase.
Schnormeier Gardens
A Japanese tea garden, waterfalls, hiking paths through a forest ~
Voted one of the TOP 10 GARDENS IN THE WORLD by Budget travel magazine and just a short drive from Columbus Ohio!
This is a private estate that graciously opens the gardens to the public on weekends in June.
Where to safely escape as the sun warms us up?
How about a beautiful bike ride on the Kokosing Gap Trail.
We have done this in sections but my favorite may be the Mt Vernon to Howard trail.
14 miles long, you will traverse 2 bridges, see a locomotive and caboose, and have the opportunity to ride around Kenyon college in Gambier. At that beautiful barn, head up the hill to treat yourself to some ice cream ~ you will have earned it!
