Posts with tag 'Things to Do'
16
Tasty Trails: 9 Ways to Eat and Drink Your Way Across Ohio & NKY
Foodies of Ohio, your dream has come true! You can literally eat and drink your way across this great state with food and beverage trails spotlighting a wide range of dishes, drinks, and cuisines. Indulge in mac & cheese in Northeast Ohio, sip on lattes in Columbus, or bite into tacos in Cincinnati. Which trail will you head to first?
Taco Trail
Who says tacos are just for Tuesdays? With almost two dozen wonderful Mexican restaurants, you can enjoy this classic favorite any day of the week along the Taco Trail. The flavors are so authentic that you'll close your eyes and think you're south of the border. Earn points each time you check in at a location and build your total to receive prizes such as a bottle opener/keychain, shot glass, and t-shirt. Visit the website to have the passport delivered straight to your smartphone.
Mac & Cheese Trail
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Mac & cheese is truly comfort food, deeply satisfying to body and soul. You may be surprised by the variety you'll find along the Mac & Cheese Trail in Cleveland. Try mac & cheese topped with smoky BBQ meats, or have it piled on top of hot dogs and French fries. A couple of locations even offer creamy vegan versions.
Italian Food Trail
Mamma mia! Get your fill of pizza, pasta, and pancetta when you follow the Italian Food Trail. Follow the delicious aromas to more than 60 Italian restaurants, pizzerias, and markets. Many of these locations are family-run, serving food made with original recipes passed down over generations. Just don't ask them to share any of their secrets! Visit the website to get your digital passport.
Columbus Coffee Trail
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Get up bright and early in the morning to hit the Columbus Coffee Trail. You'll have no shortage of caffeine to fuel your visits to these two dozen charming cafés, bakeries, and coffee shops. Most locations carry an irresistible selection of pastries, so the route is a tasty way to satisfy your sweet tooth as well. Four stops earn you a t-shirt. Hit every location to receive a coffee mug. Visit the website to get your digital pass.
Columbus Distillery Trail
Sample some great adult beverages made with the highest-quality ingredients on the Columbus Distillery Trail. The capital city is home to a number of distilleries producing award-winning whiskey, gin, vodka, and bourbon. There's even a "brewstillery" offering craft beer along with spirits. Each site has a specialty Trail cocktail, such as the Side by Side Daiquiri. Check in at four stops for a Simple Times Mixer and visit each one for a t-shirt. Head to the website for your digital pass.
Columbus Tikka Trail
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Do you dosa? Find the answer to this culinary question with a trip along the Columbus Tikka Trail. Indian food incorporates cardamom, cayenne pepper, cumin, and other flavorful spices for a unique taste. Most restaurants let you choose your own level of heat on a scale of one to five. Many also feature buffets so you can try several different dishes. For the record, dosa is similar to a burrito, with a thin rice pancake that can be wrapped around different fillings.
Ales for Trails
For the month of July 2022, Ales for Trails served as a fundraiser for the Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network, referred to as the CROWN. While that event has ended, the trail can still be followed by beer lovers who want to sample a variety of brands and styles. The 10 stops along the way represent the leading microbreweries that make Cincinnati a star in the craft beer movement. As you make your way, you're also roughly following the route planned for the CROWN as Cincinnati's first urban trail loop.
The B-Line
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When it comes to fine whiskey, Kentucky bourbon is the gold standard. Explore the quality and versatility of this iconic spirit through the 19-stop route of the B-Line. The line-up includes five craft distilleries and eight bars, all of which are named in the Bourbon Review's list of "Best Bourbon Bars in America." Rounding out the trail are six restaurants where bourbon complements their menus of Southern, Creole, and BBQ cuisine. Check in at two locations of each of the three types of establishments and receive your choice of gifts, such as a B-Line t-shirt or engraved Glencairn glass. Visit the website to download the digital B-Line Guide.
Taco Trail
What's not to love about tacos? They're fun to eat, they accommodate meat-eaters and vegetarians, and they're great with beer or soft drinks. Cincinnati's Taco Trail is lined with lively and colorful restaurants where you can try a never-ending variety of flavors and types. Styles range from authentic, served simply with onions and cilantro, to gourmet, with creative fillings such as grilled salmon or carmelized cauliflower.
Blazing Your Own Trail
If you were creating your own culinary trail, what food or beverage would be highlighted?
7
8 Places to See Columbus in Lights for the Holidays
Few things can conjure up the joy and wonderment of the season like the dazzling holiday light displays that transform some of your favorite Columbus destinations into magical, enchanted places. These events feature fun for all ages, with many light displays offering exciting extras like ice skating, photos with Santa, great shopping, delicious treats, and a wide variety of fun activities geared toward the youngest members of the family. Start planning with our guide to eight amazing places to enjoy the holiday lights around Columbus.
Columbus Commons Holiday Light Show
160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
Looking for a fun, free light show you can enjoy during a holiday night out around Columbus? Then be sure to stop at the Columbus Commons Holiday Light Show featuring more than 400,000 LED lights spread around the 6-acre park with a prime location near some of the city's best dining and shopping destinations. On Festive Friday nights in December, you can enjoy extras like carousel rides, holiday refreshments, and live music. The display is open every evening from November 18, 2022, to January 1, 2023, starting at dusk and ending at 11 p.m.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights
4850 Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065
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An annual favorite for families around the Columbus area, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights display regularly ranks as one of the most impressive in all of Ohio. With an incredible 3 million lights on display, this beloved family attraction is truly transformed for the holiday season. And that's just the start! There are tons of other activities for the kids to enjoy, including photos with Santa, ice skating, carousel rides, stations for making delicious s'mores, and even camel rides. This event can be enjoyed most evenings from November 18, 2022, through January 1, 2023.
Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights
3311 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015
A locally owned and operated holiday light show that also raises money for a variety of local non-profits, Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights has been delighting families in the Columbus area for nearly 25 years. The display is a short drive from downtown Columbus at Alum Creek State Park Campground and is more than worth the trip. Start by exploring the dazzling drive-through light display taking you through the whole campground, then be sure to leave time to visit Santa's house at the end for photos, gifts, and holiday treats. Purchase your tickets online, then enjoy the show any evening between November 18, 2022, and January 2023.
Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203
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Do you prefer your holiday lights with a side of horticulture? The Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens event offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and holiday cheer. Your favorite gardens will be bathed in lights, with special displays for seasonal plants like poinsettias and evergreens. There will be live entertainment on select evenings, and you'll also get a sneak peek at some of the best entries from the Gingerbread Competition. Reserve your tickets online for this event, which takes place nightly between November 19, 2022, and January 8, 2023.
Holiday Lights at Easton Town Center
160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
Easton Town Center is an excellent place to check items off your holiday shopping list, enjoy a delicious meal, and see some seasonal sights along the way. The shopping center will be lit with more than 2 million lights, including on the towering 50-foot Christmas tree in the town square. There will also be exciting extras like holiday carriage rides and photos with Santa. The lights can be enjoyed every night through January 2, 2023.
Lights at the Scioto Mile
233 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43215
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With eight riverfront parks spread over 175 connected acres, the Scioto Mile is one of the most scenic places in the city at any time of year. It's especially beautiful during the Lights at the Scioto Mile display, which can be enjoyed for free every night between November 23, 2022, and January 2, 2023. The Scioto Mile is located around the corner from the Columbus Commons, making it easy to enjoy both displays in one night.
German Village Holiday Lights
German Village Neighborhood, Columbus, OH 43206
Sure, parks, shopping centers, and drive-through displays all offer fantastic ways to see the lights, but what about when you want to see a whole neighborhood decorated for the holidays? All you have to do is head for the German Village neighborhood in Columbus, where countless homes, businesses, and public places get in on the holiday fun. Starting on December 4, 2022, with the annual Village Lights kickoff event, you can see the whole neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and festive décor before you head to the Christmas Market for some shopping. After the kickoff event, the lights and decorations will be on display for the rest of the holiday season.
Wonderlights Christmas in Ohio
14028 Fairgrounds Rd., Hartford, OH 43013
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While visiting Wonderlights Christmas in Ohio will require about a 30-minute drive from Columbus, it's more than worth the trip. This drive-through light display features more than a million holiday lights, all synchronized to some of your favorite classic and contemporary holiday tunes. This is one of the most popular displays in Central Ohio, so reservations are strongly recommended. You can enjoy the display on evenings from November 11, 2022, through January 1, 2023.
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Where will you and your family find your own holiday magic this year?
2
Immerse Yourself in Christmas at These 8 Ohio Shops
Christmas is coming, and what better way to get yourself in the holiday spirit than to visit a Christmas shop or two? Ohio has dozens of these stores dotted across the state, including some worth going out of your way to see. To help you gear up for the holidays, let's take a closer look at eight of the most impressive Christmas shops around Cincinnati, Columbus, and Northeast Ohio.
Story Book Kids Gifts
10725 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45241
Also known as SBK Gifts, Story Book Kids Gifts is a treasure trove of Christmas goodies for people in the Cincinnati area. This year-round Christmas shop is piled high with enough ornaments, throw pillows, figurines, cookie jars, decorative candles, and other housewares to satisfy even the most passionate fans of the holiday. Many of their items can be personalized, too, making them even more meaningful. Frequent shoppers will also love their Kringle Rewards program. You'll earn loyalty points for each purchase, but you'll also get a bonus of 15 points every time you post a product review.
The Christmas Ranch
3205 S. Waynesville Rd., Morrow, OH 45152
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The Christmas Ranch is the ultimate destination for Christmas aficionados in Ohio. In addition to train and wagon rides, a working carousel, a themed photo space where you can take pictures with Santa, and miles of elaborate light displays, this ranch is also a prime holiday shopping destination. The property boasts six Christmas-themed shops and a holiday bakery with fresh cookies, cakes, and other treats available every day. Each one is lavishly decorated for the holidays and staffed by a friendly group of "elves" who love Christmas just as much as you do. Plan to spend at least a few hours there when you visit—you'll need that time to see everything on display!
White Pillars Christmas House
7405 E. Pike, Norwich, OH 43767
As soon as you pull up to the White Pillars Christmas House, you know you're in for a treat. This stately columned period home dates back to 1882 and immediately evokes the warmth and nostalgia of an old-fashioned Christmas. Inside, you'll find all kinds of unique Christmas ornaments and figurines, as well as artisan candies, cookies, and other goodies. They also sell a few artificial Christmas trees to help you deck the halls in your own home. One of their most prized collections is their assortment of Heritage Lace products. These delicate doilies, tablecloths, table runners, and other linens are the perfect complement to any Christmas display and can be difficult to find at other retailers.
Christmas Tree Shops
2264 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., Dayton, OH 45459
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Christmas Tree Shops is the go-to retailer for all your synthetic holiday tree needs in and around Columbus. This shop contains many sections devoted to trees and décor that fit into specific aesthetics, including Rustic Country, Gilded Holiday, and Forest Fantasy. Their cheery displays are the perfect way to get a feel for what the trees look like in a home setting, and they're also great for scoping out new decorations and accessories that compliment each tree's theming. On top of that, the store hosts visits from Santa every Saturday during the holiday season. Your child will love getting a chance to meet the jolly old man himself as part of your shopping trip!
Smore Baskets
508 Main St., Dresden, OH 43821
Once known as Smore Christmas, Smore Baskets may have changed their name, but they haven't left the holiday spirit behind. They still devote most of their display space to Christmas-themed items in the weeks leading up to the big day. You'll feel like you've stepped into Santa's workshop when you see all of the holiday-themed boxes, tins, and (of course) baskets on display in this charming little shop. They also carry a wide selection of rustic wreaths and other decor items to help you bring your holiday vision to life.
Tis the Season
4363 State Route 39, Millersburg, OH 44654
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Northeast Ohio's premier Christmas shop Tis the Season offers three full floors of Christmas cheer for you to enjoy. The store's main entrance is a spectacular log cabin made of real logs and equipped with a working fireplace for a cozy atmosphere. From there, you'll be able to explore the top two floors of the store section by section, browsing their massive stock of vintage holiday items and modern favorites. Look out for the section nestled in an old chapel lined with stained glass windows and fitted with restored wooden pews—its stunning beauty deserves special attention and maybe even a few snapshots.
The store's lower level is filled with hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees and over 75 different types of lights. Trees range in size from 2 to 12 feet tall and come in every shape, style, and color imaginable. Whether you're in the market for a new tree or want to enjoy walking through this incredible synthetic forest, you're sure to have a great time.
A Christmas Story House Gift Shop
3166 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44109
Everyone loves the classic Christmas movie A Christmas Story, but did you know that the house featured in the movie is still standing right here in Cleveland? Today, it operates as a combined gift shop and museum. You can find all sorts of A Christmas Story merchandise here as well as a wide selection of items related to other iconic Christmas properties, including The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Grinch, and Home Alone. Remember to save some time to visit the museum section of the business and see the inside of Ralphie's home for yourself.
Catherine's Christmas
910 E. Main St., Geneva, OH 44041
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The same family has run Catherine's Christmas for nearly 30 years. Located in a gorgeous old century home, this year-round Christmas shop was named after the family matriarch Catherine and her love of Christmas. Today, the cozy shop is stuffed with Christmas ornaments, nativity scenes, gift items, and decor—including some made by talented local craftspeople. Each room in the house is devoted to a particular kind of merchandise, making it easy to find whatever you're looking for. These displays change yearly, so be sure to visit during each holiday season to see what they have in store.
Ring In the Holiday Season
Which of these festive stores will you check out in the coming weeks?
16
The Nutcracker: 8 Places to See It Around Ohio
People around the world love going out to see a performance of The Nutcracker at Christmastime. Whether it's a yearly tradition for your family or something you've always wanted to experience, you don't have to go far from home to see a performance of this classic ballet.
From high-production traditional versions to newer interpretations, there are so many places around Ohio where you can see a live performance of The Nutcracker this Christmas. Let's look at a few of the most popular in greater detail below.
The Nutcracker at the Ohio Theater
39 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Every year around Christmas, the Ohio Theater hosts the talented artists of Ohio's BalletMet for a series of performances of The Nutcracker. This year, shows will run from December 8 all the way up to Christmas Eve. This production is extremely well-crafted, boasting gorgeous sets and visual effects as well as world-class dancing from the BalletMet's company dancers and students. With more than two weeks' worth of performances in Columbus' premier theater, you're sure to be able to fit one into your busy holiday schedule.
My First Nutcracker at the Ohio Theater
39 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215
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Yes, you read that right: The Ohio Theater offers an additional performance of The Nutcracker. This time, it's a special performance called My First Nutcracker, taking place on December 22 at 11 a.m. This show is a slightly abridged version of the full BalletMet version designed to make the experience better for families with young children and people with disabilities like autism. The shorter 1-hour performance time, smaller crowds, dimmed house lights, and quieter music all help make this version much easier for kids to sit through. If your kids do get antsy, audience members are invited to get up and move around during the performance or even leave the theatre if they need to.
The Nutty Nutcracker
182 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44308
Looking for a laugh or two this Christmas? On December 2 at 7 p.m., the Akron Civic Theatre will be hosting a performance of The Nutty Nutcracker, a parody version of the classic show. This production is an adults-only campy comedy that still showcases plenty of excellent ballet dancing. It turns the elegant timelessness of the original on its head in a way that veteran Nutcracker fans are sure to appreciate, and if nothing else, it's great for a fun, lighthearted night out during a hectic holiday season.
The Akron Nutcracker
198 Hill Street, Akron, OH 44325
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The University of Akron's Dance Institute is partnering with the Verb Ballet's company dancers for a repeat performance of last year's hit new show, The Akron Nutcracker. This adapted version of the original aims to tell the classic story within a recreation of the Akron of the 1930s, complete with iconic local landmarks like Polsky's Department Store and the Stan Hywet estate. This limited-run Northeast Ohio show is being performed Dec. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. each evening, so it's a great family activity to help you build up to the big day.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
500 Lakeside Avenue East, Cleveland, OH 44114
If you want to see a world-class production of The Nutcracker right here in Ohio, check out this year's performance of Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet on Saturday, December 10 at the Cleveland Public Auditorium Music Hall. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this adaptation of the classic ballet, and its goals of spreading world peace and harmony are more important now than ever. Come see the artistry of some of Ukraine's top ballet dancers as they bring this dazzling show to life – it's an experience you'll never forget.
The Nutcracker at Cincinnati Music Hall
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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A yearly staple at the Cincinnati Music Hall, The Nutcracker is arguably the most popular show performed by the Cincinnati Ballet. It's a great excuse to watch some of Ohio's most talented dancers practice their craft. And because it's so popular, you can expect high production values that will make the experience even more worthwhile. This year's performances run from December 15 all the way up to Christmas Eve, so find a free day on your calendar and book your tickets!
Nutcracker Hot Chocolate
650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telling a familiar story from a new perspective is a great way to make it feel fresh and current again. On December 9 and 10, the Aronoff Center for the Arts will be hosting Nutcracker Hot Chocolate, a modernized version of The Nutcracker that has been adapted to showcase African American performers and culture. Acclaimed dance icon Debbie Allen created the show in 2008 to help inspire young dancers of color to keep pursuing their dreams. It's won a bevy of awards since then and continues to be a favorite of families everywhere.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
317 East 5th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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The Nutcracker may be traditionally staged as a ballet, but who says it has to be? The Hip Hop Nutcracker reimagines this classic show as a thrilling hip-hop dance exhibition that is sure to make you think about Tchaikovsky's music in a whole new way. This touring performance will be stopping in Cincinnati for a show at the Taft Theatre on December 1 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. The tour features rapper Kurtis Blow as the show's MC, as well as a full troupe of talented artists dancing on a set that recreates modern-day New York City with gorgeous graffiti lighting effects.
Dreaming of Christmas
Which of these exciting performances of The Nutcracker will you be seeing this holiday season?
2
8 Family Events to Get in the Holiday Spirit Around Ohio
The holiday season is fast approaching, and now is the perfect time to start planning for some enchanting family fun. With events like the Christmas Connection in Northeast Ohio, A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage in Columbus, A 19th Century Holiday Guided Tour near Cincinnati, and many more, you have tons of great options no matter which corner of Ohio you call home. Here are some events to look forward to as you plan for the holidays in Ohio.
A Motown Christmas
605 N. Market Ave., Canton, OH 44702
Featuring former members of The Temptations, The Miracles, and The Contours, A Motown Christmas puts a soulful spin on your favorite classic holiday tunes. This family-friendly performance will be held on November 17, 2022, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. at the gorgeous Canton Palace Theater, and is sure to have you dancing in the aisles. Bring the whole family for a memorable night of music, choreography, and fun surprises to kick off the holiday season in style.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
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Settle in for an evening of holiday music, spectacular acrobatics, and unforgettable performances when you attend Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Edwin J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall on the University of Akron campus. Featuring performers from around the world, a spectacular stage set, and an original score mixed with holiday classics, this show is sure to dazzle audience members of all ages. The show kicks off on December 6, 2022, at 7:30 p.m., with 20 unique acts leading you through an evening of holiday wonder, whimsy, and delight.
Holiday Cookie Camp with the Kids
250 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
Enjoy sweet, holiday-themed fun for the whole family when you attend Holiday Cookie Camp with the Kids at Mitchell Hall on the Columbus State Community College Campus. Learn how to dazzlingly decorate holiday treats from chocolate-dipped pretzel rods to sweet sugar cookies, then finish off the event by sampling some of your creations paired with a delicious mug of hot chocolate. The fun starts on December 10, 2022, at 11 a.m., with instruction from chef Shawnie Kelley.
Christmas Connection
1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland, OH 44135
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Get a head start on your holiday shopping while enjoying plenty of attractions and activities for younger family members when you visit the Christmas Connection in Cleveland. The event will take place November 18-20, 2022, at the International Exposition Center, with hundreds of vendors selling gifts for even the hardest to shop for people on your list. The kids will love visiting Santa Land, where they can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. There's even a Sugar Plum Shoppe featuring thousands of pre-wrapped, affordable items perfect for kids with their own shopping lists.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage
34 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Turn back the clock and enjoy a true holiday classic for all ages with A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage at the Palace Theater in Columbus. This new touring show brings A Charlie Brown Christmas to the theater stage with all of your favorite characters and songs. The show starts at 6 p.m. on November 27, 2022, the perfect family activity to wrap up Thanksgiving weekend this year.
Easton's Grand Illumination
160 Easton Town Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43219
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Get ready for a night of dazzling lights, shopping, entertainment, and family fun with Easton's Grand Illumination at the Easton Town Center. There will be live music, costumed characters, holiday decorations, and plenty of fun activities for the youngest members of the family. The evening is highlighted by the Grand Illumination at 7 p.m. when more than 2 million lights will be turned on simultaneously to light up Easton Town Center. Easton's Grand Illumination will take place on November 18, 2022, from 6-9 p.m.
The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays
650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Prepare to be amazed by incredible illusions and marvelous magic for the whole family with The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays at the Aronoff Center for the Arts in Cincinnati. This fun, fast-paced show has delighted audiences around the globe, featuring some of the world's most talented illusionists and magicians. The show starts at 7:30 PM on November 25, 2022, ideal for an evening of family fun after a day of Black Friday shopping.
A 19th Century Holiday Guided Tour
11500 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241
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The Heritage Village Museum is a living history museum that will transport your family to a different era, and the holiday season is an excellent time to visit. The museum will host A 19th Century Guided Holiday Tour, which will take your family throughout the historical Heritage Village to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season while learning how holiday traditions have evolved over centuries. Tours leave every hour on November 30 – December 3 and December 7-9, 2022, from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m.
Home for the Holidays
Where will you be celebrating the season in Ohio this year?
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