I’m a Toledo transplant, having moved from the Detroit area when I accepted a job with the Library. I’ll be honest – I had not spent a lot of time in the Glass City prior to moving here. For me, Toledo was mostly a place I drove through while on my way to summer day trips at Cedar Point. But, here I am, a Toledoan who is proud to call this city my adopted hometown. I wish I had a guide on what to do when I arrived, so here’s hoping this list helps you.

New to Toledo?

Do these things first.

1. Stop at your neighborhood Toledo Lucas County Public Library location

There are 20 Library locations throughout Toledo and Lucas County. Odds are there is one near you. Once you get settled into your new digs be sure to stop in, meet a librarian and sign up for a Library card. This little piece of plastic will give you access to books, media, databases and more. Also, be sure to check out the Library’s program calendar and find a fun event that’s right for you.

2. Eat at Tony Packo’s

Prior to living in Toledo I only had a vague idea about what Tony Packo’s even was. Hot dogs? A reference on the TV show M*A*S*H? Turns out, it’s delicious Hungarian food that should be a rite of passage for any new Toledoan to eat, as long as it jives with your personal dietary restrictions.

3. Visit a Metropark

There are 17 Metroparks Toledo locations and if you love nature, you really must visit at least one. My personal favorites are Oak Openings and Side Cut, where you can take advantage of over 50 miles of trail through an oak savanna and see a former extension of the Miami and Erie Canals, respectively.

4. Go to The Toledo Museum of Art

There are so many reasons to go to The Toledo Museum of Art: admission is free, parking is only $8 (if you’re not already a member), the Family Center has fun activities to do for kids and their adults. And if this isn’t an endorsement, I don’t know what is – when a former coworker, an avid art lover, found out I accepted a job in Toledo, the first thing they said was how the art museum here was their favorite…in the whole world.

5. Toledo Area Breweries

Toledo has an amazing craft beer scene! Earnest Brew Works, Inside the Five Brewing, Black Cloister Brewing Company, Black Frog Brewery, Maumee Bay Brewing Co., Patron Saints Brewery, Pavlov’s Brewing Company, Upside Brewing and my apologies to any I missed. If you like beer, there’s a place for you in Toledo.

6. Speaking of Breweries (and the Library)…

I get it, you’re a busy adult. You have a job. Maybe you have kids. Maybe you just moved here and are realizing how difficult it is to make new adult friends. Fun is just not on the schedule. Well, the Library has got you covered! We have three different Books on Tap groups that meet each month (on different dates and times, no less!) at three of the aforementioned breweries. And starting in Fall 2019, a new trivia event called Trivia on Tap that meets at the original Tony Packo’s on Front Street!

7. The Zoo

I won’t spend too much time on this one because it’s pretty obvious. Go to the zoo. Just go. Do it. You’ll thank me. It’s been rated one of the best zoos in America. So go. Now.

8. Sports Teams

This might also be obvious, but maybe not if you’re not much of a fan of the sportsball. Toledo is one of the best minor league sports towns. The Mud Hens and Walleye are a must see for baseball and hockey fans. And while you’re there, swing by the many establishments around Hensville.

9. Adams St.

You know how cities have cool neighborhoods? Cleveland has Tremont. Columbus has German Village. Detroit has Corktown and Midtown. Toledo has the Old West End, but if you want to pack a bunch of things to do it all in one place, Adams St. might be the place to do it. What should you check out while you’re there? Try The Attic on Adams (home to a Library Books on Tap group!) for drinks, Handmade Toledo to shop for wares from local artisans, Fowl and Fodder for unique and delicious eats and Jupmode for some Toledo-themed apparel, just for starters.

10. Toledo Farmers’ Market

The Toledo Farmers’ Market is open year-round and features vendors selling everything from fresh food to jewelry. After you’ve done your shopping for fruits and veggies, be sure to swing back by the Library to check out a cookbook to make some delicious recipes.

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Disclaimer: The information included in this blog post is for educational purposes only. The Toledo Lucas County Public Library does not endorse any business featured in this blog post.