Many years ago when my husband and I started taking time off together we had very little time or money to spend. So, we often took short trips that allowed us to get away without breaking the bank or spending all day in the car. Even though we've explored Ohio for over a decade now there are still so many things we haven't seen. It's amazing how you take for granted the abundant beauty in your own backyard. This year, I'd like to take the time to enjoy the beauty of Ohio and introduce my children to some of the amazing sights and sounds I grew up with.

If you'd like to explore the majestic beauty and quirky nature the Buckeye State has to offer, your local library can help by providing a wide variety of travel resources.

Ohio Travel Guidebooks

Follow the Blue Blazes: A Guide to Hiking Ohio's Buckeye Trail by Connie Pond and Robert J. Pond Many changes have taken place in the decade since Follow the Blue Blazes was first published, changes in the trails themselves and in the way we hike them. The Buckeye Trail still wends its way around the state of Ohio, following the course marked out by the characteristic blue blazes on trees, rocks, and other signposts along the way. In the intervening years, however, sections of the trail have changed their route, added amenities, or just grown more interesting. From the startling rock formations and graceful waterfalls of Old Man's Cave, to Native American mounds, battlefields, and scenic rivers, Connie and Robert J. Pond provide a captivating guide to often-overlooked treasures around the state. Each chapter features an overview of a 100-mile section of the trail and three self-guided featured hikes. The overviews and the accompanying maps may be read consecutively to acquaint the reader with the entire course of the trail. But most readers will best enjoy the trail by taking the guide along on one of the featured hikes. Each route is outlined on an easy-to-read map with GPS coordinates and waypoints to guide the hiker, as well as explicit directions from parking lot to trailhead.

Eating Your Way Across Ohio: 101 Must Places To Eat by Karen A. Patterson "Award-winning author and journalist Karen Patterson covered over 7000 miles of Ohio's hills, valleys, lowlands, towns and cities to visit more than 100 restaurants. In Eating Your Way Across Ohio: 101 Must Places to Eat, she includes only 101 of the best locally owned and managed establishments where one can get a tasty meal in a comfortable environment at a reasonable price." ~ Amazon

Ohio Wine Country Excursions by Patricia Latimer "Offers wine enthusiasts and armchair travelers alike both a comprehensive history of the Ohio wine industry and profiles of eighty beautiful, high quality Ohio wineries and vineyards, including detailed maps, hours, events, and types of wine offered at each destination. Take an excursion to Lake Erie Wine Islands. Enjoy the Canal and Lock area. Journey through the Ohio River Valley vineyards. Latimer’s title is just the right glass to drink it all in." ~ Amazon

Walking Cincinnati: 32 Tours Exploring Historic Neighborhoods, Stunning Riverfront Quarters, and Hidden Treasures in the Queen City by Danny Korman and Katie Meyer Walking Cincinnati by Danny Korman and Katie Meyer is the first book in decades for local history fanatics and adventurers wanting a more hands-on approach to Cincinnati history and culture. This guide literally walks readers through the city's renowned historical, architectural, and culinary sites. The unique character comes alive through Walking Cincinnati's focus on human-interest, and gives the readers surprise after surprise in its 30 walks. Never before has such an extensive book been written that highlights not only the architecture, art, and food, but also touches upon Greater Cincinnati's darker side. Tales and locations of crimes, hauntings, illegal casinos, mob bosses, and brothels will astonish readers and unveil secrets of the city that have long been overlooked by traditional local history books.

Weird Ohio: Your Travel Guide to Ohio's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets by James A. Willis, Andrew Henderson, and Loren Coleman ; Mark Sceurman and Mark Moran (executive editors) Includes information on local legends and lore; Ancient mysteries; Fabled people and places; Unexplained phenomena; Bizarre beasts; Local heroes and villains; Personalized properties; Roadside distractions; Roads less traveled; Haunted places and ghostly tales; Cemetery safari; and Abandoned in Ohio.

Ohio Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities, & Other Offbeat Stuff (2nd edition) by Sandra Gurvis Describes some of the wildest, strangest, and most outrageous people, places, and things in the state of Ohio.

More Great Ohio Travel Books ...

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Online Resources for Ohio Travel

Tourism Ohio (Ohio.org)
Tips on what to do, where to go, where to stay, special offers, summer festivals, free publications and so much more.

Ohio Tourism & Recreation (Ohio.gov)
Activities & Attractions, Boating & Waterways, Fishing/Hunting/Wildlife, State Parks/Forests & Nature Preserves, Traffic Conditions & Road Maps, and so much more.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Locate Ohio State Parks, explore activities, lodging and so much more.

Ohio Magazine
Explore information on arts & entertainment; food & drink, travel resources, deals and stories.

Ohio Traveler
Find information on parks, tours, museums, botanical gardens, restaurants, lodging, wineries, historic sites, family activities, festivals, shopping, towns, performing arts, indoor water parks, historic homes, villages, castles and farms.

Hocking Hills
Discover the majestic beauty and recreational activities the expansive area has to offer. This website offers information on the parks, activities, events, lodging, dining, and available specials.

Lake Erie Shores and Islands
Learn more about events, planning, where to stay, what to do and find ways to save on your next vacation.

Ohio Wine Association
Explore wineries, events, lodging, tours, festivals, and so much more.

Taste Ohio Wines
Learn more about the history of Ohio wineries, where to buy Ohio wines, award-winning wines, food & wine pairings, recipes, find Ohio wineries, and check out their interactive calendar of winery events.

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