I know I'm guilty of this: every New Year's Eve I'll make several resolutions with the high hopes of keeping them. I'll vow to eat healthier, exercise more, and spend more time with my family. My high hopes turn into dreams at some point mid-year and then my the end of the year I'm all about starting fresh again in the coming year.
Sound familiar?
This year, TourismOhio has four easy (and fun!) ways to keep your resolutions in check. Across the state, resolution solutions are abundant and, if you live in Ohio, undoubtedly there's options close to where you live.
Learn Something New
You're never too old to learn something new, and Ohio has so many options for keeping that brain of yours happy and healthy. Here's a couple of fun spots to visit solo or with your family.
Glass Axis- A public art facility offering several workshops including glassblowing, flame working, and fusing. The Kid and I have done glass working in the past and the effort is so rewarding. Glass Axis is located in Ohio's capital, Columbus.
The Culinary Vegetable Institute- With a focus on using seasonal produce from the Chef's garden Farm, Culinary Vegetable Institute will allow you to spend the day cooking like a professional chef. Perfect for spending time with family and friends or even a great date night option, this year's 2016 Cooking Class series offers classes on bread making, pasta making, condiments and sauces, and even grilling techniques.
Save Money
There's plenty of reasons to tighten the proverbial purse strings and belt, but that doesn't mean you have to banish yourself to the house to save money. Ohio has loads of affordable and fun ways including museum memberships and soul-satisfying trips.
Zoo Memberships- Excuse the pun, but you can totally get wild with an Ohio zoo membership. With its reciprocal membership benefits, members receive discounted admission up to 50 percent for zoos across the country and includes seven participating facilities in Ohio alone.
Ohio State Parks- One of my resolutions to to get outdoors more and I'm thinking a visit to one of Ohio's 74 state parks is a great way. And please don't think Ohio State Parks are just for summer: cold weather is a great time to visit with camping, ice fishing, and even skating and sledding opportunities.
Ohio History Connection Membership- Here's a great benefit of purchasing an Ohio History Connection Membership: free admission to 57 statewide museums an historical sites. Memberships are also reciprocal at over 200 sites and museums nationwide as well. Talk about a way to learn about America's rich history.
Spend Time with Family
Taking a family vacation can be a breeze when you plan your next one in Ohio. It's a fab way to spend quality time with the kids and you don't even have to leave your own state.
Toledo Aquarium- The Toledo Aquarium has recently undergone a massive renovation and seriously, who can resist over 3,000 aquatic animals? With Touch Tanks, family members can feel exactly the slipperiness of a shark, the rough skin if a starfish, and other water-dwelling creatures. Definite family bonus points for that.
Fountain Square U.S. Bank Ice Rink- In the heart of Cincinnati sits Fountain Square and, in winter, the square's U.S. Bank Ice Rink is a fun way to get outside and put those ice skating skills to the test. With skate rental, lockers for your personal items, and even benches for lacing up and taking a break, the cool vibe in the center of the city is worth making a trip.
Scene 75- Too cold to get outdoors? Scene 75's location in Dayton and Cincinnati are perfect for indoor winter fun. Each offers indoor go-karts, laser tag, bumper cars, mini bowling, 4-D motion theaters, and blacklight mini golf. There's also a huge inflatable area for kids to blow off steam from being stuck indoors.
Be Healthy
Looking to become more active this year, shed a couple of pounds, or even reduce the amount of stress in your life, there's always an answer in Ohio.
Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls- Hocking Hills is known for its back to nature vibe, and the Inn & Spa at Cedar Hills in Logan is ideal for taking in all that nature has to offer, relaxing, and simply loving the solitude. The in-house spa offers massages, mud wraps, and other services and I can feel the peace spreading over me as I type.
Burr Oak State Park- Seven hiking trails give your family some serious bonding time and with hikes from one-half mile to an exuberant three miles long, the state park located in Glouster is the epitome of wilderness spirit.
Lake Metroparks- Standing on a treadmill staring at the tele can get old, but there's a solution for that: embrace your winter workout routine with one of Lake Metroparks' outdoor trails. Concord Twp. has over 50 miles of them and from snowshoeing to cross country skiing, there's plenty of ways to get out there and enjoy winter.
See? I told you keeping those resolutions would be a snap with Ohio! Thank you to TourismOhio for the great tips and all photos except the foot prints in the snow image.
No comments:
Post a Comment