By Jason Reeher
Central Ohio is a great place to take a vacation. The city of Columbus, plus small towns like Lancaster, Ashville and Tiffin, have plenty of fun attractions. No matter what time of year you plan to visit, Central Ohio has a tourist spot or two that will interest you.
Greater Columbus
The Columbus area has some must-see locations if you are visiting Central Ohio. Start out at the German Village, a preserved 19th-century neighborhood with brick streets and restored homes. Although October--with German American Day, a pet parade and the Halloween-fest called "Monster Bash"--is a big month for German Village, anytime of year is great to take a stroll and then visit Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage House and finish off a big meal with a German creampuff.
Elsewhere, you can go see a sports team like the Columbus Crew soccer squad or the Columbus Clippers, a Cleveland Indian's minor-league baseball affiliate. You also can spend a morning in the Polaris neighborhood, shopping for luxury goods at Schakolad Chocolate Factory and Vino 100, then have brunch on the outdoor terrace at Brio Tuscan Grille.
Fairfield and Pickaway Counties
When you have had enough of Central Ohio's biggest city, head out to the suburbs of Fairfield County and Lancaster. There you can visit the Decorative Arts Center and view an art exhibit, or participate in a class or workshop. Nearby Pickerington features its famous Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, while Reynoldsburg, the "Home of the Tomato," has a nature center and walking trails at Blacklick Woods Metro Park.
Also slightly away from the bustle of Columbus in Pickaway County is the town of Ashville. Once a railroad boom town, Ashville is home to a museum where you can see what is believed to be Ohio's oldest state flag. If you are headed to Central Ohio in April, don't miss Ashville's famous Viking Festival in Village Park.
Sandusky and Seneca Counties
Heading north, you can travel through Sandusky County. In Bellevue, try a walking tour of Seneca Caverns, 110 feet below the earth's surface. Then stop by Sandusky's county seat, Fremont. The hometown of U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, Fremont holds a Civil War battle reenactment, plus a Civil War Ball, every October.
In nearby Seneca County, you can visit the town of Tiffin and Ralph's Joy of Living Store. Ralph's specializes in an eclectic mix of products including wines, gourmet foods and home entertainment systems. After you have stocked up at Ralph's, launch a canoe on the Sandusky River at P.M. Gillmor Park in Old Fort.
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About the Author:
Jason Reeher has been a freelance writer for 20 years. Reeher's opinions have appeared in a wide variety of publications, including "USA Today" and "The Wall Street Journal." He holds a master's degree in business and public administration from the University of Phoenix.
