By Mike Virgintino
Ohio is filled with fun and educational destinations that cover every part of the state. Attractions include the Rock and Roll Museum in Cleveland, major league sports teams scattered throughout the state, and college and high school football games that have become heated rivalries. Ohio also is celebrated for its wooden roller coasters and Hungarian hot dogs.
Coasters Near Cincinnati
For wooden roller coaster buffs, Paramount's Kings Island has one of the best one-two punches. The Beast and Son of Beast offer long thrilling rides.
Many coaster aficionados consider The Beast to be the best wooden roller coaster. It travels through a densely wooded, 35-acre site and the rugged natural terrain adds to the excitement. It is the longest wooden coaster in the world (7,400 feet), travels almost 70 mph and has a ride length of nearly four minutes. It features two vertical drops (135 and 141 feet), three dark tunnels and a 540 degree helix turn at the end. Ride it in the day and then try it again late at night in almost complete darkness.
Son of Beast is considered the fastest wooden coaster, sending riders down a 214-foot hill at speeds exceeding 78 mph.
The amusement park is located at 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, OH 45034 (just off Interstate Highway 71 northeast of Cincinnati). Phone: 1-800-288-0808. Website: http://www.visitkingsisland.com/index.cfm
Mud Hens and Dogs in Toledo
Baseball and hot dogs are popular in Toledo, but not necessarily in the same place. The Mud Hens are one of the oldest and one of the most famous Triple A minor league baseball teams. They play in Fifth Third Field, which was opened in 2002 and is one of the best new minor league parks.
Fifth Third Field is at 406 Washington St., Toledo, OH 43604. For Mud Hens tickets, call 1-419-725-HENS or go to http://www.mudhens.com/
While the food is great at the park, the place to eat before the game is Tony Packos, which counts Hungarian hot dogs, chili and strudel among its many famous dishes. Around since the 1930s and made more famous by Cpl. Max Klinger on the television show M*A*S*H, it is a short drive from the ballpark.
Tony Packos is at 1902 Front Street, Toledo, OH 43605. Phone: 1-419-691-1953. Website: http://www.tonypackos.com/index.php
Pro Football in Canton
Every football fan should place the Professional Football Hall of Fame on the visit list. The Hall includes busts and information about the game's best players. See early footballs and equipment along with some of the uniforms from the greats of the game.
Since opening during 1963, the Hall has expanded three times. The original 19,000 square-foot Hall and museum has been transformed in an 83,000 square-foot internationally recognized institution that pays tribute to the game and its outstanding owners, coaches and players.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located at 2121 George Halas Drive NW,
Canton, Ohio 44708. Phone: 1-330-456-8207. E-mail: Tourism@profootballhof.com
Website: http://www.profootballhof.com/
About the Author:
Mike Virgintino began as a broadcast journalist and has been a marketing communications executive for more than 25 years. A graduate of Fordham University in New York, Virgintino has directed corporate, nonprofit and product branding initiatives for many leading companies and nonprofits. His articles have been published in a variety of trade magazines and American history publications such as Civil War News.
