By Sandy Mitchell
Things to Do in Winter in Ohio
Ohio isn't generally thought of as a winter destination. The weather can dip below freezing in January and February and Lake Erie. Pleasant summer weather becomes a frozen wasteland in the winter months. Still, the "Buckeye State" offers a number of interesting things to see and do from December through March.
Ski Ohio
While it's not Vermont or Colorado, Ohio offers a number of small ski areas. Among the best are Boston Mills and Brandywine ski areas, located just south of Cleveland; Clear Fork and Snow Trails ski areas near Mansfield; and Mad River Mountain, located 45 minutes from Columbus.
Attend a Cultural Event
Winter is theater season in Ohio. Cleveland boasts Playhouse Square, the largest theater district between New York City and Chicago, as well as Karamu House, the oldest African-American theater in the United States. Columbus is home to the opulent, restored State Theater, with its gilded ceiling and ornate side boxes. Cincinnati offers the Art Deco Taft Theater, located in the heart of downtown.
Enjoy Ohio during the Holidays
Ohio is beautiful during December. Akron's Stan Hywet Hall, the early 20th century mansion, dons Christmas greenery in each of its two dozen rooms. Cleveland's downtown Public Square offers ice skating and a fantasy land of colored lights and music. The houses of German Village, a huge restored neighborhood just south of downtown Columbus, look elegant adorned with wreaths, bows and candles.
Pick Icewine Grapes
Ohio's Icewine is every bit as good as the more popular Niagara variety--and its affordable too. Several Northeast Ohio wineries, including Harperfield's Chalet Debonne, allow visitors a chance to help pick the Icewine grapes. This is not an activity for the faint of heart, however. The harvest begins shortly after midnight and the temperature is usually well below freezing.
About the Author:
Sandy is a Northeast Ohio-based writer, blogger, and editor. Among other projects, she writes and edits the Cleveland pages for About.com. Before devoting herself full-time to writing, Sandy was a travel agent and cruise school instructor for 18 years. Sandy holds a Bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University.
Photo Credits:
(courtesy of Boston Mills Ski Area)
