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December 2007 Edition |
OHIO'S #1 MAGAZINE AND #2 TOURISM SOURCE ONLINE
 
"SCUBA
SANTA'S" WATERWORLD
Scuba Santa Video
&
Newport Aquarium Video
“Scuba Santa” has made quite a splash since his debut at the Newport
Aquarium in 2003. Photos of
Newport Aquarium’s “Scuba Santa” taken
by the Associated Press were used in Japan, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico.
National morning shows fought over the chance to get a live interview with
Scuba Santa.
Last year, Good Morning America correspondent Mike Barz interviewed “Scuba
Santa.” He was also included in an article in USA Today. In 2005, “Scuba
Santa” received national attention during a live interview with Katie
Couric and Matt Lauer on the Today Show. He was also featured on The Early
Show, MSNBC and in the New York Times.
This holiday season will mark the fifth year “Scuba Santa” will show off
his underwater talent at the Newport Aquarium. A NEW addition is a chance
to see “Scuba Santa” “dry,” in the Aquarium’s Gift Shop. Now parents can
take photos of their kids with “Scuba Santa” both in and out of the
water.
Santa’s Water Wonderland, which runs through January 1, has become one of
the greater Cincinnati area’s favorite holiday traditions. Santa Claus and
the world’s largest magical underwater sleigh and seahorses will delight
and amaze visitors from around the world.
“Scuba Santa” dive times, Gift Shop appearances and more information on
Santa’s Water Wonderland are posted on
www.newportaquarium.com.
Penguin Parade:
Newport Aquarium started a unique tradition: a daily Penguin Parade at
10:15 a.m. These FREE parades are on the plaza in front of the Aquarium’s
gift shop. The parade includes an Aquarium cast member, Blackfooted
penguins in a custom-made Penguin Mobile. A guest is selected at random
from the crowd to lead the parade.
Penguin Encounters:
See Blackfooted Penguins up close and personal. Led by an experienced
biologist, a typical visit may include a chance to touch the penguins, see
them waddle, swim, shake their tails, and jump in and out of their Penguin
pool. Photos are allowed so you may capture your memories for a lifetime.
These South African birds live in a temperate environment in the
behind-the-scenes Penguin house, so no coats are needed. It costs $20 per
person. Tours are limited so get your tickets for this activity prior to
the day of your visit by calling 859-261-7444. Children younger than 16
must be accompanied by an adult. Times for the Encounters are 11am,
11:45am, 2pm, 2:45pm, and 4pm daily.
Behind-The=Scenes Tours:
Get an inside look at the aquarium and learn what it takes to maintain a
one-million gallon environment. In the guided tour, you’ll see the miles
long network of pipes, understand how the animals are fed, explore the pet
lab, and more. It is available to all ages and costs $15 per person. Times
are Friday through Sundat at Noon, 2pm and 4pm and Thursday at Noon and
2pm only. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. To
make arrangements, call 859-261-7444 before the day of your visit. If your
group exceeds 10 people, call 859-815-1423.
Free Concert in Kids Central:
The award-winning Cincinnati-based singing duo Wild Carrot will be at the
Newport Aquarium on Saturday, December 8 from 12 – 3 p.m. The free
experience includes kid-friendly songs perfect for music lovers of all
ages.
Free Kids Winter Family Days:
Back by popular demand, Newport Aquarium’s Winter Family Days offer free
admission for kids January 7 – 29, 2008. Up to two kids can get in to the
Aquarium with each adult paying full price. Tickets must be purchased at
the Aquarium’s ticket window on the day of the visit.
Newport Aquarium showcases thousands of animals from around the world in a
million gallons of water. This state-of-the-art facility was named the No.
1 aquarium in the Midwest in the Zagat Survey’s U.S. Family Travel Guide
in 2004 and the Best Rainy Day Outing in 2006 in Cincinnati Family
Magazine. Like its sister aquarium, Adventure Aquarium, on the Camden
Waterfront, Camden, NJ, Newport Aquarium is an accredited member of the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a leader in global wildlife
conservation. The Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year from 10am
to 6pm and is located only two minutes from downtown Cincinnati at Newport
on the Levee. For more information, visit
www.newportaquarium.com or call 859-261-7444.
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to Top
 Cleveland
pays tribute to Rock and Roll, and Canton has enshrined the game of
football, but it’s Akron that holds all the marbles—though hardly
bullies of the playground. They’re eager to share everything there is
to know about the little spheres—the simplest of toys—that engender
more wistfulness than any plaything in memory.
The history is chronicled at The American Toy Marble Museum,
www.americantoymarbles.com, open Saturdays offering free admission and
parking from 10am to 1pm at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron. It’s on the
original site of the defunct company bearing the same name, started in
1891 by Sam and A.L. Dyke. The Dyke philosophy was to put a handful of
marbles in the possession of every kid who had a penny. Certainly they
had the capacity. At it’s peak the company produced an incredible million
marbles per day. Considering their longevity there must be an enormous
cache of marbles consigned to attic and basement storage boxes, because
today there are relatively few rolling free.
The game is rarely played on school campuses anymore. It requires a
skill long since relegated to antiquity in favor of electronic gimmickry
displaying images on Cathode-ray tubes.
At its height of popularity during WWII, the game played down in the dirt
of every schoolyard was preferred over all others. It was traditional,
but economically prompted as well. At a time when many items were either
rationed or unavailable, marbles were still cheap and plentiful.
The best recollection of grade school is a scene of grassless level areas
inscribed with circles of various diameters to accommodate all ranks of
players. Liberation from the classroom would spawn a dozen or more games
at once creating an atmosphere of excitement that rivaled that of any
latter-day sport.
It was a time when every boy who valued his worth arrived at school
equipped for the game, and hoped to depart with the spoils of victory.
Marbles conferred status. Some were fortunate enough to buy their initial
supply, and others were thankful for prizes from breakfast cereal boxes to
seed their entry into the competition. From there on it was a zero-sum
game. If you won, someone else lost, and the larger your collection, the
greater your image. Your accumulation was in constant flux, and carried
in a sack—the size being indisputable evidence of your skill. Up to about
the fourth grade, the worship bestowed upon the school marbles champ was
commensurate to that of a football hero. Knee patches and dirt ground into
sometimes-calloused knuckles were badges of honor.
A few girls had their troves as well, but they were rarely interested in
playing, instead displaying their collection for aesthetic value.
 Most
arrived well versed in the game but a few were unfamiliar. There were
loose interpretations of some rules, and the more arbitrary were often
settled in a scuffle. Others were adhered to strictly, and ignorance
didn’t excuse enforcement. Those undiscouraged found the competition
spirited and initiation unavoidably quick. Some rules like “no hunching,”
were never bent. That meant your first shot couldn’t be from inside the
circle. If you didn’t yell “dubs” when scattering more than one marble out
of the ring, you couldn’t keep them all. “Knuckle down bony tight” was an
admonishment often shouted. No one quite understood the “bony tight” part
of the rebuke, but that didn’t prevent liberal use in every game. And
then, of course there was “snatty grabs.” Everyone quickly learned the
meaning of that decree. It was the point at which the game became a
contact sport. When the school bell rang before the game ended, someone
yelled the command making it legal to dive into the pot, elbows flying and
heads butting, to grab as many of the remaining marbles as you could get
away with.
Some marbles were especially attractive, and collections were envied as
much for quality as quantity. There were glass marbles, those made of
clay, china, porcelain, and rare ones carved from stone. “Cats eyes,” were
desirable as were the rich-looking colors and designs that were called
“beauties.” The larger sizes were referred to as “boulders,” and the small
ones “peawees.” The most valuable were the heavier than normal marbles
deemed “shooters.” Their weight imparted a force that could thrust others
from the ring with authority. Only the most inept left their shooters
inside the ring as fair game for the next player.
Although initiated in the 1920’s, national marbles tournaments didn’t
flourish until immediately after WWII. The Veterans of Foreign Wars
sponsored the tournaments, culminating with the national championship in
Atlantic City.
Like most things appealing to youth, the wartime generation eventually put
away early pursuits in support of more adult adventures. But, it was
assumed the marbles game would retain its momentum through endless
cycles. However, in the 1970’s interest on a large scale
ceased—corresponding with the ushering in of the age of electronics. Sixty
years ago no one suspected technology would nearly obliterate a respected
pastime of centuries.
In retrospect one thing is clear. Marbles were the most economical and
indestructible toys ever invented. The game was character building. It
taught fair play and competitiveness at a formative age. It’s
questionable whether any game of the electronic age can claim the same.
One might ask too, if any of the techno-wizards have a clue as to where
expressions such as “taking all the marbles,” or “losing your marbles”
came from. It’s doubtful.
By Robert Carpenter
Robert Carpenter was born and raised in the New Philadelphia, Ohio
area. He's a freelance writer presently living in Florida.
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 When
you hear the words, Sandusky, Ohio, I’ll bet you immediately think “Cedar
Point”. That’s fair. After all, Cedar Point has been named “America’s
Favorite Amusement Park” three years in a row by the readers of Theme
Parks Magazine, included in the Rand McNally’s “Midwest Getaway Guide” as
a “can’t miss” destination, and served as a big-time attraction for roller
coaster fanatics from all over the world. For many years, Cedar Point has
made Sandusky the place to go for fun during Ohio’s relatively short
summer season.
However, winter used to mean that vacationers had to go elsewhere for fun
– there just wasn’t enough in the Sandusky area to make it worth an
off-season trip. That changed in 1997, when Great Wolf Lodge (originally
called “Great Bear Lodge”) opened just a few miles from Cedar Point.
Today, Sandusky boasts three major indoor waterparks within a few
miles of each other, with the opening of several more planned.
Add the area’s historical sites, galleries, and museums, plus the climbing
cost of gas, and Sandusky comes out looking pretty good as a year-round
vacation spot. The indoor waterparks are especially attractive in bad
weather. Just think: lounging around in your bathing suit, Mai Tai in
hand, watching the youngsters splash around in the water as snow falls
outside. Now that’s what I call a winter vacation.
In fact, the waterparks are a great destination even for families that no
longer have youngsters. We’ve had a blast taking our grown-up children
(ages 21, 23 & 29) and their friends along on several of our visits, and
everyone that’s gone with us still talks about how much fun it was.
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge (originally called “Great Bear Lodge”) is the smallest
waterpark of the current three at 33,000 square feet. However, with a
total of 9 slides and 5 pools, a 25-foot rock climbing wall, a toddler
tree house area, and an arts-and-crafts playhouse in the lodge itself, it
still has a lot to offer. I especially like the adult-only hot tub tucked
away in a corner!
Our family has stayed at Great Wolf Lodge several times and one of my
favorite things about it has been the lobby. Really! This space is very
homey, despite its Paul Bunyanesque size, and lodge guests are encouraged
to use it as an auxiliary living room. It’s a very pleasant spot to hang
out too, with a large fireplace, several comfy seating areas grouped
around coffee tables large enough for a rousing board game (available at
the reservation desk), a coffee cart, and a two-story animated clock tower
that puts on regular shows.
During one stay, I spotted an elderly man in the lobby in flannel PJs,
robe, and slippers, reading the morning newspaper and sipping a cup of
coffee as he sat by the fire. I’ve also seen solitary adults reading and
enjoying the quiet, a foursome playing cards, a crowd of pajama-clad tots
listening to the nightly bedtime story, several families watching the
clock tower show, and (in the lodge’s annual December Snowland
celebration) guests singing Christmas carols under real-looking snow
falling from the lobby ceiling while they waited for Santa to arrive.
For me, the lobby’s crowning touch is the mounted moose head on the wall
that sings at timed intervals, never failing to draw a crowd of amazed
kids and amused adults. You haven’t lived until you’ve heard a stuffed
animal head singing “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Baby” in a voice that
sounds just like Barry White!
The other thing I really enjoy about Great Wolf Lodge is the food. Whether
you have a drink and appetizers in the Gitchigoomie Grill while seated
under the authentic aeroplane that hangs from the ceiling or you enjoy a
family-style meal in Lumber Jack’s Cook Shanty, you won’t be disappointed
– the food in both places is excellent. In fact, the burgers in the grill
are the best I’ve ever eaten!
A nice touch in
the grill is the kid’s menu, which offers goodies like hamburgers and hot
dogs, mac & cheese, and PB&J, along with drinks for childish palates, made
of ingredients like lemonade, ice cream, piña
colada mix, and juices. They even offer an appetizer plate with taste
treats like peanut butter pinwheels with jelly dip and strawberries with
fruit dip. How cool is that?
Castaway Bay
Castaway Bay is a Cedar Point property (situated right next to the
amusement park entrance) and one of its best features during the amusement
park’s season is a package deal that includes early admission to the park
before it opens to the public. Roller coasters with no lines! It also
offers guests something to do if Cedar Point closes due to weather. You
can just hang out indoors at the waterpark all day and pretend you’re in
the Caribbean!
The waterpark restaurant, Mango Mike’s, has the most kid-friendly food
I’ve ever seen. Hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, french fries, macaroni and
cheese – I don’t think I saw anything on the menu that a picky
four-year-old or fussy teenager would refuse. You can even get food
delivered to your room! There’s also a deli/coffee area, and a snack bar
inside the waterpark area. Adult palates can go out to eat in one of the
nearby restaurants like TGI Friday’s or Bay Harbor.
The waterpark itself is 38,000 square feet and features 10 water slides of
various sizes, a 100,000 gallon Wave Pool, two 50-person whirlpools (one
inside, one outside, with a swim-through door), a really nice toddler pool
with lots of spray stations, and an 80,000 gallon activity pool. Best of
all is probably Rendezvous Run, a wild water coaster ride.
Guests who are more in the mood for relaxation can visit the Spa at
Castaway Bay and treat themselves to all sorts of spa services. Spa guests
also have access to the peace and quiet of the spa pool and hot tub for
the day.
Kalahari Waterpark Resort
In May of 2005, the Kalahari Waterpark Resort opened the largest indoor
waterpark in Ohio at that time, with an 80,000 square foot waterpark, 308
guest rooms, 2 restaurants, a day spa, a miniature golf course, a pottery
decorating area, a video arcade, and an amazing meeting and conference
center. With the opening of a huge expansion project on December 21, 2007,
the Kalahari will become the largest indoor waterpark in the US, with a
mind-boggling 160,000 square feet of water fun.
For large families or extended family groups, this is probably the park to
pick. Their Village Suite, the largest room available among all three
waterparks, holds 12 adults and includes a full-sized and fully equipped
kitchen. In addition, there’s plenty to do besides just play in the water.
Does your family like arts and crafts? You can decorate pottery, do
make-it-take-it crafts, have body art done, or get a caricature made. If
unique shopping is more your bag, you can pick up a cool swimsuit or an
authentic piece of African art or have someone’s name engraved on a piece
of rice and set into jewelry.
Family members who are into health and fitness can play miniature golf,
use the workout area, or get a massage at the spa. Plus, I can’t forget to
mention the Surfari FlowRider. Surfing in Ohio. And indoors, yet. How cool
is that?
There’s even a two-story dry playhouse area for tots who aren’t so fond of
the water, and (in the summer) a big outdoor pool area lined with rentable
bungalows that include mini fridges, flat-screen TVs, and lounge chairs.
Really, there’s something for everyone!
I love Ohio waterpark vacations, especially in the winter. You never have
to worry about the weather’s effect on your plans. You aren’t taking a
long expensive airplane trip to get somewhere (which means no hassles with
airport security – yay!) You can spend an entire day in your swimsuit,
even in January. Best of all, you can eat, sleep, shop, and play without
ever having to go outside.
Find out for yourself what specials and options each property offers and
then choose the one that’s just right for your family. Check them out.
You'll be glad you did!
Contact Information:
Castaway Bay
2001 Cleveland Rd.
Sandusky OH 44870
419-627-2106
www.castawaybay.com
Kalahari Waterpark
Resort
7000 Kalahari Drive
Sandusky OH 44870
419-433-7200
1-877-525-2427
www.kalahariresorts.com
By
Betty Winslow
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Christian
gift giving may not spike until well after the holiday season is over, at
least in Wayne County, Ohio.
P. Graham
Dunn – a leader in Christian gift, art and home décor – is moving off
their 100-acre Dalton, Ohio farm that has been in the Dunn family for
seven generations into a massive new building in February 2008. The new
headquarters will house the corporate offices, manufacturing, warehousing
and distribution functions and also open a beautiful retail showroom. When
it opens in May 2008, you won’t miss the signature red roof over the
104,000 square-foot structure located on
historic route 30 in Dalton, Ohio. Visitors will view the entire
manufacturing process from the 18,000 square foot retail store.
Living by
their credo – “Lift Him Up” – P. Graham Dunn has gone from a mere idea in
Peter Dunn’s mind to household name in just 30 years. But before Peter and
his wife, LeAnna, ventured into a business
creating wall decor, home furnishings and gifts that please the eye and
inspire the heart, they accepted a mission from their church to open a
home for runaway girls in New York City. In order to keep the girls
occupied, they initiated a small woodworking business. The girls carved
plaques and gifts that quickly became popular items at outdoor markets in
Greenwich Village. When the mission in New York was complete, the couple
bought the woodworking equipment and installed it on their farm in Dalton,
Ohio. The rest of the story, as they say, is history. Today, the company
serves 4,000 accounts, 3,500 in the U.S. and the remainder in Canada and
around the world.
Currently, those interested in shopping at P. Graham Dunn may do so online
at
http://pgrahamdunn.com or visit The P.
Graham Dunn Retail Gallery at 1417 Zuercher Road in Dalton, Ohio
44618. For more information, call 800-828-5260.
If Christmas slips by and dad didn’t get the tools he needs to tackle the
“Honey-Do” list come spring, the new P. Graham Dunn facility will be
hosting the Buckeye Tool Show being held February 15 – 16, 2008 located at
630 Henry Street in Dalton, Ohio 44618. More than 4,000 people attend The
Buckeye Tool Show annually to see the latest tools, engines, parts, and
other offerings (wood or otherwise) from exhibitors set up in booths
catering to manufacturing shops. The Buckeye Tool Show and many other
marquee events are offered through the Buckeye Expo which will open the
new Buckeye Event Center in April 2008 only 210 feet from the P. Graham
Dunn building. The Buckeye Event Center is designed to accommodate trade
shows, conferences, meetings, banquets, wedding receptions, auctions and
other special events year round.
A trip to Wayne County, Ohio doesn’t end with P. Graham Dunn or the
special events at the Buckeye Event Center. The new 2008 Wayne County
Visitors Guide highlights everything the county offers spanning a
wide-variety of interest, including its renowned Amish community and rural
charm.
Although the Wayne County Amish are well known for traveling by
horse-and-buggy, simple living, peacefulness and merchants offering
hand-stitched quilts, delicious home-cooking, and unsurpassed
craftsmanship in woodworking, what really sets the county apart from other
destinations is its cultural activities and events, and the diverse
attractions featuring household names like Simply Smucker's, Lehman’s, and
the original Everything Rubbermaid Store. It also attracts many to The
Cat’s Meow Village where the popular wooden collectibles are crafted to
perfection. For Ohio’s largest collection of old-world roses, and other
spectacular flora displays, meander the grounds of Secrest Arboretum, home
of The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center where outdoor
enthusiasts are greeted with plenty of options for nature, bike, and
equestrian trails. For those looking to stay the night, consider The
Wooster Inn and have a bite at Amish Door Restaurant. Another unique
dining option is in an Amish buggy at Des Dutch Essenhaus. Top it off with
a cinnamon roll to die for at Das Dutch Kitchen. Then, catch a performance
at Wayne Center for the Arts and listen to the Wooster Symphony Orchestra
or perhaps The Ohio Light Opera. End the night with a glass of wine at
Troutman’s Vineyard. And the list goes on. Consider a visit to Pine Tree
Barn and Quailcrest Farm. These are magical places in the country.
Quailcrest Farm is known for their herbs, flowering shrubs, scented
geraniums, roses and perennials, sunshine and fresh air for hobby to
serious gardeners. Pine Tree Barn is a historical landmark built in 1868.
Its 25,000 square feet inside has been restored into gift shops, a home
furnishing and design studio, and a gourmet luncheon restaurant. The
150-acre Christmas tree farm overlooks two lakes, and a nature and
wildlife preserve. For the heritage enthusiast, there’s the
Wayne County Historical Society featuring a schoolhouse built in 1873, a
log cabin, mercantile shop and more. In addition, for railroad
enthusiasts, make a whistle stop at The Orville Railroad Museum.
For more information or to obtain the new 2008 Wayne County Visitors Guide
to learn everything to see and do in one of Ohio’s most visited counties,
visit
www.waynecountycvb.org or call 800-362-6474
to plan your next trip to the crossroads of culture and
countryside.
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And nowhere is this truer than at The J.M. Smucker Company Store and
Café.
Tucked among the rolling cornfields and apple orchards of Orrville, Ohio,
The J.M. Smucker Company Store and Café, formerly known as Simply
Smucker’s®, originally opened in 1999 and was recently expanded and
renovated.
Now twice its original size, the store retains its quaint and classic
timber frame barn structure and is a premier showcase for The J.M. Smucker
Company’s entire family of brands, including Smucker’s®, Jif®, Pillsbury®,
Eagle Brand®, Crisco®, Hungry Jack®, Martha White®, Dickinson’s® and many
more.
With a delicious café menu, product sampling, exclusive merchandise for
the kitchen and home, and an interactive journey through the history of
the company, The J.M. Smucker Company Store and Café draws up to 200,000
people to Orrville every year. And now that the holiday season is in full
swing, there are even more reasons to stop by.
Take time to stroll around the store and you’ll find great gift ideas
everywhere, everything from exclusive branded apparel to one-of-a-kind
kitchen accessories. And while you’re browsing, don’t miss your chance to
add a personal touch to your holiday gift-giving at the Gift Basket Design
Center. Just choose your favorite flavors and merchandise from the entire
J.M. Smucker Company family of brands to create a custom gift that’s
straight from the heart.
One of the most special and unique traditions at The J.M. Smucker Company
is the annual production of the collectible Smucker’s holiday ornament,
designed exclusively every year by renowned White House Christmas
Decorator Bill Hixson. This year’s ornament is yet another masterpiece and
is available exclusively at The J.M. Smucker Company Store and Café.
But there’s a lot more to do here than fulfill holiday wishes. You can
also fill up at the fabulous new café. Try fresh and delicious baked
treats made with the company’s own branded ingredients – tasty Smucker’s
jams and preserves, Jif peanut butter, Pillsbury cakes and brownies. Your
tastebuds will be dancing, and that’s only the beginning. The café also
serves fresh, mouthwatering pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven. But don’t
get too full, because you’ll want to save room for a delicious ice cream
sundae topped with heavenly Smucker’s toppings.
You’ll also want to tour The J.M. Smucker Company museum and take a
journey from 1897 all the way to the present day. You’ll experience for
yourself how it all started and how The J.M. Smucker Company continues to
grow and evolve every day.
From tasty treats and
delicious pizzas to exclusive merchandise and one-of-a-kind gifts, The J.M.
Smucker Company Store and Café has something for everyone. Which makes it
the perfect destination this holiday season.
Store hours are Monday
through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on Sundays). For more
information, just call (330) 684-1500.
The J. M. Smucker Company is
the leading marketer and manufacturer of fruit spreads, peanut butter,
shortening and oils, ice cream toppings, sweetened condensed milk, and
health and natural foods beverages in North America. Its family of brands
includes Smucker's®, Jif®, Crisco®, Pillsbury®, Eagle Brand®, R.W. Knudsen
Family®, Hungry Jack®, White Lily® and Martha White® in the United States,
along with Robin Hood®, Five Roses® and Bick's® in Canada. The Company
remains rooted in the Basic Beliefs of Quality, People, Ethics, Growth and
Independence established by its founder and namesake more than a century
ago. Since 1998, the Company has appeared on FORTUNE Magazine's annual
listing of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the United States,
ranking number one in 2004.
For recipes, product information and news about The J.M. Smucker Company,
visit
www.smuckers.com.
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|
Click here for more festivals and events throughout Ohio
|
Christmas In The Village
(Admission is Free)
-
When: Nov 30 - Dec 2, 2007
-
Location: Waynesville, OH
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Phone: 513-897-8855
This seasonal event is billed as a traditional Dickens holiday complete
with Victorian street strollers, horse drawn carriages, carolers and live
nativity scenes. Don’t miss the evening luminary display as 1,300
luminaries light up Main Street. The festivities also include Dickens
characters, community Christmas tree and Tuba Christmas.
Annual Historic Lebanon's Christmas Festival
And Horse-Drawn Carriage
Parade
(Admission is Free)
-
When: Saturday, December 1, 2007 (Christmas Festival Time: 10am-9pm and
Horse-Drawn Carriage Parades: 1pm and 7pm candlelit parade)
-
Location: Downtown Lebanon Ohio
-
Phone: 513-932-1100
The Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the Annual Historic
Lebanon Christmas Festival and Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade. The festival
is always held on the first Saturday in December. There will be two
horse-drawn carriage parades: a daylight parade at 1 pm and the
traditional candlelight parade at 7 pm. Festivities continue to grow, and
are sure to include: gift and food vendors stationed along E. Mulberry
Street, Christmas carolers, traveling bell choir, storytelling, Paso Fino
Horse Demonstrations, musical entertainment, free photos with Santa and
Mrs. Claus, street characters, and extended business hours for our 80-plus
antique and specialty stores.
Avoid the Traffic! Use the shuttle from 406 Justice Drive (Warren Co
Administration building) to the parade. Parking is Free in downtown
Lebanon. Shuttle Parking Available $5 donation and $20 for RV's and
Busses. Handicap parking available. This is a free family event.
Christmas Candlelighting
At Historic Roscoe Village
-
When: December 1, 8, 15, 2007 (The first three Saturdays in December)
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Location: 381 Hill Street, Coshocton, Ohio 43812
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Phone: 800-877-1830
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Web site:
www.roscoevillage.com
The first three Saturdays in December, Roscoe Village cheers on the
holiday season with its Christmas Candlelighting Ceremonies. At 6 p.m.
each Saturday, a performing guest choir calls attention to the outdoor
stage and the gigantic Village Christmas tree providing a beautiful
backdrop for the ceremony. The reading of an inspirational Christmas story
then compliments the dramatic lighting of the 35-foot tree. The lighting
of the candles begins when the Honorary Candlelighter, usually a figure of
public interest, lights the first candle from the main candle on stage and
proceeds to pass the flame to the singing of “Silent Night.” As each
person receives the flame from his neighbor, he begins singing until every
candle glows and the crowd is a chorus of voices. On the days of
candlelightings, guests may take horse-drawn surrey rides, listen to live
dulcimer music, hear strolling carolers, visit with Santa and his elves,
see live reindeer (first Saturday only), and browse through the Shops of
Roscoe Village among the old-fashioned holiday decorations and luminaries
lining the streets. Learn about Christmas during the 1800s as you tour the
Village by candlelight in the special “A Roscoe Christmas” tours
commencing after the Candlelightings. For more information, please contact
Historic Roscoe Village at 800- 877-1830 or visit
www.roscoevillage.com.
Christmas On The Green
(Admission is Free)
-
When: Friday, December 7, 2007 from 6-9pm
-
Location: Downtown Piqua, Ohio
-
Phone: 937-773-9355
Christmas on the Green is a family holiday entertainment
extravaganza! Christmas treats and other holiday cheer are
celebrated by the entire community. There are food booths, shopping
opportunities, a strolling Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, bonfires and
many other forms of entertainment, including live music.
Jefferson Depot
Village
An Old-fashioned Williamsburg Christmas
(Admission
is Free)
-
When:
Sunday, December 9, 2007 starting at 3:00 p.m.
(2nd Sunday in December every year)
-
Location: 147 East
Jefferson Street in Jefferson, Ohio
-
Phone: 440-576-0496
or email duttonjd@hotmail.com
"An Old-fashioned
Williamsburg Christmas" Celebration. Amidst Williamsburg finery, fragrant
wreaths, welcome candles, celebrate the season in the 1800's style at the
historic Jefferson Depot Village. Festivities include sleigh-rides,
caroling 'round the old piano and pot-belly stoves, ice sculpture,
breaking a piñata, making a Victorian ornament, listening to a Christmas
Musical. Talk to jolly ole St. Nick, followed by a candlelight Christmas
Buffet served from the Depot Baggage Cart. Please bring your own table
service and something to share. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Festivities start at 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Free admittance and free
parking sponsored by Jefferson Depot, Inc., a non-profit, charitable
restoration group. There are also monthly diversified free programs at
8:00 p.m. on the first Monday of each month from May thru December.
Underground Railroad Station At The Kelton House Museum: Trails Of Hope
Series
-
When: Sunday, December 9, 2007 (2:00 p.m.)
-
Location: Kelton House Museum at 586 E. Town Street in Columbus, OH
43235
-
Phone: 614-464-2022
Learn of the Kelton family’s involvement with the Underground Railroad.
See a re-enactor perform as Wealthy Brown, the daughter-in-law of John
Brown. Hear the story of her life before and after John Brown’s famous
raid.
PNC Festival of
Lights
(Call for admission information)
-
When: December 14,
2007 - January 1 (closed Christmas eve and day)
-
Location: Cincinnati
Zoo & Botanical Garden
-
Phone: 513-475-6124
or 1-800-94-HIPPO
Established over 20
years ago, Festival of Lights has become the region’s largest and most
anticipated holiday event. Kicking off prior to Thanksgiving, the 2.5
million lights sparkle well past Christmas. The special holiday
entertainment, carolers, children’s activities, reindeer, train rides and
seasonal fare have made this event one of the tri-state’s most cherished
family traditions. This event is FREE with Zoo admission. For more
details, please call 513-475-6124.
Christmas Of
Yesteryear
And Christmas Lantern Tour At Historic Lyme Village
(admission $5 for adults $3 for 12 and under)
-
When: December 15,
16 and 19 (See below for specifics)
-
Location: Bellevue,
Ohio (Enter on State Route 4 between U.S. 20 and State
Route 113).
-
Phone: 419-483-4949
Come and tour a 19th
century village decorated for Christmas. It features three log houses, a
log church, one room school, 1836 Seymour House, and the 1882 Victorian
Wright Mansion. Gift shop open in the Visitor's Center. Christmas of
Yesteryear is December 16 & 29, 2007 from 1-5pm. Christmas Lantern Tour is
December 15 from 5 - 9pm. Christmas Eve service is free and begins at 11
pm at the Detterman Log Church.
Elvis Presley the "Original" American Idol
and the Fabulous Fifties and Sixties exhibits
(Admission is $3
adults, $2 seniors, $1 children 6 and up)
-
When: Saturdays and Sundays 1-4 PM, November, December,
March and April and by appointment only in January and February
-
Location: Heritage Hall Museum, 169 East Church Street,
Marion Ohio 43302
-
Phone: 740-387-4255
-
Web address:
www.marionhistory.com
Visit the Marion County Historical Society museum Heritage
Hall and tour the “Elvis – the Original American Idol” and “The
Fabulous 50’s & 60’s” exhibits. Featured is a large collection of Elvis
memorabilia on loan to the Historical Society from the collection of Jon Daly
a local collector and president of the Elvis Memories Loop Fan Club as
well as a nostalgic trip down memory lane into the world of soda pop, early TV,
record albums, Howdy Doody and aluminum tumblers! Tours of the Wyandot
Popcorn Museum and the Marion County Historical Society's Warren G. Harding
collection are also included with admission to Heritage Hall.
Join Elvis Fans at Heritage Hall on January 12, 2008 from
1-5 PM for a special birthday tribute to Elvis Aaron Presley. Guests may come in
their favorite Elvis era clothing and rock 'n' roll the afternoon away
celebrating with Elvis karaoke, ice cream and cake. Please call 740-387-4255 to
pre register for this event. Regular museum admission will be collected.
Dickens Victorian Village
-
When: November 5, 2007 - January 21, 2008
-
Location: Historic downtown Cambridge, Ohio
-
Phone: 800-933-5480 (Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention
Bureau)
Take a trip back in time and experience old-world England as historic
downtown Cambridge, Ohio, is charmingly transformed into a Dickens
Victorian Village. Visitors are invited to stroll amidst 40 vignettes of
105 lifelike figures representing classic scenes from Victorian society.
This innovative public art exhibition can be enjoyed by families, couples,
and groups alike -- an experience that will engage the senses as you
explore the charming streetscape, striking historic architecture, and
eclectic shops and eateries of Cambridge.
The Dickens scenes are stationed along Wheeling Avenue at each antique
lamppost and bench between 6th and 11th Streets. Wheeling Avenue is also
the historic National Road/Route 40 and features an outstanding
streetscape of original buildings from the 1800s.
The Dickens Victorian Village vignettes are comprised of life-sized and
hand-made mannequins wearing real vintage clothing. The faces for each
character are individually sculpted and painted by local artists. The
displays include engaging depictions of classic Dickens-era scenes and
figures such as Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, the town crier, groups of
carolers (that actually “sing” classic carols!), a bucket brigade,
lamplighters, school children, street peddlers, and Father Christmas, all
posed in active scenes that appear frozen in time.
Blossom Holiday Lighting Festival
(Admission: $15.00 per car load)
-
When: November 15, 2007 - January 6, 2008
-
Location: Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
-
Web: blossomholidaylighting.com
This new exhibit featuring more than 300 displays is sprawled across two
miles of a driving tour on the grounds of Blossom Music Center.
Legendary Lights At The Clifton Mill
(Admission: $7
and kids under 6 free)
-
When:
December 2007 (from the day after Thanksgiving through January 1st)
-
Location: Clifton, Ohio
on State Route 72 in
Greene County
-
Phone:
937-767-5501
A winter wonderland
with more than 3.6 million lights! The tranquil setting along the Little
Miami River is, with the flip of a switch, transformed into a brilliant,
dazzling display of lights, sights and sounds from every direction to
create the Annual Clifton Mill Outdoor Lighting Display. The
extraordinary extravaganza runs nightly from 6 to 9:30 p.m. until January
1. The mill is the largest remaining water-powered gristmill in the United
States and stands five-stories tall. Step into the Millrace Restaurant to
rest a bit, have a steaming cup of delicious hot chocolate and snack.
Light Up Middletown
and Balloon Glow
(Admission: Free for Balloon Glow and cash donation for Light Up
Middletown drive-through light display)
-
When: Light Up
Middletown usually begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs through
December. The Balloon Glow is usually the first Tuesday in December from
6-8pm.
-
Location: Smith
Park, 500 Tytus Avenue – Art Central District in downtown Middletown, OH
45042
-
Phone: 513-422-3030
About a dozen hot air
balloons will illuminate the winter night sky at the same time Light Up
Middletown kicks off for the holiday season. Light Up Middletown is a
drive-through fantasy light display. Enter via Christmas Tree Lane,
through a 40 foot tunnel of lights, around the reflecting pool with
floating swans, under the leaping deer and visit the penguin village and
butterfly forest. Special events throughout the season include the Hot Air
Balloon Glow on December 5 and weekend visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus in
the historic Lock Tender’s House Museum inside the park. The display
expands each year to include new and unusual animated groups. Proceeds
from the donations go to improve Middletown Parks.
Niederman Christmas Farm
(Admission is Free)
-
When: November 23 - December 30, 2007 from 5:30pm - 10pm daily
-
Location: 4972 LeSourdsville-WestChester Drive in Liberty Township, Ohio
45011
-
Phone: 513-887-0725
Niederman Christmas Farm is a free
walk-though Christmas Display. Visitors can enjoy tens of thousands of
lights that illuminate the path. Fifty speakers set the mood with
Christmas music as you view life-size nativity and several Biblical scenes
telling the real story of Christmas. In addition there are hundreds of
decorated trees and live animals. The walking path is wheel chair and
stroller accessible. Free hot chocolate and cookies for everyone.
Wintershow:
Gingerbread Dreams
(Admission: $7.50 and $3 for children 3-12)
-
When: November 23 - December 31, 2007 Tuesday – Saturday from 10am – 5
pm, Sunday from Noon – 5pm and closed Monday
-
Location: Cleveland Botanical Garden
-
Phone: 216-721-1600
Nothing screams the holidays like gingerbread men, gingerbread houses,
gingerbread anything. Ever since the Nineteenth century, gingerbread
treats have filled generations’ minds and tummies alike. Now, they are the
centerpiece of the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s WinterShow.
Holidays On The Harbor
(Admission: $5.00 and up, based on activities chosen)
-
When: November 24 through December
-
Where: Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Avenue, Cleveland, OH
44114
-
Phone: 216-694-2000
Downtown Cleveland comes alive with wintertime fun this year with Holidays
on the Harbor, a celebration of special events and family activities that
is sure to become a beloved annual tradition in northeast Ohio. From
skating on an outdoor rink to holiday movies on the giant OMNIMAX screen
to an exciting Breakfast with Santa! – Holidays on the Harbor has
something for everyone.
Skate admission is $5, or $3 with GLSC or OMNIMAX admission. Skate rental
will also be available for $2. Hours are daily from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00
p.m. Tickets for The Polar Express are $8.95 for adults, $6.95 for youth,
$7.95 for senior. Don't miss Breakfast with Santa December on special
dates. Admission is $20 for adult tickets and $15 for youth tickets.
Capital Holiday
Lights
(Admission is Free)
Feel that holiday
spirit in the warm heart of Ohio as the State Capitol building is set
ablaze with lights, music and entertainment. This holiday light show comes
with the lighting of the statehouse holiday tree and the Brightster. The
Brightster is a seven-foot candle and mascot of the show. And don’t miss
the high tech lighting affects, indoor family activities and nightly
outdoor stage shows.
Fantasy Lights
(admission
fee may apply)
-
When: December 2007
from Sunday through Thursday 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday
from 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
-
Where: (confirm
location for 2007 by calling the following phone number) Alum Creek
State Park in Central Ohio
-
Phone: 740-369-2900
Wow! This is better
than the night sky on the 4th of July. See more than 100 light displays
with a total light count of more than one million. After gazing at the
lights, come in and warm up with hot cocoa and cookies and spend some time
with Santa.
A Christmas Story House
-
Admission: $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Group
discounts are available.
The price of admission includes a guided tour of the house and yard and
admittance into the museum.
-
When: Open Thursday – Saturday 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 5
p.m. year-round (and Wednesdays November 1 through January 15). Tours of
A Christmas Story House are conducted every half hour beginning at 10:30
AM. The last tour of the day begins at 4:30 PM. Closed Thanksgiving,
Christmas, New Years Eve, New Years Day and Easter.
-
Where: 3159 W. 11th Street,
Cleveland, OH 44109. Admission tickets to A Christmas Story House can
be purchased at the museum (1103 Rowley Ave.) located directly across
the street from the house. All
tours start at the museum.
-
Phone: 216-298-4919
The house used in the popular holiday classic “A Christmas Story” has been
restored to its original 1983 movie appearance. Purchased and renovated by
Brian Jones, a true fan of the movie who sells leg lamps for a living, the
house takes visitors on a nostalgic journey to the sights and scenes where
Ralphie Parker dreams of nothing but receiving a genuine Red Ryder
200-shot Carbine Action Air Rifle for Christmas. In addition to A
Christmas Story House, visitors can explore the museum where items from
the movie are on display, more than 100 behind-the-scenes photos are
featured and movie-related memorabilia can be purchased. A Christmas Story
House is located just five minutes from downtown Cleveland at 3159 W. 11th
Street in the Tremont neighborhood. For more information or for
directions, visit
www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com.
SANTA TRAINS /
POLAR EXPRESS/ TRAINS TO NORTH POLE
The Dennison
Railroad Museum's Polar Express in Dennison, Ohio
For
availability, reservations and rates, call 1-877-278-8020.
This newly restored railroad station encourages parents to take your
family on a journey of a lifetime. Just like The Polar Express book
and movie, passengers are seen riding the rails in their pajamas sipping
hot chocolate and snacking on cookies. As the storyline unfolds, so do the
events aboard this train. Once at the North Pole, Santa hops aboard
to meet the children and hand out presents.
The Hocking Valley
Scenic Railway's Santa Trains
in Nelsonville, Ohio
For availability, reservations and rates, call
1-800-967-7834 or visit
www.hockingvalleytrain.com.
On this
trip through the scenic Hocking Valley, youngsters don't need to go to the North
Pole to see Santa. Instead, Santa visits with each and every child on the train
and passes out candy to all. Passengers are also
treated to lovely music and Christmas poems. The trip takes two hours.
Reservations are strongly recommended. Tickets may be purchased online.
Cincinnati
Railway's Santa's North Pole Express in
Lebanon, Ohio
For
availability, reservations and rates, call 513-933-8022.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are aboard this train too. And passengers are taken
to the "North Pole" where they can listen to carols, drink hot coco and
take in the lovely scenery. In addition to the Lebanon station, there's
another in downtown Cincinnati. Passengers don't leave this train until
the ride is over. Fares, dates and times differ slightly. Call the same
phone number above for details.
Cuyahoga Valley
Scenic Railroad's Santa Claus Express and Polar Express
in Penninsula, Ohio
For availability, reservations and rates, call 800-468-4070.
The trip is full of fun as kids try to spot reindeer in the beautiful
Cuyahoga Valley while they wait for Santa to stop by and visit. Cuyahoga
Valley Scenic Railroad offers the Polar Express as well. However, getting
tickets for this wonderful trip is very difficult even when planning
months in advance. It is done through a mail-in lottery. Tickets are
sometimes found through area newspapers as well. Passengers are encouraged
to wear pajamas. Cookies and hot-coco are served.
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