Confessions from Mt. Adams

Photos by Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler

A Tale of Two Cities meets Mt. Adams, Ohio.

From sinners to saints, this historic neighborhood in Cincinnati has quite a reputation, and two starkly different neighbors: The grisly history of a speakeasy and the church of the steps.

Sinners first…

This tale is straight from the back of the menu at The Mt Adams Bar & Grill:

The Mt Adams Bar & Grill backbar reputedly came out of a speakeasy owned by the infamous Cincinnati bootlegger, George Remus. Speakeasys were illegal bars operated during the Prohibition of alcohol decreed in 1919 by the 18^th Amendment to our Constitution. Remus, a Chicago criminal attorney, moved to Cincinnati and bought a distillery to produce legally bonded whiskey for medicinal purposes by prescription only. Not surprisingly, a great deal of Remus’ whiskey found its way into speakeasys. At the height of his success, he employed 3,000 people and paid $20,000,000 in bribes to local police and officials. His success brought him $45,000,000 in profits and the unwelcome attention of federal agents. Scheduled for trial, he gave his diamond collection to his wife. For unknown reasons, she promptly filed for divorce, but in a diabolical twist, just two hours before the trial was scheduled to begin, Remus tracked her down in Eden Park and killed her. He pled guilty due to insanity, spent three months in a state mental hospital, after which he was found sane and released. Click here to read more about the fascinating history and present-day Mt Adams Bar & Grill.

And now for the saints…

The Pilgrimages to the “Church of the Steps” at Holy Cross Immaculata Church began their ascent in 1859.

The famous steps of Mt. Adams have a powerful lure for locals and international visitors. What started as a Catholic tradition now includes the faithful the world over. Take a step, put a new bead of the Rosary between your finger and thumb, and repeat. Or say your own set of prayers, adding a new one for each new step. Some just come to meditate on each step as they take an inward journey of their own. Eighty-five prayers later, you reach the summit of the steep climb and the base of the Roman Catholic Immaculata Church, its steeple stretching skyward. Turn around, and a sprawling heavenly view reveals the skyline and majestic river of the “Queen City” – Cincinnati – in an eye-popping panoramic scene from high above. Click here to read more about the interesting history and present-day “Church of the Steps.

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Topino The Tooth Mouse

AI image used to illustrate this story by Frank Rocco Satullo

The Legend of the Tooth Mouse:
A Family Tradition Imported to Ohio

The tooth fairy is a celebrated legend in much of the world. So, too, is the tooth mouse.

My dad was born to a Sicilian immigrant. Growing up, they were told of “the little white tooth mouse.” Much like the tooth fairy, when a child lost a baby tooth and placed it under a pillow at night, he’d wake up to find that the tooth mouse had replaced it with a coin.

Although Dad shared his childhood tale of the tooth mouse with my sister and me, our household went with the American standard – the tooth fairy.

When I had kids of my own, I decided to reintroduce the tooth mouse tradition of my Dad’s childhood, but with a twist. First, I discovered the tooth mouse went by different names throughout the world. In Italian, the name was Topino.

When my kids began losing their baby teeth, they learned a hybrid story I came up with to make the tooth fairy and tooth mouse coexist. I told the kids that their grandpa had a mouse named Topino in his house when they were growing up. He came over on a boat from Sicily with my grandpa through Ellis Island en route to Cleveland, Ohio, along with the Satullo family. Topino’s job was to check the children’s teeth every night, and when he found a wiggler, he’d put the tooth fairy on high alert. She’s very busy, so it is helpful to have a tooth mouse in the house to give her a heads-up so she could better plan her route each night. A tooth would be exchanged with a coin by the tooth mouse and a dollar bill by the tooth fairy. When the child grew up, so did his tooth mouse. The tooth mouse would have baby mice, all named Topino. When the kids started their own families, a Topino would move in with each of them.

My son, Dominic, not only believed in Topino; he was so intrigued that he took things to a new level.

One night, my wife came into our room after replacing the tooth with a coin and a bill and handed me a note. Our son was asking the tooth mouse questions like, “What does he look like?” Where does he live? What else does he like to do? And can he read this?

So began a strange pen pal relationship between me and my son.

Our minds worked together to open a whole new world. It didn’t matter whether a tooth was loose or not; I had to check his desk to see if a letter had been left for Topino in the usual place. The fun wrapped around this communication between father and son was something for the ages. There were great adventures, head-scratching questions, revelations and more.

One of Dominic’s favorite storylines was the mischief Topino would get into when he’d play with my son’s toys at night. One time we awoke to a toy car stuck in the chandelier (hee-hee). Topino also seemed to be in the same life situations as my son, so they’d talk about them back and forth.

Until one day it stopped.

We had carried on writing letters for over a year. Sure, there were some pauses at times between letters, so when they stopped altogether, I was slow to notice. Finally, I asked if my son still sent Topino letters. My son showed me the last letter he wrote that went unanswered.

“Why did you put it here?” I asked.

“I don’t know,” he answered.

It was not where I assumed we had mutually agreed on as the designated spot. So, I explained why Topino may have missed the note. Dominic moved the note to the old spot, and when Topino answered, there was more to his not finding the letter than it just being in the wrong spot for Topino; too, it was in the wrong spot!

My boy came bursting downstairs the next morning with a wad of papers in hand.

“Look – look, Topino, he’s back!”

“Whattaya mean, back?” I asked coyly.

“He hid in my bag the last time we went to Avon Lake to visit Grandma and Grandpa. It took him forever to get back, and he waited a long time after that for me to write him. He didn’t know I did because I used a different spot for the letter, so you were right about that, Dad. I can’t wait to hear about his adventure!”

So there were stories that lasted nearly another year. One day, Dominic was horrified when I pointed out the mouse poison in the garage and cautioned him to stay clear of it. I had to convince him that I bought a special blend that targets unwanted mice versus a beloved tooth mouse like Topino. He preferred all mice live. I had other ideas, considering the bag of seed they feasted on all winter.

Eventually, it ended as most childhood fairytales end: by just growing too old to believe anymore. But the twist on Topino was that both of our kids assumed this legend was as common as the Easter Bunny in their friends’ households. So as older kids, they were taken aback when friends would give them a blank stare when asked about their tooth mouse growing up.

Who knows, maybe it’ll grow into an Ohio legend. 😉

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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These Grill Boys Are Cooked!

“These Grill Boys Are Cooked”
from
The Last of The Outsiders
A Comic Strip by Rocco Satullo

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Cloudy with a Chance of …

Cloudy with a chance of butterflies and sailboats.

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Wayne County Postcard

Welcome to Our Ohio Postcard of the Month

Welcome to Wayne County, Ohio

It’s where heritage, beauty & hospitality come together, featuring iconic places like Amish Country, Lehman’s, P. Graham Dunn, The Ohio Light Opera, Secrest Arboretum, Shisler’s Cheese House, and the Historic Lincoln Highway.

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Hands Across America

Image is an AI reconstruction of a historical scene

When America Held Hands:
Remembering Hands Across America Along Lake Road on Ohio’s North Coast

I had a friend who lived on Lake Road in Avon Lake, Ohio, when the entire country attempted to join hands and create an unbroken, continuous human chain across the United States.

It was called Hands Across America. But there weren’t enough people to close the gap. Would we be the only hole in the human chain?

Not on our watch!

My friend had an actual Big Boy statue from a Big Boy restaurant in his front yard (seriously, LOL); a story for another time.

With the help of others, we moved that monstrosity to the road and finally closed the gap. I never saw a photo of this. I imagine it looked like the AI photo I created to accompany my nostalgic reflection about this monumental event in this addition to Vacationland: Echoes of Ohio’s Nostalgic Past by the “Blogs by Rocco,” where I revisit some of Ohio’s favorite memories of events and destinations.

Some moments in history are remembered not because they changed the world overnight, but because, for a brief moment, they changed us.

If you were around in the spring of 1986, you probably remember one of those moments.

On Memorial Day weekend, millions of Americans stepped out of their homes in the cities, suburbs, small towns, and rural expanses with one simple purpose: to hold hands across America.

It was an ambitious effort to raise money and awareness for hunger and homelessness while attempting to create a continuous human chain stretching from New York to California. For fifteen unforgettable minutes on May 25, 1986, strangers became friends, and the country seemed just a little bit smaller.

Today, looking back forty years, it’s easy to smile at the innocence of it all. There were no smartphones announcing where to stand. No social media hashtags documenting every handshake. No drones capturing overhead video. Just newspapers, local volunteers, radio stations, maps folded across kitchen tables, and an optimism that seemed perfectly at home in the mid-1980s.

Millions of people gathered believing that if enough people cared, America could literally link itself together.

In Northeast Ohio, that dream passed right through my community on Lake Road (U.S. Route 6) through Avon Lake. For a few minutes, one of Ohio’s most familiar roads became something entirely different—not a route to somewhere else, but a destination itself. If you stood there that afternoon, you probably don’t remember exactly who held your hands. But you’ll never forget looking into each other’s eyes and smiling as a breeze drifted in off Lake Erie.

There was something wonderfully uncomplicated about the experience.

Along Lake Road in Avon Lake, nobody was trying to go viral. Nobody was capturing content for tomorrow’s feed. There was no need to prove you had been there because the memory itself became the souvenir.

Nationally, the line wasn’t perfect. Gaps appeared across parts of the country, particularly in rural areas of the Southwest, and organizers ultimately acknowledged that the coast-to-coast chain existed more in spirit than in uninterrupted reality.

The 1980s were full of shared national experiences. We watched the same television shows. We listened to the same Top 40 countdowns. We crowded around our TVs for Live Aid, celebrated the release of “We Are the World,” and, one Sunday afternoon, stepped outside together because we believed America was capable of something beautiful, and simply held hands.

Explore more Vacationland: Echoes of Ohio’s Nostalgic Destinations

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Little House on the Prairie

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Rather than power drive 12 hours from point A to point B, my wife planned an overnight stay to break it up. It was against my objection, but that stay would be to see The Little House on the Prairie in De Smet, a.k.a. Nowheresville, South Dakota.

“Now I don’t know if this is the best little house site because there’re five or six across the Midwest,” my wife revealed casually.

My translation was – Great. Torture for the day.

Unlike the television show, the Ingalls family didn’t live in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, for all that time. They were there for just a few years. They actually lived in many places, including De Smet, South Dakota. And it was here that many of the books in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House book series were based. Much of the family is buried in the De Smet Cemetery.

WE’RE HERE!

We tumbled out of the vehicle, stretched, and wandered into a building adjacent to the parking lot. Inside it was a store. A nice lady took our money, explained a few things, and handed us a map.

WOW! From our vantage point on a hill, a beautiful panoramic view of deep green grass met the blue-and-white sky. It was as flat out there as flat could be. The wind breezed through our hair as if it were right on cue, and the sun shone, and the birds sang. Welcome to another world.

A teenage boy appeared beside us and said a group was about to head off to the schoolhouse by horse and covered wagon. We walked with him. The kid was as nice as nice can be and very informative.

Once we joined the other families on vacation in the covered wagon, we were off. One by one, each and every kid had a turn to take the reins and drive the horses. The trip to the schoolhouse wasn’t short, so we could marvel more at the lush green grass swaying back and forth in the gentle breeze against a contrasting blue-white sky. The colors were saturated to the point of seeming somewhat cartoonish.

There went the outhouse. Way up yonder, we saw the schoolhouse. A day later, we arrived. Not really. The whole ride probably only took 10 minutes at best.

As we rolled up in our horse-drawn wagon, the bell atop the school roof rang loudly. The schoolteacher invited us in, and instead of giving a boring description of this and that, she had the kids dress like prairie school children. Once they donned their new duds, they took their seats at desks in the one-room schoolhouse. Parents gathered along the walls and some desks in the back and watched the school take session. Each kid was asked to stand at the front for hands-on learning demonstrations.

They LOVED it!

The session ran long, so a couple of fathers and I headed back outside. After some small talk, we haphazardly did a series of solo circles kicking rocks, gazing around, breathing the prairie air deeply, and listening to the kids enjoy themselves inside, ringing the school bell. We reconvened with a mystery that seemed to dawn on us simultaneously.

What happened to our guide?

Considering the flat fields of tall grass allowed us visibility to see forever and a day, the mystery began to unfold. Where did the kid go? We all seemed to receive non-verbal orders and went searching. One gent walked around the schoolhouse, another checked around the horses and wagon, and I meandered back into the schoolhouse, scanning every nook and cranny.

When we reconvened at the schoolhouse steps, we laughed aloud, “WHERE DID HE GO?”

We squinted, looked as far as the eye could see, and determined the boy couldn’t have walked back to the house and barn. It was simply too far to cover that kind of ground in that short a time.

By now, the kids and wives had had their fill and filed out of the schoolhouse. Instinct kicked in for the women, and they noticed that something was awry, too. In fact, it took them much less time to question the whereabouts of our guide.

Once we all finished another round, we reconvened as a large group in front of the schoolhouse. Only this time, laughter at the situation faded, giving way to thoughts such as, “That’s a far walk back” and “Will this throw the day’s schedule out of whack?”

Interestingly, the kids didn’t give the fact that we were all standing around, stranded, a thought or a care in the world. They picked up sticks, rocks, and tall grass, made things, played with things, and then disappeared deep into the rhythmic blowing fields to where you could only see little heads bobbing up and down.

A light went off in several mothers’ heads. They whipped out cameras quicker than a gunslinger could draw his six-shooter. My wife captured our kids running through the golden glow of majestic grassland right at us with ear-to-ear grins. It was just like the opening scene of the TV show Little House On The Prairie. You could even hear the music!

Once the diversion ended, we summoned the schoolteacher. She picked up an amazing piece of technology called a telephone (go figure) and called the main complex. A handful of minutes later, a much-anticipated call came back. No sign of the kid anywhere.

Now, there was restlessness and murmurs of disapproval.

Just then, as if someone said “POOF,” the boy was among us. Our minds were as one when our puzzled looks revealed the same thought – “How did he do that?” This was followed by, “Where did he come from?”

Upon closer examination, we noticed his hair was awfully messy – a kind of matted mess as opposed to wind-blown. His eyes were unfocused, and one side of his face was beat red with some long, stringy impressions in the skin. I think there may have even been a trace of drool that wasn’t entirely wiped away by his flannel sleeve.

He kind of looked puzzled as he looked back at us, going about his routine of getting the horses set for the ride back. After the schoolteacher said something to him that none of us could hear, his entire face turned beet red. He could barely make eye contact with anyone. His voice even cracked with humility.

So it goes.

On the return trip, everyone began chatting about the other things to see and do back at the Ingalls homestead. Our guide pointed out how crops were planted and explained that you can clearly see between each row, both straight on and diagonally. It was pretty cool to see.

It was because we were transfixed by the precision of the planting as we slowly rolled by that we noticed a section that was completely off. It zagged and zigged in no coherent pattern at all.

Our teen guide had a self-effacing chuckle in his voice when he saw how intently we all silently gazed at this section of mess.

“This section here is the section I planted.”

Everyone rolled in their seats with pure belly laughter. And so did he.

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun!

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Trip Quip: Mushroom House

Welcome to Trip Quip …
and the Mushroom House in Cincinnati, Ohio

PLAY VIDEO

Part of a series of slap-happy travel videos
by The OhioTraveler.

Remember the Triple A Triptik? Well, this is not that.
This is The OhioTraveler’s Trip Quip!

When you’re on the road too long,
cheesy dad jokes, corny one-liners, silly puns,
and the whimsical, quirky, weird, and strange oddities
prevail for better or worse.

So, we thought we’d share these spontaneously silly stops as we go!

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(R-R-R-R-ING), “SCHMUCKER’S!”

For A Classic Roadside Diner – It’s the Real Deal!

When I first walked into this Toledo roadside diner 35 years ago, it felt like my kind of place. Back from my Army stay in Europe, now in college, I treated my girlfriend (soon-to-be wife) to a great bite I could afford, and the road led here. It was 1992. The waitress said it still looked the same as it did when it opened in 1948.

Recently, my wife and I traveled several hours to see one of our kids and our niece, who attend school in the area. Their school wasn’t in the immediate area, but it was close enough for a road trip to the dear ole diner still frying up memories after all these years.

When we drove around the place hoping to find a parking spot, I asked the ‘kids’, “Whattaya think?”

A deep voice in the backseat said, “As long as it has burgers, I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

So it goes.

We snapped a photo to commemorate the old roadside diner with its nondescript faded yellow brick, glass block windows, and neon sign. It still felt right, even after we romanticized it in our minds back in the day. And, ooh, that smell: a concoction in the air that wafted somewhere between fresh-hand-peeled potatoes and thoughts of grandma’s pie cooling on a windowsill.

It’s funny how a mere scent can trigger a memory. The most memorable thing about Schmucker’s Restaurant, bar none, is the pie! To quote an old saying, the pie “is to-die-for.”

[To-die-for is popular American hyperbole from the 20^th Century and means that something is so amazing that it is worth dying for. For example: “Get the pie! The pie is to die for!” – Idiom Origins]

When we went inside, we crammed the doorway with another cluster of folks waiting for a table to be emptied and bused. I hoped it wasn’t the one within arm’s reach because then someone else was sure to be loitering in my space while I ate. So, ya, Schmucker’s Restaurant is …cozy.

But that’s the charm of it. That, and the fact that nothing changes inside these walls, unlike the ever-changing world outside. The owner’s name is still Schmucker, albeit the grandchild of the founders, Harvey and Nola. Heck, even the chrome stools at the wrap-around lunch counter are originals. Once we nestled into our seats, yes, by the door as feared, we became a quaint world unto our own. All was well.

“What’s that ringing?” my niece asked. “It sounds like an old movie.”

In the back corner of the restaurant, a worn, wooden telephone booth has been there since day one. After we heard it several times, we tried to record it but couldn’t quite get it right. So, my niece called the restaurant. We heard and recorded the old-fashioned ringing telephone a couple of times over until our waiter reached inside it and answered, “Schmucker’s…”

My niece panicked and hung up. We later confessed our sin, thinking we’d make up for it in the tip.

Our waiter was a young fellow with a bright smile. He was everything you’d expect from a family-diner straight out of Yesteryear. He was friendly, helpful, patient, and attentive. But more than that, he was a conversationalist. And that’s the thing about a diner like this. You learn about not just the place itself, but the community it serves.

“Hold that thought,” he said to us as he backed away to seat some newcomers. Several minutes later, he returned to pick up the conversation almost in the mid-sentence he pardoned himself from.

“Whattaya have?”

My son ordered up the Wimpy Burger Platter. I asked if he knew who Wimpy was. Of course, he didn’t. I don’t even know if he knows Popeye (outside of the chicken chain).

I couldn’t resist. I blurted out the catchphrase from the early-era television cartoon, “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.”

Blank faces. Crickets. … “Is this a dad joke or something?”

[“A dad joke is a short joke, typically a pun, presented as a one-liner or a question and answer, but not a narrative. Generally inoffensive, dad jokes are stereotypically told with sincere humorous intent, or to intentionally provoke a negative reaction to its overly simplistic humor. Many dad jokes may be considered anti-jokes, deriving humor from an intentionally unfunny punchline.” – Wikipedia]

Perusing the menu, it was hard to make a decision between meals with side notes like, “Just the way Mom makes it on Sundays.” Or, “Grandma Schmucker’s secret recipe since 1948.”

“Hot Roast Beef” seemed like such a staple comfort food for an old-time roadside diner experience. But then again, “Fresh Perch,” considering our proximity to a Great Lake, was alluring, too. The menu had everything you may imagine for lunch, dinner, and even breakfast! I was usually the quick and decisive one to order, but I seemed to be channeling my wife … “Uh, I’m sorry, can you come back to me?”

So, with a homestyle dinner, fresh garden salad, homemade soup of the day (Nola’s recipe), and an old-fashioned strawberry soda (they also had chocolate and cherry), I wondered if I’d be able to save room for pie.

Then I laughed and laughed and laughed.

I had to decide on one of Nola’s 54 pie recipes!

Almond Joy
ANDE’s Mint Delight
Apple (daily)
Apple-Raisin-Walnut
Banana (daily)
Blackberry
Banana Split
Black Bottom
Black Forest
Blueberry (daily)
Blueberry Crumb
Burst O’ Berry
Butterfinger
Candy Apple
Caramel-Apple-Walnut (daily)
Cherry (daily)
Cherry Berry
Cherry Crumb (daily)
Chocolate Chip Pecan
Chocolate Cream (daily)
Chocolate Peanut Butter (daily) – Our waiter said this is the most popular. It was my choice. And it’s my recommendation. It was … to die for!
Chocolate Raspberry Cream
Coconut Cream (daily)
Coconut Custard
Custard (daily)
Dutch Apple (daily)
Fresh Strawberry (seasonal)
Fresh Strawberry Banana (seasonal)
Keylime (seasonal)
Lemon Chiffon
Lemon Crunch
Lemon Meringue
Mince (seasonal)
Mounds
Nestlé Crunch®
OH-IO Buckeye Pie
Oreo Cookie
Peach (daily)
Pecan (daily)
Pineapple Cream
Pumpkin (seasonal)
Pumpkin Apple Streusel
Raisin (daily)
Raspberry Cream
Red Raspberry
Rhubarb (daily)
Snickers
Scutterbotch (daily)
Scutterbotch Mousse
Strawberry Rhubarb (seasonal)
Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel
Sweet Potato Streusel (seasonal)
Triple Chocolate Indulgence
Vanilla Peanut Butter (daily)

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Trip Quip: Dog Fountain Video

Welcome to Trip Quip …
and the Dog Fountain in Mt. Vernon, Ohio

PLAY VIDEO

Part of a series of slap-happy travel videos
by The OhioTraveler.

Remember the Triple A Triptik? Well, this is not that.
This is The OhioTraveler’s Trip Quip!

When you’re on the road too long,
cheesy Dad jokes, corny one-liners, and silly puns,
prevail for better or worse.

So, we thought we’d share these spontaneously silly stops as we go!

See More Trip Quips
and “Blogs by Rocco”

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Ripples

Ripples
Sea formed me – I splashed – And became the sea

Humankind struggles with self-absorption. We want to live forever. Then we want life after death. But no matter what awaits in the afterlife, we live on.

After all, matter and energy cannot be destroyed or created, and there is no end or beginning to time and space. We are eternal.

The universe is in perfect harmony. Good cannot exist without evil. Everything connects. That is our destiny. A drop in a pool of water sends ripples to its furthest shores, despite the obstacles.

We may just be drops in a sea, but without drops, a sea does not exist. Subtle splashes ripple forever in calm waters. Thunderous splashes may go unnoticed in stormy waters.

We are mostly water; without it, we die. After we splash, what is the ripple effect?

By Frank Rocco Satullo

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Searching for Ohio’s Grassman

AI image used to illustrate this story by Frank Rocco Satullo

Field Journal Entry #17:
Contrary to popular belief, Ohio’s Grassman appears less concerned with being discovered than with being interrupted.

A Fictional Story About The Real Legend of The Ohio Grassman
Searching for Ohio’s Grassman
Field Journal Entry 17 – Author Unknown
Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County, Ohio

I arrived just after sunrise.

Mist still clung to the coves of Salt Fork Lake as the first rays of sunlight slipped through the hardwoods. Somewhere in these 17,000 acres of forest lives one of Ohio’s oldest legends or so the stories claim.

I’m not here expecting to find Bigfoot.

At least, that’s what I told myself.

Around these parts, they rarely call the creature Bigfoot anyway. To the locals, it’s simply the Grassman.

The nickname fascinated me long before I ever packed my hiking boots. Unlike the towering Sasquatch of the Pacific Northwest, Ohio’s giant supposedly builds crude shelters from woven grasses, reeds and branches hidden deep in the woods. Whether anyone has truly found one is another matter altogether, but the stories have lingered for generations.

Legends usually survive because they contain just enough mystery to keep people talking.

The trail was quiet.

Too quiet.

I quickly discovered something about hiking alone in a forest this large.

Every snapping twig becomes a question.

Every squirrel sounds much larger than it actually is.

Every shadow deserves a second glance.

It’s easy to understand how stories are born in places like this.

The reports I’ve read over the years are surprisingly consistent.

Witnesses describe a towering figure standing seven or eight feet tall, covered in dark hair, with unusually long arms that swing nearly to its knees. Massive footprints occasionally appear in muddy creek beds, only to disappear before anyone can explain them.

Others never actually see anything.

Instead, they describe an overwhelming silence.

The birds stop singing.

The woods seem to hold their breath.

Then comes that unmistakable feeling that someone is watching.

I haven’t experienced that.

Not yet.

Salt Fork has become the epicenter of Ohio’s Bigfoot legend.

Since the 1980s, dozens of reported sightings have drawn curious hikers, investigators, television crews and believers hoping to glimpse what countless others claim they’ve seen.

The park doesn’t shy away from its reputation.

Today, Bigfoot festivals, educational hikes and conferences celebrate the folklore that has become woven into Salt Fork’s identity almost as tightly as the trees themselves.

Whether visitors believe isn’t nearly as important as whether they wonder.

By midafternoon, I’d logged several miles.

Plenty of deer tracks.

A wild turkey.

One curious raccoon.

No giant footprints.

No woven grass shelters.

No mysterious creatures peeking from behind ancient oaks.

Honestly…

I was beginning to think the Grassman had taken the day off.

Then something happened.

Not dramatic.

Not the sort of thing you’d expect at the climax of a monster story.

The forest simply became… still.

No breeze.

No birds.

No insects.

Just silence.

It lasted perhaps thirty seconds.

Maybe a minute.

Then, as quickly as it arrived, life returned.

A woodpecker hammered somewhere in the distance.

Leaves rustled overhead.

The moment passed.

There are perfectly reasonable explanations for what happened.

I know that.

Still…

I’ve thought about those thirty seconds ever since.

Science has never confirmed the existence of Bigfoot.

No skeleton has ever been authenticated.

No DNA sample has settled the debate.

No photograph has convinced everyone.

Skeptics point to bears, poor lighting, mistaken identity and the remarkable power of suggestion.

Believers simply smile and remind us that not every mystery is meant to be solved.

As I packed my notebook and headed back toward the trailhead, I glanced over my shoulder one last time.

Not because I’d heard anything.

Not because I’d seen anything.

Because somewhere deep inside every explorer is the hope that the next turn in the trail might reveal something extraordinary.

I never found the Grassman.

Or perhaps…

The Grassman simply chose not to be found.

— End of Journal Entry

This fictional story in the form of a journal entry is about the real legend of the Ohio Grassman, by Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Coney Island Cincinnati Remembered

AI image used to illustrate this story by Frank Rocco Satullo

A Place in Our Minds Where Summer Never Really Ended

Some places don’t simply entertain us.

They become part of our family’s story.

For generations of Cincinnati families, summer didn’t officially begin when school let out. It began with a drive, or better yet, a boat ride to Coney Island.

Long before smartphones, streaming services and endless digital distractions, the banks of the Ohio River echoed with the click of roller coasters climbing their first hills, the cheerful melodies of the carousel and the delighted squeals of children racing toward what seemed like the biggest swimming pool in the world. Parents unfolded lawn chairs. Teenagers laughed with friends beneath shady trees. Grandparents smiled as another generation discovered the same simple joys they had experienced decades earlier.

For well over a century, Coney Island wasn’t simply an amusement park.

It was a summertime tradition.

Its story began in 1886 when a former apple orchard along the Ohio River was transformed into Ohio Grove: The Coney Island of the West. What started as a peaceful picnic destination soon blossomed into one of the Midwest’s favorite amusement parks, drawing visitors by foot, streetcar (the first was horse-drawn in 1859), automobile and even steamboat.

In fact, for many Cincinnati families, the adventure began long before they reached the front gate.

Thousands arrived aboard the elegant Island Queen, the beloved excursion steamboat that cruised the Ohio River carrying eager passengers to Coney Island. Children leaned over the railings, watching the shoreline grow closer while parents soaked in the river breeze. As the park slowly came into view, anticipation grew with every passing minute. For many visitors, riding the Island Queen wasn’t simply transportation; it was part of the experience itself, creating memories that lasted just as long as the day spent inside the park.

Once through the gates, there was something for everyone.

Wooden roller coasters thundered overhead. The Ferris wheel lifted riders high above the river. Midways buzzed with games, laughter and the aroma of fresh popcorn and cotton candy. Moonlite Gardens welcomed dancers beneath the stars while families wandered from ride to ride, making memories they didn’t yet realize would last a lifetime.

Then came the attraction that would forever define Coney Island.

In 1925, the park unveiled Sunlite Pool, a swimming pool unlike anything most Americans had ever seen. Covering more than four acres, it was celebrated as the world’s largest recirculating swimming pool. Its towering diving platforms, enormous waterslides and crystal-clear water became the centerpiece of countless family vacations, birthday celebrations and carefree summer afternoons. For many Ohioans, learning to swim at Sunlite Pool became a rite of passage.

Like every great destination, however, Coney Island adapted with the times.

Repeated flooding along the Ohio River and limited room to expand led park owners to make a difficult decision. In 1969, the amusement park was sold, and many of its rides and much of its spirit found a new home when Kings Island opened in nearby Mason in 1972.

Many assumed that would be the end of Coney Island.

It wasn’t.

Sunlite Pool remained, eventually joined once again by family rides and attractions. While Kings Island became synonymous with towering roller coasters and record-breaking thrills, Coney Island embraced a different identity. It became the place where families gathered for a slower, simpler summer day. There was comfort in its familiarity. Parents introduced children to the same pool where they had once splashed as kids themselves.

Eventually, though, even cherished traditions evolve.

After the 2019 season, Coney Island permanently retired its amusement rides as attendance increasingly centered around Sunlite Pool and its water attractions. The park shifted its focus entirely to aquatic fun, allowing one final generation to create memories around the famous pool.

Then, in 2023, another chapter quietly came to a close.

Following its annual Nights of Lights holiday event, Coney Island permanently closed after the property was purchased by Music & Event Management Inc. (MEMI), an affiliate of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Sunlite Pool closed with it, ending nearly a century of laughter, swimming lessons, family reunions and treasured summer traditions along the Ohio River.

The story of the property isn’t over.

Plans call for the site to become the new Farmer Music Center, a state-of-the-art entertainment campus adjacent to Riverbend Music Center. A new generation will gather there for concerts and special events, creating memories of their own while standing on ground that has welcomed families for nearly 140 years.

Still, ask almost anyone who grew up around Cincinnati about Coney Island, and chances are their eyes brighten before they begin telling a story.

Maybe it was conquering the high dive for the very first time.

Maybe it was sharing cotton candy while waiting in line for a favorite ride.

Maybe it was dancing at Moonlite Gardens, waving from the Island Queen, or spending an entire afternoon in the cool blue waters of Sunlite Pool.

The details may differ.

The feeling never does.

Places like Coney Island remind us that destinations don’t disappear when the gates close. They simply move from maps into memories, where every visitor becomes part of the story. And as long as those stories are told, Vacationland lives on.

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By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Medina Ohio Postcard

Welcome to Our Ohio Postcard of the Month

It’s Always Christmas in Medina!

It’s always Christmas in Medina, Ohio, at Castle Noel — America’s largest indoor year-round Christmas entertainment attraction.

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Revenge of the Baton

“Revenge of the Baton”
Bully Karma
from
The Last of The Outsiders
A Comic Strip by Rocco Satullo

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Camping Out for Concert Tickets

AI image used to illustrate this story by Frank Rocco Satullo

Remember, Camping Out for Concert Tickets?

This generation will never experience what it took to get concert tickets back in the day!

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My friend Matt was an 80s teen who defined the Generation X reputation for growing up unsupervised. His parents were avid RVers. Matt was allowed to stay home while they went on weekend road trips when he was in high school.

On Friday, I was called out of class because of an emergency in my family, and my dad was coming to pick me up in front of the school. I waited, very concerned, wondering if a grandparent had passed. A huge RV rolled up in front of me in the bus lane. The door swung open. It was Matt!

“Get in!”

“What the heck, man?” I couldn’t believe my eyes. “What are you doing?”

“Picking you up!”

“Dude (we used to say ‘dude’ a lot), my dad is …”

“I know; hop in, sonny,” he interrupted.

Here, he skipped school (and HE was the honor student) because his parents went on a trip without the RV. He grew bored, so he pretended to be my dad and called the school, staging the whole family emergency hoax. I laughed, somewhat shocked at the magnitude of this. Then I jumped in and didn’t look back.

That day, we learned Springsteen had announced a summer concert tour, and Cleveland was one of the stops. We circled the date that tickets would go on sale and made a pact that no matter what, we’d do whatever it took to go.

It was late at night when we opened our house after a long family vacation.

I had plans to meet Matt in the morning to go downtown and buy tickets for the concert. It would be the first day tickets went on sale. This was back when The Boss was selling out stadiums in just hours.

A local television news station reported a line forming around Cleveland Municipal Stadium hours before the box office opened; some were already camped out for one or two days.

It was the middle of the night, and I was wide awake. I couldn’t wait. So I grabbed my car keys, and before I knew it, I was on my way to get Matt – but he didn’t know.

I didn’t want to wake up his parents, so I climbed onto their motor home to get onto the roof of their house. Matt slept on the second floor. His window overlooked the garage roof, so I navigated my way there.

He didn’t share his room with anyone but slept on the top bunk of a bunk bed. His head was right by the open window. The only thing between us was a screen. His dog Bandit started to growl – low and then louder. I tried calming the dog, letting him know he knew this cat burglar. I feared he’d wake the whole house if his growling became full-fledged barking.

It was dark inside, so I didn’t see Matt rolling to see what his dog was snarling at. When his eyes met mine only inches away… Well, talk about a wake-up call. Imagine opening your eyes from a dead sleep to see a face peering in your window inches from yours. Matt sprang from the mattress, slammed his head on the ceiling, and fell off the upper bunk onto the floor.

I almost rolled off the roof in terror myself. Then, I just tried to contain my laughter, which came in snorts as I tried to hold it in. Matt gathered his senses, climbed back to the window, and gave me an obscenity-laced greeting, albeit in a whisper-yell.

It was a small miracle that nobody else in the house woke up.

Down at the stadium, we circled the parking lot and found the end of the line where others were camping out. We parked nearby and joined the growing throng of people. Some were better prepared than we were. Leaning up against the concrete wall, sitting on the asphalt, we soon realized it would be a long night.

“Ya know, the backseat ‘ell pop right out in your kind of car,” Matt surmised.

Within minutes we were sitting in hillbilly comfort. Then a guy returned to his group behind us, bringing so many doughnuts that they shared them with us. They were the best doughnuts I ever had in my life.

Hours later – most people around us sleeping – I opened my eyes and noticed it was dawn. I got up and stretched. When I did, I drifted away from the side of the building and peered around the corner – nobody was in front of us. I casually walked up to Matt, kicked his foot several times, and motioned for him to quietly check it out.

Without words being spoken, we both walked. Our pace quickened. We thought we were sly, but our movement didn’t go unnoticed. There was a chain reaction. We peeked over our shoulders. A mob was thickening and gaining. We flat-out sprinted from there. It probably looked like we were rock stars trying to outrun hundreds of rabid fans when in reality, they just wanted tickets as badly as we did. We turned another corner of the stadium and plunged into a sea of people. Police were holding everyone back.

“If you’re on this side of the barricade, I’m sorry, you’re not getting tickets,” said one cop after another into megaphones. “Please turn around and go home.”

People were disgruntled but, for the most part, reluctantly complied. Some tested the officers and were met with more forceful directives. We quickly assessed the scene and bolted over a concrete barricade into some sort of cement trench. We were able to run, hunched over, avoiding being seen. I don’t know how we found this and why nobody else did, but once we were past the police barrier, we sprang from our trench and joined the mob on the other side.

There was only one gate, one turnstile, one ticket window, and thousands of people fighting to get to it.

The head of the production company pleaded over loudspeakers, “We don’t want another Cincinnati.”

He referred to The Who concert several years earlier, where people stampeded eleven fans to death as they stormed the entry doors.

“If this doesn’t get orderly RIGHT NOW, we’ll close her down, and NOBODY will get tickets,” the man shrieked at the top of his lungs.

The unruly crowd somehow managed to demonstrate just enough civility for the mayhem to continue.

More than an hour later, Matt and I were in the final stretch. We were jammed in like sardines between two metal railings leading up to the ticket window.

“Give me your money so we can make sure we get tickets together,” Matt said.

I didn’t want to abandon him, but I had an idea. Believe it or not, the other side of the railing was relatively calm. I slipped through and then turned to help Matt. The space between the railings was wide enough for one and a half bodies. However, there were three and a half in that space, at times with nothing but Matt’s arse on the inside. He was getting crushed. Whenever that happened, he fought with flailing elbows and fists, cursing, to regain space so he could breathe. I helped by pushing and shoving people so they’d give him room. It didn’t matter that most were just as innocent as he was – just victims of circumstance. But this was survival of the fittest. Matt’s reprieve would last about 90 seconds before the shoving from others forced a repeat scenario. It was grueling for Matt on the inside. I had the easy task – shove without getting hit, mostly. Others saw the brilliance of our teamwork, and before I knew it, I had company on my side of the rail.

Eventually, Matt scored tickets. Battle-scarred, Matt more than I, we walked away from the mayhem to the other side of the stadium, which was mostly vacant now. We popped my backseat into the car and drove home, elated.

The concert rocked for over three hours, while a typical concert lasted 90 minutes. Later, a Springsteen gig made the record book for one of the longest concerts ever by a musician.

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Marietta Postcard

Welcome to Our Ohio Postcard of the Month

Make Ohio’s 1st Adventure Your Next Adventure!

Marietta, Ohio, with its brick roads, classic sternwheeler riverboat cruises, trolley tours, and covered bridges, is a timeless, reflective, and historic retreat.

Photo by Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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The Lake Erie Monster

AI image used to illustrate this story by Frank Rocco Satullo

I sat by my grandpa on a pier in Huron, Ohio, fishing. My dad, his brothers, and my cousins were scattered about.

“Have you ever heard about the Lake Erie Monster?” He asked.

I looked up slowly and said a little shakily, “T-h-e … wh-a-a-a-t??

Most sightings of one of Ohio’s most famous cryptids (an animal whose existence has not been scientifically proven) have occurred in the western basin of Lake Erie.

“The water around the Lake Erie islands is shallow. Many shipwrecks lie beneath those waves. The survivors of one in the 1800s said it wasn’t the shoals or storm, it was a giant serpent that blasted a hole in their hull…” Grandpa began the tale.

The sightings date back to the early 1800s. The last one was in the 1990s. Somewhere in the timeline, this 30–40-foot-long brown, black, or gray serpent (according to various reports) was adorably named Bessie. Her nickname is believed to be a playful adaptation similar to “Nessie,” the famous monster of Scotland’s Loch Ness.

“The deadly creature moves so smoothly with the waves that it’s almost never seen. But in this shallow area of the lake, when storms kick up, the water turns choppy, leaving little in one area so it can swell in others. And it’s in those nearly waterless trenches that the Lake Erie Monster can’t hide!”

“Dad, stop scaring the kid, or you’ll have to answer to his mom if he keeps her up all night!”

Notable Sightings are on record as early as 1817, when crew members aboard a ship shared a similar description of the startling image rising from the water, prompting them to take a closer look. In return, the monster took a good look at them, perhaps seeing its first ship. In 1892, several fishermen reported seeing a large creature with a long body and unusual movement, unlike known fish. It didn’t appear again until 1969. That’s when a widely publicized sighting involved multiple people reporting a large, serpent-like creature near the western basin of Lake Erie. Newspaper coverage helped renew public interest, and the legend grew. Several more sightings were reported around the Toledo and Sandusky areas, since then, helping keep the story alive in modern times.

Grandpa winked at me and said, “No worries, kiddo, this is a monster that’ll never be under your bed.”

“Da-a-a-a-ad!”

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Day Out With Grandpa

AI image used to illustrate this story by Frank Rocco Satullo

There was a chunk of metal lodged in my eyeball. Fortunately, it was in the white, barely! Nonetheless, you could see it, and it hurt.

It must have happened in Metal Shop at school. I thought it was just a bug until I got home and looked in the mirror. I called my mom at work, and she made a doctor’s appointment for me. The problem was that I had to drive to Cleveland. Mom told me to drive to my grandma and grandpa’s house, and they would give me more detailed directions to the doctor’s office from there.

When I got there, Grandma took one look at my eye and said, “You can’t drive like that.”

She called out to Grandpa, “Cliff, you take him.”

My grandpa hated doctors and despised hospitals. Once, I heard a story about how he walked home in a hospital gown. The chances of him agreeing to take me were slim and …”

“Sure!” he said.

I told him he could wait in the waiting room, but he insisted on going in with me. He was in a chair, and I was on the examination table.

The nurse came in and took my temperature.

“Take mine too,” my grandpa said.

I looked at the nurse, she at Grandpa, and he nodded to do it with puppy-dog eyes, so she did. I got my blood pressure tested, Grandpa got his tested, and so on and so forth. After each test, he asked how he did. Not how I did, but how he did.

The nurse would smile and say, “Ju-u-ust fine.”

Grandpa looked pleased with his free checkup.

The nurse left for a while and then came back with the doctor. My grandpa was opening and closing the door, examining it.

“Is this mahogany?” he asked the doctor.

The doctor looked dumbfounded.

“That’s good stuff. Nice solid door,” Grandpa kept examining it while the doctor examined me.

The doctor and nurse said they had never removed a piece of metal that large from any eye without surgery. They began to explain the risks.

Grandpa walked over, edged past the doctor, and looked at my eye.

“Why, I see no reason we can’t just take it out here and be done with it,” Grandpa said that, not the doctor.

Lo and behold, the doctor agreed.

I almost needed a change of pants.

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun!

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The Rocks Were Always There

A child’s mind flows with the stream and doesn’t get hung up on the rocks. It’s free and imaginative, cutting to the fun of it all. And that mind only needs itself as an audience. But as it grows older, rocks are discovered to be in its way. They were always there, but they paid no mind and just flowed around them. Then the rocks grew bigger and denser. The water turned turbulent. The rocks piled into a dam until the flow stopped. There the mind churned, losing imagination, throwing itself painfully against the piling rocks. The rocks that were always there. Look away. The stream has cut a path that the mind forgot to see. Flow with it. And leave the wretched rocks be. For the mind is always free, if it simply lets go and flows like that of the imagination of a child.

By Frank Rocco Satullo

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The Thought Drawer
and the

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Are We There Yet?

“Are We There Yet?”
The Great American Family Road Trip
from
The Last of The Outsiders
A Comic Strip by Rocco Satullo

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Olympic Torch in Ohio

When the Olympic Torch Crossed America on its way to L.A.

I grabbed my Kodak Disc camera and walked through my neighborhood in Avon Lake, Ohio, to Bus Stop 45 to watch history run through the rain.

It was 1984. I was a teenager. I stood with my best friends, Scott and Matt, between the bus stop and Aftermath Pub (now aptly named Close Quarters because it’s the world’s smallest bar), and Kekic’s Gas Station with its orange wooden airplane on a post high overhead.

When the Olympic Torch traveled U.S. Route 6 on its way across the United States to the Los Angeles Summer Games, many others also lined the roadside to witness something special. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

The photo that accompanies this story hints at a bygone time. The background houses were the lakefront properties before they were torn down one by one and replaced with today’s mega mansions. I snapped that photo. Just one. After taking it to Fotomat (a little, yellow-roofed kiosk that sat lonely in the middle of the Fisher’s Big Wheel parking lot), I got back the slightly blurry image you see here. This was long before Photoshop and the age of Artificial Intelligence, so I considered editing it for this story, but decided to go with authenticity in modern times, when bad photos are rarely part of the culture anymore. Too many things seem to lack human imperfection, when in this case, I think it celebrates it.

Triumphant moments of the XXIII Olympiad would soon follow. Carl Lewis and Mary Lou Retton would become household names. Lewis dominated track and field, winning several gold medals, matching Jesse Owens’ 1936 record of four gold medals. Retton captured the nation’s heart by scoring perfect 10s and earning multiple gold medals herself, becoming the first non-European to win the gymnastics all-around title.

The Soviet Union and 14 of its communist allies (including East Germany) boycotted the LA Games in retaliation for the U.S.-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games.

After watching the torch pass down Route 6, we headed to McDonald’s, hoping their Olympic scratch-off card would win a free Big Mac. Ironic, I think America put on weight that summer because of the free food scratch-off cards tied to the U.S. medals, since the Soviet-led boycott of these Olympics meant the USA won far more medals than expected, and McDonald’s ended up giving away mountains of free food.

Soon, the Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, California, again. I wonder where the Olympic torch will be relayed by runners across the continent in the lead-up to the 2028 Opening Ceremony?

And will there be any bad photos when it does?

Explore more Vacationland: Echoes of Ohio’s Nostalgic Destinations

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Annoying Sibling: Road Trip Back Seat

“My hair – my hair – my hair!”

Have you ever traveled with an annoying sibling in the backseat of a car? This is for you!

from
The Last of The Outsiders
A Comic Strip by Rocco Satullo

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Trip Quip: A Cheesy Video

Welcome to Trip Quip …
and just another cheesy Ohio travel video 😉

PLAY VIDEO

Part of a series of slap-happy travel videos
by The OhioTraveler.

Remember the Triple A Triptik? Well, this is not that.
This is The OhioTraveler’s Trip Quip!

When you’re on the road too long,
cheesy Dad jokes, corny one-liners, and silly puns,
prevail for better or worse.

So, we thought we’d share these spontaneously silly stops as we go!

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There Are No Wrong Turns

Pause often. Don’t chase. Flow.
Let the path unfold.
There are no wrong turns.
Only the way. Be curious.
Play like there’s no audience.
Laugh. Forgive. Applaud others.
Give when nobody is looking.
Let it be. There is only simplicity.
Surrender to it.

– Rocco Satullo

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Miami County Postcard

Welcome to Our Ohio Postcard of the Month

Let your imagination take flight in Miami County, Ohio!

Step into aviation history at Troy’s WACO Air Museum, where vintage biplanes and bold dreams first took flight. Then have a night to remember on a floating tent, camping, turning the river into your room with a view.

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The Blue Hole of Castalia

Image is an AI reconstruction of a historical scene

Ohio’s “Bottomless” Wonder

When I was a little kid in the 1970s, living in Northern Ohio, we’d take those weekend family getaways known as one-tank trips. Our favorite local TV man, Neil Zurcher, spotlighted such novelty attractions as The Blue Hole in Castalia, Ohio.

My dad would always become the pitchman for wherever our adventure led.

I still hear his voice, “Today, we’re going to see a pool of water that has no bottom! It just winds all the way through the Earth to the other side.”

“Really, Dad? That’s so cool!”

“Yes, really.”

We now refer to these times as the good old days. Ohio attractions were much simpler, and tall tales weren’t ruined by a phone in your hand. We just took the tour guide’s word on good faith. And in turn, we spread the tale by word-of-mouth.

So, we cozied up to the railing and gazed at this mysterious and unforgettable water hole in all its simplicity and wonder. The grounds were relaxed and beautiful. Memory recalls this natural wonder in vivid detail.

The circling visitors leaned in, pointing and squinting, trying to see the bottom.

“I can’t see it, Dad.”

“You’re not looking hard enough.”

The peculiar body of water was supposedly fed by an underground stream. It stayed a constant 48 degrees year-round, so it was said to never freeze.

I laugh now at how mesmerized the crowds seemed, falling still and silent, just staring into the abyss.

There were no rides, shows, or anything, really. Yet it drew over 100,000 people each summer to see it. And its legend grew. Some thought it had healing qualities. Perhaps it did. After all, Meditation was on the uprise in the U.S. in the 1960s and 1970s. What better place to still the mind than peering into the Blue Hole?

Remaining unchanged as the times and tourism marched into the future, the Blue Hole closed as an attraction in the 1990s. It’s still there, but now it’s on private property, unavailable to the public.

Later that summer in 1979, one of my uncles asked Dad about it.

“It’s hard to explain… You just have to see it.”

Explore more Vacationland: Echoes of Ohio’s Nostalgic Destinations

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Mind-numbing Entertainment

“Mind-numbing Entertainment”
from
The Last of The Outsiders
A Comic Strip by Rocco Satullo

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Loveland Frogman Legend

AI image used to illustrate this story by Frank Rocco Satullo

The legend of the Loveland Frogman is one of Ohio’s most enduring cryptid tales. It is reported to be a frogman, frogmen, or lizardman. In any case, it’s a 3-foot-tall humanoid frog-like creature lurking at night.

It was first sighted in 1955 by a traveling businessman in Loveland, Ohio, along the rural banks of the Little Miami River. In fact, his account described three short, bipedal humanoids with frog-like heads, bulging eyes, and lizard-like skin. Legend has it that he even reported seeing one of them wielding a glowing rod.

His story would spark one of Ohio’s most enduring legends.

But the folklore of this bizarre creature grew legs.

In 1972, two police officers, in separate incidents, were said to have reported seeing something very unusual lurking on the banks of the Little Miami River. One officer said that when he approached what he thought was an injured animal on the side of the road, it stood upright on two legs, gazed his way, and leaped the guardrail into the river. The other officer’s report stated that the creature had rough, bumpy skin and froglike facial features.

Sightings of the Loveland Frogman have been reported as recently as 2016! While playing Pokémon Go, a man claimed that a four-foot creature stood on hind legs before disappearing into Lake Isabella, which feeds into the Little Miami River just outside Loveland, Ohio.

Following these multiple encounters, decades apart, investigative skeptics sought to debunk what was widely believed to be nothing more than a myth conjured by the imagination. They chalked it up to a large iguana or misidentified wildlife, casting a startling image in the moonlit shadows.

Yet, the legend persists.

The Loveland Frogman is kept alive today through campfire stories, late-night drives, and nighttime walks along the river, often with a wink and nod of the cryptid lurking along the banks of the Little Miami River. It has become a staple of local lore and has inspired music, trading cards, and even a movie that reflects the legend.

The science fiction mystery novel, The Man from Primrose Lane by James Renner features a version of the Loveland Frog. The Loveland Frog legend was made into a musical that played at the Art Academy of Cincinnati’s 2014 Cincinnati Fringe Festival. It was titled Hot Damn! It’s the Loveland Frog. And in 2023, the horror film Frogmen was released.

The Frogman became Loveland, Ohio’s official city mascot in 2023. And in 2026, an Ohio representative introduced legislation to name the Loveland Frogman as the state’s official cryptid.

So, if you find yourself in Loveland, Ohio, at night, be sure to speak the language of the locals: RIBBIT!

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Sugarcreek Ohio Postcard

Welcome to Our Ohio Postcard of the Month

Go Cuckoo in Sugarcreek & Tuscarawas County, Ohio

Sugarcreek, The Little Switzerland of Ohio — Home of the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock, and the Heart of Amish Country!

Original Photo by Frank Rocco Satullo,
The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Trip Quip: Mysterious Revolving Ball

Welcome to Trip Quip …
and The Mysterious Revolving Marion Ball

PLAY VIDEO

Part of a series of slap-happy travel videos
by The OhioTraveler.

Remember the Triple A Triptik? Well, this is not that.
This is The OhioTraveler’s Trip Quip!

When you’re on the road too long,
cheesy Dad jokes, corny one-liners, and silly puns,
prevail for better or worse.

So, we thought we’d share these spontaneously silly stops as we go!

See More Trip Quips
and “Blogs by Rocco”

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Trip Quip: Wrong Side of The Tracks

Welcome to Trip Quip …
on the Wrong Side of the Tracks

PLAY VIDEO

Part of a series of slap-happy travel videos
by The OhioTraveler.

Remember the Triple A Triptik? Well, this is not that.
This is The OhioTraveler’s Trip Quip!

When you’re on the road too long,
cheesy Dad jokes, corny one-liners, and silly puns,
prevail for better or worse.

So, we thought we’d share these spontaneously silly stops as we go!

See More Trip Quips
and “Blogs by Rocco”

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The Beach Waterpark

Where Summer Once Crashed Like Waves

Southwest Ohio once had tasty waves, palm trees, sand volleyball courts, and The Beach!

The Beach Waterpark, just north of Cincinnati, opened in the mid-1980s like a mirage off I-71 amidst the trees and cornfields. Travelers on the highway had a close-up view of people plunging straight down from a massive, tall water slide that many claimed their bodies left the slide’s surface and fell momentarily in mid air before smoothly reconnecting in time for the surge into the pool.

The stream of traffic could also witness the giant wave machine in action as dozens of bodies surfed across the massive wave pool. Tucked behind these very visible sensations was a maze of waterslides and a lengthy lazy river for the more chill-mood summer vacationers.

Guests also enjoyed live music from Reggae bands and other artists across the musical spectrum.

It was a haven for the sound of flip-flops and laughter, the smell of sunscreen and pizza, sunglasses and towels among lounge chairs and Cabanas.

Then the tide turned!

King’s Island was just across the highway, and it too offered a waterpark expansion.

The drowning Beach finally went under in 2012. It was resuscitated a year later under new management. The waves and families rolled back to life. It thrived as a more economical summer pass compared to the behemoth Kings Island just around the corner. But when America closed in 2020, it, like many other venues, didn’t come back.

So, that magical vacationland fell silent and sun-bleached. It quickly took on an ominous vibe as its once colorful landscape decayed for all to see. The waves of Ohio’s seasons quietly eroded its allure.

But if you slow down, you may still hear an echo of the splash of summer fun at The Beach in Southwest Ohio rise with a strange mix of nostalgia and disbelief.

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By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Ohio Legends or Lies?

True or Untrue: Introducing Whispers of Ohio

Welcome to our Ohio travel blog, Whispers of Ohio. Here, you’ll learn about legends and lore. But for an opener, let’s play the game of True or Untrue, where three strange stories are offered, but only one is true.

Ready? Here we go…

There’s something about Ohio that doesn’t always sit quietly in history books. Maybe it’s the fog that hangs a little too long over back roads…

Maybe it’s the stories passed down just enough to feel real…

Or maybe—just maybe—some of these tales never stopped happening at all.

So let’s have a little fun.

Below are three tales pulled from the curious corners of the Buckeye State.

One is true. Two are… well… you decide.

Melon Heads

Deep in the wooded outskirts near Kirtland, there are whispers of small, human-like figures with oversized, bulbous heads. They roam the forest just beyond where the pavement ends. Legend claims they were once children, patients of a reclusive doctor who experimented on them decades ago. The treatments, meant to “enhance intelligence,” left them deformed… and eventually abandoned. Locals say if you drive slowly at night, headlights cutting through the trees, you might catch a glimpse—just for a second—of something watching from the brush. They don’t approach. They just… observe.

The Grave of Ray Chapman

In Cleveland, the story goes, the spirit of Ray Chapman never quite left the field. Chapman, the only player in Major League history to be killed by a pitched ball in 1920, is buried in Lake View Cemetery. And every ten years—on the anniversary of that fateful game—there have been reports…

A voice. Faint. Gravelly. Close to the ground. Visitors standing near his headstone claim they’ve heard it whispered: “…Ball four…” Moments later, a baseball—old, scuffed, and impossibly placed—rolls slowly from a nearby bush… as if nudged by something unseen.

The Legend of Seashell Sally

Along the shores of Lake Erie, sailors once spoke of a woman known only as “Seashell Sally.”

They say she was the beloved of a Great Lakes captain who vanished during a violent storm in the 1890s. Refusing to believe he was lost, Sally returned to the shoreline day after day, scanning the horizon. Until one evening… she walked into the water and never came back. Since then, on certain quiet nights when the lake lies still as glass, fishermen claim to see her—standing just beyond the break, dress drifting like sea foam.

One of these tales is rooted in a real Ohio legend. Two were spun from the shadows. But the thing about “Whispers from Ohio” is that the line between truth and tale isn’t so easy to spot.

So, which of the three stories above is a bona fide Ohio legend?

ANSWER

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Cruise Excursions Gone Wrong

We were first-time cruisers. It was spring, so we bolted Ohio for the Caribbean! What could possibly go wrong?

Our first excursion was on a small island that had not fully recovered from a hurricane. As we were transported to a remote corner of what was still a tropical paradise, you could see where some former homes were now shelled-out buildings or stone-fenced yards with no structure left within them at all. Upon arriving at the beach stable for our horseback riding adventure, we were instructed where to go to use the restroom beforehand. When I was done, I came out a bit embarrassed and said the toilet wouldn’t flush. That’s when an island girl, a bit embarrassed, said that’s what she’s there for. And then she entered the latrine with a bucket of water.

The gentlemen – boys really – handling the horses were so full of life. Their laughter was infectious. Our first ride was on land and sand. We saddled up and trotted uphill and down, learning how to lean forward or back in the saddle. I had never ridden a horse by myself before. Of course, I got a horse with a mind of its own. He’d stop on a hill and snack on the grass, holding everyone up. When I dug my heels into his side and pulled the reigns, he cocked his head to look at me. I could swear he gave me a side-eye as if to say, “You wait, buddy!”

Ironically, my wife had a horse named Frenzy, but Placid would have been more fitting.

After a pretty lengthy ride, which I was more than ready to end, our guides removed saddles, replacing each with nothing more than a pad. It was time to ride the horses along the beach, basically bareback and into the water. It was along the stables area where all of the arriving and departing tourists signed up for this excursion waited and watched. We only went four at a time for this ride, plus two horses with guides. I wasn’t aware of the short strap for holding in front of me. I should have paid more attention to the instructions. Instead, I just played with the reigns.

When the guide unexpectedly hollered, and the horses went into a full charge in the water, I was hanging on for dear life. It felt like I was rodeoing for dear life. It was only a matter of time – not much, by the way – before I knew I was going for a swim. I might get trampled by the three horses on my tail, so when I came off that thing, I did it with gusto to try to splash clear of danger.

When I came up out of the water, you’d think maybe I’d be humiliated, but I have to say, it was exhilarating. The 13-year-old boy, who had been chasing us on foot all over the landscape that morning, snapping photos for sale, ran into the water with an ear-to-ear grin. I threw my arms up and made the most of the picturesque moment. Then, one of the guides helped me back onto my horse. That’s when I noticed a look in my horse’s eye like, “I told you I’d get you.”

My horse charged like the dickens again, thundering through the water. It was a wild ride with lots of splashing. Then we turned around, barely slowing, and charged back the way we came. This back-and-forth was repeated several times. It was pure fun! So much so that I didn’t mind losing my prescription sunglasses. Well, not entirely. A guide noticed me looking intently at the water swirled with kicked-up seaweed. When he learned what happened, he was on a mission to find them.

Making a spectacle of myself caught the attention and funny bone of everyone watching. It wouldn’t be the last time during our trip that all eyes fixated on my shenanigans. But before I explain the next island’s mishap, I must mention another secret getaway we found.

Oh, I can’t forget to say that just as I put on my shoes to leave, the young boy ran up and handed my sunglasses to me with nothing but kindness and joy. I sure made him aware of my gratitude.

When we returned to the resort area, it was thick with sunbathers. We decided to walk the beach for a while. A band of younger people had the same idea. We wrapped around a corner of the island, out of sight from the masses, and kept going. Eventually, even the college-aged kids stopped in a remote area to snorkel. But we pressed on to a soft sandy area with absolutely no one near us. It was paradise all to ourselves. Amazing when you think about the crowd we just left. The afternoon hours peeled away effortlessly, much like my skin later.

On another island, we had signed up for a dune buggy tour, which is another thing I had never done.

About a dozen dune buggies went off-road on some rough terrain. But the pace and grouping didn’t meet the expectations of every guy in the group who wanted to let loose a little bit. So, you saw some anxiousness mixed with testosterone, little jerks of the wheel here and there as we kept formation as instructed. We were painting slightly outside the lines, careful not to get caught.

At the first stop, you could hear almost every wife quipping about their husband’s driving as we sat two to each dune buggy. We saw a couple of landmarks, and then came terrain that even the guides stopped to warn about twice! As we drove in a single file line, a rather large mud puddle swallowed the path just before a bit of a steep hill we needed to ascend. One by one, dune buggies carefully navigated through the muddy water and gave it a little juice to get up the hill.

My thinking was, finally, we get to really dune buggy!

I slowed enough to allow plenty of open space between our dune buggy and the one in front of us. When the coast was clear, I opened it up, pedal to the metal, and hit that water filled crater hard! The couple behind us later said that they couldn’t stop laughing about it.

“If you could have seen what we saw,” the husband started once we reached our next destination. “Mud and water shot like a tidal wave out of every side. It was absolutely hysterical.”

We knew because most of the water and mud shot up from underneath our dune buggy. There’s no floor, so we got it all in the most unexpected direction. And it smelled! Oh, did it smell!

Fortunately, we ended up at a slice of heavenly beach with no one except our group on it. It allowed us the opportunity to go get a saltwater bath to clean off. Then, we hiked into the rocks for vantage points that say, yep, you’ve found a secluded Caribbean island paradise.

On the way back, it was as if the other husbands noted my bit o’crazy and upped the ante. The winner of the craziest dune buggy rider went hands down to the guy that darn near ended his marriage by purposely taking a turn wide then sharp, putting the dune buggy on two wheels. His wife was so close to the ground before all four wheels finally touched again that if she reached out, her hand could have dragged the pavement. Nobody was sure which way the buggy would go. Most bets were surely on them flipping over. Miraculously, and you could tell in the husband’s expression, he recovered, and they smacked all four tires down in jaw-breaking style.

His wife aired her displeasure for all to hear her emotions were so raw. The other wives nodded in agreement while the rest of the guys smiled, winked, and chuckled in pure approval.

Fortunately, we didn’t do a third excursion the way things were trending.

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun!

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Marietta’s Scenic Covered Bridge Trail

The Washington County Covered Bridge Tour

“Oh, wow! Pull over. We need a picture of that.”

It seems when you’re truly on a relaxed, scenic drive—especially on Southeast Ohio’s wild, winding roads—a covered bridge sighting adds a romanticism to the adventure.

Crossing it is like a timeline to the past, with each decking plank thumping off the years, usually to the late 1800s. And when there are nine historic covered bridges in one county, it’s reason to lose an entire day to leisure driving, and a picnic lunch.

Welcome to the Washington County Covered Bridge Tour throughout the Marietta, Ohio area.

The rolling hills of the winding backroads lead to one charming sight after another. Stop to hear the whisper of the wind, the babbling of the brook, and the calling of Ohio’s first adventure and oldest city. If you listen closely enough, you may hear the horse’s hooves or the Ahooga horn sounding from a vintage “Tin Lizzie” (Ford Model T automobile) announcing its crossing of the covered bridge.

Each covered bridge seemed to be built with pride for design and character. These early bridges needed roofs to preserve the lumber and dramatically extend their lifespans. Once plentiful, they are a rare sight today. It’s why if there’s even a minute to spare in a journey, it’s to take a snapshot to share.

It’s pretty easy to pull off for photo ops and exploration of these bridges throughout Marietta and Washington County. Parking is often convenient. And each wooden tunnel invites crossing the creeks and valleys of stunning landscapes. From weathered beams to bright red paint, each stop along the roads less traveled provides a different look and feel. The journey from bridge to bridge offers a diverse array of scenic views, including wildlife and the topography of valleys, ridges, prairies, wildflowers, farmland, forests, and wetlands.

Remember, this is a full day’s odyssey; a road trip where you simply don’t know what surprise awaits around the next bend of a country road between the postcard small towns. Plan the best route by clicking here to connect the Bell Covered Bridge, Harra Covered Bridge, Henry Covered Bridge, Hills Covered Bridge, Hune Covered Bridge, Mill Branch Covered Bridge, Rinard Covered Bridge, Root Covered Bridge, Shinn Covered Bridge—The Bridges of Washington County.

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun
and Blogs by Rocco

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The Golden Rule

AI image used to illustrate this story by Frank Rocco Satullo

Science shows that it all came from a single point of origin, as if someone had just snapped their fingers and said, “Let there be life.” And so there was. Yet most of what is around us is not even detected by us. We define it as dark matter and dark energy, but it isn’t dark at all.

The universe and everything we know are governed by codes and mathematically defined. It’s not random. How did this design come into existence? If matter and energy cannot be destroyed or created, and there is no end or beginning to time and space, everything is eternal.

Why does evolution need to prove or disprove anything? Perhaps life here was born from a seed that grew into different things, much like the universe itself. Who planted the seed? At what point was man, as we know him, created? Perhaps it’s as DNA and the human genome point out – East Africa a long time ago. And like the Universe, like life on Earth, Man multiplied and spread.

Our original parents on the homo sapiens family tree may have been told the truth of our creation, what is expected of us, and what will happen to us. So those who stayed in Africa and those who ventured from Africa had with them an oral story to be passed down.

Have you ever sat around a table and listened to members of the same family with the same experience describe it differently and debate what really happened? For goodness sake, they were all there. Yet they recall it differently. And with great passion.

Perhaps we are all imperfect children recalling the original story inaccurately. Yet there are many common threads in all the stories. Whether it is the followers of Jesus Christ, Allah, Buddha, Native American, or African tribal lore and faiths, we are all touched by God – even those that don’t believe in God follow many common beliefs as well.

There is no mistaking that man feels good about himself when he performs kind gestures and helps others. It has a positive impact on the mind and body. It’s a fact.

But we struggle daily with the other side too – greed.

Why do we fight amongst ourselves, differentiating and alienating each other based on the differences we observe? Physically, we are said to be virtually identical, no matter our race or sex, yet we have prejudices. And so it is spiritually too.

I may find salvation through Jesus Christ. This is because it is the story my member at the family table tells, because that is how they remember seeing or hearing the truth. But a brother or sister at that table may also have a savior by a different name, or perhaps no name at all.

Why can’t we all be right and wrong? If you are agnostic and practice a wholesome life, why can’t you be judged by our God for your conduct? Who am I to condemn you?

It is the non-loving side of what we are that is greedy and begins to judge and rule and create dividing lines between “us” and “them.” To win our battles, we bear false witness, we lie, cheat, steal, and even kill. We see it in politics, religion, race, sexual orientation, social class, education, status, and in everything we seek to define ourselves.

If we can look beyond intolerance, we can embrace the universal belief system we share and apply it to all walks of life, not just to those who walk like “us” – “Do unto others as you would wish them to do unto you.” In my religion, it is known as “The Golden Rule.” And when practiced with every living thing you encounter, this simple rule can move mountains.

By Frank Rocco Satullo

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Chippewa Lake Park

Welcome to Vacationland: Echoes of Ohio’s Nostalgic Destinations by Rocco

Welcome to Chippewa Lake Park
For One Last Ride

For years, the ruins of a place once filled with screaming laughter were hidden among the trees and weeds along the shores of Chippewa Lake just outside Medina, Ohio.

Once upon a time, I gained permission to access, explore, and film it on one of the coldest days in Northeast Ohio’s history. My retired father volunteered to carry the tripod. I think he just wanted to get out, no matter how cold it was. A county authority chaperoned us through the old turnstiles. And a local historian explained sites along the way, such as the concrete hill where a fire took the ballroom where the big bands like Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman played. It was ironic that the only thing left here, besides the concrete beneath our feet, was a fire hydrant. Go figure.

Until 2010, the debris of a rotting wooden roller coaster called The Big Dipper was still partially standing, visible among the rubble and vines before it was finally removed. I’m sure this was largely a decision to deter the growing number of urban explorers from trespassing without permission.

Still, various old rides reached up, rusted and broken, from the weeds forming a bit of a jungle, strangling the past. Yet it left a glimpse of the park’s heyday. It was all quite fascinating to rummage around. The Tumble Bug ride still looked salvageable. We followed the tracks of the kiddie train until they disappeared at the water’s edge, where the beachgoers used to bask in the summer sun, a stone’s skip from the boat ride.

I scooped snow into a cup on what looked like an old vending cart and joked to my crew, “Snow cone, anyone?”

The day was one of the coldest I can remember, but there was no wind, and that made all the difference. So, we continued our adventure.

The most bizarre sight was a Ferris wheel still stretching into the sky minus its gondolas. What made the sight particularly unusual was the rather large tree that had grown straight through the middle of it, as if to bring time to a halt. The scene was ominous. It’s because of this vibe that the abandoned park was used in the filming of a horror movie called Closed for the Season.

The resulting video was one of the most-watched I ever produced, receiving hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube in a series I used to feature called Lost in Ohio. But it was so long ago—I’ve been the OhioTraveler for nearly 25 years—that I decided to delete the Lost in Ohio videos. I didn’t want the old audio and video technology to represent my current capabilities. If you remember old YouTube videos, you’ll understand the decision. 😉

Chippewa Lake Park dazzled crowds for a century from 1878 to 1978, closing on its centennial season. Like most regional amusement parks, it declined in attendance due to the rise of super amusement parks like Cedar Point.

Several decades after the last ticket was sold, and the skeletal remains tangled with nature’s revenge, the Medina County Park District acquired the abandoned grounds. They plan to turn the nearly 100-acre area into a public park and nature preserve with an ADA-accessible trail, a picnic shelter, seating areas, and restrooms.

The rusted remains of the Ferris wheel will be preserved as a static historical display.

The Chippewa Lake Historical Society also plans to convert an old house on the site into a museum showcasing artifacts from the former amusement park. Currently, the Historical Society museum displays an old park sign. When I filmed there, the connection between past and present was sealed as I went straight from seeing the sign in a museum to the park entrance, where the cracked concrete remains stretched upward toward the missing grand entrance sign that once welcomed visitors.

When it was time to conclude our visit and seek warmth, my dad shared that he remembered visiting Chippewa Lake Park as a kid, and that his dad, a welder, was invited to bring his family to a company outing there for free. They probably didn’t know he had nine children. lol

I took one last look around and tried to imagine my dad’s mind reminiscing of the smell of roasted peanuts, echoes of laughter and screeching thrill rides, and soft breeze coming off the lake, as he stared at an overgrown field of grass and steel, ready to rise for a third act.

Explore more Vacationland: Echoes of Ohio’s Nostalgic Destinations

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Trip Quip: America’s Shortest Street

Welcome to Trip Quip …
on America’s Shortest Street

PLAY VIDEO

Part of a series of slap-happy travel videos
by The OhioTraveler.

Remember the Triple A Triptik? Well, this is not that.
This is The OhioTraveler’s Trip Quip!

When you’re on the road too long,
cheesy Dad jokes, corny one-liners, and silly puns,
prevail for better or worse.

So, we thought we’d share these spontaneously silly stops as we go!

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Secret Code of an Ohio Postcard

An Ohio Postcard
Became A Symbol Of Freedom

Some in the family escaped the Soviet invasion of Latvia. Decades later, an opera singer smuggled a symbol to indicate that they made it to freedom back to those who didn’t. That symbol was a postcard of Serpent Mound in Peebles, Ohio. Learn why. …Click here for the rest of the story…

CLICK HERE
for the rest of the story

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Janet Grissom Hocking Hills Paintings

Janet Grissom Art Gallery inside Hocking Hills State Park Lodge

The vivid Janet Grissom art gallery inside Hocking Hills State Park Lodge is an unexpected and impressive sight!

Sometimes the best way to relive an outdoor adventure is to see it again through someone else’s creative lens. Even after the trails end, the beauty of Hocking Hills follows us inside the lodge, where we see it in a vibrant, highly textured array of colors. It’s the point of view of someone with a master’s ability to reflect their sensual experiences with oil on canvas.

The romanticized imagery of places Ohioans have seen hundreds of times, online or in print, offers a refreshing, original perspective that makes the viewer appreciate the scene as if seeing it for the very first time. It’s artwork you appreciate so deeply that you may realize, after a while, that you’ve stood in solitude, reaching a meditative state, gazing at the detail. I know I did, and that’s why I’m hanging it on this digital wall of OhioTraveler.com. 😉

Click here to explore Janet Grissom’s paintings.

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Thoughts by a Waterfall

A Conversation by a Waterfall

A drop of water splashed up
and met face-to-face
with a raging river.

The river roared,
“Who are you to think
you can affect me?”

The drop of water repled,
“I am you.”

by Frank Rocco Satullo

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Cloudy with a Chance of Stegosaurus

When that Stegosaurus came around the trees, I hid. I hope he doesn’t turn this way!

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SeaWorld of Ohio

Image is an AI reconstruction of a historical scene

Welcome to Vacationland: Echoes of Ohio’s Nostalgic Destinations by Rocco

SeaWorld of Ohio
A Splash From The Past

It was the late 1970s, and Dad came home in his pickup truck from his job as a tool-and-die worker. After he washed up and took a seat at the supper table, he just looked at my mom, my sister, and me with a big grin on his face.

We didn’t have air conditioning yet, but I remember the cool breeze from the windows on three sides of this back room off the kitchen that we called the dinette. We didn’t have a formal dining room. We were an old-school, blue-collar, working-class family.

Mom knew something was different about Dad. She’d ask what’s going on with suspicion. My sister and I joined in questioning his growing smile.

“What—What—What…” grew the chorus.

Then he pulled something out of his shirt breast pocket and waved tickets in the air.

“We’re going to SeaWorld!”

Understand, this was a big treat for a family like ours back in the day.

My sister and I jumped from our chairs and screamed with delight, running around the table like our pants were on fire.

Looking back at the nostalgia of living near Cleveland, it really was a special time. Imagine, SeaWorld was once in nearby Aurora, Ohio. It was only the second SeaWorld to be created. The first was in San Diego, California. Yes, SeaWorld was brought to the Midwest before it opened in Orlando, Florida. It ran for 30 years, from 1970 to 2000. Over one million people entered the turnstiles in its first 100 days!

The thrill of that day at Ohio’s ocean featured Shamu, the killer whale, who let someone ride him. Then, a lady was selected from the crowd and stood before the enormous tank of water where Shamu had been airborne just minutes earlier, soaking the first several rows of people when he thundered back down into the water. To our delight and the woman’s fright, he popped up to give her a kiss.

The magic just kept coming. The dolphin show, sea lions, penguins, and one of my favorites, the seals. The cute little black fellas scampered about in a hilarious comedy show.

Nostalgia is often a romanticized recollection of a special time and place, but grimmer realities would taint the story of SeaWorld in general, and other factors would make its survival in Ohio more challenging.

Regardless, SeaWorld Ohio filled a generation with wonderful memories while it lasted. It’s hard to believe it was ever here.

Explore more Vacationland: Echoes of Ohio’s Nostalgic Destinations

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Chillicothe Ohio Postcard

Welcome to Our Ohio Postcard of the Month

Have Mounds of Fun in Chillicothe / Ross County, Ohio

Explore the ancient cultures of the Mound Builders at several sites in the Chillicothe/Ross County region of Ohio. UNESCO named Ohio’s Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks as a World Heritage Site. It is the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Ohio.

Original Photo by Frank Rocco Satullo,
The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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The Bethann Niederman Burger

What a delight to order up the Bethann Niederman Burger with Bethann Niederman sitting across from me at Ford’s Garage Restaurant at Liberty Center in Liberty Township, Ohio (between Cincinnati and Dayton).

The Bethann Niederman Burger is a Mushroom Swiss. So, it has Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, lettuce, and tomato on a pretzel bun.

Bethann and the Niederman family have been running Niederman Family Farm, one of Ohio’s most beloved fun farms, for decades. They offer educational group tours of the working farm and animals in spring, rent out party barns and bonfire pits, and put on one of the most festive and robust fall farm destinations anywhere around. Oh, and they run one of the highest-rated paintball sites in Ohio.

Ford’s Garage is a new take on “service station.” Designed to be a classic roadside burger joint, it features vintage Ford automobiles and memorabilia throughout. There is remarkable detail to every nook and cranny of the place. An example is beer poured from a gas pump handle.

Visit more Ohio Foodie stops at
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Crazy was in the Air

AI image used to illustrate this story by Frank Rocco Satullo

Steve, Eddie, and I drove out to visit a summer friend who was at his parents’ weekend place.

Summer friend is a term we coined for someone we hung out with a lot over one summer, but not really before or after.

He took us up to the yacht club and marina along the river that feeds into Lake Erie. We hopped a fence and climbed a train trestle.

“We do this all the time,” our summer friend said.

And he walked out, following the train tracks, high over the river.

“Don’t look down and you’ll be all right,” he mused.

The thing was, you had to look down to know where to place your next step. We had grown up jumping off a cliff into the lake at the edge of our neighborhood, but this was different.

“This is crazy!” one of us muttered.

We each said something to that effect as we found ourselves midway across a train bridge, looking at nothing but sky on both sides and water below. “This is nuts!”

As we stood cautiously in the breeze, we realized how far up we were. It was hard to imagine actually jumping. Land wrong and then what? Hit a boat, and you know what!

“What’s that sound?” Steve asked.

“A train, but don’t worry, we have plenty of time,” our friend replied matter-of-factly.

We didn’t know where the sound was coming from, and we certainly weren’t sticking around to find out.

We looked at each other and said, “Screw this.”

But as we turned to walk back, our friend said there wouldn’t be enough time. He then went into a spiel that sounded like a safety course on how not to kill ourselves. We listened to him, the train, him. Basically, the gist was to look both ways before jumping to make sure your body wouldn’t meet with a passing boat upon landing.

“Feel the tracks!” Eddie said.

And with that, he was the first to take a leap of faith.

Before we saw how his landing went, we looked back and then forward, saw a couple of boats, and jumped anyway.

I don’t know what went through those boaters’ minds when, out of nowhere, four human cannonballs plunged into the water all around. But by more than one account, they damn near jumped out of their skin, judging by the expressions on their faces. One boater looked like he was being electrocuted the way his shocked body gyrated after Steve came within feet of blasting a hole through his boat.

We ignored the angry calls thrown our way by the boaters. Slowly, we swam to shore, elated, howling to clear our young lungs. It was an exhilarating moment for us.

“Who wants to go again?” Our host hollered.

The rest of us laughed him off and just said, “Man, you really are nuts!”

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun!

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Cloudy with a Chance of Happiness

Our forecast is
Cloudy
with a chance of
Happiness

“Be kind. That is all.”

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Trip Quip: At The Wetlands

Welcome to Trip Quip …
at the Wetlands

PLAY VIDEO

Part of a series of slap-happy travel videos
by The OhioTraveler.

Remember the Triple A Triptik? Well, this is not that.
This is The OhioTraveler’s Trip Quip!

When you’re on the road too long,
cheesy Dad jokes, corny one-liners, and silly puns,
prevail for better or worse.

So, we thought we’d share these spontaneously silly stops as we go!

See More Trip Quips
and “Blogs by Rocco”

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A Family Vacation in the 1950s

By Kathleen LaRocque

The innocence of an 11-year-old washes away during her 1950s family vacation as her worldview expands, her values reshape, and her eyes open to new experiences and ways of life, quietly challenging her assumptions and reshaping her understanding of America.

Times change. Attitudes change. Belief systems change. The norms, the events, the words, and of course the styles all change. Change is constant! Therefore, my memory of a childhood vacation is of a time gone by – the 1950s.

Mom and Dad surprised us three girls when they announced we would be driving from Cleveland, Ohio, to Sarasota, Florida, over Easter vacation. This was a biggie! Prior to that, the only place we had ever gone was Niagara Falls. THIS would be a TRIP!

First, I had to advise my school that I would be gone for more days than Easter vacation allowed. I guess that year I had a teacher from hell because she made sure I was overloaded with reading, and more reading, and even more reading of future chapters in all my textbooks to ensure I would have NO time for vacationing! Lucky for me, I was a quick, ferocious reader, and I could attack this agenda with gusto. Nothing would stop me from having this exciting adventure.

Departure day couldn’t come too soon. We got a late start, but eventually off we went in our big old boat of a Chrysler. Dad believed in big cars, and this was it. The front was a bench seat, so Dad was in the driver’s seat, I was in the middle, and Mom was in the passenger seat. My two sisters got the best of the deal. They got to hog up the entire back seat. Being the youngest has its advantages and also the disadvantages. But I loved being with my mom, so I settled in for the long drive to Florida. No superhighways back then.

I was content to just sit back and watch all the traffic. Mile after mile would bring us closer to our destination. Soon, a quick stop for lunch taught us that we would be eating at a Truck Stop. Dad claimed they had the best food at the best prices. Dad was not about to dally on the drive down. Rooms for the night would be costly for the five of us. So, we ate quickly and then got back on the road. Every mile we took was important in getting to our destination.

After traveling all day, I noticed that I had many questions, so I started asking them. “Dad, why does that sign say ‘soft shoulder’. What does that mean?” Dad was great. He was so eager to answer that question. Later, as we drove through the beginning dusk, I again asked, “Dad, why are there so many semis on the road this late?” “Oho!” He answered. “They have schedules to meet, and day or night, they travel as much as they can. Honey, they are called ‘nightcrawlers’.” Wow! I had never heard of that before. This was all news to me. First, soft shoulders, and now nightcrawlers. This was quite interesting.

Finally, we got off the road for the night. We had crossed over into West Virginia. Yet again, I experienced the disadvantage of being the youngest. There were two nice double beds. Mom and Dad got one. My sisters got the other. What about me? Well, they hauled in a rollaway bed for me. And that’s how it went for the entire vacation.

The next day, we had to maneuver through the winding, sometimes treacherous roads of West Virginia. How frightening. Every time we came to a hairpin turn, high up in mountainous territory, there would be a sign that said, “Jesus Saves”. I didn’t want Jesus to save me. I wanted to remain in one piece. Traveling through this state was a harrowing experience. Kentucky wasn’t as bad, but the waitresses had a funny way of talking. Their twang was like a new language to me. I persevered and soon processed what they were saying.

That day, we passed through West Virginia, Kentucky, the tip of Tennessee, and the bottom of North Carolina. We were definitely making progress. Dad was doing great. We hadn’t been lost yet.

I did have one more frightening experience in Fayetteville, North Carolina. We drove through a town, and of course, Dad stopped so we could eat. From our place at the table, I could see out at the town square. There was a most odd-looking structure, and the words on it were most astonishing to me. The words were “Slave Auction”. What in the heck was going on here? Seems it was just there. For no reason. Never torn down. I felt like I’d been hit on the head with a brick. We never learned this in school. There was nothing in our books about it. Yes, I knew there had been slaves, and they were freed by Abraham Lincoln. That was about all I knew. I lived in Ohio. Anything about slavery was far removed from me. Mom and Dad had a lot of explaining to do for me that day. My educational experience was coming alive on this trip.

Finally, this day came to a close. Another night, another motel. I was becoming a seasoned traveler.

Now we tackled Georgia. Yes, I spoke too soon. Dad got lost. I should have known something was wrong when we passed a shack on a nondescript backroad, and there were farm animals milling about on the rickety front porch. “Dad, Dad! What are those animals doing? Why do those people have them on that porch?” Well, Dad gave me a ‘talk’ about poor people. I really didn’t know poor people. Back at home, all my friends, relatives, and fellow students had the same background as me. Even the movies I had seen never showed me poverty. Poverty was just a word to me. This was definitely not something I could process easily. It ruined my entire image of humanity.

Dad finally had to ask directions for the very first time on the trip. We all listened in amazement as a helpful fellow gave Dad the information. He talked like his tongue couldn’t get a grip on itself. He slurred something about turning here and there. Absolutely none of it made sense. He went on and on, still giving ‘directions’, and none of it was hitting home. Finally, when we pulled away, Dad just shook his head and aimed the car dead south.

Florida, here we come! Oh boy. Days of excitement, look out! Sarasota, Florida, we are here. First off, we all got settled at Town Hall Manor, where our cabin was located. We would be here for the duration of our vacation. Everyone was so helpful. And of course, the dreaded rollaway bed was brought in for me.

After unpacking and getting our bearings, we all wanted to go to the beach. That is what this vacation was all about. Oh! The fun we had. My sisters and I jumped the waves, we paddled, we swam (Well, they did. I didn’t know how to swim). We spent the entire day at the beach. I was always known as the brown berry…my dark complexion was in contrast to my two blonde sisters and their fair skin. We played all day and ate heartily that night.

Soon after, my sister Pat decided to take her shower for the day. Just minutes after she went into the bathroom, we heard a scream. She had turned on the shower, not expecting ferociously hot steaming water to come pouring out, scorching her hand beyond belief. Now we had the problem of hot water spilling out of the showerhead and no way to turn it off. My sister Yvonne managed to wrap all the towels around her hand, reach in, and stem the flow. Poor Pat needed all kinds of lotions to ease the burning sensation in her hand.

But that wasn’t the end of it. The next morning, my two fair-skinned blonde sisters were burned all over. Too much sun! No more beach for them for the rest of the vacation. Their skin was like burnt bacon. That meant no more beach for me! I was being penalized unjustly.

The sting of losing our beach privileges was hard to take. We had to hang around Town Hall Manor. We soon discovered that chameleons roamed freely on all the bushes surrounding our cabin. We caught them and delighted in watching them change color to adapt to the color of our clothing.

Mom and Dad tried to come up with an interesting excursion. They decided we would go to see the glass blowers. I noticed Dad observing the building for a bit before he took us in. Instead of getting to see glass blowers in action, Dad hustled us out. He had gauged the length of the building, and once we entered, he realized that there really wasn’t room for ‘glass blowers,’ and he deduced it was a tourist trap.

Yes, the rest of our vacation went that way. Nothing for us kids to do. But every evening, Mom and Dad went out – whether to the Greyhound Races or to some other exciting event. We were left to our own devices, but we made the best of it. We were so inventive that we were able to create fun and excitement day after day. Yvonne and Pat donned long-sleeved shirts so we could still run around outside.

We did get to go to Myakka River State Park, but boy, that was dull! Who wants to stand around looking at Spanish moss? Dad took our pictures and made us all put our hands up to touch the Spanish moss. Those pictures are ridiculous. Three lackluster sisters hanging on to green stuff.

When it’s all said and done, I learned more in my 11th year when vacationing than I ever could have in one year of schooling.

Coming home was uneventful, but it was exciting to be setting out for H-O-M-E.

The only outcome of the vacation was that when I went back to school, I was chapters and chapters ahead of the rest of the class. Mean teacher…

By Kathleen LaRocque

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The Whole Place to Ourselves

A half-century went by, and I never experienced this.

Then, it happened again just a few years later. We were the only people left in an inn void of guests and staff. And these inns were not small places; they had several floors and about 15 guest rooms each. Both were well over 100 years old, highly rated popular places to stay and booked at optimal times.

The phenomenon goes further. The peculiar emptiness was on our last night’s stay in both cases. And both places lost power during the daytime leading into the last night. Furthermore, our rooms were on the third floor in each place.

One stay was at the Stockport Mill Inn in Stockport, Ohio, in the middle of nowhere. The other was at the Greyfield Inn on the non-developed Cumberland Island off the Georgia coast.

The week we stayed at The Greyfield started with a full house. It’s billed as a communal stay where all the guests dine together and can sign up for excursions together. As the week slipped away, so did every last guest except us and a couple staying in one of the two cottages on the property. The staff had nearby lodging in the former carriage house. But because of the emptiness in the booking schedule, many of them took time off, leaving a skeleton crew of just a few to cook and serve dinner to us.

The Greyfield is a pretty expensive stay. It was built in 1900. Much of Cumberland Island was owned by the Andrew Carnegie family. Other than the inn staff and guests, only a handful of campers at primitive campgrounds and day trippers who come across on the public ferry are on the island on any given day. They, and the “wild woman” of the island whom books have been written about.

The atmosphere that night, with the intimate setting and only one other couple, took on a close-knit quality. The conversation was deeper and more personal. As we really got to know each other, the calm of the place made us feel at home. Albeit our real home was a far cry from a Carnegie home. Still, a delusion of sorts settled upon us. Knowing we would be the only folks in the sizeable old home where John F. Kennedy, Jr. stayed on his wedding night, the other couple joked about being our guests for a dinner party. When we finished the last course and finished our drinks—we could serve ourselves after the staff was gone because the bar had everything on the chert system where, on your honor, you wrote your name and the drinks you had in the ledger for someone to tally on your bill at the end of the stay—we saw our “guests” to the main door on the second floor. We hugged goodbye and waved to them from “our” grand porch as they descended down the fairytale staircase and into the darkness of the trees amidst the wild horses.

When we turned and closed the door, my wife and I looked at each other, feeling the weirdness of the situation. We explored the quiet surroundings, from the kitchen to the library and great room. The only sound was our footsteps on the aged wood floors. It was eerily peaceful.

“I hope the Carnegies don’t see us as squatters,” I joked, referring to the ghosts that may appear.

By the way, the guest rooms did not have locks for the doors. I sat awake in bed for a while, intently listening to the groans of the historic home.

We tried convincing ourselves, “Oh, that’s just the house settling.”

A few years later, we stayed at the four-story rustic Stockport Mill Inn in Stockport, Ohio. The current structure was built in 1906 after two previous versions were destroyed by fire.

I sat in the wee hours of the morning with a book and coffee in the perch I claimed as my own in the common area on the third floor. Inspiration struck me, so I put my things down, picked up a pen, and jotted this…

The Still of The Mill

The silence of an inn before the guest doors swing open to the common areas is a calm that whispers “Good morning” to just you.

It’s so quiet, except for the flow of the spillway outside a nearby window three floors down. A river is already in a rush, brushing past the sleepy old mill.

The solitude settles deeper within as an unseen cloud pitter-patters drops against the windows, peeking into the darkness before dawn.

Soon, the new guests will stir this Bliss away. And they’ll whisk past Dottie, the joyous soul whose roof we slept under, eager to get away and explore.

But until then, time has stopped, at least for this moment, this long moment where I’m a part of the Stockport Mill, present with everything.

I forgot about my coffee and book and just do nothing.

Do Nothing: it’s never in the brochure.

But for now, I don’t want to do anything else.

When I finally looked up again, the snow was falling. It robbed the entire town of electricity and Internet access. Although the mill is hydroelectric, it sends its power straight to the power grid, so it, too, was without electricity.

It’s one thing to choose laziness, nestle up, and read a book in an old mill-inn nook. So we ventured out to explore but returned before too long because of the road conditions and widespread and elongated power outage.

Later in the evening, with restored electricity, we brewed coffee, lounged in an open area on the third floor amongst the history all around, and lost ourselves in our books.

The night drew quiet—too quiet. It felt like we were the only ones there.

I walked to the floors below and down to the parking lot. It was empty. We were indeed the only folks left in the grand old mill. We figured the Innkeeper Dottie allowed guests to cancel at the last minute (probably unnecessarily) due to the earlier electrical outage. That’s just the good soul she is, putting others first.

There’s a feeling knowing you’re the only folks in an enormous century building with timbers and decore of a bygone era in the dead of night. It’s a feeling I wouldn’t do justice trying to describe in words.

But it was as peculiar as it was calming.

That night, the river’s flow made the most exquisite white noise, perfect for a deep sleep!

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun!

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Euclid Beach Park

Image is an AI reconstruction of a historical scene

Welcome to Vacationland: Echoes of Ohio’s Nostalgic Destinations by Rocco

Euclid Beach Park
Echoes of Laughter

Euclid Beach Park is such an iconic Ohio memory, echoing laughter and thrills along the Lake Erie shore on the eastern edge of Cleveland. Its heyday spanned approximately 70 years until its closing in 1969; quite a run!

Grab some popcorn and join the stroll down memory lane.

Families didn’t need deep pockets or long-distance travel plans for entertainment during the first half of the 20^th Century. With a Great Lake backdrop, there was magic and freedom in the breeze. Only a streetcar ride away, there were rides like The Thriller and the Racing Coaster (Derby Racer), which pumped adrenaline. A favorite recalled by many was the Flying Turns—a unique bobsled-style ride in which cars traveled wooden channels.

Memories of the Grand Carousel, Dodgems (bumper cars), Rocket Ships, and the beloved Dippy Whip also dazzled the summer crowds. And then, of course, there was the midway, buzzing with games, music, and food stands. Perhaps most legendary was Laughing Sal, a life-size, papier-mâché figure with red hair, freckles, and a gap-toothed smile. Her booming cackle and jerky movements terrified those trying to navigate the creepy Surprise House funhouse.

But America grew away from the enchanting local stomping grounds of such regional vacationland escapes, which were affordable community magnets. When local parks like Euclid Beach and its West Side competitor Puritas Springs folded, many rides were moved to up-and-coming parks like Cedar Point. The Big Dipper (Turnpike) was rooted at Euclid Beach. Still, it became more associated with Geauga Lake, which eventually lost the wider regional tug-of-war with Cedar Point and will undoubtedly be covered in a future excerpt of OhioTraveler.com’s Vacationland: Echoes of Ohio’s Nostalgic Destinations.

You can’t visit Euclid Beach Park anymore, but if you know someone old enough, you can live it in their eyes when they light up and tell you about their coming-of-age days there.

“I was a Puritas Springs gal, but my best friend Jan and I went to Euclid Beach Park once as teenagers and met a couple of guys. After coasters, cotton candy, and lots of laughs, a boy named Truck cruised me home on his Harley. I’ll never forget the lake breeze running through my hair and the lights from the park in the rearview mirror. Those were whimsical times.” –Kathleen LaRoque

Nearly 100 years later, you can still see relics of the old park in our modern world. The Euclid Beach rocket car is one such find. Initially, the Rocket Ships Ride debuted at the park in the 1930s. It featured three shiny silver rocket ships attached to cables that whipped them in circles high in the air. Today, you may see the rocket ships turned passenger vehicles on the streets of Cleveland.

Gone are the simple, carefree places that served as the community’s entertainment hub. Yet, the exhilaration echoes generations later if you know where to listen.

Explore more Vacationland: Echoes of Ohio’s Nostalgic Destinations

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide To Fun

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Coshocton Ohio Postcard

Welcome to Our Ohio Postcard of the Month

Get carried away in Coshocton County, Ohio

Step back to a simpler time and be swept off your feet with horse-drawn canal boat rides and hot air balloon rides in Coshocton.

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The Pyramid of Sedona

A Secret Energy Source

I wasn’t in Sedona chasing its famous energy vortexes. So, of course, I found one—at least in my imagination. It was on a path that was way less traveled, leading to what the locals call The Pyramid.

How could something so visible be invisible to the masses?

The first time I glimpsed the unassuming Pyramid was while hiking the backside of the Airport Mesa. This was one of the four main vortexes drawing the crowds. We started out before first light. The views were amazing. People we met claimed that the energy force they absorbed in past trips was felt even in the air on their flights home.

Vortexes here were popularized by a 1970s psychic, but the area was sacred to the Yavapai-Apache well before then. Each of Sedona’s vortexes is generally considered a center of concentrated Earth energy. When experienced, it may bring awareness, release, calm, clarity, grounding, and inspiration. The Airport Mesa vortex is known to bring clarity, motivation, and help with decision-making.

I didn’t feel any of it, until…

Long past any of the favored hot spots for experiences, my wife and I found ourselves alone on the backside of the mesa. The views here were less dramatic, but still beautiful to breathe in. We decided to stop hiking and just sit quietly for as long as the peace held still.

We stretched out under a lone bushy tree in the prairie, uninterrupted, and drifted into meditative calm, becoming one with the tranquil vista.

On my journey of the mind, I noticed, in the wide, open landscape, a humble disruption in the matrix. Subdued, inconspicuous, or unobtrusive were words that circled my thoughts from the elevated perch scanning the far-reaching view.

It was like the spirit in the sky led my aimless wandering eyes to a string of clouds that painted their way down to the horizon. From there, they seamlessly followed the landscape to the tip of the pyramid, then down its right side to a barren path of sorts that cut through the desolate desert floor as my eyes followed the way of least resistance. Then, the pathway unfolded up the mesa and viola – to my boots.

“Honey, I need to go …there!” And I pointed to the pyramid.

The next morning, we set out for my Vision Quest.

Hiking the Scorpion Trail to the Pyramid Mountain Trail, we were amazed that in the hours we spent here, we only came across humans twice, both times were local mountain bikers.

The natural red rock pyramid of Sedona is theorized to mimic the dimensions of the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is strikingly similar in base length and slope angle, but only about half as tall, so it is easily overlooked in the vast openness, where other geological formations draw much more attention. Still, the silhouette is curiously symmetrical, so much so that it’s hard to fathom its random rock formation rather than a deliberate creation.

I made it my walkabout quest to eventually summit the top of the pyramid, where I experienced my personal vortex. The magnetic pull it exerted on me and the connectedness I felt were otherworldly. And it has stayed with me ever since as a happy place I can retreat to at any time I want to summon its imagery.

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Romantic Ohio Valentine Getaways

Enjoy these 10 popular Ohio winter
weekend retreat ideas for romance.

Romantic Adventure Getaways: Touted as one of the “Best Date Nights Ever,” couples’ romantically themed rooms in an 1840’s brick mansion lead to an amazing adventure behind the secret passages, trap doors, tunnels, and slides.

Ma & Pa’s Old-Fashioned Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Dash through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh through the rolling woods and fields. Stop for some stargazing. Hot chocolate awaits back at an 1820s log cabin.

Safari in The Wilds and Spend The Night In A Yurt: The Sunset Wildside Tour is an awe-inspiring tour off the beaten path. It includes a lovely dinner. After exploring the herds of rare and endangered species roaming 10,000 acres, retire to your private yurt.

Three Rivers Wine Trail: Let the good times flow. But it’s not just wine on the menu. So, whether you want a stem, stein, or shot, follow the ribbons of country roads connecting vineyards, woods, and farms to villages and towns.

Landoll’s Mohican Castle: Tucked in the rolling wooded hills is a castle. Guest suites vary in features, such as a stone fireplace, spiral staircase, and windows that rain down natural light from cut nooks and crannies in the ceiling. The property also has a restaurant, a short walk from the castle.

Medina Ice Festival: One of Ohio’s most scenic and large town squares turns into a winter wonderland for the annual Ice Festival on Valentine’s Weekend. Dinner, shopping, and lodging options abound throughout town.

Hocking Hills: If a hot tub in winter has appeal, book your weekend stay in Ohio’s hot tub capital – Hocking Hills. Fill your days with unusual caves, cliffs, frozen waterfalls, streams, and other natural wonders. Light a fire and cozy up in one of over a thousand cabins.

German Village: This old-world Columbus neighborhood comes complete with brick roads and buildings ripe for a romantic weekend. Pop in and out of coffee houses, pubs, bakeries, restaurants, and mom-and-pop shops.

Hotel Versailles: It rests on a site with 150 years of hospitality at your service. It’s an elevated experience with 30 boutique guestrooms and suites, an acclaimed dining experience, and the charm of the small town of Versailles, Ohio.

Indoor Waterparks: Splash some summer fun in the middle of winter with a trip to Ohio’s acclaimed indoor water parks, which are full of fun, guest rooms, and dining.

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Trip Quip: It’s Getting Corny

Welcome to Trip Quip …
It’s Getting Corny

PLAY VIDEO

Part of a series of slap-happy travel videos
by The OhioTraveler.

Remember the Triple A Triptik? Well, this is not that.
This is The OhioTraveler’s Trip Quip!

When you’re on the road too long,
cheesy Dad jokes, corny one-liners, memes, and silly puns
prevail for better or worse.

So, we thought we’d share these spontaneously silly stops as we go!

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and “Blogs by Rocco”

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Trip Quip: Chasing Ice in Ohio

Welcome to Trip Quip …
Chasing Icicles at Hocking Hills State Park

PLAY VIDEO

Part of a series of slap-happy travel videos
by The OhioTraveler.

Remember the Triple A Triptik? Well, this is not that.
This is The OhioTraveler’s Trip Quip!

When you’re on the road too long,
cheesy Dad jokes, corny one-liners, and silly puns,
prevail for better or worse.

So, we thought we’d share these spontaneously silly stops as we go!

See More Trip Quips
and “Blogs by Rocco”

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Trip Quip: Roadside Curiosity

Welcome to Trip Quip …
Roadside Curiosity

PLAY VIDEO

Part of a series of slap-happy travel videos
by The OhioTraveler.

Remember the Triple A Triptik? Well, this is not that.
This is The OhioTraveler’s Trip Quip!

When you’re on the road too long,
cheesy Dad jokes, corny one-liners, memes, and silly puns
prevail for better or worse.

So, we thought we’d share these spontaneously silly stops as we go!

See More Trip Quips
and “Blogs by Rocco”

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Trip Quip: A Limerick

Welcome to Trip Quip …
A Limerick

PLAY VIDEO

Part of a series of slap-happy travel videos
by The OhioTraveler.

Remember the Triple A Triptik? Well, this is not that.
This is The OhioTraveler’s Trip Quip!

When you’re on the road too long,
cheesy Dad jokes, corny one-liners, and silly puns,
prevail for better or worse.

So, we thought we’d share these spontaneously silly stops as we go!

See More Trip Quips
and “Blogs by Rocco”

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Top Winter Activities in Ohio

There are plentiful winter activities right here in Ohio! We picked our Top-12 outdoor things to do in January and February, but others can easily be on this list.

Dare to plunge Ohio’s tallest and fastest toboggan chutes at the Chalet in Cleveland Metropark’s Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville.

Skate The Ribbon in Toledo! The 1,000-foot loop trail has some rolling hills and soft curves. It connects to a 5,000-square-foot rink at Toledo’s Glass City Metropark. Ice skates may be rented on-site.

Enjoy more outdoor ice skating in Dayton at the MetroParks Ice Rink. It’s a family-friendly experience for skaters of all ages and the region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink. The rink offers beautiful views of the scenic Great Miami River and downtown.

How does “Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh” sound? Ma & Pa’s old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage rides in Northeast Ohio traverse the woods and fields and even stop for some stargazing. Hot chocolate awaits back at the 1820 log cabin.

Mohican Winterfest in Loudonville ice carvings and free family entertainment. Bring the family down to check out all the ice sculptures that line the street and watch the live carving demos.

The annual Winter Hike at Hocking Hills will treat you to amazing ice formations! From giant icicle fields to frozen waterfalls, dress warm, wear sturdy shoes, and freezeframe stunning crystalized shots.

Light fire to winter and burn a giant snowman at the Burning Snowman Fest in Port Clinton. It comes complete with ice sculptures, fire dancers, hot tubs, hobo fires, and plenty of s’mores and hot chocolate. Of course, the climax is the burning of a giant paper snowman to call for spring.

There’s only one sled dog event in Ohio, so of course, it’s called The Great Sled Dog Race! This is a Greater Cleveland classic. Snowpack permitting, this rare event attracts mushers from all around. Teams cover one to six miles through woods and across open fields.

Ohio has several ice festivals, all of which are delightful. Two longtime favorites are in the lovely towns of Medina and Vermilion. There, you’ll enjoy the Medina Ice Fest and the Vermilion Ice A Fair.

When the powdery snow is the perfect mix, you can’t miss tubing, skiing, and snowboarding fun at Snow Trails and Boston Mills Brandywine Ski Resort in Northeast Ohio.

The list of enjoyable winter pastimes in Ohio could go on and on (Did you know Ohio has an Ice Wine Fest?). But we’ll stop here …for now. 😉

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Ski Trip Gone Wrong

Matt was “Mr. Ski Club.” We stood atop a hill at Brandywine, ready for the day’s first run for him and my first run ever.

He was checking down with everything I needed to know, and I just ya-ya’d him, impatient and ready to go.

Finally, I said, “Got it!” And shot downhill like a bullet.

I heard, “But …” and nothing else as my friend’s voice faded.

I sailed so fast over the snow, straight down the hill, that I freaked out. I could not turn, stop, or even slow down!

As I bore down on a man skiing up ahead, I cringed. He crisscrossed effortlessly, kicking up powdery white stuff. I was sure he would be knocked from here to eternity when I collided with him in about two seconds flat.

Why didn’t I stick around to listen to Matt explain how to turn, or better yet, how to stop?

As others described later, it looked like I was shot out of canon and about to kill somebody. They watched from above in horror, waiting for my impact with this unsuspecting stranger. Precisely at the very last moment, everyone closed their eyes or took a deep breath, and I woosh-wooshed around the man. In two quick movements with my feet, I skirted disaster – barely. My friends said the guy stood straight up, shocked by the brush back, but was otherwise uninterrupted.

When I got near the bottom, I managed to wipe myself out to stop along a flat straightaway.

Matt came down the hill like a pro. This was baby stuff to him. He hit a raised area near the bottom to get fancy in the air. When he came down, he injured his ankle. Go figure.

Later in the day, the guys thought I was ready for the meanest slope at the resort or were willing to see me die for laughs. As the saying goes, with friends like these, who needs enemies?

The ski lift reached the top, but I was snagged and couldn’t shift to get off. The chair turned and rose higher off the ground, circling the control shack at the top. I mentally foreshadowed the humiliation of returning to the bottom of the slope, alone on a chair lift.

NO WAY!

I flung my body in a pathetic but successful last attempt to free myself. The problem was that I was not as close to the ground anymore, but I landed on my feet and then fell to my butt with quite a thud.

The lift stopped, and a guy popped his operating shack door open, yelling, “You alright?”

Laughing uncomfortably, I said, “Ya.”

He laughed, said, “Crazy,” shook his head, shut the door, and started the lift again.

Looking downhill, it was clear that this course was not for beginners. In fact, it looked wickedly dangerous for someone like me. My depth perception was off. The slope was laden with terrain characterized by a large number of different bumps or, as I heard others say, “Moguls.” Not only that, but this slope was the steepest by far.

Much like the beginning of the day, I became a human, heat-seeking missile.

Unlike earlier in the day, these moguls posed a different experience altogether. Quickly, my knees vibrated violently up and down at high speed. I should have wiped out, but instead, I found myself lying straight on my back but upright on the skis. I could see the lift chairs overhead, off to the side, even though my head bounced violently off the never-ending moguls.

From my friends’ perspective, when my skis finally turned in on each other, and I wiped out, it was like a scene from the 1970s Wide World of Sports promo highlighting what was dubbed “The Agony of Defeat,” which was an infamous ski jumping clip gone oh-so-wrong. When I tumbled, it was bad. My body looked like a rag doll plummeting down the slope amidst an avalanche of snow and debris. By everyone’s account, they thought I broke every bone in my body. I lost both skis and poles; one boot and the other had every buckle burst open.

Matt was the first to get to me. “He’s conscious!”

The others gathered my stuff strewn all over the slope.

It was all we could talk about for the rest of the evening as everyone recalled, in vivid detail, my spectacular flight down the slope. The laughter roared like the fire we perched in front of with hot cocoa.

I never skied again.

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun!

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Give The Gift of Laughter & Travel

Give the Gift of Travel and Laughter
Enjoy Reading

Wrong Turns Write Life
A Family Vacation Journal

by Frank Rocco Satullo
The OhioTraveler

ORDER HERE

Life rarely goes according to plan—especially on vacation. But sometimes the wrong turns write the best stories.

Wrong Turns Write Life: A Family Vacation Journal is a laugh-out-loud collection of true travel misadventures, unforgettable detours, shocking surprises, and hilariously human moments gathered from decades of family trips across the United States and beyond.

What began as a handwritten vacation journal tucked in a glove box grew—one trip at a time—into this entertaining, lighthearted memoir of mishaps, memories, and the comedy that comes from simply trying to get away.

From missed exits that led to unexpected treasures… to storms that turned into ridiculous encounters… to bizarre moments so unbelievable they could only happen on vacation—these stories celebrate the chaos, joy, and beautiful unpredictability of the open road.

In these pages, you’ll experience:

Funny family mishaps that become instant legends
Unexpected detours that reveal hidden gems
Cringe-worthy moments you’ll laugh about later
Heartfelt reflections on the power of shared adventure
Short, punchy stories perfect for light reading or gifting

Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper, a parent who’s survived family vacations, or someone who just loves a good laugh, you’ll recognize pieces of your own adventures—or be thankful you’ve never experienced some of these.

As author Frank Rocco Satullo writes, “If there’s one thing the road teaches, it’s that the unplanned makes for the best memories.” After more than thirty years of travel across America and Europe, Satullo pulled together his most entertaining, surprising, and downright unbelievable stories into this humorous travel memoir.

Straight from the glove box to the page, this strange, wild, and heartwarming journal reminds us that every road—right or wrong—leads to a story worth telling.

So buckle up. You’re in for a wonderfully unpredictable ride.

Also New in The Bookstore

Travel & tourism also expose us to grim stories.
These encounters discovered on the road were the inspiration of this dark novel.

ORDER HERE

A dark, honest, and unexpectedly uplifting journey into the human spirit—where suffering is real, hope is fragile, and faith hides quietly between the lines.

The Stars Behind the Clouds is a gritty, character-driven novel that explores the raw edges of human struggle. Told with emotional depth and unflinching realism, this story follows men and women—young and old—whose lives bend under the weight of grief, abuse, guilt, addiction, disability, and loss. Some survive. Some do not. And in every arc, something true is revealed.

This is a book about the shadows people carry, and the surprising ways a glimmer of grace can sometimes break through.

More than thirty years in the making, the novel began when author Frank Rocco Satullo scribbled its first chapter in an attic apartment in West Germany as a nineteen-year-old. Decades later, he found that forgotten notebook at the bottom of a tattered box and read it by flashlight with unexpected intrigue. What he discovered wasn’t just an old idea, but the spark that would guide him in finishing this tale of suffering, perseverance, and the faint stars that guide us when all other light is gone.

In these pages:

Darkness and light collide in stories of trauma, tragedy, and internal survival
Characters search for meaning, even when life gives them no reason to hope
Moments of gut-wrenching sadness are met with unexpected warmth, humor, and humanity
Quiet spiritual undertones weave through the narrative without preaching
A few find redemption—others don’t—but all leave an imprint

The result is a soul-searching, redemptive literary fiction novel that embraces both the brutality and beauty of the human condition. It’s for readers who appreciate life’s harder truths, yet still believe in an elusive, hard-earned joy.

This is a dark journey to see the light—to discover The Stars Behind the Clouds.

It makes for a great book club book discussion in 2026

Press Release 1 / Press Release 2 / Press Release 3 / Press Release 4 / Press Release 5

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The Best Corned Beef Sandwich In Ohio

I’m here to confirm the rumors: Slyman’s makes one of the biggest, juiciest corned beef sandwiches in America. It’s thin-sliced, stacked sky-high, juicy, rich, savory, bold, and frankly a bit intimidating, but oh-so-delicious! Diving into it is an experience! If you’ve ever wondered what a true deli giant looks like, head to Slyman’s Restaurant & Deli in Cleveland to order up the best corned beef sandwich in Ohio.

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Amazing Ohio Christmas Lights

Ohio’s Holiday Wonderland of Christmas Lights

This list of amazing Ohio Christmas and holiday lights displays features some of the best places to brighten up your holiday season.

Ashland Candy Cane Trail
It is at Freer Field Barn at 1264 South Center St. in Ashland, Ohio

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
It is at Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds at 3311 South Old State Road in Delaware, Ohio.

Christmas at Dogwood Pass
It is at 726 Adams Rd in Beaver, Ohio.

Christmas Lights at Clifton Mill
It is at 75 Water Street in Clifton, Ohio.

Christmas Ranch in Morrow
It is at 3205 S. Waynesville Road in Morrow, Ohio.

Conservatory Aglow
It is at the Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio.

Gallipolis In Lights
It is at Gallipolis City Park, 300 Second Avenue, Gallipolis, Ohio.

Guernsey County Courthouse Light Show
It is at 801 Wheeling Avenue in Cambridge, Ohio.

Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve
It is at 2385 OH-41 in Troy, Ohio.

Pyramid Hill Lights
It is at 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road in Hamilton, Ohio.

Lights Before Christmas
It is at the Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way in Toledo, Ohio.

Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights
It is at Harrison Smith Park, 525 East Wyandot Ave. in Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

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Wonderful Ohio Christmas Towns

Some of the best Christmas Towns are right here in Ohio! We picked five Ohio Holiday Fun Towns to share, but others can easily be on this list.

Lebanon, Ohio, is nationally known for its annual Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade and Christmas Festival, which features the legendary Golden Lamb, Ohio’s oldest hotel, and other historic facades as a postcard-quality backdrop.

Cambridge, Ohio, doubles as Dickens Victorian Village. Visitors stroll amidst nearly 100 scenes of lifelike figures representing classic scenes from Old-world England’s Victorian society.

Steubenville, Ohio, turns into Nutcracker Village & Advent Market, displaying over 100 life-size, uniquely designed, and hand-painted Nutcrackers.

Coshocton, Ohio’s Historic Roscoe Village, features Christmas Candlelighting. The old canal town has unique shops, strolling carolers, and the wonderful experience of everyone gathering to light handheld candles and singing “Silent Night.”

Medina, Ohio, is anchored by Castle Noel, America’s largest year-round indoor Christmas entertainment attraction! Its scenes are from Hollywood Christmas movie sets and New York City’s legendary holiday storefronts.

And the list could go on and on to include Lodi’s Ye Olde Tyme Christmas or Christmas in Zoar Village, among others.

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Unique Places to Christmas Shop

Antique Capital of the World

Jungle Jim’s International Market

Rock Shop at Ohio Caverns

Rocky Factory Outlet Store

Root Candles

Toys Time Forgot Toy Store

What A Great Hat!

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Best Ohio Holiday Destinations

Ohio’s top Christmas Destinations and Holiday Attractions include but are not limited to:

America’s largest year-round indoor Christmas entertainment attraction at Castle Noel.

A Christmas Story House where you get to walk through a movie set location for the popular holiday classic “A Christmas Story,” which has been restored just as it was when it was filmed.

Holiday Parades like the legendary Lebanon Horse-drawn Carriage Parade.

Historic Homes like Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, where you may walk through affluent Christmas past.

Magnificent Ohio light displays like the Journey Borealis at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Christmas Towns like Cambridge and Steubenville: Stroll old-world England in Dickens Victorian Village or among a hundred life-size nutcrackers in the Nutcracker Village.

An immersive Christmas experience at Kringle’s Inventionasium Experience.

Special Events like the Christmas Candlelighting in Historic Roscoe Village.

Christmas on stage with a variety of performing arts across the state.

And, of course, Christmas Trains from the Polar Express to Santa Junction.

That rounds out our TOP-1O ideas to enjoy Ohio’s Christmas and holiday season.

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Popular Ohio Fall Farms

For Autumn Family Fun

Ohio has family-favorite fall farms in just about every community. These are just ten places where the family can enjoy the offerings of fall family fun on the farm. Enjoy the season for corn mazes, pumpkin patches, scarecrows, hayrides, and cinnamon spice.

Brumbaugh Fruit & Fun Farm in Greenville

Circle S Farm in Grove City

Lawrence Orchards Apple Fest in Marion

Leaders Family Farms in Napoleon

Niederman Family Farm in Liberty Township

Noble Family Farms in Minford

Pigeon Roost Farm in Hebron

Ramseyer Farms in Wooster

Rockin R Ranch in Columbia Station

Schumaker Farms in West Lafayette

Plan your fall weekends where autumn activities and splendor are at their best—on an Ohio farm! Click here for dozens more fall fests and events throughout Ohio.

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Trip Quip at the Zoo

Welcome to Trip Quip…at the Zoo,
a series of slap-happy travel videos
by The OhioTraveler.

Remember the Triple A Triptik? Well, this is not that.
This is The OhioTraveler’s Trip Quip!

When you’re on the road too long,
cheesy Dad jokes, corny one-liners, and silly puns,
prevail for better or worse.

So, we thought we’d share a few of those moments…at the zoo!

Going Batty: Play Video

Alligator or Croc?: Play Video

Mail Call: Play Video

Hey, YOU!: Play Video

Honk if you like the Zoo: Play Video

See More Trip Quips
and “Blogs by Rocco”

You may provide feedback to scoops@ohiotraveler.com

Let The OhioTraveler be your Tour Guide to Fun!

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The Thought Drawer Videos

Welcome to
The Thought Drawer
by The OhioTraveler

Last month, we introduced our goofy, slap-happy travel video shorts ripe with “Dad Humor” and dubbed it TripQuip. And there will be more to come. 😉

This month, it’s a trip to the other end of the spectrum, with three video shorts from The Thought Drawer.

Sometimes, the purpose of a getaway is to find solace and breathe deeply. Over the years, I’ve found myself roadside or deep in “God’s Country” to jot a thought down in a moment of inspiration. Then, I tossed my note in the glove box and eventually in a drawer.

Here are three mindful moments from “The Thought Drawer.”

Thought 1

Thought 2

Thought 3

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler

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Video of the Largest Cuckoo Clock

Play Video

The world’s largest cuckoo clock as declared by the Guinness Book of World Records (1977 cover) is at the corner of Main and Broadway in Sugarcreek, Ohio – also known as “Little Switzerland of Ohio.” This giant cuckoo clock is operational from 9am – 9pm April through November. It measures 23 feet tall by 24 feet wide. On the half-hour, its cuckoo bird pops out, the band appears, and couples dance away to Swiss polka music. Click here to go to Ohio’s little Switzerland.

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Popular Ohio Fall Fests & Events

Ohio is loaded with fantastic autumn festivals and events worthy of circling on the calendar. In fact, 70 of them are found at Ohio Fall Festivals & Events | Ohio Traveler.

With so many fall places to consider across Ohio, we pick 10 popular and unique festivals and events to feature each year. Here’s what we recommend this year:

Algonquin Mill Fall Festival in Carrollton, Ohio: If you like steam, rolling wooded hills bursting with fall color, and stepping back in time, this is the fest for you. Explore the antique print shop, stagecoach inn, and other pioneer structures. Watch live chair caning, wood carving, broom making, chain-saw carving, candle dipping, rug making, weaving, and more. Oh, and the food and sweets are out of this world.

Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival at Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton, Ohio: Smell the fresh apple butter simmering over an open fire as you stroll down the street. Listen to various free musical entertainment or tour the Living History buildings staffed with costumed interpreters and crafters. Make your reservation for the Spirit of Roscoe lantern tours.

Bob Evans Farm Festival in Rio Grande, Ohio: Located at the original Bob Evans Farm, this celebration of the harvest season attracts thousands with its entertainment, traditional crafts, farm contests, food, children’s activities, and demonstrations. See the original restaurant, homestead, and museum “down on the farm.” Yes, the original 1,000-acre Bob Evans farm. You know there’s good food served here!

Circleville Pumpkin Show in Circleville, Ohio: This is said to be Ohio’s oldest and largest pumpkin celebration. It hosts seven different parades in half as many days. This includes the Pumpkin Parade, Pet Parade, and Baby Parade, to name a few. The event boasts the world’s largest pumpkin pie, a pumpkin toss, a pumpkin pie-eating competition, and—well—lots of pumpkin everything.

Paul Bunyan Show in Cambridge, Ohio: It’s one of the nation’s largest and oldest forest industry shows. It features Lumberjack entertainment and competitions along with many forestry exhibits, equipment, and educational sessions. Be sure to try the official Bunyan Burger, a 14 oz Angus burger with all the trimmings.

Sauerkraut Festival in Waynesville, Ohio: Known as the Antiques Capital of the Midwest, more than 14,000 pounds of sauerkraut are cooked up for the town’s annual festival. Some unique recipes for visitors’ indulgence include cabbage rolls, German sundaes, brownies, doughnuts, and pizza. The local folks urge that just because it’s made with sauerkraut doesn’t mean it tastes like it.

WACO Fly-In at WACO Airfield in Troy, Ohio: Enjoy seeing the historic open-cockpit biplanes flying nationwide. Pilots will be available to give rides in their beautiful open-cockpit biplanes. If you prefer to view the activities from the ground, bring your lawn chair and enjoy the air show. Afterward, browse the field to see aircraft close-up.

Wheat Ridge Olde Thyme Herb Fair & Harvest Festival in West Union, Ohio: This fall harvest festival features herbs and herbal products. There are usually about 150 crafters and artisans and plenty of classes, entertainment, and fresh foods. Don’t forget to launch a pumpkin from the pumpkin cannon while you’re there.

Woollybear Festival in Vermilion, Ohio: Everyone knows about Ground Hog Day, but a fuzzy little critter in Vermilion will forecast how severe of a winter Ohio can expect before it even starts – or so they say. This festival pays tribute to the Woollybear with a parade, wooly bear races, contests, arts & crafts, and additional entertainment for the whole family.

Zoar Village’s Lantern Tours of Ghosts in Zoar, Ohio: Take a haunted stroll through the village with history and ghost stories told by costumed guides. Over 100 years ago, German Separatists built many buildings that still line the historic village’s main street. Ten of these buildings are operated as museums.

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Flying by the Seat of Our Pants

PLAY VIDEO

I took my graduating son to an airfield during a Fly-in event.

We were going to fly in a WACO open-cockpit biplane. First, I was still secretly surprised that my son agreed to this experience at all. He did not like anything that pumped anxiety through his veins like the plunging dive of a roller-coaster. It had to be that he really didn’t understand what exactly we were getting ourselves into.

Our first mistake was to forego the suggested earplugs. I was reminded of this error for the better part of a week afterward, as my hearing struggled to return to normal after the deafening loud engine powering the propeller.

We watched one of the classic birds touchdown close to our tent, where we waited for our adventure to begin.

My son was quieter than usual. I knew he wanted to bail, but we were too far along for that now. So, he probably imagined the possibilities that could go wrong. Or he was trying to block thinking about anything altogether.

Our bright yellow open cockpit biplane gurgled to a stop in the grass next to us. The biplane had two holes in the top to sit in. The pilot sat in the rear one. We would sit in the one in front of him, behind the engine, and under the upper wing and above the lower one.

When we were given instructions to board, we simply listened without objection. I was told to get in first and slide over to the far side. Then, my son was placed next to me. My side had a shoulder-high metal wall over which I could see. Then, I realized my son had to sit with his entire side exposed to the cutout, where we could get into the cockpit. It was too late; the person who seated us was gone, and the pilot had us rolling.

We felt the movements and quirks with each bump and turn as we puttered and sputtered toward the runway. He was eyes in and forward, glued looking at his feet, I think. I watched the grass pass by his open side, thinking, damn, I’m glad I don’t have to sit there. I wanted to reassure him that it would be okay, but once we were accelerating and left God’s green earth, you could shout at the top of your lungs; nobody could hear you—even if they were sitting right next to you.

I let out a bit of euphoria, “Here we go!”

And go we went.

The nose pointed to the sun. Our hair and clothes whipped wildly from the rush of air flowing over us. The town below transformed into a miniature playset, and the surrounding farmland resembled square puzzle pieces. We were up, up, and away. The sun was gleaming, the horizon glowed. And my son clutched where the metal stopped in front of his exposed side in sheer panic; I was convinced.

The whole time, that engine raged in our ears!

And when I thought it couldn’t get any worse for my son, the pilot showed off. We unexpectedly climbed upward, steeply and rapidly.

Please, don’t blow an engine now, dear Lord!

I met my son’s eyes and smiled when we leveled back out. He looked back to his safety spot, his feet surrounded by metal—except for one side, of course.

Then, the whole plane dipped to the side, and my son was above me, and we sailed in a big, wide turn like that.

Then, the unthinkable: my son’s side dipped just as severely. I was now higher than he was. The air current was so strong I wondered if my skinny boy would be sucked out of his seatbelt into the low-hanging clouds. I tried to grab him to reassure him and ensure he stayed in his seat.

Once we were past the cartoonish cloud, I looked past him, out his hole, and straight to the ground below, thinking, This kid will need therapy after this.

I craned my head to see the pilot behind me. He gave a grin and a thumbs-up. That’s when I just let loose and laughed my ass off like I hadn’t in years. I knew not even my son could hear me, and he wasn’t looking anywhere but forward and down, so I just roared long and hard.

When we landed, I thought, Wow, that was a fantastic experience, and the visuals were heavenly.

Once we touched the planet with our feet, my son turned and simply said, “I’ll never do that again.”

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun!

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Trip Quip: Slap Happy Travel Videos

Welcome to Trip Quip,
a new series of slap-happy travel videos
by The OhioTraveler.

Remember the Triple A Triptik? Well, this is not that.
This is The OhioTraveler’s Trip Quip!

When you’re on the road too long,
cheesy Dad jokes, corny one-liners, and silly puns,
prevail for better or worse.

So, we thought we’d share a few of those moments…

CLICK HERE
To Play Trip Quip Video Shorts

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SHOUT OUT TO THE COUNTER CREW

At Big Ed’s Soda Grill in Vermilion

We walked through the door of nostalgic Big Ed’s Soda Grill in the heat of dinner rush in Ohio’s quaint vacationland—Vermilion. The old-time diner at the corner of Main St. and Liberty Ave. was packed except for two vintage stools at the lunch counter.

It turns out they were the best seats in the house.

On the flipside of the counter was a dance of orchestrated chaos.

Despite each person moving in three directions at once, they smiled and made space for small talk and laughter, never missing a beat.

Ava shared that she was going to college to become a teacher. So, my wife, a teacher, carried on a conversation while she effortlessly turned this way to pour that, and that way to wipe this, all the while dodging bodies moving at warp speed around her. Somewhere amidst the buzz of chatter and activity, she shared her favorite sweet was a root beer float (Side note: Big Ed’s is said to have the best in Ohio!), but her real craving was fried pickles.

Sean tripped on the floor. She stopped to chuckle to make sure he knew it didn’t go unnoticed. Sean was her brother’s friend, but she said he was like a sibling. To hear their friendly banter brought back memories of our now-grown and flown daughter and son.

I didn’t catch the name of the shy young man busy tending to dishes, but he looked like he wanted to chime in on the chit-chat.

Jaclyn, another young worker, overheard my order and chimed in, “Coney burger! I probably wouldn’t like that one, but I’m curious, so I’ll be back to get your opinion.”

Everything was delicious, from the food to the vibe.

When we got up to leave, there was the fabled Midwestern Goodbye that lingered like we were reunited friends who we expected to see again.

We felt as if a tornado of charm hugged us.

Stepping onto the sidewalk in the golden hour of the sun with malts in hand, we looked back at the moment in time, noisy, warm, and unforgettable.

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Ohio Family-Fun Summer Destinations

Ohio is packed with unforgettable destinations for the whole family. From splashing through epic waterparks and chasing waterfalls to riding vintage trains and hand-feeding safari animals, these attractions offer the perfect mix of thrills, chill, and memory-making moments. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full-blown summer road trip, these family-friendly hot spots will have everyone—from toddlers to teens to grandparents—smiling from ear to ear.

Soak City Water Park at Kings Island

It’s Ohio’s largest outdoor water park, featuring 36 action-packed slides. Be sure to ride the NEW RiverRacers dual‑racing water coaster! This heart-pounder launches side-by-side rafts at 30 mph, rockets them uphill with water jets, and sends them twisting through tunnels and dramatic drops.

Cedar Point Shores Waterpark

Thrill-seeking families will love the splash-worthy water rides and beachside vibes. It features a variety of slides, including Point Plummet, the six-story drop slide. Activities feature parasailing and wave runners.

Zoombezi Bay Waterpark at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Splash into the half-million-gallon wave pool! Or chill on a lazy river. Oh, there’s something for all ages. The kids will fall in love with the multi-level kids’ play structure with slides and tipping buckets.

Chase Waterfalls at Hocking Hills State Park

It’s nature’s playground in Ohio’s backyard. After a good rain, the waterfalls turn on the thunder for fun exploration, or mindful presence. Horseback riding and kayaking on peaceful rivers are a favorite pastime for family bonding.

Lake Erie Island Time

Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island are perfect for leisure time. Charter a fishing boat, go sailing, picnic on the beach, and build sandcastles. Bike riding is a favorite family pastime, as well as all the great adventures from cave dwelling to stargazing.

Ride the Rails at Ohio’s Only National Park

All aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. It’s a great way to kick back and view some of the

National Park scenery. It allows bicycles, too, for an easy way back from the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

Safari at The Wilds

Yes, this is a safari adventure in Ohio! Open-air safari vehicles take families close to rhinos, giraffes, and a variety of other large wildlife across the vast vistas—no need for a passport. And for the whole safari experience, you may reserve to stay overnight in a Yurt!

Safari—via Amish Horse-Drawn Wagons!
The Farm at Walnut Creek offers visitors a chance to see and feed over 500 exotic and domestic animals from a horse-drawn wagon. The farm also features a working Amish farm with daily activities and a non-electric farmhouse to tour.

Self-Drive-Thru Safari at African Safari Wildlife Park

This do-it-yourself drive-thru safari welcomes animals to come right up to your car to be fed. Yes, they may stick their head inside for a look around. The kids will be thrilled with the cozy encounters with camels, zebras, buffalo, and more.

COSI – Center of Science & Industry

If the summer heat calls for an indoor retreat, this air-conditioned playground for discovery is a safe bet to entertain. It offers hands-on fun galore, featuring interactive exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to space to high-tech gadgets.

Whether you’re floating down a lazy river, pedaling past waterfalls, or hand-feeding a giraffe, Ohio proves that world-class adventure is closer than you think. Each destination on this list is more than just a place—it’s a launchpad for laughter, exploration, and family bonding that lasts far beyond summer. So, pack up the car, grab the sunscreen and snacks, and hit the road—because the best family vacation stories often begin right here in the Buckeye State.

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Free Ohio Gardens

We picked four of our favorite FREE Ohio public gardens to lose yourself in this spring and summer: Clary Gardens in Coshocton, Hartman Rock Garden in Springfield, Topiary Garden in Columbus, and Wegerzyn Gardens in Dayton.

In Ohio, where the gardens bloom,
There’s beauty for free to chase away gloom.
Four stunning spots, all open to see,
Where nature’s the star, and you can roam free!

Hartman’s Rock Garden in Springfield, Ohio, is a hidden gem of folk art and creativity. Built by Harry George Hartman during the Great Depression, this unique attraction is a backyard wonderland filled with handcrafted stone and concrete sculptures. The garden features miniature castles, churches, patriotic tributes, and historical figures made from thousands of tiny rocks, shells, and found objects. What started as a simple home improvement project in 1932 quickly became an artistic obsession. Hartman, a self-taught artist, transformed his yard into a storybook landscape, blending history, religion, and pop culture into intricate rock structures. The result is a mesmerizing display of outsider art that inspires visitors today.

Nestled in downtown Columbus, Topiary Park is a living sculpture garden that brings an Impressionist masterpiece to life. Inspired by Georges Seurat’s famous painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, the park features meticulously trimmed topiaries that recreate the scene in lush, three-dimensional greenery. From the elegant figures to the graceful boats floating on the pond, it’s like stepping into a brushstroke of history—only with a lot more leaves.

Originally conceived in the 1980s by local artist James T. Mason and his wife, Elaine, the park has grown into a serene urban retreat, perfect for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether sketching, strolling, or simply soaking in the whimsy, the Topiary Park offers a unique blend of horticulture and high art that you won’t find anywhere else.

Clary Gardens in Coshocton, Ohio, is a hidden gem for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts. This 20-acre botanical garden boasts stunning landscapes, well-maintained walking trails (includes a Children’s Storybook Trail), and a diverse array of plant life, including seasonal flowers, a variety of trees, and themed gardens. The grounds include a historic sandstone amphitheater, a pond, and picnic areas, making it a peaceful escape for visitors of all ages. Clary Gardens is also popular for weddings and community events, offering a picturesque backdrop for special occasions. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll, a family outing, or a bit of inspiration from nature, this beautiful garden is worth a visit!

Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark in Dayton, Ohio, is a jewel of discovery for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts alike. This stunning park features beautifully maintained formal gardens, a delightful children’s discovery garden, and scenic walking trails that wind through lush landscapes and native woodlands. A visit to Wegerzyn offers something for everyone—whether you’re admiring the vibrant seasonal blooms, exploring the interactive areas designed for kids, or strolling along the Stillwater River. The park also features a boardwalk that winds through a scenic swamp forest, showcasing Ohio’s rich biodiversity. It’s a peaceful retreat where art, nature, and horticulture blend seamlessly, making it a favorite spot for relaxation, photography, and inspiration.

These are just four beautiful places to see in Ohio. If you seek arboretums, botanical gardens, conservatories, or art studios and museums, visit OhioTraveler’s list of 50 destinations at Ohio Art Museums and Botanical Gardens | Ohio Traveler.

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Ohio Waterfalls to Chase

Ohio has its share of waterfalls. We picked our favorites to visit in spring or summer. Often, a waterfall at the end of a trail is what a hiker may call “the payoff.”

Waterfall chasers know Hocking Hills State Park is a great place to start. Bookending Old Man’s Cave are the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. The Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave are framed by a stone bridge high overhead and a paradise cove with a tranquil aquamarine pool. The Lower Falls at Old Man’s Cave seems like an oasis down under. This cove is a hidden gem surrounded by forest and steep hills. Nearby is Cedar Falls, where visitors can sit on a rock and pass the time effortlessly. The most majestic fall found here is Ash Cave. The misty mystique of water pours from so high overhead that it can look like it’s coming from the clouds.

Those are some of Ohio’s most well-known waterfall destinations. However, a lesser-known waterfall is known as the Secret of Hillsboro. Well, it’s not a secret to the locals in the area. Several miles north of town at 10211 Careytown Road in New Vienna, Ohio, is a simple wood board that reads, “Waterfall.” Pull off the road into a small gravel parking lot. A winding path stretches about a mile or so into the Fallsville Wildlife Area. First, you’ll hear the waterfall. Then, you’ll see an access trail to the top of the falls. However, the best vantage point is down a hillside (it’s somewhat steep but well-traveled), leading to the base of the falls where people stand and take in the beauty of its cascading waters.

Brandwine Falls is the wide and high delight of Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the Akron-Cleveland area. This beauty cascades down a sandstone and shale landscape. Visitors can get great elevated views from a boardwalk. Mill Creek Falls at the Garfield Park Reservation is a Cleveland Metroparks waterfall worth a visit. It features a nearly 50-foot dramatic cascade down a shale cliff into the valley. Another cascade is the Honey Run Waterfall, located at Honey Run Waterfall Park in Knox County. It sublimely flows across a succession of ledges, creating a picturesque, stepped effect to ponder.

Big Lyons Falls in Mohican State Park offers a rare opportunity to walk behind the falling water cascading from 80 feet above. One of Ohio’s widest waterfalls is the Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek. It is part of the Cleveland Metroparks and is at Viaduct Park in Bedford. Just north of Dayton is Ludlow Falls. It’s not tall, but it’s wide. Falls-seeker’s tip: Head under the bridge on a short walk to the base of the falls. The close-up is a great photo op.

Let’s round out this waterfall list with two Ohio towns known for their charm as well as their enchanting waterfalls. First, Chagrin Falls is located in the aptly named town of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. It’s postcard-ready! Then, in the Dublin, Ohio, area, we have a two-for special: Indian Run Falls and Hayden Falls. The Hayden Falls Nature Preserve features a wooden boardwalk that winds through a wooded ravine, offering a viewing platform.

Of course, Ohio has other worthy waterfalls to visit. What’s your favorite?

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Solstice Steps at Lakewood Park

Discover the magic of the Solstice Steps at Lakewood Park—where sunsets become a nightly celebration!

These sweeping, modern concrete steps, some with a grassy lawn to relax, picnic, suntan, read a book, or meditate, overlook the shimmering waters of Lake Erie. It’s the perfect spot to gather with friends or soak in the breathtaking views. Whether you’re catching the golden hour glow or watching Downtown Cleveland’s city lights twinkle to life, the Solstice Steps are Lakewood, Ohio’s front-row seat on the shoreline of Lake Erie.

Located at 14532 Lake Ave in Lakewood, Ohio (Map It).

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Ohio Memorial Weekend Destinations

Here are 17 Ohio Memorial Weekend destinations that truly symbolize the holiday and our remembrance of those who died in active military service.

Champaign Aviation Museum

Cleveland’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument

Fallen Timbers Battlefield

Mansfield Soldiers & Sailors Memorial

MAPS Air Museum

McCook House Civil War Museum

Motts Military Museum

Ohio Veterans Museum & Hall of Fame

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

National Veterans Memorial & Museum

Spirit of ’76 Museum

USS Cod Submarine Tour

WACO Museum

These are just 17 Ohio Memorial Weekend places to go or things to do out of many others, with military collections at various historical museums, events, and sites. Visit www.OhioTraveler.com for more ideas of where to go on Memorial Day in Ohio, or discover other places for long weekend getaways.

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The World’s Largest Loaf of Bread

Okay-okay. You never know what you might see driving around Ohio!

Motoring through Urbana, I came across The World’s Largest Loaf of Bread!

It is located at 417 East Water Street in Urbana, in front of Bundy Baking Solutions’ headquarters. The sculpture is made of foam, wood, steel, wire mesh, and fiberglass and measures 33 feet long x 7.5 feet wide x 8 feet tall.

Although the location of the giant loaf is on private property, it is visible and can be photographed from the sidewalk or street.

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Reasons to Visit Ohio Caverns

Known as “America’s Most Colorful Caverns,” Ohio Caverns has become a favorite tourist spot in Ohio for over 125 years! Generation after generation is wowed over and over again by this geological wonder, which has rare formations preserved. But there’s more; much more.

Here are a dozen reasons to venture to a quiet part of West Central Ohio that is not overrun by tourists. Come, enjoy the great Ohio Caverns for its:

Crystal King: One of the most perfectly formed stalactites known on Earth for its pure white color and perfect conical shape. It’s the largest stalactite in the state of Ohio.
It’s the only place in America where dual formations (contrasting colors) are found. This oddity consists of iron oxide tipped with milky white calcium carbonate, refusing to blend colors.
It has gravity-defying stalactites, a phenomenon called “soda straws.”
Other weird formations take interesting shapes, such as the “Old Town Pump,” which looks just like it sounds, right down to the dripping water.
In the Palace of the Gods section of the caverns, where there is a wide array of translucent crystals, it is evident why it is known as America’s most colorful caverns, producing hues of yellow, orange, red, blue, purple, black, and white.
The operation is now powered by its solar field and a destination for electric cars looking to recharge.
Visitors can pan for treasure in the gem mining sluices (outdoor and indoor), where they can find gemstones, minerals, fossils, and arrowheads. Bags of rough are available inside the gift shop.
A portion of the caverns is accessible to all down a very gradual, sloping, 800-foot serpentine ramp overlooking the beautiful Mingo Valley.
Many of today’s visitors have never explored the original caverns, which were closed for 72 years, but are operating once again as the “Historical Tour,” featuring “The Giant’s Coffin” and “The Palace of Natural Art.”
It offers a premier rock shop in the U.S., with pieces ranging from a dollar to $10,000 in value. As rock collecting has gained popularity, it has become a shopping destination for unique, hard-to-find items.
Enjoy the rural 35 acres of park plus a pavilion designed to host large and small family reunions, scout troops, and other outings.
It’s a constant 54 degrees, providing a reprieve from Ohio weather in the middle of summer or winter.

These are just some of the reasons to visit Ohio’s most enduring family travel pastime, Ohio Caverns. Plan your adventure at OhioCaverns.com.

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Best Places to Visit in Ohio

From natural wonders to world-class attractions, Ohio is bursting with bucket-list adventures for every kind of traveler.

Hike through the breathtaking waterfalls and rugged cliffs of Hocking Hills State Park.

Feel the adrenaline rush at Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world.

Rock out at the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Explore aviation history at the awe-inspiring National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

Nature lovers will be drawn to the scenic trails and waterfalls of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Families can’t miss the award-winning Toledo Zoo & Aquarium.

Children will immerse themselves in hands-on science fun at COSI in Columbus.

Celebrate summer with fried food and carnival vibes at the classic Ohio State Fair.

Sip wine and enjoy lake views in charming Geneva-on-the-Lake.

Head to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island for island vibes close to home.

Foodies will love browsing the historic West Side Market in Cleveland.

To enjoy upscale tastes, the place to go is Gervasi Vineyard in Canton.

Art and culture shine at the world-renowned Cleveland Museum of Art.

Three museums and more are inside the stunning Cincinnati Museum Center, housed in a restored Art Deco train station.

Sports fans don’t miss the iconic Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Thrill-seekers will find family fun at Kings Island near Cincinnati.

Slow things down with a scenic drive through Ohio’s Amish Country.

Get lost in the 30+ rooms of literary magic at The Book Loft in Columbus’s German Village.

Cool off year-round at Kalahari Resorts, America’s largest indoor waterpark.

Unwind along the sandy shores of the Lake Erie Beaches, perfect for a relaxing Midwest escape.

These are just some of our favorite Ohio destinations that we recommend. OhioTraveler.com explores many more.

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Shortest Street in America

The “Shortest Street in America” is in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Welcome to McKinley Street! It is listed as a whopping 20 feet long. That was once short enough to claim the title “Shortest Street in the World” until a street in Scotland was found to be shorter. McKinley Street connects Garfield Avenue and West Columbus Avenue, running parallel to railroad tracks. I guess this is an example where coming up short puts you in the lead. Go figure.

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Five Walks to Take in Ohio

Here are five recommended walks to take in Ohio.

Secret Ohio Waterfall

Well, it’s not a secret to the locals, but good luck finding it without the instructions in the link below. And yes, it’s worth it, especially in spring after a good rain! Learn more

BuzzardRoost Rock

This peninsula narrowed and led us out to the top of the Peebles dolomite rock outcrop overlooking Ohio Brush Creek and the valley floor some 900 feet below and as far as the eyes could see. Learn more

Sand Dunes in Ohio

The beach may not be calling yet, but the sand dunes are a different story. Explore Ohio’s woodland sand dunes at Oak Openings Preserve and Metroparks Toledo. Learn more

A Canopy Walk

Ascend into the woodland canopy on 40-feet high Canopy Walk at the Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Learn more

Ruins at Aerial Park

Climb the smokestack and explore the industrial ruins at Ariel-Foundation Park, a fascinating 250-acre park in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Learn more

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Journaling Seasons from the Porch

I spent a year on the porch one morning
and this is what I saw

THE PORCH LIFE
Being Present for Eternity
One Morning at a Time

By Frank Rocco Satullo

I stepped foot onto the porch after the long hiatus…
“Hi squirrel, where’s your nut?”

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL JOURNAL

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VW Bug Tower

Volkswagen Bug Tower In Defiance, Ohio
is at the corner of Hwys 18 & 281

The VW Bug Tower is a fun little stop in Defiance, Ohio. Five colorfully painted vintage Volkswagen Beetles rise to the telephone wires. There’s a large parking lot at the corner where you can park and walk around the tower to check out the artwork and subtle touches. I gasped, looking through my camera lens in the high wind and rain, when I saw a man climbing out of the windshield of the fourth car up. My wife laughed and said, “I told you about the mannequin when we first pulled in. See, you don’t listen to me.”

For more unique roadside sights, visit Ohio Roadside Attractions | Ohio Traveler

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The Sky is Now Her Limit

Pieces of Ohio … In Maine

“The Sky is Now Her Limit” by E.A. Bushnell was published in the Sandusky Star-Herald on August 23, 1920.

The top rung reads, “Presidency.”

Click the photo to enlarge and read each rung of the ladder.

Note: The placard under the piece errantly cites “Elmer Busnell” misspelling the last name of Elmer Andrews (E.A.) Bushnell.

Bushnell was a cartoonist who worked at newspapers in Ohio and New York. This piece was created upon the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to represent the opportunities now open to enfranchised women. Source: Google Arts & Culture

When traveling around the country, we often encounter “Pieces of Ohio,” so we decided to collect them and bring them home to OhioTraveler.com.

This piece of Ohio was found at the Seal Cove Auto Museum in Mount Desert Island, Maine, by Acadia National Park on “The Quiet Side.” It was a traveling exhibition illustrating the struggle to win women’s right to vote.

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Graffiti Train Video

Play Video

Take 60 seconds for Trainspotting Graffiti

Hi, I’m The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun.

Welcome to a railroad crossing in rural North Central Ohio. We were driving parallel to this train until it crossed our path. I figured we’d see it from beginning to end, so I might as well film it. LOL.

Don’t worry, it’s only a minute long. I sped up the film for boring boxcars and slowed it down to better see the graffiti adorning train cars. For whatever that’s worth, enjoy! 😉

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Handless Jacques Got New Hands

I finally returned to Marblehead to update my photo of Handless Jacques, but he is no longer handless! After his restoration, he not only has hands again, but they are huge! In light of this, my Internet sleuthing turned up no new name. Another past mention of it is titled Maître d’ of Marblehead.

So, if he indeed is not renamed, let’s hear some suggestions. I’ll start with Glad Hands Jacque.

Or, maybe I “Missed it by that much.” 😉

Anyway, the 32-foot tall statue is at the corner of Ohio State Route 163 and Harbor Cove. This “Handy Giant” of Marblehead was initially located in Marion, Ohio, where he used to stand in front of a sandwich shop.

The next time you’re traveling the North Coast, stop by 6020 E Harbor Rd. in Marblehead, Ohio, to shake hands with this giant. His cousin or twin brother, Chef Jacques, is in Bellville, Ohio, and is said to be the World’s Largest Bobblehead.

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Do Nothing: It’s Never In The Brochure

I had the Stockport Mill Inn brochure tucked away for years, planning to go. I even recommended it to my sister and brother-in-law, having never even been there. LOL…That’s so—me.

Then, on a long winter weekend with snow in the forecast, my wife and I decided to have a little romantic getaway with nothing but leisure time on the agenda. The Inn was exactly 42 minutes between Athens and Marietta if we felt a little more adventurous. But we do adventure enough. So, this stay would be about …

CLICK HERE
for the rest of the story
and plenty of photos!

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Interesting Finds at Ohio Museums

Many museum visitors brush past exhibits without knowing the profound story they tell. Here, we want to call attention to the museum pieces around Ohio that may be overlooked but shouldn’t.

The Newark Holy Stones at the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum in Coshocton: This controversial discovery has been explored on television shows discerning whether the find is real or hoax.

Color Me Orello at the American Packard Museum in Dayton: When wealthy parents gifted this luxury automobile to their sweet 16-year-old daughter, she hated the color. So, it was painted a unique blend of orange and yellow – orello – although this color wasn’t in the Packard catalog.

The Giants of Seville at the Seville Historical Society: Stand next to the replica of the tallest couple on Earth. They were “Barnum’s Famous Circus Giants” and featured in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The First Black Sports Superstar at The Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen: Marshall Taylor defeated opponents and racism over 120 years ago to become world champion when cycling was the most popular sport in the world.

The Plier Tree on display at the Warther Museum & Gardens in Dover: When world-renowned master carver Ernest “Mooney” Warther was just a boy, he made his mind-boggling Plier Tree consisting of 511 pairs of working miniature pliers all cut from a single block of wood.

The Wreck of the USS Shenandoah at the Garst Museum in Greenville: Zachariah Lansdowne was an icon in flight ahead of fellow Ohioans like the Wrights, Armstrong, and Glenn. Unfortunately, this national hero was killed after a fiery crash in Ava, Ohio, aboard the zeppelin airship USS Shenandoah.

Ohio’s Miniature Circus at the Massillon Museum: When Dr. Robert Immel returned from WWII, he re-imagined the circus by re-creating it in miniature down to a boy running with balloons, a tent stake being sledgehammered, a sick zebra with the vet, trapeze artists, and more.

Earmark Discoveries at Ohio Museums, as we will add more to the list down the road.

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The Still of The Mill

The silence of an inn before the guest doors swing open to the common areas is a calm that breathes good morning to just you.

It’s so quiet, except for the flow of the spillway outside a nearby window three floors down. A river is already in a rush, brushing past the sleepy old mill.

The solitude settles deeper within as an unseen cloud pitter-patters drops against the windows peeking into the darkness before dawn.

Soon, the guests will stir this Bliss away. And they’ll whisk past Dotty, the joyous soul whose roof we slept under, eager to get away and explore.

But until then, time has stopped, at least for this moment, this long moment where I’m a part of the Stockport Mill, present with everything.

I forgot about my coffee and book and just do nothing.

Do Nothing: it’s never in the brochure. But for now, I don’t want to do anything else.

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The Ohio Traveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

Enjoy the latest “Blogs by Rocco”

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Giant Trolls at Aullwood

Three giant trolls made from recycled materials now live among the natural habitats at Aullwood Audubon in Dayton, Ohio, in an exhibit called “The Troll That Hatched an Egg.”

Two of these towering pieces of art are placed subtly in the woodlands. They blend in so well; visitors may be stunned when they come into view. Out on the prairie is one you can see from across the open field at quite a distance. It, too, is a stunning sight. Together, these majestic creatures named Bo, Bodil, and Bibbi tell a story about birds, flight, and why preserving habitats is essential.

The giant trolls are the creation of internationally renowned artist Thomas Dambo. There are only nine other exhibitions of this kind in the country. But this one tells explicitly a story that combines the area’s environment and history of flight.

Dambo is from Copenhagen, Denmark, and is recognized around the globe as a master recycle artist. His giant trolls have been popping up around the world for the past decade. Aullwood’s trio of trolls was created from locally sourced materials. It’s why they blend so well with their surrounding ecosystem. Dead branches in the area made the troll’s nest.

People of all ages are enjoying the opportunity to get out and see such a wonderous imagination come to life among the natural jewel that is Aullwood Audubon. Plan a trip to see “The Troll That Hatched an Egg” at Aullwood.org.

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun!

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Spring Break in Death Valley

Around the spring equinox, Death Valley comes alive. But don’t expect to find huge crowds at the popular jaunts. Set out to explore the Racetrack Playa and its mysterious sailing stones, and paths may cross with one or two other souls, but that’s it.

Early spring heats up enough to feel that Death Valley vibe; otherwise, what’s the point? Granted, it’s far from its recorded record as the hottest place on the planet. It’s only about a two-hour drive from Las Vegas, so day-trippers come and go. The popular stops along a scenic byway will have their share of vehicles, yet it’s no problem finding a parking space, unlike most national parks and monuments. Traffic between the hot spots is sparse.

An ideal itinerary is spread over a three-night stay. That enables daylong treks to further out places few brave to go. The park covers 3.4 million acres and is the largest in the continental states. Warnings galore scare most people enough not to consider venturing far from Furnace Creek, the closest thing to civilization. Rough non-paved terrain frequently ruins plans when tires are slashed open by sharp-edged lava rocks. And if it’s a rental car, guess what? Most don’t even have a spare tire anymore, not even a donut! Death in Death Valley is something to consider! …Click here for the rest of the story and many more photos…

CLICK HERE

for the rest of the story
and more photos

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Top Ohio Diners

Let’s eat where the locals eat!

We picked one of our favorite diners / cafes in each region of Ohio for you to try:

Big Ed’s Soda Grill in Vermilion is a vintage 1930s restaurant & soda fountain.

Scotts Diner in New Concord is a traditional diner with a contemporary twist.

Clays Café in Hebron is a nostalgic small-town diner dating back to 1934.

Busy Bee Restaurant in Marietta has been a family-owned local favorite since 1944.

See all of our Unique Ohio Dining options at https://www.ohiotraveler.com/restaurants-eateries/.

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Cornering Carousel History

On the corner of Jackson Street and W. Washington Street in Sandusky, Ohio is the Merry-Go-Round Museum. Grab your popcorn, cotton candy, and wooden token — and take a ride through carousel history. The museum is housed in an old post office building which is, fittingly, rounded. Inside there are displays with hand-carved carousel horses and other animals. Visitors can ride the carousel. And at times, there are carvers at work on new carousel pieces.

CLICK HERE
to Ride the Pictorial!

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Video of Cbus Canopy Walk

Play Video

Take a minute to see
The Canopy Walk near Columbus

Hi, I’m the OhioTraveler, your Tour Guide to Fun.

Ascend into the woodland canopy on The Canopy Walk at the Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

It’s open year-round and designed for all ages. Take the stairs or elevator. The walkway is wide and 40 feet high. So is the rope bridge if you dare to cross.

There are fun activities along the way and even a tree house.

Enjoy your travels.

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Hit Man on The Island

AI image used to illustrate this story by Frank Rocco Satullo

I befriended a tour guide on the ferry from the Italian mainland to the island of Capri. The conversation was fluid despite the teenagers taking turns to beg for smokes once our guide Nicolo lit up. He seemed used to it. Every handout was done non-verbally on his part and with hardly a conscious effort.

The boys were milking it. Once the first kid returned to his friends, smiling, inhaling the carcinogens like he owned the boat, chattering away in Italian, another boy came forward. This cycle played out a few times over.

Then, without warning, the gravy train stopped.

Nicolo made eye contact with the boys for the first time. He didn’t look at the kid standing before him. Instead, he looked through him at the others. He merely shook his head, deliberately, to the left and then back once. With that, the boys disappeared into the crowd. Nicolo never broke sentence, speaking to me the whole time.

Upon landing at the port in the harbor, our tour group sifted through the sea of people and boarded an awaiting bus. It was small, windows open, sending a much-welcome breeze through my hair as we shimmied uphill to a villa and stopped.

Whap!

The bus driver and Nicolo babbled away in Italian as we suddenly sped away. And I mean, we sped with reckless abandon all the way to the next villa. Although it was hot outside, Nicolo seemed to be sweating a lot more than before.

The fella he smacked with the opening bus door was the hottest of all. He, no doubt, was shouting obscenities and threats for all to hear as we sped away.

Leaning out my open window for fresh air, I saw what happened. But I didn’t understand the fear-induced panic that ensued. Several well-dressed middle-aged men were chatting curbside when we rolled up. Nicolo, meanwhile, was chatting to us over a microphone system.

Funny, Nicolo’s voice amplified even louder without the microphone after the door smacked one of the fellas at the curb.

Some on the tour periodically asked Nicolo about the incident throughout the day. He shrugged it off each time by giving non-answers or his simple signature, one shake of the head left and right. And that’s if he didn’t outright ignore the person asking by walking away or ad-libbing an impromptu tour guide narrative.

The tour continued without interruption.

It was dark when we settled on the last ferry leaving the island.

Tired, we sat in silence, mostly. Nicolo seemed to relax finally. A new group of boys scored a few smokes off of him before being cut off with that half shake of his head.

Then I half-laughed, asking, “Is it often you hit pedestrians with bus doors?”

“It’s the first time I hit Mafioso.”

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun!

Enjoy the latest “Blogs by Rocco”

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The Gift of Not Receiving

AI image used to illustrate this story by Frank Rocco Satullo

It was a party at my grandparents’ house in Cleveland’s West Park area. This was my mom’s side of the family.

Grandpa was beaming, ready to hand his two oldest grandsons surprise gifts. One gift was a kite, and the other one was a…

Nobody remembers because we both wanted the kite!

My grandparents were working-class folks who had happiness that money couldn’t buy. But Grandpa’s happy face quickly mangled into shock, confusion, and then horror as my cousin and I battled back and forth with dueling words of “I want it – No, I want it!”

It was a noisy and crowded room, but my dad must have noticed the hurt in my grandpa’s wordless expression.

Dad leaned over and whispered, “Smile, take the other toy, and say thank you.”

I looked away from the kite and up to Dad with a facial plea to reconsider but in an instant, I saw, clearly, it was the right thing to do.

I promptly complied. As soon as I did, relief spread across Grandpa’s face, and suddenly, I was happier than the kite would have made me.

At least, that’s what I told myself.

Dad always helped people out. He basically knew everything about a home, landscaping, animals, plants, astronomy, you name it. I don’t know what he had done for his father-in-law this time, but Grandpa was very appreciative and offered my dad money while we were piling into the car to go home.

“No-no, I can’t accept that,” Dad said, clasping his hands behind his back when Grandpa tried to jab the cash into his hand.

“I insist,” Grandpa said.

“I just can’t,” Dad replied, shutting the back car door. I looked out the window, intrigued by this benevolence Dad was displaying. First, the kite, now cash; why does he turn away such great things, I wondered.

“Come on, just take it.”

“No, I’m just happy to help.” Dad got in the car, waved, and said, “Goodbye.”

As we backed into the street, Grandma was on the front steps making her signature two-handed “peace sign” wave goodbye that we would come to remember her fondly by.

Dad’s refusal to accept a reward for good deeds left a strong impression on me.

Not long after, we visited my dad’s parents in a neighborhood near Cleveland’s Edgewater Park. Dad’s family was huge, and many people visited weekly, but we must have been the first ones there on this particular Sunday.

I sat on the couch across the room from Grandpa. He got up from his chair, something I rarely saw him leave, and walked toward me, holding out a silver dollar. He smiled as he handed it out for me to take.

“No-no-that’s okay, Grandpa,” I said, shaking my head.

He briefly held the same confused look my other grandpa had over the kite incident.

After the pause, he took a step closer, leaned in, and held the silver dollar out to me, nodding that it was okay, and said with soft insistence, “Take it.”

I smiled and slid my hands back a little on the couch, and said, “That’s okay, Grandpa, you keep it.”

“Whattaya think I am some stranger off the street!” He was upset, and I didn’t know why.

The only thing I knew was that I was hurting his feelings by not taking it, so I reached out, took it, smiled, and said, “Thank you.”

I could tell the moment for him was ruined. He sat back down, and my dad walked into the room and sat next to me, utterly oblivious to what had just transpired. Everyone was silent for a while.

For the longest time, I didn’t understand when to accept things or not.

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun!

Enjoy the latest “Blogs by Rocco”

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The Legend of the Tooth Mouse: A Family Tradition Imported to Ohio

Welcome to Our Ohio Postcard of the Month

Welcome to Trip Quip … and the Mushroom House in Cincinnati, Ohio

For A Classic Roadside Diner – It’s the Real Deal!

Welcome to Trip Quip … and the Dog Fountain in Mt. Vernon, Ohio

Welcome to Our Ohio Postcard of the Month

Remember, Camping Out for Concert Tickets?

Welcome to Our Ohio Postcard of the Month

“My hair – my hair – my hair!”

Welcome to Trip Quip … and just another cheesy Ohio travel video 😉

Welcome to Our Ohio Postcard of the Month

Ohio’s “Bottomless” Wonder

Welcome to Our Ohio Postcard of the Month

Welcome to Trip Quip … and The Mysterious Revolving Marion Ball

Welcome to Trip Quip … on the Wrong Side of the Tracks

The Washington County Covered Bridge Tour

Welcome to Vacationland: Echoes of Ohio’s Nostalgic Destinations by Rocco

Welcome to Chippewa Lake Park For One Last Ride

Welcome to Trip Quip … on America’s Shortest Street

An Ohio Postcard Became A Symbol Of Freedom

When that Stegosaurus came around the trees, I hid. I hope he doesn’t turn this way!

Welcome to Vacationland: Echoes of Ohio’s Nostalgic Destinations by Rocco

SeaWorld of Ohio A Splash From The Past

Welcome to Our Ohio Postcard of the Month

Welcome to Vacationland: Echoes of Ohio’s Nostalgic Destinations by Rocco

Euclid Beach Park Echoes of Laughter

Welcome to Our Ohio Postcard of the Month

A Secret Energy Source

Enjoy these 10 popular Ohio winter weekend retreat ideas for romance.

Wrong Turns Write Life A Family Vacation Journal

Also New in The Bookstore

Ohio’s Holiday Wonderland of Christmas Lights

For Autumn Family Fun

Welcome to Trip Quip…at the Zoo, a series of slap-happy travel videos by The OhioTraveler.

FOLLOW US at…

The Legend of the Tooth Mouse:
A Family Tradition Imported to Ohio

Welcome to Trip Quip …
and the Mushroom House in Cincinnati, Ohio

Welcome to Trip Quip …
and the Dog Fountain in Mt. Vernon, Ohio

Welcome to Trip Quip …
and just another cheesy Ohio travel video 😉

Welcome to Trip Quip …
and The Mysterious Revolving Marion Ball

Welcome to Trip Quip …
on the Wrong Side of the Tracks

Welcome to Chippewa Lake Park
For One Last Ride

Welcome to Trip Quip …
on America’s Shortest Street

An Ohio Postcard
Became A Symbol Of Freedom

SeaWorld of Ohio
A Splash From The Past

Euclid Beach Park
Echoes of Laughter

Enjoy these 10 popular Ohio winter
weekend retreat ideas for romance.

Wrong Turns Write Life
A Family Vacation Journal

Welcome to Trip Quip…at the Zoo,
a series of slap-happy travel videos
by The OhioTraveler.