Great Vacation Destinations in the Midwest

If you're in the Columbiana area and looking to spend some time outdoors, you're in luck, because you can visit one of the many gorgeous parks in this Ohio city. Whether you want to plan an afternoon picnic, or are interested in something a little more exciting, Columbiana area parks have everything you could want or need. Here are a few of the top parks near Columbiana you should be sure to check out if you want to spend a day reconnecting with nature. Firestone Park While there are several parks in and around Columbiana you should consider visiting, one of the best is Firestone Park. For most people, the best reason to visit the park is being able to take a dip in the pool, which also includes a large water slide that your children will be sure to love. There are even public swim lessons that you can take to make sure you're able to enjoy the water safely. more Firestone Park is also a great location to host an event. There are multiple pavilions that can be rented for an affordable price, meaning you can easily plan a family reunion, wedding reception, birthday party. Beaver Creek State Park When you visit a park near Columbiana, you want to be sure you're choosing a location that will let you spend hours enjoying nature and having a great time, which is exactly what you'll get when you take a trip to Beaver Creek State Park. Considered one of the most scenic locations in all of Ohio, Beaver Creek State Park is sure to have something you will enjoy. This park is pet-friendly, so you can bring along your dog for a long hike in the woods. If you're a fishing enthusiast, the park offers some truly amazing stream fishing where you'll be able to catch rock bass and smallmouth bass. Beaver Creek State Park is also a great place for a canoe ride. Hellbender Bluff Park There are several parks in the Columbiana area that are perfect for biking, including Hellbender Bluff Park. This 750-acre park offers breathtaking natural beauty and is one of the best places in this part of Ohio for a relaxing bike ride. Another reason to visit this park is being able to see the Hellbender Salamander, an endangered species for which the park is named. Usually, you can see this type of salamander near the streams in the park. Hellbender Bluff Park is also a public hunting area. The bike trail at this park is 3.4 miles, meaning you can go for a quick, fun ride whenever you wish.   In Columbiana, there are a great many ways that you could spend your free time, but if your preferred activity is enjoying nature, then you should be sure to visit one of the many excellent parks in this area. Whether you visit a city or state park, you're guaranteed to have a great time biking, fishing, camping, or just going for a walk and taking in the scenery. Photo by Adirondack Watershed Institute | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

When it comes to desserts, everyone has their favorites. From lemon meringue pie to ice cream to fudge, desserts create a sensation unlike any other: relaxation, satisfaction, and overindulgence. Although few will agree on the absolute ultimate dessert, you can still get your fix in and around Columbiana, Ohio. Here are some of the best places to find a sugary masterpiece. Annabell's Restaurant Located 20 minutes west of Columbiana, Annabell's Restaurant in Salem is the place to go when you want quality food at an affordable price. With everything from steaks and seafood to soup and salad on the menu, Annabell's is popular for both lunch and more dinner. However, you shouldn't leave without checking out the dessert menu. Turtle ice cream pie is the specialty here, loaded with caramel, chocolate, whipped topping, pecans, and ice cream on top of a chocolate crumb crust. If you're not feeling the turtle, Annabell's also has a rotating menu of delicious pies and cakes, as well as seasonal items such as the mint ice cream brownie delight. After seeing these desserts, you might just want to skip the meal altogether. Rita's Italian Ice Fifteen minutes north of Columbiana, you're in for a real treat. That's where you'll find Rita's Italian Ice. This establishment has a seemingly endless amount of desserts including their famous Italian ice and award-winning frozen custard. If you can't choose between the two, go with the cream ice, Blendini, or Misto shake, which each combine the two into a sweet beverage that's perfect with a spoon or a straw. On a hot summer's day, you won't get any better than this. The Bistro Officially called The Bistro at Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, The Bistro as it's known by locals is a surprising addition to the best desserts near Columbiana. What makes this a special dining and dessert experience is that all the food is entirely prepared by adult students looking to fine-tune their culinary craft. Open from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., you can get an affordable meal for steep discounts while also trying cakes, pies, pastries, and other desserts crafted by the students. The dessert changes daily, but sometimes it's the surprise that makes it all worthwhile. One Hot Cookie There's nothing like a freshly baked cookie straight out of the oven. With an appetizing mix of textures and tastes, cookies are the baked goods that are so good, you can't just stop with one. At One Hot Cookie in Youngstown, you can sample some cookie favorites such as sugar or chocolate, or go all-out with experimental choices like cinnamon toast crunch with bacon. If you want to make the cookies at home or you just love the taste of pre-baked cookies, One Hot Cookie sells dough as well. The icing on the cake (or cookie) is that One Hot Cookie stays open until 2:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday giving you more than enough time to get your fill. Treating yourself to a dessert is one of the best things you can do to live life to the fullest. After all, what kind of life is worth living if there are no desserts? Photo by Sam Howzit | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

So you want to get away for a weekend, but you aren't sure where to go. While the country has plenty of options, perhaps none are as affordable, fun, and exciting as northeast Ohio. While the area often gets overlooked for a vacation, it has plenty to do for all interests. From downtown Cleveland to the beautiful, yet scarily named Mosquito Creek Lake, you're sure to find something that suits you. The next step is figuring out where to stay. Here's a guide to help you find the perfect accommodations. The Ritz-Carlton For an unforgettable urban getaway, book a stay at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Cleveland. Part of the historic Tower City Center, the hotel is synonymous with luxury, offering 206 guest rooms and suites with views of downtown, Lake Erie, or the Cuyahoga River. Each room has elegant, upscale décor, topped off with a marble bathroom, smart TV, and Nespresso machine. Plush terry robes pamper you while you lounge and a pillow-top mattress give you the sleep of a lifetime. more Other amenities you should take full advantage of include 24-hour room service, an on-site restaurant, a fully stocked bar, and an art gallery on the seventh floor. For a night on the town, the Ritz-Carlton is conveniently located within walking distance of the casino, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and nightlife destinations. Cabins at Mosquito Creek Lake Although its name may keep some travelers away, Mosquito Creek Lake is an outdoorsman's paradise. Featuring nearly 2,500 acres of woodlands and 7,850 acres of water, there's always something to do whether you head out on the lake or stay on dry land. Fishing is the most popular activity here, especially for Flathead catfish, which populate the lake's shallow waters. If you're on a fishing trip, nothing's better than finding a vacation home or cabin right on the shores of the lake. Not only is it an affordable option, but you're just a few steps away from boating, hiking, and other recreational activities. Bed-and-Breakfasts in Geneva-on-the-Lake Located on Lake Erie just an hour east of Cleveland, Geneva-on-the-Lake is a quaint getaway known for its romantic accommodation and scenery. Situated in the heart of Ohio wine country, places such as the Lakehouse Inn and the Lost Pearl Bed and Breakfast give you access to some of the most beautiful wineries in the state. At each of these wineries, you can enjoy the view, sip a glass of pinot grigio, and rekindle the flame. Another option is the Michael Cahill Bed & Breakfast. Nestled on the shores of Lake Erie, this bed-and-breakfast is the only lakeside accommodation in Ohio wine country. Faithfully restored to its original 1887 condition, Cahill is close to many of the area's top attractions. Plus, the breakfast is worth getting up early for, based around locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Whether you're planning on exploring the area or lounging in your hotel room for 48 hours, these northeast Ohio accommodation options will undoubtedly make your visit relaxing. Plus, no one's there to judge if 2 a.m. room service sounds like an excellent idea. Photo by EDrost88 | Licensed under cc by 2.0