Blog

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

Jeep built the Wrangler for big adventures, and the newly released JK and the pioneering Wrangler JL faithfully uphold this philosophy. These groundbreaking Jeeps rule the wilderness with their superior traction, plenty of ground clearance, and water fording power. Boldly take on even the most challenging excursion with Jeep's legendary performance. Discover four reasons why you want to take a 2018 Jeep Wrangler on your next backcountry adventure. Off-Road Prowess The Wrangler JK is one powerful machine that performs well under a variety of off-road conditions, and it proudly wears its trail rated badge. The 3.6-liter Pentastar six-cylinder engine combined with a low-traction, a four-wheel drive system with locking differentials — either Command-Trac or the available Rock-Trac, guarantee you'll have the muscle to climb some of the toughest terrains on Earth. more Heavy-duty steel frame mounted tow hooks, and premium off-road rocker rails with handy tread plates are just a few accessories that make the Wrangler JK a force to be reckoned with in the woods. With its removable doors and top, this open-air machine will take you to new heights. Available LED headlamps to shine brighter for increased visibility on those dark, rough country trails and the most unpredictable driving conditions you can throw at it. Ample Storage Space The best adventures require a ton of gear, and the new JK features oodles of versatile storage solutions like a lockable center console, easy-access storage nets, and a storage bin under the rear cargo area. With the JL's 2.4-inch longer wheelbase, just fold down the rear seats and you get 72.4 cubic feet of space for camping gear or sporting equipment. Jeep's innovative Trail Rail system helps keep your stuff from bouncing around in the back. The Wrangler's interior is not only durable, but it's also washable with drain plugs, so you can indulge in some good, old-fashioned muddy fun. Off-Road Safety and Security Every outdoor adventure comes with a little risk. Count on the 2018 Wrangler to give you the freedom to trek safely. Wrangler JK's modern off-road safety package offers available driver assist features like hill start assist and hill descent control. The new jeep is equipped with a full-sized spare wheel, as well as tire pressure monitoring. When you're towing your favorite expedition toys, the Wrangler's trailer sway control system helps keep you safely on the road. Don't Let Weather Dampen Your Experience The Jeep Wrangler is one tough outdoor accessory you don't need to put away for the winter. Extend your off-roading fun with Jeep's available Cold Weather Group, a bundle of features that are engineered to keep you in the driver's seat all season. An engine block heater warms up your Wrangler on chilly days for easier start-ups, and the handy all-weather mats help contain mud and snow. Heating elements quickly clear ice and condensation from your exterior mirrors on cold days for better visibility. The unstoppable Jeep Wrangler has always been a top pick for those who want to romp in the mud. Test drive the new 2018 models at your local dealership today. Photo by leyla.a | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Planning a summer vacation that everyone in the family will enjoy can be difficult. Check out these different destinations in the Midwest that are easy to get to from Columbiana that the whole family is sure to love. Door County, Wisconsin Door County, Wisconsin, is a wonderful vacation destination that feels like a coastal escape. It's a peninsula that sticks out into Lake Michigan and has tons of fun outdoor activities both adults and kids will enjoy. Depending on where you want to spend your time, you can explore the county's five different state parks, 10 different lighthouses, and a whopping 30 beaches. In total, the peninsula has over 300 miles of coastline to explore. more Traverse City, Michigan Traverse City is another fantastic family vacation destination. Each summer, you can enjoy the week-long Cherry Festival. There are fair rides that young kids will love and plenty of live music for teenagers to enjoy. Head out of the town center to explore some of Lake Michigan's most beautiful beaches. Along the shores of the lake, you can rent a paddleboard or take sailing lessons. There are also tons of trails near the beach where you can go walking or bike riding. You can even take the kids climbing up to the top of the sand dunes. They'll definitely sleep well that evening. Wisconsin Dells There's one main reason to come to Wisconsin Dells for your next family vacation: water parks. The town's unofficial nickname is the Water Park Capital of the World. Kids of all ages will adore the water slides at Olympus Water & Theme Park or the water roller coaster at Noah's Ark Waterpark. It's not just all about the water parks, though. Wisconsin Dells also has tons of natural beauty to explore. Devil's Lake State Park has over 29 miles of hiking trails to challenge yourself with as well as five miles of off-road bike trails, so be sure to pack the mountain bikes for this vacation. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri If your family enjoys getting out onto the water, whether it's to go fishing, swimming, or boating, then you'll love a vacation to the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. It's the largest lake in the state and has over 1,000 miles of shoreline. There are 50 marinas around the lake where you can rent a boat and take it out for a day of adventure. Once you're back on shore, there are tons of other ways to spend your time. Walk along the main street to find souvenir shops, handmade candy stores, and tons of great restaurants. For more adventure, go horseback riding through the Lake of the Ozarks State Park or take a tour of the caverns that surround the lake. If you've got sporty teenagers, head to one of the nearby golf courses for a round of golf. No matter what your family enjoys doing during summer vacation, you're bound to have a blast at these different Midwest vacation spots. Photo by Phil Roeder | Licensed under cc by 2.0

With diverse land that ranges from rural farms to urban cities, Ohio offers something for everyone to enjoy. When you're looking for an exciting weekend getaway, pack your bags and consider a few of these top destinations in Ohio. Columbus As the capital of Ohio, there's always something going on in Columbus. If you love to sample different cuisine, you'll be happy to know that Columbus is turning into a foodie city. To get something traditional, head to the German Village neighborhood to find Schmidt's Sausage Haus und Restaurant and Katzinger's Delicatessen. When you want something a little more modern, the Arena District is the place to go. Here you'll find top restaurants that include Nada, Gordon Biersch, and The Three-Legged Mare. more Toledo Situated at the tip of Lake Erie and on the Maumee River, Toledo is known for its abundance of water recreational activities. If you're looking for some outdoor fun, you can rent a motorboat for skiing or tubing or charter a sailboat for a relaxing afternoon. To thoroughly explore all the coves and inlets, consider renting a kayak or canoe. The lake and river are also great for fishing. In fact, your water fun doesn't have to end when winter rolls around, because you can also try your hand at ice fishing. Yellow Springs When you're looking to escape the commotion of the city, Yellow Springs is the perfect small town to head to. Located about 30 minutes east of Dayton, plan a trip to Yellow Springs when you're looking to reconnect with nature. John Bryan State Park is a scenic park where you can go canoeing, fishing, and picnicking. The park also has an 18-hole disc golf course, nine hiking trails, and several mountain-bike trails. Additionally, right next to the park is Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve. Here you'll find hiking trails that take you past some impressive dolomite and limestone gorges. Canton While Canton is known for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, there are plenty of other cultural attractions that make this city worth a weekend getaway. If you enjoy art, the Canton Museum of Art has a permanent collection that focuses on watercolors and works on paper by American artists from the 19th century onward. There's also the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, which contains a large collection of artifacts from the 25th president, a science center, and a planetarium. Akron Located less than 45 minutes south of Cleveland, Akron offers a unique mix of cultural institutions and activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The Akron Art Museum features contemporary works of art, and the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is a stunning historic house and museum offering landscaped grounds, tours, and seasonal events. When you want to get outside, Cascade Valley Metro Park is a pet-friendly park that's good for hiking, fishing, picnicking, and sports. Sandusky In the movie Tommy Boy the Callahan Automotive Parts Factory was based in Sandusky, Ohio.  Tommy Callahan (Chris Farley) took his "brother" (Rob Lowe) cow tipping for excitement in Sandusky.  Maybe Tommy did grow up near electrical wires or eat paint chips as a kid because Sandusky is the home of the most phenomenal amusement park in the world!  Cedar Point!  Titled as "America's Roller Coast", Cedar Point has a world-record 72 rides including 16 roller coasters. People from all over the world come to Cedar Point every summer to enjoy the parks food, fun and entertainment. When you're interested in a fun weekend escape in Ohio, these top cities around the state offer something everyone will enjoy. Photo by jpmueller99 | Licensed under cc by 2.0