
Grab a fork and pass the syrup – National Waffle Day is Monday, August 24th. While waffles date back to at least the 14th Century, National Waffle Day celebrates the 1869 patent for the first-ever waffle iron. Over 150 years later, many kitchens across Cleveland use a waffle-maker every morning to start their day on the right foot! Instead of preparing your normal waffle breakfast, we encourage you to treat yourself to a giant, fresh waffle at one of these restaurants around Northeast Ohio.
2999 Payne Ave. Suite 126, Cleveland, OH 44114
Let's kick our list off inside Asia Plaza at Ball Ball Waffle. This street food shop serving up traditional Hong Kong eats is ready to treat you to one of their delicious waffles. These tasty waffles, which look like bubble wrap, come in sweet and savory options. Top yours with chocolate chips, salty egg, or even seaweed. Grab a cup of Hong Kong milk tea, and you'll celebrate National Waffle Day in a way you won't forget.
5354 Lee Rd., Maple Heights, OH 44137
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Spoiler alert: Mr. Wonderful's Chicken & Waffles is, in fact, absolutely wonderful. They might not have invented the waffle, but they did make it wonderful. Order up a single, giant waffle with your choice of chicken wings, tenders, thighs, or breasts. You can swap it out for shrimp or fish if you'd like, as long as you make sure it's smothered in Sweet Jesus glaze.
777 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
Grab a taste of Northeast Ohio at Lucky's Café on National Waffle Day. This award-winning café supports Ohio farmers by including their fresh ingredients in as many menu items as possible. Whether you visit for breakfast or weekend brunch, their vanilla bean waffles will make your day amazing. These vegan items are topped with a strawberry-rhubarb compote, a dash of tubanado, given a dollop of honey-infused whipped cream, and drizzled with a homemade caramel sauce. No, you're not dreaming – these heavenly waffles will remind you how lucky you are to live in Cleveland.
845 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44303
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For nearly 50 years, Wally Waffle has been one of the best places in Akron to grab breakfast. It should come as no surprise that they're pretty darn good at whipping up their namesake dish. They have not one, not two, but 17 different waffles to sample. Go the healthy route with a Better Day, The Patriot, or Strawberry waffle, all topped with fresh fruit. Or you can sweeten up your morning with the Elvis, Funnel Cake, or Buckeye waffle, each topped with sweet ingredients like peanut butter, cinnamon sugar, and whipped cream. Better yet, invite 16 of your closest friends so you can sample each one…purely for National Waffle Day research purposes, of course.
1688 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44313
Few places feel more homey and comfortable than the classic American diner, and Eye Opener is Akron is the perfect place to meet, eat, and enjoy National Waffle Day. This wonderful gourmet breakfast joint aims to please with their Flat Iron Waffle. This Belgian waffle is topped with whipped cream and confectioners sugar. No crazy toppings, just a classic Belgian waffle the way it's meant to be made. They will, however, let you get a little creative with your order if you'd like to add peanut butter and River Herb Farm Dazzleberry Jelly to make it a PB&J Waffle.
4401 Bridge Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Believe it or not, one of the sweetest ways to celebrate National Waffle Day is with a cold cup of ice cream! Mason's Creamery creates handmade small batches of ice cream in classic and unique varieties. They'll serve it to you in a waffle cone, but seeing as it's National Waffle Day, they'll even put it atop a fresh egg waffle. Since it's on an actual waffle, we're pretty sure that we can count this ice cream dish as breakfast.
11817 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
Cleveland's premier soul food destination naturally has some of the best Southern-style waffles in the city. Southern Café takes classic soul food dishes straight from grandma's kitchen and gives them a unique spin that makes them irresistible. Don't believe us? Then order up their Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Red Velvet Waffles. One leg, one thigh, four waffles, and a cup of low country grits. We can see your mouth watering already. Keep in mind that Southern Café doesn't open until 11 AM, so we suggest skipping breakfast and saving your appetite for a soulful lunch.
2927 Bridge Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
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The minute you set your eyes on the 18th-century townhouse that Heck's Café calls home, you'll know that you're in for a fantastic gourmet American meal. Original recipes and local ingredients combine to create a uniquely delicious menu that includes one amazing Nutella Waffle. Topped with whipped cream, Nutella, strawberries, bananas, and toasted hazelnuts, the Nutella Waffle is absolutely perfect. Add an order of Bacon Mac n Cheese or home fries to your plate to complement the sweetness with a little savory crunch. How can you make it better? Pair it with a handspun Nutella milkshake, and let your taste buds swim in a sea of Nutella goodness.
No matter what you put atop your waffle, you'll love National Waffle Day in Akron. Which waffle spot in Northeast Ohio is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

We might still be social distancing from humans, but there's no reason we can't spend some quality time with our furry friends! National Dog Day is coming up soon, and we can't think of a better way to celebrate than to grab Fido's leash and head out to the dog park!
There are many great dog parks in the Columbus area. Some have amenities like picnic areas, agility courses, and more. Here are a few of our favorites.
3066 Spangler Rd., Columbus, OH 43207
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Three Creeks Dog park is managed by the City of Columbus Parks and Recreation Department. It offers 4 acres of space for your dog to romp and play. With separate fenced-in areas for small and large dogs and benches for their humans to relax, everyone will have a great time. The nearby picnic areas are also pet-friendly as long as your dog is on a leash. So plan to pack a lunch and make a day of it!
347 Maier Place, Columbus, OH 43215
Not only does Scioto Audubon Dog Park have separate areas for large and small dogs, but it also has an agility course! It features 2.5 acres of space and also has a nearby pet-friendly picnic area. Outside of the park, there are miles of trails you can walk or jog with your dog. Choose to either take a trail through the park or follow the trail that runs along the Scioto River.
708 Park Meadow Rd., Westerville, OH 43081
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With just short of 4 acres of space, this well-appointed dog park has two large-dog areas and one small dog area. It also offers visitors an agility course, a water hydrant, a waste bag dispenser, a portable restroom, a picnic table, and benches. The 20 onsite parking spots also make this one of the most convenient local parks to visit.
6099 Godown Rd., Columbus, OH 43235
The 10-acre Godwin Park has a one-acre small dog section and a 4-acre area for large dogs to play. It's a favorite among locals thanks to having plenty of trees that provide much-needed shade. There are also several benches, a dog water fountain, and walking trails that wind through the park.
228 E. Beck St., Columbus, OH 43206
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The perfect small dog park for those who want to sit and relax, the Frank Fetch Memorial Park was modeled after a 19th Century German "Bier Garten." It features extensive landscaping, decorative lights, brick walkways, and picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend while your dogs play.
A wrought iron fence gives the park an "old world" look that you're sure to love. It's also well-appointed with plenty of doggie bags and water stations.
5000 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43227
Visitors to Big Walnut Dog Park will enjoy the open space and the separate play areas for large and small dogs. There's also ample parking, a portable restroom, and picnic tables. This park doesn't provide water for the dogs, so make sure you bring your own!
940 S. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230
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In addition to its other amenities, the 23-acre Pizzurro Park features a 4-acre, fenced-in, off-leash dog park. There's a separate area for dogs under 25 pounds and an agility course for dogs of all sizes. There's also a paved trail through the large-dog area, which makes it wheelchair friendly. There are restrooms on-site and trails where you can walk or jog with your dog on-leash.
725 Thurber Dr. W, Columbus, OH 43215
Locals love visiting the Wheeler Dog Park. It features separate large and small dog areas, a picnic table, and benches. There's no onsite parking here, but it's easy to park on the curb and walk. It's also extremely popular with residents who live within walking distance from the park.
7262 Hayden Run Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026
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Do you enjoy running with your dog? Then you'll love the 6.1-mile, dog-friendly Heritage Trail. This paved trail runs from downtown to Cemetary Pike. There's also a 4-acre off-leash dog park with separate fenced-in areas for small and large dogs to play.
3993 Hollenback Rd., Lewis Center, OH 43035
Like most dog parks in the area, this park offers separate play areas for large and small dogs. It's also light, so dogs and their owners can continue to safely play after the sun goes down. There are also three fenced water areas for those dogs who love to swim!
Want to help out? This park has a monthly meetup on the last Saturday of each month from 10 am until noon. This is a great way to meet like-minded people (and their dogs!) while also working on small improvement projects around the park.
Which area park do you think your furry friend will love the most?

Wanderlust is part of our American heritage. Fortunately, there are a number of intriguing road trips from Columbus, OH that are short on distance, but long on culture and entertainment.
Picturesque Marietta, just under a two-hour drive from Columbus, bills itself as "Ohio's First Adventure," but they're not just bragging. No less an authority than National Geographic calls Marietta one of the best "adventure towns" in the United States. Use this helpful guide to plan your own adventure in Marietta.
418 4th St., Marietta, OH 45750
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You'll feel like a member of royalty for a day when you visit The Castle, a stunning Gothic Revival home dating back to 1855. Built for the then-princely sum of $10,000, The Castle has housed lawyers, bankers, and even a member of the Ohio Senate. In addition to antiques and historical furniture, museum displays include many items related to various owners of the home. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for students. Hours vary by season and advance reservations are required, so visit the website for more information.
241 Front St., Marietta, OH 45750
Enjoy the charm and history of Marietta from a comfortable seat on the Trolley Tours. You'll get a unique perspective of the town thanks to entertaining stories from the knowledgeable tour guides. The 90-minute trip covers all noteworthy areas of Marietta, including beautiful residential streets, so you can decide which places you want to explore in depth. Trips depart from the Armory parking lot at 10 a.m. Call or visit their Facebook page for more information.
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Marietta is nestled in the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers. The latter provides a scenic backdrop for a pleasant walk along the Marietta River Trail. Construction is occurring in phases, but the current configuration runs 3.28 miles, just long enough for a family-friendly outing. Leashed four-legged family members are welcome, so bring your precious pooch along. The trail begins at the Indian Acres Boat Ramp, extending to E. 8th and Jefferson streets.
206 Gilman Ave., Marietta, OH 45750
Do your kids think history is boring? They'll love the "education" at the Children's Toy and Doll Museum. Founded in 1976, the museum outgrew two other locations before settling into its current home in a Queen Anne-style house. Nine separate rooms contain themed collections featuring dolls and dollhouses along with a wide selection of antique toys and games. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for kids. Hours are 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. weekends.
152 Front St., Marietta, OH 45750
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When you visit Wit & Whimzy, the name alone lets you know you're in for a unique experience. The shop is filled with a carefully curated collection of artisan-crafted items from local and regional artists and small business owners. On any given day, you can find unique jewelry, home decor, bath and body products, apparel, and accessories that are perfect for yourself or gift-giving. Many items have a Marietta, Ohio, or West Virginia theme. Wit & Whimzy is open 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday.
290 Front St., Marietta, OH 45750
Tired of shopping at national chain stores with mass-produced clothes and no customer service? Teri Ann's features women's designer clothes and accessories so you can put together your own stylish look. Cheerful and knowledgeable service is a hallmark of the family-owned store, founded in 1961 by George and Virginia Zide and named after their eldest child. Store hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
167 Front St., Marietta, OH 45750
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Marietta has a rich past, but the city has also embraced the best features of modern-day life. Head to Marietta Brewing Co. for locally-made craft beer and "guest" beverages from top Ohio breweries. The food menu includes eight types of burgers along with other brewpub classics such as pizza, chicken wings, and nachos. Dine in or order online for carry-out. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
332 Front St., Marietta, OH 45750
Dining out is truly a special event at The Buckley House Restaurant. Located in an elegant Victorian-style home listed on the Ohio Historic Register, The Buckley House was built in 1879 as a private residence. The seasonal menu is influenced by the delicious flavors and healthy ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy the impeccably landscaped grounds from the outdoor dining areas on the front porch and back deck. The Buckley House serves dinner from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. every evening but Sunday and reservations are recommended.
101 Front St., Marietta, OH 45750
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Legend has it that American Revolution hero Marquis de Lafayette was the first tourist to visit Marietta during its fledgling days. The occasion is memorialized in the name of The Lafayette, one of the last remaining riverboat-area hotels. Located in the heart of downtown Marietta, The Lafayette has a distinctive triangular shape that allows guests a view of either the Ohio or Muskingum rivers. Amenities include a private fitness center, dry cleaning service, onsite laundry facilities, two restaurants, and a coffee shop. Visit the website for a list of specials and themed packages.
203 Second St., Marietta, OH 45750
Marietta's past meets the 21st century at The Hackett Hotel, a "casually chic" boutique hotel located on the second floor of a fully renovated 1899 building. The hotel's five rooms have their own individual decor and each one is named after an influential figure from Marietta's history. Modern amenities include free WiFi and HD TVs. Conveniently located on the first floor, The Galley is a lively gastropub with 24 beers on tap along with a menu that combines gourmet dishes and bar food classics. Lunch and dinner are served Monday through Saturday.
What's been your most memorable road trip from Columbus, OH?

Who's ready to get out of the house and get away for a weekend? These last few months have brought our families together closer than ever. Unfortunately, that also meant pretty close quarters at home. While many of our summer vacation plans may be postponed until next year, there's still plenty of time to make the most of a quick trip around the state. Load up the kids, pack a handful of snacks, and head to one of these destinations that are perfect for a family weekend getaway.
Distance From: Cleveland (85 miles) | Columbus (130 miles) | Cincinnati (235 miles)
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Looking to get away only to kick back and relax? Then stay put in Put-in-Bay! This island in Lake Erie is a fantastic play to have an enjoyable yet relaxed family vaca. You can either stay on the island itself or take the ferry back and forth to the mainland. Perry's Cave Family Fun Center is a must-do as it has everything imaginable: mini golf, rock climbing, a maze, and even gemstone mining. There are also tons of hiking trails, nature walks, and on-water activities to fill your getaway!
Distance from: Cleveland (20 miles) | Columbus (129 miles) | Cincinnati (235 miles)
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Super close to Akron, your visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park will make you feel worlds away from the city. This wonderful natural space is a great place to camp and get your family in touch with nature. Hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, canoeing, kayaking, and stargazing are just the tip of the iceberg! Bring a few coolers of food for unforgettable picnics or eat one of the restaurants just outside of the park. You can stay in lodging within the park or camp at a nearby campground just outside of the park's limits.
Distance From: Cleveland (53 miles) | Columbus (190 miles) | Cincinnati (296 miles)
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Whether you're looking for indoor or outdoor family fun, Geneva-on-the-Lake is the place to be! Charter a fishing boat or play mini-golf. Take a zipline canopy tour or go canoeing down the Grand River. If the weather isn't cooperating, a roller rink and multiple arcades will deliver indoor fun. Just be sure to hit the beach when you can as no trip to Geneva-on-the-Lake is complete without actually being on the Lake.
Distance From: Cleveland (197 miles) | Columbus (57 miles) | Cincinnati (135 miles)
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If your family can't spend enough time outdoors then set a course for Hocking Hills! Southeastern Ohio's scenic wonderland has two nature preserves, five state parks/forests, and six natural attractions. Hike to the Old Man's Cave or Cedar Falls. Camp in a tent or stay in a cabin. Plus, there are plenty of other family-friendly attractions like High Rock Adventures, Skyview Drive-In, Rollerball Lanes, and R Adventure Park.
Distance From: Cleveland (63 miles)Columbus (112 miles) | | Cincinnati (225 miles)
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Have an adventure on the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky. This town is home to adrenaline-pumping action including Cedar Point amusement park, Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark, Castaway Bay Waterpark, and Kalahari Resort. Add a new interesting museums and lovely state parks into the mix, and you've got an active weekend that your kids will love!
Distance From: Cleveland (227 miles) | Columbus (85 miles) | Cincinnati (24 miles)
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Travelers to the Cincinnati area know that there are hours of fun to be had just a few miles north in Mason. Home to King's Island, the largest amusement park and waterpark in the Midwest. In fact, there are so many great family-friendly attractions around Warren County that Mason is a great home base. Jump & Jack's playground, the WEB Extreme Entertainment, and EnterTRAINment Junction are a few miles east.
Distance From: Cleveland (136 miles) | Columbus (77 miles) | Cincinnati (185 miles)
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Looking to get a little wild on your family getaway? Then head to Cumberland and visit The Wilds. This unique zoo features animals from around the world and you can go on your own safari through the park. You can take a zipline tour, learn about animals in the nature center, and even spend the night on the property and let the sounds of wildlife rock you to sleep.
Distance From: Cleveland (195 miles) | Columbus (56 miles) | Cincinnati (70 miles)
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There's a reason Yellow Springs is known as "Everyone's Favorite Place." Arts, culture, local cuisine, and outdoor recreation all combine to give you an awesome weekend trip. Take a family bike ride through the trails within John Bryan State Park or hike around Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve. Grab fresh food from Flying Mouse Farms then dust off your new favorite book at one of the two Yellow Springs independent bookstores. With events nearly every weekend in downtown, there's always something fun to see and do for the whole family in Yellow Springs.
Distance From: Cleveland (78 miles) | Columbus (84 miles) | Cincinnati (200 miles)
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If you've never visited Ohio's Amish Country, then you're in for a yesteryear treat! Amish Country is full of unique little towns that give you a sample of true Amish life. Take an Amish Heartland Tour in Millersburg, eat at the Amish Door Restaurant in Wilmot, and visit the "Little Switzerland of Ohio" in Sugarcreek. Whichever towns you stop in, be sure to sample the fresh cheese and pick up a few handcrafted souvenirs around Berlin.
Distance From: Cleveland (114 miles) | Columbus (146 miles) | Cincinnati (202 miles)
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Instead of heading to the three Big C cities, head to Toledo and experience a different side of Ohio. The Toledo Zoo, Imagination Station, National Museum of the Great Lakes, and Wildwood Park are just a few of the great destinations inside Toledo. With dozens upon dozens of indoor and outdoor attractions that are ideal for all ages, Toldeo may just become your new favorite urban getaway in Ohio!
Where is your favorite place to take the family for a weekend getaway? Tell us where we should plan our next family staycation in the comments!

When you were a kid, did stories of hidden treasure capture your imagination? While you may not find jewels and gold coins, geocaching is a fascinating way for kids of all ages to enjoy the thrill of discovering secret treats.
New and experienced geocachers will get hours of entertainment exploring these popular trails around Northeast Ohio.
18753 Egbert Rd., Bedford, OH 44146
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Located fewer than 20 miles from Cleveland, Bedford Reservation is a perfect spot for a quick getaway. The 7.6-mile all-purpose trail winds through the wooded 2,200-acre grounds, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding as well as geocaching. Don't miss scenic Bridal Veil Falls or the Tinkers Creek Gorge Overlook. Sheltered picnic areas are available. Park hours are 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.
Summersweet TR, Walton Hills, OH 44146
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If you're looking for a more vigorous outing, the simply-named Bike and Hike Trail is accessible just across the street from the Alexander Road trailhead of Bedford Reservation's APT. The 34.2-mile trail spans Cuyahoga, Portage, and Summit counties, passing through both rural and suburban territory. Converted from two former railway lines, the route features some gently rolling terrain to add interest without being too strenuous.
When it opened in 2011, Berlin Lake Trail revealed some stunning waterfront views that were previously unavailable to the public. At a length of 2.25 miles, the crushed-limestone trail provides a satisfying hike for any level of experience. Visual highlights include the renovated train trestle bridge and frequent appearances of herons, eagles, and ospreys. Leashed dogs are welcome, so Fido can join in the hunt.
2720 E. 31st St., Lorain, OH 44055
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It's wheels down on Bridgeway Trail, where inline skaters and bikers join hikers and runners. Located in Black River Reservation, the 4.5-mile path extends from Day's Dam to the High Meadows picnic area. The trail passes through peaceful meadows and wooded areas, as well as across a 1,000-foot bridge spanning the Black River. Look for interpretive signs along the way with fascinating information about the area's natural history. The Black River Reservation is open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. seven days a week.
610 S.O.M. Center Rd., Mayfield, OH 44143
The charming Mayfield Village setting of Bruce G. Rinker Greenway gives the trail a neighborhood feel. Known simply as the Greenway upon its opening in 2014, the site was later renamed after a former mayor of the village. The route passes community landmarks such as the fire station, elementary school, and library, along with a wetland preserve.
850 Euclid Creek Pkwy., Cleveland, OH 44121
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Euclid Creek Reservation is situated on the site of the once-thriving ghost town of Bluestone. The village name was taken from the substance excavated at the nearby quarry, the remains of which can still be seen from the All-Purpose Trail and the picnic area. While the APT runs a total of 3.5 miles, the two segments are currently disconnected, with the longer section reaching 2.75 miles. The trail parallels Euclid Creek, with a dense line of trees offering welcome shade. Euclid Creek Reservation hours are 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.
11350 Broadway Ave., Garfield Heights, OH 44125
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Since 1895, Garfield Park Reservation has been a popular spot for residents and visitors of Northeast Ohio. The All-Purpose Trail's main attraction is Mill Creek Falls, but hikers also enjoy spotting pieces of historical stonework that date back to the 1930s. Spacious woodlands and wetlands hold the perpetual promise of exciting wildlife sightings. Garfield Park Reservation is open daily from 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
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The self-descriptive Lake to Lake Trail is a 2.4-mile, universally accessible all-purpose trail stretching from Lake Abram to Lake Isaac. At 175 acres, these two form the largest glacial wetlands in Cuyahoga County and vital homes for local wildlife. Most of the trail is paved or boardwalk, although there is a small section on pavement alongside Hepburn Road. Lake to Lake Trail is part of Big Creek Reservation, which is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Each year, more than 2.5 million visitors get a glimpse of Northeast Ohio's past at the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Already numbering an ambitious 81 miles, the trail will eventually come in at a total of 110 miles, extending from Cleveland to New Philadelphia. As denoted by "Towpath" in the name, the trail is intended to trace the route of a historical canal where mules pulled boats. The current trail runs through Cuyahoga, Stark, and Summit counties and passes through Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
1557 Lake Rockwell Rd., Kent, OH 44240
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Between the urban areas of Kent and Ravenna lie 10 miles of woods and meadows forming the Portage Hike and Bike Trail. One of the more picturesque sections of the trail borders the southern edge of Towner's Woods Park in Franklin Township. In addition to its natural beauty, the park features an ancient Native American burial ground on the shores of Lake Pippen.
What item would you put in a geocache container to best represent Northeast Ohio?