Posts with tag 'Things to Do'

While modern carousels are a beloved amusement ride, they have their roots in a combat preparation exercise from the Middle Ages. Knights attempted to spear small rings hanging overhead as they galloped in a circle. Commoners eventually adapted the game with the beginnings of our current form.

Did you know that the first carousel in the United States was built in the 1840s by Franz Wiesenhoffer in Hessville, OH? Our state is still recognized as the home of many incredible carousels, including those in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Cedar Point

1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870

Everyone knows that carousels are a traditional part of any respectable fair, carnival, and amusement park. Not surprisingly, Cedar Point takes their carousel game to a whole new level, with three carousels that make frequent appearances on top-10 lists. The Kiddy Kingdom Carousel, dating back to 1925 and features 52 animals, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Next is the Midway Carousel, built in 1912 and operating at Cedar Point since 1946, making it the park's oldest ride. Finally, challenge family and friends to a spin on the Cedar Downs Racing Derby, one of only two racing carousels in the United States. Visit the website for hours and ticket pricing.

Richland Carrousel Park

75 N. Main St., Mansfield, OH 44902

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In honor of the ride's European origins, Richland Carrousel Park uses the French spelling of the word in its name. This delightful park features the first new hand-carved carousel constructed in the United States since the 1930s, built at nearby Carousel Works. Scenery panels on the carousel depict Malabar Farm, Richland County Courthouse, and other iconic locations and notable figures from the local area. Carousel rides are $1, with discounts for purchases of 6 or 50 rides. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.

Akron Zoo

505 Euclid Ave., Akron, OH 44307

Environmental education and awareness provide the theme for the Conservation Carousel at the Akron Zoo. The hand-carved figurines are likenesses of 33 animals from around the world, ranging from a ladybug and a penguin to a Komodo dragon, a peacock chariot that's wheelchair accessible, and a baby moose that contains a time capsule from 2010. Sustainable wood, repurposed concrete, and other green initiatives were incorporated in the construction of the carousel. Rides are $2 per person. Zoo admission is $14 for adults and $11 for ages 2-14. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily through October 31. Visit the website for seasonal hours.

Columbus Commons

160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

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In 2011, the historic City Center grounds were transformed into Columbus Commons, a 6-acre park in the midst of the beautiful downtown area. The centerpiece attraction is a hand-carved carousel with 18 charming figurines, including the OSU Buckeye horse, a frog prince, and a clown fish. Ohio Stadium and Franklin Park Conservatory are two of the hand-painted scenes decorating the canopy. Carousel rides are also a popular draw for Commons for Kids, held each Friday through August 12 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Rides are free at all times. Park hours are 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220

Carousels are generally thought of as rides for youngsters. That's not the case at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, where their Conservation Carousel is one of the more popular attractions during adults-only events such as Toast of the Wild. Of course, the carousel is a big hit with kids as well. Zoo members often upgrade their memberships at the prompting of their children, who like the unlimited carousel rides that are included. Standard pricing for rides is $3. Mark your calendar for 2023, when the zoo's new carousel will be installed. At twice the size of the current carousel, this version will feature 65 animals in a vintage open-air gazebo perched alongside Swan Lake. Admission ranges from $9.50-$25. The zoo is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. through October 31. Visit the website for seasonal hours.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

4850 Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065

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After viewing real birds and wildlife in person, check out colorful recreations on the Grand Carousel at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The historic 1914 Mangels-Illions carousel revolves to the sounds of a fully restored band organ that plays periodically throughout the day. Rides are $2 per person. If you want the real experience, enjoy a camel ride for $7 or a pony ride for $5. Zoo admission is $16.99 for adults and $11.99 for ages 3-9. Prices are higher for non-Franklin County residents. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. through August. Visit the website for seasonal hours.

Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609

Travel to the continent of Africa on the carousel at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. The sole African carousel in the world lets you ride atop 42 exotic animals, such as giraffes, zebras, and gorillas. Artwork on the canopy showcases many of the featured animals in their native habitats. Rides are $3 per person, with passes available for multiple rides at discounted rates. Zoo admission is $24 for adults and $21 for ages 2-11, with an additional $2 charge for non-Lucas County residents. Visit the website for hours.

Merry-Go-Round Museum

301 Jackson St., Sandusky, OH 44870

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Inspiration for the Merry-Go-Round Museum came from a series of carousel stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service in 1988. Appropriately, the museum is housed in a former Sandusky Post Office building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to watching activities in the restoration shop, visitors can ride the museum's vintage 1939 Allan Herschell carousel as the band organ plays the classic "oom-pa-pa" sounds. The original figurines were unavailable, so the carousel is populated with pieces from the museum's collection or on loan from private collectors. Admission, including one ride token, is $6 for adults and $4 for ages 4-14. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday through Labor Day.

Round and Round

When it comes to your preferred carousel mount, do you go old-school with the horses, or do you make a dash for one of the other animals?

Beat the Midwest heat with a refreshing beverage to celebrate National Daiquiri Day on Tuesday, July 19. Whether you prefer frozen or on the rocks, you can't go wrong with daiquiris at these great bars and restaurants around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Frozen Daiquiri Bar & Restaurant

1313 Old River Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113

There's no mistaking the main attraction at Frozen Daiquiri Bar & Restaurant. Inspired by a daiquiri bar he visited in Miami, owner James Cleveland has fulfilled his dream of bringing the concept to Northeast Ohio. In addition to peach, strawberry, and mango, options include a Margarita daiquiri, mystery flavor, and Frozen Way with all flavors. Pair your choice with an order of boneless or bone-in chicken wings, available in 10 different sauces. Hours are 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. weekends.

Quintana's Speakeasy

2200 S. Taylor Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

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Just as the name promises, you'll feel like you're part of a secret club when visiting Quintana's Speakeasy. The first floor is a barber shop that's a throwback to the classic days of a place where customers make business deals and discuss sports. Head to the hidden bookcase passage in the back that leads upstairs to the bar. Be sure to order the Hemingway Daiquiri with light rum, lime and grapefruit juices, and Luxardo liqueur. Check the website for information about live music shows and special events such as "Prohibition 101 - Learn Hands-On Classic Craft Cocktails." Quintana's Speakeasy is open Tuesday through Saturday from 3 - midnight.

Don Ramon Mexican Restaurant

4866 Richmond Rd., Cleveland, OH 44128

Mexican restaurants might make you immediately think of Margaritas, but they also mix a mean daiquiri at Don Ramon. Choose from six different fruit flavors that come by the pint, jumbo-size, small pitcher, or large pitcher. The food menu features a wide range of traditional Mexican favorites, from nachos and fajitas to burritos and enchiladas. Customers love the spacious dining room with soft lighting, delightful Mexican music, and friendly servers. Hours are 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily except Sunday when closing time is 9 p.m.

Huli Huli Tiki Lounge & Bar

26 W. Olentangy St., Powell, OH 43065

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The vibe at Huli Huli Tiki Lounge & Bar is so authentic that you'll feel the tropical breezes blowing through your hair. Part of the fun is the drink presentation, with colorful glasses holding traditional flowers and parasols. The pineapple daiquiri gets a little extra kick from spiced syrup. Try the signature Tiki fries, tossed in a house spice blend and topped with Kalua pork, Bang Bang sauce, and pineapple salsa. Watch their Facebook page for information about special rum tasting events. Huli Huli is open 4 - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4 - 10:30 p.m. Friday, 1 - 10:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 - 9 p.m. Sunday.

Kai's Crab Boil

839 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43214

Craft cocktails meet New England seafood at Kai's Crab Boil. Their namesake meals come with your choice of seafood, boiled in one of three different sauces and spiced in five levels, from "No Heat" to "OMG." Combos include two types of seafood and three add-ons, ideal for sharing. Daiquiris come in strawberry, pineapple, and mango, with three sizes available. Hours are 4 - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4 - 10 p.m. Friday, noon - 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon - 9 p.m. Sunday.

The Bar at Echo Spirits

985 W. 6th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212

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Old-school cocktails get a contemporary update at The Bar at Echo Spirits. Founders Nikhil Sharoff and Joe Bidinger have a mission to create artisan spirits that honor history and flavor. The drinks are bestowed with charming names that are as inventive as the recipes. A Bell Through the Night is a daiquiri for "lovers of meadows and witchy things," made with Echo Spirits rum, jasmine cordial, honeysuckle, and lime. Need some time to decide? Order a Snaquiri, a miniature daiquiri made with bartender's choice. Feel free to bring in off-site food or purchase from one of the food trucks that are usually on hand. Hours are 4 p.m. - 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. - midnight Friday and Saturday, and 4 p.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday.

Lost & Found OTR

22 E. 14th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

One customer aptly described the ambiance at Lost & Found OTR as "a work of modern pop art." The bar is housed in a four- to five-car garage attached to a home in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Funky furnishings and accessories, including the colorful mural in the front patio bar, are almost all works of local artists. Stop in Wednesday through Sunday for "Easy Hour," with special pricing on pitchers of daiquiris, mules, and Margaritas, as well as snacks and sandwiches. Follow them on Facebook for details about comedy shows, dance parties, and other special events. Lost & Found OTR is open 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. Wednesday through Friday and 2 p.m. - 2 a.m. weekends.

Rosie's Cocktails & Pies

300 E. Seventh St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Daiquiris and pizza? It's a match made in heaven at Rosie's Cocktails & Pies. Rosie's brings East Coast tomato pie-style pizza to Cincinnati. Specialty pies include the popular Tie-Dye, with a pinwheel of pesto atop the tomato and mozzarella. There's even a breakfast pizza, topped with ham, sausage, bacon, spinach, and egg. The menu also includes several pasta dishes, paninis, and salads. OGPD, Rosie's spin on a daiquiri, mixes pineapple rum with ginger liqueur, pineapple, and lime. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday.

Igby's

122 E. Sixth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Spacious and stylish, Igby's proudly proclaims that "the drinks are cold, but the hospitality is warm." The 7,500-square-foot Civil War-era building features two floors of bars, with balconies around the atrium for good visibility. Each level also has an outdoor balcony, one facing Sixth St. and the other with a bit more privacy. Giggle Water is their take on a daiquiri, featuring a blend of Bacardi Dragonberry Rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and tiki bitters, topped with Prosecco. Small and large charcuterie boards make tasty companions to the craft cocktails. Hours are 4 p.m. - midnight Monday through Thursday and 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Belly Up to the Bar

If you went back in time to a Roaring Twenties speakeasy, what would be your classic cocktail of choice?

Farmers markets are the ideal destinations to buy local produce since what you're purchasing is typically grown nearby, and by the person you're buying it from. Not only will you be getting fresh, healthy food, but you'll also be supporting local farmers and vendors.

Many farmers markets have branched out to also feature live music and activities like cooking demonstrations to further their appeal. In fact, in addition to being local food destinations, they've also become places for the community to gather.

Check out the following nine places to stock up on local produce in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Frostville Farmers' Market

24101 Cedar Point Rd., North Olmsted, OH 44070

You'll find plenty of fresh, local food and handmade goods at Frostville Farmers' Market, located on the grounds of the Frostville Museum. All foods and goods come from within 75 miles of the market, so you know you're supporting local farmers and makers when you shop there. The market has become a destination for families, with music, children's activities, games, cooking demonstrations, and fun happenings such as a visit from a local farm's alpacas. Visit the market from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through November and then from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. from November through April.

Crocker Park Market

1800 Crocker Rd., Westlake, OH 44145

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Crocker Park Market is in a new location—on the corner of Crocker and Detroit Roads in front of Fidelity Investments—but it still provides the fresh items Northeast Ohio residents love to shop for. You'll find fresh produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, and more at the market, open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sunday from April until mid-December. Local musicians are also sometimes featured.

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus Market

Cleveland Clinic Campus, across the street from the Crile Building, 2039 E. 100th St., Cleveland, OH 44106

Going into its 14th year, the Cleveland Clinic farmers market offers goods from over 35 local farmers and producers each week. In addition to buying local food and products, you can listen to live music, watch cooking demonstrations, score free samples, and learn more about your health. Unlike many markets, the Cleveland Clinic market is open during the week rather than on the weekend, with hours from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from June until mid-October.

Markets at Pearl

North Pearl and West Gay Streets, Columbus, OH 43215

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Located in downtown Columbus, Markets at Pearl combines three separate markets under one umbrella. Pearl Market dates back to 1992 and is open every Tuesday and Friday from 10:30-2 p.m. from May 20-October. Visit the market to shop for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, check out artisanal goods, and get some lunch. Sunlight Market is held every third Sunday until December, drawing visitors downtown to shop from pop-up vendors and enjoy music. Moonlight Market is held every second Saturday from April-October.

Franklin Park Conservatory Farmers' Market

Wells Barn parking lot at Franklin Park Conservatory 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203

You'll find plenty you'll want to buy at the Franklin Park Conservatory Farmers' Market, including local produce, baked goods, specialty foods, handmade items, and health and beauty products. Each week brings vendors, live music, food trucks, and special giveaways and activities like a free tote bag or the chance to talk with master gardeners.

Westgate Farmers Market

2925 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43204

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Shop for fresh produce, handcrafted goods, gourmet pet treats, baked goods, and more at Westgate Farmers' Market, where everything sold is produced by the vendor. You can enjoy live music while you browse, and food trucks are also onsite if you'd like to grab a meal to enjoy at the market or take home. Visit the market from 9 a.m.-noon on the first and third Saturdays June-October.

Northside Farmers Market

4222 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223

You'll be able to shop year-round at Northside Farmers Market, which provides items produced within 70 miles. In addition to fresh produce, meats, eggs, and bread, you can shop for items like handmade body products and prepared foods at the market. It's become a place for neighbors to gather and kids to learn how to cook. The market is open from 4-7 p.m. April-November and 4-6 p.m. December to March.

Hyde Park Farmers Market

2700 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208

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You'll find a wide variety of local foods and other items from growers at the Hyde Park Farmers Market, including veggies, fruits, meats, eggs, garden plants, and more. Rare heirloom veggie varieties and heritage breed meats are also sold, and the market's vendors employ regenerative and humane practices. Although the wholesome food is the main attraction, live music helps make the market a popular gathering spot. The market is open Sundays from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. May-October.

Sayler Park Farmer's Market

6600 Gracely Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45233

You'll find plenty of local vendors selling everything from fresh produce and honey to candles and home and garden decor at the Sayler Park Farmer's Market. Live music will entertain you while you shop from producers including Two Amigos Salsa, PAWsome Puppy Treats, Sayler Park Coffee, Hippie Pop Kettle Corn, and more. The market is open 4-7 p.m. every Tuesday June-August.

Healthy Happens Here

Which local Ohio farmers' markets do you plan to visit, and what are some of your favorite items to buy? 

Calling all yogis and aspiring yogis! June 21 is International Yoga Day. Yoga has been around for thousands of years, and its longevity is a testament to its benefits. A good session can be very relaxing and is also great for your physical health. Whether you've been practicing yoga for many years or are just getting into it now, this is the perfect chance to enjoy a long, relaxing class. Here are some of the top Columbus yoga studios to consider visiting for the occasion.

Heartfelt Yoga Studio

29 E. 5th Ave. #100, Columbus, OH 43201

Heartfelt Yoga Studio is an inclusive yoga studio that offers a diverse selection of classes taught by instructors from various backgrounds. The studio itself is bright and artistic. You can sign up for one yoga class for $18 or purchase an unlimited yoga pass for $99 per month.

If you prefer to do yoga in the morning, you might like Heartfelt's Sunrise Flow classes, held at 6 am. For a more action-packed class, try Dynamic Flow, which incorporates many fluid movements and breathwork.

Yoga on High

1020 Dennison Ave. #202, Columbus, OH 43201

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If you're a more experienced yogi looking for a unique way to celebrate International Yoga Day, then a class at Yoga on High might fit the bill. This is an aerial yoga studio, meaning that many of the routines are performed while suspended off the ground in aerial hammocks. This can help you discover your breath and your sense of balance.

In addition to aerial yoga, Yoga on High also offers specialty classes for those with MS and similar conditions, along with prenatal classes for expecting moms. Or, if you're in the mood for hot yoga, their Hot Flow classes would be a good choice.

Modo Yoga Columbus

1042 Dublin Rd., Columbus, OH 43215

Modo Yoga is a community-focused yoga studio that specializes in hot yoga. New members can enjoy an intro month for just $49. You can then attend as many classes as you like during that timeframe. 

Modo Yoga offers several different types of hot yoga classes. Modo is an all-encompassing class that welcomes beginners and experienced students alike. Modo Flow is a more challenging class that incorporates many Vinyasa-style movements and breathwork. And Modo Yin classes incorporate more strength work with many floor exercises meant to restore joints and muscles.

LIT Life + Yoga

999 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201

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LIT stands for "Learn, Inspire, Teach." LIT Life + Yoga aims to do all three of those things. This studio is all about allowing your yoga work to transform the rest of your life so you can be a force for good within your community.

The LIT studio has a relaxing atmosphere with heated floors, color therapy lighting, and aromatherapeutic scents. One of their most popular classes is their Half LIT class, which incorporates some Vinyasa yoga and Yin yoga. If you're new to yoga or returning after a long break, the LIT Foundations class would be a good way to learn or re-introduce the basics.

Core Power Yoga

14 Milay Alley, Columbus, OH 43215

Core Power Yoga teaches physically intense yoga sessions that are popular with athletes. No experience is required, but participants should be prepared to work hard. The studio employs experienced teachers that can individually address each participant's needs.

New students at Core Power Yoga get two weeks of membership for free. Members enjoy unlimited access to in-studio classes and access to live and on-demand online classes. This could be the perfect solution if you love yoga but struggle to fit in-person classes into your schedule. 

Rewild Yoga

995 W. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212

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Do you want to reconnect with your wild side, or maybe discover it for the first time? Rewild Yoga is a place to open your mind to the possibilities and explore your natural self. Their heated power yoga sessions are upbeat and energizing. They also offer power basics classes that are perfect for beginners.

Rewild allows you to book a class online. The fee is just $19 per class. New members can pay $19 and enjoy four classes over the span of a month. Or, you can pay a monthly fee and enjoy as many classes as you like as an unlimited member.

Ashtanga Yoga

4684 Indianola Ave., Columbus, OH 43214

Ashtanga yoga teaches an ancient system of yoga created in Mysore, India. This particular practice is wonderful for restoring proper function of the body systems. It focuses on connecting breath to postures, putting participants into a meditation-like mindset.

Ashtanga Yoga offers monthly memberships for $95 per month, including up to three classes per week. You can also buy a one-class pass for $20 or a 10-class pass for $125. If you're brand new to yoga, you might enjoy their four-week beginners' course, which includes introductory classes on the philosophy of the Ashtanga Yoga System.

GIVE Yoga

3520 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

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GIVE Yoga is a welcoming studio with a community atmosphere. Their philosophy is focused on listening to each other and carrying the burdens of one's neighbors. If you're looking for a new yoga studio and a new group of friends, this is the place to be.

GIVE Yoga allows you to register for classes on their website. They have a variety of Hot Yoga, Rise + Shine, and Slow Burn classes, catering to a wide range of preferences.

Yoga-Well-Being

296 W. 4th Ave., Columbus, OH 43201

Yoga-Well-Being is more than a yoga studio. Of course, if you are visiting in honor of International Yoga Day, you will probably want to take a class, and they have plenty of options in that regard, too.

Their Yoga for Well-Being is a good, all-around class for those focused on mind and body health. They also offer virtual Yin Yoga classes, Let's Flow sessions, and Kundalini Yoga, a form of yoga focused on self-realization and overcoming one's limits.

Strike A Tree Pose

Where will you celebrate International Yoga Day? Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and ponder your options. 

If you're looking for a unique way to spend an evening this summer, dinner and the theater might be just the outing for you. Ohio is home to an impressive array of performing artists, including actors, comedians, and musicians. Take some time to get out there and see them at any of the exciting venues listed below.

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show

1260 Euclid Ave. Inside Crown Plaza at Playhouse Square, Cleveland, OH 44115

At The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show, you get to play the part of a detective in a gripping theatrical murder plot. As you eat your four-course dinner and enjoy access to a cash bar, you will watch the murder scene unfold before your eyes. Each event features plainclothes actors sprinkled throughout the audience, giving the proceedings a more unpredictable and dramatic flair. It's an interactive experience where anyone in the room could be a part of the mystery. At the end of the night, the person who figures out the identity of the murderer first will win a small prize for their efforts. 

Amish Country Theater

4365 OH-39, Millersburg, OH 44654

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Hoping to bring your kids on your night out? The Amish Country Theater is one of the few fully family-friendly theater establishments in Ohio. This local theater features a full complement of nightly variety shows that evoke the popular vaudeville shows of the early 20th century. Special guests appear periodically to shake up the venue's usual farm-themed routines. The performances are diverse, surprising, and always entertaining, giving you something new to look forward to each time you visit.

Noble Art Entertainment

5475 Lake Rd., Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041

The Noble Art Entertainment dinner theater experience is always a fun option for a night out in Northeast Ohio. Some of their shows, such as murder mystery dinners, are interactive. Others are more traditional theater experiences. Each is performed during a three- to six-course dinner with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available. Vegan dishes may also be provided with advance notice and a small surcharge. Check out the list of upcoming shows and show menus on their website to see which types of events are available this summer.

La Comedia

765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, OH 45066

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La Comedia is a popular live dinner theatre in the Cincinnati area. When you attend, you'll be invited to eat your fill from a massive buffet filled with delicious options like fried chicken and fish, homemade cornbread, sauerkraut, and potato soufflé. This company is best known for its musical performances, but you can catch all kinds of shows here at different points in their rotation. This summer, they will be performing Beauty and the Beast starting on June 2nd, followed by The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee starting July 28th.

Cincinnati Landmark Productions

4990 Glenway Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45238 

Cincinnati Landmark Productions has been operating under different names for nearly 36 years. In that time, they have become one of Ohio's premier entertainment destinations. Some of the shows they have lined up for the summer months of 2022 include Newsies, Jerry's Girls, and Carousel. CLP also hosts the Cincinnati Young People's Theater at their Covedale building. This summer, this group will be putting on an all-teen performance of the beloved high school musical Grease.

Cincinnati Dinner Train

2172 E. Seymour Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45237

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Experience a whole new meaning of "meals on wheels" on the Cincinnati Dinner Train. Buying a ticket on this vintage train entitles you to a four-course dinner served while rolling through the most scenic spots around the outskirts of Cincinnati. The train itself is themed around the 1940s and includes several carefully restored cars to accommodate guests. The highlight of these is the Albee Car, an impressive space featuring a full musical stage. This spot is home to the Queen City Sisters, a retro musical group singing songs from the period to complete the mood. By the time you step off the train at the end of the night, you'll feel as if you've gone back in time. 

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show

Inside Hilton, 401 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

The Columbus version of The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show offers the same thrilling experience as the company's Cleveland location. Remember that there is a lot of frightening imagery involved at these dinners, including simulated gunshots and sudden blackouts—all guests must be over 15 to attend. Adults can look forward to a thrilling night of puzzle-solving, intrigue, deception, and eventual triumph. Even if you are not the person to eventually catch the killer, you're sure to leave feeling pleased to have had the chance to exercise your detective skills.

The Murder Mystery Company

2101 Noe Bixby Rd., Columbus, OH 43232

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Over the course of just two hours, The Murder Mystery Company offers a three-course dinner and a Clue-style murder mystery performance. This company themes each of their performances to enhance the experience and provide something different for repeat guests. Some recent themes include Midnight at the Masquerade, Death of a Gangster, and Totally 80s, Totally Murder. Guests are encouraged to dress up to match the theme of the night. Adult guests can also purchase alcohol at any point during the show.

A Murder Mystery Dinner

1625 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220

At Columbus' A Murder Mystery Dinner, you'll experience more than just a show. Guests at this dinner theater are taken through an engaging murder mystery through step-by-step interactive dramatizations of events. In between these dramatizations, guests are invited to solve escape room-style puzzles together as a team. This format is a great way to see how well your companions work together as well as how well each of you works with other people. Some of these events are adult-only, while others accommodate teenage guests as well. Check out your options in advance if you plan to bring younger people to the show.

Double Up on Dinner and Drama

There's nothing like a night on the town to get you feeling on top of the world. Which of these entertainment experiences will you be attending this summer?