Ohio is the one-stop destination for those looking for a little bit of everything.

Check out Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati for sky-high fun. These bustling big cities are home to pockets of neighborhoods ripe with culture, culinary offerings and world-class museums that rival any major cities in the country. Visit the world’s rock capital in Cleveland—home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum—and savor dishes cooked by world-renowned chefs at a number of hip restaurants. See one of the country’s top arts destinations in Columbus’ Short North Arts District where building walls and city sidewalks become the canvas of artistic endeavors. Journey to Cincinnati and witness the harrowing stories of Ohioans’ role in the Underground Railroad, along which more than 40,000 people escaped the shackles of slavery and found freedom across the Ohio River. Enjoy Ohio’s two major theme parks – Cedar Point in Sandusky and Kings Island near Cincinnati – both debuting a new thrill ride in 2011, WindSeeker. 

Experience Ohio’s scenic side at any of 74 state parks (Ohio’s parks are free to the public), or hike the trails of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Zip line adventures await adrenaline junkies looking for a thrilling rush as they zip through lush scenery in the southern portion of the state. Ohio’s Appalachian Country features 24 sites on the National Geographic Appalachian Trail that line the picturesque foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Scenic byways, jaw-dropping waterfalls, biking trails, birding sites and more hold a world of adventure sure to satisfy both the extreme outdoor enthusiast and the nature lover.

Taste Ohio’s coastal life on nearly 300 miles of Lake Erie shoreline. Remarkable lighthouses (including Ohio’s most famous – Marblehead Lighthouse), bucolic small towns, nature preserves and vineyards welcome visitors from Toledo in the west to Conneaut in the east. One of Ohio’s hidden gems, the Lake Erie Islands, which offer a relaxing retreat or an exhilarating nightlife. Taste buds dance to the tantalizing taste of wines from dozens of first-class wineries along the coast. Sample one of Ohio’s specialty wines—Ice Wine—and taste hints of honey and fruit flavors from grapes picked from the vine just at the freezing point to create delicious dessert wines.

Ohio is rich with history and heritage. The 150th anniversary of the Civil War kicks off in 2011 and continues for the next four years. There are events happening all over the state to commemorate this turning point in American history.  

Visit the Buckeye State and see for yourself—Ohio is too much fun for just one day! Visit www.DiscoverOhio.com to order your free copy of the official Ohio Travel Planner and Calendar of Events, or view them online. (Information care of The Ohio Department of Development, Division of Tourism)