Ohio

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is the kind of place that makes you do a double take. One minute you're just outside downtown Columbus, the next you're strolling under towering palms and gazing at a chandelier made of hand-blown glass. It's lush, it's luminous, and—honestly?—it’s like walking into a living fairytale.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of those places that makes you stop, breathe, and just be. Tucked between Cleveland and Akron, this green ribbon of wild wonder offers a surprising dose of serenity and scenic drama without requiring a plane ticket or backcountry hiking boots. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, biking through leafy tunnels, or spotting herons along peaceful boardwalks, this park feels like a well-kept secret shared by locals and in-the-know adventurers.

Tucked just south of downtown Columbus lies a place that feels like it was plucked from a European postcard and gently placed in the Midwest. German Village is the kind of neighborhood where red brick sidewalks wind past ivy-covered cottages, where chimneys puff in the winter and flower boxes burst with color in the summer. It’s not just scenic—it’s soul-soothing.

Tucked along the Ohio River, just minutes from downtown Cincinnati, Riverwalk offers a slice of slow-down serenity with just the right touch of charm. Whether you’re craving a leisurely stroll with a view or a place to catch your breath and watch the boats roll by, this stretch of riverside magic delivers.

Tucked away in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio lies an adventure so unexpected, you’ll feel like you’ve left the Midwest entirely. Welcome to The Wilds, a sprawling 9,000-acre wildlife conservation center where rhinos roam, giraffes graze, and open-air safari trucks rumble through untamed pastures. It’s part nature preserve, part hidden safari park—and 100% unlike anything else in the Buckeye State.

There’s something electric about Euclid Avenue. It’s the kind of street where past and present stroll side by side—where century-old mansions whisper stories of oil barons and rail tycoons, while just a few blocks down, indie theaters and Instagrammable eats buzz with energy.

Step inside and forget everything you know about grocery shopping. Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield, Ohio, isn’t just a store—it’s a full-blown sensory adventure where every aisle feels like a new world waiting to be explored.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, Ohio isn’t just a zoo—it’s a full-blown adventure park where animal encounters are up-close, the layout is world-class, and the sheer size of the place might make your smartwatch congratulate you. Whether you're wrangling toddlers or just a curious adult, this place pulls you in with its charm, scale, and a surprising touch of heart.

Ever wondered what it’s like to step inside Air Force One or gaze up at a Cold War-era bomber that looks like it flew straight out of a movie? At the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, you’re not just looking at history—you’re standing right in the middle of it.

Tucked between the bustle of downtown Cleveland and the wooded calm of University Circle lies a cultural time capsule that stretches across time, continents, and traditions. You don’t need a passport to take this trip—just a pair of comfy shoes and a curious spirit.