Posts in category 'Explore Ohio'

Does the term "supper club" conjure up visions of exclusive restaurants where Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack caroused over steaks and martinis? In reality, Midwest supper clubs offer fine dining and socializing in a more widely accessible setting.

Here's a brief look at the history of this enduring American classic, along with a list of the best supper clubs around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

History of Midwest Supper Clubs

Supper clubs are often associated with Los Angeles and New York City, but the Midwest is deep in their DNA. In fact, the first supper club was opened in Beverly Hills, CA by a native of Milwaukee.

In their heyday during the 1930s, supper clubs were meant to be an outing for an entire evening. Contemporary supper clubs are less formal but retain the emphasis on traditional meat-and-seafood menus and lively social interaction.

Music Box Supper Club

1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

Located in the iconic Flats of downtown Cleveland, Music Box Supper Club is truly a one-stop entertainment venue. Downstairs, guests dine on a menu of short ribs, fresh seafood, and other favorites prepared with some Caribbean flair. Upstairs is the concert hall that has hosted noted musical acts such as John Hiatt, Rufus Wainwright, the Smithereens, and Lucinda Williams. The supper club opens at 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday. From Monday through Wednesday, dining is available only for concerts and other events.

Asterisk Supper Club

14 N. State St., Westerville, OH 43081

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Asterisk Supper Club (@asterisksupperclub)

As indicated by its slogan, "Exclusive - but Inclusive," Asterisk Supper Club aims to make elegant dining accessible to all. In addition to lunch and dinner of comfort food favorites, Asterisk offers traditional high tea daily from noon - 4 p.m. Sip on your choice of tea while nibbling on scones, sandwiches, and other accompaniments. Westerville was once known as the "Dry Capital of the World," but today Asterisk serves an assortment of classic and craft cocktails. Hours are noon - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 8 p.m. Sunday.

Oak Park Tavern

2919 State Route 430, Mansfield, OH 44903

While steak is a mainstay on the menu of most supper clubs, Oak Park Tavern is also known for its signature Lake Erie yellow perch. Sit at the bar and watch as your meal is prepared in the open kitchen. If you prefer a different view, relax outside on the all-season patio. Oak Park Tavern is open 3 - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 3 - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Ampersand Asian Supper Club

940 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ampersand Asian Supper Club (@ampersandasiansupperclub)

A Midwest tradition takes on global flavors at Ampersand Asian Supper Club. Thanks to its sophisticated dining room and creative menu, Ampersand earned a spot on Columbus Monthly's list of Best New Restaurants in 2020. Customers rave about the rich miso soup and the binge-worthy nori fries, but the ramen dishes are the real stars of the show. Favorites include the mushroom-forward Fungus Among Us and pork-studded Tonkatsu. Ampersand is open daily from 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Paragon Supper Club

797 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton, OH 45459

Fans of nostalgia will love Paragon Supper Club, where the ambiance takes you back to the 1970s. Opened in 1978, the Paragon retains the brick wall, wood accents, and chandelier lighting of that era. Ribeye and filet mignon are highlights of the classic upscale menu, but check out the daily chef's features such as sauerbraten and 32-ounce Wagyu tomahawk. Hours are 5 - 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 5 - 11 p.m. Friday, 4:45 - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 5 - 9 p.m. Sunday.

The Avenue Steak Tavern

94 N. High St., Dublin, OH 43017

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Avenue Steak Tavern (@theavenuesteaktavern)

Can't decide between an upscale steakhouse or casual pub? Get the best of both at The Avenue Steak Tavern. The menu includes steaks, side dishes, and other classic supper club fare along with pub favorites such as roast beef on weck and crispy hot chicken biscuit. Save room for the banana bread pudding, a customer favorite topped with hazelnut chocolate and caramel. The Avenue is open 4 - 9 p.m. daily, with extended hours until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Treasure Island Supper Club

4250 Chief Woods Lane, Moraine, OH 45439

Founded in 1961, Treasure Island Supper Club started out as a modest diner frequented by local General Motors employees. It has since grown to become a popular gathering place known for its spectacular U-shaped handmade wooden bar. The extensive collections of area memorabilia add to the community feel. Many customers recommend the house salad dressing, described as, "poppy seed dressing without the seeds." Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 

Prime Cincinnati

580 Walnut St., Ste. 100, Cincinnati, OH 45202

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Prime Cincinnati (@primecincy)

Prime Cincinnati's mission statement couldn't be more simple or more profound: "A passion to serve." That passion comes through in everyone, from the chef to the wait staff. Looking for a place to unwind after work? Stop by for $7 MidWeek Martinis and some shareables from the happy hour menu. Enjoy live music on Wednesday and Friday or catch the big game on one of the 4K high-definition TVs. Dinner is served seven days a week and lunch is available weekdays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Pine Club

1926 Brown St., Dayton, OH 45409 

True to its old-school roots, The Pine Club doesn't accept credit cards or reservations. Even George and Barbara Bush were once told it would be a 45-minute wait for a table. But the restaurant's four-star food and luxurious ambiance have gained national acclaim from the New York Times, Gourmet Magazine, and Cooking Channel, where The Pine Club was featured on "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." Hours are 4:30 - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4 - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Dinner: Where the Magic Happens

If money (and calories) were no object, what would be the must-have items for your dream dinner?

November is Aviation History Month. It's a great chance to reflect on the history of air travel and all those who have made aviation what it is today. From Wilbur and Orville Wright to Amelia Earhart, so many notable people have shaped the industry. You can celebrate by reading more about these aviation pioneers and also by visiting aviation museums. There just so happen to be some great ones across the state of Ohio.

Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum

10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106

Operated by the Western Reserve Historical Society, the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum showcases both automobiles and aircraft. One of the most notable displays is the 1910 Curtiss Model E "Bumble Bee," a small prop plane. The museum also houses a 1930 Howard DGA-3 named "Pete," which won five out of seven races in the National Air Races in Chicago.

This museum is open Thursday - Sunday, and admission is $15 for adults. Discounts are available for students and veterans, and active military members receive free admission. 

MAPS Air Museum

2260 International Parkway, North Canton, OH 44720

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MAPS Air Museum (@mapsairmuseum)

The MAPS Air Museum is a great place to learn about the history of military aviation. Inside, you'll get to see an assortment of military aircraft from various periods in history. See a Martin Glider from the early 1900s, a BT-13A from World War II, and so much more. There are also displays honoring fallen soldiers and Medal of Honor recipients.

This museum is open Tuesday - Saturday. Admission is $10 for adults and free for active service members and World War II veterans. A guided tour takes about 2 hours, but most people spend 3 - 4 hours inside the museum.

International Women's Air & Space Museum

1501 N. Marginal Rd. Ste. 165, Cleveland, OH 44114

Countless women have played essential roles in advancing the aviation industry, and this museum in Northeast Ohio honors them. Admission is free, and guided tours are available for a small donation. The museum is located inside Burke Lakefront Airport, and the exhibits are accessible daily from 8 am - 8 pm.

Some of the displays at the International Women's Air & Space Museum include the jacket of former NASA astronaut Pam Melroy and a model of Beguine, a plane flown by Jackie Cochran. There are also displays honoring Amelia Earhart, Ruth Nichols, and Bessie Quimby.

Motts Military Museum

5075 S. Hamilton Rd, Groveport, OH 43125

Motts Military Museum is a great place to stop if you're near Columbus. Their mission is to preserve the past of the American military through documentation and collection of artifacts. While not strictly an aviation museum, they do have a lot of aircraft-related displays. There's an exhibit on the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American pilots from the 1940s. There's also an entire display on the history of NASA.

This museum is open Tuesday - Sunday. Admission is $10 per adult and $5 for children ages 5 and up.

Champaign Aviation Museum

1652 N. Main St., Urbana, OH 43078

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Champaign Aviation Museum (@champaignaviationmuseum)

A group of volunteers opened the Champaign Aviation Museum in 2005. Today, it houses eight vintage aircraft, most of which have been restored by the members. They have a B-25 Mitchell, known as "Champaign Gal," and a C-1A (TF-1) affectionately called "Mudflap Girl" — among others. 

This museum is housed on the property of Grimes Field. They're open Tuesday - Saturday, and admission is free, although donations are appreciated. You can also take a virtual tour of the museum on their website.

Historical Aircraft Squadron

3430 Old Columbus Rd. NW, Carroll, OH 43112

The Historical Aircraft Squadron is a museum within Hanger B at the Fairfield County Airport. It's open Wednesdays and Sundays from 9 am - 4 pm and is staffed by volunteer members. Admission and tours are free.

Inside this museum, you'll see vintage pilot's uniforms, older aircraft, and historic military equipment. There's also an extensive collection of books and DVDs that you can explore in the reading room.

Cincinnati Aviation Heritage Society Museum

262 Wilmer Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226

Located in Lunken Field of the Cincinnati Municipal Airport, this museum houses a collection of scale model airplanes, including a 1939 Stinson SR-10C and a replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer. They also have a Smith Termite and a Burt Rutan. In addition to aircraft, they have a wide array of books and magazines on aviation-related topics. 

The Cincinnati Aviation Heritage Society Museum is a small and friendly one and a great place to dip your toes into aviation for Aviation Month. 

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

1100 Spaatz St., Dayton, OH 45431

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by National Museum USAF (@afmuseum)

There's no doubt that the U.S. Air Force has played a vital role in developing the aviation industry over the years. That's why visiting the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is a great way to celebrate Aviation History Month. The museum offers free admission and parking, and it's open seven days a week from 9 am - 5 pm.

Inside the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, you'll see more than 350 different aerospace vehicles. You'll also get to see missiles and other weapons used by the Air Force over the years. The World War II gallery houses aircraft that were used both in the Pacific and in Europe. You'll see a Douglas A-24, a Consolidated B24D Liberator, and so many more. Also on display is a demilitarized Little Boy, an atomic weapon originally constructed in 1945.

Tri-State Warbird Museum

4021 Borman Dr., Batavia, OH 45103

The Tri-State Warbird Museum is a 22,000 square foot facility that includes an aircraft restoration area, various exhibits of aviation-related artifacts, and two large hangars where aircraft are displayed. There's also an extensive library of magazines, books, and other references related to flight.

This museum is truly a must-see if you're in the Cincinnati area. They've been recognized as one of the most admired aviation museums. You can visit Wednesday or Saturday, and admission ranges from $7 - $12 per person.

Celebrate Flight

Air travel has truly transformed the world, and that's well worth celebrating. Which one of these aviation museums do you plan on gliding into for Aviation History Month?

Ever since the first fossils were discovered, they have fascinated people around the world by providing a glimpse into what life so many years ago. Our knowledge of the past has been shaped by the many fossils discovered around the world. With National Fossil Day coming up on the second Wednesday of October, now is the perfect time to discover the amazing world of fossils. Whether you're in Columbus, Northeast Ohio, or Cincinnati, there are tons of great places to explore fossils around Ohio.

Cincinnati Museum Center Dinosaur Hall

1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45203

Do your kids love dinosaurs? Trick question – of course, they do! The Cincinnati Museum Center is home to a variety of fascinating, family-friendly museums, including the Dinosaur Hall, where kids can learn all about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed Ohio. The Dinosaur Hall exhibit is home to 6 massive, nearly complete dinosaur skeletons, displayed in all of their glory. There are a variety of interactive elements that make it easy to learn more, and the museum showcases mostly specimens from the late Jurassic period. Many of the fossils on display here are part of ongoing scientific research, with new discoveries being made regularly.

Trammel Fossil Park

11935 Tramway Dr., Sharonville, OH 45241

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by kremerla (@kremerla)

Located just outside of Cincinnati, Trammel Fossil Park is one of the few places in Ohio where you can dig for your own fossils and take them home. The park is located in 10 acres of land, which has never been disturbed by development, and was donated by a local family. It's one of the safest, most accessible places in Ohio to dig for fossils, and there are tons of specimens in excellent condition to be found here. Trammel Fossil Park is a popular place for school field trips and a great place for families to visit anytime.

Oakes Quarry Park

1267 E. Xenia Dr., Fairborn, OH 45234

With a central location between Columbus and Cincinnati, Oakes Quarry Park surrounds a historic limestone mine filled with natural beauty. The mining activities here helped expose many of the fossils that were once buried deep underground, and the entire park is filled with trails that make it easy to explore every corner. While you're searching for fossils, you're also likely to see a variety of birds and other wildlife in a thriving natural habitat. Just be sure to collect only fossils from designated fossil collection piles, which can be found throughout the park.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland, OH 44106

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cleveland Museum Nat History (@gocmnh)

For kids and adults alike, there are few better places to learn about ancient animals than the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The museum has been celebrating historic finds for more than 100 years, with an extensive selection of exhibits on creatures from Ohio and points far beyond. Families with kids will love exploring the Smead Discovery Center, which has a variety of exhibits geared toward kids age 10 and under. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is currently undergoing a large renovation, which will add new exhibits and re-imagine existing ones. But don't worry, the museum will be open throughout the construction project, and there's plenty to see no matter when you visit.

Akron Fossils & Science Center

2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Copley, OH 44321

Just outside of Akron, you will find the Akron Fossils & Science Center, which was recently voted as the top children's museum in all of Northeast Ohio. There are two separate branches of the facility, one dedicated to hands-on science experiences for all ages and one focused on the creation of the universe. There's also an outdoor park with even more learning opportunities. Your admission grants access to all three areas, along with guided tours for each area. There are tons of opportunities to get hands-on with fossils while learning from a talented team of educators with a variety of backgrounds.

American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery at COSI

333 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by COSI (@cosiscience)

Ever wonder what it would be like to see a young T. rex walking across the plains of Ohio? The Dinosaur Gallery at the Center of Science & Industry features a six-foot-long model of a T. rex that walks in place, and that's just the start of what you'll find here. There are exhibits on a wide variety of dinosaurs, featuring fossils that have been beautifully preserved and plenty of educational information on each fossil. There's also a full-size, climbable model of an ancient Oviraptor nest and a 100-million-year-old piece of fossilized amber, which has an ancient feather preserved inside.

Caesar Creek State Park Spillway

8570 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068

One of the best places to dig for your own fossils in Ohio, the Caesar Creek State Park Spillway is home to a vast collection of fossils from the Ordovician period hundreds of millions of years ago. At that time, the entire area was covered by a large inland waterway and was home to a thriving coral reef filled with aquatic species. While the inland sea and reef are long gone, many of the fossils from that time period are still around to be discovered in the present day. Before you start hunting for fossils, make sure that you stop by the visitor's center to get a permit, which is available free of charge and comes with some handy guides for collecting and identifying fossils.

Orton Geological Museum at Ohio State University

155 S. Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Elliot Gilfix (@elliotgilfix)

The Orton Geological Museum is located on the historic Ohio State University campus, filled with fossils and other incredibly interesting exhibits. There are frequent talks from fossil experts from the Ohio State University faculty and other experts from around the world. If you can't make it to the museum in person, there are also some great digital programs available for free. This year, there's a unique digital exhibit on Ohio fossils, put together in honor of National Fossil Day. Best of all, the digital exhibits are free to view whenever you want to see them.

Can You Dig It?

Ohio is one of the best states for fossil hunting. Which destination will you investigate first?

Fall has arrived, which means it's time for pumpkins, apples, and corn mazes. Getting lost in a corn maze can make for some great fall fun. Wondering whether you've turned the right way, feeling like you're going in circles, singing songs about the corn — it's all a part of the process. There are lots of great corn mazes in Ohio. Here are some of the mazes most worth visiting as the autumn leaves start to fall.

Derthicks Corn Maze

5182 Twinsburg Warren Rd., Mantua, OH 44255

Derthick's Corn Maze is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through October 31, 2021. There are actually two mazes on-site. One is a bit shorter, and one is a bit longer. You can work your way through one or both, using clues found along the way to guide you.

In addition to a corn maze, this farm offers other fun activities like sunflower picking, a cow train, a petting zoo, and a zip line. There are often food trucks on-site so you can enjoy snacks or a tasty drink.

Maze Craze

14070 Woodworth Rd., New Springfield, OH 44443

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maze Craze Corn Maze (@maze_craze)

If you're in the Northeast Ohio area, this is definitely one of the top corn mazes to visit. In 2018, it was voted the Best Corn Maze in the Nation by USA Today. Each year, the maze has a different theme. For 2021, the theme is Snow White.

Maze Craze will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October 31. There are a few special events throughout the season, including a Wine and Cider Adventure on October 7 and 14th. In addition to the corn maze, Maze Craze offers a hayride, corn hole games, a straw maze for little ones, and a tractor playground. 

Regal Vineyards

2678 County Line Rd., S. Geneva, OH 44041

Regal Vineyards is primarily a winery, but each year, they also organize a top-notch corn maze. The maze stretches over 8 acres and is open Saturdays and Sundays through October 31. On Friday and Saturday nights from 7 - 10 pm, the corn maze becomes haunted for an even more intense experience!

In addition to the corn maze, Regal Vineyards offers lots of other fun family activities like duck races, hayrides, pumpkin bowling, and a jumping pillow. Concessions are available on-site, and there's a gift shop where you can buy various farm souvenirs.

Lynd Fruit Farm Giant Corn Maze

9851 Morse Rd. SW, Pataskala, OH 43062

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lynd Fruit Farm (@lynd_fruit_farm)

Lynd Fruit Farm offers one of the biggest corn mazes near Columbus. The theme this year is the 7 Seas. As you navigate the maze, you can pretend you are a pirate sailing on waves of corn and fighting off sea monsters. The maze is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October 31. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the maze.

After navigating the maze, you can play Giant Jenga, take a wagon ride, or pick some apples. There's also a climbing wall for kids.

The Maize at Little Darby Creek

8657 Axe Handle Rd., Milford Center, OH 43045

The Maize at Little Darby Creek is entering its 20th year, and it's shaping up to be a nice one. This year's 8-acre corn maze design honors Jack Nicklaus, an internationally renowned golfer from Ohio. It will be open to visitors Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October 31st.

Along with the price of admission, you also get to enjoy a petting zoo, laser tag, a low ropes course, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, and tetherball, along with other family-friendly activities.

Hendren Farm Market

14595 Johnstown Utica Rd., Johnstown, OH 43031

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hendren Farm Market (@hendrenfarmmarket)

If you're looking for a quieter experience, then Hendren Farm Market is a great place to visit. They have an 8-acre corn maze behind the farm market. There are clues hidden throughout the maze to help you solve a mystery as you find your way through. 

After going through the maze, you can shop for farm-grown goodies in the market. Along with pumpkins, apples, and other fall produce, you'll find cinnamon rolls, honey, syrup, and beef jerky.

Tom's Maze

4881 Germantown Liberty Rd., Germantown, OH 45327

Tom's Maze is open Thursday-Sunday through October 30. This is their 24th year of running the maze, and it's shaping up to be a good one. The maze stretches over 8 acres of cornfields. There are 12 different puzzles to solve along the way, each of which is found inside a colorful mailbox.

In addition to the typical corn maze experience, Tom's Maze offers private campfire packages. You can pay ahead to rent a campfire site for you and your family to enjoy. This can be a fun way to spend more time together after playing in the corn maze.

Burwinkel Farms

4359 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Ross, OH 45013

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Burwinkel Farms (@burwinkelfarms)

Burwinkle Farms has been a staple in the Cincinnati area for 100 years. They operate several farm properties in the area, growing everything from strawberries to apples. In the fall, they transform their Ross farm into a Fall Extravaganza. The corn maze is a key attraction, but there is also a corn pool, haunted hayrides, and a Halloween scavenger hunt. There are lots of fun fall scenes where you can snap memorable photos of yourself and your family.

Burwinkle Farms also has a farm stand on-site. You can purchase sweet corn, melons, potatoes, and other locally grown goods to cook at home.

Brown's Family Farm Market

11620 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013

If you have kids, then Brown's Family Farm Market is a great place to enjoy a corn maze.  The atmosphere is very relaxed, and you can go through the maze at your own pace. In addition to the maze, there's a miniature town where the kids can play. There's also a smaller straw maze that makes for a shorter maze experience.

The farm stand also sells pumpkins and Amish fry pies, which are a delicious fall treat. There's also a picnic area that you can reserve ahead of time if desired. You could go through the maze and then enjoy a picnic lunch together.

Where Will You Get Lost?

Which one of these corn mazes will you get lost in this fall? Let us know when you find your way out.

The air is crisp, temperatures are moderate and colors are vivid. Does the open road ever seem more appealing than it does during fall in Ohio? There's no better time to hop on your motorcycle and see all the natural splendor this state has to offer.

Celebrate National Motorcycle Ride Day on Saturday, October 9 with a road trip along one of these amazing routes around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

OH-26

Marietta, OH 45750

Every curve in the road brings a new view along OH-26, which follows the gentle bends of the Little Muskingum River out of Marietta. As the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, Marietta itself is well worth a stop. On the road, covered bridges add a pleasantly rustic touch as you pass through towns with names like Steel Run and Woodsfield. Call it a day when you hit I-70 just before Morristown, or turn off on US-40 for more adventures. 

Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

OH-374 and US-33, Rockbridge, OH 43149

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hocking Hills Treehouse Cabins (@hockinghillstreehousecabins)

Traversing 26 miles through the state park that shares its name, the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is one of the most stunning routes in Ohio. The byway connects the six non-contiguous sites of Hocking Hills State Park, making it perfect for a short jaunt or an all-day excursion. Enjoy the colors of the fall foliage, or stop off to explore further on one of the many hiking trails. Popular spots include the 50-foot cascades of Cedar Falls and Rock House, a tunnel-like cave located halfway up a 150-foot cliff.

Three Rivers Ride

Coshocton, OH 43812

It's all smooth travels on Three Rivers Ride, a 105-mile route developed by a veteran biker, with no gravel, water, or other impediments along the road. The ride takes the form of two loops that meet in the middle at Coshocton. Either one is a great trip, or if you're feeling ambitious, you can make both loops. Travel back in time when you cross the picture-perfect Helmick Covered Bridge. Built in 1863, the bridge was restored in 1996 to enchant new generations of visitors. With its living history tours, specialty shops, and canal boat rides, Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton is a fascinating bookend to your day.

The Triple Nickel

OH-555, Zanesville, OH 43701

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jorge G (@wmrider_adventures)

With a catchy name like the Triple Nickel, how could you go wrong? This 159-mile trip starts off on OH-555 in Zanesville, heading south through Ringgold, Chesterhill, and Bartlett. It hugs the Ohio-West Virginia border before turning north to pass Watertown and McConnelsville. Check out a classic roadside attraction at Big Muskie's Bucket, featuring the remains of the one-time largest earth-moving machine in the world. Animal lovers can combine the ride with a side trip to The Wilds, a safari park and conservation center in Cumberland.

OH-4 to OH-2

Port Clinton, OH 43446

Old-school Americana is alive and well in Ohio, as represented in the landscape around Port Clinton. On any given day, you'll see farmers working in fields dotted with historic barns and classic equipment. Start your drive any place along OH-4, a north-south road that originates in Cincinnati, and follow it to OH-2, which takes you into Port Clinton. Once you reach your destination, visit attractions such as the Liberty Aviation Museum or African Safari Wildlife Park. Of course, you can't leave Port Clinton without a stop at a seafood restaurant for some yellow Lake Erie perch, a local favorite.

Windy 9

Athens, OH 45701

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ohio's Windy 9 (@ohioswindy9)

All roads lead to Athens on Ohio's Windy 9. This collection of nine routes isn't "windy" like breezy, but "windy" as in twisting and turning. Numerous curves and elevation changes make for an entertaining ride that attracts a number of motorcyclists. Start your journey with Rim of the World, which runs nearly 90 miles along OH-78, named one of the most scenic highways in the country by Car and Driver. History buffs love Black Diamond Run, a 103-mile ride through the Little Cities of the Black Diamonds, a series of turn-of-the-century mining towns. For more current history, channel some flower power at the 60s-themed Fur Peace Ranch in Pomeroy.

Foothills of the Appalachians

West Union, OH 45693

If you're in the mood for a leisurely ride through some breathtaking scenery, head to the Foothills of the Appalachians. OH-125 leads out of West Union through gently rolling hills and farmland that inspire a delightful feeling of serenity. The crown jewel of this route is Shawnee National Forest, dubbed the "Little Smokies of Ohio." Approximately 8,000 acres are designated as wilderness, but there are many wonderful roads to follow in the other 52,000 acres. The forest is home to Copperhead Fire Tower, the first one in Ohio and a popular stop for visitors. Climb 60 feet to the top and get rewarded by panoramic views of the surrounding landscape below.

Amish Country Byway

OH-39 and US-62, Millersburg, OH 44654

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amish Country Ohio (@amishcountryohio)

When you really want to get away from it all, there's no better trip than the Amish Country Byway. Leave the cell phones and computers behind as you discover (or rediscover) the joys of the land. One of the signature stops on this route is the Farmer's Product Auction, held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in October. Get up close and personal insights into Amish life with guided tours, buggy rides, and the petting barn at Yoder's Amish Home. Don't forget to pick up a treat from the bakery before you go! Start or finish your day with a visit to the Amish & Mennonite Cultural Center, highlighted by the 10-foot by 265-foot circular mural known as Behalt. 

OH-93

Zanesville, OH 43701

Zanesville is the jumping-off point for yet another of Ohio's beautiful motorcycle rides. Pick up OH-93 just south of Zanesville and follow it through the black diamond region down to Ironton. Be sure to stop at Shawnee, a village that's home to 655 people but still feels frozen in time. Main Street, lined with brick buildings featuring protruding balconies, could be the set of a Western movie. 

Get Your Motor Running

What's a day on the open road without music? What favorite tunes make up your road trip playlist?