Ohio

Overview of Ohio

Ohio is the easternmost of the Great Lake states, located south of Lake Erie. With a history of industrialisation and an abundance of natural resources, Ohio is one of the biggest manufacturing centres in the country. Most of the production centres cluster around the Ohio River to the east.

Although dominated by its three main cities Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, the most visited destinations in the state are the sandy shores of the Lake Erie Islands. They offer boating, fishing, and swimming activities, as well as numerous historical sites and nature areas.

Fertile farmland covers most of Ohio, despite its association with industry and pollution. The northeast is home to the world's largest Amish population, a Luddite community who sell freshly grown produce and farm services. The Wayne National Forest is heavily forested, brilliant for those enjoy exploring the wilderness.

Key Facts

Language:

English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.

Passport/Visa:

It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Visa is required for short visits unless travelers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Currency:

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Electricity:

Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.

Travel to Ohio

Climate

Ohio's climate ranges from one extreme to the other with summer temperatures reaching up to 90°F (32°C) with some slight humidity. Thunderstorms and light rain can be expected in the late spring and early summer, while tornadoes can occur any time between spring and autumn.

September is warm and sunny and some of the world's most beautiful foliage can be found in Ohio at this time of year. October is cool with evening temperatures dropping to around 40°F (4-6°C). Winters are cold with plenty of snow in northern Ohio round Lake Erie, while the southern part of the state experiences slightly warmer temperatures.

Health Notes when travelling to United States of America

There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential.

Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America

Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, however, travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.

Customs in United States of America

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which you may legally buy and consume alcohol is 21 years.

Duty Free in United States of America

Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.

Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.

Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

Doing Business in United States of America

In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, however in states such as California dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.

Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. Get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and don't take offence if someone questions or challenges you outright.

Communication in United States of America

The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and wifi is widely available.

Tipping in United States of America

A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, tip 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.

Passport/Visa Note

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Canadians:: The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:: UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
Entry requirements for Australians:: Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Entry requirements for South Africans:: South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

Currency

Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar
1.00 BMD Bermudan Dollar	0.90 EUR Euro	0.69 GBP U.K. Pound Sterling	108.90 JPY Japanese Yen	1.31 CAD Canadian Dollar	0.99 CHF Swiss Franc
1.38 AUD Australian Dollar	25.11 UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia	337.71 KZT Kazakhstani Tenge	1,505.84 LBP Lebanese Pound	0.71 LYD Libyan Dinar	6.86 BOB Bolivian Boliviano
107.88 NPR Nepalese Rupee	0.38 OMR Omani Rial	3.64 QAR Qatari Rial	1.38 SGD Singapore Dollar	8.29 SEK Swedish Krona	6.63 TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
9.98 VEF Venezuelan Bolivar	45.83 DOP Dominican Peso	6.72 HRK Croatian Kuna	18.63 MXN Mexican Peso	586.30 XOF West African CFA Franc	3.16 PGK Papua New Guinean kina
1.00 BSD Bahamian Dollar	2.11 FJD Fiji Dollar	22.64 HNL Honduran Lempira	110.53 DZD Algerian Dinar	1,191.31 MMK Myanma Kyat	11.19 BWP Botswana Pula
3.37 PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol	693.53 CLP Chilean Peso	478.10 AMD Armenia Dram	24.17 CZK Czech Koruna	19.98 MDL Moldova Lei	124.29 ISK Icelandic Krona
2,938.75 UZS Uzbekistan Sum	3.85 ILS Israeli New Sheqel	0.71 JOD Jordanian Dinar	0.30 KWD Kuwaiti Dinar	31.35 UYU Uruguayan Peso	35.52 MUR Mauritian Rupee
28.51 NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba	8.34 NOK Norwegian Krone	3.92 PLN Polish Zloty	3.75 SAR Saudi Riyal	146.02 LKR Sri Lanka Rupee	35.62 THB Thai Baht
3.67 AED U.A.E Dirham	3.59 BRL Brazilian Real	4.05 RON Romanian New Leu	7.77 HKD Hong Kong Dollar	587.63 XAF Central African CFA Franc	22,474.70 VND Vietnamese Dong
13.95 ARS Argentine Peso	2.70 XCD East Caribbean Dollar	7.83 GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal	9.77 MAD Moroccan Dirham	0.38 BHD Bahrain Dinar	1.00 PAB Panamanian Balboa
1.50 AZN Azerbaijan Manat	3,117.81 COP Colombian Peso	68.30 KGS Kyrgyzstan Som	279.76 HUF Hungarian Forint	7.87 TJS Tajikistan Ruble	13,683.10 IDR Indonesian Rupiah
8.88 EGP Egyptian Pound	1,191.10 KRW South Korean Won	5,669.42 PYG Paraguayan Guaraní	4.16 MYR Malaysian Ringgit	538.75 CRC Costa Rican Colón	1.47 NZD New Zealand Dollar
104.74 PKR Pakistani Rupee	66.80 RUB Russian Rouble	15.60 ZAR South African Rand	2.12 TND Tunisian Dinar	2.00 BBD Barbadian Dollar	1.75 BGN Bulgarian Lev
2.95 TRY Turkish Lira	46.62 PHP Philippine Peso	32.62 TWD New Taiwan Dollar	196.50 NGN Nigerian Naira	107.15 XPF CFP Franc	3.91 GHS Ghanaian Cedi
124.92 JMD Jamaican Dollar	1.80 ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder	1.38 BND Brunei Dollar	110.56 RSD Serbian Dinar	6.58 CNY Chinese Yuan	19,898.50 BYR Belarussian Ruble
6.65 DKK Danish Krone	3.44 TMT New Turkmenistan Manat	67.26 INR Indian Rupee

Exchange Rate for
Euro to U.S. Dollar

1 EUR = 1.12 USD

Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 CAD = 0.76 USD

Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to U.S. Dollar

1 GBP = 1.44 USD

Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 AUD = 0.72 USD

Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 NZD = 0.68 USD

Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to U.S. Dollar

1 ZAR = 0.06 USD

Airports in Ohio

Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE)
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
http://www.clevelandairport.com

Location: Cleveland The airport is situated 13 miles (21km) southwest of Cleveland.

Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: (216) 265 6000

Getting to the city: Taxis, shuttles, and limos operate at the airport. The RTA provides a regular train service between the airport and downtown Cleveland via the Tower City Station. It departs every 15 minutes and takes less than 30 minutes. The train station is on the lower level of the main terminal, while hotel shuttles can be called from the hotel courtesy phones in the baggage claim area. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft are also available.

Car rental: Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar, Enterprise, Thrifty, and National. The consolidated car rental facility can be reached by a shuttle bus, which departs from the door across from baggage claim 7.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the baggage claim level of the airport. Flat rates based on distance are charged.

Facilities: Facilities include ATMs and currency exchange, restaurants, bars, lounges, an interfaith centre, child facilities, mail services, shops, and tourist information.

Parking: Short and long-term parking is available.

John Glenn Columbus International (CMH)
John Glenn Columbus International Airport
http://www.flycolumbus.com

Location: Columbus Ohio The airport is situated six miles (10km) northeast of Columbus.

Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: (614) 239 4000

Getting to the city: The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) buses run to destinations throughout the city. Express Route 52 connects the airport to Ohio State University, while the 92 Crosstown bus has service to the Easton Transit Centre. The AirConnect service provides a direct trasnfer between the airport and Downtown Columbus, costing $2.75 per ride. Tickets for this service can be purchased by credit or debit card at the bus stop near the taxi station.

Car rental: Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, Thrifty, and National.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available for hire 24-hours a day in the ground transportation area of the terminal. Taxis are metered, and the average cost to downtown Columbus is between $23 and $28.

Facilities: The airport is easily accessible to disabled passengers. There is an excellent choice of restaurants and shops. Other facilities include ATMs, wifi, charging stations, a meditation room, an airport information desk, and a lost and found service.

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking is available at John Glenn International Airport. Both cost $5 per hour while long-term parking could cost up to $20 per day.

Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport
http://www.cvgairport.com

Location: Cincinatti The airport is situated 13 miles (21km) south of downtown Cincinnati.

Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: (859) 767 3151

Getting to the city: TANK public bus services are available between the airport and downtown Cincinnati and Covington, seven days a week. Executive Transportation offers a shuttle service that can take passengers directly to hotels and other locations in downtown Cincinnati and Covington for a fee.

Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, Payless, Thrifty, Zipcar, and National. Shuttles transport customers to the rental companies.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the curb outside the baggage claim area. An average fare to downtown Cincinnati is around $30-40.

Facilities: Airport facilities include ATMs, a bank and currency exchange facilities, restaurants, shops (including duty-free), lounges, smoking lounges, shoeshine service, information desks, and a chapel. The airport is easily accessible to disabled passengers.

Parking: There are numerous parking facilities at the airport, including the attached Terminal Garage ($10 per day), the ValuPark lot ($9 per day), which is connected to the terminal via shuttle, and the Curbside Valet parking option ($30 per day).

Akron-Canton Airport (CAK)
Akron-Canton Airport
http://www.akroncantonairport.com

Location: Akron The airport is located between Akron and Canton, about 15 miles (24km) southeast of Akron.

Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Getting to the city: The Akron Metro bus service is available from the airport to the city centre and to a number of other nearby towns and cities. Taxi services and rental cars are also available.

Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Alamo, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, and National.

Airport Taxis: A number of taxi companies operate from the airport, with most accepting both cash and major credit cards. Taxis are metered.

Facilities: Airport facilities include restaurants, fast food outlets, free wifi, shops, a business centre, massage chairs, and a children's play area.

Parking: Short-term parking at Akron-Canton Airport costs roughly $2 per hour, up to $16 per day, while weekly rates are available in the long-term ($66 per week) and economy ($54 per week) parking lots. There is a free waiting area for drivers picking up or dropping off passengers.

Dayton Airport (DAY)
James M. Cox Dayton International Airport
http://www.daytonairport.com

Location: Dayton The airport is located 12 miles (19km) north of central Dayton.

Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Getting to the city: Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft are available, as too are courtesy shuttles. The bus service RTA Route 43 connects the airport to downtown Dayton. Note that Sunday services are limited.

Car rental: Car rental desks are located in the baggage claim area, and include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available between 7am and midnight, and can be booked via the Taxi Starter booth directly in front of the terminal.

Facilities: Terminal facilities include an information centre, lost and found, business centre, post office, shoeshine service, massage chairs, charging stations, ATMs, vending machines, postal and FedEx shipping services, several restaurants and bars, a book store and newsagent, as well as a number of other shops.

Parking: The garage costs $3 per half hour while it has a daily maximum $20. The short-term lot is free for the first 30 minutes, then charges at $3 per half hour, with a $18 daily limit. The long-term lot is $2 per hour up to $14 per day. Connected to the terminal via shuttle, the economy lot has a $4.95 flat rate and a weekly rate of $34.65.

Cleveland

Founded in 1796, Cleveland became an industrial town with the opening of the Erie-Ohio Canal that linked the Ohio River to Lake Erie, and the city's vast iron and coal supplies made it one of the most important steel and shipbuilding centres in the country.

A sprawling mass of oil refineries, mills, and warehouses along the shores of Lake Erie, industrial success poured money into the city and wealthy tycoons built the downtown area. Today, it has outgrown its 'steel town' image and is a bustling city of green parklands and vibrant atmosphere.

Previously mocked for its heavy pollution, its industrial character has moved beyond the city limits. The downtown warehouses and factories now house trendy clubs and restaurants, while museums, and sporting and cultural events attract many visitors to the city.

The city boasts a world-class orchestra, a celebrated art museum, lively theatre district, and the restored lakefront area. Neighbourhoods buzz with restaurants and shops, and the Flats, once the industrial heart of the city, is now the booming entertainment and nightlife district of Cleveland.

Other cultural attractions in Cleveland include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the enormous Great Lakes Science Center and Cleveland Clinic DOME Theatre, and the professional sports arenas and stadiums of the Gateway District.

The historic Warehouse District is downtown's oldest commercial quarter and is a National Historic Landmark, with over 70 fine examples of Victorian architecture. The old warehouses are now home to music clubs, galleries and trendy dining spots.

Some miles out of the city centre are two theme parks with some of the planet's tallest and fastest rollercoaster rides at the Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, as well as the Six Flags Worlds of Adventure in Aurora.

Getting around in Cleveland

The layout of the city is an easily navigable grid pattern, meaning that hiring a car will be a simple way to get around Cleveland. The city is served by the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), a bus and rail system that offers good service around the city, although coverage in outlying areas is sparse.

Tourists will want to take advantage of the Bus Rapid Transit's HealthLine, which runs along Euclid Avenue and connects many of Cleveland's popular tourist attractions. Taxis are expensive and must be booked in advance by phone. Ride-hailing apps are also available.

Climate in Cleveland

The weather in Cleveland follows the Midwest seasonal pattern, but is modified quite strongly by Lake Erie, which counters the worst of the summer heat waves and makes for a milder winter season than in other northern cities. Summers (June to August) are warm and humid, with average temperatures between 60°F (16°C) and 82°F (28°C). Winters (December to January) are cold and snowy, averaging between 21°F (-6°C) and 38°F (3°C). Rainfall in Cleveland is moderate and constant through the year.

Sightseeing in Cleveland

Cleveland is a huge city with plenty to see and do. Most tourists spend their time in the downtown area, which is home to top attractions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Progressive Field, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, and Jack Cleveland Casino.

Terminal Tower, the centre point of the Tower City Center, has an observation deck that allows panoramic views of the city. For art galleries and museums, Cleveland's East Side is home to the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Western Reserve Historical Society, The Children's Museum, and the Cleveland Natural History Museum.

The East Side is also home to the Cleveland Botanical Garden, while the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is located on the West Side. Families in Cleveland will not want to pass up the chance to visit Cedar Point Amusement Park, among the largest in the country and located just an hour outside of the city.

Cleveland Attractions

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Cleveland DJ Alan Freed coined the term 'rock and roll' in the early 1950s. Partly for this reason, Cleveland won the fiercely contested honour of become home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, it is meant to be seen as an echo of the energy of rock and roll. The glass and porcelain pyramid-shaped structure is a celebration of the American institution of rock music in honour of those who have had an influential role on modern music.

There is a permanent collection drawing from the most impressive and iconic rock and roll artefacts, as well as a wide-ranging roster of ongoing and temporary exhibits. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to exploring the past, present, and future of the music.

The Museum augments its own massive collection of thousands of artefacts with items on loan from artists and collectors from around the world. It includes exhibits dedicated to the museum's choice of all-time top artists, including Elvis Presley, the Beatles, U2 and the Rolling Stones.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum gets particularly crowded on weekends and advance booking is required, especially during the inductions of new artists.

Website: www.rockhall.com

Great Lakes Science Center

The Great Lakes Science Center is one of the largest science museums in the country. Located on the lakefront, its glass façade makes it a perfect match to the adjacent glass pyramid-shaped structure of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It has 375 exciting interactive exhibits, explaining subjects such as planet earth, meteorology, sports, music, environment, and technology through hands-on examples. It also contains the region's only OMNIMAX Theatre. The attraction is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Website: www.greatscience.com/

Cedar Point Amusement Park

Cedar Point Amusement Park, located in Sandusky Ohio just outside of Cleveland, is a paradise for rollercoaster lovers. Named 'Best Amusement Park in the World' many times over, it is the only park to have four rollercoasters taller than 200 feet (61m). It is the only amusement park of its size within hundreds of miles. If those are too high, there are 13 others to choose from, along with dozens of other rides and attractions for all ages. Cedar Point also boasts an indoor and outdoor waterpark.

Website: www.cedarpoint.com

Progressive Field

Though synonymous with the notorious Cleveland sports curse that saw none of the city's professional teams win a championship for 52 years, Progressive Field is a must stop for anyone who wants to appreciate this sports-crazy destination. Home to the Cleveland Indians baseball team, this beautiful outdoor stadium in downtown Cleveland was voted the best major league ballpark by Sports Illustrated. Catching an Indians game is a great way to spend a warm summer evening in Cleveland, and true fanatics can take a tour of the stadium between May and September.

Website: www.mlb.com/indians/ballpark/

Events in Cleveland

Taste of Summer
Friday May 22, 2020 to Sunday May 24, 2020 (22 - 24 May 2020)

Where: Time-Warner Cable Amphitheater

For the past 10 years, the city of Cleveland has celebrated its cultural and ethnic diversity with an annual culinary fest par excellence. The city's top chefs step out of their kitchens to compete for the 'Best of the Fest' award.

Food enthusiasts can eat their fill from a selection of diverse options from seafood to sauerkraut or Irish stew. To help keep things on the boil, the festival also features ongoing entertainment, a beer garden, and sports lounge.

http://www.tastecle.com/

Cleveland's Irish Cultural Festival
Sunday July 19, 2020 to Tuesday July 21, 2020 (TBC July 2020)

Where: Berea Fairgrounds

The three-day Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival celebrates all things Irish, with a variety of world-class music, dancing, theatre, children's activities, shopping, art, and historical exhibits. Many Irish travelled across the Atlantic to make a new home for themselves in the United States and this festival focuses on the preservation of that link.

http://www.clevelandirish.org

Airports in Cleveland

Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE)
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
http://www.clevelandairport.com

Location: Cleveland The airport is situated 13 miles (21km) southwest of Cleveland.

Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: (216) 265 6000

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the baggage claim level of the airport. Flat rates based on distance are charged.

Facilities: Facilities include ATMs and currency exchange, restaurants, bars, lounges, an interfaith centre, child facilities, mail services, shops, and tourist information.

Parking: Short and long-term parking is available.

Cincinatti

The city of Cincinnati sits on the banks of the Ohio River and is known for its pretty European architecture. Findlay Market, in the Over-the-Rhine (OTR) district, has streets lined with colourful Queen Anne buildings, filled with trendy cafes and eateries. Further to the north is the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens. The Cincinnati Museum Center is a popular history and science museum, housed in Union Terminal, an Art Deco train station. The Cincinnati Art Museum houses an encyclopedic art collection of more than 67000 works spanning 6000 years, while the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center features exhibits on the history of slavery and the abolitionist movement. The subject is also explored at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, once home to the author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin". The Roebling Suspension Bridge links the city to Covington and Newport, Kentucky, which are now almost suburbs of Cincinnati. Covington's 19th Century MainStrasse quarter is filled with quirky shops, restaurants and cafes, and its Riverside Drive is a historic district with a restored paddleboat steamer and some notable Antebellum plantation mansions. Newport is known for Friars Walk, and enormous shopping and restaurant complex.

Airports in Cincinatti

Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport
http://www.cvgairport.com

Location: Cincinatti The airport is situated 13 miles (21km) south of downtown Cincinnati.

Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts:

Getting to the city:

Car rental:

Airport Taxis:

Facilities:

Parking:

Lake Erie Islands

The Lake Erie Islands, including Kelleys Island and the three Bass Islands further north, are popular holiday destinations during summer, each offering their own attractions with a diverse range of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.

Limestone cliffs, historic sites, wineries, and sculpted caverns are found on the different island retreats, and the warm waters of the shallow Lake Erie are a perfect resting ground for migrating birds, making the islands one of the best birdwatching areas in the country.

Formed during the glacial period, the islands consist of limestone bedrock that has much evidence of glacial scouring on the rock surfaces. The Glacial Grooves State Memorial on Kelleys Island is an enormous piece of limestone rock, containing the most spectacular example of deep glacial grooves in the world.

South Bass Island is home to Crystal Cave, which is the world's largest geode in the world, large enough to stand up in and containing crystals up to 18 inches (46cm) long. Before ousted by European settlers in 1812, the Ottawa and Huron Native American tribes inhabited the Lake Erie Island region.

Evidence of these hunting grounds remains in over 70 archaeological sites found around the islands. Inscription Rock State Memorial, also on Kelleys Island, is a limestone boulder carved with ancient characters and images of men, animals, and birds from about 500 years ago.

The naval Battle of Lake Erie was fought in Put-In Bay on South Bass Island. An American victory over the British ensured control of Lake Erie and the Great Lakes, commemorated by Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial on the island.

South Bass Island, named for the excellent bass fishing in the surrounding waters, is the most visited of the American Lake Erie Islands and its Victorian-style village filled with gift shops, fine restaurants, and lively pubs has been famous as a summer resort for over a century.

In the 1860's grape production became extremely profitable and winemaking has had a strong influence on the island culture, with several wineries still offering tasting and tours to visitors today.

Ohio Attractions

Overview

Known first and foremost for its industry, the state nonetheless has a lot to offer for a great getaway. It offers its guests brilliant outdoor activity, with hiking in the Hocking Hills State Park being one of the most popular ways to breathe in the fresh air.

Exploring Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland are what most visitors prioritise. Cincinnati and Cleveland have undergone major rejuvenation and are now attractive cities, having successfully managed to exchange factories and warehouses for gleaming downtown centres.

Cincinnati offers a variety of museums, galleries, fine dining and shopping, while Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a major, internationally acclaimed attraction. Fascinating neighbourhoods, miles of parklands, and a revitalised lakefront image draws many visitors to this Lake Erie city.

The state capital of Columbus is the main hub of education, research, and commerce. It's a lively college city with fine architecture and several interesting museums, lots of which are a drawcard for history buffs. Ohio is also a family-friendly state, offering children and adults alike memorable activities.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is a great choice for travelling families, as is the Cedar Point Amusement Park, one of the largest amusement parks in the country. The Children's Museum, and the Cleveland Natural History Museum are also great cultural attractions in Ohio.