Regardless of how you feel about Ohio, you have to admit that you probably don't what to be anywhere else for the holidays. Sure, we might rag on Ohio and its crazy weather, insane potholes and never-ending street construction, but the truth of the matter is, we love Ohio---and it's where our heart is.
Here are 10 reasons why I'll always come home to Ohio for the holidays:
1. The buckeyes: People everywhere start making these precious morsels of chocolate and peanut butter goodness...and no one (obviously) makes them better than the Buckeye State.
2. There’s always at least a slight sliver of hope that it COULD snow on Christmas...(though it never actually does.)
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3. Our shopping centers look like this:
4. And our zoos look like this:
5. We can basically go to the REAL LIFE "A Christmas Story" House anytime we want.
6. We even have our own Polar Express. (Thanks to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.)
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7. Our towns REALLY get into the holiday spirit. (And if you're Cambridge you take it to a whole other level― or century, I mean.)
8. Our drive-through light displays are truly epic.
9. And our walk-through displays are even better. (Pictured is the Christmas Ranch in Morrow.)
10. But most importantly, Ohio is where family is.
Why will you always come home to Ohio for the holidays? Share your thoughts with us!
If you plan on visiting the state of Ohio in August, then you should know we are still in summer mode! Summer festivals in Ohio just keep rolling right through August, including one of the most fun for sports fans around the country – the Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. But, even if you're not a fan of the NFL, there are seemingly endless events to attend in August.
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Cons of Visiting Ohio In August
Humidity and back-to-school vibes can make attending some of these events difficult, but Ohioans make it work! We have a long winter ahead of us, so we try to make it work.
Ohio Weather in August
In 2024, we’re seeing record highs, and that goes for Ohio, too. Humidity is high in August, and expect temperatures in the high 70s and 80s. Tornado season should be on its way out, but it’s not uncommon to have severe thunderstorms in August.
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At Not Your Average Bucket List travel podcast by OnlyInYourState, we aim to find the best things for readers to discover in the United States. In addition to that, now we are going to help you find the best things to do in your state each month.
We are going to explore the top 10 best things to do in August in OH, but if we missed something good...let us know! You can call or text 805-298-1420 and tell us what we need to know (or reach out to us via email at [email protected]).
Are you ready to dive into a month full of exciting things in Ohio? If you want to listen to the episode, make sure to check it out on Spotify:
Or, you can watch your hosts Sara and Marisa break everything down on YouTube in the video below:
Top Ohio Attractions In August
1. Cleveland Guardians or Cincinnati Reds Games
Attending a baseball game in the middle of summer is one of the best things to do in Ohio, no matter if you're in Cleveland or Cincinnati! There's nothing like getting some snacks and drinks and sitting in the sunshine while cheering on your favorite team. Who needs to think about winter?
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2. Enjoy the Lake Erie islands
No matter what vibe you're going for - relaxed or adventurous - you should consider visiting the Lake Erie Islands, such as Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island, for a perfect summer getaway.
Top Ohio Events In August
3. Ohio River Paddlefest (Cincinnati) - August 3rd
When it comes to summer events in Ohio, this one is a great choice! You'll want to experience the thrill of Ohio River Paddlefest in August of 2024! It's recognized as possibly the nation's largest paddling celebration with over 2,000 participants. We love easy watersports, so if you're feeling up to a paddling adventure in the Ohio River, you should take part!
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4. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival (Canton) - July 26th to August 4th
Love the NFL? Well, if you visit Canton, Ohio, you'll be able to celebrate the sport with fans and athletes alike at the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. You'll be able to see and interact with more than 100 Hall of Famers to kick off the National Football League’s season. The entire family can enjoy a hot air balloon classic, 5k races, signature and photo ops, a grand parade, and even the NFL Hall of Fame game featuring the NY Jets versus Cleveland Browns.
5. Dublin Irish Festival (Dublin) - August 2nd to August 4th
We think you'll love the Dublin Irish Festival in August 2024! At the festival in Dublin, Ohio, you can experience the magic of Ireland right here in Ohio. Enjoy captivating live music and mesmerizing Irish dances, all while you indulge in delectable cuisine and immerse yourself in rich traditions. A cultural extravaganza that promises joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Sláinte!
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6. Vintage Ohio Wine Festival (Kirtland) - August 2nd and August 3rd
Taking place in the Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland, the Vintage Ohio Wine Festival is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys food, drinks, live music, and shopping! One of our favorite parts of this festival is that you can sample from a wide variety of Ohio vintners. You might just find your new favorite local wine!
7. Whiskey Island 5K (Cleveland Metroparks Lakefront Reservation) - August 25th
You can run a 5K through Whiskey Island Trail and Wendy Park and help raise money for the Cleveland Metroparks K-9 unit. If you're the athletic type and looking for a fun event you can do with family or friends, this event is for you!
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8. Great Lakes Medieval Faire & Marketplace (Rock Creek) - every weekend from July 6th to August 11th
Travel back in time to the 13th century when you visit the Great Lakes Medieval Faire & Marketplace this August. The family-friendly Renaissance Faire is full of adventure, romance, celebrations, and so much more! We never knew how much we loved these kinds of events until we attended the GLMF. It's a lovely festival in Ohio that you will remember for a long time to come!
9. Rivers, Trails, and Ales Festival (Marietta) - August 8th to August 11th
The name really says it all! At the Rivers, Trails, and Ales Festival, you’ll be able to hike, bike, and kayak through the various trails near Marietta. But not only that, you'll be enjoying opportunities to “try something new” (their theme this year). You can enjoy yoga, guided hikes, scavenger hunts, bike rides, kayak tours, and a sampling of local brews.
10. Fiery Foods Festival (Columbus) - August 26th and August 27th
This hot new festival looks like a ton of fun (even for those with milder taste preferences)!
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" target="_blank">Columbus Fiery Foods Festival will take place on Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27 at Genoa Park along the Scioto Mile in Downtown Columbus. Explore salsa and hot sauce vendors, delicious food trucks, live entertainment, and so much more. The park is known as one of the prettiest places in Columbus.
There are so many fun things to do this August in Ohio, and we hope you have a blast with whatever trip itinerary you build! Have you had the opportunity to go to any of these fun festivals? Please let us know what your favorite parts were in the comments section. We're always happy to hear your recommendations. If you'll be going to more than one exciting event this August, take a fun road trip and make sure you're well-prepared for every leg of the trip with The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List by OnlyInYourState.
Here in the Buckeye State, there are some things you have to do before you can really call yourself an Ohioan. That's why you know better than anyone that until you've done the following 13 things, you can't REALLY call yourself an Ohioan.
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See how many of these you've done:
1. You've officially stopped believing in the "four seasons" sham.
You're no fool.
2. You've learned to hate ALL things Michigan.
That includes those wretched colors, too.
3. You've successfully dodged a kamikaze deer or two while driving.
Bonus points if you were able to do so on a highway.
4. You say "pop" rather than "soda."
And you're fairly passionate about this decision.
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5. You've learned that everyone else does, in fact, have an accent. Not you.
And you'll take that to your grave.
6. You've given up the fight and frustration that comes with constant street construction.
What's the use? It will just be there again tomorrow with an additional orange barrel or two.
7. You've conquered your fear of driving in winter weather.
Because you've learned that if you let that stop you, you won't leave your house from January to late-April.
8. You've been to the Roller Coaster Capital of the World...
9. ...the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame...
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10. ...and Ohio Amish Country.
Because they're beloved Ohio classics.
11. You've taken a drive on the back roads just for fun.
Because you know how beautiful they really are.
12. You've yelled "O-H" in a crowd of strangers.
....and waited for that guaranteed "I-O!" reply.
13. You've got at least one vacation photo like this:
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The more the merrier. :)
How many of these have you done? What else would you add to this list? Let us know!