July/August 2025

Ohio Magazine July August 2025 cover (photo by Matthew Allen)

Travel

18 Reasons to Visit Akron-Canton This Summer

There is much to celebrate in these two communities this year, from the city of Akron’s bicentennial to the summer festivities at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

21 Stops for Adventure, History and Flavor in Appalachian Ohio

Ohio’s 32-county Appalachian region is packed with outdoor fun, living history and food finds. Here are some great destinations to explore this summer.

5 Reasons to Visit Our 2024-25 Best Hometowns

From a charming spot that honors legendary candies to a museum dedicated to preserving World War II history, our Best Hometowns 2024-25 offer destinations you’ll love.

5 Scenic Driving Routes in West Virginia

Explore five picturesque drives that show off the beauty, history and opportunities for outdoor adventure that make the Mountain State a summer draw.

8 Lake Erie Festivals to Enjoy this Summer

Take to the shore this summer with these great festivals in Lake Erie towns and islands that celebrate life on the water.

Celebrate Literature at the Columbus Book Festival

This festival, which started as a one-time celebration, has become a beloved community tradition that brings author talks and a bookish marketplace to our capital city this summer on July 13 and 14.

Epworth Park Is One of Ohio’s Last Remaining Chautauqua Communities

This tranquil spot in Bethesda is filled with historic cottages and has a long legacy as a summertime retreat.

Hall of Fame Village Hosts NFL Flag Championships

The youth flag football event takes place July 17 through 20 in Canton and features 16 gridiron matchups among four age groups, as well as visits from Hall of Famers.

Ohio State Fair Animal Attractions

From racing pigs to grand champion livestock, no visit to the Ohio State Fair is complete without taking a closer look at the animals you’ll find there. 

Ohio State Fair Food: 8 Fun Finds

Yes, we know, frying everything makes it taste better, especially when you’re strolling the midway. 

Ohio State Fair: Iconic Spots

From the Cardinal Gate’s namesake to the Dairy Products Building’s iconic butter creations, here are four famous spots you'll want to visit (and snap a quick photo) at the fair. 

Ohio State Fair: Where to Cool Off

When the midday sun starts to blaze, it’s time to look for a little shade. Here are spots to chill out and discover some really cool things. 

Visit These Retro Diners, Drive-Ins and Root Beer Stands

Summer means it’s time to fuel up and hit the road, and when you’re out there, you’re going to get hungry. Check out these old-school destinations that serve a heaping helping of vintage vibes.

What to See, Do and Eat at the Ohio State Fair

Plan your visit with our guide to what’s new, what’s cool and what you’ll want to be sure to see, eat and do between July 23 and Aug. 3. 

Food + Drink

Chloe’s Diner, Massillon

Housed in a former downtown service station packed with vintage vehicles and old-school memorabilia, this fun downtown spot serves up a menu of comfort food favorites.

Cincinnati’s Most Artistic Hotel Gets New Chef

Downtown’s 21c Museum Hotel announces that chef Corey Cova will helm the kitchen at its on-site restaurant, Metropole.

Columbus’ Lion Cub’s Cookies Delivers Fresh Takes on Classic Flavors

Sampling three of this bakery’s sweet treats reveals why it has become a local favorite known for putting an inventive spin on nostalgic flavors.

How Swensons Drive-In Shaped Akron Food Culture

Eating in your car is a Rubber City tradition and Swensons Drive-In is the reason why. The company has locations across Ohio, limited-time menu collaborations and a core experience that has remained unchanged for generations.

Speedtrap Diner, Woodville

This small-town spot in Sandusky County uses the 1950s as the backdrop for its lineup of big breakfasts and creatively constructed burgers and sandwiches.

Sugar n’ Spice, Cincinnati

This institution has been in the city since 1941 but was remade for the modern age, with a fun Over-the-Rhine neighborhood location housed inside a gleaming chrome diner car.

Summer Place in Lakewood Honors a Son’s Legacy Through Food and Giving

This restaurant along the Lake Erie shore features coastal- and Mediterranean-inspired fare and has a charitable mission in honor of the owners’ late son.

The Lot Beer Co. in Granville Blends Beer, Burgers and Vintage Vibes

This fun downtown spot feels plucked straight from the 1980s and ’90s, serving up burgers, hot dogs and a lineup of house-brewed beer.

The Root Beer Stand, Sharonville

Open since 1957, this stand located just outside Cincinnati serves up coneys, burgers, fries and root beer in a roadside spot built on community and tradition.

Win Free Ice Cream for a Year at Handel’s Opening in Fairlawn

The new shop on West Market Street opens July 17 with fanfare, a great giveaway and even something for your four-legged best friend.

Arts

7 Art Exhibits to See in Ohio This Summer

From optical illusions and computer algorithms to crafted woodworks, here are 7 can’t-miss exhibitions in Ohio this summer. 

See ‘Curtis Barnes, Sr., Dayton Icon’ in Dayton

A new exhibition at the Dayton Art Institute showcases works by the late Curtis Barnes Sr., a painter and community leader who left a lasting impact on the city he called home.

Home + Garden

How Rebecca Noel Designs Turns Real Flowers Into Handmade Jewelry

Rebecca Loomis of Cincinnati captures the beauty of nature by using flowers and resin to create a line of jewelry that is as intricate as it is beautiful.

Ohio Life

Armstrong Air & Space Museum Opens in Wapakoneta

On July 20, 1972, the museum showcasing aviation and space history was unveiled in the famed astronaut’s hometown.

How Ohio’s Canal Era Helped Shape the State’s History

A groundbreaking idea began to take shape in Ohio 200 years ago this summer, as the simultaneous creation of two major canals ultimately opened the state to trade and transformed the place we call home.

Ohio Finds: Ohio State Fair Cup

This coin silver cup with floral and grapevine decoration was once awarded to first-place winners at the Ohio State Fair.

Ohio Love Staff Picks: July 2025

From a wild ride at a beloved amusement park to a massive park along the Ohio River to a quirky museum in the Hocking Hills, here’s what our staff loves about Ohio this month. 

Tom Hamilton Reflects on 35 Years as the Voice of Cleveland Baseball

Soon to be recognized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, Tom Hamilton looks back on his iconic career as the radio voice of the Cleveland Guardians.