July-August 2026

Ohio Magazine July August 2026 cover (photo by Brian Kaiser)

Travel

12 Reasons to Visit Canton This Summer

Plan a visit to this northeast Ohio city for summer celebrations, live music and ways to explore our nation's history.

12 Stops for Adventure, History and Flavor in West Virginia

Summer is perfect for a Mountain State getaway, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, history
and culture or food-and-drink finds that offer a flavor of Appalachia.

13 Ways to Explore Ohio's Appalachian Region

Immerse yourself in Ohio's 32-county Appalachian region with new stays for outdoor adventures, connections to U.S. history and tasty food finds.

5 Festivals to Attend in Toledo This Summer

The Glass City celebrates in style this summer with five festivals honoring the region’s heritage, culture and creative spirit.

5 Reasons to Visit Our 2025-26 Best Hometowns

From a Texas Longhorn cattle ranch in Appalachia to a whimsical dog fountain in the heart of Knox County, our Best Hometowns 2025-26 offer destinations you'll love.

5 Stargazing Events in Ohio this Summer

From an afternoon gathering observing the closest star to Earth to a late-night event stargazing through a restored 36-inch telescope, these celestial activities dotting the Buckeye State promise awe and wonder.

6 Can’t-Miss Ohio Summer Concert Series

From a multi-genre dance group taking the stage in Gahanna to a band with roots in 1989 performing in Cleveland, mark your calendar for these six live entertainment series.

6 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.

7 Reasons to Visit Akron This Summer

From iconic festivals and outdoor adventures to rich American history, Summit County offers unforgettable summer experiences. 

How the North Ridgeville Corn Festival Got Its Start

This northeast Ohio event, which got its start in 1975, is still going strong today, with three days of celebration for one special summer crop.

Visit a Museum that Celebrates ‘The Spirit of 76’ Every Day

Archibald Willard painted several depictions of his now-iconic painting, and a three-story museum in the Ohio town where he lived shares his story.

Food + Drink

15 Fun and Classic Hot-Dog Joints in Ohio

Nothing says summer in the United States quite like baseball, fireworks and ... you guessed it. Make these spots part of your travel plans this season.

Cleveland’s Happy Dog Offers Your Choice of 50 Toppings

The lengthy list of options for dressing dogs at this neighborhood spot in the city’s Gordon Square Arts District ranges from mild to wild.

How Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace Became a Columbus Phenomenon

This capital-city favorite has five locations, stands at two major stadiums and a menu of tasty creations that give it’s star offering the royal treatment.

How O’Betty’s Red Hot Merges Hot Dogs and Burlesque

Located in the college town of Athens, O’Betty’s Red Hot showcases an unlikely pairing: hot dogs and classic American burlesque.

How the Coney Became a Cincinnati Favorite

It all started with the beginning of Cincinnati-style chili in 1922, but it didn’t take long for the city’s signature creation to show up on a hot dog.

How Toledo Invented the Hungarian Hot Dog

Tony Packo innovated this now-legendary creation during the Great Depression to serve tasty eats while also being able to keep them affordable.

Lily's Brings Southern Flavor to Dayton

Located in Dayton’s Oregon District, Lily’s serves tasty fare and fun cocktails in a colorful setting filled with personality.

Tiki Underground Fires Up Great Cocktails in Cuyahoga Falls

Sean and Jessie Coffey’s downtown spot transports patrons with strong drinks, tropical flavors and immersive, Polynesian-inspired decor.

Try the Toledo Tradition Known as Netty’s Famous Chili Dogs

This longtime local favorite been a fixture since 1978, with five locations across the city and one in Marblehead.

Arts

See One of Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms in Cincinnati

The Japanese artist’s iconic installations have captivated viewers for decades. The Cincinnati Art Museum hosts ”All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins” from July 17 through Oct. 18.

Home + Garden

Rachel DB Creative Makes Beautiful Towels, Bags and Cards from Original Drawings

Dayton-based Rachel Dominguez-Benner uses traditional screen-printing techniques to turn her artwork into functional and beautiful products.

Ohio Life

Backstory: From A to Zoar

Zoar Village has enough history for a hundred towns and enough citizens who see its present value.

Eric Dowler Talks Rowing, Outdoors and Marietta’s Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival

Dowler, who grew up along the Ohio River in Parkersburg West Virginia, heads this annual summer event that celebrates adventure by offering organized experiences.

How Ohio Celebrated July 4, 1976

In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday, we look back at how residents across our state marked the bicentennial of the United States of America during summer 1976. 

Ohio Finds: Civil War Presentation Sword

This sword belonged to William Huston Williams of Portsmouth and was given to him by his neighbors, as was a custom of the time.

The History of 8 Iconic Ohio Courthouses

Ohio’s courthouses tell a story of our state’s growth and evolution but also one of the communities where they stand.