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 August Festivals for Art Lovers in Ohio

From the Buckeye State’s oldest arts and crafts event to a lively one-day affair boasting 60 juried artists, mark your calendars for this lineup of creative gatherings.

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. 

Amish Country Inn’s Famous Honeycomb Rooms Get Upgrade

A collaboration with Homestead Furniture, each of the 12 hillside rooms at The Inn at Honey Run have been remade around a specific theme and feature beautiful, handcrafted decor.

Changing of the Guard Returns to Fort Laurens for Revolutionary War Tribute

Following the June rededication of the Tomb of the Unknown Patriot, Fort Laurens hosts two days of commemorative events celebrating the legacy of Ohio's only Revolutionary War fort.

Cincinnati Observatory Makes $3 Million Renovation to Historic Building

The upgrades to the campus’ 183-year-old Herget Building will expand educational space and increase outreach offerings. 

Dublin Creates Cool Posters for Park Explorers

This Visit Dublin Ohio passport program awards participants with Works Progress Administration-inspired posters highlighting local parks.

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.

Independence Dam State Park to Host ‘A Walk Through History’ Event

This two-day event on Aug. 8 and 9 celebrates our nation’s 250th birthday with around 80 reenactors sharing the story of America from 1776 forward.

Ohio State Fair Food: What’s New This Year

Bring your appetite. This menu at this year's Ohio State Fair delivers everything from pickle-flavored snacks to cheesecake on a stick to plenty of deep-fried indulgences. 

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.

34 Ohio Breweries to Visit This Summer

Explore the state’s beer scene, from waterfront breweries and farmstead patios to historic buildings and chef-driven kitchens. 

6 August Food Festivals in Ohio

From community celebrations focused on sweet corn and pickles to a festival honoring all things tomato, bring your appetite to these events happening this month.

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 Ohio Breweries Give Back with Special Beers

Check out these creative collaborations that are all in support of a good cause.

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 Serves Up Southern Flavors and Hospitality in Dayton

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

Raise a Glass to Aviation History at 9 Ohio Breweries

As we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, there is no better time to pair two iconic American enterprises: flight and craft beer.

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.

Try This Beer Mussels Recipe from Noble Creature Wild Ales & Lagers

The brewery’s kitchen manager, Ryan Iwanejko, crafts pub favorites, including seasonal sausages and this dish that uses what’s on tap.

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.