30 Reasons to Love Ohio Right Now

Winter is here, and our hearts are full with these 30 reasons to adore our state right now. From new gathering spots to fresh food finds to feel-good moments that put smiles on our faces during the past 365 days, we look forward to a new year of beauty, adventure and fun.

You can too by putting some of these fresh finds from across Ohio on your calendar for 2026. 

Pub Fare Meets Whiskey History at Dayton’s Mudlick Tap House
This crafted scratch kitchen began in Germantown over a decade ago. This summer, it moved to a new location in Centerville that pays tribute to its past.

Social Space
Sand volleyball, multilevel patios and five restaurants all converge at Butler County’s Liberty Collective. Built and developed by Mike and Heather Ewers, the entertainment complex covers 3.4 acres and opened in Liberty Township in September 2025. Order hibachi-style entrees at Rice Life or go for American comfort food favorites at Bristol’s Burgers. Ms. Lei Lei’s Crafted Chicken, Roberto and Miguel’s, and Ramundo Pizza Familigia round out the restaurant lineup. There are also ice cream, coffee and sweets shops, along with three bars and a self-pour beer wall. Liberty Collective also offers live entertainment, one of the largest LED screens in the area and seating for 800. 6735 Lakota Lane, Liberty Township 45044, liberty-collective.com

Tolkien Tribute 
In 2020, Dedee O’Neil donated 203 acres to the Medina County Park District, which operates 25 parks and preserves spanning more than 9,000 acres. O’Neil’s donation now exists as Rivendell Nature Preserve and represents the largest single land donation in the organization’s history. She was involved during the park’s development, and its name, Rivendell, came from her love of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy to reflect its beautiful and welcoming nature. The preserve opened in September 2025 and has a mile of walkable trails as well as a fishing pond and an open-air shelter. 7223 Greenwich Rd., Seville 44273, 330/722-9364, medinacountyparks.com

Gorge Views
Following its opening in May 2025, the Falls Edge Glass Walkway at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park drew an estimated 500,000 visitors over the summer alone. Situated 50 feet above Sylvan Creek’s gorge, the “S”-shaped glass walkway provides unique views of the park’s breathtaking natural features, specifically Minnehaha Falls, which roars to life after a heavy rain. Spring and fall are considered ideal times to visit this 167-acre park in Portage County, which is known for its rock formations and vibrant flora. 12440 St. Rte. 282, Garrettsville 44231, 330/235-0030, ohiodnr.gov

Counter Culture 
The Chef-O-Nette has been a mainstay of Upper Arlington’s Tremont Center since 1955. Generations have walked through its doors to settle into booths or sit at the two angled counters for hearty and inexpensive breakfasts, burgers and shakes. 

In early 2024, longtime owner Harlan Howard announced he was ready to retire, having worked there since his father purchased the diner in 1970. Fortunately, Michael Purdum, owner of the Old Bag of Nails pubs across central Ohio, offered to buy the diner. 

“I had heard from Harlan that the sun was setting on the Chef-O-Nette,” Purdum says. “I went to him and asked, ‘If I took it over and kept the Chef, what would you think of that?’ He said, ‘I think that would be a great idea.’”

The Chef-O-Nette’s charm lies in the fact that it remained unchanged for decades, but Purdum knew he’d have to make some upgrades. He installed a new range hood and walk-in cooler, improved the bathrooms and replaced the kitchen equipment, while leaving the dining room’s original look. Chef-O-Nette reopened to the public in summer 2025. 

Purdum suggests ordering the cheesy scrambled eggs for breakfast and the Chef-O-Burger with crinkle-cut fries and a chocolate milkshake for lunch. He also recommends the broasted chicken tenders. 

“They’re pressure fried, so they’re super tender and super crispy,” he says. “We sell more and more every week.” 2090 Tremont Center, Upper Arlington 43221, 614/488-8444, chefonette.com

Newark Arcade’s Revival Celebrates Local Shops and Community History
The restoration of the historic arcade in downtown Newark gave a tired property new life and provides a community gathering place with shopping, food and apartments.

Feel-Good Moment: Coney Crooner
For those who love Skyline Chili, the longtime Cincinnati favorite sells itself. But the brand got an unofficial pitchman during 2025 in the form of Hot Dog Harv (aka Harvey Hoops). The Cincinnati-area kid became an Internet sensation when  he unleashed his parody of pop star Chappell Roan’s hit “Hot to Go” called “Hot Dogs to Go.” Like any good artist, he followed it up with a second parody single based on Roan’s song “Pink Pony Club.” We defy you to watch Hot Dog Harv’s video for his

Local Flavor 
Those seeking a sampler of Ohio wines, spirits and beer all under one roof, can check out this new spot in Zanesville’s downtown arts district. Founded by Angela and Joe Bailey, along with Kenny and Tessa Dickerson, the 21-and-older A Taste of Ohio Wine, Bourbon & Beer features pour stations that allow patrons to try wine, spirits and beer from across the state, including options from Buckeye Winery in Newark, Land-Grant Brewing Co. in Columbus and the city’s own Y-Bridge Brewing Co. Even the cigar area features options rolled in nearby New Lexington. 524 Main St., Zanesville 43701, 740/297-4502, atasteofohiowbb.com

Vintage Flair 
Experience a blast from the past at Nice Life, a new retro cocktail bar in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Opened in October 2025 by hospitality group 4EG, the bar leans into a 1970s through ’90s vibe with a color-block dance floor, disco balls, neon lighting and a cosmic twist, which includes a life-size painted alien named Roxanne. Created with interior designer Michelle Pinales, Nice Life also features an illuminated back bar and a hidden patio mural by Technique2012 that is inspired by “The Martian.” Guests can sip seasonal drinks like the Saturday Night Cider or glitter-filled Mirrorball Drop shot. 1150 Main St., Cincinnati 45202, 513/381-0814, nicelifeotr.com

Wild Waters
Zoombezi Bay, the waterpark owned by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, isn’t just about adrenaline. It’s also about awareness. The park’s new Conservation Tower, which opened in June 2025, shows that a day on the slides can do more than raise your heart rate. It can support conservation work happening across Ohio.

The Conservation Tower is the first in the world themed around active wildlife initiatives. Each of the three slides connects to an Ohio program led by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The Hive spins riders through 720-degree helixes inside two massive “beehives,” pointing to the region’s pollinator protection efforts. Mussel Mayhem sends visitors twisting through face-to-face tubes that raise awareness about freshwater mussel conservation, while Captina Falls, a headfirst mat slide inspired by Captina Creek, honors hellbender salamander research with “flying saucer” turns.

“Zoombezi Bay being the only water park in North America that is owned and operated by a zoo, we really wanted to kind of take the next step to name and theme an attraction after conservation efforts that the zoo is already doing,” says Anthony Sabo, vice president of Zoombezi Bay.

That message extends far beyond the splash. About 20% of Zoombezi Bay’s gate revenue supports the zoo’s wildlife programs, and the new slides invite waterpark visitors to engage more deeply with that mission. 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell 43065, 614/645-3400, zoombezibay.com

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s New North America Trek Highlights Native Wildlife
This new habitat at the popular Columbus-area attraction gives visitors a close-up look at some of the animals who share our geographically diverse continent with us.

Tropical Getaway 
Southeast Ohio is widely known for its wild side thanks to a mix of foothills and forests, but now it’s also home to a new tropical-style getaway. Casey and Natalie Bott founded The Treehouses at Owl Hollow in 2023 and opened a third unit known as the Conservatory at Owl Hollow in fall 2025.  

Located on 20 acres in Monroe County, the newest Airbnb getaway offers a tropical oasis that provides seclusion from the outside world. The Conservatory at Owl Hollow aims to resemble a Costa Rican retreat, from the custom-made, gecko-shaped interlocking paving stones to the indoor pool that is kept at 90 degrees year-round. 

“[Natalie] lived in the Virgin Islands for a decent amount of time; I lived in south Florida, so we lived in tropical environments,” says Casey Bott. “We don’t really like the cold.”

Tropical plants sourced from Jupiter, Florida, solidify the conservatory feel, from miracle fruit and jaboticaba trees to the bamboo used for the stair railings. Privacy is key to the experience, too, with each of the Botts’ properties largely out of sight of one another.

“They’re all strategically positioned on the land with the creek in certain positions where it provides plenty of buffer,” Bott says. “We wanted to give that [privacy]. … I was like ‘We need a football field in between each unit.’” For more information, call 740/213-7924 or visit owlhollowtreehouses.com.

Feel-Good Moment: Pudge Power
We don’t know how Freddy and Frieda Falcon feel about it, but Pudge, Bowling Green State University’s “mas-cat,” made headlines this year, after receiver Finn Hogan shared a video of the cat hanging out in Bowling Green’s locker room on social media. An exotic, short-hair Persian cat, Pudge belongs to Bowling Green long snapper George Carlson, but the cat’s grumpy-looking face and seemingly chill demeanor made him a media sensation in fall 2025, garnering him attention from ESPN, People and “Good Morning America.” Bowling Green’s local T-shirt company, BG Memories even made Pudge T-shirts. Despite a 2-1 start, the Pudge mojo didn’t last, as the Falcons finished the season at 4-8. 

Splash Zone
Amusement parks and waterparks are summer soulmates, so when Kings Island in Mason announced its Soak City was adding Splash River Junction and a new RiverRacers water coaster in summer 2025, we were ready to get in line. The additions bring a children’s play area with seven new kids slides, a water tower visitors can drench themselves under and the first dual-racing water coaster in the state. RiverRacers riders board side-by-side rafts before they’re launched down the first drop. Along the way, there is a tunnel and a few turns as they race to see who crosses the finish line first. 6300 Kings Island Dr., Mason 45034, 513/754-5700, sixflags.com/kingsisland/soak-city

Air Time 
The world’s largest bounce house looks like a cartoon castle dropped onto a hillside. Step through the main entrance, though, and the sheer scale of it hits you. Over 23,000 square feet of inflatable rooms, slides and obstacles stretch out farther than seems possible.

“It usually blows most people away how big it is in there,” says Kyle Barger, co-owner of the Hocking Hills Family Fun Center in Rockbridge, where the bounce house is located. 

The space isn’t just huge, it’s full of activities for kids and adults alike. Race across two obstacle courses and enjoy a ride down the giant slide. Then, take a breather in the shade on an inflatable sectional couch or challenge yourself in the sports arena or climbing tower. With so much to explore, it’s no surprise the bounce house has been a draw since it opened in May 2025.  

“The last thing we want is for somebody to kind of feel like they’ve been there and they’ve done that, so it’ll continue to evolve and get bigger. … ” Barger says. “I’m a father of five, so selfishly, I’m always trying to build something that my kids are going to think is super fun.” 26633 Main St., Rockbridge 43149, 740/385-4449, hockinghillsfun.com

Killer Video Pays Homage to Vintage Horror and VHS Culture
This museum in downtown Akron embodies the look and feel of a 1980s mom-and-pop movie rental store and offers guided tours that share the spirit of the VHS era.

Marquee Makeover
The 1920s were a golden age for theater construction. No expense was spared in building the movie palaces of the era, and many were constructed as “atmospheric theaters,” designed to evoke places far away from the venue’s actual location.

One of the most unusual can be found in Bellefontaine. The Holland Theatre, as the name implies, resembled the Dutch hometown of architect Peter M. Hulsken, featuring building facades and turning windmills on the walls. It’s believed to be the only Dutch atmospheric theater that still exists, and it might have been the only one ever built. 

The venue followed the path of most small-town theaters, being turned into a multiplex and then closing in 1998 when a new theater was built on the outskirts of town. But the building remained, and little by little, it came back to life. The roof was repaired, stars returned to the ceiling and new seats were installed, but something was still missing. 

The theater’s original marquee had been removed in the 1950s because it stuck out too far into the street, according to Kris Swisher, president of the theater board. Thanks to a grant from the Wisconsin-based Jeffris Family Foundation, a sell-a-bulb public fundraising campaign, and a benefit that included a performance by comedian Dave Chappelle, who lives in Yellow Springs, the new marquee lit up last summer.

“We knew the last piece of historic renovation was the marquee,” Swisher says. “The front of the theater looked like nothing lived there.” 127 E. Columbus Ave., Bellefontaine 43311 937/592-9002, theholland.org

Railway Retreat
For nearly 150 years, Cindy Hayes’ family hasowned a spread of land in Athens County. Nowcovering a total of more than 2,600 acres, the property once had railroad track running across it. Everythingfrom the B&O to circus trains passed through, and today, an assortment of brightly colored cabooses can be found at what is now known as Hideaway on the Hocking. The red, yellow, blue, green and brown cabooses (each with colors true to their original lines: the Missouri Pacific,Chessie, Norfolk & Western, Reading and Santa Fe, respectively) had their first full rental season for overnight stays in 2025, and each features a covered deck. 740/764-4684, hideawayonthehocking.com

Feel-Good Moment: Hometown Hero
When Travis Kelce was playing high school football in Cleveland Heights, he never could have anticipated the 2025 he would have. First, the three-time Super Bowl champion got engaged to pop star Taylor Swift in August, following one of the most public celebrity courtships maybe ever. Then, in October, he made headlines as part of the investor group that garnered a 9% interest in Six Flags, which owns Cedar Point in Sandusky. “So many memories from this place,” Kelce said in an Oct. 21, 2025, Instagram post. “… So crazy to even imagine this is real, but you gotta love it when life comes full circle.” 

Instant Home
In Wapakoneta, there’s an Airbnb listing for a concrete house, which is rare in and of itself. But it’s also billed as the first 3D-printed home built in Ohio. Melissa Metz, who lists the house, says its sheer novelty has inspired people to rent it, adding that overnight guests are surprised at how homey it can be, thanks in part to its heated floors. Her husband co-owns the company that made the house, Sustainable Concrete Innovations. The home was 3D printed on-site from a basic cement mix. Walls can go up in a week, and it can be under roof in two weeks. airbnb.com

Joy Valley Nature Preserve Protects Thousands of Acres in Appalachian Ohio
A partnership between the Athens Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy ensures nearly 3,000 acres in Appalachian Ohio are protected for future generations.

Historic Flavor
Located on the first floor of Mount Vernon’s historic Woodward Opera House, Bickerdyke Table & Tap opened in summer 2024, and offers dinner and drinks against a backdrop of history. Co-owned by Margaret Lewis and Joel Gunderson, the establishment spans a main restaurant in the front and a taproom in the back and carries a name that honors Mount Vernon’s own Mary Ann Bickerdyke. Better known as Mother Bickerdyke, she delivered medical supplies during the Civil War and inspired the taproom mural of a woman delivering beer on horseback. 109 S. Main St., Mount Vernon 43050, 740/462-0900, bickerdyketable.com

Explore Lake Erie Wildlife at Put-In-Bay’s New Aquatic Visitor Center
This South Bass Island destination transformed a former fish hatchery on South Bass Island into an educational center that offers visitors a close-up look at wildlife.

Putt Perfect 
Mini golf isn’t just for kids anymore. In fact, this 12,000-square-foot indoor mini golf course and bar in Lakewood’s Birdtown neighborhood allows only those 21 and older in after 7 p.m. Premiering in January 2025, Birdietown Mini Golf + Lounge features a pair of distinct nine-hole miniature golf courses across the building’s two levels. Both offer unique features, such as putting greens that climb the wall or a Skee-Ball-themed finale.  

Each hole was designed and built to fit with the building’s existing architecture, resulting in courses that present a fun challenge for both kids and adults. The interior is awash in shades of green, and elegant touches like art deco light fixtures and gold trim combine to create a space that feels sophisticated and swanky without being pretentious. 

Between putts, patrons can browse menus for craft cocktails that sport punny, golf-themed names such as Water Hazard and Victory Lap, as well as elevated gastropub fare. 

“You should be ready to have fun,” says founder and owner Tim Frazee. “That’s what the space is all about. …. We wanted to create a place for adults to just escape day-to-day life and go have a good time.” 12501 Madison Ave., Lakewood 44107, 440/857-2911, birdietowncle.com

Island Escape 
When the Lonz Mansion on Middle Bass Island opened for overnight guests and visitors in May 2025, its first ones in nearly 50 years stayed in the home’s upstairs rooms, read books on its porch and relaxed in the lake breezes. The first floor of the mansion operates as a house museum with period furniture and some original belongings of  the home’s longtime owners, George and Fannie Lonz, who also owned Lonz Winery on the island. 

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources spent $3.9 million to restore the home, which had sat empty for decades and was so dilapidated it was nearly torn down. The renovation approximates how George and Fannie kept the house, and it created another Middle Bass Island State Park attraction to pair with the nearby former winery building and pavilion. The mansion, a Victorian structure built in 1906, is open May through September. 

“We want people to live the history and really feel it and absorb it,” says Ohio Department of Natural Resources director Mary Mertz, who was very involved in the restoration. “We were really pleased. We had great bookings. We look forward to this summer now that people know about it.” 1719 Fox Rd., Middle Bass Island 43446, lonz-mbi.com

The Rumpled Queen Blends Elegant Dining With Family History
Chef Annie Gano worked at restaurants in Chicago, New York and Paris before returning home to open this upscale dining spot in the building where her mom and dad had their first date.

New Thrill
With 18 roller coasters, it could be hard to impress folks who have been going to Cedar Point for years, but the Sandusky amusement park always manages to outdo itself with each thrill ride it unveils. Such was the case with Siren’s Curse, which debuted in summer 2025 and is themed after the lore of mysterious creatures that live beneath the surface of Lake Erie. But who needs creepy legends when you have a ride that tilts riders at 90 degrees on a “broken off” section of track before dropping them into a ride that has 13 weightless moments and two 360-degree barrel rolls as it races over 2,966 feet of track. cedarpoint.com

River Gallery Project Plans to Bring Vibrant Murals to Toledo Waterfront
Building on the success of the Glass City River Wall, artist Dean Davis’ latest project aims to bring 23 additional works to the Toledo riverfront.

Feel-Good Moment: Game Changer
The biggest basketball news in Cleveland in 2003 was the arrival of LeBron James as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. But that year, the city also lost its WNBA team, the Cleveland Rockers, due to struggling ticket sales. Twenty years changes things. The rise of superstar Caitlin Clark, who joined the WNBA’s Indianapolis Fever in 2024, has helped women’s professional basketball reach a new level. In June 2025, the league announced it would expand to 18 teams by 2030. One of them will be in Cleveland and begin play in 2028. No word yet on a team name but we would be good with a Rockers reboot. wnba.com