LISTEN TO THE WINDS OF YOUR SOUL

Loudonville, Ohio - ”I listen to the wind to the wind of my soul.”  Words from a song by 70′s rocker Cat Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam, from his song The Wind.  “These words are almost a slogan for Loudonville, heart of Mohican Country,” according to Bob Yun, Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau Director.  “Peaceful quiet is everywhere giving visitors numerous opportunities to re-connect with inner self and genuinely relax on their trip to Loudonville.” 

With 45 scenic miles of hiking trails, Mohican State Park is a centerpiece of quiet.  The Lyons Falls Trail snakes through the incredible Clear Fork Gorge, a National Natural Landmark.  Start at the iconic covered Bridge, read the historic marker.  Listen to restful breeze in the pine trees or branches rubbing against one another.  Feet fall on pine needles, glacial age stones, the leaves and twigs.  Watch a squirrel scurry up a tree and listen to water splash over the rocks in the river.  During the journey, stop for a moment.  Close your eyes and breath in the fragrant aroma of the forest. 

Hike to Big Lyons Falls with awesome rock cliffs more than 70 feet high above.  Hike the new steps up the rock face to see the trail from high above.  It was constructed with by volunteers and funded by grants, financial donations and materials.  Make your way past moss and lichen covered Little Lyons Falls to Pleasant Hill Lake.  Enjoy the Clear Fork Gorge from the Lake Dam looking 300 feet into the heavily forested river valley.  Wow!

Elsewhere in the park, seek out the quiet of the Gorge Overlook.  Enjoy the Gorge foliage, the only stand of trees surviving from glacial times.  You might even see an eagle riding the thermals from one of the two Gorge viewing platforms.  For breath-taking views of the Forest and surrounding countryside, climb the nearby 80 foot tall, depression era Fire Tower.

For a different Gorge perspective, ride a mountain bicycle or bridle trails around the rim.  Listen to the crunch of the tires or hoofs on the dirt trails.  The nine mile bridle trail is a favorite with area horse lovers.   Focus your mental energy on riding the top rated, challenging bicycle route.  The 24-mile trail is rated as the top mountain bicycle trail in Ohio.

Step back in time at the Wolf Creek Grist Mill, an authentic 1830′s mill that predates the industrial revolution.  The Mill property, part of Mohican State Park, is open all year long.  The Mill and Fromme Cabin are open most summer weekends and during special events.  Hike the trails, sit by the mill stream, enjoy the Mill grounds from the viewing platform behind the Mill.  The scenic ¾ mile loop trail is one of the steepest trails in the Mohican area.

Readers of Ohio Magazine named Mohican State Park as one of Ohio’s best places in Ohio for a picnic.  Mohican State Park and surrounding Forest has numerous pavilions for the family to grill hamburgers, hot dogs, and marshmallows with the kids.  Pavilions next to the main campground, at Overlook Gorge, and the North Park Area near the Forest Station are popular picnic spots.  The stores along South Market Street and downtown have all the food and supplies needed for great picnics.

Canoe Capital of Canoe, yes that’s Loudonville too.  Listen to the water lap again the canoe, the paddle breaking the river water.  Challenge the kids to see who can count the most frogs.  Enjoy the river scenery which ranges from riverside campgrounds, summer cottages, farm fields, and forests.  The area has six canoe liveries offering trips from 30 minutes to 2 or 3 hours.  Weekends are popular and can be busy.  Look for quite on the Mohican River on a canoe, raft, kayak, or tube on weekdays during the summer and weeklong in spring and fall. 

How about kicking back on a rocking chair or lounge chair on the porch of a cozy cabin?  The State Park and many area campgrounds offer cabins from basic to deluxe.  Sit around a campfire signing “Michael Row Your Boat a Shore” with the grandkids.  Enjoy the pop of the wood in the fire ring.  Feel the warmth on your face, yet your back is chilled by the cool evening air.  Sweatshirt time.  The laugher of kids playing old fashion board games is a perfect tonic for the times. 

Found the winds of your soul yet, Yun asks? “These are a few example your family can find and listen to the winds of your soul.”  No tablets, smart phones, laptops, MP3 players and hand-held video games.  Just the family, the love and enjoyment of nature in everyone’s soul, in Loudonville.  Restful, relaxing, rejuvenating.  An great affordable and close-by getaway from our hectic everyday lives. 

For more information on planning your family summer vacation in Loudonville and to request a free  2013 Getaway Planner, contact the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau toll-free at 877-2MOHICAN or email requests to Info@DiscoverMohican.com.  The 2013 Guide is packed with 52 pages of family fun including a  special canoe livery and Mohican State Park maps.   A virtual Getaway Planner Guide and River Report is also available on their web page, www.DiscoverMohican.com.

Submitted by:
Bob Yun, Executive  Director
Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau
131 W. Main Street, Loudonville OH  44842
419-994-2519    FAX 419-994-5950
www.DiscoverMohican.com

CANOE SEASON AND ZIP LINE OPEN IN LOUDONVILLE

 

Spring brings with it the swallows to Capistrano and the buzzards to Hinckley Ridge.  April also sees outdoor enthusiasts from all over returning to Ohio’s Canoe Capital, for the official beginning of canoe season in Loudonville.  And the town is ready to help visitors enjoy another great season on the gentle waters of the Mohican River.

 ”Since 1961, when the first canoe livery opened in Ohio, Loudonville has been among the most popular places for canoeing in Ohio,” explained Bob Yun, Executive Director of the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau.  “With six canoe liveries within minutes of downtown, the Mohican River offers a variety of trip experiences.  As the River has been designated a Scenic Byway, Mohican canoe trips are always scenic and memorable.” 

Length of canoe trips can vary from 30 minutes to two or three hours are popular, depending on the livery.  In addition, visitors have a choice of watercraft – canoes, kayak, tubes, or rafts.  As a Class One river, the Mohican usually flows gently and is forgiving for novices.

In April two liveries, Loudonville Canoe Livery in downtown Loudonville and Mohican Adventures are open seven days a week.  By early May all six liveries are open daily.  Check with your favorite livery for exact operating days and times.

To help visitors plan their Loudonville canoe trip, the Visitors Bureau’s web site provides a Mohican River Water Condition Report, which is updated daily throughout the season.  As river conditions can change quickly, it is always a good idea to check on current water conditions with a favorite livery.  In addition, the canoeing section on the home web page provides detailed information about each area livery.  Information includes operating season, hours, length of trips offered, type of water craft (canoe, kayak, raft, tube) and more.  The web site has hot links to each livery.  The canoeing season lasts until the end of October, depending on weather.

As most liveries offer group discounts, canoeing is affordable for families and a great activity for school and youth groups, family reunions, churches, even as a corporate team building.  Discounts are usually for 6 or more canoes or groups of 12 or more guests.  Reservations for these large groups are highly recommended any day of week.  Some liveries offer food service and facilities for groups.  A number of liveries provide camping, full service for RV’s, and cabins, so visitors can spend the night and also enjoy the many exciting activities in Mohican State Park and shopping in Loudonville’s Victorian downtown.  Five campgrounds also provide free shuttle service to area liveries.  Before the vacation season kicks in, now is a good time to make summer plans.

Last year a 28 mile section of the Mohican River was named a River Water Trail by the State of Ohio.  The Water Trail starts at the Visitors Info Center in Mohican State Park at the intersection of State Route 97 and 3.  The Trail travels south to the Kokosing River east of Mount Vernon.  A map has been produced detailing put-in and take-out locations along the River which includes available services such as drinking water, camping, parking, picnic facilities, restrooms and emergency phone numbers.  Maps are available for free at the Info Center and the Loudonville Visitors Bureau downtown office.

Canoeing is not the only seasonal outdoor activity now open in Loudonville.  Tree Frog Canopy Tours, northern Ohio’s only zip line, is scheduled to open in April too.  “Since Tree Frog opened in 2010, it has been a big hit with visitors.  They are looking forward to offering visitors an another thrilling season on Ohio’s“longest, highest, fastest” zip line,” Yun added.  April operating days and hours depends on the weather.

Guests zip through the tree tops by means of the zip lines, sky bridges, and rappels connected to platforms suspended hundreds of feet in the trees.  Tours last 2½ to 3 hours and include educational information about area nature and wildlife.  This year will again be popular, so reservations are always recommended, especially for busy summer weekends.  Discounts available for groups of 16 or more persons.  Special pricing for youngsters ages 10-17 is available Tuesday through Thursday, when accompanied by an adult.  Weekday adult discount pricing is also available.

For more information on planning your family summer getaway in Loudonville and to request a free  2013 Getaway Planner, contact the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau toll-free at 877-2MOHICAN or email requests to Info@DiscoverMohican.com.  The 2013 Guide is packed with 52 pages of family fun including a  special canoe livery map.   A virtual Getaway Planner Guide and River Report is also available on their web page, www.DiscoverMohican.com.

 

Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau

131 W. Main Street     Loudonville OH  44842

419-994-2519    FAX 419-994-5950

www.DiscoverMohican.com

LOUDONVILLE PACKED WITH GREAT SEPTEMBER FAIRS

Loudonville, Ohio -

 “Just because summer is winding down does not mean great family memories have ended in Loudonville, Heart of Mohican Country,” remarked Bob Yun, Executive Director of the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau.  “Overnight lodging is already filling up for Labor Day, so make reservations today for hotels, campgrounds, canoes, even the zip line.  But in Loudonville, back to school does not means our vacation season has ended.”

September is packed with a myriad of fairs, festivals and special events for the whole family.  The fun starts Labor Day weekend with the Mohican Traditions Arts & Crafts Festival September 1 in Central Park.  Hoping to strike it rich in a gold-panning competition, check out Gold Rush Days in Bellville September 1 and 2. 

The following weekend is Colonial Soldiers Weekend at Wolf Creek Grist Mill September 8-9.  The event includes colonial encampment, cannon demonstrations, wigwam building and more.  Enjoy trading demonstrations, even a battle re-creation.

The next weekend features three great events.  September 13 – 15 includes the Bluegrass Festival at Mohican Wilderness, one of the country’s leading festivals promoting high school bluegrass bands.  Just up  Wally Road at Mohican Reservation September 14-16 is the Great Mohican Pow-Wow.  This 28 year old favorite includes Native American dancing, story telling, drum competition, crafts, and traders.  North of Loudonville September 14-15 is Log Cabin Days at Hochstetler Mill.  Spend the day touring log homes, watch lumberjack competition, log cabin raising, log home related exhibitors, enjoy Amish food and much more.   Don’t forget the Greentown Commemoration & Resurrection September 15.  On the site of a native American village west of Perrysville, remember the unfortunate burning of Greentown during the War of 1812 and its rebirth today.

The last weekend of September includes Oktoberfest at Wolf Creek Grist Mill September 29.  Enjoy an Old World style German atmosphere with great food, live bands, and beer (wine tastings too.)  For a small fee transportation to and from participating hotels and campgrounds is available.  At nearby Malabar Farm State Park, September 29 and 30, is the 36th Ohio Heritage Days.  It is one of Ohio’s largest free outdoor craft and live-history festivals and is free of charge.  Enjoy crafts, primitives, antiques, horses, foods, live music, Civil War & Buck Skinners camp.  In Butler September 29 & 30 is the Prairie Peddler.  Over 170 traditional and modern craftsmen demonstrate and sell their handmade items in a beautiful wooded late 1877′s setting.  Enjoy homemade food, snacks and desserts prepared over open fires.  Live continuous musical entertainment too.

 ”Like we said, September is packed with an incredible variety of special events of interest to the entire family, ” Yun added.  “And just like Labor Day, make those September overnight reservations today.”  Of course, visitors can still enjoy a canoe trip, zip line, and in Mohican State Park hike, mountain bike, and ride a horse.  Loudonville’s quaint Victorian downtown shops will also be open to enjoy.

For more information on these and other events in Loudonville and to request a free 2012 Getaway Planner, contact the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau toll-free at 877-2MOHICAN or email requests to Info@DiscoverMohican.com.  Detailed information about all these fairs and festivals is also available at www.DiscoverMohican.com. 

Submitted by
Bob Yun
Executive Director
Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau
131 W. Main Street,  Loudonville OH  44842
419-994-2519

Escape to an Ohio Island

If you want to escape to a place that will make you feel that you have really left home, then may we suggest a little Island exploring on Put-in-Bay. Located in Lake Erie, Put-in-Bay is just one of four Islands. Put-in-Bay is home to the third tallest national monument as well a very popular destination for friends and families to enjoy a little Island paradise.

There are different ways to get to the Island during the summer. By private boat, plane or ferry. On our journey we chose to take Miller Ferry. A 20 minute ride over to Put-in-Bay. Whether you want to walk on the ferry, take a bike, car, camper or motorcycle, Miller Ferry can accommodate. We decided we would leave our car at the dock in the provided free parking area. (Miller Ferry departs Catawba End of Rt. 53 North, off Rt. 2. For GPS enter: 5174 East Water St. Port Clinton, Ohio, www.millerferry.com, 800-500-2421)

Once off the ferry we opted to rent a golf cart for our day’s exploration of the Island. We made our selection at E’s Golf Carts. E’s is a family-owned business located at the top of the Miller Boat Dock. They offer 2-4-6 and 8 passenger gas powered carts. They were extremely friendly and answered all
our questions. (419.285.5553)

If golf carts are not your idea, then Put-in-Bay also offers bicycles, taxis and an Island Train. (For more info see “Getting Around the Islands“.)

1st stop:
Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center
(979 Catawba Ave.)
Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center offers a wide arrange of things to do, such as Fort aMaze, Rock Climbing wall, 18-hole miniature golf, antique car museum and what we came for Perry’s Cave.

Perry’s Cave was originally discovered by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry during the War of 1812. The underground lake that is shown to the right was a resource for fresh drinking water for the troops. The tour of the limestone cave lasts about 20 minutes and is not handicapped accessible.

Butterfly House
(1/2 mile from downtown Catawba Ave.)
The butterfly house located next door to Perry’s Cave is a 4,000 sq. ft. aviary. Here you will experience butterflies flying all around as well as on you. There is an educational presentation available at no extra charge. Attached to the aviary is 5,000 sq. ft. gift shop filled with everything butterfly, garden gifts, nature gifts and more.

2nd stop:
Heineman Winery & Crystal Cave
The winery was founded in 1888 by Gustav Heineman. Besides the delicious wine created here, the Winery is also known for it’s Crystal Caves. The world’s largest geode was discovered in 1897 while the digging for a well. The walls of the cave are covered in strontium sulfate, a blueish mineral called celestite.

3rd stop:
Perry’s International Peace Memorial and Visitor’s Center
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial was erected on Put-in-Bay to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the War of 1812.

During our visit we were fascinated by the all the history located within the visitor center. Throughout the warmer season the visitor center offers various events such as free concerts and firing and living history demonstrations. The day we visited we were treated to a battlefield troop cooking demonstration.

4th stop:
The Boardwalk
(located on Bay View Ave, downtown)
All this touring can really work up an appetite. And one place that is a must stop on the Island is The Boardwalk. If you love seafood, then a bowl of their Famous Lobster Bisque is a must have. Another of our favorite dishes is the perch. If you do not like seafood they offer hamburgers and fries, nachos, salads and more.

If The Boardwalk does not interest you there are plenty of other wonderful places to dine.

5th stop:
Put-in-Bay Winery on the Doller Estate
(392 Bayview Drive)
Home tours and wine tasting.
Not only can you taste and enjoy the wine created at the winery you can tour the Doller House. This historic Victorian Italian ate Doller Mansion was home to Valentine Doller, one of the Island’s wealthiest and most influential citizens. During your tour of the home you will learn about island living and how the home evolved. Outside in a separate building you will get to see the last remaining ice house and a display of how winter travel across the ice evolved.

The Put-in-Bay Winery also offer an exhibit that follows the grape from its seed state to in the bottle. After your tour of the winery, visitors are welcome to a wine tasting and/or to shop their gift shop. You may also enjoy a glass of wine in their area garden or the panoramic front porch which offers a spectacular view of Lake Erie.

6th stop:
Stonehenge Historic Home Tour
(808 Langram Rd., Put-in-Bay)
During the 1800′s many grape growing farms and wineries prospered on the island. This beautiful historic landmark is just one of those estates that has been preserved and made available throughout the summer months to the public to tour. The stone home and wine press cottage are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the items you are able to view include island memorabilia and antiques from a time gone by. There is also a gift shop located on the premises where you will find many unique items.

7th stop: South Bass Island State Park
Catawba Ave. 419.285.2112
If you are looking to spend a little time with nature may we suggest the South Bass Island State Park? This beautiful campground includes 120 non-electric tent camping sites and eleven full service RV sites with electric and sewer hook-ups. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites. The park also offer the following amenities; a children’s playground, waterfront campsites, pier fishing, a pebble swimming beach, jet ski and watercraft rentals and snack and coffee shop.

Additional things to know:

• If you plan on staying on the island overnight, many of the local accommodations require a two night stay on the weekends.
• You will need a State Driver’s License for any Golf Cart Rentals
• Check out Miller Ferry’s website for coupons.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes!
• Make sure you check the ferry schedule for last departure.

Our future Put-in-Bay Island to do list:

• Parasailing
• A ferry jaunt to Middle Bass Island
• Learn about the famed Hotel Victory that once stood where the State Park now resides. Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum off Catawba Ave., downtown
• Kayak the Bay
• Jet Ski the Bay
• Take the tour Train
• Check out the Chocolate Museum

For additional information about Put-in-Bay please see our Lake Erie Island page.

For additional one day trip ideas click here.

1855 Original Put-in-Bay School House

“50 Ways to Enjoy Your Summer”

Every year we receive 100′s of emails asking for ideas of things to do over the summer in Northern Ohio.  With this in mind, we have come up with “50″ we hope inspiring ideas.

Not only have we come up with a list of “50″ things to do, we challenge you to grab your family and friends and see how many you can accomplish over the summer.  And if you decide to take on all or part of this summer challenge, we would appreciate you sharing a few of your photos as well as your comments on our Facebook account.

Time to get up and explore our Ohio!

1. See a Cleveland Orchestra Concert at Blossom Music Center
   (Summit County)
2. Check out the animals at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rain Forest (Cuyahoga County) 
3. Inspect the art at the Cleveland Art Museum (Cuyahoga County)
4. Take a train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (Summit County)
5. Spend a day shopping on our country’s first paved coast-to-coast road, the Lincoln Highway, for the annual Buy-Way Yard Sale. (August 9-11, 2012) (Wayne County)
6. Ride the hand carved carrousel at Richland Carrousel Park 
   (Richland County)
7. Take a ride on the St. Helena III Canal Boat, Canal Fulton (Stark County)
8. Experience the sites and smells of the Cleveland Botanical Gardens (Cuyahoga County)
9. Go charter fishing on Lake Erie. (Check Lake County Visitor Bureau listings)
10. Experience “Trumpet in the Land”, Ohio’s premier and longest running outdoor theatre production (Tuscarawas County)
11. Take a Miller Ferry Boat ride to Put-in-Bay and enjoy Lobster Bisque from The Boardwalk
12. Relive history at Century Village Museum (Geauga County)
13. Take an authentic Amish Buggy ride at Ma and Pa’s.
14. Go on a ghost tour of Lake County History Center (Lake County)
15. Reflect at the beauty and history found at Lakeview Cemetery and visit the Garfield Monument (Cuyahoga County)
16. Take a behind the scenes tour of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (Summit County)
17. Check out the planes at the MAPS Air Museum (Stark County)
18. Explore the home and grounds of President James A. Garfield (Lake County)
19. Enjoy an ice cream sundae and home tour at The Hower House Victorian Mansion’s Annual Ice Cream Social – July 15, 2012 (Summit County)
20. Take in an Indians baseball game (Cuyahoga County)
21. Get inspired by the gardens at the Holden Arboretum (Lake County)
22. Visit Brandywine Falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Summit County)
23. Enjoy exploring historic Zoar Village
    (Tuscarawas County)
24. Enjoy any one of the Ashtabula County Wineries. (Ashtabula County)
25. Catch up on your Rock-n-Roll history at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cuyahoga County)
26. Enjoy a pancake breakfast with real maple syrup in Burton Ohio – Pancake USA (Geauga County)
27. Check out the 64 ebony, ivory and walnut train carvings at the Warther Museum (Tuscarawas County)
28. Enjoy a FREE concert at a local park.
29. Enjoy a canoe ride at Mohican Adventures. (Mohican-Loudonville)
30. Take a bike ride in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
31. Shop at an area Farmer’s Market
32. Get scared on a ghost hunt at the Ohio State Reformatory. (Richland County)
33. Sample cheese at the various Cheese factories in Amish Country
    (Holmes County)
34. Watch a cowboy mounted shooting exhibition at NoOutlaws (Wayne County)
35. Enjoy a play at Playhouse Square, Rabbit Run Theatre, Porthouse Theatre or The Weathervane Theatre
36. Watch real native Indians at the Great Mohican POW-WOW
    (July 13-15, 2012) (Mohican-Loudonville)
37. Drive to Geauga County and enjoy a delicious Amish pie.
38. Step into the past at Lanterman’s Mill, explore an old log cabin and all the geologic history of Mill Creek Metroparks. (Mahoning County)
39. Explore Marblehead Lighthouse. In use since 1822, this is the oldest continually operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. (Erie County)
40. Venture down into the USS Cod Submarine. (Cuyahoga County)
41. Go camping at an Ohio State Park or any of our wonderful local parks.
42. Experience an Ohio County Fair.
43. Fly thru tree tops on a Zip Line. (Mohican-Loudonville)
44. Explore Ohio’s first settlement – Schoenbrunn (Tuscarawas County)
45. Play with duct tape at the Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival (June 15-17, 2012)
46. Take a picture by all the covered bridges in Ashtabula County (Ashtabula County)
47. Check out all the “Twins” at the Twins Day Festival  (August 3-5, 2012) (Summit County)
48. Enjoy an old-fashioned drive-in movie. (Medina County)
49. Take a Northcoast Grapevine Wine Tour.
50. Try a different type of church festival – The 49th Annual St. Joseph’s Ox Roast Fair , Mantua
    (July 20-22, 2012) (Portage County)

For further information about any of the above summer ideas or for more ideas see  NorthernOhioTourism.com.

ANOTHER SEASON OF OUTDOOR FUN BEGINS IN LOUDONVILLE

Loudonville, Ohio

Spring brings with it the swallows to Capistrano and the buzzards to Hinckley Ridge.  April also sees outdoor enthusiasts from all over returning to Ohio’s Canoe Capital, for the official beginning of canoe season in Loudonville.  And the town is ready to help visitors enjoy another great season on the gentle waters of the Mohican River.

“Since 1961, when the first canoe livery opened in Ohio, Loudonville has been among the most popular places for canoeing in Ohio,” explained Bob Yun, Executive Director of the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau.  “With six canoe liveries within minutes of downtown, the Mohican River offers a variety of trip experiences.  As the River has been designated a Scenic Byway, Mohican canoe trips are always scenic and memorable.” 

Length of canoe trips can vary from 45 minutes to 3 days, depending on the livery.  In addition, visitors have a choice of canoes, kayak, tubes, or rafts.  As a Class One river, the Mohican usually flows gently and is forgiving for novices.

Last year heavy winter run-off and spring rains saw the Mohican River closed for weeks. This year the River is open for visitors to enjoy.  In April two liveries are open seven days a week.  By early May all six liveries are open.

To help visitors plan their Loudonville canoe trip, the Visitors Bureau’s web site provides a Mohican River Water Condition Report, which is updated daily throughout the season.  As river conditions can change quickly, it is always a good idea to check on current water conditions with a favorite livery.  In addition, the canoeing section on the home web page provides detailed information about each area livery.  Information includes operating season, hours, length of trips offered, type of water craft (canoe, kayak, raft, tube) and more.  The web site has hot links to each livery.  The canoeing season lasts until the end of October, depending on weather.

As most liveries offer group discounts, canoeing is affordable for families and a great activity for school and youth groups, family reunions, churches, even as a corporate team building.  Some offer food service and facilities for larger groups.  A number of liveries provide camping, full service for RV’s, and cabins, so visitors can spend the night and also enjoy the many great activities in Mohican State Park and shopping in Loudonville’s Victorian downtown.  Before the vacation season kicks in, now is a good time to make summer plans.

Canoeing is not the only seasonal outdoor activity now open in Loudonville.  Tree Frog Canopy Tours, northern Ohio’s only zip line, opened April 14.  “Since Tree Frog opened in 2010, it has been a big hit with visitors.  They are looking forward to offering visitors an another thrilling season on Ohio’s “longest, highest, fastest” zip line,” Yun added.  A special early season $ 12 discount off regular prices is available for excursions booked and taken through May 25.   

Guests zip through the tree tops by means of the zip lines, sky bridges, and rappels connected to platforms suspended hundreds of feet in the trees.  Tours last 2½ to 3 hours and include educational information about area nature and wildlife.  This year will again be popular, so reservations are always recommended, especially for busy summer weekends.  Discounts available for groups of 16 or more persons.  Special pricing for youngsters ages 10-17 is available Tuesday through Thursday, when accompanied by an adult. 

For more information on planning your family summer getaway in Loudonville and to request a free 2012 Getaway Planner, contact the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau toll-free at 877-2MOHICAN or email requests to Info@DiscoverMohican.com.  The 2012 Guide is packed with 48 pages of family fun including a  special canoe livery map.   A virtual Getaway Planner Guide and River Report is also available on their web page, www.DiscoverMohican.com.

Submitted by:
Bob Yun, Executive Director
Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau
131 W. Main Street     Loudonville OH  44842
419-994-2519    FAX 419-994-5950
www.DiscoverMohican.com

Spring Break Is Not For Florida Anymore – Part 1

Loudonville – Camp & Canoe Capital of Ohio – this year a great place for spring break.  Starting April 1, yes April Fool’s Day, two of Loudonville’s six canoe liveries open 7 days a week.  Enjoy a leisurely trip down the Mohican River in a canoe or kayak.  Trips can last from 45 minutes to 3 hours, or more. 

How about a thrilling trip on northern Ohio’s only zip line, Tree Frog Canopy Tours, highest, fast, longest in Ohio!  Climb a tree with Natural Fit Outdoor Adventures, on the grounds of Tree Frog.  Hike on 45 miles of scenic trails in Mohican State Park.  The Lyon Falls Trails follows the incredible Clear Fork Gorge to Big & Little Lyons Falls on the way to the 300 foot tall Pleasant Hill Lake Dam.  Try Ohio’s best rated mountain bicycle trail, 24.5 challenging miles on top and through Clear Fork Gorge.  Local bicycle rental available. 

A visit to Malabar Farm State Park is always memorable.   Take a self-guided farm tour and enjoy 30 interactive exhibits in the Visitor Education Center.  For a small fee tour the Big House, the 32 room country home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Conservationist Louis Bromfield.  A short trip up the winding road  to Mt. Jeez, highest point in Richland County, rewards with a beautiful panorama of the Pleasant Valley with views of five counties!  Loudonville’s

Victorian downtown is full of unique shops from 125 year old hardware store, native American jewelery, art studios, quality Amish furniture, curio and keepsake shops.  Don’t miss a variety of restaurants that cater to every taste and prize.  If that weren’t enough, Loudonville is only minutes from the largest concentration of Amish in the country in nearby Holmes County.

There’s plenty to do in Loudonville-Mohican, so why not spend the night?  Cabins from basic to deluxe, Victorian bed-n-breakfast, motel, houses that were former family residences, a luxury resort, even a castle await.  Like to rough it?   Camping is available all year-round.  For more info on a close-by Spring Break greataway contact the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau toll-free at 1-877-2MOHICAN and www.DiscoverMohican.com.  About an hour or so south of Cleveland.

Spring Break Idea Part 1 submitted by:
Bob Yun, Executive Director, Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau
1-877-2MOHICAN (266-4422)
Email: BobYun@DiscoverMohican.com

2012 Medina County Ice Festival

The ice will be flying around the Historic Medina Square during President’s Day Weekend as Elegant Ice Creations and Main Street Medina present the 2012 Ice Festival, featuring the talents of Olympic Gold Medalist, Aaron Costic and other carvers from Elegant Ice. In cooperation with Main Street Medina, Excalibur Auto Body and Main Street Café, the 2012 festival will feature an ice carving competition, on-going demonstrations and the amazing Fire & Ice Tower. This family-friendly event, paid for by the generous sponsorships of local businesses, is free to the public. While most of the carving and demonstrations are done in the late afternoon and early evening, the sculptures will be illuminated at night and on view Friday evening through Monday, weather permitting. Aaron Costic, Olympic Gold Medalist in Ice Carving and owner of Elegant Ice, will place color-changing L.E.D. fixtures under each work of art. 

The Ice Festival begins on Friday night, February 17th at 5pm with carving demonstrations by Elegant Ice and Ice Carving Olympic Gold Medalist, Aaron Costic. Excalibur Auto Body presents the amazing “Fire & Ice” Tower at 7pm, when 20 blocks of ice are stacked into a tower, and lit from the inside with a blazing fire. The Festival continues on Saturday, February 18th with an Individual Ice Carving Competition sponsored by Main Street Medina from 1pm to 4pm and winners announced at 5pm. The event concludes on Monday, February 20th with the opportunity to view the works of art created for the competition, and to explore, dine, shop and discover all that the Historic District in Medina has to offer.

(Above article courtesy of  Main Street Medina)