A New Yorker or Californian who's never been to Ohio likely conjures up an image with plenty of barn silos, a dairy cow in every backyard, and perhaps a smoky skyline or two. That's not surprising, given that for centuries Ohio has been known as the "Gateway to the West." In truth the Buckeye State, which has reinvented itself over the last 40 years, is a beautifully balanced blend of not only everything Midwestern but also everything American.
From college and pro sports to ballet and theater, Ohio's got a lot to entice folks from out of town. There are history, science, art, and children's museums; and water parks north and south. There are gardens sheltering colorful butterflies and hundreds of varieties of roses. Food lovers relish the many ethnic eateries. Indoor and outdoor concerts pull in the biggest names around, while riverboats and dining cruises entertain you with games of chance and stage shows. Natural attractions and outdoor activities can be found in parks and along lakes and rivers throughout the state. Across the state each year, nearly 100 county and independent fairs and festivals make for even more fun.
