
Founded in 1812 with the intention of making it the capital of Ohio, Columbus was always destined for greatness. Over the last two centuries, as Columbus has grown to become the most populous city in the state, it has developed a rich tradition of historical and cultural significance.
Heritage Treasures Day on Monday, January 11 is a perfect occasion to cherish the legacy of Columbus with a visit to these local historic sites.
1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203
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The glory of nature is on full display at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Visitors can explore 13 acres of gardens, seasonal displays, and art exhibits, including a collection of glass works by noted artist Dale Chihuly. Kids and adults alike are fascinated by the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, which features an apiary, rose pavilion, and berry house. The John F. Wolfe Palm House, located on the grounds, dates back to 1895. Admission is $19 for adults and $12 for kids ages 3-12. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.
480 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Founded in 1878 under the name Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts, the Columbus Museum of Art has a long tradition of making great art accessible to the local community. Their extensive collection of American and European works focuses on contemporary art, folk art, glass, and photography. Families love "Think Outside the Brick," CMA's annual spring exhibit of LEGO® creations, including a giant model of Columbus. Entrance fee is $18 for adults and $9 for students and kids ages 4-17. Tickets must be purchased in advance. CMA is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursday.
588 S. 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215
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A simple trip across a highway bridge transports you to old-world Europe in a matter of minutes. German Village is no commercially-created tourist attraction. This historic district was settled in the mid-1800s by German immigrants, who at one time made up one-third of the city's population. The lack of high-rise buildings and driveways are features from the days of quaint, close-knit neighborhoods where people walked everywhere and homes were often occupied by multiple families. Many of the streets still bear the original brick pavers. The sights and sounds of German Village are well worth multiple visits.
1 Capitol Sq., Columbus, OH 43215
A trip to the Ohio Statehouse serves a two-fold purpose. In addition to serving as the central location for the business of governing Ohio, the building is a stunning example of the Greek Revival style of architecture that was so predominant during the 18th century. Between stretches of bitter winter weather and struggles for funding, construction took 22 years. The Statehouse finally opened for legislative activity in 1857 and the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Visitors may take self-guided tours weekdays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
260 N. Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Housed in an authentically restored 1908 engine house, the Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center uses interactive programs to offer entertaining and educational lessons on fire safety. Displays of firefighting apparatus throughout the years trace the development of equipment as it has become safer and more effective. Boots the Fire Mouse is on hand to greet kids as they enjoy the play area. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children. The Museum is open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
800 Alum Creek Dr., Columbus, OH 43205
Hanford Village was incorporated in 1909, but its true prominence came in 1946 with the development of the George Washington Carver Addition. This suburb of Cape Cod houses was marketed to African-American veterans of World War II. As a result, these men and women and their families had the opportunity to settle in a thriving, supportive middle-class neighborhood. Some members of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen made their home in Hanford Village while stationed at nearby Lockbourne Army Air Force Base.
886 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201
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Short North Arts District, nestled between downtown Columbus and the OSU campus, is a hip neighborhood of colorful murals, trendy boutiques and hot restaurants. The district is also home to a slice of Columbus history in Victorian Village, the neighborhood's residential area. One of the more notable examples of Victorian architecture is Sells House, built by one of the owners of the Sells Circus, leading to the nickname "Circus House." Nearby is Cocoa Manor, another whimsically-named house that was home to the owners of Anthony Thomas Candy.
3141 McKinley Ave., Columbus, OH 43204
In pre-Columbian times, the Adena culture was a group of Native American societies living in Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana that shared a number of ceremonial rituals. Shrum Mound in Campbell Park is one of the last cone-shaped Adena burial mounds remaining in Columbus. The mound itself is 20 feet high and 100 feet around, named for the family that donated the land, while the park is named for James E. Campbell, governor of Ohio from 1890 to 1892.
1234 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205
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See how "the other half" used to live with a trip to view the homes in the East Broad Street Historic District. Most prominent among these elegant houses is the Old Governor's Mansion, also known as the Lindenberg Mansion after the man who originally built the residence. Another landmark is the High Victorian-style Kappa Gamma National Headquarters, constructed in 1852.
586 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215
While Kelton House Museum & Garden is a striking example of art and architecture from the 19th century, the site has a much greater historical importance. The home of Fernando Cortez and Sophia Stone Kelton served as a stop on the iconic Underground Railroad. Fugitive slaves found a haven in these waystations on their journey toward freedom. Grace Kelton, granddaughter of Fernando and Sophia, bequeathed the home to the city of Columbus for educational use. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for college students and $3 for K-12 students. The museum is closed in January, but make plans to visit when they reopen on Thursday, February 4.
What modern Columbus site do you think will become part of the city's history for future generations?

Did you know the Center of the World is in Ohio? Yes, there actually is an unincorporated community by that name near Youngstown, not far from the Pennsylvania state line.
But there are a number of truly compelling reasons why one of the state's slogans is, "Center of the Universe." If you're looking for a new home in 2021, here are a dozen fascinating features that make a great case for finding it in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, or Cincinnati.
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Chili is a dish that lends itself to a wide range of ingredients and preparations. But Cincinnati still managed to put itself on the culinary map with a unique version that keeps people coming back for more. More of a sauce than a stew or soup, Cincinnati chili is almost always served on top of hot dogs or spaghetti noodles. Unexpected seasonings such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and chocolate give the chili a Mediterranean flavor. Order it 3-way topped with cheddar cheese, add onions or beans to make it 4-way, or go for the works with 5-way.View this post on Instagram
Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati: which one is the perfect fit for you?

Hartville is a historic village that's home to approximately 3,000 people, and each year this charming spot draws upwards of two million visitors. Explore the delights Hartville has to offer with this look at how to spend a fun 24 hours in this popular community.
3631 Swamp St. NE, Hartville, OH 44832
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Visit Quail's Covey Bed & Breakfast and you'll truly enjoy the comforts of home. The stunning Tudor-style house features a comfy great room and cozy sunroom where you can read, play games or simply relax. Stroll the peaceful grounds and view the gardens, waterfall, koi pond, and bass-filled lake with swans Gracie and George. Fall asleep to the sounds of waterfalls and wildlife, then wake to the scent of Charlotte's homemade apple dumplings. Call 330.312.0083 for reservations.
953 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
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Visiting Hartville became even more convenient with the opening of Comfort Suites Hartville-North Canton, the first hotel of any kind in the area. Pet-friendly Comfort Suites is within walking distance of the famous Marketplace & Flea Market, hardware store, and other Hartville attractions. Hotel amenities include free WiFi and hot breakfast, flat-screen TVs, fitness center, heated pool, and hot tub. Call 330.587.4347 for reservations.
1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
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Recognized as one of the top 20 flea markets in the United States, family-owned Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2019. The 12-acre grounds, largest in the country, accommodate 1,000 vendors displaying everything from antiques to collectibles to fresh produce. There's also a full calendar of events such as specialty markets, craft workshops, and movie nights. Weather isn't cooperating? No problem! Spend the day browsing the three-acre indoor marketplace, which includes dozens of vendors along with Sarah's Market Fresh Grill and The Coffee Mill. Hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
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From jewelry by Alex and Ani and Pandora, to bags from Vera Bradley and Brighton, The Shops at Hartville Kitchen have something for everyone. Shop for gifts or treat yourself to figurines by Swarovski, shoes by Crocs, or apparel from Life is Good. Don't forget to browse the Children's Shoppe for toys, clothing, and other essentials. The Shops at Hartville Kitchen is open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Saturday.
1315 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH, 44632
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Hardware stores may not be on the must-see list in other cities, but Hartville Hardware & Lumber is on a level of its own. Founded in 1947 as a general farm store, Hartville Hardware has grown to become the largest independent hardware store in the country. With nearly seven acres under its roof, the store includes unique features such as Idea House, a complete 1,850-square-foot showcase home, and the Row House, a facade of various architectural styles. Check out the Farm and Pet area, which features a section of the original livestock auction barn from Hartville Hardware's humble beginnings. Hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday.
127 Mill St. SE, Hartville, OH 44632
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Tired of looking at the same things in national clothing store chains? It's easy to put together a one-of-a-kind wardrobe at Best Bib and Tucker. Mother-and-daughter team Barb and Megan Wise's stylish boutique combines high-fashion consignment items with a carefully curated selection of jewelry, handbags, and accessories from their buying trips to Chicago. Sign up for the BBT newsletter and get birthday discounts, secret sales, and other perks. Hours are 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
115 S. Prospect Ave., Hartville, OH 44632
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Peace, Love & Little Donuts is the result of a fortunate mistake made by founders Ron and Marci when their used fryer produced tennis ball-sized cakes. By the time the couple realized they had simply assembled the machine incorrectly, they had a hit on their hands. The range of creative flavors, including salted caramel macchiato, Fruity Pebbles, and Robert Brulee, is enough to make Homer Simpson's head spin. Phone ahead and your order will be ready for pickup when you arrive. Hours are 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sunday.
1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
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Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery is part of the same family-owned group operating Hartville Hardware, Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market and Hartville Collectibles. After more than 50 years, Hartville Kitchen is still serving tasty homemade meals created from the recipes handed down by grandma Soloma Miller. The menu features comfort food classics such as hot roast beef sandwiches, chicken noodle soup, and breaded pork chops. Don't leave without pastries, pie, or breads from the onsite bakery. Plan a special night out at one of Hartville Kitchen's dinner shows featuring comedians, musical actsm and tribute bands. Hartville Kitchen is open 11 p.m. - 8 p.m. every day but Wednesday and Sunday.
733 W. Maple St., Hartville, OH 44632
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Italian restaurants are appropriate for every occasion from a family dinner to a romantic date night for two. In fact, true love led to the opening of Carlo's Trattoria when the restaurant's namesake met his future wife on a cruise ship and followed her back to her hometown of Hartville. Carlo's signature dish is the plate-sized stromboli, a turnover-style sandwich loaded with cheese, sauce, and fillings. Other customer favorites include chicken Parmigiano and lasagna. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 9 p.m. Sunday.
13480 Congress Lake Ave. NE, Hartville, OH 44632
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When you want to spend some quiet time away from it all, you're just minutes from scenic Quail Hollow Park. Explore the 700 acres of meadows, marshes, and woods on foot, horseback, or mountain bike or try your luck fishing in Shady Lane Pond. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails. The nature center is open weekends for live animal exhibits and interactive educational programs. Cross-country skiing, skating, and sledding are available Saturdays and Sundays during winter for a minimal fee. Quail Hollow Park is open sunrise to sunset seven days a week.
Which activities in Hartville will capture your fancy?

Powerful yet serene, waterfalls are the masterworks in Mother Nature's portfolio. Dramatic shots of waterfalls are often featured as highlights on travel and nature shows, giving them an exotic appeal. But you may be surprised to learn there are a number of breathtaking waterfalls on display within a two-hour drive from Cincinnati.
With summer on the way, it's the perfect time to plan some exciting day trips. Add these locations around Cincinnati to your list and prepare for some great waterfall viewing.
11450 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241
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The natural delights of Sharon Woods are so spectacular that you'll find it hard to believe you're only 20 minutes outside of Cincinnati. As the oldest of the Great Parks of Hamilton County, Sharon Woods features not one but three waterfalls, including Buckeye Falls and the Lower Falls. See all three along the Gorge trail, which is less than a mile long with low difficulty. Park admission is free, but there is a $3 parking fee for Hamilton County residents. Sharon Woods is open daily from dawn to dusk.
110 Covington Ave., Ludlow Falls, OH 45339
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Many waterfalls are found in parks or nature reserves, but Ludlow Falls is part of a picturesque rural landscape in the small town with the same name. Just over an hour's drive from Cincinnati, the waterfall is under a bridge right by the post office, so it can go unnoticed by travelers. Follow the path from the nearby park for best access. With a 15-foot drop, Ludlow Falls is definitely a hidden gem in the area.
4326 Hayden Run Rd., Dublin, OH 43017
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Hayden Falls sits slightly north of Columbus, approximately two hours away from Cincinnati, and it's definitely worth a road trip. A boardwalk and overlook, with the backdrop of the 35-foot waterfall, allows for scenic photo opportunities. The gorge habitat, with its array of rare and endangered plants, completes the picture. Hayden Falls is open 24/7, with convenient onsite parking.
700 Shawan Falls Dr., Dublin, OH 43017
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If you're heading out to Hayden Falls, double your fun with a stop-off at Indian Run Falls. Today the falls are mere minutes from downtown Dublin, but at one time the area was home to members of the Wyandot tribe, which is how the site got its name. Indian Run is actually two waterfalls, on the main and upper levels, which are traversed by a bridge. The City of Dublin has also added trails and observation decks to enhance visitors' experience. Hours are dawn to dusk, seven days a week.
9140 Covington-Gettysburg Rd., Covington, OH 45318
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Less than 90 minutes from Cincinnati, just past Dayton, you'll find the 92-acre Greenville Falls State Scenic Area. A network of trails leads visitors past historic features along the river, with interpretive signs explaining the significance of each one. The visual centerpiece is the 20-foot waterfall, where you may catch sight of wildlife populating the grounds. Water also left its mark forming a natural limestone arch along the river. Greenville Falls State Scenic River Area is open year-round from 8 a.m. - sunset.
2381 State Route 343, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
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Between Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve and adjacent John Bryan State Park, considered by many visitors to be the most beautiful state park in western Ohio, the village of Clifton is home to a number of natural delights. A series of waterfalls in the preserve, including Amphitheatre Falls, is formed by the Little Miami River passing through a 40-foot deep limestone gorge. After your visit, make a quick side trip to Clifton Mill, the largest of 47 remaining grist mills in the United States. A pair of man-made waterfalls tumble alongside the quaint building, presenting a charming picture of nostalgic Americana.
10211 Careytown Rd., New Vienna, OH 45159
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The alliterative and slightly redundant name of Fallsville Falls Wildlife Area is a throwback to a town from the past that no longer exists. Now this area, about an hour from Cincinnati, is known for the 15-foot waterfall that cascades stairstep-style in a small wooded gorge. As you enter the area via the gravel road leading from the parking lot, you'll hear the waterfall before you see it. Fallsville Falls is open 24//7 all year long.
1501 Green Rd., Madison, IN 47250
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Head over to neighboring Indiana, roughly an hour and 20 minutes away, and take in the quartet of waterfalls at Clifty Falls State Park. Big Clifty, Little Clifty, Tunnel Falls, and Hoffman Falls fluctuate with the weather and seasons, presenting an ever-changing display inviting multiple visits. Pick up a map at the Nature Center and take pictures of seven waypoints to complete the Four Falls Challenge. Park entrance fee for out-of-state vehicles is $9. Summer hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.
Which waterfalls around Cincinnati will you be chasing this year?

A breath of fresh air and the open road does us all good every now and then. For anyone trying to balance the need to maintain distance from others with a desire to get out and explore, a scenic drive might be just the answer.
If that sounds like you, then Northeast Ohio is a great place to be. Be sure to check out these amazing historical buildings on your driving tour in the Cleveland area!
4308 Franklin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Commonly known as Franklin Castle, the Tiedemann House has overlooked Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood from its perch on the north side of Franklin Boulevard for more than 125 years. This spectacular stone mansion is a prime example of Victorian architecture in the American Queen Anne Style, complete with turrets, gargoyles, and more than 80 windows. The Tiedemann House also has more than 20 rooms, including a ballroom that runs the entire length of the fourth floor. The house is rumored to be haunted and also to include as-yet-undiscovered secret rooms and passageways used by bootleggers during prohibition.
91 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113
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The Old Stone Church looks oddly out of place among the high rises that surround it in present-day Downtown Cleveland. It wasn't always that way. Cleveland was a very different city when this Presbyterian church was first dedicated in 1834. But even as time has moved on all around it, the Old Stone Church remains virtually unchanged. It's the oldest building on Public Square and the second-oldest church within the city limits. No visit to Cleveland is complete without taking some time to admire this incredible piece of living history.
614 W Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
A memorable high-rise office building in Downtown Cleveland, the Rockefeller Building was built between 1903 and 1905. Seventeen stories tall and massively wide, the building was one of the city's most imposing structures at the time of its completion. The famous American business magnate John D. Rockefeller oversaw the construction of the building, which partly swallowed up the Weddell House, its historical neighbor. The Rockefeller family sold the building to Cleveland businessman Josiah Kirby in 1920, only to buy it back shortly thereafter to prevent the name "Rockefeller" from being removed.
2203 River Road #9685, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
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Nestled in the quiet Cleveland suburb of Willoughby Hills, the Louis Penfield House was built in 1955 and designed by none other than famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. With its floating staircase and several walls made entirely of windows, the house has a number of features typical of Wright's unique architectural vision. Many of those windows offer incredible views across the home's 30-acre plot to the Chagrin River. And while there are a handful of Frank Lloyd Wright homes scattered across Northeast Ohio, the Louis Penfield House is the only one where guests can spend the night.
50 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113
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One of Cleveland's signature landmarks, the 52-story Terminal Tower was formally dedicated in 1930, after a long process of demolition, excavation, and construction that lasted four years. Built during the peak of the "skyscraper boom" in the '20s and '30s, Terminal Tower was the second-tallest building in the world when it opened its doors. Today, it's the second-tallest building in Cleveland (after Key Tower), and it remains one of the city's most recognizable structures, with hundreds of LED lights that illuminate the building's iconic spire in different colors throughout the year.
6709 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103
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Dunham Tavern is the oldest building in Cleveland. Originally built as a private residence by the Rufus and Jane Pratt Dunham family in 1824, the structure was expanded with the addition of a taproom. It was used for many years as a tavern and stagecoach stop, gradually falling into disrepair until it was purchased and restored by landscape architect A. Donald Gray in 1932. Dunham Tavern was then re-opened as a museum, which it remains to this day. Visiting the Dunham Tavern Museum is like stepping back in time, offering an unmatched glimpse into a time when Ohio was at the very edge of the Western frontier.
331 Market Ave. S, Canton, OH 44702
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Built in 1841 by the grandfather of Ida Saxton McKinley—first lady and wife of President William McKinley—the Saxton McKinley House is a beautiful Victorian building in Canton, Ohio. With its expansive porch and irregular massing, this incredible three-story brick house was Ida's childhood home. The couple lived there for years prior to his election as president and the house served as a stage for William's campaign. Today, it's the only surviving home with direct ties to the McKinleys in their hometown of Canton. The Saxton McKinley House is managed as a First Ladies National Historic Site and is home to the National First Ladies Library.
3649 E. 65th St., Cleveland, OH 44105
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Cleveland offers no shortage of spectacular churches, but few can match the grandeur of the St. Stanislaus Church. Known by the full name Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr, the church was built in 1873 and served Cleveland's growing Polish Catholic community. Many Polish immigrants settled in the part of Cleveland known then as Warszawa—today it's called Slavic Village—and the splendid architecture of St. Stanislaus Church was as prominent then as it is today. The church itself, as well as its surrounding neighborhood, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Northeast Ohio offers a rich history of architecture dating back centuries. Did we forget to mention your favorite Cleveland area landmark? Let us know in the comments section!