“March” Into Ohio With These Great Spring Activities
Warm up to spring-time events that offer a refreshing outlook on Ohio history, culture and outdoors
March is an especially exciting time in Ohio, as the birth of spring offers a number of ways visitors can enjoy the season in full bloom. Gather the family together and celebrate the luck o' the Irish in Dublin - Ohio, that is. Explore the surreal interaction between humans and animals through Francisco Toledo's artwork in the Glass City or flock to Hinckley for the return of one of Ohio's most famous natural phenomena. Or, if you're looking to be inspired by true girl power, commemorate Women's History Month in the heart of the state's capital.
Following is just a sampling of March events that make Ohio Too Much Fun for Just One Day! For more fun, spring-inspired travel ideas close to home, visit DiscoverOhio.com, follow @DiscoverOhio on Twitter or become a fan of the Ohio Tourism Division on Facebook at www.facebook.com/discoverohio.
Family Fun
Too Small to See, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton, now through May 2 (SW)
- Did you know that a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter? The "Too Small to See" exhibit offers visitors an eye-popping experience as they watch objects smaller than 100 nanometers come into focus right before their eyes. Visitors can stretch a molecule, dissolve a crystal and transport an atom while learning more about the exciting science of nanotechnology.
St. Patrick's Day Celebration, throughout Dublin, March 13 (C)
- You don't need to leave Ohio to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in true Irish style! Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Celebration offers a green-inspired weekend filled with a mile-long community parade complete with Irish bands, leprechauns, floats and more. Afterward, check out Dublin's historic district and shop for Irish imports or visit the local eateries for delicious Irish tea, tasty scones or savory Irish potato chowder.
Dresden Pajama Party, throughout Dresden, March 28 (SE)
- For the ultimate in comfort shopping, check out Dresden's annual Pajama Party. The event kicks off with a breakfast buffet at Popeye's Soda Shop followed by a "Best Dressed" contest for the most fashion-forward pajama patron. From 9 a.m. until noon, pajama-clad shoppers enjoy deep discounts at local shops. Throughout the event, participating stores also hide alarm clocks and offer a door prize to the lucky person who finds the clock when its alarm goes off.
Arts and Culture
Mexico's Toledo, Toledo Museum of Art, March 12 - May 9 (NW)
- World-renowned artist Francisco Toledo has moved millions with his contemporary work that examines a surreal world of indigenous animals interacting with humans in dream-like scenarios. This prolific exhibit showcases Toledo's aesthetics of nature and thorough knowledge of contemporary printmaking techniques such as etching, stenciling and graphic arts.
Celtic Lands Culture Fest, Cincinnati Museum Center, March 13 - 14 (SW)
- This Celtic-infused event offers visitors a variety of folklore and art from Ireland. Watch as Celtic dancers wow the crowds with their fancy footwork, listen to Celtic folk tales told by skilled storytellers or enjoy the beats and sounds of Celtic music performed by local musicians. Check out a number of vendor booths with authentic wares and take home a little piece of Ireland!
19th Annual River City Blues Festival, Lafayette Hotel, Marietta, March 19 - 20 (SE)
- Hear the sounds of authentic Mississippi and Louisiana blues right here in Ohio at this exciting celebration of blues music. Marietta's historic Lafayette Hotel is home to the River Cities Blues Festival, known for drawing blues musicians throughout the world, including The Kinsey Report and Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne.
Sports and Recreation
Greater Cleveland Auto Show, IX Center, Feb. 27 - March 7 (NE)
- Rev your engine at the auto show that features more than 40 manufacturers exhibiting hundreds of domestic vehicles, imports, concept cars, converters, classic cars and more. Themed, "Driving you to a Better Tomorrow," the event offers a number of new highlights, including the Ride-N-Drive Adventures, where participants can drive select cars, and a drawing to give away a 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS.
Arnold Sports Festival, throughout downtown Columbus, March 4 - 7 (C)
- Flex your fitness skills and knowledge at the largest multi-sports festival in the country inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger. See 17,000 athletes compete in more than 40 sports and events, including 13 Olympic sports. Other highlights include appearances by professional athletes, NFL stars, celebrity fitness trainers, and new for 2010, skateboarding, amateur strongman and amateur mixed martial arts events.
Buzzard Sunday, Hinckley Reservation, Hinckley Township, March 21 (NE)
- Every year, in the morning hours of March 15, Ohio's buzzards return home to Hinckley after their winter migration to the South. Come celebrate one of Ohio's best-known natural phenomena nearly one week later at Buzzard Sunday, with festivities that include "early bird" hikes, a live buzzard display, live music from the Buzzard Boilers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and more.
History and Heritage
Women's History Month, the Ohio Statehouse, Columbus, March 1 - 31 (C)
- Throughout March, the Ohio Statehouse commemorates the important women in Ohio's history during Women's History Month. The Ladies' Gallery offers special tours for visitors to pay tribute to Ohio's first six women legislators who paved the way for women in government. Also on view are historic items, clothing, photos, an interactive kiosk and artifacts from the suffrage movement in Ohio.
Celtic Tea, Wood County Historical Society and Museum, Bowling Green, March 11 (NW)
- Every month, the Wood County Historical Society hosts a tea series to delight the senses with aromatic leaves from all over the world. Visit the Celtic Tea event in March to learn more about the Irish culture through sing-alongs and the impact it had on northwest Ohio's history. Afterward, enjoy a self-guided tour of the museum, herb garden and Lyle Fletcher Arboretum.
5th Annual Free Family Day, International Women's Air & Space Museum at Burke Lakefront Airport, Cleveland, March 13 (NE)
- Celebrate Women's History Month and a century of women in flight with a FREE Family Day at the International Women's Air and Space Museum (IWASM). This annual event honors women in aviation and space history with a day of hands-on activities, including games, crafts, exhibits and more. Activities will be provided by NASA, IWASM Kids Club, the Children's Museum of Cleveland and other area organizations. Activities include a demonstration by the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighters and a helicopter on the ramp at Burke Lakefront Airport (weather permitting).
For additional March events, visit www.DiscoverOhio.com. To order a free copy of the 2010 Ohio Travel Planner or the 2010 Spring/Summer Calendar of Events, click on the Free Publications icon at www.DiscoverOhio.com or call 1-800-BUCKEYE. The Ohio Travel Planner and Ohio Calendar of Events also are both viewable online. Trained travel counselors are available to assist 1-800-BUCKEYE callers weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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