Vacations have a different meaning to everyone. For most, they're relaxing getaways to tropical locations. For me, they're opportunities to go to foreign lands and and bring back ideas. In 2016, I went to western Japan for a week. Everything about Japan was new and exciting to me, but there were several things in particular we could implement in Steubenville that stood out to me.

1. Gardens

Garden design is an important Japanese art form that has been refined for more than 1000 years. Every empty space in every city is filled with beautiful green spaces. The silence, peace, and tranquility of these places directly corresponds to the joy found in their communities. And how do they keep up all these gardens? They have a program that hires retired elderly to take care of green spaces and streetscapes. The elderly feel that they are still contributing members of society and other citizens benefit from the beauty that surrounds them. Everyone wins.

2. Hanging Bridges

I think a hanging bridge between Lincoln Heights and Union Cemetery would be a novel idea.

3. Flower Lamp Posts

Japanese take almost everything functional and make it pretty. Isn't that rad?

4. Red Brick Warehouses

Formerly the Customs Inspection House for Yokohama Bay’s shipping activities in the early 1920’s, these handsome red brick buildings have been converted into one of Yokohama’s most popular family or date spots. Inside the buildings there are many unique shops and restaurants. Outside, throughout the year, numerous events take place: October Beer Fest in autumn, a skating rink in winter, and concerts during the summer.

5. Ground MuralsWe already have them on walls, why not put some on the ground too? Street art is the best.

6. Giant BoatsWe have water - we should park a giant boat in it and make a marine museum.

7. Fish Markets

Japan is surrounded by bountiful waters and supports a thriving seafood industry. Areas near fishing ports often have fish markets where local produce is available for great prices. There are booths that cook up food for you to eat on the spot and many fish markets have dining facilities attached, serving up delicious seafood caught early that morning. They can be a little gross, but fascinating nonetheless.

8. Turquoise Roofs

I'm not entirely sure how this would improve anything about Steubenville in general, but I think they're awesome.

9. More Gardens

I was serious when I said they're absolutely everywhere.

10. Rowing Teams

We have the Ohio River practically begging to be used – we really ought to start rowing teams. It's recreational AND healthy!

11. The Crafthouse

The Crafthouse is a learning center that specializes in teaching tourists specific trades. Guests could make jewelry, pressed flower art, pottery, and even blown glass! Whatever you made, you could take home. This amazing hands-on experience did more than just teach visitors how to make a prized souvenir; the knowledgeable trainers showed the importance of carrying on dying traditions and preserving the culture of handmade items. A center like this in Steubenville would be an excellent way to teach citizens and visitors alike what some of the trades are that built this city.

12. French Rose Garden

As if Japanese gardens weren't enough, there are many gardens influenced by European tradition. The Japanese love other cultures and make astounding efforts to share those cultures with the members of their communities by building replicas. This particular French Rose Garden was located at the top of a mountain in a region that mimicked the rolling hills and valleys of Jefferson County.

13. Marine Walks

Granted, Japan has the ocean, we only have a river. But that doesn't mean we can't absolutely own the waterside and build walkways and gardens that will entice visitors and locals alike to appreciate the beauty of nature.