This summer there are so many different places throughout Columbus to explore. I am excited to spend my first summer in Columbus and get to try new restaurants, venues, and shop. However, there are more places outside of Columbus that are not to far away that I will miss being in central Ohio for the summer. I am originally from Northeast Ohio and there are so many great adventures and places to go. There wouldn’t be a way to write about all the fantastic places that you can explore in the Akron/Cleveland area. Here are a few places that are intriguing up north that are fun to explore (and don't include Cedar Point!)

Cuyahoga Valley National Forest

There is so much to explore within this national forest. It expands many acres as the Towpath Trail extends within it. Not only can you go through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on the Towpath Trail, you can take it all the way from Akron to Cleveland. The best places to visit within the Cuyahoga Valley National Forest are the Ledge and the Brandywine Falls. From Columbus it is around a two-hour drive, but it is well worth the drive to see the magnificent beauty.

Szalay’s Farm and Market

Szalay’s is a great place to go in the summer for corn. They grow their own corn in the valley and open June 3 this year. Not only do they have a phenomenal market, they have seating outside to enjoy your visit even more. From their ice cream, to grilled corn on the cob, you will always have something to munch on while you shop! I know that I will have to visit Szalay’s when I am visiting home this summer.

Stan Hwyet Hall and Gardens

There are no words to describe the beauty and the phenomenal job that is done to keep the grounds in great shape. This is a great place to not only visit in the summer (Father’s Day Car Show and vintage baseball on the lawn), but in the winter. In the winter around the Christmas season, they have a great light show on the grounds. I grew up looking at my parents’ gorgeous wedding pictures from Stan Hwyet. It is a great place for pictures and exploring the large homes that is a big focal point in Akron. If you want more information feel free to visit http://www.stanhywet.org.

These are three places that I cherish and love to visit. There is not an ultimate list of places to visit, but you can use this as a guide and visit many things along the way. There is no rhyme or way to visit Northeast Ohio, but have an open mind to explore all different aspects. It is fun to go outside of your comfort zone and visit somewhere that you have never been!