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Music, food, artistic fare — the ways to enjoy culture in Ohio are just as diverse as our visitors.

Listen closely, and you can actually hear the rhythm of Ohio.

It's a funky beat that lures travelers to the Buckeye State, and serves as a lively soundtrack to the diverse landscapes of our region — pulsing along the city streets of downtown Cleveland; reverberating near the banks of the Ohio River in the Queen City; and accompanying the sounds of nature in the stunning Hocking Hills.

What does that beat sound like? For many of the vacationers who head for Ohio every year, it's the melody of a classic soul tune: The O'Jays' 1975 hit, "Livin' For The Weekend." After all, when Eddie Levert sings in his rich baritone that, "as soon as Friday rolls around, I lay all my weekly burdens down," we can't help but do the same — and immediately make plans to celebrate Ohio's culturally rich surroundings.

Follow the Music

The rhythms that define our state are just as diverse as the tourists who flock here. R&B, jazz, blues, salsa, hip-hop — Ohio has always had the gift of groove. No attraction pays tribute to that legacy quite like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland. Not only is it home to a beloved Gospel Brunch every Sunday and the Rock and Soul Festival in June, it's also a must-see destination for all types of music aficionados, with recordings and rare artifacts honoring the roots of many genres. The museum's emphasis on history offers a nice juxtaposition to the House of Blues, just minutes away, where a glowing marquis serves as a beacon for concertgoers eager to celebrate the industry's latest acts. And for travelers who appreciate a blend of old and new tunes in one place — not to mention, the sweet scent of barbecue wafting on a spring breeze — Cleveland's annual American Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival in May can't be beat.

Of course, Cleveland's hardly alone in serving up soulful songs and savory food. Visit Toledo in June for the Art Tatum Jazz Heritage Festival, then Gahanna in July for the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival — you'll fill up on music and mouth watering cuisine at both. And southeast Ohio's Big Bend Blues Bash in Pomeroy pairs the mid-summer heat with hot blues riffs and barbecued chicken.

Southwest Ohio's gatherings are guaranteed to make visitors get up and get down: The region plays host to the Soul Food Festival in May, the Cincy Blues Fest in August and the long-running Cincinnati MidPoint Music Festival in September. But the largest jewel in the Queen City's crown is the Macy's Music Festival. Paul Brown Stadium may play host to athletes the rest of the year, but chart-topping entertainers reign supreme in July, including this year's lineup of Patti LaBelle, Earth Wind & Fire, Jill Scott, and many more.

Hot Eats, Cool Beats

Music clearly creates an instant cultural connection, so a number of Ohio restaurateurs mix it with their food to attract a varied crowd. For instance, at Mesh in West Chester, chefs Paul and Pam Sturkey pair upscale eats such as lobster pasta and foie gras with live R&B and jazz tunes from the likes of the Soul Progression Band.

Meanwhile, the cuisine at other establishments is so culturally rich, you can practically hear harmonies upon tasting your first bite. From Boi Na Braza in Cincinnati, to the Brasa Grille Steakhouse in Cleveland, our state has its share of churrascarias: restaurants that feature Brazilian chefs serving multiple courses of meat in a manner so authentic, you can't help but conjure the bossa nova. And the heaping plates of soul food at spots like Cleveland's Hot Sauce Williams spark memories of the upbeat, classic R&B tunes that play in the background during our fun family reunions.

Art For All

You don't necessarily need a menu to indulge in sumptuous, culturally friendly fare. Ohio features plenty of arts venues that feature works designed to educate, entertain and break barriers.

Columbus' King Arts Complex alone is a multicultural mecca, presenting more than 40 multidisciplinary activities and events each year — from literature readings to dance recitals — and serving as an artistic touchstone for the historic neighborhood. Further north, Cleveland's Karamu House continues its nearly 100-year-old tradition of staging thoughtful productions and nurturing young talent; it was here that writer Langston Hughes and actors Ruby Dee and Robert Guillaume all honed their creative skills. And several southwest Ohio spots pride themselves on producing meaningful works while interacting with area residents. The Dayton Playhouse has done so with an active community theater for nearly half a century, while The Cincinnati Black Theatre Company makes its mark every other April with the Biennial Midwest Regional Black Theatre Festival: a family event that presents insightful workshops and stirring performances at a number of sights around the city.

No matter if it's an arts venue, a restaurant or a festival, Ohio's rhythm is everywhere — and there's no shortage of entertaining spots in which to enjoy it.