Division Releases

Ohio Tourism Launches Autumn Adventures Web Site
DiscoverOhio.com is your one-stop source to plan an awesome fall getaway
9/17/2008

CONTACT:
Marty McDonald at (614) 383-1621
Tamara Brown at (614) 466-8591

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Sept. 17, 2008) - The Ohio Tourism Division, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, is making it easier than ever for fall travelers to find all the information they need to plan their Ohio getaways and autumn outings at DiscoverOhio.com.

Autumn Adventures, a new section on the Web site, provides travelers with a variety of information compiled to help them gain maximum enjoyment from Ohio's great outdoor adventures including harvest festivals, farmers markets, State Parks and natural areas, geocaching, three-day getaways and fall color reports to enjoy all these activities and more when each region is at its peak fall foliage color.

"Ohio's fall season makes any leisure activity more vibrant, but it particularly highlights outdoor activities, so we have worked with both the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Department of Agriculture to create a Web site that helps visitors discover Ohio's autumn travel experiences," State Tourism Director Amir Eylon said. "While the kids are back in school, there are still great opportunities with upcoming holidays or school holidays to plan a three-day getaway in Ohio."

Following is just a brief overview of what awaits visitors to Autumn Adventures on DiscoverOhio.com. We think you will agree that Ohio is too much fun for just one day!

Fall Color Reports
Check the Fall Color Report on DiscoverOhio.com or ODNR's Web site that is updated weekly (beginning in October) by the forestry experts for the most up-to-date information on when and where the most brilliant fall colors can be found. Generally, leaves change color earliest in northern Ohio and progress to the southern portions of the state.

Farm Markets & Wineries
There's nothing more satisfying to the taste buds than biting into a freshly picked fruit from one of Ohio's finest farms or sampling one of Ohio's award-winning wines. Farm markets and wineries/vineyards are plentiful in Ohio, and this page is the perfect resource to chart a course for locating farm-fresh, organic and heirloom produce and just the right wine to complement them. Check out the markets and pick-your-own farms for pumpkins perfect for carving and gourds for decoration not to mention delicious Amish cheeses, fresh baked pies, pastries, jellies, jams and more. Children will revel in the activities just for them ranging from pumpkin patches and wagon rides to corn mazes and petting zoos.

Fall Foliage Getaways
There's so much to do in Ohio during autumn that it would be impossible to fit it all into one day! That's why this section provides themed weekend getaways that are broken down into regions to help travelers jump-start their travel planning. Just pick a region and an Autumn Adventure is waiting for you a short drive away. Choose from themes including: The Great Outdoors, Ghost Hunting in Ohio, Underground Railroad, Ohio Wineries, Lighthouse Hunt or create your own!

Fall Festivals & Events
Ohio is alive with fall festivals that celebrate the spirit of autumn and the harvest season. Visit this section for a sampling of festivals and events that include pumpkin and apple butter festivals, larger-than-life corn mazes, harvest fairs and much more. Additional events can be found by searching the interactive calendar on DiscoverOhio.com.

Choose Your Own Adventure
The Choose Your Own Adventure section allows travelers to pick and choose when and where they want to begin their Ohio getaway. From hunting and fishing to canoeing and horseback riding, Ohio has an outstanding variety of experiences to consider. Simply click on any category of interest and choose from a number of exciting activities that will get you started on your very own Autumn Adventure.

Fall Geocache
More and more people are embarking on modern-day scavenger hunts with a geocaching adventure. Through ODNR, travelers can see all the sights Ohio has to offer as they try out their hands at finding a geocache with the aid of a GPS system. Half the fun is getting sidetracked while hiking Ohio's scenic trails, snapping pictures of the trees' blazing red, orange and yellow leaves or tasting some of Ohio's delectable, locally grown foods.

Ohio travelers can plan their perfect Autumn Adventure with a visit to www.DiscoverOhio.com or by calling 1-800-BUCKEYE. Free Discover Ohio Travel Planners and Discover Ohio Calendar of Events can be ordered anytime night or day. Trained travel counselors are available to assist 1-800-BUCKEYE callers weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

About the Ohio Tourism Division
The Ohio Tourism Division is the premier source of information for travelers and media about Ohio's vibrant tourism experiences, attractions, and economy. Division marketing programs contributed to an estimated $38 billion in visitor spending in 2007 and 454,000 jobs sustained by visitors to the state. A part of the Ohio Department of Development, the Division's mission is to promote and celebrate Ohio's unique travel opportunities and market the state's outstanding quality of life.

###

Editor's Note: High-resolution images and B-roll are available for download/request from the Ohio Tourism Division Online Press Room at: http://consumer.discoverohio.com/pressroom/.