The Division of Travel and Tourism complies news releases on a regular basis, including monthly events releases, releases on a theme and Ohio tourism trends.
January Marks the Beginning of a Fun-Filled Year with Family and Friends
Celebrate the start of a new year with art exhibits, outdoor activities and cultural connections
12/16/2008
CONTACT:
Marty McDonald at (614) 383-1621
Tamara Brown at (614) 466-8591
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Dec. 16, 2008) - January is the perfect time to start over with a fresh outlook on the New Year. Whether your New Year's resolution includes exploring other cultures, spending more time with the family or getting into shape, Ohio has a slew of cultural connections, family-fun activities and challenging outdoor entertainment to make sure you start 2009 off on the right foot. Following is just a sampling of January events available to those looking for fun and exciting travel ideas close to home. For additional events, visit
www.DiscoverOhio.com or call 1-800-BUCKEYE.
Family Fun
New Year Resolution Hike, The Wilds, Cumberland, Jan. 3
Enjoy a guided hike to a remote location and let the site of a wintery waterfall reward your efforts. Winter on the Wilds is a remarkable program that provides fun family opportunities to discover unique winter wildlife at the Wilds. Reservations are required; please call (740) 638-5030, ext. 2286 for more details.
Discovery Days at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, Kirtland, Jan 19
Enjoy a winter day with the family where children can participate in hands-on activities scheduled throughout the day. Some activities include making ice cream, bread and preparing stone soup; making your very own play clay, hand-dipped candles and paper; and skijoring-cross-country skiing with dogs!
Mark Nizer Performance, St. Clair Memorial Hall, Greenville, Jan. 25
Imagine four lasers being juggled at 1000 RPMs with spinning laser beams dancing just above your head. Mark Nizer has changed the way people view the world. Whether he's tossing five ping pong balls 20 feet in the air using only his mouth or juggling a burning propane tank, an electric carving knife and a 16-pound bowling ball, you'll never know what is possible until you see for yourself!
Arts and Culture
Short North Gallery Hop, Columbus, Jan. 3
With more than 20 years of tradition, the Short North is renowned for the excitement of its Gallery Hops. Visitors come to celebrate art and partake in an evening of fabulous sights, dynamic sounds, extended gallery hours, great food, unparalleled shopping and cosmopolitan fun.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Cleveland, Jan. 15
Cleveland celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. each year on the third Monday of January with free museums, community concerts and regional theater presentations. Make a point to remember at least for one day, Dr. King's message of non-violence, harmony and peace.
Vermilion Winter Days Festival, Vermilion River Reservation, Jan. 17 - 18
Celebrate the winter season with ice-carving competitions on Saturday and demonstrations from the pros on Sunday. Enjoy ice harvesting demonstrations, horse-drawn sleigh rides, sledding, crafts, food and refreshments all weekend long.
Sports and Recreation
9th Annual Motorcycle Show, National Packard Museum, Warren, Jan. 3 - May 31, 2009
Travel to Warren for the ultimate in two-wheel excitement. This exceptional show of vintage motorcycles features Harleys, Chiefs and other American-made bikes dating from the early 1900s to 1980.
Snow Trails Big Air Competition, Snow Trails Winter Resort, Mansfield, Jan. 10
The Big Air Competition is always as much of a thrill for the spectator as the competitor! Taking place at the base of the Competition Slope at Snow Trails, contestants will launch into the air, performing multiple tricks and spins, while spanning a 50- to 60-foot gap, all taking place under the lights during this evening event.
Hocking Hills Winter Hike, Old Man's Cave, Logan, Jan. 17
Enjoy winter's splendor on this historic six-mile trek from Old Man's Cave to Ash Cave. Make sure to dress in layered clothing and good footwear for this exhilarating hike. Refreshments are available at Cedar Falls for a donation and a shuttle bus returns hikers to Old Man's Cave.
History and Heritage
Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, Now through Jan. 11, 2009
Did you know that President Abraham Lincoln's body was laid in state in the Ohio Statehouse during the former president's funeral procession back to his home state of Illinois? Come discover the history of this former U.S. President who put an end to slavery and emancipated thousands of the enslaved.
Warrior Airmen Exhibit, National Museum of the United States Air Force, Jan. 13 - Dec. 31, 2009
This major exhibit presents the essential role of Air Force Airmen, both on the ground and in the air in Operations Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq. Located in the museum's Cold War Gallery, the exhibit includes hundreds of artifacts, three dioramas, interactive exhibits, video and compelling personal accounts.
School's Out Camp: Rockwell's America, Ohio Historical Center, Columbus, Jan. 19
Join the Ohio Historical Society and COSI for a technology day camp on Martin Luther King Jr. day. Children ages 5 - 11 will step into and interact with 15 life-size, 3-D recreations of Norman Rockwell's Saturday Evening Post covers. Through interactive, hands-on activities, campers will explore the technology and inventions that changed the way we live in the 20th century.
Looking for additional January events? Visit
www.DiscoverOhio.com. The Ohio Travel Planner and Ohio Calendar of Events are both viewable online at
www.DiscoverOhio.com. To pre-order your free copy of the 2009 Ohio Travel Planner, click on the Free Publications icon or call 1-800-BUCKEYE. For additional information, trained travel counselors are available at 1-800-BUCKEYE to assist callers weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 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 sales 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.
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