Division Releases

Ohio Tourism Launches Autumn Adventures Web Site
DiscoverOhio.com provides fall color reports, farm markets, wineries, events, festivals, itineraries
9/11/2009

CONTACT:
Tamara Brown at (614) 466-8591
Leslie Holbrook at (614) 383-1635

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Sept. 11, 2009) – The Ohio Tourism Division, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, is making it easier than ever for fall travelers to find great getaway ideas and all the information necessary to plan one- two- or three-day Ohio vacations this fall with information from the new Autumn Adventures section of DiscoverOhio.com.

“Ohio’s fall season makes any leisure activity more vibrant and offers a tremendous variety of outdoor adventures that allow visitors to enjoy our gorgeous fall foliage season,” said State Tourism Director Amir Eylon. “Ohio is fortunate to have 74 State Parks that are all free to the public and offer a host of activities from hiking and cycling to camping and canoeing. And soon the countryside will be awash in color not only from the vibrant leaves but also the numerous farmers markets with their locally grown apples and pumpkins. The sweet smell of grapes being harvested for our 100 plus wineries and crisp temperatures make autumn an ideal time to plan a three-day getaway in Ohio.”

To help travelers plan the perfect time, place and activity for their Ohio getaway, the Autumn Adventures section of DiscoverOhio.com provides fall color reports direct from forestry experts at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Listings of fall festivals and events, information on Ohio farm markets and wineries and three-day getaway itineraries are also available along with getaway ideas based on interest areas including: sports & recreation; history & heritage; city, culture & cuisine; and family fun.

Don’t miss the Web link from DiscoverOhio.com to Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources’ Web site where visitors can find more in-depth information on Ohio’s State Parks and Natural Areas, upcoming park events, an Ohio Tree Index, hunting and fishing in Ohio, wildlife migrations, scenic watchtowers in parks and plenty more great outdoor information.

Following are additional details on the Autumn Adventures Web pages located at DiscoverOhio.com.

Color Reports
Check the Fall Color Report on Autumn Adventures or ODNR’s Web site that will be updated weekly (beginning Sept. 21) by forestry experts for the most up-to-date information on when and where to find the most brilliant fall colors in Ohio. Generally, leaves change color earliest in northern Ohio and progress to the southern portions of the state later in October.

Farm Markets and 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 an award-winning Ohio wine. Farm markets and wineries/vineyards are plentiful in Ohio, and the Farm Markets & Wineries section of the Autumn Adventures Web site is the perfect resource to chart a course for locating farm-fresh, organic and heirloom produce and just the right wine to compliment 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.

Three-Day 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 the 3 Day Getaways section provides themed weekend getaways that are divided into the five regions to help travelers jump-start their travel planning. Choose from themes including the Great Outdoors, Ghost Hunting in Ohio, the Underground Railroad, Ohio Wineries or a Lighthouse Hunt.

Fall Festivals and Events
Ohio is alive with fall festivals that celebrate the spirit of autumn and the harvest season. Visit the Events page for a sampling of festivals and events throughout the state 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. Divided into categories by interest including: Cities, Culture and Cuisine; Family Fun; Ohio History and Heritage; and Sports and Recreation, the Choose Your Own Adventure option gives visitors a wide range of opportunities to enjoy the fall season. Whether visitors are looking to hike, go horseback riding, seek thrills at a fall-themed amusement park or sample delicious fall culinary treats, 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 Autumn Adventures, travelers can see all the sights Ohio has to offer as they try 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. 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. Free Ohio Travel Planners and Ohio Calendar of Events publications can be ordered anytime night or day via Internet or phone.

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 $39 billion in visitor spending in 2008 and 452,000 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’s Online Press Room at: http://consumer.discoverohio.com/pressroom/.