Northeast Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Northeast Ohio with this detailed travel guide featuring must-visit attractions, best hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Northeast

Northeast Ohio is a region covering parts of Columbus, Greater Columbus, and several other cities such as Cleveland, Akron, and Canton. The region is renowned for its bountiful nature reserves, magnificent museums, and delicious gastronomy.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will help you plan your perfect trip to Northeast Ohio, highlighting the must-visit attractions, best places to stay, and other essential information to make your trip memorable.

List of Places to Visit in Northeast

Here is a list of top-rated places to visit in Northeast Ohio:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: This iconic museum located in Cleveland showcases the rich history of rock and roll music and honors the artists who have shaped the industry.
  • National Museum of the United States Air Force: The oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world, located in Dayton, has a collection of over 360 aircraft and spacecraft on display.
  • Cleveland Museum of Art: A must-visit for art lovers, this museum is home to over 61,000 pieces of art ranging from ancient to modern times.
  • James A Garfield National Historic Site: This is the former home of the 20th President of the United States, James A. Garfield, which has been converted into a museum.

Natural Attractions of Northeast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Located between Akron and Cleveland, this park provides over 33,000 acres of green space comprising forests, waterfalls, biking and hiking trails, and more.
  • Lake Erie Islands: The islands are located in Lake Erie and offer serene beaches, numerous water-based activities, and a unique culture.
  • Mohican State Park: A popular spot for hiking, with ten trails covering over 13 miles of terrain. The park also offers camping, boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northeast

Northeast Ohio boasts some of the most scenic trails in the region, here are some of the popular hiking/biking routes:

  • Buckeye Trail: This trail spans over 1444 miles and passes through the heart of Northeast Ohio, offering stunning views of forests, streams, and gorges.
  • Beaver Marsh Nature Preserve: The preserve offers a 1.6-mile hiking trail around the marsh with abundant birdwatching opportunities.
  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park: A vast park with over 125 miles of hiking trails and 20 biking trails for visitors to choose from.

Best Things to Do in Northeast: Activities and Tours

  • Cleveland Brewery and Distillery Tours: Take a tour of the local breweries and distilleries and learn the art of beer-making and whiskey distilling.
  • Tubing and Kayaking: Enjoy the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley by floating down the river on a tube or Kayak, soaking in the scenic views.
  • Amish Country: Experience the rich culture of the Amish community in Ohio by visiting quaint shops, bakeries, and other tourist attractions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Northeast

Here we suggest a week-long itinerary for exploring the best of Northeast Ohio:

Day Plan
1 Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, explore Cleveland’s food scene
2 Head to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, hike along the trails, and camp overnight
3 Return to Cleveland and explore its art scene, visit the Cleveland Museum of Art and Wade Oval
4 Take a day trip to Amish Country, explore the traditional shops and sample local cuisine
5 Visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton
6 Hike the Buckeye Trail
7 Explore Lake Erie islands and indulge in some water-based activities

Food and Drink Scene of Northeast

Northeast Ohio has a dynamic food and drink scene, offering a rich culinary experience. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pierogies: typically a Polish dish, pierogies are potato dumplings with various fillings such as sauerkraut, cheese, and meat.
  • Corned Beef Reuben: An Ohio classic, comprising corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, served on grilled rye bread.
  • Buckeye candies: These candies are a must-try, comprising peanut butter fudge dipped in chocolate.

Local Beverages

  • Great Lakes Brewing Company: Craft beer lovers can indulge in a range of beers, including the seasonal flavors.
  • Bloody Mary and Buckeye: A popular brunch cocktail that consists of the traditional bloody mary with a seasoned Buckeye beer chaser.

Where to Stay in Northeast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Northeast Ohio caters to all sorts of travelers, be it families, solo travelers, or couples. Here are some recommendations:

  • Kimpton Schofield Hotel: A luxury hotel located in downtown Cleveland that offers modern amenities and a great location.
  • The Bertram Inn at Glenmoor: A luxurious resort in Canton that features a world-class golf course, a spa, and outstanding dining options.
  • Hostelling International Cleveland: A budget-friendly hostel with a prime location in Cleveland’s theater district.

What to Buy in Northeast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Don’t leave Northeast Ohio without buying some of the following souvenirs:

  • Cleveland Cavaliers or Cleveland Browns merchandise
  • Christmas Ale: A seasonal beer brewed by the Great Lakes Brewing Company
  • Ohio Wine: The region produces a splendid range of wines, which makes for a great gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Northeast

Northeast Ohio is a vibrant region with a mix of cultures and customs, with the Amish community’s traditions being one of the highlights of the region. Visitors should keep in mind to respect local customs and practices.

Best Time to Visit Northeast

The best time to visit Northeast Ohio would be during the summer and fall months when the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is stunning. However, the winter months also offer some unique experiences, such as ice fishing and snowshoeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northeast

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Northeast Ohio:

Do:

  • Take a trip to Amish country and learn about their culture and traditions
  • Try out the local food and drinks scene, especially the Cleveland brewery and distillery tours
  • Explore the numerous hiking trails that Northeast Ohio has to offer

Don’t:

  • Do not touch or harass wildlife in the region
  • Do not take pictures of the Amish people without their permission
  • Do not litter or harm the environment

Safety and Health

Safety in Northeast

Northeast Ohio is a quite safe region with low crime rates. However, visitors should exercise caution in urban areas, especially at night, and be wary of pickpockets.

Health in Northeast

Northeast Ohio has excellent healthcare facilities, and visitors can get medical treatment if required. Visitors should also keep themselves hydrated during the summer months and carry or wear appropriate clothing depending on the weather.

Getting to Northeast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Northeast

  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
  • Akron-Canton Airport (CAK)

Bus Stations Near Northeast

  • Greyhound Bus Lines in Cleveland
  • Akron Metro Transit Center in Akron

Other Options

  • Car rentals are available from main airports and local rental car companies are available for service.
  • Regional rail services are also available for transportation.

How to Get Around in Northeast

One of the best ways to explore Northeast Ohio is via a rent a car. Alternatively, visitors can use public transportation modes, which are convenient and affordable.

Where to Go Next from Northeast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby destinations that visitors can explore after Northeast Ohio would include Cincinnati, Chicago, Pittsburgh and to the north is Canada with Toronto only a few hours north.

Conclusion

Northeast Ohio is a region that has something to offer to everyone. With a deep cultural history, natural beauty, and a diverse range of activities for travelers, it’s a must-visit destination. This comprehensive travel guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to have a memorable trip to Northeast Ohio.

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