3 What's Nearby? 4
There is plenty to do near the venue... after all it is in the middle of a National Park!
See the map below to get your bearings and take a look at what we recommend you checking out during your stay in Ohio!
In this map, the Hines Hill Center is near the central point of the park, right next to the Boston Mill Visitor Center!
Boston Mill Visitor Center | 3 minutes from venue
As the NPS says: plan your visit like a Ranger! Stop in for some insight on how to get the most out of your Cuyahoga Valley National Park visit from those who know it most. There is a train stop here for the Scenic Railroad... which may be operational during our wedding weekend (schedule TBD)! Think of the Visitor's Center as your "gateway" to the area.
Brandywine Falls | 8 minutes from venue
An easy walk to an overlook lets you catch a glimpse of these majestic 60' tall falls! Consider taking the Brandywine Gorge Loop hike (1.5 miles roundtrip) to explore more beyond the waterfall.
Blue Hen Falls (Hike) | 3 miles roundtrip
Not an exactly an easy hike (but doable!), the Buckeye Trail leads you up from the Boston Mill Visitor Center with an immediate uphill climb along a rocky (sometimes muddy!) path. A winding trek pays off with a view of this small waterfall. Well worth the trip, if you can handle it!
Downtown Peninsula | 5 minutes from venue
Formally incorporated as a village in 1859, Peninsula was once the financial center of the area due to its strategic location. Its charming and small downtown has a lot of character, so be sure to explore the local businesses!
Gorge at Summit Metroparks | 18 minutes from venue
Visit another one of the coolest spots in NE Ohio - the Gorge at the Summit Metroparks! We spent a whole day here walking the trail and ogling at the rocky ledges that the Cuyahoga River carved out over the millennia. Take in the surprise of the "Old Maid's Kitchen" and explore other smaller nooks and crannies as you wander around! Who knows - you may even see some wildlife scurrying about (watch for baby snapping turtles swimming in the River!)
Great Falls of Tinkers Creek in the Bedford Reservation | 20 minutes from venue
Explore the easy walking and hiking trails around the Great Falls - a favorite spot of ours that we used to visit very often! You will be genuinely surprised at the shear size of these waterfalls, and what's even better is that the trails lead you right up to them... so close in fact that on dry days you can stand at the top of the falls and look down! Bring water shoes or your trusty pair of Crocs (in off-road mode, of course!) to get the best experience.
3 Other Suggestions 4
Have some extra time and want to explore NE Ohio more? Go visit some of our favorite places!
Downtown Kent + Kent State University | 30 min drive
Enjoy strolling through Acorn Alley & pop in any of the fabulous small businesses in town! Afterwards, take a walk along the Cuyahoga River on the hike/bike trail. We recommend checking out:
COFFEE OR SNACKS:
Tree City Coffee (their caramel lattes are the best!)
Scribbles
Bent Tree Coffee Roasters
Cleveland Bagel Cafe
Popped! (popcorn & candy)
SHOPPING:
Off the Wagon (awesome toy store) & Red Letter Days (cards, decor, & more!)
McKay Bricker (squirrels & decor!)
Squirrel City Jewelers
Kent City Cycle (our favorite bike shop with Roscoe, a cap-licking dog)
FOOD:
Troy Grille (best falafel EVER!)
Taco Tontos (great tacos!)
Bell Tower Brewing (converted church, great food!)
River Merchant (somewhat fancy with a patio overlooking the River)
Ray's Place (a local staple)
Over Easy (in the old train station - great breakfast!)
Mike's Place (whacky restaurant just outside of downtown)
ON CAMPUS:
Visit the College of Architecture + Environmental Design (right next to downtown!)
Visit the May 4th Memorial + Taylor Hall
Feel the wind at Risman Plaza (near the bookstore, library, + student center... usually very breezy!)
Take a stroll in front campus (mature trees & older buildings, near the CAED)
Downtown Cleveland + Lake Erie | 35 min drive
Despite what you think you know, Cleveland is a vibrant city with TONS to do! While you can't go wrong with many places, here are some things we suggest:
STUFF TO DO:
Visit Edgewater Beach & Park
Explore a Metropark & hike/bike the Towpath Trail
Visit the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame
Visit the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Visit the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (VERY nice!)
Visit the Great Lakes Science Center
Visit West Side Market
Visit the Children's Museum
Explore East 4th Street & Euclid Ave
FOOD:
Fat Cat's | Tremont (get the braised mushrooms, you won't regret it)
Bombay Chaat | Downtown (the BEST Indian food - make sure to get a mango lassi!)
Copper Moon | Downtown (tiny coffee shop with great owners)
Heinen's Grocery Store | Downtown (historic bank with massive food court)
Luca Italian Cuisine | The Flats (a little fancy & on the Viaduct, great view, great food!)
The Shore Restaurant | Lakewood (our favorite breakfast diner - cash only)
Kintaro | multiple locations! (all you can eat sushi - you won't be disappointed)
BARS + BREWERIES:
Superelectric Pinball Parlor | Detroit-Shoreway (all you can play for $6!)
BrewDog Outpost | The Flats (along the river, great food and massive outdoor space)
Collison Bend Brewing Company | The Flats (nice location the river & nice brunch!)
Great Lakes Brewing Company | Ohio City (great beers & good food, great location)