Destination Toledo

The Best Beyond Toledo

By Madeline Anderson

Downtown Sylvania, All photos by Megan Leigh Barnard unless otherwise noted

Natural wonders, storied history and diverse local establishments live within 15 minutes of downtown Toledo. Have fun and make memories at the dozens of breweries on the 419 Ale Trail, explore the metroparks and enjoy the globally inspired fare of Toledo’s unique suburbs.

SYLVANIA

Your journey in the City of Trees starts at Secor Metropark, a former arboretum now home to Northwest Ohio’s largest concentration of dogwood trees. Catch a summer concert at outdoor venue Centennial Terrace, or immerse yourself in local history at Heritage Sylvania, a multi-site history experience with a historical village and museum. Downtown Sylvania claims a designated Downtown Outdoor Recreation Area (DORA) to bring your alcoholic beverage along as you stop at participating shops and galleries. Stop by an art gallery or The Art Supply Depo, offering expert advice and classes for artists of all ages and skill levels. Hip to the Groove Boutique sells new and vintage clothing and accessories.

Getting hungry yet? Try classic Italian at Ciao!, known for classic country Italian cuisine. Georgio’s Grill serves tasty appetizers, beef and chicken kebabs, wood-fired pizza, pastas, great salads, gourmet sandwiches and desserts. Taste meat pies, pitas, baklava and more delicious dishes from Tiger Bakery, Toledo’s original Mediterranean bakery. Balance Pan-Asian Grille's farm-to-table philosophy serves customizable Asian-Fusion bowls and seasonal specials. Finish the night at full-service brewpub Inside the Five Brewing or Upside Brewing, inside J&G Pizza Palace.

PERRYSBURG/ROSSFORD

Discover the history of the Maumee River area at Fort Meigs, Ohio’s War of 1812 Battlefield that hosts historical interpreters and even a Blacksmithing 101 class, then shop at a variety of local businesses at open-air lifestyle center The Town Center at Levis Commons or in historic Downtown Perrysburg. Take a shopping break at Maddie & Bella Coffee Roasters for ethically sourced coffee, try a craft brew at Inside the Five Brewing or take a sip at Sixth-Fifths Distilling's cocktail bar. Play vintage video games or a round of duckpin bowling at Reset Rossford, then order the Sweet Fire Cameo Pizza, and play beach volleyball at its outdoor Spike’s Beach Bar. Levis Commons offers upscale dining at steakhouse Benchmark Restaurant. Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano presents monthly chef features of seasonal dishes, and Tea Tree Asian Bistro serves a variety of Asian fare including half-price sushi nights.

Stay awhile at one of many name-brand hotels at Levis Commons or on Clark Drive in Rossford, easily accessible from highways and the Ohio Turnpike.

MAUMEE

River town, Maumee, is rich in history and natural beauty. Look out from the observation deck at Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis National Historic Site, then walk the trails to Side Cut Metropark, a nationally recognized walleye fishing destination each spring, and popular spot for river kayaking. Learn about the history of the area at the Wolcott Heritage Center, then sip a proper tea at Clara J’s Tea Room. Spend the afternoon at The Shops at Fallen Timbers, an open-air mall, or find something collectible at Maumee Antique Mall, one of the country’s largest. End the night at the community arts space Sunshine Studios or catch a show at the historic Art Deco movie theater Maumee Indoor Theatre.

Find a community atmosphere at Barr’s Public House, a women-run gastropub serving upscale pub fare and drinks. Grab a fresh and customizable sandwich at Georgette’s Grounds & Gifts, or opt for gourmet at Rayoka Japanese Steakhouse for sushi, hibachi and sake. Try a pint of mead at and check-in on the 419 Ale Trail at Four Fires Meadery or join the wine club or adopt a grape at Urban Pine Winery.

Find the best overnight spots on Dussel Drive, with more than a dozen hotel brands to choose from.

OREGON

Located at the western basin of Lake Erie, Oregon is full of family-fun activities. Don’t forget the popcorn at Sundance Kid Drive-In Theater, a 50s-style seasonal drive-in. Across the street is Pearson Metropark, with sports fields, 15 miles of trails and migratory bird-watching. Another birding hotspot in nearby Curtice is Howard Marsh, a marshland fit for kayaking, hiking and catching a glimpse of waterfowl. In the fall, weave through a corn maze and pick a pumpkin at family-owned Fleitz Pumpkin Farm. Head up to the Lake at Maumee Bay State Park, for some fun on the beach, a hike on the boardwalk and a round at the golf course.

In addition to plenty of hotel accommodations in the area, try a unique overnight experience at Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center or its surrounding cabins. Don’t forget to try fish and chips at its restaurant, Water’s Edge!

HOLLAND

The adventures in Glass City continue in Holland, where you can try your hand at creating fused glass creations at Copper Moon Studio or experience glass blowing at Firenation Glass Studio and Gallery. Purchase tea and herbs at all-natural herb farm Fangboner Farms, or pick up some sweet treats at MacQueen Orchards and its famous can’t-miss Apple Butter Stir Festival in October. All skill levels can visit Westwinds Metropark, the area’s only public archery range, then relax in a kayak at scenic Wiregrass Lake Metropark.

Reserve a seat at Deep Stax Poker Club, featuring 18 custom tables and a wide variety of popular games. Be served at your table or visit Firepit Grille next door, a casual restaurant with a full-service bar and patio. Head over to Black Frog Brewery to sip uniquely named brews like “Frogilicious.”

Maumee Bay State Park

WATERVILLE/WHITEHOUSE

Waterville and Whitehouse present plenty of every Ohioan’s favorites: craft beer and the outdoors! See the “two million dollar view” of the Maumee River at Bend View Metropark, spot the ruins of Interurban Bridge at Farnsworth Metropark and tour the native plant nursery at Blue Creek Metropark. Refuel at Buffalo Rock Brewing Company in Waterville, complete with food trucks, live music and ales like “Buffalo Drool.”

GRAND RAPIDS

Step into Grand Rapids history at Providence Metropark with its authentic canal boat and historic mill. For a unique date, pick your own blooms at GardenView Flowers’ U-Pick Flower Field, then sip wine or take a cooking class at Majestic Oak Winery and on-site brewery, Neon Groundhog. Continue the tour with barrel-aged brews at Wild Side Brewing Co., then stay the night at The Grand Kerr House, a bed-and-breakfast getaway with historic charm.

SWANTON

Walk or birdwatch at The Nature Conservancy’s Kitty Todd Preserve, a conservation effort showcasing rare and wild plants and landscapes. Find more unique wildlife and 70 miles of trails at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, also home to the nation’s only public treehouse village: Cannaley Treehouse Village. This one-of-a-kind overnight experience location also features HEAVY Wheelhouse, a newly-renovated barn, home to HEAVY Beer Company and Black Kite Coffee. Nearby brand-new Oncore Brewing is another spot serving unique beers and ciders for everyone to enjoy.


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