“Savor the Season”

Savor the Season Cover

Savor the Season
Ohio Magazine

Outdoor adventures and indoor fun await you at these wintertime destinations. 

Winter’s arrival doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Whether you enjoy the chilly weather or would rather spend your time indoors, there are plenty of activities available for everyone to enjoy. Spend the season making memories and taking advantage of all that Ohio and the surrounding states have to offer.

Ski West Virginia
Because of its location in the northern mountains of West Virginia and an annual average snowfall of more than 160 inches, Canaan Valley is home to 80 slopes and trails, eight lifts, and a terrain and tubing park at two ski resorts -Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Timberline Four Seasons Resort.

The 6,000-acre Canaan Valley Resort State Park has 43 slopes and trails for skiers and snowboarders to test their skills, a 1,200-foot tubing park for the whole family to enjoy, a covered ice rink, and airboarding – a new and exciting twist on sledding.There are also 18 miles of marked walking trails, which can be special places for wildlife sightings and stargazing.

Visitors to the Timberline Four Season Resort will enjoy 37 slopes and trails including the longest run in the southeast. There are also two terrain parks, lessons for beginners, and 12 acres for glade skiing. Skiers and snowboarders looking for a challenge can find it at Timberline. which boasts advanced terrain. The region offers a variety of rental homes, cabins, hotels, bed and breakfast and more, creating the perfect atmosphere to relax and enjoy nature.

Visit canaanvalley.org and skithevalley.com for more information.

Hit the Slopes Up North
Traverse City is well known for its beauty and its unique mixture of relaxation, adventure and natural splendor. During the winter season,the gently sculpted hills and valleys of the region become a sparkling white playground for winter sports enthusiasts and travelers looking for a perfect winter getaway.

Cross-country skiers, snowshoe hikers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers have a vast acreage of forest and parkland to explore from well-groomed tracks and courses to less-traveled backwoods trails.Within the city, the 300-acre Grand Traverse Commons offers superb skiing and snowshoeing amongst century-old, European-style buildings and stands of old-growth pines.The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has eight marked trails, including some with spectacular panoramic overlooks. Other marked trail systems in the area include the Lost Lake Pathway, the 3,500-acre Sand Lakes Quiet Area, and the Vasa Pathway, which is known for being one of the finest cross-country ski trails in the nation.

Those who want to spend some time off the mountain can take advantage of the city’s pedestrian-friendly downtown area full of unique boutiques,fantastic restaurants, one-of-a-kind galleries, and plenty of outdoor spots to sit and relax.

To plan your visit to Traverse City, visit traverseclty.com.

Do More Indoors
Cold and snowy weather isn’t for everyone, but thankfully there are still fun things to do indoors. A trip to the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus is a great way for families to avoid the chill of winter while learning in a hands-on and engaging way.

From Feb. 8 until Sept 1 , 2014, the “International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes” will be open at COSI. During this limited-engagement exhibition, visitors can follow in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes, the literary creation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Crack intricate mysteries and solve crimes with one of the best literary detectives of all time using the power of deduction and the most cutting-edge 19th century techniques of forensic science.

COSI’s 50th Anniversary is on March 29, 2014, and there will be several events to celebrate this landmark occasion, including an Alumni Lunch and Public Celebration, a VIP Party, and a Blast Community Party. All events will celebrate and honor COSI’s 50 years of providing an exciting and informative atmosphere for people of all ages to discover more about the world around them.

For tickets and more information, please visit cosi.org/support/events. For more information about upcoming events and exhibitions, visit cosi.org.

Have Fun in Findlay
Findlay has enough snowy activities to last all winter long. Those looking for outdoor adventure can find it at the Hancock Parks. The entire family will have a blast on the sledding hills at the Findlay Reservoir. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing equipment is available for rent for visitors looking for more of a challenge. Cross-country skiing workshops are held on Saturday mornings in January and February for those interested in the sport but who have little to no experience.There are also winter hikes and nature classes for all ages interested in exploring and learning about the natural world in the wintertime. (Visit hancockparks.com for an event schedule and for additional information on rentals and lessons.)

lf you like the ice, but would rather stay inside, take a trip to “The Cube,” Findlay’s ice-skating rink. Skate rentals are available, and open skate hours can be found at findlayohio.com.

lf you’re looking for warmer indoor fun, explore Downtown Findlay. Dine at one of the many delicious local restaurants, browse at the boutique shops or attend a live entertainment event at one of the venues downtown.You can also catch a movie at Findlay’s Carmike 12 Cinemas.

For more information on planning your trip to Findlay, visit visitfindlay.com.

Go for a Dip
The thrills of a water park don’t have to end just because of chilly weather. The Comfort Inn Splash Harbor in Bellville is home to Splash Harbor, a 6,000-square-foot indoor water park with a 49-foot looping water slide, two hot tubs (one for adults and one for families), shooting geyser dumping buckets, and a kids pool area.

Splash Harbor is connected to a comfort Inn, allowing water park visitors to extend their stay. Patrons of the comfort Inn will be able to enjoy free continental breakfast, free high-speed wireless, a game room, a fitness center, and up to four free Splash Harbor passes per room.

To make planning your trip even easier, this hotel offers several package options so that you can explore the surrounding area and enjoy all that the hotel and water park have to offer. Packages include the Family Fun Package, a Ski Package, a Birthday Party Package for up to 1 5 guests, and a Romantic Getaway Package For Two.

Visitors that only want to visit Splash Harbor can purchase day passes but must call in advance to check pass availability. For more information about Comfort lnn Splash Harbor, visit splashharbor.com.