There's a brand-new trail in the Cleveland Metroparks that's calling your name.

Tucked away in Euclid Creek Reservation, Eastern Ledge Trail was first unveiled to the public in October of 2022.

At roughly a mile in length, Eastern Ledge Trail is an easy hike that mixes natural and paved walkways.

Perhaps the most dazzling feature is the trail's sparkling new suspension bridge.

The suspension bridge connects the Welsh Woods Picnic Area with the other side of the gorge, allowing hikers to pass over the stunning waters of Euclid Creek.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg, as there's something even more stunning that awaits visitors... a gorgeous overlook!

At more than 130 feet above Euclid Creek, this spot is the highest overlook in the entirety of the Cleveland Metroparks.

The newly built trail (which you can check out on a Cleveland Metroparks map for a bird's-eye view) is part of newly acquired land in the park.

The paved portion of the trail is ADA-accessible, too, so this is a hike every Clevelander can take advantage of.

This is especially true in the autumn months... this hike is arguably the best place in the Cleveland Metroparks to view fall colors!

After all... who could argue with that view?!

And don't worry if you miss the fall colors this year... the park is stunning in every season, so there's always beauty awaiting you.

This stunning addition to the Cleveland Metroparks belongs on your bucket list.

There's something beautiful and even poetic about an old rock quarry. The slate and granite juxtaposed with verdant foliage and blue pools makes for a scene that's far greater than the sum of its parts.

But what do you do with an abandoned quarry... a place that's no longer bustling with business and activity?

You transform it into a public park for outdoor recreation, that's what. Nestled just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Columbus, Ohio, Quarry Trails Metro Park is a place that promises epic recreation of all kinds.

The 180-acre park is unique in so many ways -- it's home to amazing kayaking and water recreation, as well as a 0.75-mile mountain biking trail that's as thrilling as it is scenic.

True to its name, Quarry Trails Metro Park is also flush with, well, quarry trails, offering a robust array of treks that includes dog-friendly paths and ADA-accessible trails, too.

Another true-to-name feature of this park is something wholly, wonderfully unique -- a feature that's put this Columbus MetroPark on the map.

The park's centerpiece is Ohio's very own El Capitan: a commanding limestone cliff that's now home to a horizontal traverse designed for a mountaineering style of climbing called a via ferrata -- the very first of its kind in the country, in fact.

Climbers will traverse across 1,040 feet from fixed metal rungs and cables, the majority of which features horizontal climbing with one larger vertical section. There's also a 90-foot-long suspension bridge situated 105 feet above a pond, too, making this one action-packed experience!

Here at OnlyInYourState, we're big proponents of travel and bucket-list-worthy adventures and while we love cross-country travel and encourage wanderlust, sometimes, the best adventures are found in your own backyard... or, in this case, hometown.

At its prime, this center was considered the model for others like it. It was state-of-the-art, though not overly enormous.

Although plans for a newer, larger center were in development, this didn't help the struggling center at the moment.

Finally, in 2011, that new center was finished and opened its doors, making this one obsolete.

Touring the building, one finds many remains: those of courtrooms and cells, offices and courtyards.

Though this center didn't have any major scandals during its time, it was eventually discovered that complaints from children inmates often went ignored.

Who knows how many legitimate issues were simply looked over? We can't know now.

And this one is, of course, the oldest – we are unsurprised to learn that darkness lurked here even without media attention.

The outside world seems far away when wandering these halls.

The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks have been one of the areas most significant cultural and historical areas for years, and now the world has taken notice.

This historical park is a sprawling area - actually covering three areas. They are the Newark Earthworks, the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, and Fort Ancient.

Over the decades, researchers have carefully mapped the areas and created a picture of the ancient cultures that lived, built, and traded here.

The most dramatic remnant left by the Hopewell culture is the earthworks - significant mounds that served as cultural landmarks, forts, and burial sites.

The most dramatic structure built by the Hopewell is the Great Circle Earthworks, a massive 1,200 foot circular moat.

One of the largest circular earthworks in the United States, it's located in the Newark Earthworks and is a staggering achievement still standing today.

This new designation as a World Heritage Site puts the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks in storied company - it's now one of only 25 sites in the United States to qualify.

You've just stumbled upon one of the coolest haunted attractions in Ohio, and it's located just about an hour and a half away from home.

This is Haunted Hydro, an authentic hydroelectric power plant built in 1911.

Once spooky season rolls around, things get creepy here.

The age of the spooky old building is evident, and it adds to the ambiance.

This annual attraction opens in late September and operates on Friday and Saturday nights in October, plus the last two Sundays of the month and Halloween.

Rest assured, the monsters inside this spooky attraction won't touch you... unless you want them.

You can also select a Fast Pass or Front of the Line Pass if you're hoping to save a bit of time.

The experience is spread out across a vast space, so budget a bit of time for your visit. You could spend at least 20 to 30 minutes walking around!

If you're hoping to go to the Haunted Hydro attraction with friends, be sure to plan accordingly.

At just about 80 minutes away from home, this is one road trip you'll want to take this October.

However, you might need to put on a brave face to get through this top-rated Halloween attraction...

October just got so much spookier!

The world may have changed since Waynesville was founded in 1797, but a visit to this charming Ohio town feels like stepping inside a well-preserved time capsule.

Waynesville is, quite literally, a historic treasure trove: the 36-acre, five-block Waynesville Main Street Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

Wandering through Waynesville's historic downtown is a treat; its nearly 100 historic buildings are well-preserved and full of character, with many home to some of the most darling local businesses and restaurants.

American Pie (pictured) is one such shop. It's owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Jason Thomas and Lee Mershad Thomas and carries artisan home decor items, unique gifts, repurposed home goods, and Thomas' eponymous furniture line. Thomas' pieces are beautiful, heirloom-quality items that will, at some point down the road, become treasured antiques.

In terms of lodging and dining, the Hammel House covers both -- with a side of local history, of course. Used as a tavern as early as 1800, Waynesville held its first election here in 1803, and the current building was constructed as an inn and stage coach stop in 1822.

While the Hammel House is certainly a place to enjoy a proper, sit-down meal, the menu is anything but stuffy. Old-fashioned favorites like chicken pot pie, chicken and rice soup, and pot roast make for a comforting and soul-filling dining experience -- and if you're lucky enough to be an overnight guest, you'll wake up to the tantalizing aroma of sizzling bacon and French toast!

There's almost always something fun happening downtown, and Waynesville's Christmas in the Village is about as wholesome and charming as it gets. A nod to the traditions and comforts of Christmas past, you'll find the downtown adorned in traditional holiday décor and as cozy as ever. Waynesville's Christmas festival is a holiday event that's often overlooked for some of the region's other festivals -- and definitely worth experiencing at least once.

This holiday festival also presents the opportunity to tour some of Waynesville's most historic homes, decked to the nines for the season. The Friends Home, for example, is lovelier than ever come Christmastime, when its exhibit rooms positively sparkle with historic decorations and whimsical notions.

Of course, it's impossible to talk about festivals in Waynesville without mentioning the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival. Held annually on the second full weekend in October, the festival started in 1970 as a humble affair with a handful of vendors and 1,500 visitors; today, the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival serves seven tons of 'kraut and attracts approximately 350,000 visitors from across the country!

This is all just the beginning of the historic charm and small-town sensibility that awaits in wonderful Waynesville, Ohio. Visit, and I promise you'll fall in love with all this Buckeye State 'burb has to offer!

The Buckeye State has long been a bucket-list destination for roller enthusiasts, with Cincinnati's Kings Island and Sandusky's Cedar Point packing quite the superlative punch.

Kings Island opened in 1972, and in the 50+ years since, has earned its place among America's top amusement parks. The Beast (pictured) was designed and built in-house for approximately $3 million, and when it opened in 1979, it was the tallest, fastest, and longest wooden roller coaster in the world. Decades later, it still holds the title as the longest wooden roller coaster in the world, spanning a staggering 7,361 feet.

In addition to its thrilling rides, Kings Island's annual Winterfest is a beloved Buckeye State tradition that's as spectacular as the park itself. It's been voted among the top theme park holiday events in the country, and with five million lights and a 314-foot tall Christmas tree (hello, Eiffel Tower!), it certainly is worthy of such praise.

Kings Island isn't the only world-class amusement park in Ohio... Cedar Point is 364 acres of pure fun, boasting over 70 attractions, including the mighty, 310-foot titan that is the Millennium Force.

The second-oldest amusement park in the US, Cedar Point has been entertaining Ohioans since 1870. When it initially opened as a public bathing beach, the first passengers actually arrived via a steamboat dubbed the "Young Reindeer."

The park's unique location on the shores of Lake Erie position it as the perfect summer vacation in Ohio; and indeed, that is exactly what it's been for 150 years. But its amenities and attractions aren't the only draws of this park and its Cincinnati counterpart.

Both Ohio amusement parks have earned national notoriety not only for their record-breaking coasters and must-visit events, but also for their accessibility and affordability. A 2023 study by JeffBet assigned each theme park a score out of 10 based on how "much" visitors get for the price. This involved scaling the online ticket and parking prices against the number of attractions, visitor ratings, and typical opening hours. Cedar Point was named the most "worth the money" amusement park in the US, with Kings Island coming in fourth.

This is no surprise to us. We often talk of Ohio's low cost of living, but that doesn't just apply to housing and essentials. It also applies to our attractions and outdoor recreation, so, when you add it all up, Ohio is pretty much an all-around all-star and the best place to call home.

Since 1878, Beckwith Orchards has remained family owned and operated.

Fruit season begins around late July, and some apple species are harvested through November.

Once fall comes, Beckwith Orchards' apple season begins, bringing varieties like McIntosh, Cortland, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith.

But apples are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fall offerings.

In addition to mums, bales of hay, and cornstalks, there's an entire on-site farm store to explore.

Of course, decor is also a key component of fall at Beckwith Orchards.

While there's much to discover during each visit, following Beckwith Orchards on Facebook is a great way to stay up to date on what's available!

And though it's not far at all from Cleveland, the views at and around the orchard sometimes feel otherworldly.

But be warned... coming hungry is dangerous, as your grumbling tummy and sweet tooth will spot a hundred things that look delicious.

All in all, there's much to discover at this historic family farm.

Beckwith Orchards is calling your name this year!

Public fountains are a common part of many a small town and big city center. They serve as beautiful works of art around which folks naturally gather; they also often provide the perfect setting for community events and festivals.

The town of Mount Vernon, Ohio, is no different. In addition to the historic Cooper Fountain (pictured above), the town is home to another fountain that's quite literally a horse -- or dog? -- of a different color.

This is the fountain at South Main Plaza, and since its unveiling in 2019, has been something to bark about in small-town Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

Inspired by world-renowned landscape architect Claude Cormier’s fountain in Toronto’s Berczy Park, the fountain at South Main Plaza features painted cast aluminum sculptures of 18 dogs, one cat, two pairs of birds, a pony, and an apple (but of course).

Some might wonder why. Why create a dog fountain in the middle of a small town in America's heartland? To those folks, I simply say, "why not?" What could be more fun that a fountain full of spraying, smiling pups?

Since its debut, the fountain has become a must-visit in town; a place for fun photo ops and communing with fellow animal lovers and art enthusiasts.

If, on the off chance you happen upon this doggy fountain when it's turned off, that's okay -- it's still a doggone delightful piece of public art to witness...

...for cat lovers, too!

Seeing a large inflatable Santa outside a local businesses wouldn't raise too many eyebrows in, say, December. But October? That's a bit more curious!

And yet, that's precisely what you'll see in Findlay, Ohio, each year come October. This, friends, is Christmas in October, a massive holiday market now celebrating 36 years of festive fun and early-bird shopping!

Each year, folks come from far and wide to enjoy a festive weekend of shopping at the Hancock County Fairgrounds.

Shoppers love the handmade gifts and decor made from Ohio artisans -- these are the type of one-of-a-kind pieces you simply won't find anywhere else!

Over 280 exhibitors set up shop in 10 buildings across the Ohio fairgrounds, making this Christmas market one of the biggest and the best in the state... in October!

In fact, one of the best perks about having a Christmas market so early is that you can stock up on *all* your seasonal swag -- fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, winter, and Christmas! In short, Christmas in October is the kind of one-stop-shop that welcomes Halloween devotees and Christmas enthusiasts alike.

Even Santa loves this seasonal craft show! He comes in a bit early to join the fun... so be on your best behavior!