Parks & Nature
Oak Openings Preserve
4139 Girdham RoadMarked hiking trails. Horseback riding is available.
The Seven Eagles Historical Education Center is one mile south of Grand Rapids on Wapakoneta Road. Here one finds seasonal educational events and programs for all ages related to American Indian and early American life. There is some hands-on participation.
Call for information (419) 509-0095
Seven Eagles EARTH Center
16486 Wapakoneta RoadThe Seven Eagles Historical Education Center is one mile south of Grand Rapids on Wapakoneta Road. Here one finds seasonal educational events and programs for all ages related to American Indian and early American life. There is some hands-on participation.
Call for information (419) 509-0095
At the west end of the Village on State Route 65 is Mary Jane Thurston State Park and Marina. Featuring a working canal gate, overlook of the state dam, fishing site below the dam, shelter house, picnic facilities, playground equipment, and a sledding hill, Mary Jane is a great place for a family retreat or that very first date! The marina includes a public boat launch. The camping facilities are also quite popular during the warm weather months.
Mary Jane Thurston State Park
1466 State Rte 65At the west end of the Village on State Route 65 is Mary Jane Thurston State Park and Marina. Featuring a working canal gate, overlook of the state dam, fishing site below the dam, shelter house, picnic facilities, playground equipment, and a sledding hill, Mary Jane is a great place for a family retreat or that very first date! The marina includes a public boat launch. The camping facilities are also quite popular during the warm weather months.
1. Bluebell Island Park
At the east end of the business block, rest on a bench and listen to the river as it flows over the rapids. Begin your scenic hike of the Old Gilead Side Cut towpath here by crossing the footbridge over the canal spillway. Turn left for an easy half-mile hike to the dam at Mary Jane Thurston State Park.
2. Applebutter Festival
October 9, 2016
Always held the second Sunday of October, this festival
features Heritage Craftsmen, juried crafts, entertainment,
great food, vintage farm equipment, re-enactment groups and
pioneer demonstrations, the traditional apple butter stir,
and shops brimming with goodies.
For more information contact
Steve Kryder
(419) 748-8238
Chuck Thomas
(419) 265-7936
11 locals recommend
Grand Rapids
1. Bluebell Island Park
At the east end of the business block, rest on a bench and listen to the river as it flows over the rapids. Begin your scenic hike of the Old Gilead Side Cut towpath here by crossing the footbridge over the canal spillway. Turn left for an easy half-mile hike to the dam at Mary Jane Thurston State Park.
2. Applebutter Festival
October 9, 2016
Always held the second Sunday of October, this festival
features Heritage Craftsmen, juried crafts, entertainment,
great food, vintage farm equipment, re-enactment groups and
pioneer demonstrations, the traditional apple butter stir,
and shops brimming with goodies.
For more information contact
Steve Kryder
(419) 748-8238
Chuck Thomas
(419) 265-7936
Sightseeing
Providence Metropark / Miami & Erie Canal
Step back in time to the 1870s at Providence Metropark in Grand Rapids, Ohio. Board The Volunteer, an authentic 1800s, mule-drawn canal boat, for a trip along a restored stretch of the original Miami and Erie Canal. Glide along in an authentic canal boat drawn by mule power. The ride represents life on the canal as it was experienced 150 years ago. The boat passes through one of the original canal locks in front of the historic Isaac Ludwig Mill and Interpretive Center, a restored and working canal-era sawmill and grist mill.
Providence Metropark is located on US 24 at SR 578 across the Maumee River from Grand Rapids. One of the Toledo Metroparks, it offers a shelter house, picnic facilities, playground, and hiking trails. This park is also the western terminus of a 10 mile hiking trail to Waterville along the old canal towpath.
Providence Metropark
13200 S River RdProvidence Metropark / Miami & Erie Canal
Step back in time to the 1870s at Providence Metropark in Grand Rapids, Ohio. Board The Volunteer, an authentic 1800s, mule-drawn canal boat, for a trip along a restored stretch of the original Miami and Erie Canal. Glide along in an authentic canal boat drawn by mule power. The ride represents life on the canal as it was experienced 150 years ago. The boat passes through one of the original canal locks in front of the historic Isaac Ludwig Mill and Interpretive Center, a restored and working canal-era sawmill and grist mill.
Providence Metropark is located on US 24 at SR 578 across the Maumee River from Grand Rapids. One of the Toledo Metroparks, it offers a shelter house, picnic facilities, playground, and hiking trails. This park is also the western terminus of a 10 mile hiking trail to Waterville along the old canal towpath.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is a great local winery with a fun atmosphere! Hours of operation are:
Thursday - Saturday 12 -8 pm
Sunday 1-5 pm
They often have live music and food vendors. This is one of our favorite places to spend time with friends any season.
6 locals recommend
Majestic Oak Winery & Neon Groundhog Brewery
13554 Mohler RdThis is a great local winery with a fun atmosphere! Hours of operation are:
Thursday - Saturday 12 -8 pm
Sunday 1-5 pm
They often have live music and food vendors. This is one of our favorite places to spend time with friends any season.
Food Scene
This old tavern has been totally remodeled and turned into a large restaurant with an outdoor patio. The food can be hit or miss for quality, but it is nearby and very unique. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
6 locals recommend
Log Cabin Tavern
T464 Co Rd 3This old tavern has been totally remodeled and turned into a large restaurant with an outdoor patio. The food can be hit or miss for quality, but it is nearby and very unique. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
Sullivan's food and atmosphere has never disappointed! Located about 15 minutes drive away from our home, it is well worth the drive.
Sullivans Restaurant
141 North Fulton StreetSullivan's food and atmosphere has never disappointed! Located about 15 minutes drive away from our home, it is well worth the drive.
Loma's is a long-standing Mexican restaurant near the Toledo Express Airport. Although the food is not traditional "Mexican" as it has been Americanized. They are famous for their delicious and hard-hitting margaritas! Monday is "Margarita Monday" with special drink prices! Tell Jeannie, the hostess (and co-owner) the Saunders sent you!
Loma Linda Restaurant
10400 Airport HwyLoma's is a long-standing Mexican restaurant near the Toledo Express Airport. Although the food is not traditional "Mexican" as it has been Americanized. They are famous for their delicious and hard-hitting margaritas! Monday is "Margarita Monday" with special drink prices! Tell Jeannie, the hostess (and co-owner) the Saunders sent you!
The food at Azul Tequila is very good. There is seldom a wait for a table. The margaritas are OK, not great. I do love their table-side guacamole -- very delicious!!!
Azul Tequila
601 E Riverview AveThe food at Azul Tequila is very good. There is seldom a wait for a table. The margaritas are OK, not great. I do love their table-side guacamole -- very delicious!!!
Shopping
If you are looking for unique ladies clothing, you must check out this little boutique in Sylvania, Ohio. It is worth going off the beaten track. The prices are reasonable and the style is special.
Chic Happens Ladies Boutique
5693 Main StIf you are looking for unique ladies clothing, you must check out this little boutique in Sylvania, Ohio. It is worth going off the beaten track. The prices are reasonable and the style is special.
Franklin Park Mall
5001 Monroe St This is an indoor mall.
The Shops at Fallen Timbers
3100 Main StThis is an outdoor mall.
The Town Center at Levis Commons
3201 Levis Commons BlvdThis is an outdoor mall
This is an outlet mall situated just off of the turnpike, not far into Indiana.
17 locals recommend
The Outlet Shoppes at Fremont
6245 Old U.S. 27This is an outlet mall situated just off of the turnpike, not far into Indiana.
Entertainment & Activities
This drive-in movie theater is in the field behind our AirBnB home! There are two screens showing first-run double-features on the weekends, April through September(ish). As a guest of our AirBnB home, you can attend the drive-in movies for no additional charge. Just let us know when you will be attending so we can notify our box office staff.
Field of Dreams Drive In Theater - Liberty Center
V602 Township Rd 6This drive-in movie theater is in the field behind our AirBnB home! There are two screens showing first-run double-features on the weekends, April through September(ish). As a guest of our AirBnB home, you can attend the drive-in movies for no additional charge. Just let us know when you will be attending so we can notify our box office staff.
The Toledo Zoo is a fun place for old and young alike! They completely refurbished a historic aquarium recently! Don't miss it!
117 locals recommend
Toledo Zoo
The Toledo Zoo is a fun place for old and young alike! They completely refurbished a historic aquarium recently! Don't miss it!