Cincinnati, Ohio

Southern Ohio, from world class restaurants and shopping in Cincinnati, to Dayton's Wright-Patterson Air Force Base with the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Southern Ohio has a lot in store for summer travelers. The Ohio River Scenic Byway in the Southeast takes kids to the Hopalong Cassidy Museum for a dose of cowboy fun, adults can enjoy the National Road and Zane Grey Museum. The Hocking Hills, home to several state parks and nature preserves and Ohio's only national forest is an adventure land for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers and mountain bikers can hit over 300 miles of trails, there is also plenty of water for boating and fishing. Enjoy summer in Southern Ohio.

Marietta, in Eastern Ohio, is a beautiful river town on the banks of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. With brick streets and historic Victorian homes, Marietta is home to the American Sternwheel Association. The City hosts the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, a unique and popular event held each year the weekend after Labor Day. The 2010, 35th Annual Sternwheel Festival will be held September 10th through 12th. Bring family and friends out and extend your summer fun through one more weekend. A free, fun-filled family event where you can enjoy boats, food live music and entertainment and a dazzling fireworks display over the river. The Best Western Marietta is an ideal location for a weekend getaway. You can enjoy the Sternwheel Festival, browse the historic sites and antique stores or get a day of fishing in.

The Southern Ohio 2010 Storytelling Arts and Music Festival takes place in Chillicothe September 10th and 11th. The Storytelling Festival is a unique opportunity to experience the best local, regional and national storytellers weave tales and share stories from their lives. Special performances will be held for school children in addition to the public storytelling concerts. An open mic event will be held for visitors to story swap and Chillicothe's Majestic Theatre will host a Ghost Story special event in the evenings. The Best Western Adena Inn is located conveniently for visitors to Chillicothe. With a friendly staff, comfortable and affordable accommodations, consider staying a day longer for a visit to the Seven Caves in nearby Bainbridge.

The US' largest Oktoberfest is held in Southwestern Ohio – Oktoberfest Zinzinnati USA 2010 is September 18th and 19th in Cincinnati. A fun event for family and friends, with a traditional German beer stein race, beer barrel roll and the popular running of the wieners. Everyone participates in the celebrity led World's Largest Chicken Dance which last year featured Homer Simpson. With plenty of food, drink and fun for the entire family. Cincinnati has five Best Western Hotels conveniently located in and around the city. Ideal for travelers passing through, a long weekend or an entire vacation.

The Horseshoe
Ohio State University

Columbus, the Ohio state capital sits at the geographical center of the state. The urban, economic and political center of Ohio there is plenty going on in summer. 2010 marks the 100th Anniversary of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, which will ensure a summer of fun for residents and visitors to Columbus. The actual birthday party will be September 22nd when the tradition of the lantern parade will be revived in several city parks. In August, the time capsule buried along the Scioto Mile will be opened and a new time capsule dedicated at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center.

The Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest will be held in the Arena District July 23rd through 25th. Sponsored by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, the 2010 event is another celebration of the department's 100th Anniversary. A superb lineup is schedule for three days of concerts. Top name artists like Tito Puente Jr, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and the HooDoo Soul Band are just a few on the schedule. Over 20 rib burners will be featured at the festival from all over the US, Canada and Austrailia. The Jazz and Rib Fest will be a summer highlight. The Best Western Port Columbus is close to downtown just off of I-670 near the airport. Convenient for travelers to the Nationwide Arena neighborhood and all of Columbus' attractions.

A summer tradition, the Ohio State Fair is held at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. Running July 28th through August 8th, the 2010 event marks the 157th year for the fair. Always family friendly with a lot to do and see for every age and interest. This years concerts features free shows by the All-Ohio State Fair Band & Choir and the Harry James Orchestra. Headliners on the schedule range from Rascal Flats and Darius Rucker to Heart and David Sanborn with George Duke. Outstanding entertainment along with the best of Ohio livestock, agriculture and home-made goods on exhibition. Best Western has 11 Hotels within 50 miles of the State Fair – with affordable rates and quality amenities, choose Best Western.

The Riverfront Arts Festival in Columbus celebrates it's fifth anniversary in 2010. Held Sept 17th through the 19th, the Riverfront Arts Festival is set along the beautiful Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus. With nearly 150 artists showcasing their talents, there is an amazing variety arts to browse and shop. The evening entertainment schedule is better than ever and the setting is magical as the riverfront comes alive with the WaterFire bonfires, color and music. Enjoy summer 2010 in Columbus.

Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame
Cleveland, Ohio

Northeastern Ohio on the south shores of Lake Erie and it's major cities of Cleveland, Akron and Youngstown are in full summer swing. Visitors are filling the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Akron Art Museum. Music from the Youngstown Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra and the Akron Symphony fill the air in special summer outdoor venues. Canton is home to the National First Ladies' Library, dedicated to educating visitors on the contributions of US First Ladies and other important women in history. Canton is also home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame – the premier sports museum and showcase in the country. Northeast Ohio has something for everyone.

The Rotary Club of Cleveland, in celebration of it's 100th Anniversary, sponsors the 2010 Cleveland Tall Ships Festival on July 7th. You can witness the splendor of the Majestic Parade of Sail, with up to eleven Tall Ships under full sail entering Cleveland Harbor. Through July 11th the ships will be on display along with a variety of activities at the port. Special sail-aways can be schedule for a 1.5 hour sailing experience during festival days. An amazing opportunity to take a look back into maritime history.

With over six Best Western Hotels in Cleveland and the surrounding area, travelers have a great choice of locations to fit their itinerary. The Best Western Airport Inn & Suites is convenient for travelers arriving by air. The Best Western Lawnfield Inn & Suites, east of downtown Cleveland in Mentor, is convenient to I-90 and Route 2. The Best Western Inn in Elyria west of Cleveland is located off of I-90 and I-80. Best Western Hotels have you covered in all directions.

Athletes and runners put Akron on your calendars September 25th. The 2010 Road Runner Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Novo Nordisk Team Relay is on. Events also include a kids fun run, health and fitness expo at the University of Akron, and post race entertainment. Gather family and friend for this fun and healthy event. The Best Western Executive Inn of Akron and the Best Western Inn & Suites in Akron are ideal locations for travelers. With comfortable and affordable accommodations you can make the marathon a full weekend getaway. Bring the kids and spend a day at the Akron Zoo!

Youngstown celebrates the 25th Anniversary of it's Italian Fest in 2010. Held July 30th through August 1st, this is a great family festival. Downtown Youngstown will be filled with two blocks of amusement rides, food vendors, two mega tents for continuous live entertainment and arts, crafts and food vendors. Join in contests for homemade beer or wine, play Morra or Bocce or even take your chances at the pasta eating contest. A fun filled three day event gear for family entertainment. The Best Western Meander Inn is an ideal location for accommodations in Youngstown. Just off of I 80, the kids will love the outdoor pool and sport court. The Meander Inn is pet-friendly, so you can bring along the family dog.

Aerial View of Toledo, OH

Northwest Ohio and Toledo, the largest metropolitan area in the region is happening for summer. The shores of Lake Erie draw water sports fans for boating and recreation. The coastal town of Port Clinton is a popular spot, with easy access to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island. While Bowling Green State students are on summer vacation the town gears up for the 44th Annual National Tractor Pull Championships. Also hosted in Bowling Green, is the Black Swamp Arts Festival named after the Great Black Swap of Northwest Ohio, now fertile agricultural land. Don't miss the summer fun in Northwest Ohio.

Athletes, check out the 2020 summer events in Sylvania, north of Toledo. August 1st the Women's Only Triathlon and Dri-Tri will be held. The Dri-Tri is a run, bike, run event, replacing the traditional swim with a one mile run. The Sylvania SuperKids Tri/Du is held on August 7th and is open to children ages 7 to 14, with a fun run for the 3 to 6 year olds. The kids are separated into two age groups with appropriately modified distances. This is a fun opportunity for families with younger kids to get involved in a healthy challenge together. August 8th, the 30th Annual Sylvania Triathlon/Duathlon will be held. A comprehensive event, with Olympic and sprint distances and various divisions, so don't be shy.

There are three Best Western Hotels within 30 miles of Sylvania for travelers. Make a full weekend out of the races and enjoy a summer getaway. The Best Western Del Mar in Wauseon is also a convenient location to visit the Toledo Zoo and the Cedar Point Amusement Park. The Best Western Falcon Plaza in Bowling Green is located across from Bowling Green State. The Best Western Napoleon Inn & Suites is conveniently located in Napoleon.

The 2010 National Tractor Pulling Championships are August 20th through the 22nd. The evening of August 19th is fan appreciation night with a free concert with Haywire. You can also check out the open pits and see the competition vehicles. The championships are held at the Wood County Fairgrounds in Bowling Green. An exciting three day event featuring the most powerful pulling machines in the country.

Bowling Green's popular Black Swamp Arts Festival 2010 is September 10th through the 12th. The festival features the best local, regional and national artists in a variety of visual arts, music along with a special youth interactive art area and plenty of food and drink vendors. The festival is free, with a main stage and family entertainment stage geared for audiences with children. Spend the weekend browsing arts, crafts and a juried art show while enjoying live performances. The kids will loved getting involved in music, art and performance projects geared specifically for them. A wonderful and fun event for the entire family.