Ohio travelers choose from 38 Best Western hotels.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Spring 2012 brings new life to the Queen City. April brings the season opener for the Cincinnati Reds to Great American Ballpark. Start the summer tradition early, head downtown to cheer on the Reds at Great American Ballpark - on the banks of the Ohio River, the setting is spectacular for a baseball game. Nearby, construction on Smale Riverfront Park is near completion with new facilities and grounds opening in May. North of Cincinnati in Mason, Kings Island Amusement Park celebrates its 40th season in 2012. With new additions and events, Kings Island is more fun than ever before. Time to get out and enjoy Cincinnati.

Spring brings another milestone in the completion of the John G & Phyllis W Smale Riverfront Park. Currently in phase I of construction, the bike mobility and visitor’s center, a portion of the Ohio River Bike Trail, the Black Brigade Monument and tree grove open with a Grand Opening celebration, on May 18th. Check out downtown Cincy’s newest additions and enjoy the springtime weather on the banks of the Ohio River.

Sports fans – get to know the Cincinnati Rollergirls. With spring bringing the season opener, match-ups are on the 2012 calendar through Fan Appreciation Night June 9th. Watch the Rollergirls “jam” their opponents at Cincinnati Gardens in northeast Cincinnati.

Paddlefest at Cincinnati’s Coney Island Park is a sure sign of summer. The 11th Annual Paddlefest is June 21st through 23rd, 2012. Events begin with the Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo, followed by the Ohio Music & Outdoor Festival. Enjoy live music from five bands, join the fun at the cardboard boat races or kayak fishing contest. A Saturday float down the Ohio River ends events with an 11-mile amateur race and 14-mile pro race. It’s the season to enjoy Hamilton County’s parks.

A first for the United States, Cincinnati hosts the 2012 World Choir Games. Choirs representing over 70 countries from across the globe, the World Choir Games is the largest international event in the history of Cincinnati. From July 4th through the 14th, events in over 23 categories keep participants busy and visitors entertained. Festivities include Opening Ceremonies at US Bank Arena, a Parade of Nations through downtown Cincinnati and the champion’s concert at Procter & Gamble Hall, at the Aronoff Center. For music fans, a trip to the World Choir Games is a rare opportunity.

2012 brings enhancements to Kings Island amusement park north of Cincinnati - get ready for the season opening for weekends April 28th, with daily operation beginning on May 11th. New attractions at Soak City Waterpark include Action River and a new Wave Pool along with a re-modeled entrance.

Celebrating their 40th anniversary season, Kings Island adds three new live stage shows to the schedule of entertainment including “British Invasion” and “Charlie Brown’s All-Stars”. It's that time of year – head to Mason and Kings Island, just of Interstate 71 north of Cincinnati.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Cleveland transforms with spring’s blooms and the green of summer - the Rock ‘n’ Roll Capital of the World comes to life. Cleveland Botanical Garden fills with the vibrant colors as bulbs explode to life. Outdoor events fill the calendar, the likes of The Cleveland Marathon, Parade at the Circle, and Tri-C JazzFest. Famous as the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, spring brings induction week to the Public Auditorium in downtown Cleveland - visit Cleveland and northern Ohio to see the latest musicians honored for their role in rock and roll history. Spring and summer are the season for Cleveland and Lakefront State Park.

The 2012 International Beer Fest hits Cleveland’s International Exposition (I-X) Center May 11th and 12th. Conveniently located next to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, travel to the I-X Center and beer fest is easy. Featuring three public tasting sessions, visitors sample nearly 800 beers from over 200 breweries from around the globe. This is the largest showcase for world beers in the Midwest. Beer Fest includes Brew U, featuring demonstrations and discussions with expert brewers along with the tastings. Taste the world’s best brews all in one spot at the Cleveland International Beer Fest.

Cleveland Botanical Garden celebrates Spring at the Garden April 14th through May 13th. The season of new growth and color with over 30,000 blooming bulbs, visitors enjoy a Floral Design Exhibit, Daffodil Show and Mother’s Day Brunch. Bring the kids to the garden on Easter for the annual Egg Hunt in the Hershey Children’s Garden. Enjoy spring at Cleveland Botanical Garden.

Runners, set your marks on the 2012 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. With the start and finish at North Coast Harbor, the course takes runners through Cleveland’s most popular destinations. A flat and fast course, spectators and participants see the Cleveland Browns Stadium, Great Lakes Science Center and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A full weekend of events, the Cleveland Marathon Expo runs May 18th and 19th. Saturday events feature a 5K and Kids’ Run, with the Marathon, Half Marathon& 10K on Sunday the 20th.

Parade the Circle and Circle Village are a sure sign Cleveland’s summer is in full swing. The popular University Circle neighborhood, east of downtown Cleveland, is home to the Cleveland Orchestra, Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Museum of Art. Join the fun on Euclid Avenue for the 23rd Parade the Circle on June 9, 2012. Colorful floats along with dancers, musicians and costumed performers are showcases in Cleveland’s most lively parade. Festivities continue at Wade Oval with an afternoon of live entertainments, activities for kids and adults, and food and drink vendors to keep you fueled.

Aerial View of Toledo, Ohio

As northwest Ohio emerges into spring and summer, the Lake Erie shores and Islands come to life as flocks of birds return to their summer home in Ohio’s black swamp. With the warmer weather, the rivers and lakes fill with fishermen gaming for the walleye and watersports enthusiasts enjoying the sunshine. The seasons anticipation builds for the opening of Sandusky’s Cedar Point Amusement Park, as summer vacation looms. Festival and event season begins with the Biggest Week in American Birding, Port Clinton’s Main Street Walleye Festival, and Ohio Bike Week. From the Warbler and Walleye Capitals of the World, northern Ohio is ready for your spring and summer visit.

Northwest Ohio, the "Warbler Capital of the World”, celebrates the 2012 Biggest Week in American Birding along Lake Erie Shores and Islands. Hosted by Lucas County Visitors’ and Convention Bureau, Ottawa County & Erie County Visitors’ and Convention Bureau and the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, located 16-miles northwest of Port Clinton. Set on the south edge of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and west of Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, this region is prime environment for birding. Join bird experts and fellow birders May 3rd through the 13th.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Cedar Point opens the 2012 season May 12th. Considered one of the best amusement parks in the world, Cedar Point features over 150 rides, shows and attractions. Famous for its 17 roller coasters, there is a ride every will enjoy. Even the youngest family members squeal as they enjoy four kids areas featuring live appearances by Peanuts characters, and pint sized rides designed especially for the little ones.

Kick off summer at the 2012 Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival. A great Memorial Day Weekend fun, May 24th through the 28th, bring the entire family for the Grande Parade, Kids Fishing Derby and carnival rides. Featuring more than 130 vendors, a citywide garage sale along with a 5K race, the walleye festival is a full four-day weekend of fun and entertainment. Join the festivities at Waterworks Park on Perry Street in Port Clinton.

Motorcycle enthusiasts get ready for Ohio Bike Week 2012. Formerly the Northcoast Thunder Rally, this is Northern Ohio’s premier bikers event. Gather with the crowds in Sandusky and along the shores of Lake Erie, June 1st through the 10th. The 2012 events include the Indians Country MusicFest featuring headliners Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and more, all Harley Drag Races and various concerts.

A popular summer tradition, the 2012 Huron River Fest is July 13th through the 15th. Joint the Saturday parade complete with floats, bands, cars and the Huron River Fest Queen & her court. Huron, just ten-miles south of Sandusky, fills with classic cars, bring your pet for the Saturday Critter Crawl and at least one night of fireworks.

The Horseshoe
Ohio State University

Columbus marks its Bicentennial in 2012. The city showcases 200 years of history and heritage in the yearlong celebration “200 Columbus The Bicentennial”. The Columbus Museum of Art host’s special bicentennial exhibits, as well as events at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Look for the Capital Pride Concert Band performing at Lincoln Theatre downtown, and bicentennial editions of events like the Capital City Half Marathon. Columbus honors its 200th birthday with the construction of the Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion in Columbus Commons. Celebrate the opening May 2012 with a visit to the heart of the city and kick-off the season in downtown Columbus.

Home of Ohio State University, nothing draws a crowd of fans more than Buckeye athletic events. Die hard Buckeye football fans; be sure to catch the finale of spring training at the 2012 Ohio State LiFE Sports Spring Game April 21st. It’s a double header Saturday with the Ohio State men’s lacrosse team hosting Air Force in the morning and the Ohio State Football game in the afternoon. Enjoy these spring sports events at Ohio Stadium.

The Bicentennial Edition of the Capital City Half Marathon is May 5th. Events include the Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, 5K and kids mascot chase. Pick your distance and join the fun running or walking in Columbus’ beautiful spring weather. The start of the race is the Scioto Mile, at Broad Street and Civic Center Drive, with the course routing participants through the sites and neighborhoods of Columbus. Along with the race events, be sure to visit the Health and Fitness Expo, enjoy local bands and performers along the course and celebrate the race at the Extra Mile Finish Line Party.

Its just about time for Zoombezi Bay to launch its 2012 season. Opening for weekends May 19th, with daily summer hours beginning Memorial Day, Zoombezi waterpark features 17 water slides, lazy river, action river and a wave pool – plenty of fun to keep anyone entertained. Located on the grounds of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, remember a your ticket to Zoombezi Bay is also good for admission to the zoo.

The Columbus Arts Festival returns to downtown Columbus for 2012. Sponsored by Time Warner Cable and produced by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Columbus Arts Festival celebrates its 51st year on the Downtown Riverfront. Join the festivities the weekend of June 1st through 3rd at the Columbus Center of Science and Industry, and along the Scioto Mile.

Browse artist’s tents spanning Rich Street Bridge, along Washington Boulevard and Main Street Bridge; Savor the Arts features local Columbus restaurants offering tastings and samples; while kids enjoy the Hands on Art Activities Area. Welcome the Columbus Arts Festival back to downtown and kick off your summer fun.