Midwestern Traveler Magazine

Seven Places to Take in the Outdoors in West Virginia Read: https://lnkd.in/g4W4UzuQ The National Parks Service is celebrating its centennial in 2016. Here are seven scenic areas worth your time in West Virginia, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the eastern United States.

A Day in Indiana— Nearby cities in the Hoosier State are great for families looking for a day or weekend trip. Read: https://lnkd.in/ghbfT2Yt With many Indiana Tourism Association cities only 1 to 3 hours away by car, the state is ideal for this type of trip. The state is also packed with entertainment and recreation opportunities for those looking for some time away.

Pop On Over to Marion, Ohio— This Ohio city keeps visitors busy with attractions offering history and adventure. Read: https://lnkd.in/gfFZZdwi Three and a half hours outside of Cincinnati sits Marion, Ohio, a small town that calls itself, “The Popcorn Capital of the World.” Known for being the home of the 29th president of the United States and being one of only two places in the world with a popcorn museum, Marion offers history and adventure within its shops, restaurants, parks and museums. “When it comes to smaller cities with character and pizzazz, no one beats Marion,” says Alice Hutzel-Bateson, the program manager of Marion Made, a local organization whose mission is to bolster community pride. Founded in 1822 and home to just over 36,000 people, “Marion boasts rich history, arts and a diverse array of unique restaurants,” says Hutzel-Bateson.

A Weekend in Fort Wayne— Visit Fort Wayne, Indiana for fuzzy red pandas, fun on the waterfront, festival days and more. Read: https://lnkd.in/g5vwYYGK Located just a little over two hours away from Dayton, Fort Wayne, Indiana is a perfect summer destination for family fun. Jessa Campbell, Visit Fort Wayne’s marketing and communications manager, says there’s plenty in Fort Wayne to fill a day or weekend trip for a visiting family. From one of the country’s best zoos to a fun-packed downtown with a bustling riverfront, here are the can’t-miss attractions to include on your Fort Wayne itinerary.

Dayton’s Living Room— The Dayton Art Institute shares the world of art with both locals and visitors Read: https://lnkd.in/gMB4xrGe Atop a hill on the edge of the Great Miami River, overlooking downtown Dayton, Ohio, you’ll find one of the region’s premier fine arts museums. Founded in 1919, the The Dayton Art Institute is known for its impressive collections of art, world-class traveling exhibitions and educational programming that includes a selection of offerings for diverse audiences. The beautiful museum building was designed by renowned museum architect Edward B. Green, inspired by the favorite place of Julia Shaw Patterson Carnell, a benefactor who pledged $2 million in 1928 to construct a new home for the museum. Her favorite place was Italy, and the design took inspiration from two Italian Renaissance palazzos: the Villa d’Este near Rome and the Villa Farnese in Caprarola.

3 Thrilling West Virginia Lakes— West Virginia’s beautiful lakes offer a variety of fun activities. Read: https://lnkd.in/gP7XrWUk Check out these West Virginia lakes that offer a variety of activities—from boating to swimming to canoeing.

A Day in Yellow Springs— This Ohio Village is perfect for a day trip or long weekend. Read: https://lnkd.in/gFdUbZ2T Looking for somewhere to spend your Saturday? Check out the eclectic village of Village of Yellow Springs. Just an hour drive from Cincinnati, this artsy, hippy downtown offers something for everyone.

Chattanooga’s Spring Break Safari— Enjoy family time in Chattanooga this spring break with one or more of these activities Read: https://lnkd.in/gY64Tf35 Still looking for something to do as a family this spring break? Consider visiting Chattanooga Tourism Co.

Fall for Louisville—The Derby city has more to offer than horse racing and bourbon. Read: https://lnkd.in/gBpvQqKS Did Louisville drop off your travel radar after the Kentucky Derby? It might be time to bring it back into consideration. After all, mint juleps taste good all summer long—and with gorgeous foliage and a full lineup of fall festivals, Louisville is an ideal autumn destination. “The fall in Louisville can sometimes be just as busy as Derby season,” says Jordan Skora, the marketing communications manager for Louisville Tourism. No trip to Louisville is complete without a distillery tour—but don’t limit your visit to horses and bourbon. Here’s how to make the most of a visit to Louisville this summer or fall.

Spend some time in Columbus, Ohio— With unique shopping experiences and distinctive attractions, Columbus offers plenty of entertainment. Read: https://lnkd.in/grhFXgcr “A person who hasn’t been to Columbus, or a person who hasn’t been in a while, is best served by focusing on downtown and its adjacent neighborhoods,” says Beth Ervin, director of communications for Experience Columbus. The Short North, German Village and Arena District are all within walking distance of downtown, each offering their own individual flavor and atmosphere. When describing the appeal of the neighborhoods, Ervin says, “You kind of just want to poke around in them.”