Country Hearth

Fans of nature and the great outdoors feel right at home at Toledo's Wildwood Preserve Metropark. This is one of the area's most visually stunning examples of a tall-grass prairie and all of the life and beauty that are associated with it. There are plenty of fun activities available here that include a boardwalk, a covered bridge, a 100-year-old schoolhouse and even a hiking trail that leads to the University Parks Trail.

History is both preserved and highlighted at the Fort Meigs State Memorial. This fort was the largest walled fortification in the country. The structure was ordered to be built by President William Henry Harrison on the south side of the Maumee River in 1812. This was the site of two important battles of the War of 1812. The historic attraction has been restored and was even the site of a massive archeological excavation that was started in the 1960s. There are self-guided tours available as well as various demonstrations that offer an even more detailed look at a fascinating piece of United States history.

The Black Swamp Arts Festival is usually held every Labor Day Weekend in downtown Bowling Green, Ohio, which is just twenty miles south of Toledo. This is a celebration of many forms of art as well as the people who create it. The underlying purpose of this multifaceted event is to ultimately connect these talented artisans and creators with other artists as well as the public who are given the chance to purchase many of the paintings, sculptures and other pieces on display over the course of this three-day event. There is also live music, food and plenty of family-friendly activities that practically guarantee a splendid time for all.