$0 - Cleveland Browns Training Camp, Berea
So Berea really isn't out of town, but with all the drama of a typical Browns offseason, it's nice to finally get a chance to see the team in action (or, well ... ). Training camp runs from late July to late August at the team's facility in Berea. Practices are free and open to the public, with time allotted now and then for autographs and close-ups with the players. Contrary to Sunday afternoons at "FirstEnergy Stadium, Home of the Cleveland Browns," training camp days have a more laid-back air about them, a more family friendly atmosphere and no opponent — so you know the Browns can't lose. Also, you can take the kids to see Joe Haden in action and not risk some schmuck from Pittsburgh trying to vomit on them. Stay tuned for the official training camp schedule.
76 Lou Groza Blvd., Berea, 440-891-5000, clevelandbrowns.com
Various Prices: Day Trip, Put-In-Bay
The Lake Erie islands are an integral part of summers in Northern Ohio. They sit, timeless, awaiting tourists from around the region as school years come to a close and minds turn invariably toward vacations. They are perfect for the rowdiness of those darned twentysomethings, and gentle enough for the most relaxed family friendly sightseeing. The pace of the daytime is easy-going, but as the stars come out at night, Delaware Avenue is like an MTV-sponsored spring break (and the bars offer discounts for brides-to-be, who are as ubiquitous here as the fake palm trees). All in all though, it's hard to think of something more fun than rolling around an island on a golf cart in the summer.
Various Prices: Day trip, Geneva-on-the-Lake
Known 'round these parts as "Ohio's first summer resort," Geneva-on-the-Lake is a terrific day trip or weekend getaway that only requires a short jaunt down I-90. This quaint village boasts big-time fun along the Strip, where restaurants and wineries anchor a nice slice of Northeast Ohio culture. Events span the whole summer here — craft shows, concerts, rib cook-offs, margarita parties — so you can rest assured that there will be plenty of entertaining diversions amid your trip. "Priceless moments and affordable pleasures," write local historians. Sounds good to us!
Various Prices: Weekend Trip, Hocking Hills
As the Appalachian Mountains begin tapering off in earnest along southern Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park rises up and carves an amazing cut of the wild outdoors along our state's other end. The parks are expansive, and there are dozens of ways to get in and enjoy your stay (including cabin rentals at all levels of prices and amenities). This is the perfect sort of getaway for those seeking an adventure. The prime activities are hiking, mountain biking and backpacking, and there aren't many more ideal places to do them within a day's drive of Cleveland. We recommend taking the time to hike around the trails at Conkle's Hollow. The views are incredible.
