Final Summer Fling in Cleveland Plus

In no particular order…

10. Enjoy an End-of-Summer Festival

Get to the the Sparx City Hop Sept. 11. This day-long event connects nine of Cleveland’s bustling neighborhoods and celebrates the visual, culinary and musical artists in each. Attendees can park their car in one location and then use free trolleys to explore the more than 60 galleries and 100 eateries along the way.

Presented by the Lake County Visitors Bureau, the Lake County PerchFest brings a weekend (Sept. 10 – 12) devoted to Lake Erie’s favorite fish – the perch! Enjoy a mouthwatering fish fry, local live entertainment, “Just For Kids” entertainment featuring a youth fishing tank, a perch fishing tournament, karaoke and more.

The Cleveland Museum of Art presents its 20^th annual Chalk Festival Sept. 11- 12, an art that is a 16^th century Italian tradition.  Great for kids and adults.

Visitors can step back in time 200 years to the Yankee Peddler Festival at Clay’s Park in Canal Fulton Sept. 11 – 12, 18 – 19, 25 – 26.  Visit pioneer America with master artists and crafters setting up rustic shops, food cooked over open fires and non-stop entertainment. Keep up to the hour with the Town Criers and visit with the militia and mountain men.

Celebrate both the edible gardening revolution and Northeast Ohio’s thriving commitment to local food at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. RIPE! Food & Garden Festival Sept. 24-26 lets visitors choose among three tracks of programs: culinary, gardening and children’s. Each track includes comparative tastings, demonstrations and appearances by gardening and local food experts. An onsite farmers market and garden marketplace lets you take home garden-related products, while local restaurants on-site sell harvest-inspired, ready-to-eat dishes.

9. All Aboard the Goodtime III and Nautica Queen

Take in the last wondrous moments of the summer weather aboard one of these passenger boats sailing Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River with good food, music and entertainment.

• The Goodtime III features a panoramic cruise of Cleveland’s lakefront and the Cuyahoga River. Daily tours, on-board entertainment and dining are available.

• Cruising April through New Year’s Eve, the Nautica Queen is a luxury ship featuring daily lunch and dinner cruises with elaborate buffet dining and on-board entertainment for sightseeing up and down the Cuyahoga River.

8. Take a City Tour

Spend the rest of your summer like a tourist – take a city tour of Cleveland.

Consider a one-hour, narrated tour of downtown Cleveland on a Segway. Thanks to Electronic Tranpsort LLC Segway Tours of Cleveland, you can learn all about the city while riding one these awesome gliders (weather permitting; year round).

And, while you may have seen those jolly red trolleys driving around the city every day, you might not know that these buses offer city tours and specialty city tours all over the town. Great for all ages and especially fun during warm weather months, check out Trolley Tours of Cleveland (year round).

Or, hop on a Take a Hike! Tour where you can experience three exciting tours through some of downtown’s most intriguing districts with the help of costumed historical characters from Cleveland’s past.  Tours run until Sept. 12.

Want to guide yourself? Download a free walking tour from www.cityprowl.com and explore the art, architecture and history of Cleveland at your own pace.

7. Cedar Point

The thrills keep going until October 31 at the amusement park recognized as the “World’s Best” for 12 consecutive years. This year, check out the 14^th Annual Halloweekends, which promises to offer more thrills and fun than ever before. Check out spooky musical performances, monster midway invasions, haunted houses and its ever-popular scream-worthy collection of rides. Event runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Watch the Halloweekends video here.

6. Baseball

Summertime wouldn’t be complete without giving some love to one of America’s favorite pastimes – baseball. And, Cleveland Plus is no stranger to the sport, as it enjoys another season of Cleveland Indians Baseball. Tickets are still available for home games until Sept. 29.

Or, head east of downtown Cleveland to watch the Lake County Captains, the Single A Affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Regarded as one of the most fan-friendly ballparks in the minor leagues, Classic Park offers “Thirsty Thursdays,” family fun games, fireworks and ethnic heritage events. Home games run now through Sept. 10.

Also check out the Akron Aeros, the Double A Affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Like the Lake County Captains, the Aeros offer a traditional baseball experience paired with creative family-friendly promotions and special events like “Dollar Dog Mondays,” “Two for Tuesdays” and “Fireworks Fridays.” Ticket prices range from $7 to $9. Home games run through Sept. 15.

Find more Cleveland Plus baseball information here.

5. Farming and Living History

Part of enjoying the summer means escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life for something a bit more down-to-earth.

Visitors looking to slow down should head back to the 19^th century in this outdoor, living history museum. Guests of Hale Farm & Village can see Wheatfield Village, a small Ohio town struggling with the impact of the Civil War. Period crafts are made on the premises, with skilled artisans demonstrating glassblowing, blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, candlemaking and basketmaking. Farm animals also are in residence with a “stable” of horses, pigs, cows and sheep. Hale Farm & Village is open weekends in September and October.

Also in the living history departments is the Historic Roscoe Village. Experience life in the 1800s in this beautifully-restored canal town with journey tour and horsedrawn canal boat ride. Also open in the fall and for Christmas tours, it’s a great “get outside” family activity for the end of the season.

And, while they’re opened year-round, Lake Metroparks Farmpark is also a wonderful option for those looking to enjoy the last of the summery weather. Discover more than 50 breeds of farm animals on a trip to this hands-on science center.  While here, milk a cow, take a wagon ride, stroll through gardens and enjoy animal shows and demonstrations.  Learn more here.

4. Head to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Get to the Zoo before Sept. 12 to experience FLUTTER!, an exhibit that allows you to walk among dozens of free-flying butterflies from around the world; DINOSAURS!, where animatronic dinosaurs, including several “babies,” roar and move just like they did millions of years ago and Scoop on Poop, an exhibit teaching children about natural, umm…functions.

3. Get Wet with Great Lakes Watersports

Experience the extreme side of Cleveland Plus while jet skiing, boating and kayaking on Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. Great Lakes Watersports, located in the Flats, offers rentals including boat accessories like jet skis, wakeboards and tubes Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 19.

2. Go Island Hopping

Whether you’re looking for a wild night or a relaxing getaway, Kelleys, Middle Bass and South Bass islands in Lake Erie eagerly welcome all visitors with a variety of vacation options accessible by the Jet Express, Miller Boat Line and the Goodtime I. Learn more about the islands here.

1. Charter Boat Fishing

Enjoy what’s left of summer aboard a charter boat where visitors can use the charter company’s fishing and boating equipment as well as their skilled fishing guides and captains for one last hurrah on Lake Erie.  Some of our favorites include Fishin Boat Charters (30-foot Sport Fisherman) and Holiday Charters (56-foot steel-hulled, twin-diesel boat serving groups of up to 75 guests). Also check out these services:

• North Coast Charter Boat Association: NCCBA is a group of professional charter captains eager to provide an enjoyable and rewarding day of fishing on Lake Erie’s Central Basin.

• Wildwood Marina: A one-stop shop, Wildwood Marina offers boat charters for fishing, sightseeing and scuba diving for sunken ships.  Other services provided with charters include bait, tackle, fishing licenses, rental rods, fish cleaning services and more.

Click here for more end of summer ideas from the Plain Dealer.

– Submitted by L.R.H.

Putt Putt in Cleveland Plus

Adventure Zone at Geneva-on-the-Lake

I don’t golf. Not on a regular scale anyway. In hopes of saving friends and family from an embarrassing display of awfulness I don’t attempt to swing a club unless the ball is of the neon variety. Thankfully, Cleveland Plus is packed with some seriously tough mini golf courses. Just my style.

Because this blog is about golf, it’s a requirement I mention that Cleveland Plus is also home to more than 300 golf courses. If you had the good fortune to play seven days a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day you could conquer a new course every day. With so many options you’re sure to find one you like.

Now that that’s out of the way, on to a guide for Cleveland Plus’ miniature golf options…

Classics

Buzzard Cove Miniature Golf in Hinkley, Ohio – Featuring two traditional 18-hole courses, Buzzard Cove is the epitome of the family mini-golf experience. Not too hard for the little guys but challenging enough for adults, this is far and away my favorite miniature golf course with a Pirate Buzzard mascot.

McDuffer’s Park Miniature Golf in North Canton, Ohio – Located in the rear of the Grand Slam Sports Complex, McDuffer’s is the best maintained miniature golf course in Stark County.  The traditional, obstacle-laden course features multiple water hazards as it winds up and down artificial slopes behind the sports facility. 330.499.9611

Challenge Golf in Sandusky, Ohio – Cedar Point’s Challenge Golf (in Challenge Park adjacent to the amusement park) features two gorgeous 18-hole courses that wind in, out and around a 30-foot mountain with a series of caves, streams, waterfalls and other obstacles. Plus, when you’re done playing . . . you’re at Cedar Point!

Entertainment Centers

Swings-N-Things in Olmsted Township, Ohio – Swings –N-Things bills itself as a family fun park rather than just a mini-golf center, and rightfully so. In addition to two 18-hole courses (one is currently under construction), Swings-N-Things boasts a large arcade, batting cages, bumper boats, go-karts, laser tag, paintball and a delicious ice cream shop.

Goofy Golf in Sandusky, Ohio – A short car-ride down Rt. 250 from Cedar Point, Goofy Golf is home to an arcade, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, bumper boats and three go-kart tracks. The mini-golf courses here offer unique elements like high bridges, long, quick hills and large, themed buildings that players putt through and around.

Sluggers & Putters in Canal Fulton, Ohio – Sluggers & Putters Wild World of Fun is Stark County’s premier putt-putt destination. The park’s 19-hole adventure golf takes players up a hill into the land of “The Wizard of Oz” and back down again through hole after hole of familiar nursery rhymes. Sluggers & Putters also offers go-karts, bumper boats, a golf driving range, batting cages, a rock climbing wall, an arcade, a “monkey jumper” trampoline and an ice cream shop.

Adventure Zone in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio – I took a tour of the Adventure Zone Family Fun Center during a trip to Geneva-on-the-Lake and was blown away. This super-clean park with a super-friendly staff is a perfect family destination in Ohio’s oldest summer resort town. Along with its massive 18-hole mini-golf course, the “Zone” features a large arcade with a kids net playground, a merry-go-round, go-karts, bumper boats, a climbing wall and a snack shop.

Indoor

Firefly’s Mini Golf in Strongsville, Ohio – Tucked into the lower level of Westfield Shoppingtown Southpark Mall, Firefly’s is a simple course to play, but made unique by its concept. The 18-hole, glow-in-the-dark course is a fun spot for a date or a great break from hectic holiday shopping.

Madagascar Mini Golf at Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio – Hit the links indoors for nine fun and exciting holes at Madagascar Mini-Golf, then head to the water slides to cool off without ever leaving the Resort.

Alien Vacation Mini Golf at Great Northern Mall in North Olmsted, Ohio – The creator of “Holly”wood Christmas Movieland now brings you “Alien Vacation Mini Golf” in 3-D, interactive black light.

For the Masters

Rolling Greens Miniature Golf in Uniontown, Ohio – With the slogan “designed for more accurate putting,” the two 18-hole courses would make Tiger Woods cringe. Each course is a par 58 (filled with a slue of par three and par four holes), and takes a small miracle to finish even .  . . but it’s worth a shot.

Cabin Creek Golf in Sugarcreek, Ohio – Cabin Creek’s two 18-hole courses are so tough, they’re par-rated separately for amateurs and pros. Both courses offer many one-of-a-kind features including bridges, various water holes, a water wheel, a water geyser and other interesting obstacles. There’s even a hole where you have to tee off. Cabin Creek also has a driving range, batting cages, shuffle board and sand volleyball courts.

Even more places to putt-putt…

All American Sports Center – North Ridgeville
Rinky Dink Family Fun Center – Medina
Memphis Kiddie Park – Brooklyn
Clay’s Park Resort – North Lawrence
The Golf Dome – Chagrin Falls
Fun-n-Stuff – Macedonia
Strongsville Golf – Strongsville
Mr. Divots – North Royalton

– Submitted by C.A. and F.C

Coasting Along

Group outing destinations that appeal to a wide range of people and personalities are tough to come by, but Cedar Point near Sandusky – just a quick jaunt west along the Lake Erie coast from Cleveland – most definitely fits the bill. Voted Amusement Today’s World’s Best Amusement Park for a record-setting 12 straight years, Cedar Point offers its famous array of roller coasters along with beaches, waterparks and other family-friendly attractions that make it a truly one-of-a-kind place to visit.

With six places to stay, Cedar Point serves up 1,600 rooms and a wide variety of lodging possibilities. The classic and expansive beachfront Hotel Breakers, Sandcastle Suites, Camper Village and the cottages and cabins of Lighthouse Point are all nestled parkside on the Cedar Point peninsula, while Breakers Express and Castaway Bay, with its indoor year-round waterpark, sit just across the causeway.

For meetings and conventions, Hotel Breakers and Castaway Bay both include spacious ballrooms and smaller spaces for seminars and training programs. And, when the work’s done for the day, the Cedar Point midway is the perfect place to play.

“We are an amusement park first and foremost,” Cedar Point group sales director Tim Walsh notes. “We’ll customize what we have based on what a group is looking for.”  And that can mean everything from arranging specific in-park meals to exclusive park access and ride times.

And if you’re group is the adventure-minded sort, in addition to its classic menu of coasters and thrill rides, Cedar Point added Shoot the Rapids in 2010. It’s a wild, 2,100-foot-long wild water ride boasting an 85-foot drop and all but guaranteeing a soaking good time. – Submitted by guest blogger John Booth

Lake Erie Islands

A relaxing getaway, a hot night out on the town, a family vacation spot, that’s the Lake Erie Islands. Whether you’re looking to spend a weekend or a week, the islands offer a wide variety of things to do, see and eat and they promise to slow things down to a pace saved just for summer vacations. Read on for all you need to know about planning a trip to Kelley’s Island and Put-in-Bay, the most popular hot spots off the coast of Lake Erie.

Nationally recognized as a “Top-10 Healthiest Beach and Lake Getaway” by Health Magazine, Kelleys Island is the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway. Twelve miles from Sandusky, it is the largest American freshwater island in Lake Erie and provides visitors with a beautiful setting for fishing, hiking, swimming and camping along the shore. Other must-dos on Kelleys Island include checking out the world famous Glacial Grooves National Landmark, bird and butterfly watching, scuba diving through several Lake Erie shipwreck sites and a stop at the wineries. Accommodations include camping at the Kelleys Island State Park, bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals.

South Bass Island, better known as Put-in-Bay, is a hopping place. Start with a narrated tour on the island train then set out on your own to explore via bike, scooter or golf cart. Family fun on the island includes attractions like a butterfly house, miniature golf, gem mining, cave tours, a carousel and go-karts. If you’re a history buff, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial should be your first stop or if you’re just looking to kick back with a cold one, start out in one of Put-in-Bay’s many music establishments.  Outdoor recreational activities are everywhere you look and include charter fishing, boat rentals, golf, kayaking and parasailing. There are plenty of places to eat and stay and shopping, art galleries, two wineries and a microbrewery make Put-in-Bay a fun place for everyone.

Transportation

Public transportation to and from Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island comes in three forms:

The Jet Express is the fastest way to Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island with direct downtown service on each island. Passengers enjoy Lake Erie breezes on the outside upper deck or passenger lounges featuring cushioned chairs, carpeted decks and panoramic windows for island sightseeing. Guests are encouraged to arrive early for ticket purchase and parking (guests must pay a fee to park if spending the night at the islands).You might think about reserving tickets online to ensure your spot on the boat. The Jet Express departs from three locations in Port Clinton, Sandusky and Lorain for your convenience.

Miller Boat Line offers the most frequent service to Put-in-Bay and is the only ferry offering car service. A one-way ticket costs $6.50 and children five and under ride free. Parking at the Miller Ferry dock is free and reservations aren’t necessary. Miller Ferries passenger and auto service leave from Catawba Island (which is actually a peninsula) at the end of Route 53 North. Miller Boat Line billboards and state signage will help point your way.

The Goodtime I, an all-steel vessel built for ocean-going cruises, departs from Sandusky, Ohio daily on a Daytime Island Hopping Cruise, as well as other specialty cruises such as the Tuesday Night Sandusky Bay Cruise and the famous Friday Night party Cruises. The Goodtime I also is available for private charters and season special excursions.

So, whether you’re looking for a nature-inspired, laid back “vay-kay” or dancing till the sun comes up, the islands are the place to be this summer in Cleveland Plus.

For help planning your trip to the Lake Erie Islands visit www.positivelycleveland.com and www.shoresandislands.com.

More fun in nearby Sandusky:

Cedar Point Amuseument Park
Ranked “Best Amusement Park in the World” for ten consecutive years by Amusement Today, Cedar Point Amusement Park features a whopping 17 roller coasters, many hailed by coaster enthusiasts as some of the best! There’s plenty of fun for the little ones at Camp Snoopy, Planet Snoopy and the Jr. Gemini children’s area. New for 2010, Cedar Point is premiering a new water ride called Shoot the Rapids.

Indoor Waterparks
Inclement weather need not ruin the family vacation when visiting one of four indoor waterpark resorts in Cleveland Plus. Located 45 minutes west of Cleveland in the city of Sandusky, these indoor waterparks offer waterslides, pools, activity areas, surfing and all sorts of water activities perfect for every member of the family. Complete with unique overnight accommodations, restaurants, lounges, amenities and other indoor activities for families, these resorts provide theming that take kids from an African safari to a Caribbean adventure. Waterparks include Kalahari Waterpark Resort and Convention Center, Great Wolf Lodge and Castaway Bay at Cedar Point.

Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, a haunted thrill center featuring three spooky sections, was rated as one of the top ten haunted attractions in the country. Check out Ohio‟s first and only XD 3D Motion Simulation, where the scariness becomes a three-dimensional experience.

–Submitted by C.A.

“Erie” House of Horrors: Ghostly Manor

The castle that is Ghostly Manor.

West of Cleveland, near the Lake Erie shores of Sandusky, there’s a supernatural sort of fun brewing. They call it Ghostly Manor and the spooky castle looms large off of U.S. Route 250, on Woodlawn Avenue near Oakland Cemetery. Visitors from all over the country come to explore 6000-square foot foot of high-startle, non-stop horror action thrills in 21 unique rooms at one of the best haunted houses in the United States.  

“Our acclaimed haunt has recently received additional national recognition,” says owner/operator Bill Criscione, a lifelong Halloween enthusiast who opened the haunted house with his wife Jayme in 2001. “Just recently Ghostly Manor was recognized by Haunted Attraction Magazine as one of the ‘Top 25 Must-See Haunts in the United States’ and we’re proud of that honor. Also, Darkride and Funhouse Enthusiasts ranked us as one of their top ten walkthrough attractions for 2008.” And Ghostly Manor has been nationally ranked for the last five years, taking the number four spot the last two consecutive years.
 
The doors of Ghostly Manor rarely close (it is open year-round) and the mansion seems to grow more expansive and shuddersome every season (explore bedrooms, bathrooms, a nursery, dining room, kitchen, den, library and more than a few dark corners). Each room is haunted by live actors, state-of-the-art props, animatronics and lots of unexplained apparitions. “Each room in Ghostly Manor can scare you from at least four different places,” warns Criscione. 

Just Puttering Around in Cleveland Plus

Cleveland Plus is a golfer’s Mecca. With more than 300 courses in the area, you’re never more than a solid drive from the fairway. But what if the green is more your cup of tee? (See what I did there? Yeah, you get it.) Well, it just so happens that Cleveland Plus is also home to some of the most unique, most challenging and most entertaining miniature golf courses you’ll find anywhere. I’ve played all but a couple of the recommended courses listed below, and each one is more than worth its weight in windmills and neon balls.

The Classics – Check out these courses for that timeless round of mini golf filled with the standard obstacles you know and love.

Don't cheat at Buzzard Cove . . . you never know what might happen.

Buzzard Cove Miniature Golf in Hinkley, Ohio – Featuring two traditional 18-hole courses, Buzzard Cove is the epitome of the family mini-golf experience. Not too hard for the little guys but challenging enough for adults, this is far and away my favorite miniature golf course with a Pirate Buzzard mascot.  ($7 for adult, $6 for kids)

McDuffer’s Park Miniature Golf in North Canton, Ohio – Located in the rear of the Grand Slam Sports Complex, McDuffer’s is the best maintained miniature golf course in Stark County.  The traditional, obstacle-laden course features multiple water hazards as it winds up and down artificial slopes behind the sports facility. ($5.50)

Challenge Golf in Sandusky, Ohio – Cedar Point’s Challenge Golf (in Challenge Park adjacent to the amusement park) features two gorgeous 18-hole courses that wind in, out and around a 30-foot mountain with a series of caves, streams, waterfalls and other obstacles. Plus, when you’re done playing . . . you’re at Cedar Point! ($5.95 for adults, $2.95 for kids under 48” tall)

The Entertainment Centers – There’s so much more than mini-golf at these hubs of fun.

Adventure Zone at Geneva-on-the-Lake

Swings-N-Things in Olmsted Township, Ohio – Swings –N-Things bills itself as a family fun park rather than just a mini-golf center, and rightfully so. In addition to two 18-hole courses (one is currently under construction), Swings-N-Things boasts a large arcade, batting cages, bumper boats, go-karts, laser tag, paintball and a delicious ice cream shop. ($7 for adult, $5 for kids)

Goofy Golf in Sandusky, Ohio – A short car-ride down Rt. 250 from Cedar Point, Goofy Golf is home to an arcade, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, bumper boats and three go-kart tracks. The mini-golf courses here offer unique elements like high bridges, long, quick hills and large, themed buildings that players putt through and around. ($6 for adults, $3.50 for kids)

Sluggers & Putters in Canal Fulton, Ohio – Sluggers & Putters Wild World of Fun is Stark County’s premier putt-putt destination. The park’s 19-hole adventure golf takes players up a hill into the land of “The Wizard of Oz” and back down again through hole after hole of familiar nursery rhymes. Sluggers & Putters also offers go-karts, bumper boats, a golf driving range, batting cages, a rock climbing wall, an arcade, a “monkey jumper” trampoline and an ice cream shop. ($6 for adults, $5 for kids)

Adventure Zone in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio – I took a tour of the Adventure Zone Family Fun Center during a recent trip to Geneva-on-the-Lake and was blown away. This super-clean park with a super-friendly staff is a perfect family destination in Ohio’s oldest summer resort town. Along with its massive 18-hole mini-golf course, the “Zone” features a large arcade with a kids net playground, a merry-go-round, go-karts, bumper boats, a climbing wall and a snack shop. ($6 for adults, $3 for kids)

Great Wolf Goes Green (04.30.09)

Great Wolf Lodge is pretty much a fantasy land for families. (Check out pictures of our tour). Inspired by the rugged log architecture of America’s classic northwoods retreats, Great Wolf Lodge offers an all-in-one place to stay, shop, dine and play. Recently voted “Best Place to Take the Kids” and “Best Place to Experience Summer in Winter” by Ohio Magazine (and I can see why) the lodge is located just minutes from Cedar Point Amusement Park and the Lake Erie Islands in Sandusky, Ohio.

Every stay at the lodge includes admission to their gigantic waterpark as well as other amenities such as: Northern Lights Arcade – Play and win at over 100 video & action games; Cub Club – an exclusive fun club with daily activities for kids; Eagle Peak Rock Wall -a hydro-rock climbing wall; Buckhorn Exchange – shop for unique treasures; and several on-site dining options.

But, it gets even better. Great Wolf Resorts recently launched Project Green Wolf, an umbrella for all the eco-friendly initiatives at their resorts. Project Green Wolf’s mission is to play a leading role in conserving our planet for future generations by educating and establishing green traditions for both guests and employees (or “pack-members” as they’re referred to). The lodge is the first waterpark in Ohio to participate in food scrap recycling. A partnership with local Barnes Nursery has allowed the resort to reduce their landfill waste by about 21%, which substantially reduces green house gas emissions.

Coaster Country

Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio.

Situated on the shores of Lake Erie, Cedar Point is home to the world’s greatest collection of thrill rides. Seventeen roller coasters (the biggest congregation anywhere) cascade across 364 acres of narrow peninsula in Sandusky. From the water it looks like long steel serpents inhabit the inlet, christened with names like Iron Dragon, Raptor, Mantis, Maverick and Gemini. The most intimidating metal monster would have to be Top Thrill Dragster, reaching speeds of 120 mph and a height of 420 ft. On a clear day, screams (mostly of joy) can be heard rolling over the lake to the Erie islands.

The Magnum at Cedar Point

“If you like roller coasters, you can find the coaster of your choosing here a Cedar Point,” assures Robin Innes, director of public relations. “Certainly, the white-knucklers love Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster, but on the other side of the scale we also have a great selection for everyone. Our younger guests love Jr. Gemini and Woodstock Express in Camp Snoopy. Then we have mid-size units that are fun coasters for anybody, like Disaster Transport and Iron Dragon.”

Of course Cedar Point’s heritage goes beyond its flagship roller coasters. When it opens Sat., May 16, 2009, Cedar Point will celebrate 140 years as a top recreation destination. It’s one of the largest and oldest amusement parks in the world — a forest of more than 75 rides linked with a mile-long stretch of white sand beach, an outdoor water park (Soak City), indoor water park and hotel (Castaway Bay), two marinas, several hotels, a luxury RV campground and a reputation as the global hotspot for thrill ride contraptions.

Frightfully Fun: Halloweekends @ Cedar Point (09.20.08)

Halloweekends at Cedar Point.

My best friend and I visited Cedar Point Saturday for the 12th annual HalloWeekends.  It had been a few years since I had gone and I guess I’d forgotten what I was missing. This year there are 12 new Halloween attractions. Entertainment ranges from mild fun to wild scares and includes the Club Blood haunted house and the outdoor Terror Island and CornStalkers scarezones.  For the younger kids, there is Planet Spooky, the Monster Midway Invasion Celebration Parade and other attractions.

What I love most about HalloWeekends is the ambiance created with the elaborate decorations throughout the park.  Old rides and other memorabilia are used in some of the displays to pay homage to Cedar Point’s rich 139-year history—it’s the second oldest amusement park/resort in the country. And of course, Cedar Point’s 75 rides, including its record 17 roller coasters, are also included in the package! 

Cedar Point is located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio — just an hour’s drive from Cleveland.  HalloWeekends runs through November 2, 2008.  –CM