Football fans know Ohio as home of the NCAA national champions, The Ohio State University Buckeyes. Basketball fans know Ohio as home of superstar LeBron James. Baseball fans know Ohio as home to Major League Baseball’s Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians.
Hospitalists, emergency medicine physicians, and anesthesiologists who accept locum tenens opportunities in the Buckeye State also can call it home, at least for a little while.
While sports are a big deal among Ohioans, they’re not the only aspect of their home state they want visitors to experience. Here’s a closer look at a few other interesting things to eat, see, and do when on a locum tenens assignment in Ohio.
Dinner’s ready
Serious foodies know Food Network’s Iron Chef Michael Symon’s restaurants, Lola, The B Spot, and Lolita, are must-eat destinations in Cleveland. However, your palate should be equally pleased with the flavors cooked up at dining establishments throughout the state.
- Amish Door Restaurant & Village in Wilmot. Sit down for a truly homemade meal served up family style at this restaurant in Amish country. Plan to attend one of the restaurant’s gospel concerts or dinner theater performances. Before you leave, pick up some local meats, cheeses, and fresh produce in the Village.
- Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus in Columbus. Ohioans readily share their German heritage, especially when it comes to traditional dishes. If you have the chance to stop by Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus in Columbus, order the hoffbrau schnitzel or the sauerbraten und gravy over spatzel noodles. If you can’t decide which sounds best, sample der wunderbares essen on the German autobahn buffet.
- J. Liu Restaurant and Bar in Dublin. Adventurous diners will appreciate this eatery’s Euro-Asian fusion menu. According to the business’ website, “The chefs at J. Liu have free reign to create interesting and delicious specials.” Look for fresh fish, top-of-the-line steaks, and wild game.
Outstanding outings
Between spring and summer festivals and year-round cultural attractions, you’ll be presented with a broad choice of free-time fillers.
- Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio in Van Wert. The 1,200-seat auditorium hosts full seasons of local and traveling performances. Past shows included Porgy & Bess and Fiddler on the Roof. An encore of the Church Basement Ladies cast is slated for April. The center also sponsors concerts in Fountain Park throughout the summer.
- Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus. Whether you prefer indie films, contemporary exhibits, or performing arts, there’s something for every art aficionado at this cultural venue. Or take a leisurely break at the café.
- All Ohio Balloon Fest in Marysville. This August, celebrate the 40th anniversary of this non-profit event (proceeds are donated to the United Way of Union County). Organizers anticipate 40 balloons to lift off this year. If hot-air ballooning isn’t your thing, try a sky jump or biplane ride. While safely on the ground, enjoy the live music—’80s band Night Ranger headlines.
Legions of legends
An assignment in Ohio means a chance to vicariously experience fame by visiting a hall of fame.
- Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum in Cincinnati. The Reds is one of the oldest teams in baseball, and the team’s Hall of Fame is one of the oldest in the country. A tour includes display plaques honoring some of the sport’s legendary players as well as other memorabilia.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Read up on the history of the pigskin, then test your skills with interactive displays, including the EA Sports Madden Football game. All tours are self-guided, so you can devote as much or as little time as you wish.
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. At first, Cleveland didn’t seem like an obvious choice to honor rock musicians, but it’s since become a destination of choice for music lovers. Exhibits on display this spring showcase The Beatles, Paul Simon, and Herb Ritts.
