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Between Cleveland And Toledo Is Ohio’s Friendly City With Family Fun And Charm Near Lake Erie – Islands

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Between Cleveland And Toledo Is Ohio’s Friendly City With Family Fun And Charm Near Lake Erie – Islands






Though it doesn’t usually make the top rankings of vacation destinations, Ohio hides a trove of thrilling adventures. Sightseers will find unique events and wineries in Medina, called “America’s hometown,” while foodies can take a tour of the Columbus Distillery Trail to explore the capital’s local flavors. Travelers who prefer the calm embrace of nature will be lured into Ohio’s windswept prairies for woodland hikes and camping. Meanwhile, families traveling with children who are in search of a laid-back locale to spend quality time together should make their way to Bellevue. With exciting attractions for all ages to enjoy, this little Midwestern town is a great weekend getaway.

Despite its small size, Bellevue takes pride in being a tight-knit, caring community. The locals are friendly, and the walkable streets are packed with tasty eateries and sightseeing spots for all the family. Red-brick architecture rises on either side of downtown, with vibrant murals adding a fun touch of color. Heading out for a stroll feels like basking in typical Midwestern charm. Bellevue’s first settlers arrived in the early 1800s, and by the middle of the century, the town flourished thanks to the railroad. Bellevue’s locomotive heritage can still be experienced today at the Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum in the middle of downtown.

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Most travelers might also enjoy Bellevue’s proximity to Lake Erie, making it easy to spend a day by the water. Just a short drive brings visitors to lakefront ports like Huron and Sandusky, where beaches and fishing piers offer hours of distraction. Afterwards, comfortable and affordable lodging at the Bellevue Hotel & Suites beckons visitors to rest for the night. Locals in Toledo can drive down to Bellevue in just under an hour, while Clevelanders will reach Bellevue in a little over an hour by car.

Family-friendly activities and fun on Lake Erie in Bellevue, Ohio

Parents with energetic tots in tow will have a blast at the Jungle Junction Playground south of downtown Bellevue. This indoor adventure zone invites young explorers to zoom down slides, navigate obstacle courses, and build new inventions with oversized building blocks, while a snack bar provides refreshments for all. “Always a good time for the kids,” wrote a previous visitor. During the balmy days of summer, the Mil-lympic Pool facility right next door is perfect for a family pool day, with sun loungers, waterslides, and even a sandbox to keep everyone happily occupied. Those who don’t enjoy splashing around can try their hand at mini-golf.

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Train enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy a day at the Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum, which is open seasonally. Historic diesel and steam locomotives are displayed throughout the outdoor train yard, many with meticulously restored interiors perfect for exploring, while additional exhibits are packed with railroad artifacts ranging from signage and photographs to silverware sets from luxury lines. “[Y]oung and old will enjoy this,” wrote a previous visitor. Restored railroad watchtowers and delivery trucks round out the collection, and kids can even climb up into the conductor’s seat to imagine themselves driving the train.

For an afternoon by the coast, just a 25-minute drive away is the Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve, a stretch of wild wetlands along Lake Erie. Both paved and dirt footpaths lead between idyllic woodlands and sandy shorelines, offering picturesque backdrops to enjoy the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the glistening swamps are teeming with wildlife. Birdwatchers will spot flocks of ducks and lone herons wading between the foliage, while hawks and owls swoop overhead. Otters, turtles, and even water snakes can also be seen frolicking in the marshland.

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Explore Bellevue’s historic village, and find somewhere to eat

Fans of the pioneer era should spend the day sightseeing around the Historic Lyme Village, less than 10 minutes away from Bellevue by car. Tourists can wander through this reconstructed late 18th-century village for a step back in time. Clustered around the green lawns of the village square are footpaths leading visitors for a peek at the rustic log cabins, barn houses, a church, and a tavern, most of them original structures dating to the 1880s and meticulously restored. The village’s centerpiece is the John Wright Mansion, a majestic red-brick edifice built in the Second Empire style, which resembles a stereotypical haunted mansion. “This is a wonderful place for kids to learn about history,” a previous visitor shared in a Google review.

Seasonal events also make Historic Lyme Village an exciting place to visit throughout the year. In the summer, the Civil War is brought back to life during the Civil War Days festival, when costumed soldiers in Union and Confederate uniforms descend upon the village. Travel back even further in time at the Pioneer Days festival in September, when interpreters clad in historic dress gather to demonstrate heritage crafts from the early 1800s, while visitors can enjoy food and games.

Back in Bellevue, local eateries await for refueling. Authentic Mexican dishes are on the menu at Gigi’s Tacos and Margaritas on Main Street. Locals particularly enjoy the carne asada street tacos, not to mention the friendly atmosphere. For a classic American diner vibe, head to the Amsden House Restaurant for tasty breakfast and lunch options. “Friendly staff and even better food,” wrote a previous visitor. Order everything from pancakes and omelettes to juicy burgers. For more Ohio adventures, drive 20 minutes east to Norwalk, the Midwest’s underrated “Maple City.”



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Bigfoot ‘Flap’ Reported in Northeast Ohio – Cleveland Today

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Bigfoot ‘Flap’ Reported in Northeast Ohio – Cleveland Today


Published on Mar. 11, 2026

A series of social media posts from a cryptid-focused podcast has ignited speculation about widespread Bigfoot sightings in northeast Ohio, with enthusiasts pointing to what they describe as a concentrated burst of activity in the Mantua and Garrettsville areas southeast of Cleveland. The Bigfoot Society, a podcast and online community, says it has received six separate reports of alleged Bigfoot encounters between March 6 and March 10 in wooded areas in the region.

Why it matters

Bigfoot sightings are relatively common across the United States, but a cluster of multiple reported encounters in a small geographic area over a short period is considered unusual and potentially indicative of increased cryptid activity. The reports have generated excitement within the Bigfoot research community, which is eager to investigate further and potentially uncover new evidence of the elusive creature’s existence.

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The details

According to the Bigfoot Society, the reported encounters include alleged sightings of a nine-foot-tall, brown-haired Sasquatch, as well as other details about the creature’s appearance and behavior. However, the group has not released any photographs, video, or independently verified physical evidence to corroborate the claims. Nonetheless, the podcast host described the cluster of sightings as a possible “flap” event, a term used in cryptozoology to refer to multiple sightings within a short time span.

  • The reported sightings occurred between March 6 and March 10, 2026.
  • The Bigfoot Society received the six separate reports during this four-day period.

The players

The Bigfoot Society

A podcast and online community dedicated to collecting eyewitness accounts of Sasquatch encounters.

Jeremiah Byron

The host of the Bigfoot Society Podcast, who spoke to Fox 8 about the reported sightings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It’s normal for there to be Bigfoot sightings all over the United States, but it’s not normal to have multiple sightings in a small area within a short number of days.”

— Jeremiah Byron, Host, Bigfoot Society Podcast (Fox 8)

“So, if you’re in this area, keep your eyes open and maybe your doors locked because there could be a Bigfoot in the same general vicinity.”

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— Bigfoot Society Poster (Bigfoot Society)

What’s next

The Bigfoot Society has urged residents in Portage County to remain vigilant and report any additional sightings or evidence to the group. The podcast host indicated that the community is eager to investigate the reports further and potentially uncover new evidence of Bigfoot’s existence.

The takeaway

While Bigfoot sightings are not uncommon across the United States, the cluster of reports in northeast Ohio has sparked significant interest and speculation within the cryptid research community. The lack of verifiable evidence, however, means that the alleged encounters remain unconfirmed, and the true nature of the activity in the region remains uncertain.

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Ohio’s Asphalt Paving Industry at an Inflection Point: What Cleveland Commercial Property Owners Need to Know in 2025-2026

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Ohio’s Asphalt Paving Industry at an Inflection Point: What Cleveland Commercial Property Owners Need to Know in 2025-2026


Empire Paving: Asphalt Paving Contractors in Cleveland, OH

Ohio’s asphalt paving industry is undergoing a significant structural shift driven by $14 billion in federal infrastructure funding through the IIJA, aging pavement across Northeast Ohio’s commercial corridors, and rising demand for integrated pavement management over one-time new construction. For Cleveland-area commercial and industrial property owners, this convergence of public investment, climate-driven wear, and evolving contractor capabilities creates both urgency and opportunity.
CLEVELAND, OHIO – The asphalt paving industry in Northeast Ohio is entering a pivotal period of transformation, driven by federal infrastructure dollars, aging commercial pavement, and the region’s punishing freeze-thaw climate. For commercial property owners, facility managers, and HOAs throughout the Cleveland metro area, these trends directly inform decisions about when to pave, whether to repair or replace, and how to select the right contractor.

Historic Infrastructure Investment

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is channeling an estimated $14 billion into Ohio, including $9.7 billion for roads and bridges. In Northeast Ohio alone, ODOT announced over $1.7 billion across 248 projects. Ohio voters further reinforced this in May 2025, approving $2.5 billion in general obligation bonds for infrastructure. For commercial property owners, improved surrounding roads make neglected private parking lots more conspicuous – and more costly to ignore.

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Ohio’s Infrastructure Report Card Signals Urgency

The ASCE issued Ohio an overall grade of C- in its 2025 Infrastructure Report Card. NOACA confirmed that 76% of its 2024-2027 roadway funding is dedicated to system preservation – a clear signal that the region’s pavement stock needs rehabilitation. Privately owned parking lots and access drives, many built during Ohio’s industrial peak, are likely in comparable or worse condition.

The Shift to Integrated Pavement Management

Pure “paving-only” revenue among the top 50 U.S. contractors declined approximately 24% from its 2023 peak, even as total revenues climbed 18%. Property owners increasingly seek contractors offering integrated services – milling, resurfacing, drainage repair, sealcoating, and long-term maintenance planning – not just new installation.

Freeze-Thaw Climate Creates a Compounding Crisis

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Cleveland’s repeated freeze-thaw cycles fracture pavement from within, saturate subbases, and accelerate structural failure. Well-maintained asphalt can last 20-30 years; neglected pavement often requires full replacement in 10-15. Replacement costs can run up to seven times that of a proactive maintenance program.

In-House Crews Separate Winners from the Rest

Contractors with in-house crews and integrated capabilities outperform subcontracting-dependent firms on scheduling, quality control, and accountability – all critical on active commercial and industrial sites.

Empire Paving has delivered commercial asphalt paving, concrete construction, drainage solutions, and pavement maintenance across Northeast Ohio for over 20 years from its Cleveland headquarters. Learn more at https://www.empirepaving.biz/cuyahoga-county/cleveland-oh/ or call (216) 581-1000.

Media Contact
Company Name: Empire Paving
Contact Person: Scott Heiman
Email:Send Email [https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=ohios-asphalt-paving-industry-at-an-inflection-point-what-cleveland-commercial-property-owners-need-to-know-in-20252026]
Phone: 216-581-1000
Address:4620 Johnston Pkwy
City: Cleveland
State: Ohio, 44128
Country: United States
Website: https://www.empirepaving.biz

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Cleveland Cavaliers Creating Space Outside Arena to Honor 2016 Championship Team

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Cleveland Cavaliers Creating Space Outside Arena to Honor 2016 Championship Team


The Cleveland Cavaliers were crowned NBA champions for the first time in their franchise’s history ten years ago. The 2016 NBA Finals seems like it was just yesterday.

The memories of LeBron James pouncing on a vulnerable Andre Iguodala to swat away his layup attempt is still fresh in the memory of Cavs fans watching at the time.

Kyrie Irving’s stepback three-point shot over Stephen Curry is a moment in time that will be replayed in NBA documentaries and compilations for decades to come. This period of time was truly a magical time for the city of Cleveland and the state of Ohio.

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The city had never experienced anything similar to what the 2016 Cavs did for Cleveland. The star duo of Mark Price and Brad Daugherty from the late 1980s and early 1990s got far into the playoffs routinely, but never into the NBA Finals, largely because of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.

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The Cavaliers toppled the mighty record-breaking 73-win Golden State Warriors in 2016 and now the organization is keeping that memory alive in a huge way.

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images | Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
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A professional-sized basketball court

Plans to advance development of “Meet Me Here” Park went through City of Cleveland this past Friday. Developers are speeding up plans to revamp the park in order to have it ready by the 10th anniversary of the championship victory later this summer.

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The space where this development will be built is in Downtown Cleveland. A NBA-sized basketball court will dominate the space, but benches for spectators and artwork is slated to be included as well. The design of the court will be based on the 2016 NBA championship victory. There’s room for additional mobile hoops to be inserted for specific community events.

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The space is temporary and has room to grow

The current plans unveiled last Friday are set to be a temporary solution due to the 10th anniversary approaching. There could be more grand plans to revamp the surrounding area beyond the one professional-sized basketball court. The current space will feature grass areas, trees, and a fence to block basketball from wildly rolling into the street.

A nearby parking garage will also hang a banner with LeBron James famous “Cleveland, this is for you” quote after winning game seven of the 2016 NBA Finals.

This development is one of many recent advancements geared toward building up the surrounding areas of Rocket Arena. A riverfront park that supports residences is being developed near Rocket Arena.

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The Cavaliers are opening a brand new practice, training, and sports medicine facility in 2027 called the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center. On top of these developments and the new basketball court, a riverfront amphitheater fit to seat about 6,200 people is set to open around 2028. Cleveland is developing right before the eyes of nearby residents and it’s the consistent success of the Cavaliers that have contributed heavily to these possibilities.





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