Cleveland, OH
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.
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.
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.
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.”
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A woman was found dead in the backyard of a home on the city’s West side Friday morning.
Officers responded to the 3400 block of Bosworth Rd. around 9 a.m. for a welfare check.
This is in the city’s West Boulevard neighborhood.
When officers arrived at the home, they found the victim.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Officer will now determine the victim’s name and cause of death.
A child connected to the woman has been located and confirmed safe, said Cleveland police.
Police added the circumstances regarding the death remain under investigation.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
This forecast is outdated and inaccurate. Get the latest forecast here.
CLEVELAND (WJW) — (WJW) — The National Weather Service has extended its EXTREME HEAT WARNING for all of Northeast Ohio.
It will remain in effect until 8 p.m. on Friday, July 3, in Ashland, Ashtabula, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Holmes, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning Medina, Ottawa, Portage, Richland, Sandusky, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Wayne counties; and until 10 p.m. Friday, July 3, in Carroll, Coshocton and Tuscarawas counties.
The heat waves continues! An EXTREME HEAT WARNING will remain in effect through 8 p.m. Friday. Heat indices could top 105 degrees during the hottest time of day on Friday.
Once again, there will not be much relief from the heat and humidity overnight. Tonight lows will be in the mid to upper 70s again. Feeling warmer with the higher humidity. Mostly clear skies.
Friday will be the last sweltering summer day before the heat starts to back off for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. There is the chance of rain and storms Friday evening, around 7pm that could go through the late evening. This may impact some 4th of July celebrations on Friday. Any storm that pops up we’ll have to watch for the potential of gusty winds, heavy downpours and large hail.
This is what the radar could look like by the time some Fireworks celebrations are expected Friday evening. We have a level 2 out of 5 chance of any storm turning severe, meaning that 1 or 2 have the chance.
The upper-level ridge, or heat dome, will start to breakdown on Friday. This means two things. The first is it will go from being very hot and humid to being very warm and humid. The second thing is the chance of rain and threat of storms will return.
The Fourth of July holiday weekend will be far from a washout! There will be more dry time than time with downpours and storms. However, clusters of downpours and storms will move through Northeast Ohio at times. This means some Fourth of July events, backyard BBQs, pool parties, and firework shows could be impacted by rain and storms.
With all the heat and humidity around, any downpours or storms that develop could be strong and produce gusty winds, small hail, torrential rain, and lightning. Here’s the latest 8 Day Forecast:
Keep up with FOX 8 News for the latest weather updates.
Abdullah Mason and Albert Bell previewed their championship bout and came face to face at the press conference. The two fighters square off this Saturday, July 4, at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center.
- Cleveland-based 22-year-old southpaw Mason (20-0, 17 KOs) of Bedford, Ohio, defends his WBO lightweight title after claiming the vacant belt last November by decision against Sam Noakes.
- Toledo’s 33-year-old Bell (28-0, 9 KOs), who makes his first bid to become a champion, took the fight on short notice, replacing Joe Cordina of Wales.
See below what Mason and Bell had to say at the press conference on Thursday, following the open workout.
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Mason: I’m prepared to come out on top
“I’m excited. I’m super excited,” Mason said. “This is something me and my brothers have been looking forward to doing since we were amateurs. We fought on the same card a few times as amateurs, and all of us did it together on the last show my father threw here in Cleveland. It was huge.”
“At that time, we were like, ‘Yo, when we do this on a professional level, it’s going to be big for Cleveland.’ And now, it’s big for not only Cleveland, but it’s on TNT, so this is a national stage, a world stage with DAZN. I’m just excited to be able to put this show on with two of my brothers on the card.”
“I feel like it [fight vs Sam Noakes] was definitely a much-needed experience. That’s not the type of fight you have all the time in your career. It was something I felt like I had to do that night. Every fight is different, and it definitely gave me some insight into how I’ll approach the rest of my career. So, it was a much-needed experience and a great fight.”
“It [opponent change] was definitely unexpected. Albert Bell – that’s our guy from Toledo. But it’s boxing. You’ve got to be prepared for anything, and I’m prepared to come out on top. Everything happens for a reason.”
“One thing I do want to say is, I’m the youngest world champion in boxing for a reason, and I’m prepared to show that when I step into the ring.”
“Boxing is offense, defense and IQ, and you’ve got to put it together and tailor it to the person you’re stepping in the ring with. So, with the opponent switch, I just have to tailor it to the person across the ring from me, and that’s Albert Bell.”
Bell: We’re here now, and that’s all that matters
“I mean, it caught me by surprise,” Bell said on stepping in to face Mason on short notice. “It was an ideal opponent for me. I wasn’t really thinking about fighting Abdullah, especially not this soon. But everything made sense. I talked to my pops about it, and it made sense, so I stepped in to save the card, get my world title opportunity and put on a show for all of Ohio.”
“I mean, I get turned down by a lot of guys. I’m not saying that in a cocky way or trying to act like I’m the boogeyman or anything like that, but a lot of guys say no when my name comes across their table. I would’ve had the name I was supposed to have by now if it weren’t for that, but what’s delayed is not denied. We’re here now, and that’s all that matters.”
“I just need to be the best version of myself. I know he’s coming to be the best version of himself. He’s prepared, I’m prepared. We’re ready. We’re two top fighters, and we’re professionals. We’re both Ohioans. We’ve got history with each other, and it’s gonna be a show for sure.”
Mason vs Bell undercard
In the co-feature, Bruce Carrington (17-0, 10 KOs) of Brooklyn makes the first defense of his WBC featherweight title against Rene Palacios (19-0-1, 10 KOs) of Mexico.
On the undercard, Cleveland’s Delante “Tiger” Johnson (17-0, 8 KOs) takes on Canada-based Mexican Christopher Guerrero (16-0, 9 KOs) at welterweight.
Plus, Deric Davis (11-0, 10 KOs) of Fort Washington, Maryland, and Carlos Ramos (18-4-1, 10 KOs) of Spain by way of Ecuador, square off at lightweight.
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