Ohio

What are the best theme parks within driving distance of Ohio? Our readers have chosen

Published

4 weeks ago

May 26, 2024

Press Room

What are the best theme parks within driving distance of Ohio? Our readers have chosen

Ohio has Cedar Point and Kings Island, two great amusement parks. But if you’re willing to drive, there’s more to be found, like Dollywood and Hersheypark, all among the 10Best as chosen by readers.

Cedar Point and Kings Island are among the top amusement parks in the country according to various USA TODAY 10Best lists, as chosen by readers. But if you’re looking for something new, there are other options within driving distance to consider.

Here’s a look at what’s new at the Ohio attractions and what’s ranked in the 10Best lists in nearby states.

What’s new at Kings Island, Cedar Point?

Cedar Point’s newest and biggest attraction this season is the Top Thrill 2 coaster. However, the amusement park was forced to close the ride barely a month after its debut for modifications to the vehicles.

On USA TODAY’s 10Best lists, Cedar Point came in at No. 10 for Best Theme Park and was No. 5 for Best Theme Park Hotel, Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point.

At Kings Island, Camp Snoopy, an extension of the Planet Snoopy kids’ area, will have a different look after construction. Existing rides in that part of the park will be open to start the season.

Likewise, a new outdoor bar next to Coconut Cove Cafe will debut when Soak City opens on Memorial Day weekend. On the 10Best lists, Kings Island and Kings Dominion Grand Carnivale earned a mention on the Theme Park Festivals You Can’t Miss list.

If you’re willing to travel, Indiana and Pennsylvania have amusement parks that the 10Best voters believe are worth checking out.

Here’s what to know about them.

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari — Santa Claus, Indiana

Splashin’ Safari came in at No. 6 for the 10Best Outdoor Water Parks. The article draws attention to Mammoth, a massive water coaster that takes up three acres and offers multiple drops with technology to plunge six passengers again and again.

At Holiday World, wooden coaster The Voyage was tagged No. 7 on the 10Best Roller Coasters. Riders of this wooden coaster experience total weightlessness for 24.3 seconds as well as one of the steepest drops of any wooden coaster in the world.

Address: 452 E. Christmas Blvd., Santa Claus, IN 47579
Website: HolidayWorld.com
Distance from Akron: About 400 miles, or a six-hour drive
Distance from Columbus: About 280 miles, or a four-hour drive
Distance from Cincinnati: About 170 miles, or a 2.5-hour drive

Hersheypark — Hershey, Pennsylvania

Coming it at No. 4 on the Best Theme Parks list, Hersheypark features more than 70 rides, including more than a dozen roller coasters, shows, a water park and an 11-acre zoo, according to the article, all included with the admission.

One of its coasters, Wildcat’s Revenge, is No. 4 on the 10Best Roller Coasters ranking. It added steel to a wooden frame to create a new hybrid ride. It climbs to a height of 140 feet, hits 62 mph and drops at 82 degrees.

The Chocolatier at Hersheypark comes in at No. 2 for Best Theme Park Restaurant. It isn’t just about chocolate, according to the article, though cocoa is incorporated into many of its dishes. The Chocolatier is a full-service restaurant that offers views of the park from its second-story patio and bar.

And Hersheypark tops the list for Best Theme Park Hotel with The Hotel Hershey. A member of the Historic Hotels of America, the hotel is an “elegant retreat,” according to the article. It offers a wide range of facilities including a fitness center, golf, tennis, hiking and a pool with waterslides.

Address: 100 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
Website: Hersheypark.com
Distance from Akron: About 320 miles, or a five-hour drive
Distance from Columbus: About 380 miles, or a six-hour drive
Distance from Cincinnati: About 490 miles, or a 7.5-hour drive

Knoebels — Elysburg, Pennsylvania

Knoebels comes in at No. 2 for Best Theme Park, and claims the top spot in two categories — Best Roller Coaster and Best Theme Park Restaurant.

According to the articles, Knoebels is home to The Phoenix, one of the most popular wooden coasters in the country, and is practically a museum of classic rides that are still operating, like Whipper, Flying Turns, The Haunted Mansion dark ride and the Sky Slide. But don’t think it’s all vintage. The park has modern rides as well as a water park.

Its restaurant, The Alamo, still offers burgers and hot dogs priced at family friendly prices of $5 or less. But the menu includes so much more, like crab cakes, chicken and waffles, and spaghetti and meatballs.

Address: 391 Knoebels Blvd., Elysburg, PA 17824
Website: Knoebels.com
Distance from Akron: About 300 miles, or a 4.5-hour drive
Distance from Columbus: About 420 miles, or a 6.5-hour drive
Distance from Cincinnati: About 530 miles, or an 8-hour drive

Kennywood — West Mifflin, Pennsylvania

Just outside of Pittsburgh, Kennywood only hits the 2024 10Best lists once, but it’s a big one.

Coming in at No. 8 for Best Theme Park, Kennywood offers iconic rides and classic favorites, according to the article. These include wooden roller coasters such as the side-by-side Racer and the 1920s-era Jack Rabbit. Plus, there’s a collection of dark rides like the Old Mill and the last-of-its-kind Noah’s Ark, as well as modern rides like the Steel Curtain coaster.

Address: 4800 Kennywood Blvd, West Mifflin, PA 15122
Website: Kennywood.com
Distance from Akron: About 120 miles, or just over a 2-hour drive.
Distance from Columbus: Nearly 200 miles, or just over a 3-hour drive.
Distance from Cincinnati: About 300 miles, or more than a 4.5-hour drive.

Dollywood — Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Dollywood seems to be a popular destination for USA TODAY readers — it landed on 10Best lists for Best Theme Park, Best Roller Coaster, Best Outdoor Water Park, Best Theme Park Hotel and Best Theme Park Restaurant.

Tucked in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Dollywood has it all, according to the article — thrill rides, coasters, kiddie rides and everything in between.

It also features live demonstrations, lavish shows and special events all year long, landing Dollywood at No. 5 on the best theme parks list. Its Splash Country came in at No. 10 for outdoor water park.

At No. 5 for best roller coaster, Dollywood’s Lightning Rod lifts its riders more than 20 stories before sending them down a 165-foot drop. And that’s just at the start. The coaster, modeled after a 1950s hot rod, reaches speeds of 73 mph.

Aunt Granny’s, No. 3 for best theme park restaurant, is a sit-down dining experience offering comfort food such as fried chicken and macaroni and cheese served family-style. And the HeartSong Lodge & Resort, No. 3 for best theme park hotel, is rustic yet modern, according to the article, featuring two pools, restaurants and outdoor fire pits.

Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Website: Dollywood.com
Distance from Akron: About 520 miles, or about an 8-hour drive.
Distance from Columbus: About 390 miles, or a 6-hour drive
Distance from Cincinnati: About 285 miles, or less than a 5-hour drive.

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Ohio

Judge blocks Ohio Speaker’s access to campaign money

Published

2 hours ago

June 21, 2024

Press Room

Judge blocks Ohio Speaker’s access to campaign money

View a previous report on the lawsuit within the Ohio Republican Party in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WMCH) — A Franklin County judge blocked Speaker of the Ohio House Jason Stephens’ (R-Kitts Hill) access to campaign money raised in the Ohio House Republican Alliance (OHRA) fund.

Reps. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton), Derek Merrin (R-Monclova), and Ron Ferguson (R-Wintersville) brought the lawsuit forward against the Republican speaker.

The complaint cites the Ohio Revised Code, which states, “Each legislative campaign fund shall be administered and controlled in a manner designated by the caucus.”

The plaintiffs argue that Stephens was never elected to have control of the fund, though control of OHRA has historically been with the elected speaker. But a faction was created because the speaker was not elected by a majority of republican members.

On April 10, lawmakers held a meeting to vote on OHRA fund control and designate Plummer as chair.

In the decision, the judge writes that the April 10 meeting was scheduled for a date most members would be in Columbus, as it was the governor’s State of the State address, and the invitation was sent five days in advance.

“Speaker Stephens testified he did not receive the meeting invitation but confirmed it was sent to his correct email address five days prior to the meeting. Nonetheless, Speaker Stephens admitted he was aware of the meeting prior to it occurring and chose not to attend.”

This is the latest development in ongoing Republican infighting.

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Ohio

See 55 places in Ohio that have banned recreational marijuana businesses

Published

9 hours ago

June 21, 2024

Press Room

See 55 places in Ohio that have banned recreational marijuana businesses

View the player above to see previous coverage.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Despite Ohioans voting to legalize recreational marijuana, dozens of municipalities in the state have passed bans with varying lengths on adult-use cannabis businesses.

In November, Ohio voters passed Issue 2, which legalized recreational marijuana use for individuals 21 and older. Applications for medical dispensaries to convert to dual-use opened on June 7, and they’ll receive licenses allowing them to sell recreational marijuana by Sept. 7. Since the state’s Division of Cannabis Control said it is approving dispensaries’ applications in the order it received them, there is no specific known date when Ohioans can legally buy recreational marijuana.

Like a majority of other states that have legalized recreational cannabis, Ohio allows local jurisdictions to enact ordinances to prohibit or limit the sale of marijuana within their boundaries. As of June 13, 55 Ohio municipalities or townships passed moratoriums prohibiting adult-use cannabis businesses, according to Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law.

The 55 jurisdictions represent just under 10% of Ohio’s population, with the average population of moratorium localities sitting just below 21,000 residents. The language of most of the moratoriums is brief and describes the need to ensure public health or safety.

A large number of the bans are set to be enacted for a period, rather than indefinitely. They commonly cite the need for time to review current ordinances and identify conflicting laws. The university said multiple municipalities indicated an intent to study current law and create recommendations once the final state rules for the recreational industry are adopted.

In central Ohio, Obetz, Marysville and Granville Township have a moratorium prohibiting adult-use marijuana businesses. According to the university, Granville Township’s ban is in place for an indefinite period, while Obetz is set to end on Sept. 30 and Marysville is set to end on Dec. 31.

A list of Ohio municipalities with moratoriums, which Ohio State advises may not be comprehensive, can be found below:

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Ohio

‘We’ll See!’ Why Ohio State’s New Plan for Caleb Downs Could Work

Published

17 hours ago

June 20, 2024

Press Room

‘We’ll See!’ Why Ohio State’s New Plan for Caleb Downs Could Work

The Ohio State Buckeyes possess arguably both the best running back and safety rooms in college football heading into next season after a successful offseason in the transfer portal. However, you can never have too much talent in the backfield.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day met with the media on Tuesday and said that star safety Caleb Downs, who arrived as a transfer from Alabama, has been attending running back meetings this offseason. The team has confidence in his ability to play both sides of the ball next season.

Is this plan a realistic one? For a player as talented as Downs, it’s hard to say no before he’s given the opportunity.

Though fans shouldn’t expect Downs to suddenly take the reins as a 1,000-yard rusher, he could be used in a role similar to that of former Buckeyes like Curtis Samuel or Braxton Miller (in 2015), as both players were unique speedsters who had the ability to make a highlight happen on any given play. Downs could take a few handoffs while also potentially motioning out and lining up as a receiver. The options are endless if the coaching staff does end up giving him a try on offense.

Downs has already shown that he’s got a knack with the ball in his hands. With Day and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, there be could more untapped potential that’s waiting to be released.

He was just one of many Alabama players to enter the portal after the retirement of Nick Saban but was the best of the bunch. In his first collegiate season this past year, he posted 107 total tackles (70 solo), one forced fumble, three passes defended and two interceptions.

He was also a threat on special teams with four punt returns for 87 yards and a touchdown, with this production coming exclusively on his 85-yard punt return for a score in Bama’s win over Chattanooga.

Even if he doesn’t get the ball while he’s in on offense, Downs’ presence alone could prove to be a decoy and open up opportunities for other playmakers.

Downs was one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal this offseason. He arrived to Columbus alongside Ole Miss transfer running back Quinshon Judkins, who gives the Buckeyes a major threat in the backfield after two impressive seasons with the Rebels.

Despite Downs’ athleticism and expected versatility, Ohio State still has veteran running back TreVeyon Henderson in the backfield alongside Judkins, so it will be interesting to see what kind of role potentially awaits him at running back.

Ohio State opens up the season on Saturday, Aug. 31 at home against Akron.

“I know that he has the capability to do it,” Day said. “I know he has the athleticism to do it. We’ll see where it goes.”

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