As you stroll down the streets of Toledo, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer greatness of the city. As you look towards the sky you can see towering buildings glinting as the sun breaks from behind a single opaque cloud. As you look to your right, you can see Young Artists At Work creating a gorgeous mural on the side or a building, and bringing painted life to benches near the sidewalks. Swiveling your head to the other side, you can see Fifth Third Field. This massive baseball stadium is home to the famous Toledo Mudhens, and draws crowds for both its athletes and its show-stopping fireworks. As you glance down, you can see the entrance to ICE Restaurant & Bar, an underground restaurant entertaining below the streets of Toledo. As you close your eyes, you can hear the music of the famous Toledoan, Crystal Bowersox, playing. You can smell the aroma of the sweet flowers in Toledo Botanical Garden and hear the flutters from the Butterfly House. The city provides endless opportunities for adventures and countless surprises
QUARTER FINALIST 2013 FTF TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
Are you in the mood for letting out your wild side? Hakuna Mata! Come visit the Toledo Zoo which features an African Safari exhibit full of exotic animals. From the Reptile House, Hippoquarium, Tiger Terrace, Aviary, Primate Forest, playground, amphitheater, Beastro, and other destinations, this zoo doesn’t monkey around when it comes to providing a full experience. Perhaps you’re feeling a bit more artsy. No worries there either. The Toledo Museum of Art is free to everyone and illustrates the aesthetic beauty and functioning of Toledo’s glass. Toledo’s talented artists are sure to blow your mind as they blow glass into magnificent pieces of artwork right before your eyes during the free glassblowing demonstrations within the museum. With over 30,000 fine, multi-cultural pieces of art displayed throughout the museum, there’s always something new to see.
After you take a look at the new, why not experience the old? Tour the old Victorian homes in the Old West End or visit the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center. You can journey through our former president’s Victorian home and visit the Hayes museum. Perhaps the most famous of eateries in Toledo is Tony Packo’s. Serving up their unique Packo Hotdogs and Fried Pickles, Packo’s brings something special to the table every night. Now you’ve had your dinner, but what about the show? Although it may not be the best combination of a dinner and a show, the Valentine Theater is a beautiful, luxurious destination to catch a remarkable play or musical.
Have you ever imagined being a sports broadcaster? Ever wanted to ride a bicycle across a single cable 20 feet above the ground? How about using laser technology to play a harp like a world-class musician? At Imagination Station, you have the chance to explore the depths of your imagination and experience your wildest dreams. You can take a thrilling ride on the virtual roller coaster, use your feet to play the giant piano, or even become a human yoyo and propel yourself 13 feet into the air. Imagination Station features hundreds of hands-on exhibits and is “Pure Science. Pure Fun.” Whether you’re 3 or 103, there’s nonstop action and fun for everyone.
As city known for, and largely comprised of, glass, Toledo is simply a large reflection of the people living in it. What you see when you look at Toledo is the reflection of the city’s passion, culture, and spunk on its glass buildings. Come explore the streets and yourself; it’s time to reflect.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
