I-77 and OHIO

• Marietta
• Byesville
• Cambridge
• New Philadelphia
• Dover
• Canton
• North Canton
• Akron
• Cleveland

Marietta

Visitors' Center - From I-77 take exit 1 and turn right at the end of the off ramp to go westbound on OH-7. Shortly after OH-7 - which was Pike Street - becomes Greene Street you will encounter 3rd Street. Turn right, go 3 blocks and the Convention & Visitors Bureau is just ahead on your right (316 3rd Street).
  For more information phone 1-800-288-2577 (toll free). Their web site is MariettaCVB.

Valley Gem Sternwheeler - You have your choice: short tours of the Ohio River departing every hour from 1 through 4p Tuesdays through Sundays in June, July and August (May and September hourly cruises available on weekends only). Or, longer cruises from dinner cruises (summers only), 'Fall Foliage' tours on weekends in October or special function tours (birthday parties, weddings, etc.) almost any time - weather permitting.
  Rates vary from $5.50 for hourly cruises to $27 for dinner cruises (including the dinner, of course).
  Their pier is on the Muskingum River near the intersection of Front and Washington Streets. From the Visitors' Center continue on up 3rd Street to Washington Street. Turn left and it is 2 blocks to Front Street at the foot of the bridge.
  For more information phone 1-740-373-7862. Their web site is at ValleyGem.

Ohio River Museum - Also located at Front and Washington Streets is the Ohio River Museum which profiles the origins and natural history of the Ohio River and its history stressing its importance to the early settlement of the region.
  For more information phone 1-800-860-0145 (toll free). The Ohio Historical Society has created a web page on their site about the museum: OhioRiverMuseum.

Campus Martius Museum - Just a block away at 2nd and Washington Streets is the Campus Martius Museum. More general in nature than the Ohio River Museum, this one also tells the story of the development of the area but more from a 'people' focus. Also funded and supported by the Ohio Historical Society, it really achieves bring history to us as, not just interesting, but fascinating. One feature we really enjoyed is the use of audio stations; push a button and hear a narration explaining the exhibit.. There are also some videos. And all of this is within a block or two of the Visitors' Center.
  For more information, phone 1-800-860-0145. Their web page is: CampusMartius.

» Hotels in Marietta «

Byesville

Buckeye Central Scenic Railroad - Though they have limited the number of runs this summer, this is an enjoyable excursion for both the younger and older sets. For specific schedules and fares, phone 1-800-933-5480 (toll free). Their web site is: BuckeyeCentral.
  From I-77 take exit 41 and follow OH-209 (Main Street) westbound into town to 2nd Street. Turn left into 2nd and you'll see the depot next to Peoples Bank.

» Hotels in Cambridge «

Cambridge

Cambridge could be named Glasstown; it has several highly respected glass factories plus a few museums about the industry. This industry has been responsible for much of the tourism - so much so that they now have a 'Glass Pass' which gets you in to about a half dozen museums and factories at no additional admission fee. In 2003, the Glass Pass was $10 for adults and $2.25 for kids. For more information, contact the Visitors' Center (see next, below).

Visitors' Center - From I-77 take exit 44-B and merge with I-70 westbound. Take the first exit after you get on I-70 (exit 178) and turn right on OH-209 (Southgate Pkwy). The Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau is about 0.5 miles north (in toward town) in the Southgate Office Complex with some other government offices - about 100 yards past the Shell station.
  For more information, phone 1-800-933-5480 (toll free). Their web site is: GuernseyCVB.

Boyd's Crystal Art Glass - Manufactures 'collectibles' for sale to gift shops, antique stores, etc. Factory hours 7a to 3:30p Monday through Friday. FREE Tours Monday through Friday. Showroom hours 7a to 4p Monday through Friday. Saturday 9a to 1p June, July, and August.
  For more information phone 1-740-439-2077. Their web site is at: BoydsGlass and has photos of some of their products.
  From the Visitors' Center, continue northbound on OH-209 to the fork where Woodlawn Avenue splits off to the right. Bear right and follow Woodlawn to Morton Avenue (just past the second railroad track. They are at 1203 Morton Avenue.

Cambridge Glass Museum - On display are over 5,000 Cambridge Glass items plus a large display of their Art Pottery. Hours 1 to 4p Monday through Saturday June 1 through October; closed holidays. Admission: $ 2.
  NOTE: This is one of the attractions that accept the 'Glass Pass'
  For more information phone 1-740-432-3045. Web site at CambridgeGlass.
  From the Visitors' Center, continue northbound on OH-209. Just before you enter the downtown area you will cross a creek and then a railroad track. Turn right at the next intersection (Turner Avenue). go 1 block and turn right again on 9th Street. The museum is at 136 South 9th Street.

Degenhart Paperweight & Glass Museum - The museum includes exhibits as well as some video programs about glass making and its history in this area of the Ohio Valley. A research library is available for use. Also on the premises is a gift shop.
  Open 9a to 5p in the Summer months Monday through Saturday; 1 to 5p Sunday ( closed holidays). See their web site for hours of operation the rest of the year. Admission: $ 1.50.
  NOTE: This is one of the attractions that accept the 'Glass Pass'.
  For more information, phone 1-740-432-2626. Their web site is at: DegenhartGlass.
  From I-77 take exit 47 and go west on US-22 to the first road on your right (Highland Hills Road) and turn right.

Mosser Glass - Tour the factory and observe their skilled artisans gather and press the glass into works of art. Tours 8:15 to 10:30a and 12:30 to 3p Monday through Friday. Their gift shop is open 8a to 4p  Monday through Friday. (Closed first two weeks of July.)
  For more information, phone 1-740-439-1827 or visit their web site: MosserGlass.
  NOTE: This is one of the attractions that accept the 'Glass Pass'.
  From I-77 take exit 47 and go west on US-22 for about 0.5 miles to the factory.

Hopalong Cassidy Museum - No, this is not a glass museum. Once upon a time everyone knew who Hopalong Cassidy was. Many of us still remember the movies and TV programs that brought us to the silver screen - or kept us - or our kids - riveted to the TV screen.
  William Boyd, the Cambridge native who gained national recognition ( as Hopalong Cassidy, the cowboy star),  has personally endorsed this extensive collection of products related to the TV show. FREE Admission.
  An annual Hopalong Cassidy Festival is held the first weekend in May. For more information about the museum and the festival, phone 1-740-432-3364. The museum did not have a web site the last time we checked but the Boyd family does have a web site with a page containing the biography of William Boyd. You just may find his story (which is probably unique) very interesting.
  From the Visitors' Center, continue north on Southgate Parkway to Turner Avenue and turn right. The museum is in the Antique Mall.

» Hotels in Cambridge «

New Philadelphia

Visitors' Center - From I-77 take exit 81 and drive eastbound (toward town) on OH-39 (High Avenue) to McDonald Drive. The Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Center is at 125 McDonald Drive.
  For more information, phone 1-800-527-3387 (toll free), Their web site is TuscarawasCVB.

Schoenbrunn Village State Memorial - Founded by the Moravians in 1772, Schoenbrunn was intended to be mission to 'Christianize' the Delaware Indians. Schoenbrunn soon grew to include sixty log dwellings and a population of over 300. Because of clashes with the British and Indians allied with the British durint the Revolutionary War, Schoenbrunn was abandoned in 1777.
  Today the reconstructed village includes seventeen log buildings, some gardens and the original cemetery. A museum and visitor center helps introduce the visitor to the many exhibits and artifacts.
  Summer hours are 9:30a to 5p Wednesday through Saturday; noon to 5p Sundays. For hours during the other months, telephone 1-800-752-2711 or see their web site at Schoenbrunn.
  From I-77 take exit 81 and drive east on US-250 to the OH-259 exit (2nd exit). Exit and turn left onto OH-259. Schoenbrunn is about 0.5 miles from the exit.

» Hotels in New Philadelphia «

Dover

Warther Carvings & Gardens - Now here is something really unique. Ernest Warther built his reputation as the world's master carver by his exquisite work carving scale models of old steam locomotives, an 8-foot long scale model of President Lincoln's funeral train and a fascinating 'pliers tree' which, when finished, consisted of about 500 working pliers (the tool) all interconnected and carved out of a single block of walnut. He also carved a scale model of the steel mill at which he was employed for 24 years. And all this was with a knife and files.
  They also have videos created from some old 'home' movies, a large Indian arrowhead collection plus a knife collection.
  Also on the grounds are his wife's collection of over 70,000 buttons and her immaculate, Swiss-style garden.
  For more information phone 1-330-343-7513 or visit the web site at WartherMuseum.
  Open for touring 9a to 5p daily (last tour at 4p). Admission fee is $8.50; $4 for kids.
  From I-77 take exit 83 and drive southbound on OH-211 (Tuscarawas Ave) about 0.2 miles to Karl Avenue. Turn right and the museum and garden is at 311 Karl Avenue.

» Hotels in Dover «

Canton

Visitors' Center - From I-77 northbound take exit 105 and at the end of the exit ramp turn right on OH-172 (Tuscarawas Street). Follow OH-172 to Market Ave (it is one block after Court Ave) and turn left. The Canton/Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau is in the Millennium Centre at 222 Market Avenue N.
  From I-77 southbound take exit 105-A and turn left at the end of the off-ramp. Drive to the first street on the east side of I-77 (Schroyer Ave) and turn left. Drive to the end of the street and turn right on OH-172 (Tuscarawas Street). Follow OH-172 to Market Ave (it is one block after Court Ave) and turn left. The Canton/Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau is in the Millennium Centre at 222 Market Avenue N.
  For more information phone 1-800-533-4302 (toll free). Their web site: CantonCVB.

Canton Classic Car Museum - Old classics dating back to 1904 - including an amphibious car - plus lots of auto-related memorabilia.
  For more information phone 1-330-455-3603 or visit their web site: ClassicCars.
  From I-77 northbound take exit 105 and at the end of the exit ramp turn right on OH-172 (Tuscarawas Street). Follow OH-172 to Market Ave (it is one block after Court Ave) and turn right. Continue down Market to 6th Street SW.
    From I-77 southbound take exit 105-A and turn left at the end of the off-ramp. Drive to the first street on the east side of I-77 (Schroyer Ave) and turn left. Drive to the end of the street and turn right on OH-172 (Tuscarawas Street). Follow OH-172 to Market Ave (it is one block after Court Ave) and turn right. Continue down Market to 6th Street SW.

Laser Quest - A high-tech, interactive combination of laser tag and hide-and-seek. Participants play inside the 8,000 square foot arena in an environment including black lights, fog, a maze, several towers and some very appropriate background music.
  Hours of operation seem to be both involved and flexible. Check their web page at (HOURS) for the current hours of operation. Rates are also cited on that web page.
  For more information phone 1-330-966-9966 or visit their web site: LaserQuest.
  From I-77 take exit 109 and drive westbouond on Everhard Road to their arena at 4712 Everhard Road NW.

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Canton (continued)

McKinley National Memorial & Museum - Memorabilia of the life and era of President McKinley. The museum also includes an interactive science center, a robotic dinosaur and a model railroad. Also on the site is a planetarium.
  Hours 9a to 5p Monday through Saturday; noon to 5p Sundays. During summer months the museum closes at 6p. Admission: $7 for adults; $5 for kids.
  For more information phone 1-330-455-7043 or visit their web site: McKinleyMemorial.
  From I-77 take exit 106. Head eastbound on 12th Street to Stadium Park Drive (the first intersection) and turn right. Follow Stadium Park Drive to its end and

Palace Theatre - Originally a 1920s era glitzy vaudeville movie house, the theater has been fully restored to its former glory. Now used as an auditorium/theatre for concerts. motion pictures and live stage shows. The original Kilgen Organ has also been restored and is used regularly for organ concerts.
The Palace interior has been designed to simulate a midsummer night in a Spanish courtyard. Stars shine from the ceiling with wispy clouds. Add a little imagination and you are there.
  For more information phone 1-330-454-8172 or visit their web site: PalaceTheatre.
  From the Visitors' Center drive north on Market 4 blocks to the Palace at 605 Market Avenue N.

Pro Football Hall of Fame - This museum is dedicated to professional football. Interactive exhibits help portray the history of the game. GameDay Stadium’s new Cinemascope film, “Championship Chase”, documents the excitement of pro football from training camp to the Super Bowl. Open daily Memorial Day to Labor Day from 9a to 8p; rest of the year from 9a to 5p. (Closed Christmas Day). Admission: $12 for adults; $6 for kids 14 and under.
  For more information phone 1-330-456-8207 or visit their web site: ProFootballHall.
  From I-77 northbound take exit 107-A and at the end of the exit ramp turn left on OH-687 (Fulton Road). Follow OH-687 to Halter Avenue (next to the on-ramp on your left on the other side of I-77.) The on-ramp, George Hallas Drive and Halter Avenue are all right together. Turn left into George Hallas Drive (the middle road). The Hall of Fame is at 221 George Halas Drive NW.
  From I-77 southbound take exit 107-A and turn left at the end of the off-ramp onto OH-687 (Fulton Road). Drive 2 blocks to the group of three roads on your right. These are Halter Avenue, George Hallas Drive and an I-77 on-ramp. Turn into the middle one (George Hallas Drive. The Hall of Fame is at 221 George Halas Drive NW.

» Hotels in Canton «

North Canton

Visitors' Center - North Canton does not maintain a visitors' center. They do have a Chamber of Commerce and the folks there should be able to answer many questions about their community. Phone: 1-330-499-5100.

Harry London Candies - Time for a chocolate break. This candy factory offers guided tours of their facilities. Watch how the candies are created and packaged. You'll even get to sample a few. And, of course, they have a gift shop.
  For more information phone 1-330-494-0833 or visit their web site: LondonCandies.
  From I-77 take exit 113 (Akron-Canton Airport Exit) and turn right on Lauby Road. They are at 5353 Lauby Road.

MAPS Air Museum - More than just another military aircraft museum, MAPS actually acquires and restores the aircraft. Visitors get a tour - see the many restored aircraft, of course - and actually get to see how these bird from yesteryear are painstakingly restored. They also have air shows from time to time.
  Hours are 9a-4p daily except Sunday. Wednesdays they stay open until 9p. Closed major holidays. Admission: $4 for adults; $2 for the kids (under 12).
  For more information phone 1-330-896-6332 or visit their web site at MAPSMuseum.
  From I-77 northbound take exit 113 (Akron- Canton Airport Exit) and turn right onto Lauby Road. Drive to the end of Lauby and turn left onto Greensburg Road. Drive westbound on Greensburg to OH-241 (Massillon Road) and turn left. The MAPS Museum is a little over a mile at 5359 Massillon Road. You'll see the planes.

» Hotels in North Canton «

Akron

I-77 joins I-76 for a few miles to skirt the south side of Akron. It then turns north and skirts the west side of the city. During the stretch shared with I-76, you will see the I-76 exit numbers.

Visitors Center - From I-76/77 take exit 21C and drive northbound on the OH-59 freeway to the Exchange Street exit (3rd exit). Turn right on Exchange Street and drive to High Street. Turn left and drive to Mill Street. Turn right and the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau is at 77 East Mill Street.
  For more information phone 1-800-245-4254 (toll free). Their web site is AkronCVB.

Akron Art Museum - Displays of regional, national, and international artworks ranging from mid-nineteenth century to the present. Featuring works from Helen Frankenthaler, Frank Stella and Andy Warhol, plus photographers Margaret Bourke-White, Harry Callahan and Robert Frank. Many large-scale sculptures are permanently displayed in an outdoor gallery.
  For more information phone 1-330-376-9185 or visit their web site: AkronArtMuseum.
  Open Tuesday through Friday between the hours of 9a and 5p. Admission is FREE.
  From the Visitors' Center, go back to High Street, turn right and drive up to Market Street (1 long block). Turn right and the museum is at
70 E. Market Street.

Akron Police Museum - The Akron Police Museum features historical photos, police uniforms and an assortment of weapons. The museum is located in the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center, room 201, at 217 S. High Street.
  Open Mondays through Friday between the hours of 8a and 3:30p. Closed major holidays. Admission is FREE.
  For more information phone 1-330-375-2390 or visit their web site: AkronPolice.
  From the Visitors' Center, go back to High Street, turn left and the museum is at 217 S. High Street. There is a (pay) parking deck across the street.

Akron Zoological Park - More than 400 animals from around the world plus exotic animals such as red pandas, barking deer. Pony and 'train' rides for the kids. The regular season runs from mid-April through October.
  Open May through October 10a to 5p daily. Summer admission $7.50 (kids 2-14, $5) plus $1.50 parking fee. Remaining months hours are 11a to 4p. Winter admission $4 plus $1 parking fee. Closed major holidays.  If you're driving through in December, drop in and view the Holiday Lights display.
  For more information phone 1-330-375-2550 or visit their web site: AkronZoo.
  From I-77 take exit 131 and drive east on OH-162 (Copley Road) to Edgewood Avenue. Turn right and the zoo - and parking area - is in the park on your right.

Quaker Square - This is the original home of the Ferdinand Schumacher Milling Company - better known by their later name, the Quaker Oats Company. The Quaker Oats silos, which once housed the Quaker food products, are now part of a 173-room 'Crowne Plaza' complex. The mills have been converted into a shopping, restaurant and entertainment complex. Quaker Square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Admission is FREE. The site is handicap accessible.
Depot Diner - also located in Quaker Square between the shopping complex and the Crowne Plaza, stands a small string of Pullman cars. Visitors may dine in - and next to - the Pullman cars or just view the surrounding displays historic artifacts from the era of the mighty steam locomotive. The site also includes a variety of railroad crossing signs, crossing beacons, telegraph keys and station signage. One very popular attraction: visitors are allowed to operate the LGB model trains. Handicap-accessible. 
For more information phone 1-330-253-5970 or visit QuakerSquare.
  From the Visitors' Center, continue east on Mill Street to the second street on your right (Broadway) and turn right. The complex is a half block south at 135 S. Broadway.

» Hotels in Akron «

Cleveland

Visitors Center - Cleveland, once flat broke, has made a resurgence with a vengeance. This is exemplified in their Convention and Visitors Bureau: marketing Cleveland is their name and they do it well. Their offices are downtown in 3100 Terminal Tower at 50 Public Square.
  This is the northern terminus of I-77. Take exit 163 and stay to the right. The exit ramp circles all the way around and crosses I-77. Immediately on the other side of the Interstate, bear right and merge with Orange Street which becomes Broadway in 50 more feet. US-422 also becomes OH-14. Continue on this street (OH-14). Note that a few blocks later we have another name change: Broadway becomes Ontario. It is still OH-14 if you can find the signs. When you cross Superior Avenue (US-6), you're getting close. The next street is Frankfort Avenue and 'Public Square' is one block to your left. There are parking garages all over but some of them seem to be reserved for monthly clients. If there is not sign indicating you're not welcome, drive on in. Parking in Cleveland isn't as bad as New York but they appear to be working hard at catching up. We took a stroll around the area and found it very well worth while. If you like to eat good food (vs. what is available in a hurry) there are 8 or 10 very good restaurants in this area. Some are very reasonable (check the prices before you take a table).
  For more information, phone 1-800-321-1001 (toll free). Web site: ClevelandCVB.

Downtown Hotels in Cleveland - We did choke when we found that parking in downtown Cleveland could cost over $20/day (the Hyatt Regency charges $19 for guests! The Radisson Gateway on Huron Rd - the others aren't far behind.
  When we made reservations at the Comfort Inn Downtown on Euclid Ave (right near exit 172 of I-90 and about the best room rate we could find) we hadn't thought to ask about parking. It wasn't free but it was only $6.50 per night with "in and out privileges". The Holiday Inn Express - same room rates and just a few blocks away on Euclid - charges $12. The Hampton Inn - almost next door to the Hyatt Regency and charging about the same room rates - charges $15 if you park yourself; $18 (only a dollar less than the Hyatt) for valet service.
  So there you have it. We stayed at the Comfort Inn, near the Interstate, found everything was within walking distance plus there are four good restaurants within a block.

Cleveland Botanical Gardens - Like most big city botanical gardens, this one seems to have about everything. But one special attraction is certainly worth taking the effort and time to visit: the giant Glasshouse.
  The newest attraction in the Botanical Gardens, the Glasshouse contains two distinct ecosystems - under glass. One, an emulation of a desert oasis similar to  what you might see on the island of Madagascar. The other, an emulation of a Costa Rican rain forest complete with a river gorge.
  The Botanical Gardens is at 11030 East Boulevard. For more information, phone 216.721.1600 or visit their web site at cbgarden.
  From I-77 take exit 163, keep to the right and merge with I-90 northbound. From I-90, take exit 173A and follow US-322 (Chester Ave) eastbound to E. 63rd Street. Turn left, go one block and turn right on Hough Avenue. Follow Hough eastbound past the VA Center to the Botanical Gardens. Hough Ave changes its name to East Boulevard at Liberty Street, just before the VA Center.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - where else can you view over 50 rock and roll exhibits, dynamic cinema presentations plus the largest single collection of rock and roll artifacts? Here is is at  One Key Plaza (East 9th Street at Lake Erie). Phone 1-216-781-ROCK.
  Open 10a-5:30p every day except Wednesday when they stay open until 9p. Admission: $18 (kids 9-12, $11; under 8, free).
  If you are already in town, your best route is to follow 9th Street north to Lake Erie.
  From I-77 take exit 163, keep to the right and merge with I-90 northbound. From I-90, take exit 174-B and follow OH-2 to the 9th Street exit. The Hall of Fame is on the lake side of the freeway.
  If you are on I-80, take exit 151 - or, if you've passed that exit, take exit 161 - or, if you've passed that or are westbound, take exit 173. Follow I-480, or I-71, or I-77 (respectively) northbound to I-90 and continue on I-90 to exit 174-B. Exit and follow OH-2 to the 9th Street exit. The Hall of Fame is on the lake side of the freeway.

» Hotels in Cleveland «

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