Ohio exchange someday?

[RumpleMom]

Is there really nothing worthy, in the whole state of Ohio, that could be a choice for an exchange?

Anyone have a suggestion?

 

[POOH&PIGLET]

I'm sure there are "worthy" places, but (no offense intended) I can't imagine going on vacation to Ohio.

 

[fkj2]

Actually, Ohio is a beautiful state, certainly off the interstates.

Since I live in the eastern part of the state, I can tell you that we have wonderful rural areas still unscathed by concrete. Toward the southern part is a large Amish population, reknowned for their cooking, crafts and of general interest to those who are intrigued by their more simple way of life.

For those not inclined, there are several large metro areas, ie., Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo where the finest roller-coaster park of the USA is, Cedarpoint, and Columbus, where you can shop for about anything, and which do offer some culture for the big city folk.

My personal tastes run more rurally. I enjoy looking out the window and seeing deer graze a few hundred feet away or a nice peaceful campfire around which you can roast hot dogs in the summertime with friends under a sky where you see the stars and not just neon lights. Not a "Disney" kind of vacation for most people, not even for an exchange, but ours is a state filled with much natural beauty and historical significance.

 

[Denine]

I would love to see something close to home! However, I do not have any suggestions.
DH and I are often saying there isn't anything to do in this state! And we grew up here.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Just finished a weekend at the Westin in downtown Cincinnati. Saw Cheryl Crow on Saturday and 42nd Street on Sunday. The Westin isn't quite up to Disney standards, but a downtown Cinci hotel could be lots of fun, with Reds and Bengals within walking distance, Riverboat row, several theaters, the interconnected skywalk letting you walk around downtown without the weather affecting you. Perhaps the new Millenium hotel would be close to standards.

There is a brand new lodge near Mohecan (sp?) State park with was just finished that is fantastic. They let you take golf carts up to walking trails.

If not Ohio, how about the beautiful mountains of West Virginia? How about the Greenbrier? The resort predates the Civil war and they have tour of the underground bunker facilities they have in place for the US Congress in case of the need to relocate them. Outstanding golf, and beautiful views. You can get there by train from D.C.
http://www.greenbrier.com/
Wonderful food, the sunday brunch is outstanding. They clearly meet Disney standards.

Snowshoe for Skiing? Seven Springs in PA?

You have a good point that there is not much close for a trade for Ohio folks. The one West Virginia location does not have too much close by.

 

[Towncrier]

How about The Inn at Honey Run in Millersburg (in the heart of Ohio Amish country)? It's a great place to take a break from real life. Great Bear Lodge near Sandusky would be a fun place for families with it's indoor waterpark. And what about resorts near our state's many amusement parks? There are plenty of great things to see and do in Ohio.

 

[scootersmom]

We often spend our vacations and long get-away weekends right here, in Ohio.

One of our favorites is the two bedroom lakeside chalets at Salt Fork State Park. They have a hot tub on the screened-in porch, a gas fireplace in the living room, full kitchen, heat, a/c, and full use of all the lodge resort facilities. Great place! Probably not open for an exchange since it's a State Park though.

We'll be staying, our first time, at the Great Bear Lodge the last weekend of this month in a fireplace, jacuzzi suite. Can't wait to try out that indoor water park!

We love the Columbus area for the State Fair, COSI, and last time down there we took the tour of the Mayflower replica....very interesting. Seems like there would be something suitable for exchange in that area.

 

[Fenceman]

Ohio does have beautiful State Park/Resorts. Salt Fork in Cambridge & Maumee near Toledo both have golf courses, water sports, multiple pools, and big rustic lodges set in picturesque locations.

Also Cedar Point in Sandusky has been rate the number one amusement park in the country for a number of years. They have over 12 rollercoasters including the 92mph Millenium. They have a few nice hotels at Cedar Point but we enjoyed Big Bear Lodge with its Indoor Waterpark. It was 15 minutes from the park.

Of course I may be a little biased being a Buckeye.

 

[RumpleMom]

Thanks for your replies, I had a feeling Ohio was being over looked.

To Pooh&Piglet: No offense taken, however, my DD-the Cedar Point roller coaster fan- would like to speak to you!

 

[Caskbill]

Wow, a trade up at Cedar Point would be great.

And it really wouldn't be in competition with Disney, after all Disney doesn't have any amusement parks. All of theirs are Theme Parks.

 

[ncligs]

Cedar Point's Roller Coasters will put any WDW coasters to shame!!

 

[CaptainMidnight]

This thread's providing some great ideas. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Dean]

There are only 2 timeshares I'm aware of in Ohio and only one for II. It's not very highly rated and is in with an RV park. It's in Port Clinton. Apple Valley is the only one I know of in RCI.

 

[fkj2]

I would think most of us Ohioans would acknowledge that the state is not on the same level as WDW for vacationing but as another proud Buckeye, I'd also say our state has a lot to offer; we're just a well-kept secret.

 

[ncligs]

In all honesty....I joined DVC to get out of OHIO!!!

 

[fkj2]

if all you wanted was to get out of Ohio, just pick up 11 and drive east on I80 to PA. It's a lot cheaper than DVC!!!!!

I'm sure warm temps, a great time, great accommodations at a reasonable price, flexability via exchanges, incredible eateries, rides, etc. had nothing to do with your decision.

 

[Denine]

While there are a few places to get away (I'd love to try one of the State parks), there really aren't any on par with the accomadations that Disney offers through it's exchange program.
I can't see many people outside of Ohio interested in staying at most of those places for a few days.
We visit Holmes County (Amish Country) frequently, have been to Columbus and Cinci, just not impressed. Not impressed with the Cleveland offerings either.
JMHO.

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by fkj2
I would think most of us Ohioans would acknowledge that the state is not on the same level as WDW for vacationing but as another proud Buckeye, I'd also say our state has a lot to offer; we're just a well-kept secret.

Fkj2,
You must not be to proud of Ohio, I don't "see" it listed on your "location" or profile.

 

[Jhalkias]

Posted it twice by accident - whoops. Updates a little slow. . .

 

[Jhalkias]

As someone who did not join DVC for the exchange aspect, it does not trouble me that there are no in-state offerings. However, as a proud Buckeye, I can tell you that our state has a lot to offer, much of which has already been mentioned.

Just want to add another one to the list for Sports Fans - Don't forget the Pro Football Hall of Fame in my hometown of Canton. It is a great destination, and we are very near to the open farmland and Amish country already mentioned. If you come during Football's Greatest Weekend (the HOF enshrinement), you will be guest to hospitality by the people of our community and a wonderful festival unsurpassed in the Midwest.

No, Ohio is not Orlando, or New York City, but we have a wealth of Cultural, Recreational, and beautiful pastoral resources within our great state.

Proud to be a Buckeye - Come and visit us sometime. You might just be surprised!