Hocking Hills Parks and Caves
Eldredge, Darius Rucker, David Nail, Sam Hunt, Eric Paslay, Kelleigh Banner, Cole Swindell, Brothers Osborne, Tristen Smith and Drake White and the Big Fire. (www.jamboreeinthe hills.com for ticket and camping information)
Seneca Lake Park
22172 PARK RD., SENECAVILLE (NOBLE COUNTY)
If you seek peace and quiet, Seneca Lake offers 513 campsites, a swimming beach, more than 3,500 acres of water for all types of freshwater activities, and almost 4,100 acres of land, including forests. Part of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, the park is a great place to unwind. (www.mwcd.org)
Piatt Park
RT. 78 TO COUNTY ROAD 30 TO TOWNSHIP ROAD 2308 NEAR WOODSFIELD (MONROE COUNTY)
Nestled in a county that borders the Ohio River, Piatt Park, although small in size (119 acres), is big on beauty.
There are camping facilities with a new handicapped-accessible shower house and restroom, a playground for children and exquisite views of nature.
The setting is unique, with hiking trails that offer vistas into a natural gorge. Piatt Park is one of the hidden gems in southern Ohio. (www.monroe countyohio.net) (HOCKING COUNTY)
Just about an hour southeast of Columbus is nature at its best — from pristine to wild, from relaxing to exhilarating. It is all part of the Hocking Hills, a collection of caves, parks, nature areas and lakes.
Lodging is available, from rustic to plush, and at all price points. Activities range from hiking, bird-watching and cave exploring to zip-line riding, canoeing, hot-airballooning and horseback riding. (www.hockinghills. com)
Sternwheel Festival
OHIO RIVER LEVEE, 121 PUTNAM ST., MARIETTA (WASHINGTON COUNTY)
Top off the summer with a trip to Marietta, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, for the Sternwheel Festival, Sept. 5-7. During the free three-day event, about 100,000 people descend on Marietta to see up to 35 authentic sternwheel boats along the Ohio River. Each year brings boat races and a huge car show, plus vendors of all varieties.
On Sept. 6, a huge fireworks display is launched from barges on the Ohio River, creating a great way to end a summer of fun and ease into autumn. (740-373-5178, www.ohioriver sternwheelfestival.org)