Outings a scream in area with parks and planes
WKings Island
ith an estimated 188 million visitors to Ohio in 2012 and a net impact of $36 billion, tourism is — and has been — a booming business. • Southwestern Ohio “provides firstclass experiences at an affordable price, and the diversity of those experiences is tremendous. There are plenty of new travel experiences this year in Ohio,” said Tamara Brown, TourismOhio public relations manager.
Planning to visit the area in the summer? Here are attractions you won’t want to miss: 6300 KINGS ISLAND DR., MASON (WARREN COUNTY)
With more than 80 rides, shows and attractions — plus Soak City, a 33-acre water park — the Kings Island theme park has something for the whole family, and especially for thrill seekers. Banshee, the park’s 15th roller coaster, sends riders screaming through more than 4,000 feet of track and seven inversions at speeds up to 68 mph.
And the all-new live acrobatic show “Cirque Imagine,” opening on May 24 in the Kings Island Theater, will feature “an incredible showcase of strength, balance and athleticism,” said Don Helbig, Kings Island’s public relations manager. For ticket prices and hours of operation, see Page J29. (513-754-5700, www.visit kingsisland.com)
The Beach — An Adventure Landing Park
2590 WATER PARK DR., MASON (WARREN COUNTY)
Visitors seeking relief from summer’s heat can enjoy two new experiences at the Beach: a two-person zip line over the wave pool, and a more than 400-foot-long, four-lane mat racer ride.
The 35-acre park also features a heated wave pool with a special area for young children; the Big Kahuna, the Midwest’s only water coaster; and the Cliff, an enclosed water slide that offers a five-story drop; a lazy river; cabana rentals and special play areas for children.
And, long after summer’s bathing suits are put away,
See
Page
visitors can head back to the Beach to enjoy an eight- to 10-lane snow-tubing hill opening in November. For ticket prices and hours of operation, see below. (513-398-7946, www.thebeachwaterpark.com)
Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 WESTERN AVE., CINCINNATI (HAMILTON COUNTY)
This summer will be the last opportunity to see the “Diana, A Celebration” exhibit, which will continue through Aug. 17. Marking its final U.S. stop on a more-than-10-year world tour, nine galleries feature 150 items, including the princess’s royal wedding gown, designer dresses, home movies and family keepsakes on loan from the Spencer family.
For ticket prices and hours of operation, see Page J30. (513287-7000, www.cincymuseum. org)
National Museum of the United States Air Force
1100 SPAATZ ST., DAYTON (GREENE AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES)
The world’s oldest and largest military aviation museum recently opened a new, one-of-akind Space Shuttle exhibit. The NASA Space Shuttle Crew Compartment Trainer allows visitors to learn about how astronauts train for missions.
In September, the Dawn Patrol Rendezvous will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I with original and reproduction World War I aircraft, radio-controlled models, period re-enactors and more at the free museum.
And mark your calendars for June 28-29, when the annual Vectren Dayton Air Show (www.daytonairshow.com) will take place nearby at the Dayton International Airport. You can make it an aviation-themed getaway. (937-255-3286, www.nationalmuseum.af.mil)
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
3400 VINE ST., CINCINNATI (HAMILTON COUNTY)
This summer, the zoo will open the next phase of its Africa exhibit featuring African wild dogs, meerkats and an open vista for several antelope species including gazelles, lesser kudu and large African birds. Visitors will be able to duck into a meerkat tunnel to get an up-close, grounds-eye view of the lively creatures.
For ticket prices and hours of operation, see Page J31. (513281-4700, www.cincinnati zoo.org)
Jungle Jim’s International Market
4450 EASTGATE SQUARE DR., FAIRFIELD (BUTLER COUNTY)
This is so much more than a grocery store — it’s a food adventure with more than 200,000 square feet of kitschy shopping space and more than 150,000 products from throughout the world. If you haven’t visited before, this is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Trust us.
Mark your calendars for the International Beer Fest June 1314, featuring 350 beers from 100 breweries. (513-674-6000, www.jungle jims.com)
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House
1340 E. HIGH ST., SPRINGFIELD (CLARK COUNTY)
Prepare for your design and architectural inspiration to go into overdrive at the meticulously preserved Westcott House — one of only 11 Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Ohio and about 260 in the world. Reservations are strongly recommended. The admission fee ($15, or $12 for senior citizens, students and groups of eight or more) includes a 45minute house tour and an eight-minute video on the house-restoration process.
While in the area, we recommend visiting the Hartman Rock Garden (www.hartman rockgarden.org), which features meticulously crafted replicas of the White House, Independence Hall and other wellknown landmarks crafted out of small stones by H.G. “Ben” Hartman during the Great Depression. Admission is free. (937-327-9291, www.westcott house.org
The Great American Ball Park
100 JOE NUXHALL WAY, CINCINNATI (HAMILTON COUNTY)
On the banks of the Ohio River is the home of the Cincinnati Reds — baseball’s first professional franchise. There is nothing that says summer like a baseball game. Plus, celebrity super-couple Beyonce and Jay Z will perform in concert at the ballpark — the only Ohio stop on their On the Run tour — on June 28 (be warned, tickets are going fast). (513-3817337 or cincinnati.reds. mlb.com/cin/ballpark)