Baseball fans, movie buffs flock to Ohio
By Aimee Heckel
When you think of a great travel destination for movie buffs, Hollywood’s a no-brainer. So is New York (“Sex and the City” doesn’t begin the scratch the surface of all of the movies filmed there).
But, er, southern Ohio?
Locals in Cincinnati are preparing for a surge of travelers, in light of the recent release of the movie “42,” which tells the story of baseball exec Branch Rickey who signed on Jackie Robinson, the first modern MLB player.
Whether you’re a baseball fan, movie buff or just curious about Ohio, here are some sites to see — some based on Rickey’s story, and a few bonus destinations, just for good measure.
The Rushtown Cemetery in Rushtown, where Rickey was buried.
The Floodwall Murals in Portsmouth. This outdoor gallery depicts the last two decades of the area’s history. It spans 20 feet high, for more than 2,000 feet long, in the historic Boneyfiddle District.
Long’s Family Retreat. More than 400 acres of outdoor activity in Southern Ohio, for camping, swimming, fishing. Stay in a cabin, hit the water slides, play mini golf and set your kids wild on the kiddie go-carts.
The historical Emmitt House in Pike County is a great place to grab a bite to eat. Here, you can also see performances — dance, comedy, sometimes even psychics.
The Belamere Suites Hotel in Perrysburg has been ranked multiple times the most memorable and most romantic spot in Ohio. This boutique hotel features suites with private entrances and personal garages. The Presidential Suites even have their own private 18-by-11-foot indoor pool.
New: Two-story “Royal” swimming pool suites. Stay in a 1,500-plus, two-story loft suite, and enjoy a private, in-room swimming pool, Jacuzzi tub, dry heat sauna with CD player walk-in shower, crystal in-wall fireplace, multiple flatscreen TVs, and wake up to a breakfast delivered to your door.
The kicker: These suites are obviously going to be expensive — but not mind-blowingly impossible, starting at $249 per night.
The Ritz-Carlton in Cleveland also has a solid reputation. It’s located near Tower City Mall and boasts plenty of amenities, marble bathrooms and impressive views. No private swimming pools to speak of, but hey, it is the Ritz, so you won’t be suffering too bad.
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Photo of in-room swimming pool, courtesy of Belamere Suites.
