1. Yes, There Are Beaches In Toledo
Did you know there are beaches in Toledo? They are obviously not smack-dab in the middle of the city, but there is Lake Erie and with it comes a lot of shoreline. If you’re visiting from out of town make sure to check out the Maumee Bay State Park, Kelleys Island State Park and the entire Lake Erie shore. Yes, you can sunbathe on the beach in Ohio.
2. It’s Buckeyes Vs. Wolverines
Pick a side - Buckeyes or Wolverines. Yeah, this is Ohio and you’d think everyone would be rooting for OSU, but you’d be surprised how many Glass City residents are Wolverines fans. The Toledo War will never be over when it comes to football.
3. Toledoans Have The Best Glass In The World Right Here
Toledo’s nickname is ‘The Glass City’ and there’s a long history of glass industry here. It’s not just the glass capital of the country, but it’s the ‘Glass Capital of the World’. Not just glass art, which they have in abundance, but everything from bottles to windows. There’s always something involving glass going on… from art exhibits to classes and demonstrations. To see some of the incredible glass in Toledo, check out the Museum of Art. The ‘glass pavillion’ is beautiful.
4. Love Wine? Glass City Has You Covered
Speaking of glass, wine glasses are a must here. You can visit wineries in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan without traveling more than 85 miles from Glass City. There’s about 10 wineries or tasting rooms all within an hour’s drive - drink up!
5. Katie Holmes Is Not The Only Famous Person From Toledo
Yes, they know… Katie Holmes is from Toledo. She’s not the only famous person from here, okay? There’s political satirist P.J. O’Rourke, American Idol Finalist Crystal Lynn Bowersox and Scott Shriner of the band Weezer. Even feminist Gloria Steinem and Jamie Farr from M*A*S*H are from here. Got it?
6. Toledoans’ Passion For The Mud Hens Is No Minor Thing
The Mud Hens may be a minor league baseball team, but Toledo has a major league love for them. They play to huge crowds at Fifth Third Field. Pretty much everything in Toledo revolves around the Mud Hens. Everything.
7. Toledoans Will Never Forget Frogtown
Toledoans that have been around for a while will tell you that they weren’t always just known as Glass City, but once upon a time the nickname was Frogtown. The name came from the days of the ‘Great Black Swamp’ and there’s even a museum called ‘Froggy Museum’ on South Summit Street. Check it out.
8. Tony Packo’s Hot Dogs Will Change Your Life
There is no better hot dog, not even in Detroit. Tony Packo’s is a true Hungarian restaurant and the Hungarian Dog is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Served with mustard, onions and hot dog sauce, it’s a must-try when visiting. We only have to explain how amazing they are to out-of-towners until they’ve tasted one, then it’s completely obvious.
9. The Road Construction Is Unavoidable
You may think, “why did I have to come when there is so much road work going on?” Well, it doesn’t matter when you come. There’s always roadwork and construction projects happening.
From resurfacing the roads, widening the roads, building construction, pavement repair and replacing bridges, you’re not going to find a time to visit when you get to skip out on the road construction.
10. A Day Spent In The Warehouse District Is A Day Well Spent
There’s a renovation and resurgence going on in Toledo’s Warehouse District. It’s growing in leaps and bounds with great entertainment, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. It’s the new urban playground of Glass City.
11. The Metroparks Are Awesome
With all the city life it’s hard to imagine, but there are over 10,000 acres of Metroparks in the Toledo area. Search them out for a great place to walk, jog, bike or just escape from the cityscape and enjoy gorgeous nature and sanctuaries.
12. Toledo Folks Are Super Proud Of Their Lighthouse
You must take a tour of the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse. It’s the spot where Maumee Bay meets Lake Erie. It’s also a marker for the Toledo shipping channel. There’s also a Toledo Lighthouse Waterfront Festival at Maumee Bay State Park, which is the best time to take a gander at the area’s pride and joy.
13. Every Toledoan Gets Grumpys Once In A While
OK, more like all the time. Grumpy’s is a Toledo staple and it’s all about the garbage salad. It’s not a salad, it’s a entire dinner and lunch the next day. It’s intoxicating. It’s a carnival of flavors dancing in your mouth. Everyone gets a little Grumpys every now and then.
14. There’s A Reason Toledoans All Drive Jeeps
You’re going to notice right away that Glass City adores Jeeps. Why, you ask? Without mountains why do they need Jeeps? Well, they love them not only because they are simply awesome, but because they have assembled Jeeps here since the 1940’s. The Toledo Complex churns out Jeep Wranglers and Jeep Cherokees in both the North and South plants. They drive them, and either work there ourselves and know a bunch of people who do.
15. The Zoo Is The Best In The Nation...
If you’re thinking, ‘Oh, it’s just another zoo’, you’re not in-the-know. They were voted best zoo in the United States for 2014 by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. They’re not surprised. The Toledo Zoo has so many great exhibits from bald eagles and snow leopards to Penguin Beach and Primate Forest. You can go from the Arctic tundra to Sonoran Desert, all in one day. A definite must-see for the out-of-towners.
16. ...And The Museum Of Art Is World-Class
The Toledo Museum of Art is a world-class museum and something Glass City residents are extremely proud of. Constantly winning awards of excellence, the main building alone offers 45 galleries and four and half acres of floor space. From decorative arts, glass, paintings, paper works and sculptures - it is one of the best art museums in the world.
17. Every Toledoan Comes Out For The German-American Festival
This is the largest, oldest and most awesome ethnic festival in the area. It’s been going on for almost 50 years. Next year is the big 5-0 anniversary. They come out in droves for the great food and entertainment...but most of all, they come out for the most obvious reason - the great beer.
18. You’ll Have To Search High And Low For The Independent Restaurants...
Upon driving through Glass City you’re going to come to the conclusion that they only eat from big-box chain restaurants. Well, they do have a lot and they do love them, but they also have locally-owned, independent restaurants. You can get the best pizza at Calvino’s, mediterranean at Glendale Garden Cafe, burgers at Burger Bar 419, sushi at Kyoto Ka and new American at Revolution Grille. There’s plenty more, but those are the highlights.
19. ...And Even Harder For Farm-To-Table Food...
We’re not well-known for our big craft beer and farm-to-table scene, but that’s doesn’t mean it’s not happening here. If you want to taste the local food made by local chefs with a creative flair, try Fowl and Fodder on W Central Ave. and Evans Street Station on Evans St. Great, local food is around, you just have to look a little harder for it.
20. ...But The Best Local Grub Is From The Food Trucks
Even in Toledo, the food truck rage is hip and happening. Some are trucks from local restaurants ad some new ideas that are springing up on four wheels. You can get everything from Cuban food and barbecue to handmade desserts, specialty coffees and Mexican food. The food truck movement is here to stay.
21. Skip Your Visit During Election Year
Of course, Ohio is a swing state and Toledo is one of the most populated metro areas. What does this mean? It means that presidential candidates descend upon the area every four years. Truly, just skip that year and don’t visit. It’s not worth it.
22. When You Want To Get Away, There’s Always Put-In Bay
Toledoans know the best little spot 45 miles east of the city…. Put-In-Bay, Ohio. Just jump a ferry and you can be there in no time. It’s got all the best fishing, boating, shopping, nightlife and restaurants. It’s Toledo’s little island getaway.
23. The Rosary Cathedral Is A Heavenly Place
Whether you are a believer or not, you can’t help but admire the Rosary Cathedral. Inspired by architecture from Toledo, Spain - yes, there is such a place in Spain and Toledo was named after it - the cathedral has a Spanish Plateresque architecture style and is stunning inside and out.
24. Toledo Dogs Are Ecstatic
There’s only one dog park in all of Toledo. That might sound terrible, until you find out that they just opened it up this year. FINALLY. Glass City Dog Park is where you’ll find everyone with pooches, hanging out and having fun. It’s crazy-awesome mayhem.
25. Toledo Is The Best City In The Midwest
Yes, Toledo sometimes has a Midwest identity crisis, but there’s no doubt that they know their city is the best in Ohio. But once you see for yourself, they really don’t have to explain.
What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about Toledo? Tell us in the comments below!
