Travel news from the sources

Ohio lodges offer discounts for kids' good grades

News from Ohio State Park Lodges: Families can save up to $50 per day on state park vacation

Ohio State Park Lodges’ discounts for kids' good grades is now in its third year. The program, called Stays 4 A’s, has proven to be an effective tool for parents to inspire and motivate their schoolchildren. The popular program allows students with A’s on their report cards to transform those A’s into lodge room discounts.

Each A is worth a discount of $10 off the published rate per room per night up to five A’s or $50. Families need only show their star students’ report cards at check-in to earn the discount. One report card per room may be applied for the discount, and families must present the original report card upon check-in.

National Park getaway to Perry’s Victory site

News from the National Parks

PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial offers travelers an opportunity to leave life’s stresses behind and learn about America’s forgotten war—the War of 1812 – in a picturesque island setting.

At Perry’s Victory in Northern Ohio, one can experience not only relaxation but also inspiration.

CLICK on National Park Getaways to read about the park, which is located on South Bass Island, a grassy oasis in the middle of Lake Erie.

10 adventures at Ohio state parks

Ohio has vacation adventures, from easy to extreme. Ohio State Park Resorts provide a comfortable, affordable and inviting home base for travelers seeking a memorable Midwestern vacation.

Employees of Xanterra Parks & Resorts are experts on places to go and things to do. Anglers, extreme hikers, golfers and birding experts can be found behind the front desks, in the restaurants, on the golf courses and at the marinas at many of the resorts.

Here are some of their favorite Ohio adventures, ranked from the easiest to the toughest physical experience.

1. Pack a picnic lunch – all seven resorts will prepare box lunches for visitors – and set out for a picnic shelter or scenic spot within any of the parks. Box lunches cost around $11 and typically include sandwiches, drinks, chips, fruit and cookies. Some particularly idyllic spots include anywhere along the Buckeye Loop Trail in Burr Oak State Park, the Covered Bridge spanning the Clear Fork River in Mohican State Park, on a grassy knoll along Punderson Lake in Punderson State Park or on the Lake Erie beach in Maumee Bay State Park.

2. Go “shrooming,” count butterflies, catch catfish, build a bat box. Ohio State Park naturalists offer a variety of programs to teach visitors about the natural world. Future fungus aficionados can learn about safe mushroom-hunting during the spring and early summer months. Because of its “ick-factor” – and the built-in side benefit of getting really dirty – this particular adventure ranks high among young participants. For a list of naturalist events.

Photo contest at Ohio state parks

Seven Ohio State Park Resorts operated by concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts will sponsor a photography contest beginning June 19 and running through Nov. 1, 2009.

 

Visitors to Burr Oak, Shawnee, Hueston Woods, Maumee Bay, Punderson, Salt Fork and Mohican State Parks can enter the contest by submitting digital images that capture park experiences. Photos can be submitted in any of the following categories: park activities, action and adventure, kids and family, lodging and cottages and flora and fauna.

Contest judges will choose the winning shots based on creativity, photographic quality and effectiveness in conveying the beauty or unique character of the Ohio State Parks.

 

“We think that artistic inspiration often comes from our visitors at the moment they experience the fun, beauty and distinctive features of Ohio State Parks,” said Dianna Rom, regional sales and marketing director for Ohio State Park Resorts. “We already have many exquisite images shot by amazing professional photographers. Now we are looking for something a bit more personal; images that capture real people, real fun and real experiences. There are so many great activities, attractions and related points of interest available to our park guests across the state. This contest will help capture some of the images in a fun way.”

 

Photos must be submitted no later than Nov. 1, 2009, and contest winners will be notified by Nov. 14.