On our way to Ohio and the beautiful shores of Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie, we stop in West Virginia at Phillips- Sprague Mine, also known as the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Traveling by rail car 1,500 feet into the mine, a veteran coal miner leads us on an exploration through the dark passageways of the mine sharing first-hand accounts of life as a coalminer. We arrive in Athens OH for our overnight stop.

A showcase of exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and Dale Chihuly artworks await us at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Experience lush, colorful, summer seasonal blooms throughout the gardens and within hundreds of mixed containers and hanging baskets. Then we are off to North Market for lunch, a vibrant public market made up of Ohio’s best independent merchants, farmers, and makers. Find out what the local buzz is about at Cherry City Honey Farm where we can learn, taste and shop for sweet fresh honey products. Next, we visit Spiegel Grove, home of America’s first presidential library where the life of Rutherford B. Hayes is remembered. We sit down for a delicious dinner tonight before checking into our hotel for two nights’ stay. (D)

Today we visit Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the American side of the Great Lakes with scenic views of Lake Erie. Off the shores of Lake Erie on South Bass Island lies Put-in-Bay, a quaint Ohio village accessible only by ferry. Often called the “Key West of the North,” Putin- Bay has breathtaking water views for us to admire on our ride aboard the Jet Express. We tour Put-in-Bay in the most fun way possible, on a tram tour. Our open-air trolley makes it easy to take in the lake breezes and sunny summer days on a guided tour. Next, we visit a peaceful oasis full of beautiful butterflies, lush greenery, and soothing music. At the Butterfly House, we can stroll along gorgeous pathways full of beautiful plants and discover secret passageways while looking for over 50 species of butterflies from all over the world. The Liberty Aviation Museum, established in 1991 by a handful of dedicated volunteers, showcases unique, rare and historically significant WW2 aircraft and hosts a 1950’s era American diner. A local restaurant provides our included dinner tonight. (D)

We begin our day up close and personal with some majestic and gentle giants, the Oak Haven Belgians. See how these amazing animals are cared for and trained. Gaze over beautiful pastures and maybe meet the newest foals as they learn how to be an award-winning show horse. Later this afternoon we visit the National Museum of the US Air Force, the world’s largest military aviation museum, showcasing over 350 aircraft and aerospace vehicles, alongside exhibits detailing the history and heritage of the US Air Force. Dinner is included before checking into our hotel just outside of Cincinnati. (D)

This morning, we visit the South’s most popular rest stop, Buc-ees! Treat yourself to some snacks and give that little beaver a hug before we make our way on home.