Located on the northern border of Ohio and the western end of Lake Erie sits the city of Toledo, Ohio. Long known as “The Glass Capital of the World,” Toledo has a long history of innovation in many aspects of the glass industry. And the world-famous Jeep vehicles have been manufactured in the city since 1941.
The city sits along the banks of the Maumee River, just north of what was once the Great Black Swamp, giving way to its other nickname, “ Frog Town.”
Founded in 1833, Toledo’s 310,000+ residents enjoy a wide variety of culture and entertainment. And its proximity to Detroit, Cleveland and Columbus make it the perfect stopping off point for tourists on their way to other destinations.
Toledo’s extensive park system offers its residents a wide variety of options to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. The city’s pools, softball/baseball complexes and golf courses are easily accessible and reasonably priced for maximum summer fun. And its county-run Metroparks allow visitors to experience everything from beautiful Oak Openings, a sandy oak savanna and important ecological site, to miles of biking/hiking trails to a step back in time at the Wildwood Manor House.
The Toledo/Lucas County Library system is second to none and features branches in all areas of the city, including downtown’s newly renovated art deco style Main Branch as well as the latest in technology. 
Opportunities abound for educational experiences in Toledo with the world-renowned Toledo Museum of Art, The Toledo Zoo, one of the country’s 10 best and home of the first-ever hippoquarium, and the Center of Science and Industry (COSI).
For those who prefer classical music the city offers the Toledo Opera, the Toledo Symphony and the Toledo Ballet. If jazz is more to your liking, there’s Murphy’s in downtown. And any number of other musical preferences can be found throughout the city.
One of the main components to the city’s thriving downtown revitalization is the Valentine Theatre, a 108-year-old, 901-seat facility run by the Toledo Cultural Arts Center. And there are several building restoration projects underway that will bring condominiums, apartments, restaurants and small businesses to the area near the new 5/3 Field, home of the International League’s Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Club. Additional sporting opportunities include the Toledo Storm, a member of the East Coast Hockey League, the University of Toledo Rockets and nearby Bowling Green State University, home of the Falcons.
Yet another gigantic building project in Toledo is a new bridge that will cross the Maumee River. Currently under construction on I-280, the cable-stayed bridge will carry three lanes of traffic in each direction and will reach a height of 130 feet above the river. It is the most expensive project ever undertaken in the history of the Ohio Department of Transportation and will add a distinctive feature to the city’s skyline.
Toledo’s public schools have reached the “continuous improvement” level, the first urban school district in Ohio to earn the designation. And the district is undergoing an extensive rebuilding effort that will replace or remodel most schools in the system with the State of Ohio’s help.
Located on the Bancroft St. corridor of the city is the University of Toledo, home of the Toledo Rockets. The university is the fourth largest in the state and offers its 21,000+ students more than 250 undergraduate and graduate programs. Also located in Toledo is the Medical University of Ohio (MUO), where those seeking a degree in a medical field can pursue their studies. Yet another option in the area is Owens Community College, one of the fastest two-year facilities in the state.
Historical opportunities abound in the Toledo area with Fort Meigs Memorial Park, Fallen Timbers Battlefield Memorial, the S.S. Willis B. Boyer Museum Ship, the Toledo Firefighters’ Museum, the Providence Canal Boat Ride and the Wolcott House Museum Complex.
Toledo has also had its share of famous citizens including Jamie Farr from the television series M*A*S*H*, comedian Danny Thomas, jazz great Art Tatum, NASA’s Gene Kranz, of Apollo 13 fame, and Katie Holmes. Farr continues his Toledo connection hosting the annual LPGA tournament played each July at Highland Meadows Golf Club.
Golfing is an extremely popular pastime in Toledo and there are several fine public and private courses in and around the city. The most famous of these would be the historic Inverness Club, which has hosted the PGA Championship and four U.S. Open Championships. Ranked in “ America’s 100 Greatest Courses,” the club boasts of once having PGA professional Byron Nelson as the club pro.
The city and its surrounding suburbs have many fine dining establishments that cover all culinary tastes. Everything from Lebanese to Mexican and Indian to Chinese can be found in all price ranges for those wishing to dine out. Tony Packo’s Café offers guests its famous Hungarian Hot Dogs and The Docks, a series of restaurants along the river in downtown, features several dining establishments that offer guests the opportunity to dine on the banks of the Maumee River. Hungry for a steak? Then Mancy’s Steak House, long known for its superb steaks, is your destination. And Diva’s is a downtown destination for that special celebration.
Shopping in Toledo just got a big boost with the addition of several stores and eating establishments in the Westfield Franklin Park Mall. Additions such as Pottery Barn, Build-A-Bear and William-Sonoma give area shoppers a much wider array of choices for their shopping needs. And the Levis Commons Shopping Complex in nearby Perrysburg, Ohio offers new shops to the area such as Books-a-Million, Chico’s and Coldwater Creek.
Diverse, eclectic, exciting, fun are just some of the adjectives used to describe Toledo, Ohio. But one thing’s for sure—if you’re looking for a good time, exceptional dining, great music or perusing the finest in art, Toledo is a can’t miss destination!