Columbus, Ohio, USA (March 22, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — From Italian frescoes recovered from the ashes of Pompeii to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Week, Ohio will satisfy even the most veteran travelers’ thirst for new experiences this summer.
“Ohio’s tourism industry has been working hard to bring travelers new experiences, and we are now beginning to see the finished products along with a truly impressive slate of exhibits and international events,” said State Tourism Director Amir Eylon. “Here in Ohio, we are within a day’s drive of roughly 60 percent of the U.S. population, and our outstanding tourism opportunities are a great value, so we’re well positioned to have another good tourism year in 2012.”
Following are just a few highlights of the new exhibits, attractions and events that make Ohio “Too Much Fun For Just One Day!” For more information, check out DiscoverOhio.com.
A Day in Pompeii , Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal (Open through August 12)
The Cincinnati Museum Center is home to an array of archeological treasures dating back to the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. “A Day in Pompeii” features room-sized frescos, bronze and marble sculptures, priceless artifacts and body casts frozen in time.
New River Tour at Ozone Zipline Adventures , Oregonia (Open 7-days-a-week beginning March 31)
Ozone Zipline Adventures, the Midwest’s largest zipline tour, adds a New River Tour this year: two new 1,500-foot ziplines will fly riders across the scenic Little Miami River at heights of more than 200 feet. Also new for 2012 is Full Moon Night Zipping.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Week , Cleveland (April 5-14)
Cleveland rolls out the red carpet as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony returns to Cleveland on April 14. The Rock Hall and Cleveland hold a weeklong series of events that showcase this internationally followed event. Activities include two free public concerts, a gospel tribute concert, lecture series, introduction of the new Grateful Dead museum exhibit , the unveiling of the newly redesigned museum exhibit space and the opening of the new Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library & Archives .
The Radical Camera , Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus (Opens April 19)
The Radical Camera explores the blend of aesthetics and social activism at the heart of the Photo League, 1936-1951. Artists in the Photo League were known for capturing sharply revealing, compelling moments from everyday life.
Dinosaurs Alive! , Cedar Point , Sandusky (Opens May 12)
“Dinosaurs Alive!” roars to life at Cedar Point. Visitors can interact with 48 life-size animatronic dinosaurs that will roar and move, evening trying their hands at the controls of some, providing an educational yet spine-tingling adventure.
Soak City Waterpark , Kings Island, Mason (Opens May 26)
Kings Island will double the size of its existing waterpark with a $10 million investment when Soak City Waterpark (free with park admission) opens in 2012. The waterpark will feature a massive new 39,000-square-foot Wave Pool and Action River along with a new entrance, more secluded shade-covered areas, cabanas, and a new sand volleyball court.
Color Ignited: Glass 1962-2012 , Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo (June 13 – Sept. 9)
The Toledo Museum of Art will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the American Studio Glass Movement with “Color Ignited: Glass 1962-2012,” featuring nearly 100 objects from public and private collections with a focus on color.
2012 World Choir Games , Cincinnati (July 4 – 14)
Cincinnati – and America – will host the World Choir Games for the first time this year. Coined by many as the Olympics of choral music, the World Choir Games aim to peacefully unify nations through song. Cincinnati will host more than 400 choirs from more than 50 nations and 200,000 spectators for the largest choral competition in the world.
Valley Zipline Tours , Lancaster (Opens Summer 2012)
The main Zip Line Course features seventeen zip lines that traverse the tree canopy and the valley, including dual racing zips. The mini Zip Course consists of four small zips built in the trees and perfect for beginners and children.
ABOUT THE OHIO OFFICE OF TOURISM
The Ohio Office of Tourism is the premier source of information for travelers and media about Ohio’s vibrant tourism experiences, attractions and economy. Tourism marketing programs contributed to an estimated $38 billion in sales from visitor spending in 2010. A part of the Ohio Department of Development, the Office’s mission is to market and celebrate Ohio’s unique travel opportunities and promote the State’s outstanding quality of life.
