Escape the everyday! The Midwest blooms with perfect day trip destinations and summer adventures, just waiting to be discovered.
2025 Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest
Soar Into Summer Fun at the 2025 Rossford Balloon &Fireworks Fest!
Get ready for a thrilling summer weekend —the 2025 Rossford Balloon Fireworks Fest, Friday and Saturday, July 18–19th in Rossford behind Meijer on Route 20 at the crossroads of I-75 and the Ohio Turnpike.
This two-day celebration is packed with hot air balloon launches and GLOWS, live music, food trucks, a vendor marketplace, kids’ activities and a spectacular pyro-musical fireworks lighting up the night sky. Whether you’re coming for the food, the fun, or the sky-high views, there’s something for everyone in the family.
Want to go up in a hot air balloon? You can WIN a free tethered balloon ride at the event—just for signing up online. Rides go up to 90 feet and are open to all ages, including guests with mobility needs who can use an easy-access basket.
Admission is free and nearby hotels make it easy to turn your visit into a weekend getaway. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Northwest Ohio’s best events! Visit
RossfordBFF.com to learn more, plan your visit, and enter to win a balloon ride!
Shawnee Station Taproom & Kitchen
Tucked in the heart of Shawnee Hills, Shawnee Station Taproom & Kitchen is a go-to destination for elevated pub fare, craft beer and laid-back charm.
The restaurant offers a fresh, seasonal menu featuring inventive takes on comfort classics—like chimichurri steak, roasted Brussels sprouts and signature burgers—paired with beers from Maumee Bay Brewing Co., plus craft cocktails and a curated wine list. Happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 6 pm at the bar, with $4 pints, $3 off cocktails and $3 off wine pours. Sunday brunch is served from 11 am to 3 pm.
Shawnee Station is located at 6058 Glick Road, Powell, Ohio. For menus, hours and event details, visit shawneestationtaproom.com.
A Midwest Gem for Every Traveler
Nestled in northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne offers a delightful mix of family-friendly attrac-
tions, vibrant events and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re planning a weekend get-away or an extended stay, this dynamic city has something for everyone.
Families can explore the nationally acclaimed Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, engage in interactive exhibits at Science Central, or enjoy the serene beauty of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate over 120 miles of scenic trails and the picturesque Promenade Park along the riverfront.
Fort Wayne’s calendar is packed with events year-round. Highlights include the Three Rivers Festival in July, the vibrant Fiesta Fort Wayne celebrating Latino culture in August and the Johnny Appleseed Festival in September Art and music lovers can enjoy performances at the Arts Campus and exhibitions at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.
Plan your trip and discover why Fort Wayne is a must-visit destination in the Midwest. visitfortwayne.com
Norma Stark Memory Garden & Labyrinth
A Sanctuary of Stillness
The Norma Stark Memory Garden & Labyrinth in Perrysburg, Ohio, offers a serene sanctuary for peace, prayer, meditation and healing. Open daily from dawn to dusk, this tranquil space invites visitors to reflect and find solace amidst its natural beauty. At its heart lies a 9-circuit labyrinth, inspired by the historic Chartres Cathedral design, providing a meditative path for introspection and spiritual connection.
Established in memory of Norma Stark’s parents, Norman and Anna Belle Swaisgood, the garden embodies Norma’s vision of a place where individuals can seek inner peace and remember loved ones . The surrounding gardens, adorned with vibrant flora, enhance the experience, offering a sensory retreat from daily life.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet moment of reflection or a peaceful walk, the Norma Stark Memory Garden & Labyrinth welcomes all. Visitors are encouraged to explore this hidden gem and embrace the tranquility it offers.
For more information, visit normastarklabyrinth.org.
