HotelTonight – Ohio Hotels in Seconds
I needed to get away. It had been over a year since I had done anything fun for myself, and since then I hadn't really even had one day off. I was so programmed to adhere to schedules and agendas that reduced my daily life to minutes and seconds that I totally forgot that I was due to take a vacation. Once I remembered, I did what I usually do and just pick a spot on the map. If it's somewhere I haven't been, I go there for a while to explore. I don't bring laptops or tablets, nor do I follow any type of schedule or pathway. I explore and see what happens. This year, I chose to explore Ohio. The only "plan" I would make is to have my phone with me and perhaps an app to help me find an Ohio hotel room should that need arise.
I pulled out my phone and searched for apps that help people find last-minute hotel rooms. I found something called HotelTonight, and after a quick download and easy sign-up for an account, I was looking at options for Ohio hotels. There were a lot of them there, and I was impressed with the high quality of those choices. I decided to book a room in Cincinnati, since I was flying in late at night and would be staying there until the next morning. It took all of a couple of taps and swipes and I was all set. I had my room and what I hoped was my one travel companion needed for lodging. Now all I had to do was a bit of research to see what types of interesting things there were about Ohio. These fun facts usually inspired me as to where to go and what to do.
Ohio – The Home of Electricity
Electricity is not something that could ever be invented, but many credit Benjamin Franklin with discovering it and recognizing its potential. What I learned in Cleveland is that it was the first city to illuminate a public place with light bulbs powered by electricity. This happened on April 29, 1879 at just before 8 p.m. Since then, of course, electricity has become kind of popular, but it was Cleveland that became the first city to properly harness its power for use after the sun went down. This was just one of many historical facts about Cleveland I learned when I was there.
Ohio and the Amish
Another thing I learned driving through Ohio is that it is home to the largest Amish population in the United States. There is really something quite neat about spending time in Amish country. This is one of the few opportunities to take an instant look back at the way we used to live without any of the modern bells and whistles that we now take for granted completely, such as electricity. It is also fascinating to see how this lifestyle includes so many happy, friendly people who make some of the most delicious food I have ever tasted.
Ohio and Presidents of the United States
Ohio has long been a hotbed for politics. Even today, Ohio is one of the states that is always a priority for those who campaign for President of the United States. Ohio is also a state where several presidents called home. In fact, seven of them were born in Ohio. These include: Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William H. Taft and Warren G. Harding. Ohio is a very historical part of our country, and whether you're in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati or anywhere in-between, you're bound to be spending time in the hometown of someone famous and historical.
Ohio Is the Home of Professional Baseball
Yes, the first baseball game ever played took place in New Jersey in 1846. However, the first professional baseball team to play in the United States was the Cincinnati Red Stockings, now known as the Cincinnati Reds. They played their first game in 1869. The tradition is such that even today, the Reds always open their season at home. I got to see the stadium and take in a bit of the team's history, and it's startling to think of just how far back baseball goes.
HotelTonight – Ohio Hotels Are Available
As I made my way to the airport in Columbus for my flight home, I thought about all that I had seen in this beautiful state. I also thought about how there was still so much to see. I decided that sometime in the future, I would come back here and learn more about this great place. I would probably do so with my travel companion that is HotelTonight, as it helped me find Ohio hotel rooms more than once when I needed them.
