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Spring in Ohio is a time of renewal — longer days, warmer weather, and endless opportunities to get outside and enjoy the season. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly fun, local festivals, or ways to make the most of your Middlefield Bank rewards, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of exciting, affordable, and even free activities you can enjoy this spring!

Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy the Fresh Air

1. Visit Ohio’s Beautiful State Parks (Free!)

Ohio is home to breathtaking state parks perfect for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting. Pack a lunch and explore spots like:

• Hocking Hills State Park – Famous for its waterfalls and scenic caves. Get more info: Hocking Hills State Park Website
• Mohican State Park – Great for kayaking and canoeing. Get more info: Mohican State Park Website
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Free to visit, with trails along waterfalls and historic sites. Get more info: Cuyahoga Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Website

Pro Tip: Use your Middlefield Bank credit card to stock up on hiking gear or picnic supplies and earn rewards on your purchases!

2. Take a Bike Ride Along the Towpath Trail

The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail stretches through several counties and offers a smooth ride through beautiful countryside and historic landmarks. Perfect for a day trip!

• Cost: Free if you have a bike; rentals available at various trailheads.
• Get more information here: Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail - Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Not in the mood for the outdoors but still want to enjoy the beauty? Go on a scenic train ride instead. The route provides passengers with the opportunity to spot eagles, deer, beavers, and herons in their natural habitat. Get tickets and detailed planning info here: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

3. Go on a Spring Fishing Trip

Grab your fishing pole and head to one of Ohio’s many lakes and rivers. Some of the best spots include:

• Lake Erie – A top location for walleye fishing. Get the complete guide to Lake Erie fishing here: Fishing in Lake Erie: The Complete Guide
• Alum Creek State Park – Known for bass and catfish. Find the fishing forecast and locations here: Alum Creek Lake Fishing Area
• Salt Fork State Park – A great all-around fishing destination. Plus, enjoy the park’s 18-hole golf course, nine picnic areas with tables and grills, and a 2,500-foot swimming beach. Learn more here: Salt Fork Lake Fishing Area

Pro Tip: If you need a fishing license or new gear, use your Middlefield Bank debit or credit card to earn rewards on your purchases! With a Visa Signature card, you can get bonus rewards and travel perks, too. Plus, earn 1.5 points per dollar on all your net purchases. Learn about the Visa Signature here.

Local Spring Events and Festivals

4. Maple Syrup Festivals (March – April)

Ohio is known for its maple syrup, and spring is the best time to enjoy local syrup festivals. Check out:

• Geauga County Maple Festival (Chardon, OH) – It’s the oldest maple festival in the United States! In addition to celebrating all things maple, partake in a pancake eating contest, watch two grand parades, a royal pageant, tug of war, and much more. Get event info here: The Geauga County Maple Festival
• Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival (Bellbrook, OH) – A family-friendly event with live music, children’s activities, a beer garden and wine tasting, a parade, a maple syrup boil demonstration, and much more. Get all the details here: Sugar Maple Festival

Cost: Many offer free admission; small fees for tastings and other activities.

5. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s "Zoo Blooms" (April)

Spring means one thing at the Cincinnati Zoo — tulips – over 100,000 of them! The zoo transforms into a sea of color with over a million blooming flowers – including daffodils, hyacinths, flowering trees, shrubs, and other spring bulbs.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens is home to the world’s only arboretum within a zoo to achieve the highest level of recognition awarded by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum. Read more.

Pro Tip: Use your Middlefield Bank credit card to buy tickets and rack up rewards on family fun!

6. Ohio Wine and Food Festivals (April – May)

Spring is the start of Ohio’s wine festival season! Enjoy tastings, live music, and good food at events like:

• Vintage Ohio South Wine Festival (Hamilton, OH, April 12, 2025) – Features some of the best wineries in the region. Pre-sale tickets are $30 and tickets at the door are $35. Tickets include 12 samples, a wine glass, a charcuterie cup, etc. Learn more here: Vintage Ohio South Wine Festival
• Spring Wine Fest at Gervasi Vineyard (Canton, OH, April 5, 2025) – A beautiful spot for a wine and food pairing experience. Check out this beautiful event: Celebrate Spring Wine Pairing at Gervasi Vineyard

Cost: Tickets typically range from $20–$50, but tastings are well worth it!

Family-Friendly & Affordable Spring Fun

7. Explore a Farmers’ Market

Spring means fresh produce and fun local finds! Visit farmers' markets like:

• North Market Farmers' Market (Columbus, OH)
• West Side Market (Cleveland, OH)

Cost: Free to browse — just bring cash or your Middlefield Bank debit card for fresh goodies!

8. Attend a Free Outdoor Concert

Ohio communities host free concerts in the park throughout the spring. Check out local event calendars for performances in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

9. Take the Kids to a Tulip or Sunflower Farm

Spring flowers are in full bloom, and many local farms open their fields for visitors. Timbuk Farms & Garden Center (Granville, OH) and Coshocton Sunflower Festival (Coshocton, OH) are great places to snap some springtime photos!

Make the Most of Your Middlefield Bank Rewards!

Spring is the perfect time to maximize your Middlefield Bank credit card rewards while enjoying fun activities! Here’s how:

Earn points on:

• Travel and gas purchases for road trips.
• Dining out at local food festivals.
• Shopping for spring clothes, garden supplies, and outdoor gear.
• Booking experiences like zoo tickets or spring getaways.

Not using a rewards card yet? Apply for a Middlefield Bank credit card and start earning on your spring adventures!

Apply for a Credit Card Today

Enjoy Spring and Save More with Middlefield Bank!

No matter your budget, Ohio is full of fun, affordable activities to make the most of springtime. From hiking trails and festivals to family-friendly markets and concerts, there’s something for everyone.

Get out there and enjoy the season — spring only lasts so long!