July 21, 2008
Hang Gliding
Who needs mountains to hang glide when you can be pulled 2,000 feet in the air by an airplane? That's how we do it in Ohio. Wing to Fly in Orient can get you up in the air for a mind blowing experience you'll never forget. Hot air ballooning was bizarre for it's otherworldly subtlety. Hang gliding is, well, like flying in a sleeping bag. Surreal, thrilling, and serene all at the same time.

July 15, 2008
Water Skiing
The one thing I've learned doing Good Day is that everything, whether it be trap shooting, sumo wrestling, or knitting, is harder than it looks. And that goes for water skiing too. The guys at the Midwest Water Ski and Wakeboard School got me up on my feet after about 20 minutes, and believe me that took some doing. After that I was so worn out I couldn't even try wakeboarding. Rodney the camera guy did though and even he couldn't do it.

July 14, 2008
Franklin County Fair
Another great fair, this one right here in Hilliard. Some great entertainment here including The Great Lakes Timber Show, a lumberjack extravaganza and Brian Staples' Animal Encounter. In the span of a few minutes I had monkey on my back and head, I rode a camel (dromedary if you must know) and I bottle fed a baby zebra. Kids will flip for this.

July 10, 2008
Yellow Springs
Just shy of an hour west of Columbus lies the artistic enclave of Yellow Springs, a small eclectic community rife with independent retail shops and restaurants. Drive up, spend the day poking around, visiting galleries and shopping. Or, rent a bicycle and give their trails a good riding. Keep your eyes peeled for Dave Chapelle - he lives out there for the peace, quiet, and all-around neighborly respect he receives. If you see him DO NOT yell out, "I'm Rick James, @*&%$#!


July 8, 2008
Madison Co. Fair
Always a good time here. This year, the folks in Madison County gave us a little fashion show of sorts. Of course, this is a fair so the models were actually pigs and goats, but they were nevertheless lovely. Especially the goat decked out in a tux and the pig dressed up as an egg (his owner wore a bacon outfit.) Me, they had me in a jester's hat and a lab coat at one point. I don't have time to explain...

July 7, 2008
Slate Run Vineyard
Eighteen Ohio wineries will be pouring their wares at the annual Ohio Food and Wine Festival at the North Market on Friday the 11th. Slate Run located in Canal Winchester will be one of them. Keith Pritchard gave us a tour of his vineyard and shared with us the challenges of growing grapes in Ohio. We've got good soil -- it's that lousy weather that's always playing havoc with the fruit.

July 3, 2008
Canoeing at Trapper John's
You can rent kayaks here too, but for my money canoeing is where it's at. There's just something very romantic about rowing a canoe down the historic Big Darby. It's peaceful and you can spot all manner of wildlife including birds, beavers, and turtles. I even saw a baby turtle swim right by me and a monster snapper sunning on a log.

July 2, 2008
Rahal Letterman Racing
Bobby Rahal's racing team is headquartered in Hilliard. This is where they design the parts and rebuild the cars when they come back crashed... We got a backstage pass to see it from the inside. Very cool stuff and I know next to nothing about racing. That's not true. I know absolutely nothing, but still very cool and you've never seen a cleaner mechanic shop.

July 1, 2008
Granville OH
Why not take a trip to Granville? That's a trick question -- there is no reason not to take a trip to Granville. It's close by and it's a beautiful little town rich with history and good food. Take a walking ghost tour, stop by on Sunday to watch a polo match at the Bryn Du Mansion, and stop by Whit's for some legendary local custard. While you're there, enroll at Denison, graduate from their theatre program and become famous like Steve Carell or Jennifer Garner.