Want to experience traditional American Midwest hospitality this summer? Then a visit to Ohio is a must! Ohio, located in the Midwestern United States, is the 34th largest state by area in the US and the seventh most populous with nearly 11.5 million residents. The capital of Ohio is Columbus. It was admitted to the Union as the 17th state on March 1, 1803. Ohio is known as the “Buckeye State” for its prevalence of Ohio Buckeye trees, and, as such, Ohioans are also known as “Buckeyes.” Ohio also has a rich history of presence of both Muslims and Arabs going back several generations. In fact, in Toledo, many of the city buildings, streets, and museums have Arabic names. Ohio's Muslim population is estimated to be more than 150,000, and the city offers exciting vacation options to families in the Kingdom who want to experience the hospitality of the Midwestern US. Cincinnati Reds Among the many treasures of the United States is the Midwest, particularly southwest Ohio. Whether visiting in the spring, summer, fall or winter, Cincinnati, Ohio and the surrounding areas are hot-spots for foreign and US visitors. Some of the many features of this diverse and culturally rich area include Cincinnati Reds Baseball (www.cincinnatireds.com). For a Grand Slam getaway, you will want to take in a game at beautiful Great American Ballpark. Lounge in the sun with friends or family munching on hot dogs and popcorn while smelling the fresh cut grass and looking at the beautiful surrounding river views. Plus, your Reds ticket provides valuable discounts to many Warren County hotels and attractions! Good, old-fashioned fun Visit the Cincinnati Zoo for unforgettable up-close encounters with some of the world's most amazing animals and beautiful botanical exhibits. The Cincinnati Zoo has been ranked as one of the top zoos in the nation by a Zagat survey and one of “The 10 Best Zoos for Kids” by Child Magazine. And those of you looking for more thrills, may experience pure excitement when you ride more than 80 rides and attractions at Kings Island, one of the largest amusement parks in the Midwest. Kings Island features 15 world-class roller coasters including the all-new Diamondback, the tallest and fastest coaster in park history! Likewise, kids will love the popular Nickelodeon™ Universe, which has been voted “Best Kids Area in the World” for eight consecutive years. The park also features a diverse mix of live performances, plus access to Boomerang Bay, an award-winning water park with more than 50 water rides and attractions. Great Wolf Lodge will give you and your kids something to howl about! With more than 400 woodland-themed suites, this family resort has everything your family needs for an unforgettable getaway. The mammoth indoor water park, one of the nation's largest with six pools and 11 water slides, was awarded the Industry Innovation Award in 2007 by the World Water park Association. Round out your resort experience with arts and crafts for the kids, themed restaurants, adult and children's spa services, live-action games, and much more. And for those of you into real sand, surf and fun, the Beach Water Park will take your family to a tropical paradise with real palm trees and more than 50 rides and attractions. Aztec Adventure is one of the only water coasters in the Midwest. Drop five stories on The Cliff or cool off with a leisurely trip down the Lazy Miami River ride. As the sun sets, Dive-In Movies provides the ideal backdrop for winding down after a fun-filled day. Float in an inner tube in the wave pool, or cozy up on a lounge chair and experience a movie in a completely unique setting. Something for everyone Ohio has something for every kind of person to enjoy. Those into culinary delights will enjoy the famous scrumptious buffet (and sweet potato soufflé) at the La Comedia Dinner Theater. One of the United States' largest professional dinner theaters, La Comedia has charmed audiences for more than 30 years. Unforgettable performances will leave you tapping your feet and humming familiar tunes as you experience musical theater in a truly unique setting. Aboard the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, conductors are also your tour guides, providing train stories and detailing railroad history as your journey unfolds. Experience unique family fun with themed rides such as the Pumpkin Patch Express and the North Pole Express, plus rides with favorite children's characters including Thomas the Tank Engine and Clifford the Big Red Dog. Take a nostalgic trip through the early days of American Railway History and on to the fast-paced trains of today at EnterTRAINment Junction, the world's largest train-themed family entertainment center. This 25,000 sq. ft. model train display features two miles of track and over 90 model trains. Visitors may also wander through the boardwalk area, hobby shop, gift shop, meeting and party room, and snack shop. This family-friendly attraction will provide a dose of nostalgia for older visitors, while the little ones can experience the thrill of trains for the first time! Featuring an international selection of more than 150,000 items from 75 countries, Jungle Jim's is a food lover's paradise! With six acres of food all under one roof, there's fun for the whole family. Discover thousands of specialty foods and imported groceries; exotic spices, 150 olive oils, 1000 hot sauces, 1,600 cheeses, scratch bakery, 1 1/2 acres of fresh produce, organics, prime aged meat, exotic game, live seafood, sushi, Amish, NY deli, olive bar, cigar humidor, retro soda pop, candy, cookware, garden, and gifts! Plus singing robotic characters, and theatrical decor galore! For these exciting attractions and more, visit the Buckeye State and experience true American Midwestern hospitality and fun. – SG Amer Kayani is the Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the Embassy of the United States, Riyadh. __
