Perrysburg, Ohio

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If you travel a little north (well, more than a little, but less than a lot) between Bowling Green and Toledo on I-75, you’ll find a wonderful town that feels like small-town America with all the benefits of the city.

About

In 1810 a group of settlers led by Amos Spafford began a port town on the flats near a shallow place in the river perfect for crossings. Spafford (and the government for that matter) had highhopes that the town would become a center of trade and commerce, and he nicknamed the town on the flats “The Orleans of the North.”

With the coming of canals connecting the east coast with the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and the need for deep water ports,Perrysburg's commercial importance waned and it gradually was transformed into an agricultural market center for the surrounding rich farm lands, and a suburb of Toledo with oodles of stuff to do for families, from shopping to a historical tours, not to mention great food.

A Day in Perrysburg

8:00 a.m. - Rise and shine! Leisurely morning getting ready and eating breakfast before departing.

9:30 a.m.- Leave for Perrysburg. It’s about a 2 hour drive, so be sure to take some stuff to do in the car.

11:30 a.m. - Lunch at Johnny Rockets in Levis Commons

Location and Phone Number:

4115 Levis Commons Blvd.
419-931-9900
www.johnnyrockets.com
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Friday–Saturday: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Johnny Rockets is a 50s themed restaurant specializing in great burgers, great shakes, and great fun. They have fabulous sandwich choices, not to mention yummy onion rings and fries. The fries are served with a smile—literally. With every order, the server adds a ketchup smile to a small bowl before setting it before you. They have tons of great shake flavors—even kid-sized ones! My kids loved the cotton candy shakes they had with their meals. Our favorite part of our visit was the dancing. That’s right, dancing! The entire staff learns choreography to several songs. Whenever that song comes on, they gather around the counter and let loose. It was awesome! 

12:30- A visit to the 577 Foundation

Location and phone number:

577 E. Front St.
419-874-4174
www.577foundation.org
Hours: Monday–Sunday 9 a.,m.–5 p.m.

The following is a description and history of the foundation from the website:

“Founded by Virginia Secor Stranahan, The 577 Foundation is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the historic property at 577 East Front Street in Perrysburg, Ohio. “The Foundation, open to all, is an ecologically sensitive place that encourages diversity and seeks to foster exploration, experimentation, personal enjoyment and creativity in education."

Highlights:

• Sound Garden: There was a little grove of trees that held a fantastic secret: different ways to make lots of noise! My kids had a great time playing a supersized suspended xylophone and tapping on tall tubular “drums.”
• The bio-dome: The kids really loved the banana tree, the fly eating plants and the koi fish lazily swimming beneath a mini bridge spanning their pond in the middle of the dome. There’s also a little scavenger hunt page you can use for even more fun.
• River Walk: We followed some signs that took us on a trail down the bluffs and across the flats to the river. We came back up and made our way through the grass maze in front of the mansion house.

Cost: None

2:00- Some time at Fort Meigs

Location and phone number:
29100 W. River Rd.
419-874-4121 or 800-283-8916
www.fortmeigs.org
Hours: Wednesday Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Fort open: April–October Museum open year-round

This is the largest reconstructed log fort in North America. Two key battles in the war of 1812 were fought here and on the surrounding plains. Even though the original log fort was torn down, it has been rebuilt and restored. There is a museum and gift shop on the grounds. You can roam the interior after checking out the museum and enjoying displays on the army and the war.

Highlights:

• Exploring the blockhouses: These towers were used to make the defensive position better, and they served as a makeshift hospital during battle. Three of the blockhouses also have additional displays about soldier life in the National Army during the first part of the 19th century. There is also a display about how Fort Meigs was built which includes a miniature of the construction process

. • Costumed guides: There are “Soldiers” inside the fort who are there to answer your questions or give a rifle demonstration.

• The museum: The interior portion of the tour has tons of information and artifacts excavated from the fort itself, like swords and guns (my boys were happy)., cooking pots and keys.

Cost: Adults: $8.00 Seniors (60+): $7.00 Students: $4.00 Kids 5 and under: Free OHS members: Free

3:45- A quick stop at Monkey Jump

Location and phone number:
27511 Holiday Lane
419-874-5771 or 1-866-455-JUMP(4567)
Website: www.monkey-jump.com

Hours: Vary by season, so check the website

This is an indoor “inflatable” gym just for kids. My kids could have stayed there for hours and hours, but I limited them to one. The environment was great, and there was plenty of help and supervision. Each child was given a bracelet to let the helpers inside know their height so they could safely play on the toys that were appropriate. They had a wonderful time jumping and sliding and climbing.

Cost: $7 for one hour and $10 for two hours, children under 42" are $6 per visit

Side note; they also do birthday parties and private rentals, and they have special Friday Family Fun Nights with Pizza, drinks, and parent jumping!

5:00 p.m.- Dinner at Casa Barron Mexican Restaurant

Location and phone number:
209 Louisiana Ave
419-874-5361

Located in the beautiful historic downtown area, Casa Barrons is both a bar and a family eatery, so don’t be surprised if you walk in and feel like you’re in the middle of the bar—the cool restaurant part is on the other side. Casa Barrons serves a variety of Mexican food with a few American-style choices as well. Budget Friendliness: 7 ½ out of 10 Not too expensive, not really cheap. Atmosphere: 8 out of 10 It’s designed to look like you’re eating outside on the street with street lamps and brick—it’s pretty cool!

Other things to do in Perrysburg’s historic downtown include:

View stately historic homes and businesses along the Maumee River; visit the Commodore Perry Monument; Spend time at Hood Park or Riverside Park with beautiful views of the river.

For more information:

Historic District Louisiana Avenue & Front Street www.historicperrysburg.org

6:30 p.m. - River Sculpture Walk

There is a sculpture exhibit down by the river featuring several local artists as well as a few artists from around the country. It took one year to set up and will be the first ever display of its type to be lit by solar lights. The sculptures are made from many different media (weather-safe, of course), including bronze, mahogany, soapstone, steel, glass, and limestone. Although my oldest son had the best time looking at the sculptures, each one of my kids came away with a favorite. And the views of the river were fabulous! For more information on the sculpture exhibit and other wonderful programs sponsored by the Perrysburg Area Arts Council, visit their website or contact them:

134 W. South Boundary St.
419-873-ARTS
www.perrysburgarts.org

7:00- Head home! Kids fell asleep—tired but happy.

Other ideas:

• Levis Commons: More than shopping, it’s a lifestyle center! Corner of I-475 and Rt. 25 http://www.shopleviscommons.com/ Regular hours: 10 a.m.–9 p.m., 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday

 • Showcase Cinema Levis Commons 2005 Hollenbeck 419-874-2154 12 screens, stadium seating, food court.

• Way Public Library 101 E. Indiana Ave. 419-874-3135 M–Th: 9am–8:30pm F–Sat: 9am–5:30pm

• Islamic Center of Greater Toledo 25877 Scheider Rd. 419-874-3500

The Islamic Center of Greater Toledo is the third Mosque ever built in America. It has been around since the early 50s and has been located off of I-75 in its current iteration since 1981. It is perhaps the grandest and most beautiful Mosque in America. It's unique design and structure lend it immediate recognition as a place of worship.