A RANT AND RAVE WORTH SAVING from July 2007

Thursday, July 19, 2007
IN RESPONTS TO RANTS for the TOLEDO CITY PAPER, July 26, 2006!!
Dear "TOLEDO CITY PAPER": I am addressing the invitation to "RANT" as offered in your July 26, 2006 issue,(OMG - I JUST NOTICED THIS ARTICLE IS A YEAR OLD, AND I ALREADY SENT IN MY REBUTTAL! WHAT A MAROON!!), as well as online, at: http://www.toledocitypaper.com/view_article.php?id=789&highlight=RANT.

Thank you for this opportunity to get up on my soapbox and shout: I am so tired of folks here in TTown complaining about what is lacking in our fair city! I am shocked at how attitudes have shifted over the past 10 years, and how so many more more of our residents have become "reactive" and negative, instead of "proactive" and POSITIVE!!

Just for a moment, those of you who can't think of anything great to say about TOLEDO, please try to imagine yourself living out in Lindsey, (pop. 504), Van Buren, (pop. 313), or Metamora, (pop. 563), to name a few. Imagine trying to think of something to do inexpensively on a weekend night. There are many folks in those Ohio small towns who would LOVE to have all the resources that we have, within a half-an-hour's drive. With a day of pleasant weather and the ability to be adventurous, there's no excuse for ANYONE in TOLEDO to be complaining about a lack of things to do, places to go and things to see! Whether or not you have a pocketful of money, here is a list of ideas (inspired by Sarah Pierce, who writes for hitchedmag.com), of mostly FREE things, or things that cost no more than $20 to do here! Upon leaving TOLEDO, you may have to travel more than 2 hours to find many of these same amenities. AREN'T WE LUCKY?!

* Did you know that the TOLEDO ZOO is free on Mondays to Lucas County residents if you arrive before 11 am? You could pack a lunch and some bottled water, and make a day of it. If you search around, you will find coupons where children can get in free with a paid adult, if you wish to visit on other days besides Mondays.(2700 Broadway, 419-385-5721). How about "them apples"?

* You knew this was coming...When is the last time you went to the TOLEDO ART MUSEUM? It's FREE and if you even remotely like art, you could spend hours there. You can even stroll the museum outdoor surroundings and enjoy the sculptures while taking in some fresh air. It's always air conditioned in the Summer months.(2445 Monroe St. at Scottwood, 419-255-8000 / 1-800-644-6862, www.toledomuseum.org). You also have the opportunity to explore TOLEDO'S local galleries and artists. Some smaller shops don't mind at all if you drop in and take a look around...outside of TOLEDO, shops maybe, ART MUSEUM, I doubt it..

* Many of those small cities have festivals and fairs, but not as large a scale as our annual LUCAS COUNTY FAIR. It is held just outside the Toledo city limits, in Maumee, and offers FREE admission on certain days, every year. Last year, you could donate a canned good to get in free. This year, the FREE dates are/were: July 24th, 25th, and 26th, from 11 am to 2 pm. only. If these dates have passed, remember it for next year. It really is fun to watch the sheep and pig judging, the wood carvers and the magic shows. I can honestly say we have gone there with $5.00, and have eaten 4 of the most delicious corn dogs on the planet, split a can of soda, AND had a wonderful time, without even riding one ride..(Lucas County Recreation Center 2901 Key Street, Maumee, 419-213-2230,http://www.lucascountyfair.com/)

* You could enjoy a romantic or educational hike anywhere, I suppose. Have you ever walked along all the trails in our lovely TOLEDO METROPARKS? (419-407-9700) If not, you're in for a real treat. We have all this beauty around us and all we seem to do is complain...Why not let loose your inner child, and play tag, red rover, roll down a hill or bird watch at any local grassy knoll.

* You can fish at many of the parks as well, but be sure to invest in a fishing permit first. You can purchase one online by going to: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/fishing/fishregs/. Can you catch PERCH anywhere else besides LAKE ERIE? You could bring a backpack and surprise your partner with juice, fruit, crackers and cheese. How many tiny cities have carry-outs all over town; ours only doubles the prices, out- lying areas TRIPLE the prices!

* The TOLEDO BOTANICAL GARDEN can be an all-day visit for those of you who already know about "stopping to smell the roses" and is is located at:
5403 Elmer Drive in TOLEDO (419-936-2986, http://www.toledogarden.org/)There is an awesome boardwalk to view deer and LAKE ERIE at MAUMEE BAY STATE PARK too! (91750 State Park Road, Oregon, OH, 1-866-644-6727 for camping, 1-800-282-7275 for the lodge, http://www.ohiodnr.com/parks/parks/maumeebay.htm).
For more fun, if you happen to own one, bring your digital camera and have a blast pretending you're a professional photographer. If you enter an especially good photo, you might even win a prize: a possible free bonus! Many small city businesses or web sites do have the budgets to offer these incentives.

* How many outer-lying cities offer FREE or low-cost public swimming? Bake in the sun at one of our TOLEDO CITY POOLS, LAKE ERIE, or MAUMEE BAY STATE PARK beach. TOLEDO authorities have gone to great lengths to make sure the waters are tested and clean in designated areas. Some of the high taxes you complain about help to fund these tasks. Bring some water toys, a Frisbee, a floaty, and/or a good book and have more fun than the kids.

* Beat the heat with an ice cream, or iced coffee. If you have a car, you can pop through a drive through, and head over to the nearest scenic walking area, like EAST TOLEDO'S INTERNATIONAL PARK, NEAR THE WILLIS P. BOYER ship (26 Main Street,East Toledo, 419 936-3070 ), or take a walk downtown and go people watching. It really is safe; trust me! Folks from tiny little cities would give their right arm to have a drive-through restaurant at their disposal!

* You could visit a "cheapie" movie theater. They almost always have excellent movies playing out at the theaters next to SPRING MEADOWS SHOPPING CENTER, that show second-run features. Pick a rainy day and have a movie marathon. A couple of bucks is a small price to pay to beat the heat. What tiny town would give to have a place like that to go?

* If gas were just a bit less expensive, I would suggest taking a scenic drive. Along the way you could pull over to have coffee and dessert at a nice café. Instead, you have the opportunity to drive to a parking area near the scenic area, park the car, and get out and walk or ride a bike or scooter (roller skates? skateboard??). Yes, you COULD do that near a smaller city, but you would not have so many areas to choose from within the city limits of a small town.

* Where else could you take a DOWNTOWN TOLEDO walking tour? The Downtown TOLEDO walking tours for 2007, started for the season on July 5, 2007, and continue Thursdays and continue through Sept. 13, 2007 from noon to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Volunteer guides trained in Toledo history and architecture will lead each tour FOR FREE! (http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070628/ART03/70628018)
OR,
* A personal favorite TOLEDO walking tour of my own:
Start at the ERIE STREET MARKET (237 S. Erie Street, 419 936-3743), spend the day there, split the day between the TOLEDO FARMERS' MARKET, just outdoors at 535 Market St.(419 255-6765) OR continue down ONTARIO STREET. You will be surprised to find inexpensive food eateries if you keep your eyes open, some that offer free samples, as well as window shopping (for gift ideas and/or clearance sales this time of year).

Continue another block toward the heart of downtown and you will discover inspiration at ARCHITECTURAL ARTIFACTS at 20 S. Ontario Street. (for hours call: 419-243-6916).

Just a short way up the block you will find a place to buy $2.00 New York style pizza and an ice cream parlor with rod iron tables and chairs outdoors: SCOOTERS: 140 N. Ontario St., and DOUG'S ICE CREAM HOUSE AND EMPORIUM, next to the Greyhound bus station, not far off the path.

Are you goofy like me? "Cop a seat" at the bus station and welcome people home!) Goofy is always free...(unless you're at Walt Disney World.)

CLASSIC ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES is just up the road and if you continue, you will arrive at a dead end at the historical TOLEDO COURTHOUSE building to tour, or to take photos of. Go early, and you will hear the sound of the bells playing hymns at ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, across from the courthouse, at 8:30 am.!

There are MANY TOLEDO WALKING TOURS, historical and architectural, in and around TOLEDO, so if you have any questions please feel free to write, or consult one of our local historians, like LARRY MICHAELS, the Pastor of historical MARTIN LUTHER CHURCH on Nevada Street in East Toledo. If he doesn't know it, he can refer you to someone who can. (Books about historical TOLEDO by Larry R. Michaels are available on-line from Barnes and Noble, or email: michaelsoh@aol.com ) For more historical information about TOLEDO, go to:http://www.toledosattic.org/...and by the way, how may cities have all these web sites and historical venues? Many have one or two, we have LOTS!

* 'What these small towns wouldn't give to have a public transportation system!!? We are fortunate enough to have TARTA: Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority. Where else can you ride from one side of town to the other for a dollar ($1.10 one-way with a transfer to change buses). With this service we get: $1.00 rides to Mud hens games, (www.tarta.com/hens.htm), and FREE transportation on ozone action days! (419-243-RIDE 7433..Routes & Maps: www.tarta.com/routes.htm, Call-A-Ride: www.tarta.com/callaride.htm)

* In any city you can be a kid again, but TOLEDO has bowling alleys in every area of town (check for buy-one, get-one-free coupons), some nice miniature golf locations, where you can golf, or ride go-carts (if you have more than $10.00). Where else within a 60 mile radius will you find a "PUTT-PUTT GOLF", WITH a cave and a waterfall?

* TOLEDO offers some really safe, manicured places to (legally) pitch a tent. Maumee Bay State Park campground, just north of the city area, only charges $26.00 for a fully electrical site. (Yes, it's a LITTLE over $20. but think of all the FREE things you get to do while you're there! All you will have to purchase besides the site if you already have a tent (or can borrow one) is food and firewood (and even that can be free from a neighbor or friend). Go camping and roast hot dogs as you gaze at the stars. Invite your friends out and save them some money too! You are allowed up to 6 or 7 people and 2-3 tents on one site! (http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/camps/campingfees.htm)


* Many Toledoans complain that there are bars on every corner. Those of you who LIKE it that way can relax and shake off the negativity, by searching for the best and "most economical" happy hour in town. Look through our FREE publications that are packed with activity ideas, like our own TOLEDO CITY PAPER, or search online for local restaurants and bars with happy hours. Most places offer half-price food and drink specials, allowing you to get two drinks and share an appetizer for less than $20.


* Stop in any hotel lobby in TOLEDO pick up a free visitors guide or a handful of FREE brochures, for more date ideas. Call or look up on the computer: the GREATER TOLEDO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 419-321-6404/800-243-4667, 401 Jefferson Ave.,
www.toledocvb.com. You could also open a map, pick a spot, grab about $10 bucks to take with you, get out of the house, and stop RANTING!

Life will always have bills, shortages, and disappointments. But if you start the day with a smile, and a POSITIVE ATTITUDE, you'll learn that you will be happier, those around you will be happier, and you'll all be THANKFUL TO LIVE IN TOLEDO, OHIO.

If you STILL REALLY WANT TO RANT, why not visit http://www.toledotalk.com/, register, and fire away. A happy TOLEDOAN is a POSITIVE TOLEDOAN.