While we have an unconditional love for our city throughout the entire year, we think Toledo in the summer is simply spectacular. But if you need some convincing, here are just 10 reasons to love Toledo in the summer!
1. The Summer Weather in Toledo is Nothing Short of Perfect
We are thankful that Toledo has four distinct seasons, allowing us to experience a wide range of temperatures and climates throughout the year. One of our favorite seasons is summer, for the hot temperatures and the likely chance that we can head to the neighborhood pool to cool off on any given day. During June, July and August, Toledo has average high temperatures in the 80s and average lows in the 60s. While the humidity levels can be high in the Toledo region — mostly thanks to its proximity to Lake Erie — the presence of sunshine and warm temperatures more than make up for it.
2. Toledo Has Some Top-Notch Food Trucks
A sure sign of summer is the sight (and smell!) of a local food truck making an appearance on a busy street corner. Thankfully,
Toledo has quite the fleet of food trucks ready to serve you and your lunchtime needs. Some of our favorite meals on wheels include…
Photos courtesy of Grumpy’s On the Go, Rosie’s Rolling Chef and Rusty’s Road Trip
3. Local Toledo Treat Shops Are in Full Force
One of the best times to enjoy a sweet treat is during the summer. There’s something so exciting about walking to a local ice creamery or cupcake shop, selecting your favorite dessert or trying a new flavor, and enjoying it on an outdoor bench or patio. There are several local treat shops worth a visit this summer!
Photos courtesy of Cake in a Cup and Rachel’s Handmade Ice Cream
Visit
Rachel’s Handmade Ice Cream at Bleak House Coffee for delicious ice cream handmade in small batches using USDA organic dairy and other natural ingredients. You can expect exceptional and creative cupcakes at
Cake in a Cup,
winners of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars in 2011. Choose your serving size and unique toppings at
Apricato, offering self-serve frozen yogurt in their fun and inviting stores in both
Toledo and Maumee!
4. Toledo is Just a Short Drive From Lake Erie’s Shore
Living in Toledo allows you to get the best of both the city culture and lakeside living. Make the short 15-minute drive to Lake Erie’s shore to experience all of the activities and take in the vast scenic views this Great Lake has to offer. At
Maumee Bay State Park on Lake Erie, you can…
Fish for walleye, channel catfish, freshwater drum, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and more! Lake Erie is known as the “walleye capital of the world” and offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the midwest.
Golf at the park’s unique 18-hole golf course with low, rolling mounds, bent-grass fairways, and several sand bunkers and ponds. Take advantage of the golf pro-shop on-site if you need some gear during your golf trip!
Swim at one of the park’s two sand beaches — one on Lake Erie’s shore and one along the park’s inland lake. You can change in the changing booths and grab a snack or drink from the concession area!
Boat either on the lake itself with a motorized boat you’ve parked at the 32-slip marina, or on the 57-acre inland lake with your canoe, kayak, or other non-motorized boat.
Picnic at one of the many picnic areas with tables and grills, conveniently located next to the beach areas. You may reserve a shelter in advance online or by calling 866-644-6727.
Hike along the Interpretive Boardwalk trail through swamp and marsh wetlands, or go for a walk, jog, or bike ride on one of the park’s two multi-use trails.
Stay a little longer at a
hotel or resort on Lake Erie’s shore! A short drive to one of these destinations can make for a convenient weekend getaway that feels like you’re hundreds of miles away.
Photo courtesy of Kelleys Island Venture Resort
5. Fifth Third Field is the Place to Be During Toledo Summers
Taking the kids to a Mud Hens game at Fifth Third Field is the perfect way to spend a summer night in Toledo. The smell of ballpark food, the taste of refreshing beer, the bright stadium lights, the sound of the cheering crowd — it’s an experience you can’t get while watching a game from your television. Check out the
Mud Hens 2016 schedule to plan your next visit to Fifth Third Field.
Photo courtesy of Toledo Mud Hens
6. There are Lots of Local Restaurants With Outdoor Patios
Summertime means we get to take the party to the outdoor patio at a local restaurant. We’re in luck, because
Toledo has several outdoor patios in town that combine exceptional food with our need for some vitamin D. One of the more well-known patios in the area is at
Real Seafood Company at the Docks, offering some of the best seafood around in a picturesque patio setting overlooking the Maumee River.
Photos courtesy of Real Seafood Company
7. There Are Plenty of Outdoor Local Attractions
There are several indoor museums, attractions, and destinations in Toledo that provide the perfect escape from a rainy spring day or winter storm. But during the summer, we’re more interested in the local attractions that allow you to be outside to enjoy the sun during your visit.
The Toledo Zoo is teeming with activity during the summer — both inside and outside the animal cages. Peruse the zoo’s 51 acres of exhibits as a family, as a couple, or with visiting friends and family.
Get a lay of the land before your visit and peruse their
calendar of events to see the exciting things the zoo has planned!
Photos courtesy of The Toledo Zoo and Toledo Botanical Garden
Get a breath of fresh air at the
Toledo Botanical Garden, where you’ll explore over 60 acres of gorgeous plant life. With over 50 years of growing under their belt, this garden displays incredible species and educates visitors throughout their visit.
8. ...And Beautiful Parks Perfect for a Picnic
In addition to these organized attractions, you’ll find lots of spacious parks in the Toledo region to enjoy during the summer. They provide lots of land for the kids to run around in, the perfect landing spot for your family picnic, and plenty of playgrounds and sports fields to explore.
Side Cut Metropark in Maumee was the first of the Toledo Metroparks and today acts as a refuge for fishermen from all around the country as they migrate to the Maumee River for walleye fishing each spring. Other attractions at this park include river and canal access, a playground, indoor and picnic shelters, and
several wildlife feeding stations with indoor viewing areas.
Photo courtesy of Metroparks Toledo
Swan Creek Metropark is a South Toledo park providing a natural oasis in an urban area. You’ll see lots of wildlife at this park spanning 441 acres, on which you can go hiking along the park’s trails, walk along the swinging bridge, enjoy a meal at the picnic shelters, play on the playground, or feed wildlife at
Windows on Wildlife.
Wildwood Metropark is the most-visited of the area’s metroparks, spanning 493 acres of natural beauty combined with man-made features. This park houses the
Manor House, which was once the home of Toledo’s Stranaham family, and today can be rented for weddings, meetings, and other private events.
9. There Is A Never-Ending Supply of Local Produce at Toledo Farmers’ Markets
It’s no secret that we’re big fans of all things local. While there are a few markets open all year long, summertime is peak farmers’ market season, as the weather permits for outdoor shopping, and crops are often at their best.
Visit one of our favorite markets in the area this summer!
Photos courtesy of Downtown Toledo Farmers’ Market
If you’re overwhelmed with produce goodness,
head to the market held in downtown Toledo on Market Street every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. between May and November. There is sure to be a lively crowd bustling with activity, as Toledo residents and visitors pick up fresh finds from local vendors.
10. You Can Revert to Your Childhood With an Outdoor Movie
All summer long,
Sundance Kid Drive-In in Oregon streams two movies back-to-back every night of the week. While seeing two movies at a normal theater would cost an arm and a leg, Sundance only charges $9 for adults, $3 for kids ages 5–12, and $0 for kids under 4! This is the perfect summer night activity that you can enjoy with the family without leaving your car. And on the way there, you can tell your kids all about the “good ole days” going to the local drive-in in your hometown.
Photo Courtesy of Sundance Kid Drive-In
Happy Summer, Toledo!
Get out there and explore any of the above activities and features during the upcoming months. And let us know why you love Toledo in the summer!