Things to do in and around Toledo? (Columbus, Cleveland: apartments, renting)

[dc2012]

Due to work, we will be relocating to the Toledo area very soon. Where exactly we're living is still in the air, as renting with two big dogs is a bit tough, but our question to everyone is what are the things to do out there?

We like the night life, as well as fun outdoor things; a nice meal or wine tasting, and things to do with the dogs (and shopping, of course!).

As the house hunt is a bit stressful, looking to find some of the great things we can look forward to once we are more settled.

Thanks!

[Rebek56]

Lots of people take their dogs to Wildwood Metropark.

[glamgal198]

Originally Posted by Rebek56

Lots of people take their dogs to Wildwood Metropark.

Wildwood is my favorite park! I have moved from Toledo and came back to visit family over the holidays and I insisted we go for a walk in wildwood. My dog loves it too I will also add Maumee Bay State Park to the list which is located outside of toledo but is right on the lake. Pearson (sp?) is also a good option and swan creek. Toledo actually has some pretty good parks now that I think of it.

Shopping honestly is pretty limited in the area, the stores here are stores you will find in any mall in any city. I would however suggest shopping in the detroit suburbs that are not to far, there is a mall called summerset that's pretty good. I know its not something you will probably do often but every once in awhile it can be a real treat. The mall in the city, Westfield is not so bad however EVERYONE shops there lol.

Toledo has many delcious options when it comes to restaurants. High end on the other hand are another story but one of the things I like about the city are its abundance of mom and pop food options as well as some nicer ones such as J Alexanders (try their carrot cake, it's to die for).

Things to do? Hm... you'll probably get many people that say check out the zoo which I will admit is pretty good, and the museum which is also nice but gets old after awhile. There is a casino coming soon, I'm on the younger side (20's) so what I like to do may differ from your own. I will warn you however that entertainment is not one of the citys strong points. I would focus on making friends because that is usually how you keep yourself occupied.

As far as housing is concerned, not sure about your price point but a good rule of thumb would be to stick to the west and south sides if your interested in living in the city. Some of the suburbs are actually quite nice as well such as Maumee, Sylvania, and Perrysburgh.

Good luck with your move

[dc2012]

Originally Posted by glamgal198

Things to do? Hm... you'll probably get many people that say check out the zoo which I will admit is pretty good, and the museum which is also nice but gets old after awhile. There is a casino coming soon, I'm on the younger side (20's) so what I like to do may differ from your own. I will warn you however that entertainment is not one of the citys strong points. I would focus on making friends because that is usually how you keep yourself occupied.

As far as housing is concerned, not sure about your price point but a good rule of thumb would be to stick to the west and south sides if your interested in living in the city. Some of the suburbs are actually quite nice as well such as Maumee, Sylvania, and Perrysburgh.

Yeah I keep seeing the Zoo & Museum pop up, so I'm sure I'll feel the same way once I see them once or twice :P The parks sound awesome! Two big-ish dogs will really enjoy that. Any areas where dogs can be leash free?

We're a varied age group :P but have similar interests - like to be homebodies and hang out, but also thoroughly enjoy going out. How far is it to get to some of the other big towns/cities? I know Columbus is about 2 hrs and about 4 to Cincinnati but only because my brother lived/lives in those towns.

We're definitely focusing on those areas to live, based on everything we've seen online. Any impressions on these areas and how friendly they are? We're in AZ right now, and the few places we've lived in this town consist of people involved in their own bubble with no interest in anyone else. It's pretty dry.

[CortlandGirl79]

Cleveland is 1.5 to 2 hrs away. My friend lives in Perrysburg and loves it. We usually go shopping at Westfield, Fallen Timbers or the outdoor mall in Perrysburg which i can't think of! lol

[acealive1]

the zoo, the art museum, the mall, theres 3 movie theaters in the area. monroe,michigan is 20 minutes north and theres a ton of stuff to do there as well with a mall that has a cheaper priced theater. its one road (telegraph) u go straight up and theres no turns and all the shops and eateries are on either side of the road so u dont get lost. you have dogs so theres at least one metro park around and a ton of extra parks almost everywhere in toledo. mud hens games down town, walleye also, alot of concerts downtown too.

[dc2012]

Looking for awesome Italian and Chinese -- any recommendations? My other half is en route right now and I'll be out there in the next few weeks/months

[Tobias C]

Originally Posted by dc2012

Looking for awesome Italian and Chinese -- any recommendations? My other half is en route right now and I'll be out there in the next few weeks/months

I'm not the best authority on food, but some places I can think of off the top of my head...... Bravo, Mancys Italian, Calvinos, Ciao, Zias, Biaggis, La Scola, Rosies, Spaghetti Warehouse, Inkys, Carrabbas.......and Olive Garden if you consider it awesome.


I don't know much about Chinese restaurants. I really only ever eat takeout.

[acealive1]

chinatown chinese on laskey and jackman in the plaza. ocean garden and china garden buffets are great. both are on alexis between lewis and silverside drive and both of those cost no more than 9 dollars at peak time.


if you like steak, head the other way on alexis about 5 minutes to ahmed's steak house. you can be full to the gills for two people for about $35. the steaks are enormous and the best value in town.

[hazelnutmom]

My husband and I just moved back to toledo from AZ 2 years ago to be closer to family and I am so glad that we did. I am not sure on your price range for housing or if your interested in apartments or single family but there are a few places that allow dogs. I have two boxer lab mixes and they are pretty large. I would check out Jamestown townhomes they allow 2 dogs of any size and have fenced in patios for your pets which are really nice. And it is close to dining and shopping areas. In the winter we usually are home bodies unless we go sledding or a little shopping but I feel like there is so much to do in the spring summer and fall. SO many parks, put in bay which is a blast, cedar point. We dont go out to bars a lot since we have kids and do more family friendly things but once and a while when we go get out by ourselves theres some great places to go. Good luck with your move. I am so much happier here than AZ.