When I first started this blog I posted about places in Ohio I would like to visit. I have visited some of them since then, but there are still many places on my list. Now as my time here is dwindling, there are sights and sounds around the state I want to spotlight. Some are old-time favorites, others I have been introduced to only recently and the rest are places on my to-do list. These places include restaurants, museums, gardens and other institutions, all reasons why I truly do love this state.

My last installment was about the German Village in Columbus. Up this week is Cedar Point in Sandusky.

Sun setting behind Cedar Point

The amusement park is home to all sorts of record-breaking thrills on the Lake Erie coast, including the first rollercoasters to break the 200-, 300- and 400-foot barriers.

Millennium Force

Top Thrill Dragster and Gemini

New this year is the WindSeeker, a high-tech swing ride. It isn’t yet completed because of Ohio’s excessively rainy weather this spring. I am looking forward to trying this ride, because relaxing rides are always a nice break from rollercoasters, though I am sure some people wouldn’t consider a 301-foot-tall ride relaxing.

New last year was Shoot the Rapids, a ride I first experienced as a media member, covering it for The Courier in Findlay. You can read my story and also check out a video of me on the ride.

What’s your favorite ride at Cedar Point? I have a hard time picking. I love the Raptor, the Magnum, the Millennium Force and the Gemini. My favorite non-coaster ride is probably Paddlewheel Excursions, which I believe I rode the first time just last year in 2010. There are lots of kid jokes, which always make me laugh, and some trivia, too.