Outdoors

They dart in and out of our line of sight – hovering to devour nectar from a flower or to sip from a feeder set out especially for them – and then zip away to sample another tempting bloom. If you would like to see more of them, here are some things you can do to attract hummingbirds to your yard, as well as some facts about them you might be surprised to learn. ...

Grammy on the Go Karen Shardrach adds to last month’s blog on magical playgrounds. She and her grandkids and have discovered several other unique and fun playgrounds here in Northeast Ohio that feature unexpected climbing structures, pathways, tunnel slides, bear bridges and even dinosaur bones! ...

It's finally time to get on your bike and ride! But first, run through The OutSPOKEnCyclist Diane Jenk's safety check and Spring Tune-Up to ensure your bike rides are safe. ...

Like a lot of things about this year, the outdoor concert landscape is a good news/not-as-bad news situation. Here’s what we mean: some of the mainstays are back, although in different formats and with limits on seating, spacing and the usual pandemic-driven precautions. Some are virtual while others are simply canceled. ...

Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer with a special salute to those who serve our country. Active U.S. military personnel and American veterans will receive free passenger fare aboard Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay or Middle Bass Island on Saturday, May 29 through Memorial Day, May 31 with military identification. ...

Our Grammy on the Go columnist spends a lot of time visiting playgrounds with her two sets of twin grandchildren. She says, "It seems like most of the communities in Northeast Ohio have playgrounds that are now open and the grandkids are yearning to make up lost time, playing and visiting with their friends. We have a few favorites I’d like to share that we will definitely try to get to this summer." ...

Ohio was one of the first states in the nation to dedicate an entire month to the celebration of native plants. This month, ODNR will highlight the importance and diversity of native plants on the agency’s website and social media channels. Watch for native wildflower features every day and special posts for Arbor Day and Earth Day. ...

What would Picasso do? Or Van Gogh? Or Mondrian? Look at iconic paintings from these artists and imagine containers planted with flowers in the colors in their paintings. Keep in mind the thriller-filler-spiller design recommendation to keep your containers well balanced when selecting plants. ...