Travel

Sometimes it takes a visitor to notice the interesting places in your hometown. University Circle is a good example. How many times have you driven past the Cultural Gardens, Wade Oval and other University Circle highlights, giving little more than a glance at them? They deserve more. Now there's a way to give them their proper due. ...

You may be surprised to learn that you can access over a dozen Social Security functions, even when you're traveling far from home. The online services page provides you with a wide variety of self-service options you can use on your phone, tablet or computer. ...

Pretending you're a tourist on your own stomping grounds is a fun way to see Northeast Ohio in a new light while also giving your wallet a breather. Check out these gorgeous beaches, ledges and islands that make it feel like you and Toto are not in Ohio anymore. Stay near, get lost but remember to check destination websites for special hours, facility availability and other restrictions resulting from COVID-19 precautions. Many places have special hours for older visitors and for those especially vulnerable to the coronavirus. Up early? Morning hours are usually less popular with visitors, making it easy to have social distance-appropriate outings. ...

Now here's a bit of good news for garden lovers that will make life seem closer to normal. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens has postponed its opening (that's the sad part) but the gardens are open for walkers and gawkers (that's the happy part). And as a bonus,  it'll cost you nothing to see all the spring tulips, flowering trees and other glorious, seasonal blooms. ...

Too many canceled events and not enough fun things to do. That's the story of Spring 2020. But you can do some virtual trip-taking through the Western Reserve Historical Society's website. Their series of illustrated stories offer a friendly ramble to places such as Squire's Castle, the Glenville Neighborhood and other interesting spots that you didn't have time to visit before but have plenty of time to check out now. ...

Grab a nature guide and take a walk or a drive in one of Geauga County's 25 county parks. Then tell someone what you saw — all while practicing social distancing, of course. A website makes it easy; good eyes and attention to detail make it rewarding. ...

The Canton Museum of Art’s Wednesday posts will share virtual exhibition tours and artmaking activities as part of its Museum To Go program, take in-depth looks into parts of the CMA collection, and feature a range of content to engage, entertain, and educate people of all ages. ...

On an airplane, barotrauma of the ear most commonly happens as the plane descends for landing. The pressure change can create a vacuum or negative pressure in the middle ear space that pulls the eardrum inward. This can cause pain, a stuffy feeling, muffled sound and a sensation that you need to "pop" it.  ...