The Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP), nestled between Cleveland and Akron, offers us an unexpected escape. Rustling leaves, winding trails, the Cuyahoga River — along with the rhythmic whistle of a train — all invite us to slow down and soak it all in. One of the most unique and perfect ways to explore this national treasure with your grandkids is by combining bicycling with a scenic ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR). 

The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) will host its annual Chalk Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, and Sunday, Sept. 21, noon-5 p.m., rain or shine. Participants and observers of all abilities and ages are invited to create and delight in sidewalk artistry.

There are road trips. And there are road trips. A post-retirement adventure taken by Bill and Heidi Watson of Solon belongs in the latter grouping. Their 10-part trek began in the spring of 2021 and ended in the fall of 2024 after visiting the 48 contiguous states.

Some people find retirement happiness on solid ground. Others take to the water. Meet two veteran Loopers, couples who explored the country's coastlines by boat.

Living in a mess wastes time and money. People spend about 2.5 days a year looking for misplaced items, while 60% of us have repurchased missing things, resulting in wasteful impulse buying and reinforcing the cycle of over-accumulation.

With just the eight of us in a beach house, it was easy to clear away relationship clutter and see us as the adults we are today, not the ones we remembered.