Things to Do in Fostoria

At Penny Jo’s Eastern Lanes, children, seniors, and league pros all find satisfaction in the thunderstorm of pin clatter that ricochets off the waxed, hardwood lanes. The family-friendly alley welcomes patrons of all ages and skill levels to line up toes together, comparing form and ankle tattoos, and taking breaks from the game to socialize over bountiful pizza and soda from the onsite snack bar.

Landmarks of standup for decades, Connxtions Comedy Clubs remain mainstays for up-and-coming comics and national stars, with a roster of past performers that includes Sinbad, Drew Carey, Tim Allen, D. L. Hughley, and Rob Schneider. Headlining comedians, many seen on national television, keep the venues teetering Thursday–Saturday nights, whereas Wednesday nights host improv spectacles and open mics where rookies can begin their ascent into stardom or descent into miming. While refueling chuckle tanks, duos and groups can split a savory appetizer, such as cheese bread or chicken wings, or enjoy a potent cocktail at the bar.

Surrounded by a semicircle of hills, the main lodge at Clear Fork Resort serves as the access point to miles of alpine and cross-country skiing, ATVing, and snow-tubing trails that populate the surrounding countryside. The downhill skiing trail map contains terrain suitable for every level of skier or snowboarder, with a beginner's area and numerous difficult runs serviced by triple and quad chairlifts. When Old Man Winter hits the snooze button, a fleet of Snow Guns stands ready to bombard the slopes with artificial snow and passive-aggressive taunts skyward. Resort visitors can always check current weather conditions, which are constantly monitored by the resort's snow report.

Tampa's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is a cultural cornucopia celebrating the Mexican holiday with music, dancing, food, activities, children's attractions, and a car and motorcycle show. Follow the incipient online schedule—or flip through the Facebook page—for the still-developing calendar, which includes events such as salsa-dancing lessons, a tongue-tickling chili contest, and the glamorous Miss Tampa Latina pageant. During the daily happy hour 3 p.m.–6 p.m., thirsty guests can enjoy one free beer. Take in a salsa lesson, then meander over to the other salsa camp, where recently steadied shoulders will be tested against fiery tortilla-toppers at the salsa tasting station. While proud car owners buff their road babies for Friday's car and motorcycle show, their flesh-based brood can clamber (supervised) through the children's area and carnival rides.

Although it’s the oldest continuously running theater in Michigan (and the third oldest in all of the United States), Croswell Opera House has more vibrancy than most venues half its age. Renovated over the last two decades with a new stage floor, an enlarged orchestra pit, and burgundy and gold medallions atop a fresh coat of paint, the historic venue has lost none of its old-fashioned charm as it continues through its second century.

Originally constructed in 1866, the downtown epicenter of Lenawee County arts and culture has played host to a rich timeline of American entertainment. The 1800s featured vaudeville acts, musicians, and orators such as Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, and the early 1900s saw silent movies swallowed by the next wave of cinema: loudies. Although it was nearly demolished in 1967, the opera house persevered with the loving care of its staff and patrons, and today continues to host a wealth of musical acts, Broadway shows, and children’s theater.

Uncork The Artist puts its mission right in its name, scheduling classes that help coax the creative energies out of every person who walks through the door. Provided snacks and sips of BYOB wine stimulate inner inspiration as patrons reproduce masterpieces with the studio's paints and brushes and guidance from local artists. Studio sessions can be modified to suit bachelorette parties, sorority functions, and date nights, or rendered alcohol-free to teach kids the joys of painting with something other than food.