Things to Do in Sandusky

Originally sculpted into the landscape in 1958, Green Hills Golf Course winds through 5,933 yards of smoothly rolling terrain bordered by clusters of mature arbors. To compensate for its relatively short length, the 18-hole course catches clubbers off-guard with strategically placed ponds, subtle slopes, and self-destructing yardage markers. Each round takes spiky-shoed golfers gliding around tranquil ponds and past rippling creeks, which add to the course’s shot-impeding obstacles. A nine-hole par 3 executive course stretches out alongside the full-length monolith, beckoning to greenhorns, youngsters, and experienced pin-hunters still seeking their first hole-in-one. A driving range, practice green, and full regimen of golf clinics nurse withering swings back to life, while the onsite restaurant fuels muscles and carnivorous golf carts with all-beef hot dogs and other savory grill fare.

The muffled thuds of boxing gloves pummeling headgear or backs blasting into floor mats resound throughout Strong Style's steel- and chain-link-clad gym. Child and adult classes fuse moves from the judo, muay thai, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu traditions as students throw punches and kicks or discuss international politics while grappling in two full-size boxing rings. Conditioning classes work the entire body with functional training tools such as weighted ropes, TRX suspension straps, and improbably huge truck tires, previously Paul Bunyan's rollerblade wheels. To zero in on individual fitness goals, clients may schedule personal-training sessions or design their own workouts using the facility's weights and cardio machines.

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.

Field of Dreams Drive-In Theater offers communal, car-friendly film gazing as well as prefeature entertainment. At the Liberty Center location, around 250 vehicles sidle up next to each other to take in double features rain or shine, and the newly renovated Tiffin location can accommodate up to 500 sedans, stretch station wagons, and highway-ready riding lawnmowers. The flickering glow of Hollywood blockbusters joins forces with the twinkling stars overhead to illuminate clear, cloudless nights, helping to direct hungry movie goers to and from the full-service concession stand, and light the way for made-to-order pizzas delivered straight to each car’s drivers side door.

In addition to its first-run films, Field of Dreams features free, family-friendly games including corn hole toss, ladder golf, and putt-putt golf. Four-legged family members can also watch from the safety of a leash or their very own car seat, and portable coolers and grills are permitted on the grounds with the purchase of a $4 outside-food permit.

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.