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.

For 129 years, the farmhouse at Country Lane Tree Farm has looked out over acres of trees and crops as they bear fruit, change colors, and catch a light dusting of snow. The Bowlander family keeps the land bustling through the seasons by inviting families and school groups to come take part in farm activities. Craft barn events happen in the spring and summer, along with farm tours where children can see and interact with a variety of animals. Activities include, milking cows, holding chickens and ducks, and gazing profoundly into the deep eyes of Peaches the donkey. Animal feed is also included. During the fall, the Bowlanders make an enormous maze out of their cornfield, invite guests to pick pumpkins from their 10-acre patch, and enjoy a Haunted Hayride and the indoor Haunted "Carnevil" Barn.

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.