Toledo, our neighbor in Northwest Ohio, makes an easy day-trip or weekend getaway from Cleveland. Just a two-hour drive down the Ohio Turnpike from downtown, the city is home to a wealth of historic, cultural, and just plain fun sights and attractions.

Among the highlights are the Toledo Museum of Art (and its Glass Pavilion), Ft. Meigs -- a restored 19th century outpost (pictured at right), and Tony Packo's Cafe, a fun and tasty 1932 circa eatery in Toledo's Hungarian neighborhood. Read more about Top Toledo Attractions.

^{(Photo © J. Greenburg; Courtesy of the Toledo CVB)}

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, in Akron, Ohio is a National Historic Landmark. The 65-room Tudor-style mansion was built in 1912 by Goodyear Rubber Company founder, F.A. Seiberling and his wife Gertrude.

Today, the gracious mansion and elaborate gardens are open to the public. The changing seasons and holiday decorations make this a beautiful site all year long. Join me for a look at Stan Hywet in pictures.

^{(photo courtesy of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens)}

Looking for somewhere to view fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July? Of course, the area's biggest celebration is in downtown Cleveland. Fireworks will be set off from dock 20 at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River. Viewing is best from Settler's Landing in the Flats and the Nautica Complex on the west bank of the Cuyahoga River.

Cleveland isn't the only community to sponsor a fireworks display. Dozens of area municipalities have scheduled fireworks from June 28 to July 5. See an updated list of the area's activities here.

(Photo © istockphoto)

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is honoring two-time inductee, Michael Jackson on Sunday, June 28 from noon to 4pm. The event is free (although there is a fee to get into the exhibits past the lobby) and will be hosted by Channel 5's Curtis Jackson. Attendees are invited to bring a memento, flowers, or other tribute item to the Rock Hall.

Jackson died on Thursday of cardiac arrest at the age of 50. He was inducted twice into the Rock Hall--in 1995 for his solo work and in 1997 as part of the Jackson 5. Jackson's "Thriller" album remains the number one best-selling album of all time.

For more about Jackson, see these other articles from around the About.com network:

• Profile of Jackson
• Ten Essential Jackson Songs
• Michael Jackson in pictures
• Jackson obituary

^{(photo © 2006 S. Mitchell)}