Ohio’s contributions to pop culture are noteworthy. Who doesn’t remember Klinger waxing poetic about his beloved Toledo and the Mud Hens on M*A*S*H, and who has never dreamed about being a rock star and ending up in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Groups can indulge in some comfort food for the soul with some standout diversions focusing on sports, television and music.
Hello, Cleveland! Are you ready to rock? Attendees can step into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (216.781.7625; www.rockhall.com) and explore the soundtrack of their life, from the music heritage of blues, gospel, folk, country, and rock to the greats like Elvis, Hendrix, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones. Exhibits change from time to time, making the museum an eternally fascinating attraction. Groups can check out James Brown’s red tuxedo jacket, or see the original recording equipment used in Sam Phillips’ Sun Studio. The facility also has a number of group packages, whether planners want to rent the entire museum for an event and private viewing, or just want a rockin’ space to meet.
Follow the cheers to Fifth Third Field and discover the world-famous Toledo Mud Hens (419.725.4367; www.mudhens.com), perhaps the most popular minor-league baseball team in the country. An affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, the Mud Hens have legions of dedicated fans, and there are a bevy of group-friendly options available, from fully catered pre-game picnics for up to 1,000 attendees to swanky luxury suites for up to 54 guests. Discounted tickets are also available for groups, and the complex has meeting space as well.
Canton preserves sports history with the Pro Football Hall of Fame (330.456.8207; www.profootbalhof.com), a shrine to the best gridiron moments and players, such as Jim Thorpe, Gale Sayers, Vince Lombardi, Joe Namath, Tom Landry, John Elway, and many more. The facility offers full catering for day or evening events, and will include tours of the museum. To really impress attendees, planners can secure several Hall of Fame members for receptions and meetings.
For achievements of the mind, groups can head to Akron’s National Inventors Hall of Fame (330.849.6876; www.invent.org ), where delegates can see the first MRI prototype or test their senses with the music of Les Paul, guitar innovator. Hands-on exhibits bring out the kid in everyone in this five-level complex, and the museum hosts all types of events.
