Lazy Daze Owners' Group

I grew up in Ohio, and I am continually impressed when I go back (home).  Last year we stopped at a rest area, and saw that they had a playground!  I know most people on this forum wouldn't need that, but what an awesome thing to have for those of us traveling with kids.

Quote from: Garry Foster  -  September 10, 2016, 12:45:52 pm

"Well though I am in the process of moving to Ohio I am anything but impressed with the rest area's or the state. They have had the one rest area on I80 coming in from Pa closed for updating for 8-10 years now.  And they run you out after 2 hours parking no mater how tired you are and actually come knocking on windows to do it. I am moving there but it is because I have grandchildren there. Can take upwards of 4 hours to go to the 2-3 offices to register a vehicle.  They do have an old folks state park camping pass for 1/2 price but it is residents only. I have been passing thru Ohio on I70 or I80 since I was in the Navy (67-71) and the road conditions have been on average some of the worst I come across."

Gary, as a life long Buckeye, I take exception to most of your observation/opinions.

Yes, there are a few rest areas which have been closed and will probably never re open.  As for parking overnight, along the Ohio Turnpike, you may park for free overnight in the main parking lot with mostly semi trucks or pay a fee in those with RV parking ares like Todd posted about.

Where you tried to register a vheicle, I have no idea. That has never been my experience. Compare our license plate fees to other states; our LD is less than $70/year and we do it through the mail. No smog test needed on Rvs either.

Our state parks have nice campgrounds with paved sites at many locations. And we don't charge an entry fee to get in the park; try that in some states where you pay an entry fee and a camping fee.

Road conditions are sometimes less than ideal in urban areas, but no worse than I've seen in most states. My observation is that most of the USA is in need of major infrastructure improvements. We have very few roads with those thump, thump, thump undulations that dual rear wheel vehicles seem to hate.

Ohio has tornados,  but rarely a small earthquake. We don't have fires that wipe out entire towns, and we have plenty of water on the north coast.

One really bad thing I should warn you about is that we are one of those "swing states" that decide national elections (we tend
 to be independent thinkers here)  so we get a LOT of visits, calls, and mailings from candidates..

Relax and enjoy your stay; now if you're moving here from Hawaii,  YOU are crazy.

Steve K

Well I do like most of the state parks and I like the lack of inspections on vehicles. I hate the amount of salt they use on the roads, I am moving west of Canton..  And I have experienced the being ran out of the rest areas after the two hour limit.  What I do like is on some of the smaller roads they have pretty nice rest areas. US highway 30 being one of them. I have crossed the state both ways at least twice a year since 1984 and several times between 1968 and 1971.  And as many as 6-7 times for several years when I had family illness back in Missouri. I have a pretty good handle on the roads.  Moving from Pa this time and so I don't have a lot of good roads here either.
I am looking forward to getting fully moved and getting my Buckeye Pass for the state parks..
Garry