Finally, and with much anticipation, restrictions were lifted on vehicular border crossings between Canada and the United States. No more negative Covid tests required for entry on either side. Time for a road trip!
I chose Toledo, Ohio. Michigan has been well covered with previous trips, and although I’ve passed by Toledo many times, never have I stopped. Not sure what exactly would be there, but the choice was made.
Stayed in nearby Maumee, Ohio at the Best Western (using up lots of points). Nothing special about this hotel, but the town was quite pleasant. Small with an old downtown, I stopped into Dale’s Bar & Grill (established 1920) and went for a walkabout.
The original sign for Dale’s Bar – now suspended from the ceiling indoors. I wasn’t there long enough to know if it works.
Fort Miamis is also located in Maumee, on the river. Originally a British establishment dating back to 1794, there is nothing left here. There’s a viewing platform, from which one can see what originally would have been Fort Miegs across the Maumee River.
One thing that I was aware of is that Toledo has a world class art museum. It was founded by Edward Drummond Libbey in 1901, and moved to its current home in 1912. It is a massive building, complete with a working theatre in one wing. Also, world class enough to have one of Van Gogh’s Waterlilies, among many others.
Currently on display was “Bestowed Beauty” – Masterpieces from Persian Lands.
Flowers
Downtown Toledo is similar to home – lots of storefronts and entire buildings abandoned. There are a few bars near the sports stadiums – I’d highly recommend The Cock & Bull Tavern on North Huron Street.
An abandoned building in the downtown. All the windows are boarded and much of the façade has been stripped away.
Toledo’s first shopping centre? The Spitzer Building dates from the 1890’s, but has been closed since 2013. Located at 520 Madison Avenue, there is funding in place to remove asbestos and lead paint, with a revitalization plan to make it a mixed-use property.
So….a busy two days in Toledo and area. Well worth the effort, and should be worth a return visit when something special comes to the Art Gallery.