Ohio in March: A Celebration of Spring and Irish Heritage

As winter’s grip starts to loosen across the Buckeye State, Ohio comes alive in March with a delightful array of festivals, events, and celebrations. From the sweetness of maple sugaring season to energetic St. Patrick’s Day parades honoring the state’s Irish roots, this month offers something for everyone to enjoy.

The Sweet Taste of Maple Sugaring

One of the most eagerly anticipated harbingers of spring in Ohio is the start of maple sugaring season. As day lengths increase and temperatures rise, the state’s maple trees begin flowing with sap that can be boiled down into that quintessential sweet treat – pure maple syrup.

The Ohio Maple Producers Association coordinates the annual Maple Madness Driving Tour on two weekends in early March, allowing visitors to experience this time-honored tradition firsthand. Sugarhouses across the state open their doors, with experienced syrup makers on hand to answer questions and provide insight into the process of tapping trees, collecting sap, and transforming it into liquid gold.

Some stops on the tour are small backyard operations, while others are large commercial enterprises. But all share a passion for this uniquely North American craft and its roots in Ohio’s history and culture. Many tour locations offer pancake breakfasts and opportunities to purchase freshly made maple syrup and candy.

The Luck of the Irish

With its strong Irish cultural influences, Ohio takes St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to the next level each March 17th. Perhaps no community embraces its Irish heritage more enthusiastically than the city of Dublin, which hosts one of the nation’s largest and most renowned St. Patrick’s Day parades.

Ranked among the top St. Paddy’s Day events in the country, the Dublin Irish Festival Parade kicks off at 11 am on March 9th in the city’s historic downtown district. More than 100 colorful units fill the route, including marching bands, bagpipers, giant inflatables, leprechauns, and more. An expected crowd of 20,000 enthusiastic spectators annually lines the streets to take in the “greenest, grandest parade” around.

After the parade, many Dublin establishments offer Irish food, drink specials, and live music to continue the celebration. The city also sponsors the Celtic Cocktail Trail, which allows participants to sample 19 Irish-themed cocktails at local bars and restaurants while unlocking deals and prize opportunities.

For those looking to extend their Irish immersion, the newly revamped Irish Fairy Door Trail weaves an enchanting path through downtown Dublin. Eleven intricately designed fairy doors have been installed at various businesses, each providing a whimsical portal into the world of the wee folk. Maps guide visitors from one magical stop to the next on this one-of-a-kind family-friendly experience.

Spring Break Fun

With the second week of March signaling spring break for many Ohio schools, the state’s wealth of family attractions kicks into high gear. From top-rated amusement parks and zoos to world-class museums and historical sites, destinations across Ohio pull out all the stops to provide fun and engaging experiences for kids and parents alike.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium welcomes its new “UNEXTINCT” exhibit featuring vibrant nighttime displays that bring extinct creatures like mammoths and saber-toothed tigers to life through light and sound. At COSI (the Center of Science and Industry), an ever-changing lineup of interactive science exhibits sparks curiosity and learning for visitors of all ages.

For a one-of-a-kind adventure, families can flock to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, where a new Ferris wheel behind the museum offers aerial views while celebrating America’s favorite sport. And no visit to the Akron area is complete without a stop at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, a 65-room Tudor Revival manor surrounded by stunning landscaped grounds and gardens.

Outdoor lovers have their pick of Ohio’s 83 state parks, nature preserves, and public recreation areas to explore as temperatures warm. From hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails to fishing, boating, and camping under the stars, the Buckeye State’s diverse natural areas beckon those eager to shake off winter’s doldrums.

Easter Eggstravaganzas

As March winds down, Ohio’s communities join together for a beloved Easter tradition – the egg hunt! Parks, farms, churches, and civic organizations across the state organize hunts of all sizes tailored for kids of various ages.

From small-town events with just a few hundred eggs to massive hunts dropping thousands of prize-filled orbs from helicopters and bucket loaders, these springtime scrambles create cherished memories for children and adults alike. Many egg hunts feature visits from the Easter Bunny, games, crafts, and other family-friendly activities as well.

Two of Ohio’s most unique Easter egg events are the Steubenville Eggsibition & Storywalk and the annual egg hunt at Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm. In Steubenville, over 30 giant (18-36 inch) artfully decorated eggs are hidden throughout downtown stores and businesses from March 18th through April 14th. Participants follow maps to find the eggs, claim prizes for completing the “egg hunt”, and enjoy a special library StoryWalk woven into the experience.

Down in Yellow Springs, the Easter Bunny oversees the egg hunt festivities at Young’s Jersey Dairy on Easter Sunday. Divided into age groups, kids scour the farm’s grounds to gather thousands of hard-boiled eggs dyed brilliant colors. The working dairy farm offers additional activities like watching cows being milked, petting baby animals, and sampling the farm’s renowned ice cream and dairy products.

March’s Plentiful Offerings

Whether embracing the signs of spring, celebrating heritage and culture, or simply enjoying quality family time, Ohio in March provides a bounty of memorable experiences. From the first maple sugar harvests and St. Patrick’s Day revelry to Easter egg hunts and spring break excursions, this transitional month bridges winter and spring with a refreshing array of unique traditions and annual rites to delight visitors and residents alike.

So plan your March getaway to the Buckeye State, where every corner offers opportunities to immerse yourself in the joys of an Ohio spring. Sip a glass of freshly made maple syrup, dance an Irish jig at a lively parade, or simply bask in the warm sunshine peeking through winter’s last gasps. However you choose to experience it, the Buckeye State’s March magic is sure to leave you spellbound.