• Cedar Point: Cedar Point is a 364-acre amusement park that is home to the most rides (68) and roller coasters (16) on Earth. It has been around since 1870, and has been hosting Ketlers and Ketler children since 1966. The Top Thrill Dragster and the Millennium Force are thrilling and large and everything, but for that old-school wooden coaster experience you can’t miss Gemini, which runs two trains simultaneously on parallel tracks. Vigorously taunt strangers in the train next to you as you “race” to be the first train back in the station, and, consequently, the first fools to make it across the midway for post-Gemini French fries from the Happy Friar.

Cedar Point is located on a Lake Erie peninsula, midway between Cleveland and Toledo in Sandusky, Ohio. Take the Ohio Turnpike (I-80) to Exit 118(7) and follow the signs north on U.S. 250, or take Exit 110(6A) and follow Route 4 north. Once you get to Sandusky, just follow the signs to the Cedar Point Causeway.

Get a preview with the Top Thrill Dragster Web Cam

• Geauga Lake: This local gem used to be neighbors with Sea World, but a few years ago big, bad Six Flags bought both parks, shipped out Shamu, stripped the park of the name that locals had cherished since 1887 – and promptly decided their efforts weren’t worth it. They sold to Cedar Fair last year, the same company that owns Cedar Point and which trades on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “FUN.” Northeast Ohio rejoiced. We lost our sea-going friends, but we regained our Geauga Lake.

The Wildwater Kingdom water park now occupies Sea World’s old real estate; therefore, it is theoretically possible to waterslide into the pool that once held the barking sea lions. Geauga Lake is only about 20 minutes from Hudson – a great alternative if you don’t want to make the trek to Cedar Point.

• Cleveland Indians: Unfortunately, the Indians are out of town Labor Day weekend. Dan is sad to deliver this news for obvious reasons, but also because he relishes (ha!) the grilled onions available for hot dogs purchased at the stand beyond right field. Thankfully, you can still enjoy Stadium Mustard at a grocery in town, or stored in Dan's fridge.

• Akron Aeros: The Indians may be out of town, but their Double-A affiliate in nearby Akron are in action at lovely Canal Park in the city's downtown. Labor Day weekend they’re at home against the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox affiliate):
9/2 7:05 p.m. (fireworks night)
9/4 2:05 p.m. (Animal Adopt-A-Thon)
9/5 2:05 p.m. (Dollar Dog Monday)
After the Aeros game, duck into the nearby Lime Spider for a beer or two on their roof deck.

• Lake County Captains: If you like your baseball even more amateurish, the Class A Lake County Captains (also an Indians affiliate) are in town at their ballpark in Eastlake, Ohio, about 15 minutes east of downtown Cleveland. Labor Day weekend they'll be facing the hated West Virginia Power (Brewers affiliate):
9/2 7:05 (fireworks)
9/4 7:05 (fireworks)
9/5 2:05 (Fan Appreciation Day)

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum: Visit Dianne’s desk! Take her office chair for a spin! Use her Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith coffee mug! Engage her coworkers in water-cooler conversation! Print out a cover sheet for the TPS report!

(While there, you might also consider touring the exhibition halls and the Hall of Fame, featuring artifacts as diverse as the Boss’ written exhortation to the E Street Band to keep their hands off his snacks -- Dan's favorite item -- Paul Simonon’s bass guitar, featured on the cover of The Clash’s London Calling moments before its destruction and Les Paul’s early solid-body electric guitars.)

The Museum is located in downtown Cleveland, on the shores of Lake Erie. Feel free to e-mail Dianne for more information!

• Ingenuity: A Festival of Art and Technology: 2005 is the inaugural year for this downtown Cleveland festival, which is “where high-tech meets opera, Rock and Roll becomes sculpture and Hip Hop jacks into the Internet.” We’re not sure what that means, either, but it’s sure to be an interesting time. Many Cleveland cultural institutions and artists are sponsoring events (Cleveland Museum of Art, bluesman Robert Lockwood, Jr., Cleveland Public Theatre, Progressive Arts Alliance, etc.), and many events are free. Check the Web site for a full schedule and more information.

• Taste of Hudson: Another first for 2005, Taste of Hudson is a “two-day outdoor festival of food, music and fun for the entire family.” The event will take place on Sept. 4 and 5, featuring more than 20 restaurants, 12 musical acts spread out over three village greens, street entertainment, a children's pavilion, artisans and crafters, antique and classic cars and more. Hillbilly Idol (who “ain’t your Grandpa’s country music -- but he’d probably approve”) is playing on Sunday. What more do you need?

The festival grounds will be located in downtown Hudson, in the First and Main shopping district. Admission to the grounds is free, but of course the food is not. Please note that Taste of Hudson vendors will not accept cash; you must pay for your food using a pre-paid "Taste of Hudson" card. These cards are available at the "Taste of Hudson Ticket Tent" during festival days. From what I understand, if you do not use all of the money on your "Taste of Hudson" card, the remaining balance is a contribution to an unnamed charity. So try to estimate your food consumption wisely, unless you are feeling particularly philanthropic.

• Cleveland National Air Show: The Cleveland National Air Show takes place in downtown Cleveland at Burke Lakefront Airport on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Sept. 3-5. You can buy general admission tickets to access the grounds, where you can have your photo taken with a helicopter and tour various aircraft. Or, if you are mainly interested in the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, you can loiter around the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and/or Voinovich Park for great views. (The Thunderbirds perform between 3:00 and 5:00 each afternoon. Try not to catch their Saturday show; you will miss the wedding.)