Leaving Arizona is bittersweet… but I would be lying if I didn’t say I was excited for some of my FAVORITE things to do in Toledo, Ohio!! The city has gone under a major upgrade since we left and I can’t wait to check out some of the new activities, places, and restaurants! So because I’m procrastinating packing, I’ve decided to write a blog series about moving back to Toledo, Ohio!

The Toledo Zoo

One of my all time favorite things to do in Toledo, Ohio is go to The Toledo Zoo! We will definitely be getting a membership when we get back and I can’t wait to take the kids! I can remember big family outings with my family and my grandparents and spending the whole day at the zoo. It holds so many memories for me and it was actually where Payton and I went on one of our first dates!

So The Toledo Zoo isn’t just any zoo, it’s actually rated the #1 zoo in the country by USA Today!! The animals are happy, the habitats are unique, and it is super family friendly! Their aquarium is one of their newest features and it has so many interactive stations for the kids!

And do you know what the best part about the zoo is?! You can get married there!! If we had our wedding to do over again… I would TOTALLY get married at The Toledo Zoo! It’s the perfect venue for animal lovers and they have a variety of reception locations that are all stunning! It’s definitely a venue that’s on my bucket list!

Toledo Mud Hens Baseball

I can’t write a blog post about things to do in Toledo, Ohio without mentioning the Toledo Mud Hens! I can remember going to the games way before they were at Fifth Third Field at the old stadium with my Brownie Troop. And I remember when they OPENED Fifth Third Field. Before we moved, we even had season tickets!

The Mud Hens feed right into the Detroit Tiger’s farm system so sometimes you get to see some awesome pitchers right before they move up to the big league! I mean… I’m a huge Chicago Cubs fan but the Tiger’s are a close second! Toledo has also really build an amazing community downtown around the Mud Hens and Hensville has rooftop bars, a park, restaurants, and the Huntington Center where the Toledo Walleye play!

AND the Mud Hens will officially return to baseball May 4th! Covid has definitely put a damper on being able to do things like date nights but I think the world is slowly coming back to life as more people get vaccinated! I can’t wait to watch the game with a giant plate of nachos and a huge beer!

One more thing – you can GET MARRIED at the stadium!! I’ve put that on my venue bucket list too! Or how cute would a baseball themed engagement session be?!

Shorty’s True American Roadhouse

So Payton and I are what I like to call, “professional foodies”! Haha! Any time I don’t have to cook, it’s a win! And eating my way through restaurants is one of my favorite things to do in Toledo, Ohio! There’s a rumor that Toledo has the “most restaurants per capita” and it’s a badge the city wears proudly! New restaurants are popping up all the time, but one of my all time favorites is Shorty’s True American Roadhouse! It’s owned by the Mancy Family who have been serving the Toledo area through their many restaurants since 1921.

Shorty’s is my favorite go-to spot for barbecue and I LOVE their brisket salad! Their cornbread muffins and honey butter! OMG! In our family, you could lose a hand if you tried to “take someone’s muffin”! Lol! We even had our rehearsal dinner catered by them! The atmosphere is relaxed and fun and even had a handful of friends work there over the years! I always leave happy and full!

If you love Shorty’s, you should try some of the other Mancy owned restaurants! I’ve ate at them all and I’ve NEVER had a bad meal! Here are some of the other restaurants in the Toledo area that they own:

• Mancy’s Steakhouse
• Mancy’s Italian Grill
• Bluewater Grill
• Mancy’s Ideal
• Shorty’s Back Forty

And one more thing I’m super excited about…

I’ve already booked a few sessions back in Toledo, Ohio!! If you want to find out more info or set up a session, you can fill out my contact form to get in touch!

Want to see more blog posts about Toledo, Ohio?? Check out these below!

We’re Moving Back To Toledo, Ohio!!

Allie and Austin’s Toledo Engagement Session

Olivia & Kenzie’s Sunflower Senior Session