AGP Executive Report

Scenic Drives & Fall Plans: National Scenic Byway Day is Sept. 22, with a push to skip the interstate and explore Ohio’s byways and small towns. Top Ohio Leaf-Peeping: Cuyahoga Valley National Park is highlighted as a top fall destination, with no entrance fee and suggested spots like Brandywine Falls, the Ledges, and Kendall Lake. Travel Safety & Comfort: Orkin’s 2026 “worst cities” bed bug list includes Cleveland and Columbus, and the EPA urges a quick room check right after you arrive. Road & Travel Disruptions: Ohio Turnpike toll-lane changes are urged after a fatal crash, and NTSB wants manual toll lanes eliminated. Local Travel Growth: Buc-ee’s is moving ahead in Greenwood, Indiana, with officials approving the project despite school-traffic concerns—good news for road-trippers heading that way. Community & Tourism Events: Wooster’s “Badges & Bobbers” connects youth and police with fishing and outdoor activities at Freedlander Park. Health Access for Travelers: Cleveland Clinic’s network is now available to more Bermuda residents via Allshores, supporting overseas care coordination.

Road Safety & Travel Tech: The NTSB is urging the Ohio Turnpike to end low-speed manual toll lanes after a 2024 fatal crash near Toledo, saying fully electronic tolling could have prevented it. Public Health: Measles cases in the U.S. hit 3,471, and Ohio counties including Meigs, Gallia and Morgan report cases as vaccination rates drop. Air Travel Disruptions: A ground stop tied to an air-traffic control issue at a Philadelphia facility caused delays and cancellations at St. Louis Lambert, with travelers advised to work through airlines. Local Tourism & Events: Point Pleasant’s Mothman Festival is drawing crowds with cryptid vendors, museum visits and themed attractions. Heritage Rail: Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is running a steam-and-speeder fundraiser to help recover Indiana’s flood-damaged Whitewater Valley Railroad. Family-Friendly Roadside Culture: Greenwood, Indiana approved a Buc-ee’s travel center plan, despite traffic and light-pollution concerns—another sign of how big stops shape travel plans. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show diesel and E15 deals popping up in parts of Ohio, with some counties seeing notably lower prices than the state average.

Fuel & Driving Costs: GasBuddy reports one Auglaize County station had the cheapest E15 at $3.46/gal (week ending Sept. 12), while Hamilton County’s lowest midgrade hit $4.09 and Fairfield County’s lowest diesel was $5.19—another reminder that Ohio road trips can hinge on a single station. Safety on the Road: A school bus crash in Elyria sent four to the hospital after a Honda struck the bus at Cleveland Street and SR 57; Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating. Pedestrian Alert: OSHP is investigating a serious injury crash on the National Road in Auglaize County where a car hit two pedestrians after the driver exited to check on a deer. Local Travel Disruptions: ODOT projects are expected to affect Jefferson County traffic, including SR 7 ramp closures and resurfacing/repair work through late October. Arts & Culture: Opera Western Reserve brings “Pagliacci” to Powers Auditorium in Youngstown on Sept. 26—short, intense, and built for first-timers. Community Events: Steubenville’s inaugural International Film Festival is set for Nov. 6–7 at the Sycamore Center. Weather Watch: A tornado warning in southeastern Ohio was lifted, but flash-flood risk remains with heavy rain continuing.

Oktoberfest season in Ohio and beyond: Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (50th anniversary) and other major U.S. Oktoberfests kick off Saturday, with multiple cities running free-to-enter events through Sunday—perfect for quick fall getaways. Ohio River tourism milestone: Marietta’s Ohio River Sternwheel Festival celebrates 50 years, drawing thousands to Levee Park for historic sternwheelers, local food, live music, and fireworks. Cleveland bridge history: A local YouTuber is preserving the Eagle Avenue lift bridge’s control panel, aiming to keep the story—and the engineering—alive for visitors. Travel logistics & safety: TSA screening changes are rolling out at 30+ airports, and a crash in Fayette County killed a 20-year-old after a vehicle overturned into a soybean field. Budget travel reality check: Diesel prices remain high across Ohio’s Miami Valley, with AAA citing averages around $6.72 and some truck stops above $7. Health for travelers and locals: Ohio State-linked research finds many Gen Z patients skip primary care, raising the risk of missed preventive checkups.

Health & Travel Safety: Ohio State-linked Mercy Health says many Gen Z patients lack a primary care provider, with long gaps after aging out of pediatric care—an issue that can affect how confidently people plan routine checkups while on the move. Road Conditions: Flood warnings cover parts of southern Ohio and Central West Virginia, with small-stream overflow risks for morning commuters. Local Commuting: This week’s road work includes major I-75 lane shifts and contraflow changes in Montgomery County, plus other regional detours. Gas Prices: Diesel deals are popping up—Vinton County hit $5.89 (week ending Sept. 12), and Ross County’s lowest midgrade was $4.31. Sports Tourism Buzz: Fans are reacting to ESPN College GameDay’s Week 4 pick—Texas at Tennessee in Knoxville—adding to the travel hype for SEC matchups. Public Safety: Two pedestrians were seriously hurt after a vehicle struck them in Auglaize County; police also investigate a deadly I-670 crash in Columbus involving a fleeing vehicle.

Great Lakes Trade & Tariffs: A new report warns US–Canada tariff tensions are disrupting Great Lakes shipping tied to iron ore and other cross-border supply chains, adding uncertainty for ports and regional travel-linked commerce. Healthcare Access in Ohio: University Hospitals’ Seidman Cancer Center in Geneva is set to close Nov. 13, pushing patients to a farther Lake County hub and sparking concerns about longer commutes for cancer care. Road Safety: Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash in Washington County, while a separate I-70 multi-vehicle crash near Mad River Township left one truck driver dead and others seriously hurt. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy data shows Ohio regular gas averaging about $4.05 statewide for the week ending Sept. 12, with notable low-price spots in Licking County and E85 deals across multiple counties. Accessible Travel Moment: A legally blind visitor and her guide dog visited Indiana Dunes National Park, highlighting how national parks can work for travelers with disabilities. Sports Tourism Buzz (Ohio): Ohio State hosts Kent State after Jeremiah Smith broke the program’s career receiving-yard record, a reminder that game weekends keep pulling visitors into Columbus.

Ohio Stadium Game Day: No. 6 Ohio State hosts Kent State Saturday at noon (FOX; DIRECTV/Fubo free trials mentioned), aiming to bounce back after a 24-23 loss at Texas and lean on QB Julian Sayin and WR Jeremiah Smith. Weekend Weather: Marion County expects warm, partly sunny conditions Saturday with showers/thunderstorms possible, then a wetter Sunday with rain likely. Road & Travel Planning: Hocking County has ongoing ODOT work on U.S. 33 (resurfacing and sign replacements) plus a SR 664/Sauerkraut Road roundabout project; plan for lane closures and detours. Family Fun Win: Kings Island’s Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare earned Best New Family Attraction at the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports lowest diesel in Perry County at $5.79 (week ending Sept. 12) and lowest midgrade in Hardin County at $4.01; E85 deals noted in Stark County ($3.22). Active Outdoors: The Great American Rail-Trail bike tour rolls into Steubenville, highlighting trail tourism and local businesses.

Airport Open House: Warren County Airport in Lebanon invites the public to Airport Fest 2026 (10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday) with free admission, static aircraft displays, a kids zone, live music, and rides including a WWII B-25 “Champagne Gal.” Riverfront Revamp: Paducah, Kentucky held a grand opening for its Riverfront Infrastructure Improvement Project, adding walking paths, green space, and a riverboat excursion pier and plaza—an easy stop for Ohio travelers crossing the river. Historic Rail Talk: Convoy Historical Society hosts a free program Oct. 4 at the Convoy Opera House on the Fort Wayne–Van Wert–Lima interurban electric railway and a 1910 accident. Local Creative Fun: Findlay’s new ceramic studio, A and L All Fired Up Ceramics, is drawing visitors with beginner-friendly paint-and-glaze sessions and a “therapy” vibe. Fuel Watch: Great Lakes drivers brace for higher gas prices, with Ohio flagged as the highest risk for increases. Travel Safety: A multi-vehicle crash shut down parts of I-70 in Clark County early Friday, underscoring highway travel risks.

Road & Safety: The NTSB is urging states to eliminate manual cash toll lanes after a deadly Swanton, Ohio crash, arguing fully electronic tolling could have prevented the fatal rear-end. Fall Travel & Outdoors: Ohio’s fall color season is getting a boost from scenic train routes, and Ohio state parks are being highlighted as top spots for autumn foliage. Hunting Tourism: ODNR says Ohio’s whitetail deer herd success is driving strong hunting opportunities, with archery season set to begin Sept. 26. Local Events: Groundwork Ohio’s Roadshow 2026 roundtable is coming to Ridgeway Commons on Sept. 23. Family Travel Alerts: A Ravenna school bus crash sent minor-injury reports after a two-vehicle collision with children on board. Budget Reality Check: Gas prices remain uneven across Ohio counties, with multiple GasBuddy reports showing some of the lowest midgrade/regular deals in the $3.60–$4.30 range. Wayfinding for Drivers: ODOT is preparing for an I-75 closure in downtown Cincinnati later this month tied to Linn Street Bridge work, with heavy trucks encouraged to use I-275. Health & Care: FDA approved the first gene therapy for Sanfilippo syndrome type A, a major milestone for affected families.

Ohio Travel & Tourism: Fall travel planning: Ohio state parks were named among USA Today’s best places to see fall colors, a timely boost for leaf-peepers planning weekend drives. Local events: Festivals & community: The Feast of San Gennaro’s 100th anniversary drew huge crowds in Little Italy, a reminder of how major cultural festivals can pull in out-of-state visitors. Family-friendly travel: Road-trip ideas: A roundup highlights “the very best of fall in Ohio,” pointing readers toward seasonal experiences. Sports tourism: Game-day travel: Ohio’s nonconference matchup at South Alabama is set for this weekend, with the trip tied to a key injury update for the Bobcats’ quarterback situation. Food & lodging industry: Dining shakeup: Meritage Hospitality filed for voluntary Chapter 11, which could affect travel diners who rely on its Wendy’s and other restaurant brands across multiple states. Safety & logistics: Traffic alerts: A fatal multi-vehicle crash investigation is underway on SR 37 near Blacks Road in Union Township, a reminder to expect delays on regional routes. Practical travel costs: Gas prices: GasBuddy reports show Ohio regular and premium prices remain volatile, with several counties posting single-station lows in the Sept. 12 reporting week.

Fall Foliage Honors: USA Today’s 10Best named Cuyahoga Valley National Park (No. 4) and Hocking Hills (No. 2) among the nation’s best fall color spots—great news for Ohio leaf-peepers planning hikes, scenic rides, and cave-and-falls days. Cleveland Music Tourism: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced a $10 million Haslam Atrium investment tied to its expansion opening this fall, adding a major new entry space with Lake Erie views for the millions who visit. Airport as Destination: At Akron-Canton Airport, a beekeeper program is producing branded honey sold exclusively at the airport, giving travelers a local take-home stop. Local Dining Buzz: Columbus is pitching a full fall getaway—football, foliage, and Halloween—while Experience Columbus highlights leaf peeping, U-pick farms, and nearby towns. Travel Disruption Watch: Heavy rain is causing flooding and road closures across parts of northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio, with some rescues and school closures—check conditions before heading out. Oktoberfest Timing: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Cincinnati kicks off Sept. 17-20, starting early compared with Munich’s official start.

Travel & Tourism in Ohio: Ohio University Lancaster is staging “Little Shop of Horrors,” with the biggest hurdle being the logistics of hauling and rehearsing multiple large puppets for Audrey II. Accessibility for Travelers & Visitors: Ohio University Police partnered with Student Accessibility Services on the Blue Envelope Program, giving students a simple way to communicate preferred support needs during high-stimulus interactions; envelopes are available at Alden Library and OUPD. Local Events: Wauseon’s Museum of Fulton County hosts Hobo Day/Day of Play Sept. 26 at the Wauseon Depot, featuring a “Hobo Dinner,” model trains, and depot history. Family Travel Safety: A national survey finds many school-bus riders experience close calls, with strong parent support for automated stop-arm enforcement—useful for families planning school-zone travel. Road-Trip Planning: Travel + Leisure named several Ohio spots for fall covered-bridge road trips, including Ashtabula County and Fairfield County. Gas Watch (Ohio): GasBuddy reports midgrade and premium price snapshots across Ohio counties for the week ending Sept. 5.

Travel & Tourism in Ohio: Ohio University Lancaster is staging “Little Shop of Horrors,” with special focus on the hard-to-transport, growing Audrey II puppets—this time rented two weeks early so the cast can rehearse inside them. Accessibility for Visitors: Ohio University Police and Student Accessibility Services are rolling out the Blue Envelope Program, giving students a simple way to share communication needs with law enforcement during high-stimulus moments. Local Events & Community: Lucas County Commissioners passed a resolution supporting Palestinians, drawing pushback from local Jewish community leaders who say county officials should focus on local issues. Road & Trip Safety: A semi crash on I-70 in Preble County left the driver seriously injured after the truck hit an overpass; OSHP is investigating. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show Athens County premium hit $4.89 at the low end for the week ending Sept. 5, with Ohio’s average premium down to $4.99. Family Travel Health: U.S. News named Cincinnati Children’s and Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus to the 2026-2027 Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll, a helpful signal for families planning care trips.

Autonomous Truck Tests: Ohio is seeing more driverless freight trials, but fully driverless tractor-trailers are still limited to private or semi-private areas while state law keeps public-road deployments mostly in testing with a human ready to take over. Family Cancer Support: Gov. DeWine and ODH launched a Pediatric Complex Care Navigation Program to give families a single point of contact for faster help after a child is diagnosed with cancer. Outdoor & Nature: Fernald Preserve in Hamilton is marking 20 years since cleanup of a former uranium processing site, now offering 7 miles of hiking trails and a visitor center year-round. Local Events: Centerburg’s OldTime Farming Festival returns Sept. 19 with a parade, horticultural exhibits, and demonstrations. Community Safety Tech: Maumee police say Flock cameras logged about 1,100 sex-offender “hits” over a year, used as alerts that still require verification before any stop. Travel-Adjacent Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps finished a $4.1M dredging project at Conneaut Harbor to keep Lake Erie navigation channels safe.

Fall Travel & Outdoors: ODNR’s Headlands Birding Festival returns Sept. 18–20 at Headlands Beach State Park and nearby Lake Erie hotspots, with guided walks, a birding boat trip, and expert talks on fall migration. New Lodging Spotlight: Somerset’s Pigfoot Inn has opened in a restored late-1800s building, offering rustic stays with modern comforts (including hot tub and sauna) and space for groups to host events. Local Mobility Rules: New Philadelphia is considering ordinances to regulate e-bikes and scooters—limiting where they can ride, banning use in city parks, and tightening sidewalk rules. Road Trip Reality Check (Gas Prices): GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas deals in Ohio this week include $3.94 in Ashtabula County and $4.09 in Coshocton County. Family-Friendly Entertainment: Screamfest will open Oct. 6–15 with “The Night Driver,” starring Josh Lucas, David Arquette, and Alyssa Milano, plus multiple premieres. Sports Tourism Note: The “Battle for the Victory Bell” between Cincinnati and Miami could be its final renewal as the rivalry is set to end after this Saturday.

OVI Enforcement: Ohio State Highway Patrol says officers will run an OVI checkpoint this week, with the county and location announced just before the stop—plan ahead if you’re drinking. Transit & Campus Travel: Ohio State’s College Road construction will reroute multiple CABS bus routes through spring 2027 and add a stop for the Northwest Connector; the university also expanded an on-demand pilot to help students get around. Sports Tourism (Columbus): The NHL’s Blue Jackets plan a prospects tournament in Columbus in 2028 at Nationwide Arena and the OhioHealth Ice Haus, part of a rotating three-year agreement with other teams. Family-Friendly Airports: TSA’s “Gateside” program will let TSA PreCheck members accompany visitors to the gate at 13 airports (including Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City), with visitors still screened. Local Culture: Bowling Green’s Latin American and Caribbean Festival highlighted community culture and performances at Lampkin Park. Road Trip Costs (GasBuddy): Gas prices updates show big county-by-county swings, including Geauga’s single E85 station at the lowest reported price for the week ending Sept. 5.