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When you want to feed your knowledge place, there's no better starting point than visiting a bookstore where you'll find a plethora of information from art and history to fiction and non-fiction bestsellers. Here are four unique bookstores near Toledo you'll love. Gathering Volumes At Gathering Volumes, that's what they do by carefully selecting the best of the best in books covering many genres that customers are interested in reading. The bookshelves are lined with books of fiction, literature for young people, non-fiction, poetry, translated literature, and upcoming new books. There's also a section for bestsellers. While visiting, you'll want to peruse the used books, eBooks, and audiobook sections. Stop by at your leisure and gather your own volumes Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. more NeverMore Used Bookstore NeverMore Used Bookstore is your go-to place to not only buy books to add to your personal library but also to trade in your books once you've finished reading them for in-store credit. The books must be in good condition and clean to be eligible. The credit gives you 25 percent off of any store purchase. Whether you're looking for a book to delve into for sheer pleasure or you need a resource to write a term paper, this bookstore has an extensive selection of second-hand books to choose from. If you can't find what you're looking for, the staff is experienced in helping find an alternative. The cozy and quaint bookstore is the perfect place to sit back and relax Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. BAM! Books-A-Million Indulge your need to increase your knowledge, learn, and be entertained with a visit to BMA! Books-A-Million where you'll find a large inventory of fiction and non-fiction by both new and veteran writers. The bookstore offers book selections for kids, teens, and adults as well as movies and music, collectibles, audiobooks, and toys and games. You'll also want to check the bargain books and the gift shop. For your convenience, reserve your books ahead of time online then pick up your selections in the store. With categories such as antiques and collectibles, body, mind, and spirit, crafts and hobbies, gardening, history, juvenile fiction and non-fiction, science, computers, nature, and young adult fiction and non-fiction, the skies the limit when it comes to expanding your horizons. Discover Books Discover Books makes it easy to find your favorite reading material from the comfort of your home. The online bookstore has an extensive selection of books within more than 25 categories. From art to travel, and everything in-between, you can expand your knowledge and tease your imagination. The bookstore offers easy ordering, low prices, and free shipping in the U.S. Open your mind to new areas of interest with a visit to a local bookstore. You never know what interesting and intriguing information is ready to pounce off the pages. Image via Pixbay by LubosHouska

With Halloween right around the corner, it's time to start thinking about ways to celebrate. Fortunately, there are several venues and events in Toledo where you can enjoy Halloween. Let's take a look at some of these spots and what they have to offer. Panic In The Pines Panic In The Pines takes place on the grounds of a 150-year-old farm. The event features three haunted attractions for the price of one. On the haunted hayride, you'll encounter flesh-eating zombies looking for their next meal. In the haunted woods, a mad scientist hunts for people to perform his experiments on. The haunted trail leads you to what looks like a childhood paradise. However, looks can be deceiving. more Fleitz Pumpkin Farm In preparation for Halloween, it's essential to find the perfect pumpkin to carve into a jack o' lantern. The entire family will enjoy picking a pumpkin from the patch at Fleitz Pumpkin Farm. Other activities include one-acre and five-acre mazes. Younger family members will enjoy the mini mazes. You can feed the chickens and goats, then enjoy a hayride. In the craft barn, you'll find unique Halloween decorations for sale. The snack shack serves up homemade donuts, fresh apple cider, and hot dogs. Ottawa County Fall Fest If you enjoy camping and other outdoor activities, you should consider attending the Ottawa County Fall Fest. The three-day camp out features a bonfire, live music, and a horse show. Halloween-themed activities include a costume contest, trick-or-treating, and arts & crafts. The event concludes with a pancake breakfast and a game of cow plop. Pumpkin Path Every year, the Toledo Zoo hosts its Pumpkin Path event, featuring games, a pumpkin carving demonstration, bounce houses, and magic shows. Of course, there is also costumed trick-or-treating. At select stations, non-edible treats will be offered for children with food allergies. As you journey along the Pumpkin Path, you can also pay a visit to the Zoo's residents to see how they celebrate the Halloween season. Boo! Cruise The Boo! Cruise is a thirty-minute river cruise that the entire family can enjoy. The cruise is offered by The Sandpiper, a 100-passenger vessel located on the Maumee River. Boo! Cruise guests are encouraged to show up in their most imaginative costumes. Halloween treats will be provided by The Sandpiper crew. During the fall season, The Sandpiper also offers a Fall Colors Cruise. This two-hour cruise provides stunning views of the leaves changing along the Maumee River. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the colors. If you decide to let grandma take the kids trick-or-treating and you're looking for something to do, The Sandpiper also hosts a Halloween party that is adults-only. Be sure to wear your best costume. Prizes will be given out for the best ones. Of course, The Sandpiper crew will be serving up some grownup Halloween treats. These are just some of the ways to celebrate Halloween in the Toledo area. No matter how you choose to celebrate, stay safe, and have a great time. Image from Pixabay

When you want to head out on a fun and exciting day trip from Maumee, Ohio, there's plenty to choose from for your day. Whether you're bringing the family, a special someone, or going it alone, there are many great day trips from Maumee that are sure to entertain both the young and old alike. Maumee River Water Trail Immerse yourself in nature by visiting the Maumee River Water Trail. The 107-mile trail stretches from Maumee Bay to the Ohio-Indiana border and connects five Toledo area metroparks, three state parks, three wildlife areas, and 15 publicly-owned parks. more Launch your boat for a day exploring the waters and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Paddle along the river with the cityscape as your backdrop. Pack a lunch and stop for a picnic after working up an appetite. An interactive trail map is available online so you can plan your route for the day, including where you'd like to launch and travel along the water trail. Thrill Rides in Sandusky Sandusky, Ohio, is home to the famous Cedar Point Shores, an amusement and water park known for thrilling rides and fun. At only 60 miles east of Maumee, this is a day trip that is sure to provide entertainment for every member of the family. Get your blood pumping on thrilling roller coasters or enjoy Midway classics like the Scrambler and Tiki Twirl. When the weather is nice, cool off in the refreshing waters at the 18-acre Cedar Point Shores water park. The water park features slides, geysers, and fountains for little ones, along with exciting slides and rides for big kids. Race friends down the six stories in the ultimate water race or rent a cabana and soak up the sun. Cedar Point is located at 1 Cedar Point Drive in Sandusky. Its hours vary throughout the year. African Safari Wildlife Park For an exciting day trip, head to the African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton, a short 45-mile drive east of Maumee. Drive through this park to see a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, bison, alpaca, camels, llamas, zebras, and more. Take the walking tour and get up close and personal with red river hogs, tortoises, warthogs, alligators, and white-handed gibbons. The Aviary Adventure features more than 400 colorful budgies, and kids can enjoy rides on the camels. After checking out the animals, mine for gems at the African Safari Mining Outpost. You can even participate in feeding the animals. Purchase food and feed the kangaroos, tortoises, rabbits, and even birds. Check the calendar times for educational animal programs to learn more about the wildlife living at the park. African Safari Wildlife Park is located at 267 S. Lightner Road in Port Clinton. It's open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The last cars are admitted one hour prior to closing. When you're ready to head out for a day of fun but don't want to drive too far, check out these great day trips from Maumee. Image from Pixabay

Located on Lake Erie, Maumee Bay, near Toledo, Ohio, is a natural oasis with an abundance of wildlife and recreational opportunities for nature lovers. Whether you want to cruise the waters, hike through the wetlands, or play a game of golf, there's plenty of ways to enjoy Maumee Bay. Explore the Waters Bring your canoe and launch it at the marina to explore the 57-acre inland lake inside the Maumee Bay State Park. The waters are perfect for paddling your canoe, sailing with the winds, or other nonmotorized boats. Boat rentals are available on-site. more If you prefer to get wet, cool off in the refreshing waters with a swim. There are two sand beaches on Lake Erie's shores that provide the perfect spot to build sandcastles or soak up the sun. When the sun goes down, stay for a show at the large lakeside amphitheater that is located between the two beaches. Play a Round of Golf Enjoy scenic views while playing a round of golf at Maumee Bay Golf Course. This unique course features an 18-hole Scottish Links style and is set upon low, rolling hills and bent grass fairways. Both experienced and beginner golfers will enjoy the challenges presented by bunkers and ponds. Before heading out, stop by the pro shop to pick up some gear or meet with the PGA-certified professional to hone your skills. Reel in the Big One Bring your rod and reel and spend the day fishing in Lake Erie, also known as the “walleye capital of the world.” With some of the best fishing in the Midwest, you're sure to reel in the big one while fishing in Maumee Bay. Catch channel catfish, smallmouth bass, freshwater drum, and yellow perch. Good pan fishing opportunities are found at the fishing piers, which are also wheelchair accessible. A small pond near parking lot No. 7 has been designated as kid-friendly so little ones can fish alongside you. A valid Ohio fishing license is required, so make sure to have one before casting. Learn About Nature Stop by the Nature Center at Maumee Bay State Park to learn about the park's history, flora, and fauna. The center features interactive exhibits, a research laboratory, and large viewing windows. Attend one of the Native American events that are hosted at the center throughout the year and take a stroll along the adjacent boardwalk. Take a Hike Explore Maumee Bay by foot by taking a walk along one of the trails scattered around the Maumee Bay State Park. The trails wind through marsh wetlands, swamps, open meadows, beaches, and ponds providing beautiful views of Lake Erie. Pack a picnic and pick a shady spot for lunch. The multipurpose trail is 3.5 miles and available for hiking and cross-country skiing during winter months. The Inland Lake trail is a 3-mile trail that is paved and available for biking or jogging. An Interpretive Boardwalk trail is 2 miles long and open to hikers. It's also ADA accessible. For beginners, the Mouse Trail is an easy 2.5-mile trail for hikers. From relaxing activities to those that will get your heart pumping, there's plenty of fun to be had at Maumee Bay. Image from Pixabay

There's so much to do and see in and around Maumee, Ohio. Check out our list of three favorite nearby activities that are perfect for families as well as anyone else looking to have fun! Toledo Zoo Meet 720 different species of animals at the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium. Visitors can learn about the zoo's emphasis on conservation and its participation in more than 80 species survival programs. Guests can also participate in interactive experiences like a touch tank and live dive feeding demonstrations at the aquarium. Visit Penguin Beach, an outdoor exhibit with an underwater viewing area featuring African penguins. Families will also love the Reptile House, Tiger Terrace, and Tembo Trail, which features elephants, hippos, and many other species. more During the holidays, check out The Lights Before Christmas. The annual event, founded in 1986, features more than a million Christmas lights decorating the Zoo's trees and buildings. The celebration also features model trains from the Swanton Area Railroad & Model Club, an Arctic Blast game, a winter village with ice bumper cars and an ice slide, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself! At the center of The Lights Before Christmas is the "Big Tree," 85-foot tall spruce decorated with 35,000 LED lights, as well as the Dancing Northern Lights show, which takes place several times each night in Cheetah Valley. Toledo Botanical Garden Toledo Botanical Garden is a free public garden that is open all year during daylight hours. The garden's mission is to inspire interest in stewardship of nature and horticulture. It is home to an urban agriculture center that hosts more than 125 community gardens, giving community members access to homegrown produce. The Toledo Botanical Garden offers more than 60 acres of gardens and plant collections. Head to the Botanical Garden the last full weekend of June every year for the Crosby Festival, northwest Ohio's premiere fine arts festival. Supported by the Ohio Arts Council, the Festival features artwork from over 200 local artists. Imagination Station, Toledo Science Center The Imagination Station makes science, technology, and engineering accessible and fun for everyone in the family with hundreds of interactive exhibits. Kids can draw their own animated cartoon, design a building to withstand an earthquake, and create a car to race down a track. Kids will also love exploring the IDEA Lab at the Imagination Station. The IDEA Lab is a three-level experience with a mix of workshops, permanent features, and activities that rotate throughout the year, meaning that you'll have a new experience each time you visit. Lucas County residents always get a $2 discount on admission, and admission is free on Saturdays for Lucas County kids 12 years and under. The KeyBank Discovery Theater, slated to open in spring 2020, will offer a uniquely immersive experience for visitors. There is a lot to explore for Maumee families. Whether you want to learn more about science, stroll beautiful trails outdoors, or interact with cool animals, this area has something for you and your family. Image from Pixabay

There are so many historical sites to explore in and around Maumee, Ohio. From exploring old battlefields to wandering through museums filled with artifacts that tell the history of northwest Ohio, there is something for everyone. If you're a history buff, love learning about the area, or are looking for family-friendly activities, check out some of our favorite places to explore. Fort Meigs Fort Meigs was first built during the War of 1812 in what is now Perrysburg, Ohio, overlooking the Maumee River rapids. Ground was broken for the fort in February 1813 to fortify the region against British attacks on American forts. The fort successfully withstood two separate sieges by combined British, Canadian, and Native American forces during the war. Experience history coming alive as muskets crack during the many historical reenactments that Fort Meigs hosts each year. Visit the Fort Meigs museum to learn about the War of 1812 and Fort Meigs' role during the war as well as the history of the early Native inhabitants of the area, and find out how archeologists have been able to discover what happened at this historical site. Lovers of history will enjoy the Fort Meigs Military Roundtable, a series of lectures throughout the year, and the history book club. The Wolcott Heritage Center The Wolcott Heritage Center is a museum complex that hosts eight buildings that reflect different periods in the history of Maumee and the surrounding area. Built-in Greek Revival style around 1840, the Frederick House also serves as the museum's welcome center. The most impressive building is the Wolcott House, built by James Wolcott, who made his fortune in shipping, and his wife Mary Wells Wolcott, the house started as a two-room log house and was eventually expanded into its current 14-room "mansion" style by 1836. The Wolcott House is built in the Federal/Classic Revival style and looks over the Maumee River, where Wolcott's steamships once operated. The Wolcott Heritage Center holds an extensive historical doll collection and also hosts exhibits related to the region's history. The Maumee Memorabilia Museum on-site also has a number of fascinating objects that tell the history of Maumee. Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis Fort Miamis was constructed in spring 1794 by British forces with the support of the Indian Confederation to secure the Maumee Valley against General Anthony Wayne's Legion of the United States' advance towards Detroit. The 1783 Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the Revolutionary War, included a provision allowing the British to remain in the Northwest Territory while the United States sought to resolve a land issue with Native allies of the British. In 1791, a federation of Native American forces under Chief Little Turtle dealt General Anthony St. Clair's American troops a stunning defeat. The Battle of Fallen Timbers at Fort Miamis in 1794 was a decisive moment in resolving U.S. jurisdiction in this area. Whether you're a history buff or a newbie to history, you will love visiting these sites and museums to learn more about local history. Check out three of our favorite historical places to explore near Maumee. Image from Pixabay

Reading a good book allows you to travel the world on a limited budget. If you are the type of reader who prefers to hold an actual paperback book, then you are sure to enjoy these great bookstores in the Toledo, Ohio, area. NeverMore Used Books NeverMore Used Books is a quaint bookstore right in Toledo. It is recently under new ownership and has become a popular bookstore in the area because of its wide collection of affordable books. There is also a separate kid's section which is perfect for relaxing and enjoying a good book with your child. The staff at NeverMore Used Books is very helpful and will help you find your next good read. more Books A Million Books A Million is a larger bookstore that is also located in Toledo. This bookshop features thousands of books across different genres, as well as souvenirs and attire of your favorite book characters. If you prefer alternative reading materials, then you will enjoy the magazine area. Books A Million also has a coffee shop so you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee while you browse for your next book. You can also sign up for a monthly membership which gets you discounts on books and coffee. If you are looking for a specific title of a book, you can order online and then pick it up in-store. Gathering Volumes Gathering Volumes is an independent, community-based bookstore in Perrysburg. This means that the shop buys books for the community, based on individual feedback and recommendations from its customers. If you are looking for a specific title, Gathering Volumes may be able to find and order it for you. You will find a lot of Indie books at Gathering Volumes, as well as children's and bestseller books. The bookstore also hosts numerous community events including summer reading programs and children's reading groups. Grounds for Thought Grounds for Thought is the perfect bookstore for reading and coffee enthusiasts. The owners first opened their doors in 1989 in an attempt to combine two of their favorite items, books and coffee. The bookshop is conveniently located in downtown Bowling Green and is much more than a used bookstore. Grounds for Thought is also a community meeting place and you will often find guests relaxing at one of the tables with a good book. In addition to good books and coffee, the shop also has comic books, records, and great snacks. A lot of customers also rave about their desserts. You can also purchase many of the items online. Make sure you also check out the free concert series with Jazz, Bluegrass, and American rock performers, performing right in the bookstore. Whether you enjoy reading the latest bestsellers or you are looking for a classic, you are sure to find it at one of these local bookstores. Grab a cup of your favorite coffee, browse until you find a great book, and then spend the afternoon relaxing with your favorite book characters. Image from Pixabay

If you enjoy trying new dishes, then you are in luck. There are many worthwhile restaurants to check out in the Maumee, Ohio, area. These are just a few of the best. Registry Bistro Just a short drive to nearby Toledo is the Regency Bistro. The chef has trained under some of the best chefs in the world, combining all of her experiences and lessons into the menu at the Regency Bistro. Although you can expect an upscale, finely crafted menu at Regency Bistro, the dining experience is casual and comfortable. Begin your meal with a dish off of the Nibbles & Nosh section like the grilled pig & pear or the grilled Danish brie with warm artichoke Caponata. Main dishes include items like the grilled swordfish with saffron and the grilled duck breast with spiced carrot puree. Registry Bistro also often hosts special events including an upcoming craft cocktail workshop and a dancing & strolling desserts event. The Benchmark Restaurant The Benchmark Restaurant in Perrysburg offers a unique twist on your traditional steak and seafood restaurant. They have created a menu that is traditional but also incorporates modern food trends into it. The lunch menu includes items like the fried green tomatoes and the salmon burger. For dinner, try the Benchmark burger or the sea bass with roasted fingerling potatoes and broccolini. The Benchmark Restaurant is a popular choice among Maumee locals so make sure you book a reservation early. Barry's Bagels Barry's Bagels has been serving Maumee locals with fresh bagels and sandwiches since the 1970s. The family-owned-and-operated bakery aims to serve delicious menu items while also giving back to the local community. They have made business ownership a possibility to Barry's Bagels' enthusiasts with franchise locations all over Ohio and Southern Michigan. A few of the most popular items on the menu include honey roasted turkey and tuna salad sandwiches. You can also order a specialty beverage to pair with your bagel sandwiches like the flavored cafe mocha or the flavored cafe latte. In a rush? You can call ahead, place your order, and quickly pick it up in store. 5th Street Pub The 5th Street Pub perfectly combines Italian cuisine with a sports bar atmosphere. While they have a large menu with your favorite Italian dishes, the most popular item on the menu is their pizza. They understand the importance of high-quality ingredients that goes into creating the perfect pizza. In fact, 5th Street Pub uses the same ingredients that went into the first pizza ever made in Italy, over 200 years ago. Other worthwhile items on the menu include the pub burger, the pork chop & applesauce, and the veggie pasta. They also have a large drink menu with 19 beers on tap and signature drinks like the Grow a Pear and the Italian Margherita. Ohio is filled with exceptional restaurants including fine dining, fresh bagels, and breweries. Don't bother with grocery shopping this weekend. Grab a few friends, choose one of these local restaurants, and try the best that the area has to offer. Image from Pixabay