8 Places That Anyone Who Grew Up In Ohio Will Undoubtedly Remember

Growing up in Ohio comes with a unique set of memories. From enjoying (sort of) fresh popcorn while you shopped to taking annual vacations to the world’s largest theme park, there was no place quite like the Buckeye State for a kid. The following are 8 places you might remember from your childhood, including department stores of yesteryear and long-gone amusement parks. Get ready for a trip down Memory Lane.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

1. Geauga Lake Amusement Park Chris Hagerman/Wikimedia Commons You likely remember when this was once the thriving Geauga Lake Park, where a lot of your family vacations took place. Today, very little remains of the world's largest theme park, which closed in 2000. 2. Hills Department Store Ichabod/Wikimedia Commons Remember the days of enjoying free popcorn while you shop? Most stores of this department store chain (founded in 1957 in Youngstown) were located in Ohio up until the late 90s when the chain was acquired by Ames. 3. Gold Circle Dirtyharry667/Wikimedia Commons This discount department store chain was sold and dismantled in the late 80s. It was founded in Columbus and its headquarters was stationed in Worthington. 4. Sea World Stig Nyggard/Flickr Once a neighbor to Geauga Lake from the late 60s until 1997, this beloved aquatic park left Ohio with nothing but memories of fun-filled, sea themed days. 5. Lazarus Vintage Columbus/Facebook This regional department store chain was a popular Christmas shopping destination, based in Columbus until the early 2000s. The F & R Lazarus and Co. made way for Macy's in 2005. 6. Big Bear TheeErin/Flickr For nearly 75 years, Big Bear was a central Ohio institution with stores also operating in West Virginia. This supermarket chain met its final demise in 2004. 7. Rolling Acres Mall Kamil Dziedzina Photos/Flickr With more than 140 stores, a theater and a food court in its heyday, this Arkon-area mall officially closed in 2008. A few years later, two of its still-open stores, Sears and JC Penney, also closed, leaving it completely abandoned. 8. Idora Park Michelle Bada/Flickr Also referred to as "Youngstown's Million Dollar Playground," this beloved amusement park closed in the 80s.

Do you remember these places? What other places do you remember visiting in Ohio as a kid? Share your stories and memories with us!

For more nostalgic fun, check out our previous article: 13 Weird Side Effects Everyone Experiences From Growing Up In Ohio.

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