Original home to the Big Dipper roller coaster, Geauga Lake has been the center for family entertainment over many years. Today the lake is home to the Wild Water Kingdom. This 17.5 acre park was introduced in 2005 and is now home to Tidal Wave Bay, one of the largest outdoor wave pools in Ohio. It's located just up the road from the convention!

If you prefer roller-coasters to water parks, the Cedar Point Amusement Park is situated on the shores of Lake Erie (about 90 minutes away from the convention site) and features SEVENTEEN roller coasters. Cedar Point is the second oldest amusement park in North America, and although coaster fans seek out the park for its signature thrill rides, there is something for everyone here, including the little ones.

Northern Ohio also boasts several Halls-of-Fame. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Cleveland, just over a half-hour's drive away from the convention site. The 150,000 square-foot museum features seven floors, five theaters for films, special events and free public programs and ever-changing exhibits. Just an hour's drive south of Aurora, OH is the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in Canton. If you're into sports AND music, you can pick up a "Hall Pass" here (or at the Rock and Roll HoF) and get access to both museums at a discounted rate. Also nearby is the National Inventors Hall of Fame in Akron.

While you're in Cleveland for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or a Cleveland Indians game (the team is home all Convention weekend), you might also want to check out University Circle. Each year, more than 2.5 million people find themselves in the Circle. Just 4 miles from downtown Cleveland, University Circle is an extraordinary urban neighborhood, home to more than 20 artistic and cultural venues, as well as a host of year-round special events. Combined with neighboring Little Italy, there are close to 100 dining options from which to choose. 

The Great Lakes Brewing Company is also located in Cleveland. You can take a tour of the brewery, or have a meal in their brewpub, which is stocked with historic brewing memorabila and artifacts. Nearby is also the Cleveland Museum of Natural History as well as the Great Lakes Science Center, which is a great place to take the kids for the day.

For nature lovers, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is not far from the convention site and offers a diverse array of activities, including ranger-guided programs hiking, a scenic railroad, concerts, or a bike ride on the Towpath Trail.

If you plan to stick to Aurora though, and a day of shopping is more your speed, look no further than the Aurora Farms Premium Outlets. Home to 70 designer brand outlet stores, this lusciously landscaped village features Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, DKNY, Gap Outlet, Saks Fifth Avenue, and many more.  

Once your shopping is complete why not head over for some extraordinary appetizers and fine wine at Thorn Creek Winery and Gardens. Home to Aurora's annual Wine Fest, Thorn Creek offers a peaceful setting with live entertainment.

Aurora also offers not one, but three of the sanctuaries maintained by the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland. These sanctuaries offer opportunity for bird watchers and plant lovers to experience a little bit of Ohio's abounding natural history.

Whether you plan to spend all your time at the 2010 SOC or take some time to check out the area, there's sure to be something for everyone in Northern Ohio on the last weekend in July!