State officials celebrated Tourism Day at the Ohio Statehouse earlier this week. As they did so, they highlighted many of the destinations and experiences that make the Buckeye State the heart of it all.

Surely, there are Ohio destinations that are known all over the country — maybe even around the world — such as the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland or Cedar Point in Sandusky. But our lesser known gems are what really makes Ohio worth the trip.

“Summer in Ohio means county fairs, lake trips, family road trips, baseball games, festivals and discovering places you may have never visited before,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “Tourism Day is a reminder that some of the best summer experiences in the country are right here in Ohio.”

Believe it or not, you don’t even have to traverse the state to enjoy some of the best things Ohio has to offer.

There are truly wonderful vacation possibilities right here in Mahoning County and just down the road in Trumbull County. We’ve got outdoor opportunities, unmatched history and dining options many locals likely take for granted.

Later this month, The Vindicator’s annual Summer Fun special section will highlight some of Mahoning County’s top seasonal attractions.

The Trumbull County Tourism Bureau’s website — https://trulytrumbull.com/ — and the Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website — https://exploremahoning.com/ — also are just a few clicks away.

If you’re a local who hasn’t taken advantage of what’s right in our own back yards, that’s a good place to start, if you are looking for a little adventure.

But think for a moment about what nearly every region and Ohio can offer that is also being taken for granted by residents there. This summer, if the budget is a little too tight for an expensive, cross-country trip, consider exploring your home state.

You’ll likely find some wonderful destinations and feed back into our own state economy instead of South Carolina’s, Florida’s or California’s.

“Tourism drives economic activity in every corner of Ohio,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “When visitors stay in our hotels, eat in local restaurants, shop in small businesses and explore our communities, that spending supports jobs and helps strengthen local economies across the state.”

Consider keeping your summer travel a little closer to home this year. There’s no shortage of options to ensure you won’t regret it.