Toledo Ohio: Downtown

Just a few snapshots. Despite the somewhat depressing state of Toledo (one could compare it to Detroit, without the casinos or entertainment venues), I like to poke around downtown every once in a while. When the ragged state of the city isn’t getting me down, it can be an enjoyable time to just explore the area. It’s too bad most shops seem to be closed up on weekends. On the upside, parking never seems to be a problem.

I couldn’t decide on the angle for this shot, but I like the view down the alley. Do you?

Toledo isn’t all bad. Downtown is rather empty, that’s all. I’ve heard exaggerated claims that 70% of the downtown area is now vacant.

Here’s what Toledo does have. It does have an award-winning library (second in the nation to New York City’s public library system) and supposedly the third best city art museum in the nation. Sorry, I can’t find web links to back either up! I’ve read the first comment in person at the library, on a few different small foam-core style signs. The second comment has been mentioned in a few of my art history course textbooks, and reinforced by instructors. There’s a pretty nice zoo too (go see the hippoquarium).