No. 8 Canton, Ohio

Countryside, cars and canals
The NFL was founded at a Canton car dealership in 1920 (when it was known as the American Professional Football Association). Now, football fans visit Canton each summer to tour the Pro Football Hall of Fame, marvel at hot air balloons, watch the Hall of Fame Game and mingle with inductees.

If you go ...
For great college football, the top five Ohio State University Buckeyes are only two hours south in Columbus. In between, take on the challenges of “Ohio’s Golf Capital,” Stark County — with its 21 courses — or relish in the simplicity of Amish country, with its farms, furniture shops and flea markets.

You won’t go hungry in the Canton countryside, where you can savor the sweets and see them being made at Harry London/Fannie May Chocolate Store and Factory, or sample award-winning Swiss at Guggisberg Cheese. Wineries such as Maize Valley offer tours and tastings even the novice oenophile will love to drink in. (How do wine and chocolate keep you young? Read.)

If you like history as much as football, explore the Canton Classic Car Museum’s steam engines, vintage toys and a 1937 Packard hearse. Or take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad or a boat tour along the Ohio & Erie Canal. The McKinley National Memorial is the final resting place of 25th U.S. President William McKinley, assassinated by Leon Czolgosz in 1901. And learn about the contributions of America’s foremost women at the National First Ladies’ Library.

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• Introduction: 11 Football Destinations You Can't Miss