Holy Toledo
Toledo’s famed Inverness Club is the site of the year’s Solheim Cup, the biennial golf tournament for professional women golfers between teams from Europe and the U.S. While the teams will battle it out on the course Saturday through Labor Day Monday, there is plenty to see and do away from the course to keep you busy between tee times.
For starters, the Fan Fest at Promenade Park Friday night features a concert by Gwen Stefani that follows Solheim Cup opening ceremonies at 5 p.m. And after the first day of play Saturday, you can head back to Promenade Park for a concert by Chris Young.
But there’s more to do and see, especially if you’re a foodie and want to hit some of the more popular places around town. For a quick bite, go to Nick and Jimmy’s (www.nickandjimmys.com, 4956 Monroe St.) for a fried bologna sandwich and your choice of their list of domestic, import, craft, micro brew and specialty beers.
If you are looking for something a little more substantial, dig into a steak at Mancy’s Italian Grill (mancysitalian.com, 5453 Monroe St.) Their Wednesday Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. includes their Somm Select Featured Wines for $6 a glass.
Even if you’ve never been to Toledo, you probably know the name Tony Packo, a favorite of Toledo native Jamie Farr’s character on M*A*S*H, Corporal Klinger. Tony Packo’s (www.tonypacko.com) has been serving up Hungarian food since 1932, including the signature Packo’s Chili Hot Dog. There are several in town but you want to go to the original at 1902 Front Street. And you can toast your favorite team’s Solheim win with a margarita and authentic Tex-Mex food at Loma Linda (www.lomalindamexican.com, 10400 Airport Highway.)
If you have an afternoon away from Inverness, check out the Toledo Museum of Art (www.toledomuseum.org), 2445 Monroe St., one of the most beautiful museums in the Midwest. With more than 35 galleries, along with a Sculpture Garden and Glass Pavilion, you’ll see paintings and sculptures by Bearden, Cézanne, Calder, Close, Cole, Degas, van Gogh, El Greco, Holbein, Kiefer, Matisse, Miró, Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Turner; masterworks from antiquity and Asia; decorative arts; and a renowned glass collection.
The Solheim Cup is just one attraction to take in during your Toledo stay, so set aside plenty of time over Labor Day weekend to see Toledo like a native!
– Betsy Ross
The 2021 Solheim Cup is at Inverness Club in Toledo Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 6. For details visit www.solheimcupusa.com.