Revitalized Toledo

No longer hauling ore through the Great Lakes, the retired and restored freighter S.S. Col. John Schoonmaker rests alongside Toledo’s National Museum of the Great Lakes.   (Alan Solomon/Chicago Tribune )

The 2002 opening of Fifth Third Field, home of the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens, helped launch the revitalization of the city’s Warehouse District.

The decorated ceiling and suspended crucifix add wonder to the Spain-influenced Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, mother church of Toledo’s Roman Catholics.   (Alan Solomon/Chicago Tribune )

Downtown Toledo, further energized by the opening this summer of a new ProMedica headquarters in a long-idle power plant, isn’t a symbol of Rust Belt retreat anymore.

Dining in style in downtown Toledo is no challenge, whether at familiar favorites like Georgio’s Cafe International or groundbreaking newcomers like Registry Bistro (shown).

The Glass Pavilion, the Toledo Museum of Art’s bow to “Glass City,” features examples of the glassmakers’ craft from pre-biblical times to today. The pavilion, across from the museum, opened in 2006.   (Alan Solomon/Chicago Tribune )

The National Museum of the Great Lakes uses videos and interactive exhibits to highlight the impact of the five Great Lakes on the region’s economics, weather and lifestyle.   (Alan Solomon/Chicago Tribune )

One of Packo’s many autographed buns is signed by the late U.S. Sen. John Glenn, an Ohio native who was the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the Earth.

Tender filet tips served over hummus, accompanied by pita, are a treat at Byblos, a Toledo restaurant celebrating the cuisine and contributions of the city’s Lebanese community. The same family owns Beirut, another favorite.   (Alan Solomon/Chicago Tribune )

A youngster gets a surprise greeting from a polar bear at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, recognized as one of the nation’s finest zoos.

Newest of the city’s hotels, the Renaissance Toledo Downtown — formerly many things — reopened in August after being shuttered for a two-year renovation.   (Alan Solomon/Chicago Tribune )

Tony Packo’s Cafe, famed as much for its autographed buns as for its hot dogs and rolled cabbage, has been a Toledo standby since the 1930s.   (Alan Solomon/Chicago Tribune )