For that kind of money you could get a real nice sized living palm that if properly protected could handle your Ohio winter .
I am in PA and have about 10 in the ground most of them for about 3 years or so now . Also if you are trying for the tropical look don't overlook banana plants . Some are also very cold hardy ...
I realize not everyone will be into the gardening/protecting thing and at one time I considered a plastic palm tree but, am thankful I did not go that route .
Some of my plants ...
Windmill Palm
Pindo Palm
Musa Basjoo
Here is a link to some pics of a guy I know in OH with some in ground palms ...
http://community.webshots.com/album/578459291kgjSak
If you really want plastic go for it but , I am glad I didn't !