Posts from September 2020
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30
September LoLo Gifts: Fall for These Free Treats
What could possibly improve on the joys of fall in Ohio? How about the September lineup of freebies from Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts?
Each month, we partner with LoLo to provide an enticing assortment of location-specific offers from the best small businesses around Northeast Ohio, Columbus and Cincinnati. Brighten an already beautiful autumn day with one of these free treats.
September Gifts:
Canton: Any Drink
Muggswigz Coffee & Tea Co.
5854 Fulton Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44718
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There's nothing cozier than hunkering down on a crisp fall afternoon with a hot drink. Choose your favorite or try a new flavor from the extensive selection at Muggswigz Coffee & Tea Co.
About Muggswigz Coffee & Tea Co.
In this fast-moving world, Muggswigz Coffee & Tea knows the best things in life take time. All coffee, including their signature espresso blend, is roasted in-house using fresh-roasted, specialty-grade Arabica beans. They also forgo conventional bagged tea in favor of whole leaf, or pekoe, which is the highest grade of the four types of tea. Muggswigz supports local artists by displaying their works inside the shop and hosting an open mic night each Monday.
Contact and Hours
330.754.1017
Monday - Friday 6:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Akron: Small Pizza or Sub
Papa-Roni's Pizza & Ice Cream
68 W. State St., Barberton, OH 44203
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There's something extra satisfying about food you can eat with your hands. Make your day with a tasty small pizza or oven-baked sub from Papa-Roni's Pizza & Ice Cream.
About Papa-Roni's Pizza & Ice Cream
In 2010, co-founders Bob Wilson and Dan Urbancic had a goal to combine the efficient business model of a chain restaurant with the down-home appeal of a community pizza joint. The result is nearly two dozen specialty pizzas and a dozen subs, prepared with consistent quality and served with a smile. Leave room for a scoop of Peanut Butter Swirl or Butter Pecan at Katie's Korner, their adjacent ice cream patio.
Contact and Hours
330.745.9999
Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Cincinnati: Latte and Pastry
Mad Llama
5001 Kenwood Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45227
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Coffee ... it's not just for mornings. Jump-start your day or take a relaxing break with a latte from Mad Llama. Pair your drink with a delicious pastry such as their signature Llama bread, a rich swirl of chocolate and vanilla pound cake.
About Mad Llama
Who would think to name a coffee shop after an angry mammal? The creative, hard-working, and community-minded people at Mad Llama, who make nearly all of the food and beverages in-house. Their mouthwatering breakfast and lunch sandwiches, pastries, and coffee drinks are served all day. In a hurry? Order online and pick up your items using the convenient drive-thru window.
Contact and Hours
513.417.8963
Monday - Friday 6:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Columbus: Pair of Pastries
Short North Piece of Cake Bakery & Café
772 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Sharing some luscious baked goods with a loved one makes them even sweeter. Head to Short North Piece of Cake and enjoy a couple of cookies, cupcakes, or tarts with a friend or family member.
About Short North Piece of Cake Bakery & Café
At Short North Piece of Cake, the name may refer to how easy their baked goods go down when you eat them, but there's nothing simple about their incredible creations. Cupcakes, or "smiles with frosting," come in a variety of traditional and deluxe flavors, while cookies can be found in whimsical shapes such as flowers, flags, and yes, cupcakes. If you want a special cake for a wedding, birthday, or other occasion, the talented bakers will turn your most imaginative design into reality.
Contact and Hours
614.421.0399
Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
"Fall" for Free Gifts Each Month
The fun doesn't stop here. With each new month, members of our LoLo Gifts program look forward to seeing what fabulous freebies are coming their way.
Joining in is a "piece of cake." Just contact your Cutler Real Estate agent and get ready for the treats to start rolling in!
25
See Changing Leaves Around Ohio at These 9 Places
Fall is a wonderful time of the year in Ohio. The cool autumn breeze, the spooky arrival of Halloween festivities, and the many community festivals make this our favorite season for living in Ohio. Of course, you can't mention fall in Ohio without noting the gorgeous colors of the changing leaves.
Northeast Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
15610 Vaughn Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141
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Residents of Akron and Cleveland will agree that a trip to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park does wonders for the soul. A great place to reconnect with nature, there's so much to see and do in this national park that it's not surprising that it draws visitors from near and far each year. During the autumn, the Cuyahoga River weaves its way through rolling hills, farmland, and forests, glistening brightly as it collects falling leaves from the changing trees. With more than 125 miles of trail to hike, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a must-visit in autumn for anyone who loves to embrace the season's beauty.
Eagles Creek Nature Preserve
Center Rd., Garrettsville, OH 44231
A few miles southeast of Cleveland is the Eagles Creek Nature Preserve which is full of Northeast Ohio's wonderfully diverse plants and animals. The landscape varies from marshes and swamps to woodlands and forests, offering a truly exceptional view into the many habitats that house such interesting biodiversity. Manageable trails lead you into this underrated gem, providing you with privacy and peace while you gaze at mix of yellows, reds, oranges, and browns that paint a stunning portrait.
Beaver Creek State Park
12021 Echo Dell Road, East Liverpool, OH 43920
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Do you want a little outdoor adventure to mix in with your sightseeing? Then head to Beaver Creek State Park to watch the leaves change as you cruise down the Little Beaver Creek on a canoe. If you'd rather stay on land, you can hike the many trails on foot, atop a mountain bike, or on horseback. Whichever you choose, make sure you bring your camera to photograph the dazzling colors of this rugged landscape.
Columbus
Tar Hollow State Park
16396 Tar Hollow Rd., Laurelville, OH 43135
Immerse yourself in the dense woodlands and deep ravines of Tar Hollow State Park as you get lost in the beauty of the Appalachian Plateau. A walk through Tar Hollow State Park will make you feel like you're in the wilderness worlds away from Columbus. Turkeys, turtles, skinks, snakes, and more call this area of Ohio home. A stroll through Tar Hollow's 604-acres offers a great way to see the changing of the leaves, only rivaled by the beautiful colors that spring back to life once winter ends.
Scioto Audubon Metro Park
400 W. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Downtown Columbus may be a bustling cityscape, but the Scioto Audubon Metro Park offers an opportunity to get back in touch with nature just a few blocks from the skyscrapers. The park covers 120-acres of previously industrial land, now refreshed as a thriving oasis where wildlife flourishes. The views along the Scioto River, chirping of the birds, and miles of multi-use trails are ideal for working professionals who only have a small period of time to escape from the daily grind. Because it's so close to home, you can visit every weekend and watch as the landscape changes from green to bright reds.
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park
834 Edgewater Dr., St. Marys, OH 45885
Where better to see the leaves change than from the water? The popular boating destination of Grand Lake St. Marys State Park is a beachside paradise where you can relax on or offshore and watch the trees transform around you. We think that this state park is a wonderful place to take the kids for an overnight stay, as fishing, hiking, hunting, and boating opportunities sit alongside volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground, basketball courts, and an off-leash dog park.
Cincinnati
Shawnee State Park
4404 OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663
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Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the Shawnee State Forest is a breathtaking place to become one with nature. Totaling 1100-acres of the 63,000-acre forest, Shawnee State Park is a fantastic place for a weekend getaway with the family. This state park is a popular place to hunt, fish, boat, and hike, offering you the opportunity to take in the changing of the leaves on the banks of the Ohio River. The Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center is within the forest, making it a perfect location to enjoy unspoiled nature during the day before returning to cozy creature comforts at night.
Mt. Airy Forest
5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
You don't have to leave Cincinnati's city limits to enjoy a getaway in nature. Mt. Airy Forest was one of the earliest urban reforestation projects in the country and now provides nearly 1500-acres of multi-use space for hiking, biking, picnicking, and more. Mt. Airy's accessibility isn't limited to its proximity to the city. The forest has an enclosed dog park for hikers to let their pets run free and also houses the state's sole public treehouse that is accessible for those using a wheelchair.
Scioto Trail State Park
144 Lake Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601
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Equal distance between Cincinnati and Columbus, Scioto Trail State Park is a fantastic destination to watch the leaves change this autumn. This park is within the 9,000-acre Scioto Trail State Forest but only encompasses 218-acres, making it an easy state park to tackle in a single trip. Bordering the Scioto River, this area offers amazing views of the Scioto River Valley. Bring a fishing rod to cast a line in the river or pack up the camping gear and spend an early-fall evening enjoying the quiet swaying of the trees.
Ohio Leaf Peeping
Where is your favorite spot around Ohio to see the leaves change?
16
8 Spots to Spot Pawpaw Trees Around Cincy
We love our pawpaws here in Cincinnati. Farmers sell them at local markets. Clever cooks make pawpaw chutney and jam. Local craft brewers even make small-batch pawpaw beers when the fruit is in season. It's a unique fruit, with a creamy avocado-like texture and a flavor that some describe as a cross between mango and banana. But if you're not from Ohio or Kentucky, there's a good chance you've never heard of one of America's most abundant native fruits.
That's probably because of their brief season, short shelf life, and readiness to bruise make them all but impossible to ship outside their native region. But if you live in Cincinnati, there's a good chance you have pawpaws growing right in your own backyard. Keep an eye out for pawpaw trees at these beautiful Cincy area parks this fall.
French Park
3012 Section Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45237
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Once the vast estate of Herbert Greer French, the land now known as French Park has been a popular hiking spot in Cincinnati for the better part of a century. In addition to the park's handsome brick manor, the park includes 275 acres of woods, wetlands, and meadows with a lovely 2.9-mile loop trail. The terrain is moderately hilly, and pawpaw trees are fairly common understory plants along the trail. Watch for the trees' distinctive large, oblong leaves, and for the fruit itself, which is green, kidney-shaped, and grows in clusters.
Sharon Woods
11450 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241
A beautiful 730-acre park just 25 minutes from the heart of Cincinnati, Sharon Woods is a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching. The park also includes a small lake that offers great fishing and kayaking opportunities. Keep an eye out for pawpaw trees along the lakeshore as you paddle around! They love to grow in wet, low-lying areas. Sharon Woods is home to several beautiful hiking trails as well, including a 2.6-mile paved pathway that encircles the lake. Pawpaws have also been seen growing along the 0.7-mile Gorge Trail.
Shawnee Lookout
2008 Lawrenceburg, North Bend, OH 45052
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Tucked away in Ohio's southwestern-most corner, Shawnee Lookout offers rich history and splendid scenery. The park overlooks the Ohio River and Great Miami River valleys, with some truly exceptional views, especially as the leaves begin to change in fall. Shawnee Lookout is most famous for its Native American earthworks and historic Springhouse School and Log Cabin, but also offers a wealth of peaceful hiking trails where you can often spot pawpaws in bloom. Keep an eye out for the fruit along the 1.4-mile Miami Fort Trail in particular.
Ault Park
5090 Observatory Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208
Most Cincinnatians know Ault Park as the site of local events like the Concours d' Elegance Car Show and the city's annual 4th of July festivities. Although the spectacular open-air pavilion and gardens of Ault Park may be the most well-known features of this Cincinnati green space, there's more to explore when you go off the beaten path. The more secluded corners of Ault Park offers a maze of nature trails that traverse shady woods, hills, valleys, and streams. Pawpaws are a common sight along many of the trails, particularly low-lying areas along the Valley Trail and Brook Trail.
Burnet Woods
3251 Brookline Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220
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Pawpaws grow profusely along the shady slopes of Burnet Woods, one of Cincy's most deeply forested parks. Located a stone's throw from the University of Cincinnati campus, Burnet Woods encompasses 90 acres of quiet woodlands that are popular among locals for bird watching and dog walking. It won't take you long to spot pawpaw trees along the park's shady hiking trails. They're especially common near the small lake at the heart of Burnet Woods, which is also a great spot for catch-and-release fishing if you're so inclined.
Caldwell Preserve
430 W North Bend Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45216
Caldwell Preserve, also known as the Caldwell Nature Center, is a great place to experience the landscape of Ohio as it may have looked before settlers arrived. A mix of old-growth forest and newer plantings, the preserve includes some dense stands of pawpaw trees, often shaded beneath a towering canopy of mature beech, walnut, and oaks. Keep an eye out for pawpaws as you hike the nature trail through the Mill Creek Valley.
Rowe Woods
4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, OH 45150
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One of a handful of properties across Hamilton County that are collectively managed as the Cincinnati Nature Center, Rowe Woods spans over 1,000 acres just east of the city. It's a spectacular resource for nature lovers, including a 65-acre tract of old-growth forest and 14 miles of hiking trails that explore a wide range of habitats. The woods are popular among bird watchers and wildflower aficionados, and there are plenty of opportunities to see pawpaws here. Keep in mind that harvesting and foraging are not allowed; look but don't pick! Admission to Rowe Woods is free for Cincinnati Nature Center Members, and there is a small fee for non-members.
Mt. Airy Forest
5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Spanning approximately 1,500 acres, Mt. Airy Park has the distinction of being Cincinnati's largest park. It's also one of the oldest urban reforestation parks in America and has been one of Cincinnati's most prized outdoor resources since 1911. The park includes many miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, all of which traverse an amazing diversity of habitats, from hardwood and conifer forests to meadows and wetlands. You can frequently spot pawpaws along the shady wooded slopes leading down to creek bottoms.
Savor the Flavor
Pawpaws are ripe for only a brief time, so don't miss it! Here in the Cincinnati area, the fruit is usually in its prime in late September, though it can be a little different every year. If you find some in a park we forgot to mention, be sure to let us know in the comments section below!
9
Order Up! These 9 Ohio Diners Serve Up Nostalgia and Great Food
There's a reason why Food Network star Guy Fieri chose Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives as the subject of his hit show. The combination of unpretentious decor, friendly service, and delicious food gives these establishments a timeless appeal.
It's no surprise that diners are especially popular in Ohio. Head to these classic eateries around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati for tasty meals that always hit the spot.
NORTHEAST OHIO
Guerne Heights Drive-In
3004 Dover Rd., Wooster, OH 44691
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Opened in 1956, Guerne Heights Drive-In is an authentic mid-20th-century diner. Throughout its history, the restaurant has been owned and operated by local families, adding to the nostalgic feel. Hot dogs and burgers are the main event on the menu, which is rounded out with classic sandwiches such as grilled cheese and BBQ pulled pork. In true '50s style, Guerne Heights Drive-In also serves an incredible variety of ice cream treats, including milkshakes, floats, flurries, and eight types of sundaes. Follow them on Facebook for updates on weekly ice cream flavors and limited-time specials. Guerne Heights Drive-In serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Nick's Diner
4116 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
Nick's Diner takes pride in maintaining the same commitment to quality over the years, but you'd be forgiven for thinking the prices haven't changed either. A breakfast combo of three eggs any style, hash browns or grits, and toast is only $3.95. Most dishes on the menu, including the signature black cast iron skillets, come in huge portions with a price tag of $10 or less. Breakfast and lunch are served every day but Tuesday.
Honeymoon Grille
3458 Manchester Rd., Akron, OH 44319
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Don't let the name fool you. Singles, friends, and families will all have a great time at Honeymoon Grille. Once housed in the former Honeymoon Donuts building, the recently remodeled diner boasts a genuine '50s-style dining counter along with the addition of a modern drive-thru window. The extensive menu offers something for everyone, from omelets, French toast, and corned beef hash for breakfast to egg salad sandwiches, French dip, and pork chops for lunch and dinner. Watch their Facebook page for news about all-day fish fries, Pizza Night, and other special events. Honeymoon Grill is open seven days a week, with dinner served after 4 p.m. while breakfast and lunch are available all day.
COLUMBUS
Nutcracker Family Restaurant
63 E. Broad St., Pataskala, OH 43062
Nutcracker Family Restaurant is celebrating its silver anniversary in 2020, but a visit will take you back to the golden days of the 1950s. The name may have a holiday feel, but it's actually a remnant from the restaurant's original incarnation as a candy and dessert shop called Nutcracker Sweets. While the shop has expanded into a full-service diner, it still holds an incredible assortment of nutcrackers in all sizes, shapes, and styles. Play some Chuck Berry on the jukebox while you wait for your meal of meatloaf, chicken Parmigiana, open-face beef sandwich, and other comfort food favorites. Nutcracker Family Restaurant opens bright and early at 7 a.m. every day but Monday.
Tommy's Diner
914 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43222
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For Tom and Kathy Pappas, Tommy's Diner is truly their American dream come to life. Tom immigrated to Columbus from Greece, while Kathy is the first-generation daughter of Greek parents. The restaurant business is definitely in the family's blood, with younger son Michael working in the diner and older son Louis owning a catering business. How outstanding is their customer service? One guest tells a story about being unable to decide between a Reuben sandwich and an omelet, so the staff made him a Reuben omelet. Visit the website or Facebook page to see the list of daily specials. Tommy's Diner is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week.
Canal Wigwam
4 S. High St., Canal Winchester, OH 43110
The sign outside the front of Canal Wigwam welcomes you to "The Gathering Place." Canal Wigwam's roots extend all the way back to 1899, when the combination restaurant, bakery, and bowling lane was the place to be for local residents. Over the years, the consistent thread has been a focus on home cooking that warms the heart and stomach. The menu features classic dishes such as chicken and waffles, BLT sandwich, and tuna salad, along with daily specials like baked pork loin and ham and bean soup. Canal Wigwam's website now allows online ordering for pickup. Breakfast and lunch are served daily.
CINCINNATI
Hathaway's Diner
441 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Breakfast and lunch at Hathaway's Diner has been a downtown Cincinnati tradition since 1956. The iconic checkerboard-style floor, brightly-lit red-and-aqua color scheme, and dining counter create the kitschy, comfy ambiance that's such a traditional element of diners. Goetta, the meat-and-grain sausage uniquely beloved in Cincinnati, is a staple of Hathaway's menu. Other traditional diner favorites include country fried steak, club sandwich, and patty melt. Be sure to save room for a slice of apple pie or a Creamsicle milkshake. Hathaway's is open for business seven days a week.
Sacred Beast Diner
1437 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
While nostalgia is the name of the game at most diners, Sacred Beast takes the traditional concept and adds a contemporary twist for the 21st century. The decor is clean and elegant, with modern touches such as an open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows. Most importantly, the diner's slogan, "Simple Food. Taken Seriously." lets you know you're in for some good eating. The Diner Breakfast is an upscale combo of scrambled eggs, lemon ricotta pancakes, and pork belly, while the European-influenced Dirty French burger is topped with Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, au poivre sauce, and Mornay. Sacred Beast is open for dinner Thursday and Friday and all day on weekends.
Sugar n' Spice Diner
4381 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45229
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In business for 79 years and counting, Sugar n' Spice Diner is clearly doing it up right. Generations of families keep coming back for the cartoon wall art, vividly colored decor, trademark rubber ducks, and quality food. Signature dishes such as Wispy Thin pancakes, Cuddlin' Puppy hot dogs, and Spanish Bull burgers remain largely unchanged since Mort Keller opened the original Reading Road location in 1941. In July, current owner Adam Myerson opened a second location in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood inside a one-time railroad dining car. Both locations are open daily for breakfast and lunch.
Food Is Love
What comfort food classic most reminds you of Mom's home cooking?
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