Posts with tag 'Best of Ohio'

Tired of the cookie-cutter big-box stores with limited selections, inflated prices, and impersonal service? Combine sightseeing and shopping with day trips to the wonderful small towns of Ohio, from Northeast Ohio to Columbus and Cincinnati, where the character and appeal of a traditional "downtown" is alive and well. 

NORTHEAST OHIO

Medina

Founded in 1818, Medina was originally named "Mecca," which means, "a place to which many people are attracted." Residents and visitors agree that the town's friendly atmosphere and "Norman Rockwell" appearance make that an apt description. The charming town square, presided over by the beautiful brick courthouse, is surrounded by Victorian-style buildings that house a number of wonderful shops and restaurants. Support local causes by shopping at The Bookshelf, a used bookstore where all proceeds go to Project Learn, an adult literacy organization. You don't have to have a green thumb to visit the Gardener's Cottage, which offers a full assortment of furnishings, home accessories, seasonal decor, and gifts. Miss Molly's Tea Room and A Cupcake a Day have great treats to sit and enjoy or grab and go. The square, also known as Uptown Park, hosts regular community events such as Art in the Park and International Fest.

Chagrin Falls

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From its picturesque name to the quaint, tree-lined streets, Chagrin Falls maintains a classic small-town feel in a 21st-century world. Noted cartoonist and Chagrin Falls native Bill Watterson featured a picture of his hometown on the back cover of The Essential Calvin and Hobbes Collection. With more than 75 independent shops and restaurants in the village center, you'll find anything you may need or want. The annual mid-summer Sidewalk Sale, featuring live music and kids' activities, has been a Chagrin Falls tradition for more than 70 years. Take a break from shopping to enjoy the view of the town's namesake falls from Bell Street Park, Riverside Park, or the Main Street bridge.

Berlin

Ever feel like technology is taking over your life? Step into a more relaxed way of life with a visit to Berlin. As the oldest existing village in Holmes County, Berlin is the center of the world's largest Amish community. The streets are lined with dozens of shops that carry one-of-a-kind items featuring high-quality craftsmanship. Spend an afternoon exploring Berlin Antique & Craft Malls, two side-by-side facilities where you'll also find the best fudge in the area. If that's not enough, check out Berlin Village Antique Mall, a two-story building filled with classic pieces and collectibles. Sample the cheese, produce, and all the bounty of Amish farms at German Village Market, Bunker Hill Cheese Chalet, and Troyer's Country Market. Don't miss Streb's General Store, where the third generation is running this classic shop.

COLUMBUS

Granville

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If Granville reminds you of a town in New England, that's no coincidence. Settlers from the East Coast planned the Ohio community using familiar concepts from New England villages, right down to sharing the name of their original hometown in Massachusetts. Granville's layout follows the traditional grid pattern, with two major thoroughfares meeting in the center at the town square. Several original buildings, including churches, inns, and private homes, are still standing, with more than 100 listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The downtown business district, part of Granville's established historic area, includes boutiques such as Cedar and Thread, featuring clothing and home décor, and Green Velvet of Granville, a Parisian-style shop with an eclectic mix of merchandise. For a modern touch, stop for lunch or dinner at Three Tigers Brewing Company, a craft brewery and taproom that serves Vietnamese-inspired street food.

German Village

As its preservation society proudly proclaims, you don't have to live in German Village to feel like you belong. Located just south of downtown Columbus, German Village is the largest privately funded preservation district on the National Register of Historic Places. Though technically not a town, this neighborhood has gained worldwide recognition as a premier example of successful restoration, retaining much of the same character and appeal as it displayed during its origins in the mid-19th century. The Book Loft of German Village, housed in a pre-Civil War building that takes up an entire city block, is worth a visit all on its own. Other notable shops include Helen Winnemore's, a women's clothing store that originated in its namesake's home, and Vernacular, a clothing and lifestyle boutique that specializes in ethically sourced, organic, and minority-owned brands.

CINCINNATI

Yellow Springs

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Earlier this year, travel website Only in Your State proclaimed Yellow Springs to be one of the coolest small towns in America, referring to it as a "little slice of paradise" based on its charm and originality. Just how cool is it? Comedian Dave Chappelle, whose father was a professor and dean of students at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, still lives here with his wife and three children on a 65-acre farm. Who can resist shops and restaurants such as The Smoking Octopus, a tobacco store located in a uniquely designed building, and Ha Ha Pizza, with its iconic mural featuring a jackalope, gremlin, flying saucer, and the Loch Ness Monster?

Loveland

Shopping is in Loveland's DNA. The town is named for James Loveland, who ran the general store and post office near the downtown railroad tracks. In the 1980s, the railroad corridor was converted to a bike trail that became part of the Little Miami Scenic Trail, which hosts nearly 750,000 hikers and bikers each year. Not surprisingly, Loveland has several shops, such as JackRabbit, Montgomery Cyclery, and Vertical Drop, specializing in clothing and outdoor activities equipment. If indoor pursuits are more your style, make stops at Busy Bee Boutique and Bond Furniture and Design.

Waynesville

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With more than 60 shops and restaurants in a compact, five-block area, you can shop in Waynesville without fear of dropping. Want more credentials? Waynesville is known as the "Antiques Capital of the Midwest," and it has been recognized by USA Today as one of the "Most Walkable Towns in America." Waynesville Antique Mall, housed in a brick building built in 1882, includes nearly 50 vendors offering classic items, collectibles, and historical memorabilia. Don't miss Buckeye Charm, a family-owned retro boutique with an actual vintage truck as its centerpiece.

SMALLTOWN U.S.A.

Friendly residents? Fewer crowds? Good walkability? What's your favorite feature of small towns?

As Cutler celebrates 75 years of real estate excellence, we also want to recognize the many Realtors who have been the backbone of our organization. Our Realtors routinely help people throughout Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati buy and sell homes. In fact, they close more than 18 transactions annually per Realtor on average, ranking among the highest in the industry.

We congratulate the following Realtors and groups for providing the superior customer service people have come to expect from Cutler Real Estate. Join us in celebrating the top producers, production leaders, and listing leaders for March 2022.

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What sets Cutler Realtors apart from the rest? Each one strives to help buyers and sellers more easily achieve their real estate goals in Northeast Ohio, Columbus and Central Ohio, and Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. They are committed to achieving excellence in their field by making the experience of buying or selling a home a positive one. 

Each month we recognize those agents who have gone above and beyond to meet and exceed their goals. We congratulate the following Realtors and groups for providing the superior customer service people have come to expect from Cutler Real Estate. Join us in celebrating the top producers, production leaders, and listing leaders for February 2022.

Ohio is known for many things, including its popular college and professional sports teams, as well as local food and artisan products. Whether you're shopping for yourself or for a gift, you'll find a great selection of Ohio-themed merchandise at many area shops, each of which has its own specialty.

Check out the following nine shops that let you show your love for Ohio.

Northeast Ohio

Flavor of Ohio

6736 Hathaway Rd., Valley View, OH 44125

For over 31 years, Flavor of Ohio has selected the state's best foods and products and attractively packaged them into gift baskets. You can order just one basket or a large number to treat your customers or employees, and the shop can customize them in any configuration and in any price range. Popular baskets include several Amish breakfast options including products like Fowler's mill cloth bag pancake mix, raspberry jam, apple butter, and maple syrup. Ohio State and other sports-related baskets are also customer favorites. And if you'd like to order a single product, such as the state's famously delicious buckeyes, you can do that as well.

Cleveland in a Box

530 Euclid Ave. #40, Cleveland OH 44115

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Cleveland in a Box is the perfect shop to order some local items to send to a former resident or a friend or relative who lives in another area to give them a taste of the area. Start by choosing your box size, which starts at $25 and holds up for three items and tops out at $75 and up for 15 items. Then, fill your box with your choice of a wide range of products, including Bertman Ballpark Mustard, treats from the Sweetie Candy Company, BARRS Bars of Soap, a Cleveland T-shirt, and more. It's easy to find items to suit your recipient as well as your budget. And shipping to U.S. and military addresses is free.

Cuyahoga Collective

15701 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107

You'll find an eclectic and interesting collection of Ohio and North Coast items at Cuyahoga Collective, which sells apparel as well as objects for the home. Merchandise includes hometown prints, topographic and harbor maps, regional apparel, local pennants with a vintage flair, and Ohio-shaped bamboo boards. Some items are made in-house, while others are from local makers as well as those in other parts of the U.S. and abroad. When you visit the shop, relax in the "living room" concept of the store, have a seat, and enjoy a cup of coffee. You're also welcome to create custom work with the shop's design team.

Columbus

Celebrate Local

Easton Town Center 3952 Townsfair Way, Columbus, OH 43219

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If you want to support Ohio businesses and treat yourself to a few favorite items or send a gift basket to someone special, Celebrate Local has it covered. You'll be able to choose apparel, foods such as barbecue rubs and popcorn, and unique items such as a buckeye leaf hand-thrown mug, and much more at the retail brick-and-mortar shop or online. Everything is grown or created by Ohio makers, farmers, and artists. And if you'd like to create a gift basket, the shop can fill it with products like Ohio food, wines, gifts, and more.

Homage

4032 Easton Station Rd., Columbus, OH 43219

Have you ever had a stranger come up to you and comment on your T-shirt? Maybe you were sporting an Ohio State shirt and had people come up to you with a friendly and enthusiastic, "Go, Buckeyes!" That's the inspiration behind Homage, a local clothing company that was created with the idea of the stories that clothing tells as well as the connections they let us make. You'll find all kinds of graphic T-shirts at Homage, including those representing local sports teams as well as those throughout the country, pop culture shirts, and food and drink-themed shirts touting specific breweries and Skyline chili, among other favorites.

The Red Stable

223 E. Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206

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Located in the heart of historic German Village just south of downtown Columbus, The Red Stable is housed in a building that has evolved through the years to meet the needs of the community. The "little red barn" was originally used as a horse livery in the late 1800s and has also seen use as an ice storage facility and as a service garage with the advent of the car. Today, it features the work of over 100 local artists and vendors who create unique gifts and artwork. You'll find handmade jewelry, fine art, garden art, books by local authors, Ohio State memorabilia and more at the shop. And while you're there, make sure to visit the second floor to see and shop in an art gallery filled with originals and print reproductions of German Village as well as Columbus and Ohio.

Cincinnati

I Love Cincinnati Shop

441 Vine St., Suite 2E, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Billing itself as "The Hometown Shop for Everything Cincinnati," the store carries a wide variety of sports apparel for teams including the Reds, Bengals, FC Cincinnati, the University of Cincinnati, Xavier, and Ohio State. You'll also find plenty of souvenir items such as Cincinnati-branded shot glasses, snow globes, and more.

The Collective

411 Walnut St., New Richmond, OH 45157

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The Collective showcases the work of local artists in a curated collection of quality handcrafted local goods. You'll also find the work of a few special regional artists here, but the main focus is on local artisans. You can find everything from metalworks to spruce up your outdoor space to beautiful handwoven rugs, placemats, and table runners, with the number of artists continuing to expand.

Cincy Shirts

OTR location, 1301 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Hyde Park location, 2709 Observatory Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208

It's all about Cincy at this shop, as the name of this company suggests. Shirts are the main product, with options for every local sports and professional team, restaurants such as Johnny Bench's Home Plate, and pop culture shirts including ones based on the popular TV show of yesterday, "WKRP in Cincinnati." You'll also find some other apparel products, including hats and socks, that can help accessories your shirts.

Local Flavor

Which stores do you shop at to show your love for Ohio? 

When you think "bourbon," the first place that comes to mind is probably Kentucky. But with all due respect to our neighbors across the river, Ohio has plenty to offer when it comes to the most American of spirits. In every corner of the Buckeye State, you'll find great bourbon bars where you can sip your favorite whiskey neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a unique craft cocktail. Let's all raise a glass to the best bourbon bars in Ohio!

The Whiskey Bar

2767 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44106

It's hard to imagine a better hangout for bourbon aficionados than the Whiskey Bar. With its straight-to-the-point name and welcoming speakeasy vibes, it's a perfect place to sit and sip awhile. And with over 400 varieties of whiskey on deck, it's unlikely you'll run out of spirits to sample. The Whiskey Bar also has a friendly, easy-going staff of bartenders who are always happy to help you find the perfect bourbon for any palate. This is definitely a hidden gem in the Cleveland area. 

Society Lounge

2063 E. 4th St., Cleveland, OH 44115

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Offering one of the best bourbon collections in Northeast Ohio, Society Lounge is a staple of the Cleveland bar scene. With its stylish interior and Roaring 20s-inspired atmosphere, drinking here almost feels like stepping back in time. Society lounge is best known for their expertly-mixed craft cocktails (bourbon fans should sample the 'Death in New York') and prohibition-era ambiance, but they also offer a huge selection of spirits. Expect to be able to choose from 30-plus bourbons at any given time, and with a healthy selection of rye, scotch, and gin to boot. 

Oak and Embers Tavern

8003 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026

The Bourbon Review named Oak & Embers one of the best bourbon bars in America in 2019, and they definitely know what they're talking about. This hole-in-the-wall in Chesterfield is all about the three B's: bourbon, barbecue, and beer. They serve an amazing selection of bourbon and craft beer to go with their smoky, savory pulled pork, beef brisket, and baby back ribs. And if you're in the mood for a cocktail, try one of their bourbon-centric signature mixed drinks. The "Follow the Smoke" is made with Makers Mark bourbon, Campari and Dolan sweet vermouth smoked with hickory.

Buckeye Bourbon House

36 E. Gay St., Columbus, OH 43215

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You'll find no shortage of great whiskey bars in Columbus, and the Buckeye Bourbon House is definitely one of the best. Their bourbon shelf is a thing of beauty, and they're always highlighting new and exciting bourbons, including a lot of small-batch spirits made right here in Ohio. They have over 50 whiskeys and bourbons to choose from, as well as crafty cocktails and a menu of elevated pub grub. They even offer bourbon flights for those who want to savor the different flavors. Buckeye Bourbon House also made Bourbon Review's ranking of the best bourbon bars in the Midwest for 2021.

The Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge

843 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Over 300 whiskeys are just waiting to be sampled at the Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge, a High Street hangout that might just offer the best bourbon selection in Columbus. This cozy, intimate space is the perfect place to enjoy drinks with friends and enjoy the Prohibition-themed decor. In addition to a deep roster of bourbons, the Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge offers an incredible array of signature cocktails that run the gamut from approachable and sweet to bitter and spirit-forward. You'll never run out of new flavors to try here, but if you want a basic Old Fashioned made just the way you like it, this is a great place for that too.

Barrel & Taps

1380 W. 3rd Ave., Columbus, OH 43212

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A beloved staple of Columbus' Grandview Heights neighborhood, Barrel & Taps has everything you need for a good time. They always have a well-curated selection of bourbon ready to pour and craft beer on tap, and the indoor bar and outdoor patio each invite guests to stay awhile and enjoy themselves. There's a good chance there will be a food truck or two on-site if you get a little hungry. And with regular events like trivia nights, live music, and yoga on the patio, there's pretty much always something fun going on at Barrel & Taps.

High Bank Distillery Co.

1051 Goodale Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212

Having been awarded Best Creative Cocktails two years running in 614's ColumBest poll, High Bank Distillery Co. takes drinks seriously. Bourbon is featured in cocktails such as the End of Anxiety, which pairs nicely with the restaurant's many shareables. We're partial to the Crispy Brussels with sweet chili glaze and Shrimp Tacos with adobo marinated shrimp. In addition to Grandview, the owners of this bar and eatery are scheduled to open a second location in the Gahanna/New Albany area this year.

The Littlefield

3934 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223

Cincinnati is just a stone's throw across the Ohio River from Kentucky, so it should come as no surprise that the city has a lot to offer bourbon aficionados. The Littlefield is a great example. This hip Northside hangout features an eclectic interior and a breezy patio space, along with a great bourbon selection and plenty of local craft beers on tap. They make great cocktails too, like "The Fergus," made with bourbon, balsamic vinaigrette, ginger beer, and basil simple syrup. The Littlefield is also known for their elevated pub fare and Sunday brunch, which always includes vegan and vegetarian options alongside staples like burgers and shrimp-and-grits 

Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey

1201 Broadway St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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You might never have guessed that biscuits and bourbon went together, but you will after visiting Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey. Their biscuit plates and biscuit sandwiches are to die for. Try the Rosewood—Korean fried chicken, house-made kimchi, and Gochujang BBQ between two golden, butter biscuits—and chase it with a house cocktail like the Boomtown Gold Rush or the Gold Fashioned. Boomtown always has around 50 varieties of bourbon, scotch, whiskey, and rye as well, and their whole vibe revolves around a creative take on classic American frontier food and drink.

Hop Scotch Craft Beer & Whiskey

251 Calhoun St., Cincinnati, OH 45219

Known for being a great happy hour hangout, Hop Scotch Craft Beer & Whiskey is the perfect place to grab a drink after work. They have a huge selection of bourbon and whiskey, along with plenty of excellent craft beer. The staff behind the bar is reliably friendly and knowledgeable, and weekly specials like karaoke and mix-and-match craft beer buckets, there's always a good time to be had. Hop Scotch has 100-plus varieties of whiskey and a menu of staple pub fare like wings and flatbread pizzas. 

Another Round

Ohio offers no shortage of great bourbon bars. What's your favorite watering hole?