
The holidays may be over, but the gifts keep coming! Beat the winter doldrums with this month's treats from your favorite local vendors, courtesy of Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts.
Our agents at Cutler Real Estate love to spread the word about the joys of living in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati. We've teamed up with LoLo to offer local gifts of the month designed to help you discover the diverse range of shops, restaurants, and services in our regions.
Cincinnati: Latte and a Muffin
Cincinnati: Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Set
Columbus: Smoked Gouda Mac 'n' Cheese Bites
Northeast Ohio: Two-Ounce Tea Tin
Northeast Ohio: $15 Certificate
Northeast Ohio: Smoked Gouda Mac 'n' Cheese Bites
2734 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208
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Mom says breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but who has the time? Jump-start your busy morning with a freshly-made muffin and latte from Awakenings Coffee & Wine.
For many independent businesses, being the top coffee and wine shop in Cincinnati would be enough. The owners of Awakenings return the love by supporting the community as a gathering spot where customers can enjoy the work of local artists and musicians. In addition to responsibly-sourced coffee and baked goods made fresh daily, Awakenings has a wide selection of boutique wines not found in other shops.
513.321.2525
Monday - Thursday 6:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday 6:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
1801 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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There's a reason Rachael Ray loves her EVOO. Pure, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is loaded with antioxidants, earning it the title of "healthiest fat on earth." Kofinas Olive Oil's EVOO and traditional balsamic vinegar set will elevate your cooking to another level.
The founders of Kofinas Olive Oil named the company after the distinctive mountain overlooking their native village in Greece. Generations of love and experience go into making the olive oil that comes directly from their family groves.
Findlay Market, Stall 119
513.549.3866
Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
65 E. State St., Suite 103, Columbus, OH 43215
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Show your hometown pride with a Columbus beverage coaster, one of the many delightfully unique hand-crafted items you'll find at State & Third.
Five years ago, founder Becky Brisker combined a love of her hometown with extensive retail and marketing experience to open State & Third. The shop offers a carefully curated selection of clothing, jewelry and accessories, home decor, and gift items from local and national artisans.
614.636.0130
Weekdays 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
5839 Frantz Road, Dublin, OH 43016
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How do you make a beloved comfort food even better? The Rail adds a contemporary twist with deep-fried goodness and Buffalo ranch dip for their Smoked Gouda Mac 'n' Cheese Bites.
After perfecting the modern steakhouse concept at The City Square, chef Mike Mariola and his wife Emily went casual with The Rail, a gourmet burger joint with a focus on upscale bar food and Ohio craft beers. Not a meat-eater? The Rail's got you covered with a plant-powered wrap, veggie burger, and variety of tasty salads.
614.725.3200
Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
5569 Fulton Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44718
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Is there anything better on a chilly winter night in Ohio than a relaxing cup of tea? Choose a two-ounce tin with soothing flavors such as Perfect Peach Oolong, Hot Cinnamon Spice, and Green Apple Chai from Ohio Tea Company.
If your experience with tea doesn't go beyond Lipton, you'll find a whole new world at Ohio Tea Company. The shop carries a wide range of fresh loose-leaf teas including white, green, black, oolong, and rooibos in pure, flavored and decaf varieties. Infusers, teapots and cups, iced tea jugs, and other supplies are also on hand.
330.333.9454
Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
117 Merz Blvd., Akron, OH 44333
Birds provide a colorful and entertaining show right in your own backyard. Get $15 worth of supplies from The Bird Store and More to help create your private at-home nature center.
The Bird Store and More carries everything you need to turn your backyard into a vibrant nature center. Once you get the basics of bird feeders, houses, and baths, add a personal touch with wind chimes, spinners, flags, and other yard art. The shop's assortment of gift items is so delightful, you'll want to treat yourself.
330.869.9453
Weekdays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
4347 Belden Village St. NW, Canton, OH 44718
3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333
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Do the words "too much cheese" exist in anyone's vocabulary? Head over to The Rail for an order of their luscious Smoked Gouda Mac 'n' Cheese Bites.
Burgers and beer go together like peanut butter and jelly, thunder and lightning, and R2-D2 and C-3PO. Find your favorite pairing among the numerous types of gourmet burgers and brands of Ohio craft beer on the menu at The Rail. Class is in session for Ohio Beer School, a lively event where one of The Rail's local brewery partners shares inside secrets and fun facts about the world of brewing.
Canton: 330.497.7550
Fairlawn: 330.864.7245
Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Participation in the LoLo Gifts program is complimentary through your Cutler Real Estate agent, providing you with a unique opportunity to sample offerings from local small businesses. You'll also receive new gift options monthly, so keep an eye out for your monthly LoLo Gifts round-up.
Interested in learning more about LoLo Gifts? Contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to get started.
While podcasts have been around for a while, over the past few years they've gained more popularity, with news outlets, journalists and small business owners delving into the audio-blogging world. Podcasts make it easier to get your news on the go, and since you can download them straight to your phone, you can listen whenever you have time.
Because of the DIY nature of podcasts, they can actually flourish in places other than media hubs like Los Angeles and New York—and Cincinnati is no exception! Our amazing city has seen an abundance of local podcasts poppi...
'Tis the season to dress up as your inner hero or villain and get free candy! The most committed of trick-or-treaters are already forming their routes and strategies for a successful night of trick-or-treating. When it comes time to knock on doors, there are several fail-safe methods for filling your bag with sweets. Of course, part of it has to do with wearing the perfect costume, but choosing a route that is safe, walkable and full of friendly, candy-bearing houses is just as important.
We rounded up the neighborhoods in Cincinnati that are the most ideal for trick-or-treaters. If you are new to the area or want to try some new locations to maximize your trick-or-treating loot, these are the spots where you want to ring doorbells!
Use our interactive map to find the best trick-or-treating neighborhood near you!
This upscale neighborhood located just east of town is known for its popular shopping district, safe streets and beautiful homes. The spacious front yards are always filled with crowd-pleasing decorations, and residents of the homes will generously dole out candy to those who approach their door. Regardless of what route you take, you will surely be met with friendly faces and other fun-loving families taking part in the candy hunt. For some extra fun before Halloween, make sure to stop by Hyde Park Square on October 29 for Halloween on the Square!
This Halloween, make your way to Mt. Lookout, located on the east side of Cincinnati next to Hyde Park, for a warm, welcoming atmosphere, extravagant Halloween decorations, and (most importantly) plenty of candy. Known as an accessible, family-friendly neighborhood, the streets of Mt. Lookout are filled with children of all ages on Halloween night. Make a day of it and check out the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in costume before trick-or-treating starts!
Known as a safe, family-friendly community with plenty of small-town charm, Deer Park is a prime location for trick-or-treaters on Halloween night. The streets in this area are well-lit, very walkable and incredibly festive. Because the area is such a well-kept secret on Halloween night, a huge candy haul is inevitable—so don't forget to bring an extra bag!
The well-lit, decorated streets in Oakley make it an ideal location for trick-or-treaters. On Halloween night, expect the neighborhood to be teeming with foot traffic! The residents welcome locals and visitors alike with open arms, doling out generous amounts of candy and other goodies. And if you happen to be a little too old for trick-or-treating these days—no problem! Several businesses around the area are planning on hosting Halloween parties this year, including the 20th Century Theater who will be hosting their annual Oakley Masquerade on November 1st.
College Hill is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Cincinnati, welcoming anyone and everyone to their park-like streets on Halloween. The residents go all-out every year, slinging pumpkins, fake spiderwebs, eerie skeletons and spooky lights on every surface they can reach. The area also happens to be home to Mark Wiechman, a Halloween enthusiast who has been putting on a massive haunted house to scare families for more than 50 years. So put on your costume and head to 6791 Marvin Avenue, Cincinnati in North College Hill to start your spooky night off right. The haunted house experience is completely free, but they do accept donations for the Pray, Hope and Believe Foundation.
If you're a resident of the Mt. Washington neighborhood, make sure to get extra treats! This area transforms into a Halloween stomping ground for little monsters and their families on All Hallow's Eve. Also make sure to come back to the area the weekend after Halloween for the neighborhood's annual Pumpkin Chuck, where they'll launch leftover pumpkins from trebuchets and enjoy live music, craft beer, kids games and more!
Located about 15 miles from downtown Cincinnati, Wyoming is a quiet suburb full of tree-lined streets and historic sights. This year, the community is planning on handing out goodies from 6-8 p.m. on the 31st. If you're lucky, you might even snag a cup of hot apple cider or a bag of freshly popped popcorn.
Just west of Cincinnati lie the Price Hill and West Price Hill neighborhoods, a candy-hunter's haven on Halloween night. An estimated 500+ trick-or-treaters gather in the area on the spooky holiday to beg for candy, popcorn and other tasty treats! Important note: Residents of Price Hill turn OFF their lights if they are giving out candy and turn ON their lights if they are not.
Located in Northeast Cincinnati, Pleasant Ridge is a charming neighborhood and very popular among families. The residents take their Halloween festivities seriously, hosting several Halloween events—including an annual pub crawl and Ghoul Fest—prior to October 31, and decorating their homes to the nines for trick-or-treating shenanigans.
Did we miss your favorite spot to go trick-or-treating in the Cincinnati area? Tell us all about it in the comments or on Instagram using #CutlerExplores!
Fall is officially underway! The leaves are changing colors, pumpkins are back on the menu and you've probably already started thinking about this year's Halloween costume.
But the season will be over before you know it, so take advantage of autumn before it ends by attending one of these events happening in the Cincinnati area this fall!
To help you get started on your seasonal calendar, we rounded up some of our most anticipated fall happenings in the area. Here, you'll find everything from fun harvest festivals to must-attend 5K races and a...
Named after the fashionable neighborhood in New York City, Hyde Park in Cincinnati oozes charm and luxury from every vantage point. The neighborhood was established in 1892 by several prominent Cincinnati businessmen who wanted to create a community exclusively for the city's wealthy citizens. Initially, only those deemed worthy by the gentlemen were able to purchase homes here, but the area has gained a lot of diversity since the early 1900s.
Today, Hyde Park is home to delicious restaurants, incredible boutiques, award-winning wineries and stunning parks—the only challenge is deciding what to see first!
Our guide includes the best ways to spend your day, starting with a visit to The Echo for breakfast and ending with stargazing at the Cincinnati Observatory and a nightcap at Dutch's. Enjoy!
Before you truly start your Hyde Park adventure, you'll need to fuel up. The Echo is one of the hottest breakfast spots in Cincinnati and has served the neighborhood for decades. Due to the friendly staff and comforting fare, the eatery has established itself as a local institution that people return to week after week. We love classics like the Oktoberfest omelet (featuring Glier's goetta), the corned beef hash, and the Belgian bird breakfast sandwich (with chicken tenders, a fried egg, cheddar and syrup).
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It isn't a day in Hyde Park without shopping. Located in the center of the neighborhood is Hyde Park Square, a two-block area on Erie Avenue that is full of one-of-a-kind shops. Spend a few hours exploring the streets and stopping into interesting stores. A few of our favorites include Cincy Shirts, Alligator Purse, 45/46, Soho Boutique and Fazel Rug Gallery.
For one of the best burgers in Cincinnati, you have to check out Arthur's Café. This casual and laid-back spot is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat during your Hyde Park adventure—or pretty much any other time. They have a great selection of local craft beers on tap, as well as some carefully crafted cocktails. Everything on their menu is especially good, but we highly recommend the black bean burger with a side of their homemade pink salsa!
Photo courtesy of the Miller Gallery | Featuring Work From Robert Mars, 40" x 60" Mixed Media
Established in 1960, the Miller Gallery is Cincinnati's oldest operating art gallery, specializing in contemporary art and sculptures. Their renowned exhibits actively promote over 40 artists in the global art market, featuring everything from photography to traditional painting. Take a breather and stop in to peruse some incredible artwork from local artists (and maybe purchase a piece) before heading on to your next destination.
Need a midday pick-me-up? We've got just the place! The Coffee Emporium has gained quite the reputation over the years—and with the gorgeous Victorian touches, outdoor patio and tasty bites, we're not surprised. This stop is a must for out-of-town guests and remains a local favorite. While you can't go wrong with any of the signature sips, we go wild over the cold brew aged in bourbon barrels.
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When you leave the Coffee Emporium, you'll notice something across the street. While you might feel like you've just been dropped into a Cincinnati-fied version of Alice in Wonderland, don't worry—it's just the Mushroom House! This architectural wonder was created after a local architect allowed his students to redesign one of his properties. While you can't go inside this adorably whimsical home, it's still definitely worth walking by and snapping a few pictures.
When you're looking for some seriously good food in Cincinnati, there's no better place to go than Forno! This incredible, rustic and approachable Italian restaurant offers some of the most delicious dishes around, from Gorgonzola Tortelloni to Spaghettini Arrabbiata. If you're in the area on a Tuesday, you won't want to miss their Bolo Tuesday special where $12 will get you some pasta with Bolognese sauce, bread and a few trips to the salad bar.
Photo courtesy of the Cincinnati Observatory
In 1842, Cincinnati professor Ormsby MacKnight Mitchel had a dream: to build a local observatory in the heart of Cincinnati that would help expand astronomy research. He went door to door, soliciting $25 a person to invest in his endeavor. Eventually, he was able to make his dream a reality, with the observatory building coming to fruition in 1843. The building served as a strictly research-focused center until 1999, when it was resurrected into a center for astronomy education. While you're in the area, a visit to this exquisite historic building is a must. And if you happen to be exploring on a Thursday or Friday—you'll definitely want to stop in for their weekly public stargazing sessions, just don't forget to RSVP online before you go!
This intimate local favorite is the perfect place to finish off the night. Not only do they offer the widest selection of refrigerated beer in the region, but you can also order an incredibly delicious charcuterie board made with locally sourced ingredients—all for a great price!
Do you have a suggestion on what we should add to our itinerary? Let us know in the comments!