
Ohio is filled with amazing destinations where you can explore history of all types, including some excellent museums and fascinating historical sites that highlight Black history. With places like the Cleveland African American Museum in Northeast Ohio, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, and the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center near Columbus, there are so many informative, inspiring places to visit during Black History Month in February. Today, we're going to take a closer look at 9 of the best places to explore all around Ohio for Black History Month this year.
207 E. College St., Oberlin, OH 44074
John Mercer Langston was a fascinating figure in African American history and a trailblazer who achieved many firsts as a Black man. He was the first known Black elected official in the country and the first Black congressman elected from Virginia. John Mercer Langston spent more than a decade living in Oberlin during the mid-1800s, and his historic residence has been preserved to the present day. You can still visit the home today, and it has been included on the National Register of Historic Places.
1765 Crawford Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106
One of the earliest independent museums on African American history and culture, the Cleveland African American Museum was founded by Icabod Flewellen in 1953. It moved to its current location in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood in 1984 and has continued its mission ever since. That mission is to raise cultural awareness, provide education about Black history, organize community events, and exhibit artifacts that tell stories about the African American experience. The museum is currently open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays, with fundraising underway to reopen full-time in the future.
50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Located in downtown Cincinnati since it first opened in 2004, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is an award-winning museum and educational center that tells the story of the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a network that helped escaped slaves reach free territories, and quite a few of the destinations on our list played a role in the Underground Railroad. Along with helping share the Underground Railroad story, this museum also works to pay tribute to all who worked to abolish human enslavement and secure freedom for all people. There are also some great virtual programs available for Black History Month and all year long if you can't make it to the museum in person.
300 N. Front St., Ripley, OH 45167
One of two destinations on our list located in Ripley, a small town southeast of Cincinnati along the Ohio River, the John Parker House is both a museum and the current home of the John P. Parker Historical Society. As a young man, John Parker escaped from slavery and dedicated his life to helping other slaves reach freedom. He was an inventor and was also very active with the Underground Railroad. The museum is open from Friday through Sunday during select times of the year, so be sure to check the schedule before visiting.
6152 Rankin Hill Rd., Ripley, OH 45167
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Also located in Ripley is the John Rankin House, one of the most active stops along the Underground Railroad in Ohio. The home of Reverend John Rankin was built in 1825 and was home to Rankin, his wife Jean, and their 13 children. The home, which overlooks the Ohio River, was recently restored and includes many unique artifacts from Rev. John Rankin's life as an abolitionist. You can stop by for a guided tour to learn all about this fascinating figure, his family, his work as an abolitionist, and his role in helping escaped slaves reach freedom.
219 N. Paul Laurence Dunbar St., Dayton, OH 45402
2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of celebrated African American author and poet laureate Paul Laurence Dunbar, who spent many years living in Ohio. The Paul Laurence Dunbar House is now a museum and cultural center, where you can learn all about the prolific writer who produced 20 books, including novels, poetry, and short stories during his short lifetime. He purchased this home for his mother in 1904 and lived there with her while he produced some of his final literary works. The home is also the location of the Dunbar Literary Circle, which meets on the second Sunday of every month.
1350 Brush Row Rd., Wilberforce, OH 45384
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Dedicated to helping visitors learn more about African American contributions to history and culture in America, the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center is an excellent place to visit during Black History Month. Exhibits scheduled to run through 2022 include Rhythm of Revolution, Queens of the Heartland, Behind the Mask: Black Power in Comics, African Americans Fighting for a Double Victory, and more. There are also many permanent exhibits, including more than 8,000 artifacts.
48 Pine St., Gallipolis, OH 45631
Housed in the John Gee African Methodist Chapel, which held church services for nearly 200 years from its founding until its final service in 1997, the John Gee Black Historical Center is a cultural and educational center. The center works to preserve the culture, tradition, crafts, art, and music of Black Americans in southeast Ohio. In addition to the many exhibits on display, the John Gee Black Historical Center often hosts lectures where you can learn more about Black history and culture.
835 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus, OH 43203
Art, music, and culture play such a vibrant, vital role in telling the story of Black history. The King Arts Complex includes galleries that showcase painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, and decorative arts. Many events are happening at the King Arts Center all year long, including the Heritage Music Festival, First Tuesday Tea, and a wide variety of youth arts education programs. The King Arts Complex is a place where you can learn about the many contributions that African Americans have made to the culture of Ohio and of the entire country.
Whether you visit during Black History Month or at any other time of the year, all of these museums tell important stories that deserve to be heard. Which places will you explore to get in touch with history in Ohio this year?

New Year's resolutions like losing weight are so last century. In 2022, why not resolve to learn more about your community with the help of Cutler Homes and LoLo Gifts?
We've teamed up to provide a monthly series of free gifts spotlighting local small businesses. Whether you pick up croissants in Northeast Ohio, appetizers in Columbus, or coffee in Cincinnati, make a resolution to check out these fabulous merchants.
Akron: Smoked Gouda Mac 'N' Cheese Bites
Columbus: Smoked Gouda Mac 'N' Cheese Bites
Wooster: A Pulled Pork Sandwich
Cincinnati: A Sandwich or Bagel, and a Coffee
4866 Everhard Rd. NW, Canton, OH 44718
Who says you can't improve on perfection? Cupcakes are heavenly, but the gourmet flavors at Nom Nom Cupcake Factory will take your appreciation to a whole new level.
About Nom Nom Cupcake Factory
The baked treats at Nom Nom Cupcake Factory are so amazing that delighted customers use them as wedding cakes. Each week features a rotating selection of flavors such as Salted Caramel and Cinnamon Toast. As if that weren't enough, the bakery has upped their game by offering gourmet flavored popcorn.
Contact and Hours
330.705.2560
Monday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 6 p.m.
3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333
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Yes, the blue-box mac 'n' cheese is classic comfort food. But get ready to enjoy the blissful sensation of biting into the smoked Gouda mac 'n' cheese bites from The Rail.
About The Rail
As a spinoff of Mike Mariola's City Square Steakhouse, it's no surprise that The Rail serves first-class burgers. Beef is 100 percent locally sourced, with several specialty burgers as well as extensive build-your-own options. The Rail is also known for their delicious four-cheese scratch-made mac 'n' cheese.
Contact and Hours
330.864.7245
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.
109 W. Washington St., Medina, OH 44256
Candy apples aren't just for fall. Bite into one of these delicious sweet treats with your gift from Candyapple & Co.
About Candyapple & Co.
Appropriately, Candyapple & Co. is an "offshoot" of a landscaping company specializing in orchards. Their dipped apples go far beyond caramel and candy to encompass more than 100 flavors, including root beer float, carrot cake, and sparkling wine. Be sure to check out their boutique with jewelry, skincare products, and other great gift items.
Contact and Hours
330.635.0132
Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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Bread is sometimes referred to as "the staff of life." You're sure to agree after you use your $10 to try one of the tasty loaves from Brimfield Bread Oven.
About Brimfield Bread Oven
Technology may be king, but Brimfield Bread Oven still believes in old-school techniques. At this European-style bakery, all products are made from scratch with top-quality ingredients and baked in a wood-fired oven. Stop by on Saturday between 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. and take home a traditional wood-fired pizza for dinner.
Contact and Hours
330.474.7800
Thursday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
5839 Frantz Rd., Dublin, OH 43016
Even chefs at five-star restaurants agree that everything tastes better fried. That goes for mac 'n' cheese, the granddaddy of comfort foods, especially when they're made with gourmet cheese like the smoked Gouda mac 'n' cheese bites at The Rail.
About The Rail
Over the past few years, the gourmet Angus beef burgers at The Rail have earned awards and recognition from local and national publications. One of the favorites is the Mojo, made with a blend of beef and andouille sausage and getting some added kick from a topping of jalapeño slaw. Cool things down with one of two dozen brands of Ohio craft beer on hand.
Contact and Hours
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.
128 S. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691
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Sample some legendary Southern BBQ without leaving town. Make sure you have plenty of napkins ready when you get your pulled pork sandwich at Omahoma Bob's BBQ.
About Omahoma Bob's BBQ
Omahoma Bob's BBQ achieves their authentic Texas-style taste with a dry rub of spices and classic low-and-slow cooking in the smoker. Hot Italian sausages and German brats are also created in-house. Complete your meal with turnip greens, red beans and rice, hush puppies, and other traditional sides.
Contact and Hours
330.262.9871
Tuesday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
9701 Kenwood Rd., Blue Ash, KY 45242
Marx Hot Bagels has been a Cincinnati favorite since 1969. With the first bite of your sandwich or bagel, you'll understand why.
About Marx Hot Bagels
Don't settle for those frozen grocery store bagels. Marx Hot Bagels serves more than 30 varieties, all baked fresh daily. They make a perfect canvas for egg salad, lox, hummus, or just a simple schmear of cream cheese. Change things up with some bagel bread, bagel pretzels, or bagel thins.
Contact and Hours
513.891.5542
Monday - Sunday: 6 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
3471 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44118
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Croissants are the superstars of baked goods, serving equally well as breakfast pastry and base for a savory sandwich. How will you enjoy your two croissants from On the Rise Artisan Breads?
About On the Rise Artisan Breads
At On the Rise Artisan Breads, baking is truly an art. The bakers start work each day before the sun rises, using simple but high-quality ingredients to create breads, rolls, pastries, cookies, and quiches. For a real treat, don't miss the daily specialty flavors such as raisin challah, eclairs, and chocolate cherry batard.
Contact and Hours
216.320.9923
Tuesday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Resolve to keep the fun going all year long. Just contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to get our monthly offering of freebies.

Cutler Realtors finished strong in 2021, helping so many buy or sell a home across Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati. We seek to empower our real estate agents from start to finish so they can focus on providing the best possible customer service.
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 December 2021.

When the snow flies in Ohio, the fun has just begun! With opportunities for skiing, ice skating, winter hiking, and countless other activities, it's the perfect season to enjoy the outdoors in Ohio. Be sure to check out these nine amazing outdoor destinations in Ohio this winter.
16200 Valley Pkwy., Strongsville, OH 44136
Tobogganing at the Chalet at Mill Stream Run Reservation is a winter tradition in Northeast Ohio. With its two 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes, Mill Stream Run offers the thrill of a fast-paced toboggan ride all winter long, with or without snow. Just be sure to hold on tight—once you start moving, you're likely to top 50 miles per hour before you reach the bottom! You can always warm up in the Chalet or slow down and explore the park's snowshoe and cross-country ski trails while you're there. Mill Stream Run Reservation is operated by Cleveland Metro Parks and is just 20 minutes from the city.
10620 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
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One of Ohio's top skiing destinations, Alpine Valley Ski Resort is nestled among the rolling hills of Northeast Ohio, less than 40 minutes from Cleveland. Their varied terrain includes gentle slopes that are great for beginners, as well as some more advanced slopes for seasoned skiers. Alpine Valley Ski Resort also offers equipment rentals and hands-on skiing courses with skilled instructors to help new skiers learn the ropes. If you get a little hungry between runs, stop in at the on-site restaurant for a bite, or warm up with a beverage at the Snow Belt Saloon.
5793 Boston Mills Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
Endless winter adventures await at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This wild 32,500-acre playground in Northeast Ohio includes 125 miles of hiking trails open year-round. The 19.7-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is especially popular among cross-country skiers thanks to its smooth grade, while the rugged Ledges Trail meanders among large rock formations that become encrusted in icicles every winter. Cuyahoga Valley National Park also offers some great opportunities for snow tubing and sledding, especially in the Kendall Hills section.
4265 E. Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43230
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Blendon Woods Metro Park is one of the best places in Columbus to get away from city life for a while and experience nature. This 653-acre park includes a waterfowl refuge and nature center, with an elevated platform overlooking Thoreau Lake that's a popular year-round spot for bird watching. Blendon Woods Metro Park also includes several trails that are perfect for a winter hike. The 2-mile Sugarbush Trail is especially popular among cross-country skiers. Best of all, the park has a shallow, man-made pond that freezes over in winter to form a natural ice skating rink.
2905 Leibs Island Rd. NE, Millersport, OH 43046
A mere 30 minutes from Columbus, Buckeye Lake is one of the great winter destinations in Central Ohio. When the 3,100-acre lake freezes over in winter, it's one of Ohio's best ice fishing spots, thanks to its abundant populations of saugeye, panfish, and bass. Stop in one of the gear shops or cafes around the lake to warm up, and be sure to visit on January 22, 2022, for Winterfest. This annual event includes food and drink, live music, and various events around the lake, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show. Buckeye Lake is accessible for fishing through Buckeye Lake State Park, including a 4-mile shoreline path that connects the North Shore to Lieb's Island.
1000 Snow Valley Rd., Zanesville, OH 43360
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Central Ohio's premier ski and snowboard destination, Mad River Mountain is located just an hour from Columbus in the rolling hills of Zanesville. Skiing is available December through March most years on the 1,460-foot mountain, with a vertical drop of 300 feet. Mad River Mountain offers challenging runs for experienced skiers, as well as a learning area with easier terrain for beginners. There's even a tubing area that kids can enjoy while the grown-ups ski and a bar and grill in the lodge that serves up tasty drinks and pub grub.
3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden opened in 1875, making it the second-oldest zoo in the United States. It's one of the absolute must-visit attractions in the Cincinnati area, no matter the season. In winter, visitors have some particularly special events to look forward to, including the spectacular PNC Festival of Lights. Visit on a winter weekend for Penguin Days, an annual event that includes discounted admission and a chance to meet the zoo's resident penguins up close and in person. Penguin Days goes from January 10 to March 11.
520 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Fountain Square is at the center of Downtown Cincinnati. Every year from November through February, the square is overtaken by a massive outdoor ice rink open to public skating. A 90-minute ice skating session including skate rentals is just $10, and kids 4 and under can skate for free. The rink also includes a separate area for ice bumper cars, which are a heck of a lot of fun. Visit after dark to see Fountain Square lit up in holiday lights, and be sure to check out some of the shops and eateries that are just footsteps away. It's a perfect place for a romantic winter night out in Cincinnati.
1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013
An outdoor sculpture gallery spanning more than 300 acres, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is a unique place in any season. But it's a particularly magical place in winter, when the trees, trails, and more than 70 sculptures are dusted with snow. Every year, the park also hosts a spectacular holiday lights display. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is located in the community of Hamilton, less than 30 minutes from Downtown Cincinnati.
Where will you be spending your time outdoors in Ohio this winter?

It's always a treat to enjoy a breakfast bagel, but there's no better day than January 15, which is designated as National Bagel Day. This beloved carb comes in enough varieties to please anyone, and when you eat it with your favorite schmear or in a sandwich, you'll have an endless combination of choices.
Check out the following 9 places to have a bagel for breakfast in Ohio.
2267 Warrensville Center Rd., University Heights, OH 44118
Bialy's Bagels has served the University Heights area since 1966, becoming an Eastside institution. They're even been named to Thrillist's list of "The Best Bagel Shops in America that Aren't in New York." The site praised the quality of the shop's New York-style bagels as well as its dedication to simply providing an excellent bagel. You'll find no toppings or other frills. Order your choice from a long list of bagel types, including roasted garlic salt, smoked sea salt rosemary, apple cinnamon, and pumpernickel. True to its name, the shop also makes bialys, which are a sort of cousin to bagels. It has a round, depressed middle filled with cooked onion, and unlike a bagel, which is baked after it's boiled, a bialy is just baked.
7501 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103
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At The Cleveland Bagel Co., you'll have your choice of several types of hand-rolled bagels that are made fresh every day. Go with plain for a traditional flavor, or pep it up by choosing rosemary with sea salt or cinnamon cranberry. Top off your bagel with a plain schmear, brie honey walnut, chorizo chipotle, or another flavor. And if you have a bigger appetite, bagel sandwiches are also served, including one with local free-range eggs and American cheese and a classic lox version with house-made lox, a plain schmear, red onion, and capers.
33567 Aurora Rd., Solon, OH 44139
Bagels are hand-rolled, kettle boiled, and baked fresh on-premises daily at D&R Bagels. They have plenty of varieties, and if you'd like to try a mixture of flavors, check out the shop's mini bagels. Treat yourself to your favorites such as cinnamon crunch, sun-dried tomato, chocolate chip, jalapeno, and more. Or stop by in the morning to grab a breakfast bagel or two with fillings such as egg and ham, bacon, sausage, pastrami, or corned beef. If you live nearby, you can even have your bagels delivered.
772 N. High St. #106, Columbus, OH 43215
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Located in the heart of the short north, The Lox Bagel Shop hand rolls, boils, and bakes its bagels using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy them with a spread like beet and thyme, woodhouse vegan, or artichokes, or choose fancy jam from Prospect Jam. Co. in Cincinnati. When you're in the mood for more, order a bagel sandwich that comes stuffed with generous portions of filling. They're available for breakfast in varieties including The Lox, served with capers, onion, and cucumber along with an optional egg, or the Southwest, with egg, cheese, salsa, avocado, and optional pork. At lunch, The Pastrami (with mustard, pickled onion, and Swiss), is popular, as is the egg or tuna salad.
3012 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43209
Block's Bagels was opened in 1967 by two New York City transplants who couldn't find a bagel in Columbus that met their standards. They serve breakfast all day, so you can order breakfast sandwiches served on a bagel whenever you'd like. Customer favorites include the egg and swiss with corned beef as well as the egg and pepper jack with jalapenos and pastrami. For a lighter treat, try a bagel with your choice of cream cheese and a topping such as strawberry, garlic spice, or lox.
3058 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43204
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A pop-up located inside Third Way Cafe's coffee shop, Nate's Steamed Bagels uses a machine to precisely steam and cook bagel sandwiches. It allows the flavor of the bagel, protein, and cheeses to blend together perfectly before cold toppings and homemade sauces are added. For breakfast, order The Ride, which has an everything bagel along with egg, fresh spinach, cheddar, avocado, and tomato, and with Green Goddess sauce on the side. For brunch or lunch, try The Italian Stallion, which comes with an everything bagel, salami, pepperoni, ham, onion, banana peppers, provolone, and lettuce, with parmesan peppercorn sauce on the side.
347 Calhoun St., Cincinnati, OH 45219
For the past 29 years, Bagel Brothers has been family-owned and operated across the street from the University of Cincinnati. They not only bake their bagels every morning, the shop's owners and employees also make their cream cheeses on-site using fresh ingredients with no additives or preservatives. Chicken, tuna, and egg salads are also made from scratch, and you can enjoy these on a bagel sandwich. Choose your bagel flavor as well as a cream cheese flavor such as apple cinnamon, French onion, jalapeno, or cheddar.
1401 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Located in Over the Rhine, The Bagelry makes its bagels fresh daily, starting by selecting the right ingredients and giving the bagels an overnight rise to let their flavors develop. From there, the bagels are hand-rolled and kettle-boiled to achieve a crispy exterior, chewy interior, and delicious flavor. Grab a single bagel like asiago, blueberry, or cinnamon raisin, and add a cream cheese flavor like roasted veggie, natural strawberry, or bacon scallion. If you'd like to take some home or to work to share, the shop offers a Brunch Bundle consisting of 12 bagels of your choice along with two tubs of cream cheese. The bagel sandwiches are also popular, including the Avocado Bagel Toast (with sliced avocado, onion, tomato, sea salt, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes) as well as the Smoked Turkey Club (with Lucius Q smoked turkey, bacon scallion cream cheese, lettuce, onion, and tomato).
201 E. 5th St. Unit 11, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Choose your favorite combinations of bagels and spreads at Bagel Stop Sandwich & Catering, which is located in First Financial Tower. Bagel options include whole wheat, everything, and sesame, while spreads offered range from classic cream cheese to cinnamon butter or jelly. Or try a bagel sandwich that's customizable with your favorite toppings, cheeses, and sauces. Favorites include the roasted turkey breast with your choice of veggies and dressing, or an all-white-meat chicken salad made with celery, pecans, and cranberries.
Where will you start your day with a yummy breakfast bagel in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, or Cincinnati?