
Elevate your grocery shopping by stopping by one of Ohio's specialty food markets, which sell plenty of delicious and interesting foods. You'll be able to try new foods and make your meals more special and tasty.
Explore these specialty food markets around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati the next time you shop.
1979 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
Opening in 1912, West Side Market is Cleveland's oldest municipally owned market. Its setting is beautiful, with the building designed by renowned architects who included a 44-foot-high tile vaulted ceiling and a 137-foot-tall clock tower. Its eclectic mix of shops includes Theresa's Bakery, known for more than 30 types of fresh, homemade bread and European pastries, including 17 flavors of cannoli. Rita's is another popular market vendor where you'll find a variety of stuffed olives, fresh horseradish and barrel kraut, and fresh-ground peanut butter.
3885 Medina Rd., Akron, OH 44333
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With its motto of "Real food is good food," Mustard Seed Market has followed many stringent ingredient standards since 1981. Its products are free of high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and flavoring, harmful chemicals and preservatives, saccharin and aspartame, antibiotics and hormones in meats, bleached or bromated flour, and irradiation. Fill your cart with produce from local farmers that's organic whenever possible, fresh-baked bread, pastries, and pies, high-quality, responsibly sourced meat and seafood, bulk foods, and more. And in the grocery department, you'll find affordable, high-quality, natural foods from local suppliers.
6005 County Road 77, Millersburg, OH 44654
Bunker Hill Cheese is a third-generation family-owned company that was established in 1935. The company partners with local farmers and makes over 25 types of cheese, averaging 50,000 pounds a week. Whether you'd like cheese for a snack, to use in a recipe, or to help create a delicious charcuterie board, you can find it here. You'll find A2 milk cheese (easier to digest), cheddar, farmers cheese, fiesta jack marble with jalapeno kick, Bermuda onion, feta, raw milk cheese, and more. And to carry the cheese theme even further, the market sells Heini's cheese fudge in flavors including blueberry, chocolate, and rainbow sherbet.
59 Spruce St., Columbus, OH 43215
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North Market, located in downtown Columbus, has been open for nearly 150 years. The venue houses more than 30 independently owned small businesses where you can pick up a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, poultry, specialty food items, and more. For a delicious snack, stop by American Nut Company, specializing in Bavarian Glazed Roasted Almonds and Pecans with a touch of cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. For a prepared meal, visit Flavors of India, which serves dishes made with freshly sourced ingredients and healthy herbs and spices.
7860 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43235
The Hills Market is a unique shopping destination where you can shop inside the market or have your groceries delivered. Its departments sell wholesome, fresh foods, including produce from Ohio farmers and family-owned distributors. Its full-service butcher shop features high-quality meat sourced from around Ohio without any growth-promoting hormones or antibiotics. The produce department features hand-selected fruits and veggies from Ohio farmers and family-owned distributors. For added convenience, stop by the Chef's Case for house-made dishes, including the market's popular crab cakes with sherry cayenne dipping sauce.
1440 Gemini Place, Columbus, OH 43240
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Carfagna's Market aims to provide the best quality items at the lowest possible price. The market isn't tied to any particular suppliers, so the owners are free to shop around to find and sell the best products from small and family-owned businesses. Its butcher shop sells meats cut fresh daily and sourced from farmers who implement humane practices. You can also treat yourself to a wide variety of fresh, delicious foods, including treats from Columbus' largest homemade Italian cookie selection, homemade cannoli filled to order, organic homemade pasta sauce, and handmade artisan pasta.
4450 Eastgate South Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45245
You'll find a unique mixture of specialty grocery items at Jungle Jim's International Market, including colorfully unique sodas where you can try a new root beer or be adventurous and buy Buffalo Wing Soda. If you love coffee or tea, stop by the Coffee Bar, where you'll find over 50 varieties of coffee from local micro-roaster Seven Hills, as well as over 20 varieties of loose-leaf teas. You'll also find dozens of honey varieties and honey-related products like honey candy, butter, or cream. And make sure to stop by the Candy Castle for nostalgic favorites or trendy new candies.
1801 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Located just blocks from downtown in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, Findlay Market attracts more than one million visitors a year. You'll find plenty of farm-fresh, locally sourced specialty foods for sale from more than 50 full-time merchants. If you're craving a ready-made meal, stop by Flavors of the Isle, where you'll find dishes with a blend of Southern soul food and Jamaican cuisine. Try the jerk chicken, made with the owner's homemade jerk seasoning and sauce. Or visit Dean's Mediterranean Imports for nuts roasted onsite, many varieties of Lebanese-style yogurt, pita breads, and more.
6920 Burlington Pike, Florence, KY 41042
Remke Markets has several locations throughout the area and is known for its excellent customer service. In addition to the usual grocery offerings, you'll find a dedicated soup and salad bar as well as a sushi bar. If you'd like to save time and effort but still get the products you love, try the Mobile Market app, where a trained personal shopper selects items from your order and has it waiting for you when you come to the store.
What specialty food markets do you visit in Ohio, and what items are your favorites to buy?

No matter who you root for, early February is when all sports fans come together to celebrate the biggest event of the year. With football's game of the year just around the corner, now is the time to figure out where you'll be watching.
Many sports bars across Northeast Ohio offer a comfortable viewing experience, a fun atmosphere, and of course, all the wings and beer you need, an essential part of any game-day experience. If you're looking for some great places to check out, here are some of our top recommendations.
834 Huron Rd. E, Cleveland, OH 44115
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One of the most popular sports bars in Cleveland, The Clevelander Bar & Grill is a lively and fun place to watch any sporting event. You'll find more than 10 flat-screen TVs, so you can get a great vantage point from anywhere in the house. Happy hour is from 8 to 9 p.m., and almost everything is $2. An excellent beer list and plenty of creative cocktails complement upscale bar food and classic American fare. This place fills up quickly on game days, so be sure to get there early.
6007 Brookpark Rd., Parma, OH 44129
If you're looking for a sports bar with some personality, you'll definitely want to try Characters Sports Bar & Grill. This friendly neighborhood hangout has some of the best wings in town and a huge draft beer selection. The bartenders are very friendly, and the service is great. There is a large, comfortable bar area and plenty of TVs. Enjoy numerous drink specials throughout the week and great deals for the big game. This is the sports bar for you if you want to have a nice dinner and watch the game.
222 S. Main St. #1B, Akron, OH 44308
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Located near Canal Park, Barley House is a popular sports bar downtown. The bar and restaurant has more than 30 big TVs, a rotating list of 30 craft beers, and some of the best service in town. The restaurant is large, so there will be lots of space available on Feb. 12. Order some wings, nachos, or pretzel sticks to snack on during the game. You'll want to come back during warmer months and take advantage of their patio!
426 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304
An excellent sports bar on the University of Akron Campus, Score Draft Room is the place to be. One of the best parts about this place is the atmosphere. With a younger crowd and plenty of drink specials, the atmosphere is a lot of fun. Cheap but delicious bar food is available to order. If you're planning to go for the big game, get there early. The place fills up quickly, especially for popular events.
3314 Warren Rd., Cleveland, OH 44111
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If you're looking for a laid-back game day spot, try Third Place. With some great bar food, craft beer, several big-screen TVs, and plenty of space, you won't find it hard to make yourself right at home. Pool tables and arcade games are available to play during halftime. While Third Place serves some good pizza, it's the wings that are the highlight of the menu. Make sure to check their website for food specials throughout the week.
370 Paul Williams St., Akron, OH 44311
Those who love sports and beer will love watching the game at 69 Taps. Named after its impressive draft beer system (which features 69 different beers), this place is a great option on any game day. Beers are available by the pitcher, and the food menu features some great burgers and bar food. The Big Jake Burger is definitely worth a try. It's a classic cheeseburger loaded with Jake's Secret Sauce. Grab some friends and play pool, darts, or a variety of other games upstairs. This bar and taproom draws an energetic crowd on game days!
750 Prospect Ave. E, Cleveland, OH 44115
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Forty draft beers, 60 cans, and plenty of big-screen TVs make this popular bar in downtown Cleveland a great place to watch any sporting event. You'll love the vibrant atmosphere at City Tap Cleveland, especially during a big game. If you're hungry, we recommend The Viking Burger, grilled in garlic parmesan wing sauce and topped with house-made guac, mayo, and swiss cheese. Or opt for one of nine different flavors of wings.
1214 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
This sports bar/entertainment center in the Warehouse District is a prime destination on weekends, and watching football's biggest event here will be a blast. A whopping 32 big-screen TVs, 24 draft beers, skeeball, and other arcade games make Dive Bar a great time. An all-request DJ hosts the evenings on Fridays, Saturdays, and during select special events.
Where will you watch the big game around Northeast Ohio this year?

Cooking is an essential life skill that everyone should have some practice with. Why not take your dishes to the next level by learning from the pros? Here are just a few of the many places you can go to learn cooking techniques from some of Ohio's top chefs.
8613 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
The Loretta Paganini School of Cooking is one of the most renowned culinary institutions in Northeast Ohio. The crown jewel of the International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute, this school offers classes for laypeople as well as up-and-coming professional chefs. Some are even taught by Paganini herself!
The school's curriculum includes a set of intensive four-week classes to teach basic techniques like knife skills, grilling, and sauce-making—perfect for those just starting out in the kitchen. There are also a variety of standalone classes available to help you brush up on your execution of specific dishes, including ravioli, ragout, and various surf and turf plates.
4461 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Ever looked up a recipe for a particular dish and immediately regretted it when you saw what the instructions looked like? Stir Studio Kitchen is all about teaching kitchen novices to master specific meals that they might otherwise find intimidating. Each course is 2-3 hours long, and most take place in the evening.
The classes cover dishes from a wide range of cuisines, including everything from chicken pot pie with citrus poppyseed salad to homemade naan with chana masala and palak paneer. Many of their classes include dishes that can be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. Just let them know in advance so they can make sure they have the right ingredients on hand!
250 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
The Mix is Columbus State Community College's official culinary branch. All of this acclaimed Columbus institution's classes are taught by experienced chefs, many of whom have also published well-known cookbooks and food columns.
These hands-on courses run for about 2 hours each. Most of them teach you how to cook a single dish, such as Beef Wellington, Spanish paella, and French crepes. Others cover a few dishes related to a central theme, such as their Mardi Gras Celebration class in late February.
3674 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
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Cooking doesn't have to be a high-stakes passion pursuit to be enjoyable. The folks at The Seasoned Farmhouse call their organization a recreational cooking school, a term they use to signpost their more relaxed cooking philosophy. The classes are still taught by professional chefs, but there's no pressure—it's all just for fun.
Classes come in both hands-on and demonstration formats and are available evenings and afternoons. Whether you're interested in making hearty favorites like homemade bagels or fancy dishes like Beef Wellington, you're sure to find a course that will teach you what you need to know.
11 Buttles Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
The Quinci Emporium began as a gourmet food store when it first opened a few years back. Now, the company offers cooking classes in addition to its retail operations. You can take a 2- to 3-hour course with chef Deborah Quinci or a member of her team on most days of the week.
The dishes covered in these classes range from savory classics like Tortellini with Broth and Lasagna Bolognese to sweet treats like cookies and biscotti. All recipes use the store's own fresh ingredients, including wines, meats, cheeses, pasta, and breads.
1731 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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You don't have to be a kitchen whiz to benefit from cooking instruction. Tablespoon Cooking Co. strives to make cooking classes accessible to people of all skill levels, including those who rarely cook for themselves.
Beginners and advanced home cooks alike can sign up to learn how to make a variety of delicious dishes, from shrimp paella to pasta Bolognese with fresh noodles. The company also holds mixology classes at their in-house bar for anyone who wants to take their home happy hours to the next level. They even carry a selection of ingredients and equipment used in their classes, making it easy for you to pick up exactly what you need to recreate your lessons at home.
1719 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Want to experience a range of flavors you may never have tasted before? Afromeals is the place to learn how to make the earthy, spicy dishes of African and Caribbean cuisine in your own kitchen.
Run by executive chef Gabi Odebode and her team of prep chefs, this culinary school will teach you how to prepare Afro-Caribbean staples like Jollof rice, Chakalaka, and Jerk chicken. You'll learn more about the ingredients, textures, and flavor profiles that define this type of cuisine and expand your culinary horizons.
915 E. McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45206
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If you're like many Americans, you might find yourself throwing out almost as much food as you eat. La Soupe is a non-profit organization on a mission to eliminate food waste from Cincinnati households. As part of this mission, they offer cooking classes to illustrate what you can do with the food you would usually throw away.
Most of the recipes taught in their classes are for soups, stews, and other hearty dishes that can be made with almost any ingredients. These classes are a great fit for people trying to cut down on their grocery spending—and these days, who isn't?
It's never too late to learn a new recipe or cooking technique. What new dishes will you learn to whip up this year?

No matter the season, Northeast Ohio features endless outdoor attractions for you to explore, whether you're in the mood for a quick, scenic hike or a longer journey that will lead you to some of the best views in all of Ohio. If you've only explored local trails during the warmer months, you're sure to love experiencing your favorite natural attractions framed by fresh snow, with quiet in the air and stunning scenery all around you. Ready to bundle up? Here are 8 of the best places for a winter hike around Northeast Ohio.
Valley Pkwy., North Olmstead, OH 44070
One of the first Metro Parks established in the Cleveland area and still one of the largest, Rocky River Reservation offers sprawling outdoor beauty to explore during every season. If you're feeling adventurous, you can find countless trails that will take you through all of the gorgeous scenery that this park has to offer, from amazing shale cliffs to incredible views of the Rocky River from above. The All Purpose Trail is a great place to start if you're new to this park because it will take you straight to some amazing, elevated views.
Upper Edgewater Dr., Cleveland, OH 44102
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Featuring 9,000 feet of scenic shorelines along Lake Erie and nearly 150 acres to explore in total, Edgewater Park is an ideal choice when you want to enjoy a winter hike without leaving Cleveland. The Upper Edgewater Park Loop runs mostly along the waterfront, passing by Edgewater Beach, Edgewater Pier, and some lovely public art installations along the way. An icy Lake Erie also provides a beautiful backdrop for your winter nature photography.
3037 Som Center Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
For a quick, scenic hike with a truly impressive payoff at the end, try a trip along the Squire's Lane Trail at the North Chagrin Reservation. The trail checks in at just under a mile long each way, winding through the woods with a fairly flat, even surface. On a winter hike, you'll often find the forest covered in snow, creating beautiful scenes and providing plenty of peacefulness as you explore this relatively short trail in Willoughby Hills. At the end of the trail, you'll find the stunning Squire's Castle, which was built in the 1890s but looks as if it has been plucked straight from medieval times. It's an especially beautiful sight in the snow, making winter the perfect time to visit.
521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls, OH 44262
If you want to experience a variety of habitats and ecosystems on one hike, then the Indian Spring trail at Munroe Falls Metro Park is an ideal destination. This 2.2-mile trail loops around the beautiful Indian Spring, passing through wetlands, ponds, and a stream as you explore. It's a great place to spot some local wildlife, both in the forests and wetlands areas. If you're bringing the kids along for your hike, there are also some fantastic sledding hills located within this park.
6974 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
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Covering more than 33,000 acres and featuring more than 125 miles of trails winding through vast natural beauty, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers more than enough to keep you exploring for many winters to come. One of the most popular trails in this large park is the Blue Hen Falls Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall that's especially lovely to visit on a snowy hike. The address linked above is to the Boston Mill Visitor Center at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the perfect place to learn about the park, connect with the friendly, knowledgeable staff, and plan your next adventure.
5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
While natural beauty is abundant in Northeast Ohio, there are also some great hikes that challenge your expectations of what a trail can be. The Quarry Trail at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park is one excellent example, traveling through what was once a quarry that helped supply raw materials for many of the region's industrial businesses. The quarry has since been converted into an outstanding park, and a hike here provides an interesting connection to local history to go along with plenty of natural scenery for a winter hike.
1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH 44313
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For a taste of nature in the heart of Akron, try a visit to the Seneca Trail at the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm. The trail is more hilly than others on our list and provides some extra challenge, but it's still short enough at 1.5 miles to be a great fit for a winter hike. The trail winds through a pine forest, a beautiful prairie, and a suspension footbridge that offers some fantastic views of the park. There are also two shorter trails within the park if you're looking for more to explore.
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH 44087
At just over a mile long, the Ledges Trail at Liberty Park is an ideal choice when you're in the mood for a quick hike that doesn't compromise on scenery. The icy, snowy scenes on this trail make it a popular choice during the winter, with ice gardens, small waterfalls, and flowing creeks to enjoy along the way. Liberty Park is also pet-friendly if you want to bring your furry friend along on your next winter adventure in Northeast Ohio.
With so many trails to choose from, there are hikes to be enjoyed this winter no matter your experience level and tastes. So what wonders will you discover on Northeast Ohio trails this winter?

Pickleball is such a fun game for people of all ages. It gives you a great way to get out and be active with friends. Swinging the racket is much easier than in tennis, yet there's more movement involved than in ping pong. Whether you've been playing pickleball for years or are completely new to the game, there are several awesome indoor courts in Ohio. Here are some of the top ones we recommend visiting this winter.
5475 Mills Creek Lane N, North Ridgeville, OH 44039
If you're in Northeast Ohio, then one of the best places to play indoor paddleball is North Ridge Racquet & Paddle. They offer several pickleball leagues for adults of all ages. A Tuesday Evening Beginner Pickleball League is perfect for those new to the sport. Or, if you have more experience, consider the Sunday Morning Advanced Pickleball League.
You can see a complete schedule of league play times on the club's website. Or, you can visit during Open Play hours and hit the ball around with a few friends. Open play is just $8 per day, and it's $100 to join a league for six weeks.
29825 Chagrin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44124
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The Cleveland Racquet Club is a great place to play indoor racquet sports all year. They have several indoor pickleball courts that are always clean and well-maintained. The club is open Monday - Friday from 6:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Contact the club to find out their latest open-court hours for pickleball.
The Cleveland Racquet Club has a lot to offer in addition to pickleball. If you become a member, you can work out in their fitness center, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or even lunch at the onsite restaurant, The Pub. Of course, there are also tennis and ping pong courts if you need a change of pace.
The Mandel Jewish Community Center has two basketball courts set up into four pickleball courts during certain open play hours. They also have several pickleball classes and clinics for players of all abilities. Their Pickleball Skills and Drills Clinic is 90 minutes long and only $25 for community members. Visitors also enjoy their three-week Intro to Pickleball class.
If you're more serious, the JCC also has pickleball leagues you can join. They're divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
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Do you want to play pickleball in a relaxed setting? Then Pickle & Chill is the place to go in Columbus. This indoor pickleball facility offers league play plus plenty of open play hours. There are even designated open play hours for those ages 60+.
Pickle & Chill offers "Dink and Drink" open play night and College and Young Professionals nights. If you're new to the sport, consider signing up for their Learn to Play clinic.
Olympic Indoor Tennis is a beautiful indoor facility that allows both members and non-members to use their pickleball courts for group play. The charge for members is just $7 per person, and non-members pay $10. Courts are available Monday - Friday between 7 and 9 a.m. and also between 1 and 3:15 p.m.
If you plan on playing pickleball a lot, consider a pickleball-only membership, which is $75. Members can reserve courts privately at a discount. Members also get access to the pro shop, locker rooms, and lounge area. The lounge area is a lovely place to relax and meet other pickleball fans.
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Pickle Shack is one of the newest pickleball facilities in the Columbus area. Visitors like their relaxed approach and open concept. They make it easy to reserve courts online through their app, and with 10 courts, there is almost always one available.
Pickle Shack also offers lessons. You can purchase a five-week, five-lesson pack for $150 as a non-member. Learn basic techniques such as how to grip the racquet, how to dink, and how to serve. The final lesson even goes into drop-shot techniques.
Five Seasons Sports Club has 16 indoor pickleball courts open all year. They're also known for their Pickleball in Five classes, which teach the basics of pickleball in five lessons. Adults are welcome, but there are also specific programs for kids ages 7 to 15.
This innovative club offers free, one-day passes for those who want to check out their facilities and learn more. Their pickleball courts have hard floors, similar to those typically used for tennis courts. You can book courts in advance, and members get a substantial discount on fees.
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If you're in the Cincinnati area, then pickleball is about to become even more exciting. The Pickle Lodge is slated to open in early 2023 at the former Court Yard Sportsplex site. This state-of-the-art facility will feature 17 stunning indoor courts, along with its own bar, restaurant, and group party space. The playing surface will even be cushioned to reduce the impact on your joints during gameplay.
The Pickle Lodge will be the second-largest pickleball facility in the U.S. when it's completed. The owners plan on hosting tournaments, teaching lessons, and bringing more attention to this growing, all-ages sport.
Playing pickleball is a great way to exercise, relax, and clear your mind. Which one of these indoor pickleball facilities will you visit first?