Posts from January 2021
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29
New Year, New LoLo Gifts From These 6 Small Businesses
Why not make 2021 the year you get to know the wonderful local businesses around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati? Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts want to get you started with January's selection of free offers.
January Gifts:
Canton: $10 Certificate
Kozmo's Grille
37 - 1st St. SW, Massillon, OH 44647
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Don't feel like cooking? Kozmo's Grille has a tempting assortment of upscale bar food favorites such as house-made potato chips, hearthstone pizza, and gourmet mac and cheese. Dine in or order ahead for carryout.
About Kozmo's Grille
From its setting in a modestly updated historic building to its menu of elevated comfort food, Kozmo's Grille has a goal to be "just different enough." Customers keep coming back for their award-winning pizza, prepared with homemade dough and baked in a hearthstone oven.
Contact and Hours
330.832.8807
Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Akron: $10 Certificate
Niko's Sandwich Board
1947 W. Market St. #104, Akron, OH 44313
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Who doesn't love a good sandwich? The healthy, made-to-order deli sandwiches at Niko's Sandwich Board include vegan and vegetarian options, so there's something to satisfy everyone's tastes.
About Niko's Sandwich Board
With its emphasis on fruits and vegetables, olive oil, herbs, and whole grains, the Mediterranean diet has gained acclaim as a heart-healthy way of eating. Niko's Sandwich Board features traditional favorites from the owner's home island of Ikaria, including falafel, curried lentil, garbanzo salad, and pita bread.
Contact and Hours
330.794.5444
Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cincinnati: Coffee and Pastry
Red Tree Gallery and Coffee
3210 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
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Whether you're starting your day or need a quick pick-me-up, coffee and a pastry does the trick. Stop by Red Tree Gallery and Coffee for a freshly brewed cup of joe and locally-sourced pastry to go with it.
About Red Tree Gallery and Coffee
Red Tree Gallery and Coffee loves to showcase products and talent from the Cincinnati community. In addition to serving coffee and pastry from local vendors, Red Tree maintains a gallery where customers can view and purchase jewelry, paintings, and other works from regional artisans.
Contact and Hours
513.321.8733
Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Columbus: Coffee and Pastry
One Line Coffee - Short North
745 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43125
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One Line Coffee combines the finest globally- and locally-sourced ingredients for a menu of creative beverages for purists and adventurous souls alike. Pair your drink with a scratch-made cookie, muffin, or scone from OLC's own kitchen.
About One Line Coffee
Quality ingredients call for quality equipment. One Line Coffee uses the La Marzocco Strada LP, one of the rarest machines in the world, to pull espresso for their extensive offering of coffee drinks. Their signature honey and maple lattes are sweetened with products from nearby Honey Run Farm and Milligan's. Order online and your carryout order will be ready when you are.
Contact and Hours
614.564.9852
Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wooster: Cookies or Cupcakes
The Faithful Little Cupcake
116 N. Main St., Orrville, OH 44667
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If you have a sweet tooth, cupcakes are one of the four main food groups. You'll be hooked on these mini delicacies from The Faithful Little Cupcake, which are matched only by the excellence of their delightful cookies.
About The Faithful Little Cupcake
At The Faithful Little Cupcake, variety is the spice of life. Each day features a rotating selection from their 100+ flavors along with a core menu of the six most popular flavors. Not surprisingly, one of them is Buckeye Blitz, a chocolate cupcake topped with peanut butter buttercream, ganache, and a buckeye. Have a special occasion coming up? Ask about their custom-designed cupcakes and cookies.
Contact and Hours
330.683.2253
Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Medina: Coffee and Pastry
Cool Beans Cafe
103 Liberty St., Medina, OH 44256
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When it comes to coffee, are you old school or do you go trendy with lattes and cappuccinos? Whichever you prefer, you'll come away happy after a visit to Cool Beans Cafe. Add one of their luscious pastries for a great light breakfast or midday snack.
About Cool Beans Cafe
Voted "Best Coffee in Medina County" the last seven out of nine years, Cool Beans Cafe literally has a winning formula. The espresso bar offers five different blends of brewed coffee, including Flavor of the Day, along with a full range of specialty drinks such as lattes, chai tea, Italian sodas, and smoothies. Customers have been impressed with the knowledgeable baristas and their ability to make special request drinks not on the menu.
Contact and Hours
330.723.7174
Monday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Freebies Galore!
Who doesn't love free stuff? Every month, Cutler Real Estate teams up with LoLo Gifts to provide a new selection of offers designed to showcase local small businesses.
It doesn't even cost anything to join! Just contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to get started.
27
Bird Watchers Rejoice at These 9 Places Around Central Ohio
Bird watching may seem like a relatively tame activity, but it's actually beneficial for your mental and physical health. Walking is good for your cardiovascular system, while experts say bird watching reduces stress and anxiety while improving cognitive skills.
Another positive aspect of bird watching? It costs nothing to participate when you visit these fascinating sites around Columbus and Central Ohio.
Grange Insurance Audubon Center
505 W. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215
Named for the iconic ornithologist and painter, Grange Insurance Audubon Center is designed to show how conservation efforts enable nature to thrive in urban areas. This lush bird sanctuary stands on a former industrial site in downtown Columbus, right on the banks of the Scioto River. Kids can check out Adventure and Discovery Backpacks for curbside pickup that contain materials to help them get the most out of your visit. Check the website for information about current programs. The Scioto Audubon Park is open daily from 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Blendon Woods Metro Park
4265 E. Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43081
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Where do turkeys go when it's not Thanksgiving? Chances are good you'll see some of them foraging for food at Blendon Woods Metro Park. The 653-acre grounds are also home to a variety of songbirds as well as Thoreau Lake, site of the Walden Waterfowl Refuge. Get a great view from the spotting scopes atop two elevated observation platforms. Stream-cut ravines and open fields provide a picturesque backdrop for a day of bird watching. Park hours are 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. seven days a week.
Glen Echo Park
510 Cliffside Dr., Columbus, OH 43202
Running from Fourth St. to Indianola Ave., the ravine setting of Glen Echo Park is so secluded that many Columbus residents are surprised to learn about it. The dog-friendly park offers a serene oasis that feels miles away from the traffic and activity above, making it a popular spot for local bird watchers. Don't miss the tunnel with colorful bird figures painted on the walls, which is a favorite attraction for park visitors. Glen Echo Park is open daily from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Pickerington Ponds Metro Park
7680 Wright Rd., Canal Winchester, OH 43110
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The delightfully alliterative name of Pickerington Ponds Metro Park sounds like something you might find in the fields of England. In reality, this top bird-watching site is just minutes from Columbus. With more than 260 species of waterfowl, shorebirds and land birds spotted on 1,608-acre grounds, you're sure to have a productive day. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, beaver, fox, and other wildlife that also roam the park. Park hours are 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.
Highbanks Metro Park
9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035
As the name implies, Highbanks Metro Park is noted for its 100-foot-tall shale bluff that looks out over the Olentangy State Scenic River. The 1,200-acre park has several trails in various degrees of difficulty that provide numerous opportunities for bird watching, including eagles, which have been seen at Highbanks. Many of the trails are pet-friendly, so bring Fido along. Highbanks is open 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. seven days a week.
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway, OH 43119
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The sprawling 7,000 acres of Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park encompass a variety of different terrains, including forests, prairies, and wetlands. More than 1,600 acres of the land have been restored, with bison inhabiting two enclosed pastures. White Barn Lagoon is a spot favored by many bird watchers. Sightings of nearly 100 species, including peregrine falcons and European starlings, have been reported. A number of the dozen trails are well-suited for family and dog outings. Battelle Darby Creek is open year-round from 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Hogback Ridge Park
2656 Hogback Rd., Sunbury, OH 43074
On its own, Hogback Ridge Park is a lovely, dog-friendly place to spend a day of bird watching. Winding trails make their way through wooded ravines that are home to wild turkeys, pileated woodpeckers, and many other species. For a real treat, take the Woodland Ridge Trail to the Equestrian Trail to a spot on Alum Creek dubbed "Osprey Overlook." Enjoy breathtaking sights of these stunning birds fishing, feeding their young and interacting with other osprey. Hogback Ridge is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., with extended hours until 9 p.m. between March and October.
Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park
352 W. Dodridge St., Columbus, OH 43202
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Bird watching is part of higher education at the Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park. The 52-acre facility sits just on the northern edge of the Ohio State University Campus. Faculty and students use the park for research and training on ecosystems, landscapes, and other environmental matters. The park and its greenway trails, paved paths, and observation pavilion are open to the public daily from dawn until dusk.
Hoover Reservoir Park
7701 Sunbury Rd., Westerville, OH 43081
Few things are more exciting for veteran and novice bird watchers alike than a bald eagle sighting. Such occurrences are relatively frequent at Hoover Reservoir Park, a peaceful spot located a mere 20 minutes from Columbus. The Hoover Meadows Bluebird Trail and Hoover Mudflats are well-known bird-watching spots. Mud Hen Marsh, one of several preserves in the area, offers great opportunities to view the marsh's namesake as well as the Northern Cardinal, Eastern Kingbird, and House Finch. Park hours are 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.
Free as a Bird
Man has long envied birds' ability to fly. If you could take flight, what's the first destination you'd head to?
22
9 Places Around Ohio to Puzzle It Out Jan. 29th
January 29th is Puzzle Day, so head to your local shop and buy some to work out on your own or with family members. Simple puzzles with just a few pieces can help kids get started on this fun pastime while working on their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Before you know it, they'll be helping you on more complex 500- or 1,000-plus puzzles that take days to complete. And no matter what your interests, you'll probably be able to find a puzzle that matches them.
Check out the following 9 places around Ohio to puzzle it out:
Northeast Ohio
Sweets & Geeks
342 E. Smith Rd., Medina, OH 44256
The Sweets & Geeks name says it all – the store is a pop-culture haven that carries sweet candy as well as retro and modern "geeky" games, collectibles, and puzzles. Located near the heart of Historic Medicine Square, the shop has a good selection of puzzles, including ones with Coca-Cola, DC, Marvel, and Harry Potter themes. And while you're at the store, pick up some candy to enjoy while you're working your puzzle at home. From "weird and gross" choices to nostalgic candies you might have grown up with, you'll find something to please everyone who's working on the puzzle. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday.
Once Upon a Time
19285 Detroit Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116
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This family-owned toy store has been open since 1984 and been in its current location since 1988, so it has many satisfied customers throughout the northeast Ohio area. It's a good spot to shop for puzzles, including ones from the popular Ravensburger brand. Their puzzles range from 15-piece ones that appeal to young children to 9,000-piece scenes that will keep the family busy for days. You'll also find uniquely fun 3D puzzles. Visit the shop from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
Toyrifix
885 W. Main St., Smithville OH 44677
Toyrifix carries a large selection of toys, games, and puzzles and prides itself on inspiring creative interactions between generations. You'll find plenty of puzzles, including one with a "Wine Time" theme that's perfect for these times of social distancing. Others follow a color theme, such as red, orange, or green, or depict colorful flowers or cute llamas. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday.
Columbus
The Book Loft
631 S. Third St., Columbus OH 43206
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You'll find much more than books at The Book Loft at German Village – which is one of the country's largest independent bookstores – including a huge collection of jigsaw puzzles. It's located a few blocks south of the state capitol building in a location with a rich pre-Civil War history. Since it takes up an entire city block and encompasses 32 rooms, you're sure to find additional items like board games, posters, and more. Hours are 10 a.m.-11 p.m., 7 days a week.
Gramercy Books
2424 E. Main St., Bexley OH 43209
Locally owned Gramercy Books carries a selection of carefully curated puzzles, books (of course), and more. It's located in the heart of Bexley, at the intersection of East Main Street and Cassady Avenue. After you select the puzzles you'd like to buy, take time to visit the store's café, Kittie's, to enjoy Stumptown coffee, snacks, and their famous cupcakes. And don't forget to pet Wally, the store's adorable dog. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 7 days a week.
Beanbag Books
25 W. Winter St., Delaware, OH 43015
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Originally started as Fundamentals Parent-Teacher Store, Beanbag Books has been one of Delaware's favorite shops for over 30 years. Shop for puzzles, games, books, and more educational and fun activities you can share with your child. Hours are 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. The shop is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Cincinnati
Downbound Books
4139 Apple St., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Downbound Books has an extensive selection of puzzles, including those that have 500 or more pieces and ones that are well suited for children or for the entire family. The shop is open for curbside pickup from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. You can also set a shopping appointment for groups of up to 5 people, and neighborhood deliveries are also offered.
King Arthur's Toys
3040 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
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King Arthur's Toys was started over 40 years ago as a tiny hobby shop, growing over the years to become a popular – and larger – store that carries puzzles, games, and toys. Shop for gorgeous Pomegranate puzzles, which are beautifully artistic. Choose from a depiction of Van Gogh's Irises, Old-World map, Renoir's Luncheon of a Boating Party, and many more. They're so attractive that they're perfect for preserving and framing to hang on the wall. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
The Bookshelf
7754 Camargo Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45243
You'll find a variety of puzzles and books at The Bookshelf, so a visit to the shop will have you well-stocked for at-home fun. If you become a frequent customer at The Bookshelf, you may want to purchase a frequent buyer card to receive a 10% discount, and if you're a teacher, you can score 15% off even without the card. Hours are 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
Piecing It Together
What kind of puzzles will you piece together as you spend time bonding with your family?
8
10 Historic Districts and Places to Visit Around Columbus
Founded in 1812 with the intention of making it the capital of Ohio, Columbus was always destined for greatness. Over the last two centuries, as Columbus has grown to become the most populous city in the state, it has developed a rich tradition of historical and cultural significance.
Heritage Treasures Day on Monday, January 11 is a perfect occasion to cherish the legacy of Columbus with a visit to these local historic sites.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203
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The glory of nature is on full display at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Visitors can explore 13 acres of gardens, seasonal displays, and art exhibits, including a collection of glass works by noted artist Dale Chihuly. Kids and adults alike are fascinated by the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, which features an apiary, rose pavilion, and berry house. The John F. Wolfe Palm House, located on the grounds, dates back to 1895. Admission is $19 for adults and $12 for kids ages 3-12. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.
Columbus Museum of Art
480 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Founded in 1878 under the name Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts, the Columbus Museum of Art has a long tradition of making great art accessible to the local community. Their extensive collection of American and European works focuses on contemporary art, folk art, glass, and photography. Families love "Think Outside the Brick," CMA's annual spring exhibit of LEGO® creations, including a giant model of Columbus. Entrance fee is $18 for adults and $9 for students and kids ages 4-17. Tickets must be purchased in advance. CMA is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursday.
German Village
588 S. 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215
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A simple trip across a highway bridge transports you to old-world Europe in a matter of minutes. German Village is no commercially-created tourist attraction. This historic district was settled in the mid-1800s by German immigrants, who at one time made up one-third of the city's population. The lack of high-rise buildings and driveways are features from the days of quaint, close-knit neighborhoods where people walked everywhere and homes were often occupied by multiple families. Many of the streets still bear the original brick pavers. The sights and sounds of German Village are well worth multiple visits.
Ohio Statehouse
1 Capitol Sq., Columbus, OH 43215
A trip to the Ohio Statehouse serves a two-fold purpose. In addition to serving as the central location for the business of governing Ohio, the building is a stunning example of the Greek Revival style of architecture that was so predominant during the 18th century. Between stretches of bitter winter weather and struggles for funding, construction took 22 years. The Statehouse finally opened for legislative activity in 1857 and the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Visitors may take self-guided tours weekdays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center
260 N. Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Housed in an authentically restored 1908 engine house, the Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center uses interactive programs to offer entertaining and educational lessons on fire safety. Displays of firefighting apparatus throughout the years trace the development of equipment as it has become safer and more effective. Boots the Fire Mouse is on hand to greet kids as they enjoy the play area. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children. The Museum is open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Hanford Village George Washington Carver Addition Historic District
800 Alum Creek Dr., Columbus, OH 43205
Hanford Village was incorporated in 1909, but its true prominence came in 1946 with the development of the George Washington Carver Addition. This suburb of Cape Cod houses was marketed to African-American veterans of World War II. As a result, these men and women and their families had the opportunity to settle in a thriving, supportive middle-class neighborhood. Some members of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen made their home in Hanford Village while stationed at nearby Lockbourne Army Air Force Base.
Short North Arts District
886 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201
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Short North Arts District, nestled between downtown Columbus and the OSU campus, is a hip neighborhood of colorful murals, trendy boutiques and hot restaurants. The district is also home to a slice of Columbus history in Victorian Village, the neighborhood's residential area. One of the more notable examples of Victorian architecture is Sells House, built by one of the owners of the Sells Circus, leading to the nickname "Circus House." Nearby is Cocoa Manor, another whimsically-named house that was home to the owners of Anthony Thomas Candy.
Shrum Mound
3141 McKinley Ave., Columbus, OH 43204
In pre-Columbian times, the Adena culture was a group of Native American societies living in Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana that shared a number of ceremonial rituals. Shrum Mound in Campbell Park is one of the last cone-shaped Adena burial mounds remaining in Columbus. The mound itself is 20 feet high and 100 feet around, named for the family that donated the land, while the park is named for James E. Campbell, governor of Ohio from 1890 to 1892.
East Broad Street Historic District
1234 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205
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See how "the other half" used to live with a trip to view the homes in the East Broad Street Historic District. Most prominent among these elegant houses is the Old Governor's Mansion, also known as the Lindenberg Mansion after the man who originally built the residence. Another landmark is the High Victorian-style Kappa Gamma National Headquarters, constructed in 1852.
Kelton House Museum & Garden
586 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215
While Kelton House Museum & Garden is a striking example of art and architecture from the 19th century, the site has a much greater historical importance. The home of Fernando Cortez and Sophia Stone Kelton served as a stop on the iconic Underground Railroad. Fugitive slaves found a haven in these waystations on their journey toward freedom. Grace Kelton, granddaughter of Fernando and Sophia, bequeathed the home to the city of Columbus for educational use. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for college students and $3 for K-12 students. The museum is closed in January, but make plans to visit when they reopen on Thursday, February 4.
Sign of the Times
What modern Columbus site do you think will become part of the city's history for future generations?
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