Posts from July 2021

Barns have become a popular wedding venue as many couples – particularly millennials – turn away from more traditional, formal locations. If you're looking for comfort but still want chandeliers and other signs of elegance, a barn wedding may be the way to go. As a bonus, you'll also have access to acres of natural beauty that create beautiful photo backdrops to help you remember your special day.
  
Check out the following nine venues for a barn wedding in Ohio.

Northeast Ohio

The Barn at Wolf Creek

2361 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Copley, OH 44321

The Barn at Wolf Creek provides an authentic rustic setting to host your wedding day. It's situated on approximately 5 acres that have been cleared to create a park-like atmosphere perfect for guests to gather. Views of the sunset as well as a nearby horse farm create the perfect backdrop. The barn has been completely renovated, along with the 1880s farmhouse and carriage house, which now boasts an art gallery. A covered deck is also available for dancing, cocktails, guest seating, or other needs.

White Birch Barn & Vineyard

7180 W. Smith Rd., Medina, OH 44256

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A centuries-old barn that's been renovated and restored, along with a vineyard that was planted in 2016, are the centerpieces of White Birch Barn & Vineyard. The owner's grandfather built the barn, which has a charming and rustic feel, and its floor is still made from the original wood that was used in its construction. An open frame and beams were hand-hewn and add to the barn's beauty. Although it's located only a 10-minute drive from Medina Square, the venue is secluded, making it the perfect wedding site. Adding to its charm – and making for wonderful photo backdrops – are turn-of-the-century farming décor, a pond, and white birch as well as willow trees.

The Barn at Hart's Grove

5926 St. Route 534, Windsor, OH 44099

Situated on over 550 acres of land, The Barn at Hart's Grove provides a rustic yet elegant setting for your nuptials. The main barn is black and white with a colonial theme and has 4,400 square feet of space. It has stained concrete floors, chandeliers, and other beautiful lighting. You'll also have access to a covered porch off the back of the barn and a patio at its side. With its bistro lighting and fire pit, the patio is ideal for entertaining your guests.

Columbus

Jorgensen Farms

5851 E. Walnut St., Westerville, OH 43081

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Jorgensen Farms' restored historic barn is surrounded by beautifully manicured grounds and over 100 acres of pastoral beauty. A farmhouse is adjacent to the barn and is the perfect spot for your wedding party to prepare for the big event. The venue's team of event professionals can help you plan everything from the flowers to the cuisine. And speaking of cuisine, Jorgensen Farms is a working organic farm, so you and your guests will be able to enjoy fresh produce as part of the venue's culinary offerings.

The Barn on Chapel Road

11205 Converse-Chapel Rd., Plain City, OH 43064

The Barn on Chapel Road is an original 2-story Amish barn that's been restored. It's located amidst lush grass and fields of corn and beans that add to the setting's natural, rustic beauty. The barn's top story has a smaller, older space with a loft that allows you to see out an open hay door. The main room has an open floor space with a high ceiling and beams, along with chandeliers. And a French door provides beautiful views of the area's vegetation.

The Wells Barn Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203

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You, your wedding party, and your guests will be surrounded by the natural beauty of the botanical gardens if you choose to have your ceremony at The Wells Barn. It's adjacent to a four-acre Community Garden Campus, a colorful edible garden that's an ideal setting for a cocktail hour. Your guests can also enjoy an outdoor Live-Fire Cooking Theater.

Cincinnati

Centennial Barn

110 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45215

Located just about 20 minutes away from downtown Cincinnati, Centennial Barn combines elegance and rustic charm. It was constructed in 1899 and is made of brick, which creates a unique look. The barn has two stories and includes an open atrium. And if you choose to have your wedding at Centennial Barn, all of the rental funds will be used to support the work of Franciscan Ministries, a non-profit that serves those in need.

Rolling Meadows Ranch

421 N. Waynesville Rd., Lebanon, OH 45036

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Rolling Meadows Ranch's wedding barn has a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and can easily accommodate 325 guests. You'll be able to enjoy a 3,000-square-foot cocktail patio, two outdoor firepits along with comfortable seating, and outdoor pub tables and rocking chairs to keep your guests comfortable. The property consists of 40 acres of mature trees, as well as meadows and fields.

The Honeysuckle Ranch

1297 Wilson Dunham Hill Rd., New Richmond, OH 45157

The Honeysuckle Ranch is conveniently located about 25 minutes from downtown Cincinnati, but it truly feels like it's a world away. The working horse farm is located on 47 acres with trails, pastures, and park-like settings. In addition to the large barn, you'll also have access to an Amish-built gazebo and other buildings. A reception barn features twinkle lights and gorgeous décor to help create a magical setting. The property has countless photo backdrops, and the horses on the ranch are friendly if you'd like to work them into your photoshoot.

Saying "I Do" Barn-Style

Have you been to any barn weddings, or are you planning one yourself?

Road races aren't just for serious, lifelong athletes. Most are welcoming to people at all levels of fitness. Training for a road race is a great way to improve your stamina and maybe even lose a few pounds this summer! Luckily, there are plenty of great road races coming up in Northeast Ohio. Here are a few to consider signing up for.

Hofbrauhaus Cleveland Half Marathon, 5K, and 10K

1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115

Scheduled for Sunday, August 8th, this race begins at Hofbrauhaus Cleveland. The half marathon begins at 7 am, and the 5K and 10K races begin at 8 am. You can pre-register online, and packet pickup takes place beginning at 6 am on race day.

The Hofbrauhaus half marathon course winds through the city of Cleveland, even passing through Rockefeller Park. The 5K and 10K racecourses take runners through the downtown area near Cleveland State University. All runners over the age of 21 get a free beer with registration, and runners of all ages get a free bratwurst and technical t-shirt.

Run for Recovery

3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109

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On August 14th, the Run for Recovery begins at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. There's also a One Mile Wellness Walk and a shorter kids' fun run. Proceeds from the race go to support charities that help those struggling with alcoholism, drug abuse, and other addictions.

This year, the organizers' goal is to raise $65,000 for charity. To help them reach this goal, you can register online for the race of your choice. Register for the 5K, and you'll also get a free pass to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Registrants for all races get a free t-shirt. You can raise even more money for the cause by fundraising with a team, which you can learn more about on the race website.

Love a Nurse RuN

6500 Cleveland Memorial Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44102

Nurses put so much love and care into their profession, especially over this past year. Scheduled for September 26th in Edgewater Park, this race is a good opportunity to show nurses how much you appreciate them. There's a 5K race and a 1-mile run/walk. You can pre-register online or register on race day for an extra $5.

After the race, there will be a ceremony to recognize all nurses who are present. Post-race refreshments will also be provided.

Oktoberfest Meiler Vier 4-Mile Run

717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211

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Scheduled for September 10th, this race begins at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. It's a local tradition to honor Oktoberfest, and all participants get free sausage and beer. You can pre-register for the race online and pick your packet up at the local Fleet Feet the Wednesday or Thursday prior to the race. 

All participants get a free t-shirt, and finishers get a medal. The race doesn't start until 6:15 pm, which is good news if you're not a morning person. 

Big Bad Wolfe Run

105 Park Dr., Columbus, OH 43209

If you're looking for a unique race in Columbus, then the Big Bad Wolfe Run is a great choice. There's a fun backstory associated with the race name, which you can read on the signup page. You'll feel like Little Red Riding Hood as you run down the trail.

This race is scheduled for September 26th. There are 5K, 10-mile, and 20-mile options, and all courses begin in Wolfe Park and follow the Alum Creek Trail, which is asphalt paved. Every finisher gets a medal and a swag bag.

Dog Jog

303 W. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215

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Scheduled for October 3rd, the 31st annual Dog Jog is a fundraiser for the CHA Animal Shelter. All proceeds go toward caring for and finding homes for animals at the shelter.

The 5K race and 1-mile fun run begin in Genoa Park at 9 am. After the race, multiple vendor booths, games, and activities for participants and fans are available. There's also a virtual race option for anyone who doesn't feel comfortable participating in person. 

Egghead 5K

7669 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227

If you'll be in Cincinnati in August and want to run a race while you're there, the Egghead 5K is definitely a top choice. It's scheduled for August 14th, 2021. At 4 pm, willing participants will shave their heads to show support for cancer patients and raise money for the Eggstrong Foundation. Then, at 5 pm, these eggheads will run the 5K race.

50 West Cycling Company is hosting this event. The course is an out and back route on the Little Miami Bike Trail. You can pre-register online, and race day registration is also available for an added fee. If you refer three friends to register, you can save $15 on your own registration. You do not have to shave your head to run the race!

Sophie's Angel Run

5924 Bridgetown Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45248

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The 15th Annual Sophie's Angel Run is scheduled for September 26, 2021. This race starts at St. Jude Parish in Bridgetown, and the 5K course weaves through the local neighborhood. The 1 pm start time is great for late risers. 

Sophie's Angel Run is a charity event to raise funds to support research into pediatric brain tumor diagnosis and treatment. If you pre-register online, you'll receive a free t-shirt. There's also a family plan registration option, which includes two adults and their children, plus shirts and goodie bags for all for $65. 

Ice Cream 5K, 10K

705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Why not balance out your love for ice cream with some running? The Ice Cream 5K and 10K is scheduled for October 16th, 2021. This race begins at Sawyer Point Park. The 5K and 10K races begin at 8:45 am, and the kids' 1-mile fun run begins at 8 am. There's also a baby/toddler crawl at 10 am or whenever the 10K wraps up.

After the race, there will be a family-friendly party with face painting, dancing, and games. Of course, all participants get a free ice cream cone and t-shirt. Proceeds from the race and associated party go to benefit Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. You can register online. Details for packet pickup will be posted closer to race day.

These Shoes Were Made for Running

Which one of these Northeast Ohio road races do you plan on training for in 2021? 

It's almost time to celebrate the Fourth of July in Ohio, and many of your favorite events will be returning for Independence Day in 2021. Whether you're interested in fireworks, music, educational family fun, fantastic food, or all of the above, you're sure to find the perfect celebration in one of Ohio's many vibrant communities. We don't want you to miss any of the action on the biggest holiday of the summer, so we've put together a guide to some of the best Fourth of July events in the Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati areas that offer something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Light Up the Lake

Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica Boardwalk – 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland, OH 44113

The annual Light Up the Lake fireworks celebration can be viewed from a variety of great destinations throughout downtown Cleveland, including the beautiful Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica Boardwalk. This event is always a favorite for Northeast Ohio residents, with plenty of activities to enjoy downtown before the fireworks and festivities begin. As an open-air amphitheater with abundant lawn seating that's perfect for a Fourth of July picnic, Jacobs Pavilion is a great place to take in the sights of the evening. But if you have another favorite location, it's easy to see the fireworks display from anywhere downtown.

First Friday Fireworks: Celebrate America in Downtown Wadsworth

Downtown Wadsworth

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Get ready for a full day of family fun in downtown Wadsworth with the First Friday: Celebrate America event for the Fourth of July. Enjoy specials and activities at more than 30 local businesses in downtown Wadsworth, then be sure to save room for dinner! There will be various great food trucks on-site serving all of your favorite dishes from Ohio and beyond. After dinner, settle in for one of Ohio's best fireworks shows, with fantastic views available from a variety of scenic locations downtown.

Red, White, & Blue Flag Avenue

Sippo Lake Park – 5712 12th St. NW, Canton, OH 44708

Looking for a fun, unique way to keep younger members of the family entertained before the big fireworks shows on the Fourth of July? Kids are sure to love exploring the exciting, educational Red, White, & Blue Flag Avenue at Sippo Lake Park. Walk through the scenic park lined with flags as your kids learn all about the different red, white, and blue species of animals that call Ohio home, then wrap up your trip with a visit to the Wildlife Conservation Center. This event is available to be enjoyed every day during park hours for the two weeks around the Fourth of July holiday.

Fireworks on the Fourth of July

Thomas Worthington High School – 300 W. Dublin Granville Rd., Worthington, OH 43085

While Worthington's annual Rotary Family Picnic is delayed until Labor Day this year, you can still enjoy a festive fireworks display. The Thomas Worthington High School grounds will give viewers plenty of room to watch the annual celebration of the nation's independence. In addition to the stadium, the front lawn and other areas surrounding the venue will be available to attendees. In case of severe weather, the fireworks will be rescheduled with a rain date of Sept. 5th.

New Albany Independence Day Parade & Festival

New Albany Middle School Greenspace – 6600 E. Dublin Granville Rd., New Albany, OH 43054

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The New Albany Independence Day Parade & Festival has a special theme this year, with frontline healthcare workers and first responders being honored throughout the day. After the parade, head to New Albany Middle School for a family-friendly festival that includes games for kids, costumed characters, live music, and food from some of Ohio's best food trucks.

City of Dublin Independence Day Celebration

Dublin Community Recreation Center – 5600 Post Rd., Dublin, OH 43017

The City of Dublin Independence Day Celebration features a full day of fun and special events around the city. Whether you're watching or participating, the annual Shem Sheldon Fishing Derby is the perfect way to spend your morning. The Fourth of July Parade is up next, with a parade route that runs throughout downtown Dublin. After the parade, there will be more than five hours of live music from a diverse selection of bands before the evening wraps up with Dublin's annual fireworks display.

Sawyer Point Summer Concert Series Fourth of July Celebration

705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

If you love live music, you won't want to miss the Sawyer Point Summer Concert Series Fourth of July Celebration this year. The fun starts in the afternoon, with live performances from four different bands that will last well into the evening. There will be plenty of delicious food and drink to enjoy throughout, with a fantastic fireworks display set to follow all of the live music.

Coney Island Park Balloon Glow

6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230

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Enjoy a family evening out at the amusement park on July 3 and experience one of the more unique Cincinnati Fourth of July celebrations at the Coney Island Park Balloon Glow. The show starts with over a dozen colorful, well-lit hot air balloons taking to the sky above the amusement park, which you can enjoy while experiencing all of the attractions that the park has to offer. After the balloons, there will be a spectacular fireworks finale to cap off an evening of family fun at the amusement park.

Colerain Township Fourth of July Spectacular

4200 Springdale Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45251

Get ready for a night of amazing live music and a fantastic fireworks display at the Colerain Township Fourth of July Spectacular. This event is free for everyone to enjoy, and the fun starts with an evening of music from the Classic Rock Experience. They'll be playing all of the hits from the '70s and '80s in an outdoor concert, providing the perfect way to get warmed up for the grand finale. After the concert, the skies will light up with a dazzling display of fireworks to close out the evening.

Celebrate Fireworks, Freedom, and Family

Independence Day celebrations are back with a bang for 2021! Which one will you attend?