
According to artist Martin Firrell, "The road to freedom is bordered with sunflowers." Follow your bliss to these spectacular sunflower fields around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
The story behind Maria's Field of Hope makes a visit even more special. When Maria McNamara was diagnosed with brain cancer, her parents Ed and Megan founded Prayers for Maria in her honor. The foundation raises funds to support research and treatment of childhood brain tumors. Sunflowers became Maria's symbol, which inspired the development of the pet-friendly Field of Hope. There is no admission fee, but donations are welcome. You can also dedicate a sunflower for a minimum $20 donation. Fields are open daily from sunup to sundown. If you're visiting Cedar Point, stop by the second location of Maria's Field of Hope, adjacent to the hotel.
10475 Hoover Ave., Uniontown, OH 44685
View this post on Instagram
North Canton natives Judd and Shannon Allen had a long-held dream of owning their own farm with a garden. Their wish came true when they purchased Bloom Hill Farm on Hoover Avenue, their favorite street. The couple turned a two-acre parcel at the back of the property into a flower farm that produces amazing sunflowers and other colorful blooms, such as zinnias and dahlias. Shop their convenient self-serve flower stand, where all bouquets are $20. The stand is stocked Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Want to release the stress of everyday life? Immerse yourself in the sensory experience of walking through the sunflower and wildflower fields at JK Orchard & Farm. The two-mile long, six-foot wide path allows you to fully experience the sights and smells of sunflowers, poppies, morning glories, and other exquisite plants. There is also a designated patch where you can cut your own sunflowers. Visit their website or Facebook page for information about hours and admission fees.
16220 Springdale Rd., Marysville, OH 43040
View this post on Instagram
CherryHawk Farm first made a name as a popular spot to pick your own apples, with varieties ranging from Braeburn and Fuji to Granny Smith and Red Delicious. Not long ago, the farm added sunflower fields for even more appeal. Admission is included with the purchase of one peck of apples, which covers an individual, couple, or family. Receive one sunflower stem to take home, with additional stems available for purchase. Visit their website or Facebook page for information about current hours.
9669 S. State Route 48, Loveland, OH 45140
Enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family at Blooms and Berries Farm Market. Based on the season, farm crops include blueberries, peaches, potatoes, and sugar snap peas, many of which are available on a pick-your-own basis. In addition to the produce stand, Blooms and Berries has an incredible market barn with home decor items, specialty food products, garden supplies, and an on-site bakery. The sunflower fields are a main focus of Fall on the Farm, their signature annual event, with a corn maze, petting farm, hayrides, and many other activities. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-the-date schedule information.
10052 Reading Rd., Evendale, OH 45241
View this post on Instagram
At Gorman Heritage Farm, sunflowers are so important that an annual festival is dedicated to them. Live music, hayrides, sunflower and corn mazes, food trucks, and a Farm Fun Education Station are just a few of the activities packed into this popular event. This year's festival takes place on Saturday, October 1, and Sunday, October 2. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 3-17 and must be purchased in advance. During the rest of the year, the farm is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for ages 3-17.
5486 Ross Rd., Rockford, OH 45882
Local history meets Mother Nature at SchoolHouse Farms. Their office is in the restored Frysinger School, a classic one-room schoolhouse dating back to 1862. Sunflowers grown on the farm are used to make sunflower oils and roasted sunflower kernels, which are sold at retail along with gourmet popcorn and heirloom cornmeal and grits. Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays.
8637 Mulberry Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
View this post on Instagram
Spend a leisurely afternoon picking your own sunflowers at Rogish Farm. For a $15 fee per car, receive an empty quart mason jar to fill with sunflowers. Additional jars are available for $10 each. During the rest of your allotted half-hour, take pictures of the spectacular views to document the experience. This year, the family-owned farm increased the sunflower field size and added a third planting to accommodate as many visitors as possible. Pick-your-own-sunflowers is offered by reservation only. Visit the website to select a date and time.
Sunflowers have been memorialized in songs by several musical artists, from Glen Campbell to Frank Sinatra to Lenny Kravitz. What's your favorite flower-related tune?

Nothing beats the authentic Southwest flavor of a sizzling skillet of fajitas, which combines your favorite base (steak, chicken, shrimp, or chorizo) with sauteed bell peppers and onions. They're served with cheese, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and warm tortillas. They're tasty, filling, and very easy to share! It's no wonder why everyone loves them.
With so many good Mexican restaurants across Ohio, you don't have to travel far to find some phenomenal fajitas. Here are some of our top choices.
6000 Enterprise Pkwy., Solon, OH 44139
Once you see a skillet of sizzling fajitas coming out of the kitchen at Señorita Bonitas, you'll know you have to order them. This colorful Mexican restaurant and cantina serves the specialty "Fajita Texanas," a spicy mix of steak, chicken, and shrimp with a side of fajita salad. You can also try the Fajitas Del Mar with scallops, shrimp, and broccoli. Either way, you'll definitely want to order your fajitas "suiza" style, which adds a layer of shredded, melted cheese on top. Enjoy your fajitas with a delicious margarita from the cantina!
1313 W. 117th St., Cleveland, OH 44107
View this post on Instagram
For some truly authentic Mexican cuisine and delicious fajitas in Cleveland, stop by El Jalapeños Mexican Restaurant. Seafood, steak, chicken, and shrimp fajitas are all options on the menu at this low-key restaurant, and each plate comes with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. Fajitas are the special of the day on Sundays when you can order the #44 fajitas for only $15.50. Fajitas are great when enjoyed with a margarita pitcher.
16800 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44111
Si Señor Mexican Restaurant is one of the most popular local Mexican eateries offering many traditional dishes and great drinks. The food is high quality, and the service is fast. For something different, try the seafood fajitas, which mix scallops, mussels, and shrimp with sautéed peppers and onions. Steak, chicken, and shrimp are also available. Fajitas are the special of the day on Sunday, and a wide selection of beer and margaritas are also available.
1355 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220
You'll find quite an extensive fajita menu at La Casita in Columbus. This cozy cantina actually serves octopus fajitas! If you're looking for something more traditional, try the La Tierra Fajitas, which combines steak, chorizo, and chicken breast with bell pepper, onion, rice, beans, and ensaladita. Choose to dine indoors or out on the beautiful patio and take advantage of numerous drink and happy hour specials.
4852 Sawmill Rd., Columbus, OH 43235
View this post on Instagram
This desert-themed Tex Mex restaurant has a colorful, comfortable interior and all your favorite Mexican dishes, including some unique fajita options. Choose from Chili Verde Fajitas (your choice of meat), Hawaiian fajitas (chicken, peppers, and pineapple salsa), or Uncle John's fajitas (low-carb and gluten-free). Enjoy excellent service, great drinks, and delicious food in this fun, festive, and colorful atmosphere. Curbside pickup and online ordering are available.
7475 Vantage Dr., Columbus, OH 43235
You'll find fajitas, tacos, burritos, and more at El Acapulco. Tender-sliced beef, chicken, or shrimp are all options on this menu, and be sure to add a side of Salsa Diablo for some extra spice. This family-owned and operated restaurant makes all dishes from scratch using fresh local ingredients. Happy hour is on weekdays from 4-7 p.m., with specials on nachos, daiquiris, beer, margarita pitchers, and more.
316 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220
Customers rave about the fajitas at Los Potrillos. Located in Cincinnati's Clifton neighborhood, this restaurant serves huge portions of your favorite Mexican dishes. The Fajitas Jalisco is a delicious combo of steak, chicken, and shrimp. Chorizo, crab, and fish fajitas are also options. Before your meal, snack on an order of fresh chips served with some of the best salsa in Cincinnati.
100 E. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
For some of the best fajitas and tacos in Southwest Ohio, head to Taqueria Mercado in downtown Cincinnati. This Mexican restaurant serves authentic cuisine made from recipes passed down for generations. We recommend the Super Fajitas for Two, which includes a shareable skillet of sizzling steak, chicken, shrimp, and chorizo with two fajita salads and warm tortillas. The menu is filled with tons of other great Mexican favorites, appetizers, and drinks.
3972 Red Bank Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45227
One of the most extensive fajita menus in Ohio can be found at El Jinete. This restaurant has friendly service, a beautiful atmosphere, and some fajitas you can't find anywhere else. Try the Fajita Tropicana (fajitas served inside a pineapple) or the Texas Parrilla for 2 Fajitas, a delicious combo of meats and sauteed vegetables. You'll also find tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and much more. They also offer a drink menu with several top-shelf margaritas.
Where will you order fajitas around Ohio this weekend?

One of Cutler Real Estate's core values is to work with purpose: Life is busy, but the immediate shouldn't take priority over the important. Our Realtors always focus on what's important to buyers and sellers around Northeast Ohio, Columbus & Central Ohio, and Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky.
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 June 2022.

Independence Day may be in the rearview mirror, but there are still plenty of fireworks going on in our state. Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts keep the summer going with their assortment of free gifts for July.
Whether it's a colorful bouquet in Northeast Ohio, a glass of mead in Columbus, or desserts in Cincinnati, get out and discover the wide range of offerings from this wonderful group of small businesses.
Cleveland: A Tea & Shake Combo
2510 Short Vine St., Cincinnati, O 45219
Life is short; eat dessert first. That's even easier with your free dessert jar from The Sweet Place.
About The Sweet Place
After The Sweet Place opened in Cleveland, they discovered a need for their unique offerings in the Cincinnati area. Their shop in Short Vine features a satisfying combination of classic and trendy sweets with something for everyone. The menu of baked goods, ice cream, and funnel cakes includes vegan and gluten-free options.
Contact and Hours
Wednesday - Sunday: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
213 Wabash Ave. S., Brewster, OH 44613
View this post on Instagram
With 48 soft-serve flavors and 48 hand-dipped flavors, how can you choose? It's not too early to start thinking about how you will use your gift from Just Ice Cream and a bit more.
About Just Ice Cream and a bit more
The name of Just Ice Cream and a bit more refers to planning discussions between husband-and-wife owners Jim and Connie. When Connie wanted to consider adding additional items, Jim would remind her, "It's just ice cream." The second half of the name was a compromise added to allow for possible future additions.
Contact and Hours
Monday - Sunday: Noon - 9 p.m.
103 W. Liberty St., Medina, OHH 44256
Looking for a morning starter or mid-afternoon pick-me-up? Your free latte and pastry from Cool Beans Cafe are a great solution for either situation.
About Cool Beans Cafe
With a prime spot on historic Medina Square, Cool Beans Cafe has won awards for "Best Coffee" and "Best Place to Meet." The warm, comfortable ambiance invites you to linger over an espresso drink with a freshly-made pastry or wraps, paninis, and salads made to order.
Contact and Hours
Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
4146 Burbank Rd., Suite B, Wooster, OH 44691
View this post on Instagram
Cupcakes are a perfect way to satisfy a craving for sweets when you're on the go. Choose from the dozen rotating flavors featured each day at The Faithful Little Cupcake.
About The Faithful Little Cupcake
The Faithful Little Cupcake may showcase the hand-held treats, but owner Ashley Fetzer and her creative team have a wide repertoire. In addition to cupcakes, their offerings include custom cakes and cut-out cookies along with mini-cheesecakes, brownie bites, and other specialties.
Contact and Hours
Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
26 E. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43201
Find out why mead is known as "the drink of the gods." Savor a glass of this delightful honey-based beverage at Brothers Drake Meadery.
About Brothers Drake Meadery
Eric and Woody, eponymous founders of Brothers Drake Meadery, were ahead of the curve with their interest in this ancient fermented beverage. The meadery hosts engaging tours and demonstrations where friendly and knowledgeable staff members share history and information. Try the house flight with 15 flavors of your choice.
Contact and Hours
Wednesday - Thursday: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Friday: 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 2 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.
1024 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
View this post on Instagram
Preparing for an open house or decorating your new home? Add a splash of color with a flower bouquet from Dietz Floral Studio.
About Dietz Floral Studio
Seasonal garden-inspired designs from Dietz Floral Studio brighten up any occasion, whether it's a wedding, birthday, or just a day at home. Linda, the owner, discovered a talent for flower arranging that enabled her to leave her office job and purchase the shop from Mr. Dietz after working there less than a year.
Contact and Hours
Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
4138 Pearl Rd., Cleveland, OH 44109
When a beverage quenches your thirst while providing nutrition, that's a win-win. Treat body and soul to a refreshing tea & shake combo from Old Brooklyn Nutrition.
About Old Brooklyn Nutrition
Healthy beverages never tasted so good. Tea flavors at Old Brooklyn Nutrition include lemon, pomegranate, and Skittles, while shakes come in dozens of flavors that will make it feel like a cheat day. Add some physical activity with HITT classes on Tuesday and Zumba on Wednesday, both starting at 7 p.m.
Contact and Hours
Monday - Tuesday: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday: 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
View this post on Instagram
Bell Tower Brewing is one of the driving forces behind Ohio's thriving craft beer industry. Use your free July gift to sample one of their signature brews or enjoy a non-alcoholic soda.
About Bell Tower Brewing
Family-owned Bell Tower Brewing is Kent's first brewpub, featuring a mix of handcrafted beer and seasonally inspired food. Located in a historic building that once housed the First Congregational Church, Bell Tower upholds community tradition with a comfortable gathering place for family and friends.
Contact and Hours
Thursday: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: Noon - 11 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 9 p.m.

The goodies don't stop in summer! Contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to see how simple it is to receive our list of free offers each month.

While modern carousels are a beloved amusement ride, they have their roots in a combat preparation exercise from the Middle Ages. Knights attempted to spear small rings hanging overhead as they galloped in a circle. Commoners eventually adapted the game with the beginnings of our current form.
Did you know that the first carousel in the United States was built in the 1840s by Franz Wiesenhoffer in Hessville, OH? Our state is still recognized as the home of many incredible carousels, including those in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870
Everyone knows that carousels are a traditional part of any respectable fair, carnival, and amusement park. Not surprisingly, Cedar Point takes their carousel game to a whole new level, with three carousels that make frequent appearances on top-10 lists. The Kiddy Kingdom Carousel, dating back to 1925 and features 52 animals, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Next is the Midway Carousel, built in 1912 and operating at Cedar Point since 1946, making it the park's oldest ride. Finally, challenge family and friends to a spin on the Cedar Downs Racing Derby, one of only two racing carousels in the United States. Visit the website for hours and ticket pricing.
75 N. Main St., Mansfield, OH 44902
View this post on Instagram
In honor of the ride's European origins, Richland Carrousel Park uses the French spelling of the word in its name. This delightful park features the first new hand-carved carousel constructed in the United States since the 1930s, built at nearby Carousel Works. Scenery panels on the carousel depict Malabar Farm, Richland County Courthouse, and other iconic locations and notable figures from the local area. Carousel rides are $1, with discounts for purchases of 6 or 50 rides. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
505 Euclid Ave., Akron, OH 44307
Environmental education and awareness provide the theme for the Conservation Carousel at the Akron Zoo. The hand-carved figurines are likenesses of 33 animals from around the world, ranging from a ladybug and a penguin to a Komodo dragon, a peacock chariot that's wheelchair accessible, and a baby moose that contains a time capsule from 2010. Sustainable wood, repurposed concrete, and other green initiatives were incorporated in the construction of the carousel. Rides are $2 per person. Zoo admission is $14 for adults and $11 for ages 2-14. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily through October 31. Visit the website for seasonal hours.
160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
View this post on Instagram
In 2011, the historic City Center grounds were transformed into Columbus Commons, a 6-acre park in the midst of the beautiful downtown area. The centerpiece attraction is a hand-carved carousel with 18 charming figurines, including the OSU Buckeye horse, a frog prince, and a clown fish. Ohio Stadium and Franklin Park Conservatory are two of the hand-painted scenes decorating the canopy. Carousel rides are also a popular draw for Commons for Kids, held each Friday through August 12 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Rides are free at all times. Park hours are 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.
3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220
Carousels are generally thought of as rides for youngsters. That's not the case at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, where their Conservation Carousel is one of the more popular attractions during adults-only events such as Toast of the Wild. Of course, the carousel is a big hit with kids as well. Zoo members often upgrade their memberships at the prompting of their children, who like the unlimited carousel rides that are included. Standard pricing for rides is $3. Mark your calendar for 2023, when the zoo's new carousel will be installed. At twice the size of the current carousel, this version will feature 65 animals in a vintage open-air gazebo perched alongside Swan Lake. Admission ranges from $9.50-$25. The zoo is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. through October 31. Visit the website for seasonal hours.
4850 Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065
View this post on Instagram
After viewing real birds and wildlife in person, check out colorful recreations on the Grand Carousel at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The historic 1914 Mangels-Illions carousel revolves to the sounds of a fully restored band organ that plays periodically throughout the day. Rides are $2 per person. If you want the real experience, enjoy a camel ride for $7 or a pony ride for $5. Zoo admission is $16.99 for adults and $11.99 for ages 3-9. Prices are higher for non-Franklin County residents. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. through August. Visit the website for seasonal hours.
Travel to the continent of Africa on the carousel at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. The sole African carousel in the world lets you ride atop 42 exotic animals, such as giraffes, zebras, and gorillas. Artwork on the canopy showcases many of the featured animals in their native habitats. Rides are $3 per person, with passes available for multiple rides at discounted rates. Zoo admission is $24 for adults and $21 for ages 2-11, with an additional $2 charge for non-Lucas County residents. Visit the website for hours.
301 Jackson St., Sandusky, OH 44870
View this post on Instagram
Inspiration for the Merry-Go-Round Museum came from a series of carousel stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service in 1988. Appropriately, the museum is housed in a former Sandusky Post Office building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to watching activities in the restoration shop, visitors can ride the museum's vintage 1939 Allan Herschell carousel as the band organ plays the classic "oom-pa-pa" sounds. The original figurines were unavailable, so the carousel is populated with pieces from the museum's collection or on loan from private collectors. Admission, including one ride token, is $6 for adults and $4 for ages 4-14. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday through Labor Day.
When it comes to your preferred carousel mount, do you go old-school with the horses, or do you make a dash for one of the other animals?