
Tired of coffee mugs, t-shirts, and other standard Ohio-centric gifts? Treat family and friends to the literal and figurative flavors of Ohio with a unique gift of specialty foods. These tasty and delightful products made in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati are great on their own or use them to build your own gift basket.
30022 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092
Fred Hot is a clever play on the name of the company's founder, who was in search of a spicy sauce that was more natural and flavorful than the brands already found on the market. He began experimenting with reductions of various peppers, coming up with sauces that were slightly different with each batch, but deeply satisfying. Fred even designed the humorous caricature found on all his products. Find Fred Hot sauces, seasonings, and pickled vegetables at Sweet Berry Fresh Market in Wickliffe.
2271 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
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At the tender age of 15, Ethan Holmes had a vision of creating a business with his grandfather's applesauce recipe. Ethan went to work in the family kitchen, using raw materials he received as holiday gifts, and Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce was born. Over the past eight years, Ethan has used his passion and business acumen to grow his company with infusions of capital. The 100 percent natural applesauce comes in original, apple pie cinnamon, and strawberry peach flavors. Find Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce at The Wine Spot in Cleveland Heights.
15613 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
Pasta is the perfect canvas for a wide range of sauces, making it a wonderful food for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Taste the difference in the fresh, handmade products from Little Lakewood Pasta Company. In addition to at least eight flavors of fettuccine each day, some of which are vegan, you'll find a selection of sauces, ravioli, and Italian meatballs. Owner Megan Manning has created a community kitchen where other entrepreneurs can rent space and sell their products in the retail store. Shop hours are noon - 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday.
1500 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220
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Honestly, is there anyone who doesn't love popcorn? The Bairds compare the product at their shop, Al's Delicious Popcorn, to their own family: rooted in tradition, but full of different personalities. More than 65 flavors cover both the sweet and savory ends of the spectrum, including gluten-free and vegan varieties. For a true taste of Ohio, try the Cincinnati-style chili and buckeye flavors. Individual portion bags can be customized for showers, birthdays, and other special occasions. Al's Delicious Popcorn is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
1277 Grandview Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
Thanks to a seemingly endless variety of types from around the world, coffee is more popular than ever today. In pursuit of crafting a gourmet level cup of coffee, Stauf's Coffee Roasters uses the best green arabica beans available and roasts them by hand on gas-fired drum roasters. For a truly exceptional drinking experience, try their micro-roast batches from Rwanda, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Colombia. The true caffeine addict on your gift list will love a subscription to Stauf's Coffee of the Month program. Shop hours are 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.
508 Cassady Ave., Columbus, OH 43209
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As famously declared in a Seinfeld episode two decades ago, salsa surpassed ketchup on the list of popular condiments in the U.S. This can likely be attributed to brands like Ridiculously Good Salsa, whose name says it all. But for the company's founders, it goes beyond taste. After their son recovered from critical injuries after an accident, they wanted to create a food that would be shared by friends and family during special moments. Ridiculously Good Salsa is made in small batches using locally sourced vegetables and fresh herbs, with three levels of heat for all tastes. Find Ridiculously Good Salsa at Bexley Natural Market in Columbus.
1135 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Ohio meets Continental Europe at Taste of Belgium, where "elegant cuisine is served with a down-to-earth attitude." When founder Jean-François Flechet brought a 120-pound cast iron waffle iron back from his native Belgium, it launched an empire of food establishments. The hand-held Liege-style Belgian waffles, so tasty they don't need any syrup, are still the crown jewel of the company's offerings. Stop by their restaurant in Over-the-Rhine or order online.
4450 Eastgate S. Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45245
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At one time, Nick and Kimberly Marckwald dreamed of opening their own restaurant. Nick used his culinary expertise to make red wine vinegar potato chips for use as salad croutons, which they sold to raise funds for their venture. The chips were so wildly successful that the couple pivoted to the new opportunity, calling their new company Hen of the Woods, which was the chosen name for their restaurant. The original red wine vinegar flavor is still available, along with white cheddar jalapeño, sea salt, everything bagel, buttermilk and chive, and Carolina BBQ. Find Hen of the Woods snacks at Jungle Jim's International Market in Cincinnati.
10796 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242
Who could resist a cookie that's bold enough to have the words "ooey gooey" included in its name? These delights are an XXL version of the delicacies from Donna's Gourmet Cookies, which come in classic chocolate chip along with other decadent flavors. Additional treats include brownies and Donna's signature pecan pie bars. Can't decide? Go for the Favorite Things box, which includes a generous sampling of all products. Donna's Gourmet Cookies is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday. Watch the website for online ordering, which is coming soon.
You're offered a free lifetime supply of any food you choose. What's #1 on your list?

Few foods have the universal appeal of cookies, which are a comforting treat for kids and grown-ups alike. It's no surprise that people are turning to cookies to celebrate birthdays, weddings, graduations, and other life events. Make your special occasion even more memorable with custom cookies from these talented bakers around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
Julie Sepsi wants everyone to have a sweet day. The home-based baker started Sepsi Sweets to do her part in achieving that goal. One of Julie's signature creations is a treat box made from sugar cookies and vanilla royal icing. The covered container is ready to be filled with M&Ms, Hershey Kisses, or any other small surprise. Julie has also used her popular sugar cookies for an updated take on the holiday gingerbread house. If you prefer cake, Julie is equally creative with cupcakes, including her custom-made DIY cupcake kits.
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As an ER nurse, Courtney spends her days helping people heal. During her off-hours, she puts a smile on people's faces with Cookies by Courtney. Her delightfully designed treats look more like keepsakes than edible items. Courtney's cookies have taken the whimsical shapes of basketball shoes, cassette tapes, and Margaritas to commemorate everything from showers to book releases. All cookies are individually heat-sealed in cellophane bags.
Visit the Instagram page of NV Sweets and the first thing that leaps out is the array of vivid colors. Baker Nikki Vordem Esche goes beyond the standard palette of pastels to use primary colors and other bright hues on her eye-catching cookies. Recent creations from Nikki include "apples" for the teacher, strawberry cookies for a first birthday, watercolor volleyballs, and Mickey and Friends cookies that look like they were created at the Disney studio. In a truly inspired move, Nikki used her chocolate brownie cookie dough to make a box of chocolates that could have come from Godiva.
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Want to add a little international flair to your celebration? Choose some elegant and delicious French macarons from Six One Four Sweets. Macarons are delicate, perfectly round creations with filling layered between two meringue cookies. Dating back to the Renaissance, macarons lend themselves to a wide range of colors and flavors. Baker Alicia Perkins takes full advantage of the versatility of macarons, making them in a number of pastel colors with yummy fillings such as salted caramel, red velvet, strawberries and cream, funfetti, and buckeye. Traditional sugar cookies designed to fit your theme are also available.
Want your sweets disguised as savory treats? Ashley Combs of AMAEzing Sweet Shoppe recently created an entire cookie BBQ, complete with grills, hot dogs, burgers, oven mitts, and spatulas. Her other crossover designs include a cookie pizza and six-pack of beer. This past spring, associates from Proctor & Gamble ordered cookies from AMAEzing Sweet Shoppe to celebrate a five-year work anniversary. Ashley came up with a set featuring impeccable replicas of the logos from Pampers, Crest, Puffs, and other P&G brands.
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No, Poppy's Custom Cookies does not bear the name of its owner, but poppies do symbolize the vibrant visual appeal of their products. Arielle developed her love of baking during high school, when she began making cakes and cookies for family and friends. Today, Arielle's hobby has grown into a successful business that allows her to stay home with her two daughters. Arielle recently thrilled someone else's daughter with birthday cookies incorporating the youngster's own artwork. Local businesses have ordered cookies with their logos to use as unique giveaways for customers.
When you want some sweet treats, you can't go wrong with a business that has "Sugar" built right in their name. SOHO Sugar Co. is an abbreviated version of the original name, "South of Home Cookies," reflecting the addition of candy and cakesicles to the offerings. During the pandemic, Jordyn Diebler used the time to meld her love of art and baking into a home-based business baking custom-made cookies for all occasions. Double the fun with themed candy boxes or a design-your-own "charcuterie board."
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While Cristy Bowles modestly refers to herself as a "hobby cookier," Cristy's Cookie Creations have been a big hit around Northeast Ohio. Her showstopper piece is an edible "flower arrangement," featuring incredibly intricate detail right down to the individual petals. Even kids too young to remember are charmed by her cookie-based recreation of the Muppet Babies Star Wars characters. Even Cristy's "regular" cookies, such as pumpkin spice latte, are a big hit.
If Stephanie Rosselot of Sugar & Icing Cookie Co. looks familiar, it may be because she was featured in the summer issue of Sweet & Saucy Living, an online magazine devoted to cookie-making. Stephanie finds that creating her edible works of art provides a welcome balance to her full-time day job as a high-school math teacher. Both jobs complement each other in Stephanie's beginning and intermediate cookie decorating classes, held at Share Cheesebar and McHarper Manor.
Whether it's milk or coffee, are you a dunker? Or do you prefer your cookies as is?

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