Posts with tag 'Ostrander OH'

Is there anything as enjoyable as biting into a good, juicy burger? If you've been looking for an excuse to indulge your burger craving, the wait is over. May is National Hamburger Month, an occasion to celebrate this American culinary creation. Whether you prefer your burger with or without cheese, thick or thin, there are plenty of great burger restaurants to visit in Columbus. Plan a trip to one of these burger restaurants in celebration.

Bareburger

463 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Bareburger is a staple in Columbus and the surrounding area. Their High Street location is well worth visiting on your lunch break or after a busy workday. Bareburger takes pride in preparing their food with ethically sourced ingredients. Their beef is all organic, grass-fed, and hormone-free. They also offer a great selection of plant-based burgers.

One favorite at Bareburger is the Blazin' Bacon, which is topped with pepper jack, smoked bacon, pickled jalapenos, and habanero mayo. The Guadalupe is a popular plant-based option that comes topped with organic tomatoes, pickled red onions, and avocado. Don't forget to order some truffle asiago fries or organic sweet potato fries for the side.

Flip Side Easton

3945 Easton Station, Columbus, OH 43219

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Flip Side is a gourmet burger restaurant with a few locations throughout Ohio. All of their beef is grass-fed and raised in Ohio. In addition to burgers, they also offer some incredible craft milkshakes made with local ice cream, and their macaroni and cheese practically has its own fan club.

If you like peanut butter, you have to try Flip Side's Uncle Jimmy burger. It's topped with peanut butter, applewood bacon, and pepper jelly. This may sound like a strange combination, but the ingredients complement each other well. Another fun choice is the One Red Door burger, topped with crispy shallots, melted brie, and applewood bacon aioli. Not a fan of beef? Flip Side offers an Impossible Burger, along with several turkey burger options.

Matt and Tony's Kitchen x Tavern

340 E. Gay St., Columbus, OH 43215

Matt and Tony's Kitchen x Tavern is a local pub that has a few great burgers on the menu. They make their burgers with Certified Angus Beef, but you can substitute chicken breast if desired. The Chimi Burger is a great choice if you like smash burgers. It's topped with melty jack cheese, chimichurri, caramelized onions, and bacon. They also have a build-your-own burger option.

Matt and Tony's is a great place to celebrate National Burger Month with kids. They have a dedicated kids' menu with options including a burger, mac & cheese, and chicken tenders.

Alley Burger

26 N. High St. Rear, Columbus, OH 43215

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You enter this casual restaurant from an alley, and that's part of the appeal. It's tucked away like a secret, but it's a secret worth sharing. Alley Burger often has live music, and the chef relies on traditional family restaurants to make delicious meals.

At Ally Burger, you don't have to stick with a beef burger, though their beef burgers are certainly delicious. The Fish Burger is a popular choice; it's topped with a house-made Creole tartar sauce. The Greek Burger, made with tzatziki cream, banana peppers, and feta, is another smart choice. Make sure you order some fries for the table. There are lots of creative options, such as the Oscar Alley fries topped with chorizo, pico de gallo, lime crema, chimichurri, and cheese.

Burger Theory Columbus

175 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215

With a name like Burger Theory, you'd expect this place to have some creative, innovative burger choices. And the selection does not disappoint! Even their BT House burger comes topped with their own KGB Sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, try The Boss. It's actually two burgers stuffed with bacon, onion, cheddar, and Swiss cheese. Pair it with some Parmesan-panko onion rings, and you have a truly munch-worthy meal.

Mason Jar Treats are another favorite at Burger Theory. They're the perfect, sweet way to end a meal. Choose from flavors like key lime pie, s'mores, and carrot cake. Visit Burger Theory Monday-Friday from 5-7 pm for Happy Hour Specials, which vary by the day.

Arch City Tavern

862 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Located in the Arts District, Arch City Tavern is known for their lively happy hours. Visit Monday-Friday between 3 and 6 pm to take advantage of their drink specials. Of course, you'll want to order a burger while you're there. The Arch City Burger, topped with muenster cheese, onions, cilantro, chile aioli, and peppered bacon, is excellent, and try the lamb sliders instead if you want to be a little experimental.

The bartenders at Arch City Tavern are pretty talented, making this a good place to order cocktails. Their Smoked Tavern Old Fashioned, in particular, is incredible. They also have a delicious Spiced Pear & Pomegranate Margarita.

Press Grill

741 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Press Grill is a casual neighborhood bar and restaurant serving craft cocktails and house-made cuisine. They always have a good selection of Ohio-brewed craft beers on tap.

One of the top choices here is the Press Burger. You can choose a single, double, or triple patty. Add cheese or a fried egg for something extra special. If you have a big appetite, then add on some sides. The Yukon Gold potato salad is delicious, as is the Texas toast. Even the balsamic greens are fresh, delicious, and a great way to get your veggies.

Get Your Burger On!

National Burger Month comes but once a year. Where will you be getting your burger on this May?

Mother's Day is fast approaching: it's time to start thinking about what you'll get your mom. Why not help her relax and get away from it all by taking her for a day at the spa?

There are countless luxury spas with excellent reputations scattered around Columbus, Cincinnati, and Northeast Ohio. Check out the ones listed below and see if any of them are the right choice for your mom's special day.

PENZONE Salons + Spa

2260 W. Henderson Rd., Columbus, OH 43220

With three locations in Columbus and several more in other parts of Ohio, PENZONE has built a reputation for excellence in its local community. The spa offers massages ranging from light contact to deep tissue treatments and even a foot massage. Luxury facials are also available. 

For beauty treatments, your mom can choose from body hair removal, lashes and brow sculpting, full makeup applications, and hairstyling. The spa also offers packages called "experiences" that you can purchase if you want to make your mom's trip into a full-day event.

Paloma

1197 W. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212

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Paloma is a top-ranked luxury spa in Columbus, offering a subdued yet sumptuous experience your mom will love. The spa is well-known for its special massages, including The Paloma (an adapted Swedish massage that uses long stroked of light to medium pressure to produce a relaxing effect) and The Power (a deep pressure massage focused on the knots in your muscles). Their infrared sauna helps guests sweat out toxins without the discomfort of steam. 

Paloma also offers custom spa journeys for guests who want to try out a few different services in one day. These packages are the perfect gift to show your mom how much you love her. 

Lacquer Gallery HAIR + NAILS

448 W. 3rd Ave., Columbus, OH 43201

Does your mom like to stray from the beaten path? She'll love The Lacquer Gallery. This Columbus salon and spa is known for its avant-garde style and rebellious approach. 

In addition to hairstyling and nail manicuring services, this spa offers a selection of luxury facials, massages, and other spa experiences. Some of the most popular include the Migraine Miracle Massage and Crystal Healing Massage. Their Luxe Body Polish treatment provides potent skin rejuvenation that will have your mom feeling vibrant from head to toe. They also offer additional treatment facials, scrubs, and cosmetic treatments like eyelash extensions, tinting, and waxing.

Charles Scott Salons and Spas

19025 Old Lake Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116

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Does your mom have trouble disconnecting from her devices? Charles Scott Salons and Spas are phone-free spaces where patrons are encouraged to leave the outside world behind. 

This spa is all about taking the time you need to really decompress. They offer spa packages that last much longer than your typical treatment, starting at 2 hours and a half hours in length and going up to 6 and a half hours. These packages include facials, massages, manicures, makeup application, and more. They also offer a variety of specialty treatments, including hydrafacials, spray tans, and face and body waxing.

A White Pond Paradise Salon and Day Spa

566 White Pond Dr., Suite D, Akron, OH 44320

A White Pond Paradise Salon and Day Spa has been operating in Akron for over 20 years and has won several awards for its excellent service. Customers can enjoy massages, facials, and manicure and pedicure treatments in a tranquil and relaxing setting. 

If your mom is interested in switching up her style, you could also get her an appointment at their salon for a professional cut and color after her spa treatments. The salon's talented stylists are sure to help her find a new look she'll love.  

The Spa at Yellow Creek

3636 Yellow Creek Rd., Akron, OH  44333

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Located inside a beautiful building that once served as a local church, The Spa at Yellow Creek's serene environment sets the stage perfectly for a day of rest and relaxation. Some of the services offered here include massages, facials, dermaplaning, and CBD treatments. Their Signature Yellow Creek Massage combines traditional Swedish massage techniques with temperature therapy, while their Tranquility Escape Sleep Massage is gentle, soothing, and intended to promote rejuvenation through rest. 

The staff has also created ritual treatments with multiple steps designed to help your whole body relax. These treatments take a little longer than your standard massage or facial, giving your mom more time to enjoy her outing. 

Face It Spa

229 W. 9th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

As the name suggests, the Face It Spa is all about luxury face treatments that relax, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin. Your mom can choose from facials, peels, masks, and microdermabrasion treatments to improve her skin's color, smoothness, and elasticity. 

If she enjoys her time here, you can also purchase some of the luxury beauty products used by the staff. These masks, creams, and other facial treatments from PCA Skin and DMK Skincare are perfect for replicating the spa experience in the comfort of home.

The Spa at 21c

609 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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The Spa at 21c is located inside the 21c Hotel in downtown Cincinnati. At this luxury spa, your mom can enjoy Swedish and Himalayan salt stone massages, peels, and facials. The spa even offers treatments using the SWiCH dermal rejuvenation system, an advanced anti-aging device that triggers the skin's natural healing response without damaging it. 

Most treatments last about an hour, and treatment enhancements like The Wrinkle Reducer and The Eye Lift can be added to facial treatments to target specific areas for an additional boost. The Spa at 21c is currently closed Monday through Wednesday, and certain treatments are only offered on specific days, so be sure to call ahead or check their online menu to see what is available on the day you plan to take your mom out. 

Inner Peace Organic Spa

811 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

The Inner Peace Organic Spa is well-named: Its calm atmosphere is perfect for soothing stressed nerves. Some of the services guests can enjoy include foot baths, sauna sessions, and Shirodhara oil treatments. All of the products used are made from the finest organic, natural ingredients for gentle yet effective results. 

The spa also offers alternative services like hypnosis, spirit card readings, and chakra balancing to complete the experience. Your mom is sure to walk away from this spa relaxed, refreshed, and brimming with life. 

Dream Spa Day

Which of these enchanting establishments will you be sending your mom to this Mother's Day?

Going on a picnic with either a significant other or your family is a tried-and-true tradition that's become a national pastime throughout the ages. There are plenty of great parks in the Columbus area where you lay out a blanket or sit at a table for a nice meal and even nicer company. Here are some of our favorite picnic hotspots for National Picnic Day April 23.

Scioto Grove Metro Park

5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123

You could spend nearly the entire day at Scioto Grove Metro Park because there are so many things to do. In addition to picnic shelters that will keep you off the ground, you can burn off some calories with a nice walk along one of its eight trails. You'll also find a sizable event space, archery ranges, disc golf course, and beautiful river views.

Topiary Garden Park

480 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Situated next to the Columbus Metropolitan Library's main branch, Topiary Garden Park is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic with friends or family. The spot is also unique because it's home to the only existing topiary interpretation of a painting. This makes it great for art lovers or people looking to snap a cool picture for their Instagram.

Franklin Park Adventure Center

1755 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203

As one of the many iconic parks in Columbus, Franklin Park Adventure Center is perfect for couples and families who are interested in having a picnic or simply spending time together. After your feast, feel free to head over to the conservatory where you can explore several types of environments and plants. You'll need to purchase admission, but it's a small charge and worth every penny.

Columbus Park of Roses

3901 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

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As you can probably guess from the name, the Columbus Park of Roses is an absolutely gorgeous spot for a picnic. This 13-acre park is also known as Whetstone Park and the landscape changes throughout the seasons depending on which flowers are in bloom. Every park on our list is beautiful and unique, but this is arguably the most romantic in the Columbus area.

Scioto Audubon Metro Park

400 W. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215

Whether you're in the mood for a gorgeous view of the city or prefer a river view, Scioto Audubon Metro Park has more than enough options. In addition to a healthy amount of picnic tables, you'll find a dog park, rock climbing area, obstacle course, picturesque water tower, and more. There's even a playground for kids of all ages and a mister to keep them cool on hot days.

Goodale Park

120 W. Goodale St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Perhaps one of the greatest things about Goodale Park—Columbus' first public park—is that it's situated near quite a few restaurants, which means you can grab food at one of those instead of cooking yourself. While you're there, you'll surely be enthralled by the architecture of Victorian Village homes and can find plenty of things to do between the park's pond, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and playground.

Hoover Reservoir Park

7701 Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH 43081

With more than 4700 acres, Hoover Reservoir Park has many great spots to enjoy a picnic. There's wildlife in many areas of the park to enjoy. If you're lucky, you may even spot a bald eagle. There are also many types of water sports available and families often spend some time on the water before returning to land for a picnic.

Genoa Park

303 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

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For fans of skylines, Genoa Park is the place you want to be because you'll get some stunning views of Downtown Columbus. The first things most visitors will notice, however, are the humanized deer sculptures that are enjoying a day at the park just as you will be. This park is also home to an amphitheater that holds concerts and other events throughout the year.

McFerson Commons Park

218 West St., Columbus, OH 43215

Often referred to as Arch Park thanks to the iconic Union Station Arch that's found there, McFerson Commons Park is what you might consider an urban oasis. Surrounded by a wall of trees that provides plenty of shade, this is a popular spot for annual festivals, 5K races, casual sports leagues, and more. 

Life is a Picnic

What picturesque surroundings will make your Columbus picnic-perfect?

April showers may bring May flowers, but you don't have to wait that long to enjoy this month's free offers, courtesy of Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts. 

We love sharing our enthusiasm for all the wonderful small businesses in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati. So get out of the rain and into these delightful shops for coffee, donuts, and more!

April Gifts:

Columbus: Donuts

Wooster: $10 Certificate

Cleveland: A Latte

Kent/Stow: A Shaken Iced Latte

Medina: Tea & Scones

Akron: A Burger & Fries

Canton: A Flight

Cincinnati: Doughnuts

Columbus: Donuts

Resch's Bakery

4061 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43227

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Tired of those bland, cellophane-wrapped donuts from the gas station convenience store? Head over to Resch's Bakery for a delicious, artisan-crafted donut, with flavors including powdered sugar, French crullers, and glazed cake.

About Resch's Bakery

Founded in 1912, Resch's Bakery was the American dream for the namesake family that immigrated to Columbus from Germany. As the bakery moves into its second century,  the sixth generation of Reschs continues the legacy of their ancestors, turning out top-quality cakes, pies, donuts, pastries, cookies, and rolls.

Contact and Hours

614.237.7421

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. -2:30 p.m.

Wooster: $10 Certificate

The Carpenter's Cup

116 W. Main St., Smithville, OH 44677

How do you build your perfect cup of coffee? Use your $10 certificate to get your go-to drink or try something new at The Carpenter's Cup.

About The Carpenter's Cup

For customers at The Carpenter's Cup, the charming shop is as much a part of the experience as the crafted coffee and tea drinks. The comfortable indoor area features displays of local art and custom wood products. There's also an outdoor seating area where you can do some great people-watching as you savor your drink.

Contact and Hours

330.669.0084

Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cleveland: A Latte

Lekko Coffee

2529 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

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Iced or hot, a creamy latte is a perfect coffee drink for all seasons. Stop by Lekko Coffee for a latte that will jump-start your morning or give your afternoon a pick-me-up.

About Lekko Coffee

For owners Matt and Laura Ashton, Lekko Coffee is all about being conscientious global citizens. In addition to supporting the Cleveland community, the shop provides a living wage for all members of their supply chain and staff.

Contact and Hours

440.476.1159

Monday - Sunday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Kent/Stow: A Shaken Iced Latte

Scribbles Coffee Co.

237 N. Water St., Kent, OH 44240

James Bond famously preferred his drinks shaken, not stirred. 007 would definitely approve of the handcrafted, shaken iced lattes made with care at Scribbles Coffee Co.

About Scribbles Coffee Co.

Best friends Jenn and Beth wanted to create a cozy spot where others could hang out with old friends and make new ones. Scribbles Coffee Co. is a warm, welcoming place where you can chat, read, write, study, or just sit back with one of their amazing coffee or tea drinks. 

Contact and Hours

330.346.0337

Monday - Sunday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Medina: Tea & Scones

Miss Molly's Tea Room and Gift Shop

140 W. Washington St., Medina, OH 44256

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Take a trip to jolly old England without leaving Medina. Partake in the soothing tradition of tea and scones with an afternoon at Miss Molly's Tea Room.

About Miss Molly's Tea Room and Gift Shop

Authentic Victorian decor and award-winning food are a couple of reasons why Miss Molly's Tea Room and Gift Shop has been recognized as one of the best tea rooms in North America. Enjoy the variety of the sandwich sampler paired with the strawberry pretzel salad, a three-layer treat that totally satisfies that sweet/salty craving.

Contact and Hours

330.725.6830

Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Friday Nights: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. 
Sunday: Noon - 4 p.m.

Akron: A Burger & Fries

Bob's Hamburg

1351 East Ave., Akron, OH 44307

Like peanut butter and jelly or macaroni and cheese, burgers and fries are one of those iconic food pairings that never gets old. Skip the fast food for the real deal at Bob's Hamburg.

About Bob's Hamburg

Bob's Hamburg truly takes the philosophy, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" to heart. Not only are they in the original location and building, but the burgers are still cooked on the same griddle Bob himself used back in 1931. Today, this beloved old-school streetcar diner remains the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Akron.

Contact and Hours

330.253.2627

Tuesday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Canton: A Flight

Unhitched Brewing Company

115 S. Mill St., Louisville, OH 44641

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The microbrew movement has opened up a whole new world of options for beer lovers. Find your new favorite when you sample a flight at Unhitched Brewing Company.

About Unhitched Brewing Company

Local history is deeply embedded in Unhitched Brewing Company. The name pays tribute to George Dilger, one of Louisville's earliest brewers, who delivered his product via horse and wagon. Also, the brewhouse and taproom are located in the old Louisville Bowling Alley. Reclaimed wood from the lanes was used to make the bar and tables. 

Contact and Hours

330.871.8021

Wednesday and Thursday: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday: Noon - 10 p.m. 

Cincinnati: Doughnuts

Starlight Doughnut Lab

4603 Carter Ave., Norwood, OH 45212

"Laboratory" is defined as "a place providing opportunity for experimentation." Taste the sensational new flavors they're creating at Starlight Doughnut Lab.

About Starlight Doughnut Lab

Ben Griewe and Jack Nowlin gained devoted fans selling their Instagrammable doughnuts at local establishments and events. In February, they opened Starlight Doughnut Lab, where they feature six core flavors and six rotating flavors each month. Choose from options such as a churro, everything bagel, and brownie batter.

Contact and Hours

513.404.5694

Thursday and Friday: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

It's Raining Freebies!

We're showering you with great offers like these every month. Contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to find out how easy it is to join the program. 

Tired of the cookie-cutter big-box stores with limited selections, inflated prices, and impersonal service? Combine sightseeing and shopping with day trips to the wonderful small towns of Ohio, from Northeast Ohio to Columbus and Cincinnati, where the character and appeal of a traditional "downtown" is alive and well. 

NORTHEAST OHIO

Medina

Founded in 1818, Medina was originally named "Mecca," which means, "a place to which many people are attracted." Residents and visitors agree that the town's friendly atmosphere and "Norman Rockwell" appearance make that an apt description. The charming town square, presided over by the beautiful brick courthouse, is surrounded by Victorian-style buildings that house a number of wonderful shops and restaurants. Support local causes by shopping at The Bookshelf, a used bookstore where all proceeds go to Project Learn, an adult literacy organization. You don't have to have a green thumb to visit the Gardener's Cottage, which offers a full assortment of furnishings, home accessories, seasonal decor, and gifts. Miss Molly's Tea Room and A Cupcake a Day have great treats to sit and enjoy or grab and go. The square, also known as Uptown Park, hosts regular community events such as Art in the Park and International Fest.

Chagrin Falls

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From its picturesque name to the quaint, tree-lined streets, Chagrin Falls maintains a classic small-town feel in a 21st-century world. Noted cartoonist and Chagrin Falls native Bill Watterson featured a picture of his hometown on the back cover of The Essential Calvin and Hobbes Collection. With more than 75 independent shops and restaurants in the village center, you'll find anything you may need or want. The annual mid-summer Sidewalk Sale, featuring live music and kids' activities, has been a Chagrin Falls tradition for more than 70 years. Take a break from shopping to enjoy the view of the town's namesake falls from Bell Street Park, Riverside Park, or the Main Street bridge.

Berlin

Ever feel like technology is taking over your life? Step into a more relaxed way of life with a visit to Berlin. As the oldest existing village in Holmes County, Berlin is the center of the world's largest Amish community. The streets are lined with dozens of shops that carry one-of-a-kind items featuring high-quality craftsmanship. Spend an afternoon exploring Berlin Antique & Craft Malls, two side-by-side facilities where you'll also find the best fudge in the area. If that's not enough, check out Berlin Village Antique Mall, a two-story building filled with classic pieces and collectibles. Sample the cheese, produce, and all the bounty of Amish farms at German Village Market, Bunker Hill Cheese Chalet, and Troyer's Country Market. Don't miss Streb's General Store, where the third generation is running this classic shop.

COLUMBUS

Granville

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If Granville reminds you of a town in New England, that's no coincidence. Settlers from the East Coast planned the Ohio community using familiar concepts from New England villages, right down to sharing the name of their original hometown in Massachusetts. Granville's layout follows the traditional grid pattern, with two major thoroughfares meeting in the center at the town square. Several original buildings, including churches, inns, and private homes, are still standing, with more than 100 listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The downtown business district, part of Granville's established historic area, includes boutiques such as Cedar and Thread, featuring clothing and home décor, and Green Velvet of Granville, a Parisian-style shop with an eclectic mix of merchandise. For a modern touch, stop for lunch or dinner at Three Tigers Brewing Company, a craft brewery and taproom that serves Vietnamese-inspired street food.

German Village

As its preservation society proudly proclaims, you don't have to live in German Village to feel like you belong. Located just south of downtown Columbus, German Village is the largest privately funded preservation district on the National Register of Historic Places. Though technically not a town, this neighborhood has gained worldwide recognition as a premier example of successful restoration, retaining much of the same character and appeal as it displayed during its origins in the mid-19th century. The Book Loft of German Village, housed in a pre-Civil War building that takes up an entire city block, is worth a visit all on its own. Other notable shops include Helen Winnemore's, a women's clothing store that originated in its namesake's home, and Vernacular, a clothing and lifestyle boutique that specializes in ethically sourced, organic, and minority-owned brands.

CINCINNATI

Yellow Springs

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Earlier this year, travel website Only in Your State proclaimed Yellow Springs to be one of the coolest small towns in America, referring to it as a "little slice of paradise" based on its charm and originality. Just how cool is it? Comedian Dave Chappelle, whose father was a professor and dean of students at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, still lives here with his wife and three children on a 65-acre farm. Who can resist shops and restaurants such as The Smoking Octopus, a tobacco store located in a uniquely designed building, and Ha Ha Pizza, with its iconic mural featuring a jackalope, gremlin, flying saucer, and the Loch Ness Monster?

Loveland

Shopping is in Loveland's DNA. The town is named for James Loveland, who ran the general store and post office near the downtown railroad tracks. In the 1980s, the railroad corridor was converted to a bike trail that became part of the Little Miami Scenic Trail, which hosts nearly 750,000 hikers and bikers each year. Not surprisingly, Loveland has several shops, such as JackRabbit, Montgomery Cyclery, and Vertical Drop, specializing in clothing and outdoor activities equipment. If indoor pursuits are more your style, make stops at Busy Bee Boutique and Bond Furniture and Design.

Waynesville

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With more than 60 shops and restaurants in a compact, five-block area, you can shop in Waynesville without fear of dropping. Want more credentials? Waynesville is known as the "Antiques Capital of the Midwest," and it has been recognized by USA Today as one of the "Most Walkable Towns in America." Waynesville Antique Mall, housed in a brick building built in 1882, includes nearly 50 vendors offering classic items, collectibles, and historical memorabilia. Don't miss Buckeye Charm, a family-owned retro boutique with an actual vintage truck as its centerpiece.

SMALLTOWN U.S.A.

Friendly residents? Fewer crowds? Good walkability? What's your favorite feature of small towns?