Jerri Furniss Blog

Do you believe that bacon should be one of the five basic food groups? Indulge to your heart's content on Friday, December 30, when the country celebrates Bacon Day. Discover many creative uses for bacon at these wonderful restaurants in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Toney's Baloney

West Side Market, 1979 W. 25th St., Stand C4, Cleveland, OH 44113

How do you improve on perfection? For the staff at Toney's Baloney, it means pairing bacon with another iconic food. But watch out, you may get hooked on their strips of candied bacon wearing robes of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate with a peanut butter drizzle. Candied bacon also comes in other forms, such as whimsical mustache-shaped "pops." The latest addition, bacon covered in Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch, might be the ultimate breakfast food. West Side Market is open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.

Summer House

12900 Lake Ave., Unit 2, Lakewood, OH 44107

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At Summer House, they're not content with bacon that just tastes good. Their Clothesline Bacon, featured on the brunch and dinner menus, is equally fun to eat. Dry-aged bacon, steeped in a mixture of Ohio maple syrup and scratch-made apple cider vinegar, hangs from a miniature clothesline over a bed of bread-and-butter pickles. Add in the incredible views, and eating bacon at Summer House is a true treat for the senses. Hours are 3 - 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 3 - 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday.

Touch Supper Club

2710 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

"Breakfast for dinner" takes on a whole new meaning at Touch Supper Club. Their Bourbon Breakfast Martini starts with a cocktail of bourbon, sweet vermouth, butterscotch, and maple-infused simple syrup. It's topped off with a maple-infused pancake and slice of candied bacon. Classic supper club vibes complete the experience. Hours are 5 - 10 p.m. Tuesday, 5 - 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub

1788 W. 5th St., Columbus, OH 43212

Tater tots aren't just for kids. The whole family will love these dressed-up nuggets at Jimmy V's Grill & Pub. Crispy tots, made fresh in-house, come topped with bacon, Cheddar, smoked Gouda, and pepper jack. A side of Buffalo ranch adds a finishing touch. Bacon also stars in Jimmy V's twist on a BLT that includes grilled salmon served on a pretzel bun. Hours are 11 a.m. - 2:30 a.m., seven days a week.

Pat and Gracie's Kitchen & Tavern

138 Graceland Blvd., Columbus, OH 43214

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The starters at Pat and Gracie's Kitchen & Tavern are so tempting and delicious that you may never make it to the main course. Everyone's favorite, macaroni and cheese, is combined with bacon and deep-fried in bite-sized pieces. Double down on cheesy goodness with a side of cheese dipping sauce. Another inspired appetizer features diced caramelized onions, smoked bacon, cream cheese, garlic, and Parmesan cheese blended into a smooth dip and served with Lavosh crackers. P&G is open daily from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. except for Friday and Saturday, when hours are extended to 11 p.m.

The Walrus Kitchen & Public House

143 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43215

The Walrus Kitchen & Public House uses bacon to elevate traditional comfort food to a new level.  Start your day with a Candied Bacon Melt, topped with an egg and cheddar cheese and served in a Belgian waffle sandwich. For lunch, the Candied Bacon Grilled Cheese with tomato slices keeps customers coming back for more. The Walrus is open daily from 11 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.

Nation Kitchen & Bar

1200 Broadway St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Nation Kitchen & Bar came onto the Cincinnati culinary scene in 2015. It took only a couple of years for their bacon burger to be acclaimed as best in the state, while national publications have also included it on lists of top burgers around the country. This delicious burger gets some Southern flavor from cheddar cheese, apple slaw, and Memphis BBQ sauce. Bacon also makes an appearance on the Hangover burger, along with goetta, ham, and fried egg on a bagel. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.

Holtman's Donuts

3356 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209

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Sweet and savory is a popular food trend that satisfies nearly every taste. One of the finest examples is the popular maple bacon donut found at family-owned Holtman's Donuts. Other bacon-centric variations in their revolving repertoire include chocolate maple bacon, bourbon maple bacon, and blueberry maple bacon. Hours are 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.

Taste of Belgium

1135 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

While thick, fluffy waffles may be their signature item, Taste of Belgium makes great use of bacon as well. On the Beltucky Hot Brown, bacon joins roasted turkey, Gruyère, tomato, and Mornay sauce atop a waffle. For the McWaffle and Brunch Burger, a split waffle stands in for English muffins and bread on these sandwich-style dishes that also include bacon. Taste of Belgium is open 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.

When in Doubt, Add Bacon

Bacon is appropriate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in both food and drink. What's your favorite way to use bacon?

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The weather is growing colder, and that means cross-country skiing season is almost here! Whether you're an experienced skier or looking to ski for the first time, Ohio has many beautiful trails to explore. You can zip through pine forests, alongside frozen ponds, or past stands of oak trees. Here are nine of the best places for cross-country skiing this winter.

Punderson State Park

11755 Kinsman Rd., Newbury, OH 44065

Punderson State Park is one of the region's most scenic parks and a lovely one to visit in the winter. The Tudor-style lodge looks lovely against a backdrop of snow and pine trees. Visitors will find three cross-country skiing trails in the park. Huron Trail is a 1.3-mile trail with a moderate difficulty rating. Mohawk trail is 1.1 miles and moderate, and Cayuga is a 2-mile, easy trail.

Punderson is right in Ohio's snow belt, so conditions for skiing tend to be good. There are several picnic shelters, and if the weather is nice, you may want to enjoy lunch or some hot chocolate at one of them.

Chapin Forest Reservation

10381 Hobart Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094

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If you need to rent skis, Chapin Forest Reservation is one of your best options for cross-country skiing in Northeast Ohio. They rent classic and skate skis at their Pine Lodge Ski Center. Each rental includes skis, boots, and poles. Fees are $10 per hour for the first hour plus $5 for each additional hour. Or, for $30, you can rent the skis all day.

The forest reserve maintains several kilometers of groomed trails near the entrance. You can also ski in the ungroomed areas if you are looking for a challenge. There's some elevation change within the reserve, but also plenty of flat terrain.

Swine Creek Reservation

16004 Hayes Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062

Swine Creek Reservation is a 400+ acre park situated among rolling hills and sugarbush farms. There are miles of trails weaving through the park, and several are groomed for cross-country skiing. 

Meadowlark Trail is a great choice for beginners. It's a 0.4-mile grass trail with very little elevation change. For a bit more of a challenge, try the 1.2-mile Gray Fox Trail, which offers many wildlife sightings. Or, try the Squaw Root Trail, a 0.6-mile, primitive trail that is mostly single-track.

Great Seal State Park

4908 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601

Great Seal State Park is a spacious 1,800-plus-acre state park with patches of dense forest, rolling hills, and open fields. If you prefer to cross-country ski in more open spaces, there are many opportunities here. You can download a map of the park's trails on their website.

Spring Run Trail is a favorite for cross-country skiing at Great Seal State Park. It's 1.9 miles long and studded with training stations you can use for a more balanced workout.

Delaware State Park

5202 U.S. Highway 23 North, Delaware, OH 43015

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If you're in the Columbus area, then Delaware State Park is a good place to go cross-country skiing. The park offers more than 1,300 acres of gorgeous natural land. Cross-country skiing is allowed on any of the hiking trails, weather permitting.

Big Foot Trail is a good choice for beginners. It's about 1.5 miles of easy terrain and offers lovely views of wetlands and meadows. You might even see a beaver.

John Bryan State Park

3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

John Bryan State Park is centered around a huge gorge cut into the limestone. Most trails offer views of this gorge and the surrounding forested land. Cross-country skiing is allowed on the hiking trails, weather permitting.

If you're cross-country skiing with kids, consider taking the Poplar Trail. It's only 0.1 miles long but offers some nice views. Storybook Trail is another short one. For a real challenge, take the 2.7-mile rim trail.

Stonelick State Park

2895 Lake Dr., Pleasant Plain, OH 45162

Stonelick State Park is another large park nestled in the hills outside Cincinnati. The park's trails wind through woodlands and pass over large, grassy hills. Cross-country skiing is permitted on the Red Fox Trail, rated easy. Visitors also love the moderate, 1.6-mile Beechtree Trail and the 0.35-mile Southwoods Trail.

In addition to cross-country skiing, Stonelick State Park offers ice skating, ice fishing, and ice boating. If you visit earlier in the winter, you can still see birds among the trees. 

East Fork State Park

3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel, OH 45106

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East Fork State Park is located just outside Cincinnati and is a lovely place for cross-country skiing on more open terrain. You can catch great views of Harsha Lake, its shore, and a winding river.

In addition to cross-country skiing, East Fork State Park offers ice skating and fishing in the winter as weather permits. The Storybook Trail presents a children's storybook one part at a time and is perfect for youngsters.

Cowan Lake State Park

1750 Osborn Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177

Cowan Lake State Park is centered around a water reservoir. The reservoir levels are lowered in the winter, creating a unique opportunity to look deep into the reservoir. There are several densely wooded areas throughout the park. Birds of prey, including eagles, reside here.

Cowan Lake State Park has 8 miles of hiking trails, and cross-country skiing is permitted on all of them as weather allows. The Lakeview Trail is a pretty choice and convenient as it's a loop. Oldfield is another 0.8-mile loop trail with a moderate rating. For something easier, try the 0.5-mile Beechnut Trail.

Ski Away

Which of these cross-country skiing areas will you visit this winter? Enjoy the views, and treat yourself to hot chocolate when you're done.

Foodies of Ohio, your dream has come true! You can literally eat and drink your way across this great state with food and beverage trails spotlighting a wide range of dishes, drinks, and cuisines. Indulge in mac & cheese in Northeast Ohio, sip on lattes in Columbus, or bite into tacos in Cincinnati. Which trail will you head to first?

Taco Trail

Lake County, OH

Who says tacos are just for Tuesdays? With almost two dozen wonderful Mexican restaurants, you can enjoy this classic favorite any day of the week along the Taco Trail. The flavors are so authentic that you'll close your eyes and think you're south of the border. Earn points each time you check in at a location and build your total to receive prizes such as a bottle opener/keychain, shot glass, and t-shirt. Visit the website to have the passport delivered straight to your smartphone.

Mac & Cheese Trail

Cleveland, OH

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Mac & cheese is truly comfort food, deeply satisfying to body and soul. You may be surprised by the variety you'll find along the Mac & Cheese Trail in Cleveland. Try mac & cheese topped with smoky BBQ meats, or have it piled on top of hot dogs and French fries. A couple of locations even offer creamy vegan versions.

Italian Food Trail

Trumbull County, OH

Mamma mia! Get your fill of pizza, pasta, and pancetta when you follow the Italian Food Trail. Follow the delicious aromas to more than 60 Italian restaurants, pizzerias, and markets. Many of these locations are family-run, serving food made with original recipes passed down over generations. Just don't ask them to share any of their secrets! Visit the website to get your digital passport.

Columbus Coffee Trail

Columbus, OH

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Get up bright and early in the morning to hit the Columbus Coffee Trail. You'll have no shortage of caffeine to fuel your visits to these two dozen charming cafés, bakeries, and coffee shops. Most locations carry an irresistible selection of pastries, so the route is a tasty way to satisfy your sweet tooth as well. Four stops earn you a t-shirt. Hit every location to receive a coffee mug. Visit the website to get your digital pass.

Columbus Distillery Trail

Columbus, OH

Sample some great adult beverages made with the highest-quality ingredients on the Columbus Distillery Trail. The capital city is home to a number of distilleries producing award-winning whiskey, gin, vodka, and bourbon. There's even a "brewstillery" offering craft beer along with spirits. Each site has a specialty Trail cocktail, such as the Side by Side Daiquiri. Check in at four stops for a Simple Times Mixer and visit each one for a t-shirt. Head to the website for your digital pass.

Columbus Tikka Trail

Columbus, OH

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Do you dosa? Find the answer to this culinary question with a trip along the Columbus Tikka Trail. Indian food incorporates cardamom, cayenne pepper, cumin, and other flavorful spices for a unique taste. Most restaurants let you choose your own level of heat on a scale of one to five. Many also feature buffets so you can try several different dishes. For the record, dosa is similar to a burrito, with a thin rice pancake that can be wrapped around different fillings.

Ales for Trails

Cincinnati, OH

For the month of July 2022, Ales for Trails served as a fundraiser for the Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network, referred to as the CROWN. While that event has ended, the trail can still be followed by beer lovers who want to sample a variety of brands and styles. The 10 stops along the way represent the leading microbreweries that make Cincinnati a star in the craft beer movement. As you make your way, you're also roughly following the route planned for the CROWN as Cincinnati's first urban trail loop.

The B-Line

Northern Kentucky

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When it comes to fine whiskey, Kentucky bourbon is the gold standard. Explore the quality and versatility of this iconic spirit through the 19-stop route of the B-Line. The line-up includes five craft distilleries and eight bars, all of which are named in the Bourbon Review's list of "Best Bourbon Bars in America." Rounding out the trail are six restaurants where bourbon complements their menus of Southern, Creole, and BBQ cuisine. Check in at two locations of each of the three types of establishments and receive your choice of gifts, such as a B-Line t-shirt or engraved Glencairn glass. Visit the website to download the digital B-Line Guide.

Taco Trail

Cincinnati, OH

What's not to love about tacos? They're fun to eat, they accommodate meat-eaters and vegetarians, and they're great with beer or soft drinks. Cincinnati's Taco Trail is lined with lively and colorful restaurants where you can try a never-ending variety of flavors and types. Styles range from authentic, served simply with onions and cilantro, to gourmet, with creative fillings such as grilled salmon or carmelized cauliflower. 

Blazing Your Own Trail

If you were creating your own culinary trail, what food or beverage would be highlighted?

Few things can conjure up the joy and wonderment of the season like the dazzling holiday light displays that transform some of your favorite Columbus destinations into magical, enchanted places. These events feature fun for all ages, with many light displays offering exciting extras like ice skating, photos with Santa, great shopping, delicious treats, and a wide variety of fun activities geared toward the youngest members of the family. Start planning with our guide to eight amazing places to enjoy the holiday lights around Columbus.

Columbus Commons Holiday Light Show

160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Looking for a fun, free light show you can enjoy during a holiday night out around Columbus? Then be sure to stop at the Columbus Commons Holiday Light Show featuring more than 400,000 LED lights spread around the 6-acre park with a prime location near some of the city's best dining and shopping destinations. On Festive Friday nights in December, you can enjoy extras like carousel rides, holiday refreshments, and live music. The display is open every evening from November 18, 2022, to January 1, 2023, starting at dusk and ending at 11 p.m.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights

4850 Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065

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An annual favorite for families around the Columbus area, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights display regularly ranks as one of the most impressive in all of Ohio. With an incredible 3 million lights on display, this beloved family attraction is truly transformed for the holiday season. And that's just the start! There are tons of other activities for the kids to enjoy, including photos with Santa, ice skating, carousel rides, stations for making delicious s'mores, and even camel rides. This event can be enjoyed most evenings from November 18, 2022, through January 1, 2023.

Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights

3311 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015

A locally owned and operated holiday light show that also raises money for a variety of local non-profits, Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights has been delighting families in the Columbus area for nearly 25 years. The display is a short drive from downtown Columbus at Alum Creek State Park Campground and is more than worth the trip. Start by exploring the dazzling drive-through light display taking you through the whole campground, then be sure to leave time to visit Santa's house at the end for photos, gifts, and holiday treats. Purchase your tickets online, then enjoy the show any evening between November 18, 2022, and January 2023.

Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203

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Do you prefer your holiday lights with a side of horticulture? The Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens event offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and holiday cheer. Your favorite gardens will be bathed in lights, with special displays for seasonal plants like poinsettias and evergreens. There will be live entertainment on select evenings, and you'll also get a sneak peek at some of the best entries from the Gingerbread Competition. Reserve your tickets online for this event, which takes place nightly between November 19, 2022, and January 8, 2023.

Holiday Lights at Easton Town Center

160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219

Easton Town Center is an excellent place to check items off your holiday shopping list, enjoy a delicious meal, and see some seasonal sights along the way. The shopping center will be lit with more than 2 million lights, including on the towering 50-foot Christmas tree in the town square. There will also be exciting extras like holiday carriage rides and photos with Santa. The lights can be enjoyed every night through January 2, 2023.

Lights at the Scioto Mile

233 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43215

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With eight riverfront parks spread over 175 connected acres, the Scioto Mile is one of the most scenic places in the city at any time of year. It's especially beautiful during the Lights at the Scioto Mile display, which can be enjoyed for free every night between November 23, 2022, and January 2, 2023. The Scioto Mile is located around the corner from the Columbus Commons, making it easy to enjoy both displays in one night.

German Village Holiday Lights

German Village Neighborhood, Columbus, OH 43206

Sure, parks, shopping centers, and drive-through displays all offer fantastic ways to see the lights, but what about when you want to see a whole neighborhood decorated for the holidays? All you have to do is head for the German Village neighborhood in Columbus, where countless homes, businesses, and public places get in on the holiday fun. Starting on December 4, 2022, with the annual Village Lights kickoff event, you can see the whole neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and festive décor before you head to the Christmas Market for some shopping. After the kickoff event, the lights and decorations will be on display for the rest of the holiday season.

Wonderlights Christmas in Ohio

14028 Fairgrounds Rd., Hartford, OH 43013

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While visiting Wonderlights Christmas in Ohio will require about a 30-minute drive from Columbus, it's more than worth the trip. This drive-through light display features more than a million holiday lights, all synchronized to some of your favorite classic and contemporary holiday tunes. This is one of the most popular displays in Central Ohio, so reservations are strongly recommended. You can enjoy the display on evenings from November 11, 2022, through January 1, 2023.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Where will you and your family find your own holiday magic this year?