
Cupid's arrow has been hitting its mark all around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati! We're feeling the love at Cutler Real Estate, where we've entered into a "marriage" with LoLo Gifts to bring you the best free offers from local small businesses.
What will be the next restaurant, bakery, or candy shop to capture your heart? Find the answer among our fabulous lineup of February's offers.
4230 Belden Village Mall Cir. NW 4570, Canton, ON 44718
View this post on Instagram
The colorful, delicate treats at Le Macaron French Pastries are almost too pretty to eat. Emphasis on almost, because one bite of these sweet sensations will brighten anyone's day.
Le Macaron French Pastries brings a piece of Paris to Canton. In addition to more than 20 flavors of macarons, the charming patisserie offers Napoleons, éclairs, tarts, and meringues. For a refreshing change of pace, try one of their macaron shells with a scoop of luscious gelato.
740.263.1557
Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
75 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
No, "gourmet hot dog" is not an oxymoron. Expand your culinary horizons with your choice of creative hot dog options at Stray Dog Cafe.
As if there weren't already good reasons to visit the main library in downtown Akron, Stray Dog Cafe adds upscale fast food to the mix. The Mac & Cheese Dog takes comfort food to a new level, while the Stray Hog brings all your BBQ favorites together. Dogs are available in beef or turkey.
330.594.5392
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
503 S. Court St., Medina, OH 44256
View this post on Instagram
Want to give your sweetheart some sugar? Head over to Frosted Cake Shoppe and pick out two cupcakes from the flavors of the day, such as PB&J, hot fudge, or sea salt caramel.
In May 2020, at the tender age of 18, Brittany became the owner of Frosted Cake Shoppe after a stint as a cake decorator. As someone who graduated high school at 13 and college at 18, Brittany has always been an overachiever, and that carries through to the mouthwatering baked goods from her shop.
330.952.2253
Monday and Wednesday - Friday: Noon - 6 p.m.
Saturday: Noon - 5 p.m.
4692 Kidron Rd., Kidron, OH 44636
You want Italian, he wants burgers? Pizza is common ground for all culinary tastes. The handmade pies at Whitmer's Pizza of Kidron will have you coming back for more.
Whitmer's Pizza of Kidron carries on the legacy of the original location in a historic general store in Wineburg. Customers also rave about the signature broasted chicken, available by the piece or in full dinners. Be sure to save room for their dessert pizza, topped with apple pie filling and vanilla glaze.
330.857.3000
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
163 W. Erie St., Kent, OH 44240
View this post on Instagram
Erie Street Kitchen is a great start or finish to a special date night. Share a plate of deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, or one of their other delicious appetizers with your significant other.
Located in the iconic Venice Cafe, a Kent institution since 1951, Erie Street Kitchen serves up Southern favorites with a side trip into Asian flavors. Classics such as jambalaya, shrimp & grits, and chicken & waffles are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Nashville hot fried chicken and fried perch add new dimensions to traditional báhn mì sandwiches.
330.593.5928
Tuesday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
772 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
Whether you prefer sweet or savory breakfast, bagels are always the answer. Start your day off right with a tasty breakfast bagel from The Lox Bagel Shop.
How good are the bagels at The Lox Bagel Shop? Good enough to land them on the "Best Bagels in America" list in Food & Wine Magazine. Their hand-rolled bagels, a pleasing mix of New York and Montreal styles, are boiled and baked in a live-fire oven. Get them as a hearty sandwich or with a simple schmear of cream cheese.
614.824.4005
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
819 E. 185th St., Cleveland, OH 44119
View this post on Instagram
Yes, you may think of your significant other as "eye candy." But the term will take on a literal meaning once you see the shiny, hand-painted bonbons at Sweet Bean Chocolate.
Sweet Bean Chocolate is truly a labor of love for husband-and-wife team Bob and Kristin Barnes. Bob is in charge of the chocolate-making process, starting with roasting and grinding the cacao beans, while Kristin is the artist behind the hand-painted, molded final product.
216.795.5561
Wednesday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
4271 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45211
2692 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208
Decisions, decisions. Do you use your $10 certificate on caramellows, chocolate-covered Oreos, or buckeyes? Fortunately, there's no wrong answer at Fawn Candy.
In 1946, WWII vet Paul "Pep" Guenther and his wife Jean opened Fawn Candy, selling homemade ice cream and confections. Today, their four daughters are keeping it all in the family, running Fawn Candy with assorted children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Their continued success led to opening a second location at Rookwood Pavilion.
Harrison Ave.
513.574.9612
Monday - Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Madison Rd.
513.351.4191
Monday - Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.

Want to receive these great offers every month? We're not high-maintenance. Just contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to get started.

Fizzy, often fruity, and just a little bit sweet, hard seltzer is quickly becoming a favorite drink among those who prefer a lighter flavor profile when indulging. Cincinnati seltzer lovers are in luck: The city is home to some of the most popular hard seltzer producers in the state, and many of its bars serve at least one brand. The following nine bars are some of the best places to enjoy a happy hour hard seltzer in and around Cincinnati.
18 W. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine, OH, 45202
Full of gleaming glass and sophisticated wood paneling, Sundry and Vice is a small old-fashioned bar with a classy, almost academic atmosphere. Its front window looks almost like a curio cabinet. Inside, patrons can sit atop the tall leather-covered bar stools and order drinks with captivating names like the Clover Club, the Jade Effect, and the Miracle Finnish.
In addition to their cocktail menu, Sundry and Vice also serves a pair of highballs made with classic New York Seltzer. You can choose from either mezcal mixed with Root Beer seltzer or vodka mixed with Peach Soda seltzer.
7885 E. Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249
View this post on Instagram
Named for the day Ohio was founded (March 1, 1803), the March First Brewery is extremely proud of their state and heritage. This company produces the locally beloved Astra Hard Seltzer line of products, which was named to celebrate Ohio's under-recognized contributions to the field of space exploration.
You can visit the brewery and stop by the on-site bar to sample a few flavors of Astra seltzer drinks, including Bomb Pop, Red Cream Soda, and Crush. March First also serves plenty of food to accompany their drinks, including sandwiches, chips, and delicious fresh pizzas straight from the stone ovens of their pizza kitchen.
2940 Highland Ave. #230, Cincinnati, OH 45212
Part bar and part bowling alley, Fowling Warehouse might just be the best place in Cincinnati for hard seltzer lovers. In spring 2021 they hosted Cincinnati's very first Seltzer Fest, a celebratory exhibition with nearly a hundred different types of hard seltzer from local and national brands on tap.
Fowling Warehouse also offers a wide selection of hard seltzer from local partners year-round. One particularly fun menu offering is their Mystery Seltzer, an order which will get you one random can of hard seltzer from a selection of over 30 flavors. This can be a fun way to get your hard seltzer fix without limiting yourself to the same old standby flavors you always go for.
27 W. 7th St., Covington, KY 41011
View this post on Instagram
Prefer to sip your drinks in the cool, refreshing night air? The Rooftop is an open-air bar that has recently opened on top of the Braxton Brewing Company building. With 5,000 square feet of space and plenty of on-site amenities to enjoy (including lounge-style seating, umbrellas and canopies, a grassy lawn area, and more), this establishment offers a relaxed setting and an incredible view of Cincinnati's skyline.
The Rooftop's extensive drink menu includes four flavors of VIVE hard seltzer, including Sunrise Punch and Southern Punch. The fruity profiles of these picks matches perfectly with the bar's breezy atmosphere. Be sure to visit when the weather is good for the best possible experience!
2800 Woodburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206
Woodburn Brewing is a modern bar with a deep respect for its historical roots. The company chose to use phoenix iconography in its branding to celebrate the resurgence of Ohio's brewing culture in recent years. Now, they have become an integral part of this thriving sub-culture. The owners have gone the extra mile to create a diverse entertainment experience to complement their enticing array of drinks. The bar regularly hosts events like trivia nights, live performances, and even yoga classes on the premises.
On top of their artisan beer, this bar also serves several flavors of Astra hard seltzer, including Pink Lemonade and Baja Blast. They also offer Blackberry Breeze hard seltzer from Ohio's own FigLeaf Brewing Company.
793 E. McMillian St., Cincinnati, OH 45206
View this post on Instagram
Thanks to its offbeat location, The Comfort Station is one of the most distinctive bars in the Cincinnati area. The building was originally built as a public restroom and bathhouse back in the early 1910s and was recently converted into a commercial bar space by the same team that founded Sundry and Vice, another bar on this list. Patrons still enter the bar using the original Women's room door, an excellent touch that makes your visit feel unique from the moment you walk in.
This bright and intimate bar is all about fostering connections, and patrons are encouraged to bring outside food and stay a while if they want to. As for drinks, most are handcrafted cocktails that you won't find anywhere else. For instance, the bar's signature Mass Communicatin' hard seltzer cocktail blends the fruity flavors of strawberry and citrus with more complex notes of ginger and amaro.
1727 Logan St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
The Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom is a relatively recent addition to the Samuel Adams Brewery, but it has already grown a considerable local following. With both indoor and outdoor spaces for mingling and a growing clientele, this is an up-and-coming social spot for the city's younger crowd.
The bar's menu is largely focused on promoting their fresh-brewed Samuel Adams beer, but they also offer some Truly Hard Seltzer (one of the other brands owned by their parent company, the Boston Beer Company) and other drinks. Try a few different options as you relax in one of their leather-upholstered armchairs or admire the rustic barrel wall that pulls together their dark wood décor.
2804 Woodburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206
View this post on Instagram
Anjou is a very new bar that the owners decided to open after seeing so many of their favorite hangouts close during the 2020 pandemic. While it is still working to establish itself as a recreational venue, its bright, airy atmosphere gives it a unique appeal that should help it to stand out from the local competition.
Anjou serves Braxton Brewing's VIVE Dragonfruit and Mango hard seltzers as part of their lineup of local beers and spirits. The light fruity taste of these drinks goes perfectly with the cheery surroundings, but make sure you don't visit too late – the bar's doors close by midnight at the latest.
3210 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226
If you prefer a casual atmosphere while you're out on the town, Millions Café is the place for you. This modest-looking dive bar serves an impressive selection of hard seltzers from both local and national brands, including Astra, Truly, and White Claw.
You can sip your drink while listening to music from the live DJ, participating in the bar's weekly trivia night, or just chatting with your fellow patrons. This bar is known to be very laid-back, so it's a great hangout spot for people who don't usually spend much time in Cincinnati's nightlife scene.
Which Cincinnati bar will you be sipping hard seltzer at next Friday night?

New Year's resolutions like losing weight are so last century. In 2022, why not resolve to learn more about your community with the help of Cutler Homes and LoLo Gifts?
We've teamed up to provide a monthly series of free gifts spotlighting local small businesses. Whether you pick up croissants in Northeast Ohio, appetizers in Columbus, or coffee in Cincinnati, make a resolution to check out these fabulous merchants.
Akron: Smoked Gouda Mac 'N' Cheese Bites
Columbus: Smoked Gouda Mac 'N' Cheese Bites
Wooster: A Pulled Pork Sandwich
Cincinnati: A Sandwich or Bagel, and a Coffee
4866 Everhard Rd. NW, Canton, OH 44718
Who says you can't improve on perfection? Cupcakes are heavenly, but the gourmet flavors at Nom Nom Cupcake Factory will take your appreciation to a whole new level.
About Nom Nom Cupcake Factory
The baked treats at Nom Nom Cupcake Factory are so amazing that delighted customers use them as wedding cakes. Each week features a rotating selection of flavors such as Salted Caramel and Cinnamon Toast. As if that weren't enough, the bakery has upped their game by offering gourmet flavored popcorn.
Contact and Hours
330.705.2560
Monday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 6 p.m.
3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333
View this post on Instagram
Yes, the blue-box mac 'n' cheese is classic comfort food. But get ready to enjoy the blissful sensation of biting into the smoked Gouda mac 'n' cheese bites from The Rail.
About The Rail
As a spinoff of Mike Mariola's City Square Steakhouse, it's no surprise that The Rail serves first-class burgers. Beef is 100 percent locally sourced, with several specialty burgers as well as extensive build-your-own options. The Rail is also known for their delicious four-cheese scratch-made mac 'n' cheese.
Contact and Hours
330.864.7245
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
109 W. Washington St., Medina, OH 44256
Candy apples aren't just for fall. Bite into one of these delicious sweet treats with your gift from Candyapple & Co.
About Candyapple & Co.
Appropriately, Candyapple & Co. is an "offshoot" of a landscaping company specializing in orchards. Their dipped apples go far beyond caramel and candy to encompass more than 100 flavors, including root beer float, carrot cake, and sparkling wine. Be sure to check out their boutique with jewelry, skincare products, and other great gift items.
Contact and Hours
330.635.0132
Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
View this post on Instagram
Bread is sometimes referred to as "the staff of life." You're sure to agree after you use your $10 to try one of the tasty loaves from Brimfield Bread Oven.
About Brimfield Bread Oven
Technology may be king, but Brimfield Bread Oven still believes in old-school techniques. At this European-style bakery, all products are made from scratch with top-quality ingredients and baked in a wood-fired oven. Stop by on Saturday between 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. and take home a traditional wood-fired pizza for dinner.
Contact and Hours
330.474.7800
Thursday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
5839 Frantz Rd., Dublin, OH 43016
Even chefs at five-star restaurants agree that everything tastes better fried. That goes for mac 'n' cheese, the granddaddy of comfort foods, especially when they're made with gourmet cheese like the smoked Gouda mac 'n' cheese bites at The Rail.
About The Rail
Over the past few years, the gourmet Angus beef burgers at The Rail have earned awards and recognition from local and national publications. One of the favorites is the Mojo, made with a blend of beef and andouille sausage and getting some added kick from a topping of jalapeño slaw. Cool things down with one of two dozen brands of Ohio craft beer on hand.
Contact and Hours
614.725.3200
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
128 S. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691
View this post on Instagram
Sample some legendary Southern BBQ without leaving town. Make sure you have plenty of napkins ready when you get your pulled pork sandwich at Omahoma Bob's BBQ.
About Omahoma Bob's BBQ
Omahoma Bob's BBQ achieves their authentic Texas-style taste with a dry rub of spices and classic low-and-slow cooking in the smoker. Hot Italian sausages and German brats are also created in-house. Complete your meal with turnip greens, red beans and rice, hush puppies, and other traditional sides.
Contact and Hours
330.262.9871
Tuesday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
9701 Kenwood Rd., Blue Ash, KY 45242
Marx Hot Bagels has been a Cincinnati favorite since 1969. With the first bite of your sandwich or bagel, you'll understand why.
About Marx Hot Bagels
Don't settle for those frozen grocery store bagels. Marx Hot Bagels serves more than 30 varieties, all baked fresh daily. They make a perfect canvas for egg salad, lox, hummus, or just a simple schmear of cream cheese. Change things up with some bagel bread, bagel pretzels, or bagel thins.
Contact and Hours
513.891.5542
Monday - Sunday: 6 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
3471 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44118
View this post on Instagram
Croissants are the superstars of baked goods, serving equally well as breakfast pastry and base for a savory sandwich. How will you enjoy your two croissants from On the Rise Artisan Breads?
About On the Rise Artisan Breads
At On the Rise Artisan Breads, baking is truly an art. The bakers start work each day before the sun rises, using simple but high-quality ingredients to create breads, rolls, pastries, cookies, and quiches. For a real treat, don't miss the daily specialty flavors such as raisin challah, eclairs, and chocolate cherry batard.
Contact and Hours
216.320.9923
Tuesday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Resolve to keep the fun going all year long. Just contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to get our monthly offering of freebies.

Who says outdoor dining is only for summer? Taking a cue from Alaska and other chilly climates, several restaurants around Northeast Ohio feature warm, cozy igloos to keep the fun going all winter long. Head out to one of these great locations with family and friends for a memorable dining experience.
116 Main St., Bellville, OH 44813
While the family-owned Wishmaker House dates back to the late 1800s, the seven igloos add a welcome contemporary touch. Each is individually heated and decorated in a different theme inspired by local treasures, such as parks and farms. You won't want the evening to end, and at Wishmaker House, it doesn't have to! The main house is a charming bed and breakfast with rooms that bear inviting names such as "Starry Night" and "Velvet Rain." Wishmaker House is also one of the stops on the popular Wine and Ale Trail.
18515 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
View this post on Instagram
Thanks to the heated igloos, the award-winning outdoor patio at Georgetown | Vosh can be experienced all year long. Each level of the patio also features a fire pit for extra coziness. Choose from elegant table dining or a more casual setting with couches and a coffee table. Georgetown | Vosh serves upscale American cuisine with small plates and entrées such as Maine lobster pizza and short ribs. The five igloos seat up to eight people each for two hours with a rental fee of $45. Two seatings are available Monday through Thursday, and three seatings Friday and Saturday.
2207 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
View this post on Instagram
Watching the big game from a toasty-warm igloo at The South Side is better than being there. Lounge igloos, which seat up to eight people, include TVs along with couches, chairs, and a coffee table for a relaxing ambiance. Dining igloos accommodate up to six guests with a formal table and chairs. Bottle service, beer buckets, and food specials are available as well as regular menus. Igloos can be reserved for two-hour periods with no minimums or rental fees. There is a $50 deposit on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday that is applied to the final bill. Hours are 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - midnight Friday, 10 a.m. - midnight Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday.
100 Lakeside Ave. E., Cleveland, OH 44114
You'll feel on top of the world, literally and figuratively, sitting in one of the igloos at Bar 32. Located on the 32nd floor of the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, Bar 32 boasts the best views of the city any time of the year. Heated rooftop igloos add a breathtaking new dimension to the panoramic scenery. Enjoy one of Bar 32's signature cocktails while sharing fresh oysters, Margherita flatbread, and other tasty items from the small plates menu. Both igloos seat up to eight people and come with Bluetooth speakers so you can stream your favorite playlist. Two-hour reservations include a $50 booking fee that goes toward the final bill. Minimum charges apply Thursday through Saturday. Hours are 5 p.m. - midnight Wednesday and Thursday and 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
16900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
View this post on Instagram
Northeast Ohio has embraced the red-hot food truck trend, which offers a convenient way to try some surprisingly high-quality and inventive cuisines. Lakewood Truck Park is a 12,000 square-foot dining area with two bars and a rotating assortment of food trucks. The lineup showcases local favorites such as Original Steaks and Hoagies, Samurai Dynasty, and Smoke This BBQ. Fire pits keep the patio warm, and the park also has several heated igloos available for reservations. Lakewood Truck Park is open daily from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. except for Friday and Saturday, when closing time is midnight.
Lakefront Reservation, 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
Located in the iconic Flats neighborhood of Cleveland, Merwin's Wharf is a beloved part of the city's history. Noble H. Merwin was one of the more successful merchants during Cleveland's early days, whose holdings included a tavern, packing and slaughterhouse, and warehouse. Today, eight-person igloos at Merwin's Wharf offer beautiful views of the Cuyahoga River along with a menu of small plates, desserts, and specialty cocktails. Rental fees are $50 for two hours with a minimum charge of $150. Hours are 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. daily.
1 Club Dr., Highland Heights, OH 44143
View this post on Instagram
Temperatures may be a little too frosty for nine holes, but heated igloos at The Rustic Grill at StoneWater Golf Club keep the dining action going strong. Turn a winter weekend into a special occasion with an outdoor Sunday brunch, with seatings at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Dinner seatings are available nightly at 5:00 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 7:45 p.m., while two-hour lunch reservations can be made between 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. There is no rental fee for the igloos, but there is a minimum charge of $100 for dinner on Friday and Saturday.
2448 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
The herb gardens are just one reason that The Fairmount was voted as "Best Patio" by Cleveland Magazine. Come winter, the restaurant ups their outdoor game to another level when the patio is transformed into an igloo village. The Fairmount is committed to freshness in both food and beverages, from the housemade ginger beer in the Moscow Mule to a selection of vegan dishes such as cauliflower rice bowl and pecan tart. There is no rental fee for the igloos, and the only requirement is a four-person minimum. Hours are 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. daily.
When you want to warm up fast, what's your go-to beverage of choice?

When the snow flies in Ohio, the fun has just begun! With opportunities for skiing, ice skating, winter hiking, and countless other activities, it's the perfect season to enjoy the outdoors in Ohio. Be sure to check out these nine amazing outdoor destinations in Ohio this winter.
16200 Valley Pkwy., Strongsville, OH 44136
Tobogganing at the Chalet at Mill Stream Run Reservation is a winter tradition in Northeast Ohio. With its two 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes, Mill Stream Run offers the thrill of a fast-paced toboggan ride all winter long, with or without snow. Just be sure to hold on tight—once you start moving, you're likely to top 50 miles per hour before you reach the bottom! You can always warm up in the Chalet or slow down and explore the park's snowshoe and cross-country ski trails while you're there. Mill Stream Run Reservation is operated by Cleveland Metro Parks and is just 20 minutes from the city.
10620 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
View this post on Instagram
One of Ohio's top skiing destinations, Alpine Valley Ski Resort is nestled among the rolling hills of Northeast Ohio, less than 40 minutes from Cleveland. Their varied terrain includes gentle slopes that are great for beginners, as well as some more advanced slopes for seasoned skiers. Alpine Valley Ski Resort also offers equipment rentals and hands-on skiing courses with skilled instructors to help new skiers learn the ropes. If you get a little hungry between runs, stop in at the on-site restaurant for a bite, or warm up with a beverage at the Snow Belt Saloon.
5793 Boston Mills Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
Endless winter adventures await at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This wild 32,500-acre playground in Northeast Ohio includes 125 miles of hiking trails open year-round. The 19.7-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is especially popular among cross-country skiers thanks to its smooth grade, while the rugged Ledges Trail meanders among large rock formations that become encrusted in icicles every winter. Cuyahoga Valley National Park also offers some great opportunities for snow tubing and sledding, especially in the Kendall Hills section.
4265 E. Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43230
View this post on Instagram
Blendon Woods Metro Park is one of the best places in Columbus to get away from city life for a while and experience nature. This 653-acre park includes a waterfowl refuge and nature center, with an elevated platform overlooking Thoreau Lake that's a popular year-round spot for bird watching. Blendon Woods Metro Park also includes several trails that are perfect for a winter hike. The 2-mile Sugarbush Trail is especially popular among cross-country skiers. Best of all, the park has a shallow, man-made pond that freezes over in winter to form a natural ice skating rink.
2905 Leibs Island Rd. NE, Millersport, OH 43046
A mere 30 minutes from Columbus, Buckeye Lake is one of the great winter destinations in Central Ohio. When the 3,100-acre lake freezes over in winter, it's one of Ohio's best ice fishing spots, thanks to its abundant populations of saugeye, panfish, and bass. Stop in one of the gear shops or cafes around the lake to warm up, and be sure to visit on January 22, 2022, for Winterfest. This annual event includes food and drink, live music, and various events around the lake, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show. Buckeye Lake is accessible for fishing through Buckeye Lake State Park, including a 4-mile shoreline path that connects the North Shore to Lieb's Island.
1000 Snow Valley Rd., Zanesville, OH 43360
View this post on Instagram
Central Ohio's premier ski and snowboard destination, Mad River Mountain is located just an hour from Columbus in the rolling hills of Zanesville. Skiing is available December through March most years on the 1,460-foot mountain, with a vertical drop of 300 feet. Mad River Mountain offers challenging runs for experienced skiers, as well as a learning area with easier terrain for beginners. There's even a tubing area that kids can enjoy while the grown-ups ski and a bar and grill in the lodge that serves up tasty drinks and pub grub.
3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden opened in 1875, making it the second-oldest zoo in the United States. It's one of the absolute must-visit attractions in the Cincinnati area, no matter the season. In winter, visitors have some particularly special events to look forward to, including the spectacular PNC Festival of Lights. Visit on a winter weekend for Penguin Days, an annual event that includes discounted admission and a chance to meet the zoo's resident penguins up close and in person. Penguin Days goes from January 10 to March 11.
520 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
Fountain Square is at the center of Downtown Cincinnati. Every year from November through February, the square is overtaken by a massive outdoor ice rink open to public skating. A 90-minute ice skating session including skate rentals is just $10, and kids 4 and under can skate for free. The rink also includes a separate area for ice bumper cars, which are a heck of a lot of fun. Visit after dark to see Fountain Square lit up in holiday lights, and be sure to check out some of the shops and eateries that are just footsteps away. It's a perfect place for a romantic winter night out in Cincinnati.
1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013
An outdoor sculpture gallery spanning more than 300 acres, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is a unique place in any season. But it's a particularly magical place in winter, when the trees, trails, and more than 70 sculptures are dusted with snow. Every year, the park also hosts a spectacular holiday lights display. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is located in the community of Hamilton, less than 30 minutes from Downtown Cincinnati.
Where will you be spending your time outdoors in Ohio this winter?