Posts with tag 'Summer'

Most people are familiar with frozen margaritas and daiquiris, but have you tried a wine slushie? It's a delicious mash-up of a Slurpee-like consistency combined with your favorite wine to create a deliciously sweet and icy treat. Slushies are an especially delicious way to cool off during the summer.

Try a wine slushie at the following eight spots around Northeast Ohio.

West Main St. Winery, Brewery & Cider House

234 W. Main St., Ravenna, OH 44266

At West Main Winery, Brewery & Cider House, all of their libations are made in-house using the finest ingredients from throughout the world. You'll find a variety of slushies to suit your tastes, and they all start as non-alcoholic versions until your favorite wine is added. Try the pomegranate, which uses nectar of the vine pomegranate frappe, mixed with Six Seeds Wine for a refreshing taste of summer. The Very Very Berry, with nectar of the peach mango frappe mix and peach wine, is also a customer favorite this time of year.

1875 Winery & Restaurant

109 State Route 44, Hartville, OH 44632

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Named after the year in which the barn it calls home was built, 1875 Winery & Restaurant has plenty of space in which to gather with friends and enjoy a slushie. The barn has three floors of dining area, and the winery and restaurant has two outside patios, two pavilions that sit on a lake, and more. You can even sit up in the silo or by a 24 feet tall, four-sided fireplace or a water wall. While you're there, order a slushie of one of their wines, such as the Drop'd Out, a sweet and fruity pink option, or the Gatsby, a semi-sweet red.

CLE Urban Winery

2180 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

CLE Urban Winery, located in the historic Cedar-Lee neighborhood, hand-crafts and bottles their wines onsite from premium grapes. You'll find the winery's atmosphere to be chic and interesting, so you'll be comfortable unwinding with a refreshing Frose Wine Slushie. Order a glass or carafe of three-plus glasses of the slightly sweet drink made with the winery's Rust Belt Rose. Or for some extra refreshment, try the Frose on Vacay slushie, which is topped with a floater of Malibu Coconut Rum. If you'd like some to take home, three varieties of Frose Wine Slushies—Hometown Heroes Peach Chardonnay, Rust Belt Rose, and Buckeye Blackberry Merlot—can be ordered for takeout.

Lost Trail Winery

5228 State St. NE, Canton, OH 44721

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You'll find Lost Trail Winery on 13 acres in Marlboro Township on the outskirts of Canton in a setting and building inspired by Adirondack camps in New York. Their wines are made from carefully chosen grapes and then hand-crafted in small batches. Favorites include Kienuka, a sweet wine that will remind you of the grape juice you drank as a child, and the Altitude, a dry Chardonnay with aromas of yellow apple, pineapple, cantaloupe, and more along with tastes of pear and peach. If you'd like to try one of their wines or a wine slushie made for the day from one of their signature wines, you might want to time your visit for when a band is playing to further increase the fun quotient.

Hans' Place

6011 Old Route 39 NW, Dover, OH 44622

A wine manufacturing facility, tasting room, and cafe, Hans' Place aims to offer something for everyone on the menu. One of its two outside decks is the perfect place to sit since it creates a natural amphitheater surrounded by hills and woods. Instead of looking out, you look up and see woods and a waterfall, so it's a great spot to take selfies with your friends. Order a white, red, or blush wine, or choose one from the large fruit and berry wines section. Blueberry, blackberry, peach, and strawberry are ideal for ordering as a slushie, either by the glass or pitcher. If you can't decide what you want, try a four- or six-glass flight of two ounces each before ordering.

Winery at Wolf Creek

2637 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Norton, OH 44203

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Winery at Wolf Creek lives up to its slogan of "wine, romance, and a view for miles." The beautiful setting feels like it's a world away, making it the perfect spot to enjoy mostly Ohio-grown wines. Bring a picnic or buy a cheese and cracker basket at the winery, cool off with a slushie, and spread out to enjoy the view. If you'd like to bring your dog along, visit from 5-8 p.m. from May-October, when pooches are welcomed on the patio, food trucks visit, and local rescues are supported.

Sunny Slope Winery

12251 OH-39, Big Prairie, OH 44611

Sunny Slope Winery has been a part of the community since 1927 and caters to wine connoisseurs as well as those just starting to expand their interest in wine. The small-batch, hand-crafted winery specializes in delicious fruit wines bottled right at the winery. Try the Big Prairie White, a light sweet moscato grape wine, or the peach, strawberry, or plum wines. Each is delicious on its own or in a refreshing slushie.

Nauti Vine Winery

3950 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44319

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If you're looking to relax with a wine slushie in hand, Nauti Vine Winery's cozy, laid-back atmosphere and great views of the Portage Lakes makes the perfect spot. The menu includes a nice number of reds and whites as well as a rose from Nauti Vine, and additional guest wine selections are also offered. If you need help finding a favorite, you can try three wine tastings for $5. Once you've made your choice, order it in a cold, refreshing slushie in a glass or a tumbler if you're feeling even more thirsty. Head outside to the brick patio on the lake, and enjoy the view along with your slushie and an appetizer like a meat and cheese plate.

Cheers!

Where will you visit to try a wine slushie this summer?

Summer means warmer temperatures, which are mostly a good thing. But when it gets too hot and you want to cool off, ordering a milkshake or iced coffee can help you chill out. Fortunately, Northern Kentucky has several great locations serving up these cold drinks near Boone County homes for sale. Many also serve food items, so you can enjoy a burger with your milkshake or a pastry with your coffee, and you'll even be able to order a boozy milkshake if you'd like to, although it's also available without the alcohol.

When you're ready to cool off and treat yourself, head to one of the following seven places to order a milkshake or iced coffee in Northern Kentucky.

Fillmore's Dairy Hut

7500 Burlington Pike, Florence, KY 41042

A nostalgic staple of Florence for years, Fillmore's Dairy Hut is the type of place that adults fondly remember going to as kids with their parents or heading to after school or a sporting event, and now they're returning with their own kids. Order a burger, footlong cheese coney topped with homemade Cincinnati-style chili, or other traditional favorite with your milkshake, and you'll be pleasantly surprised at the reasonable prices. Milkshakes come in flavors, including strawberry, blueberry, chocolate chip, butterscotch, and peanut butter.

Graeter's Ice Cream

301 Buttermilk Pike, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017

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Graeter's Ice Cream traces its roots back to 1870 in Cincinnati when its founder began selling ice cream from two carts. At the time, it was hand-crafted in French pots. Ice cream is the all-important base of any great milkshake, and the fourth-generation family-owned company still makes it in a French pot freezer that leaves very little trapped air. The result is indulgent, delicious ice cream that translates into the same qualities in their milkshakes. Try a refreshing peach shake in the summer, or create your own from one of the shop's many flavors, including black raspberry chocolate chip and brown butter bourbon pecan. You'll have your choice of a 16-ounce small milkshake, a 20-ounce medium, or a 24-ounce large.

Mad Mike's Burgers & Fries

6420 Dixie Hwy., Florence, KY 41042

Mad Mike's Burgers & Fries serves up fresh, made-to-order burgers, and you can build your own or order a gourmet burger made with a half-pound of 100% black Angus beef. The Rockefeller burger—served with blue cheese crumbles, mango chutney, beer-battered onion strings, cilantro may, and lettuce—is a customer favorite. Have some hand-cut french fries along with your burger, and treat yourself to a milkshake with your meal. You can choose from flavors including cookies and cream, chocolate chip cookie, espresso vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate.

Nomad

225 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, KY 41073

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A bar may not be the first destination you think of when you're craving a milkshake, but Nomad serves an impressive list of boozy concoctions made with three ounces of alcohol. If you'd rather not have the alcohol, all shakes are also available in non-boozy versions. Try versions like Dough You Want Me Baby, consisting of ice cream, Ghirardelli caramel sauce, edible cookie dough, and vanilla vodka. The decadent shake is topped with whipped cream, a house-made cookie, chocolate chips, and a cherry. Or order the Oops! I Split It Again, Nomad's take on a banana split. It has ice cream blended with vanilla vodka, Frangelico, Ghirardelli chocolate, and banana split-inspired ingredients like bananas, walnuts, and cherries.

Jet Coffee

8203 U.S. 42, Florence, KY 41042

With its double drive-thru lanes, Jet Coffee quickly lets you cool off and fuel up with an iced coffee before or after work, school, or running errands. Coffee drinks are available hot or iced, including the butterscotch and rum Highlander Grogg brewed coffee. Specialty lattes, which can even be ordered frozen with whipped cream, include interesting flavors such as Flower Power with lavender and honey and Raspberry Truffle with raspberry and dark chocolate. Frappes are also frozen with whipped cream and include caramel and spiced or vanilla chai.

Enlightenment Coffee

11069 Clay Dr., Walton, KY 41094

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Enlightenment Cafe is a welcoming community gathering spot that's the perfect place to meet some friends and catch up over coffee. Its coffee beans are equitably sourced and locally roasted by Carabello Coffee for quality and freshness. Cool off with an iced coffee, including a latte, mocha, chocolate Americano with almond and oat milk, bourbon caramel frappe, or white chocolate raspberry frappe. And while you're sipping your coffee, enjoy a house-made baked good, breakfast burrito, or bagel along with it.

Dreamy Whip

3020 Washington St., Burlington, KY 41005

At Dreamy Whip, you can have your choice of the best of both worlds: a milkshake or an iced coffee. If you're in the mood for a shake, try a chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, peanut butter, or banana variety. And if you'd rather cool off with an iced coffee, try an affogato, which combines ice cream and espresso, or order a frosted coffee. The shop also has food trucks that are dispatched across the area, so check their Facebook page linked above to see a schedule of their next locations.

Sip, Sip, Hooray!

Which is your favorite drink to cool off: a milkshake or an iced coffee? 

While modern carousels are a beloved amusement ride, they have their roots in a combat preparation exercise from the Middle Ages. Knights attempted to spear small rings hanging overhead as they galloped in a circle. Commoners eventually adapted the game with the beginnings of our current form.

Did you know that the first carousel in the United States was built in the 1840s by Franz Wiesenhoffer in Hessville, OH? Our state is still recognized as the home of many incredible carousels, including those in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Cedar Point

1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870

Everyone knows that carousels are a traditional part of any respectable fair, carnival, and amusement park. Not surprisingly, Cedar Point takes their carousel game to a whole new level, with three carousels that make frequent appearances on top-10 lists. The Kiddy Kingdom Carousel, dating back to 1925 and features 52 animals, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Next is the Midway Carousel, built in 1912 and operating at Cedar Point since 1946, making it the park's oldest ride. Finally, challenge family and friends to a spin on the Cedar Downs Racing Derby, one of only two racing carousels in the United States. Visit the website for hours and ticket pricing.

Richland Carrousel Park

75 N. Main St., Mansfield, OH 44902

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In honor of the ride's European origins, Richland Carrousel Park uses the French spelling of the word in its name. This delightful park features the first new hand-carved carousel constructed in the United States since the 1930s, built at nearby Carousel Works. Scenery panels on the carousel depict Malabar Farm, Richland County Courthouse, and other iconic locations and notable figures from the local area. Carousel rides are $1, with discounts for purchases of 6 or 50 rides. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.

Akron Zoo

505 Euclid Ave., Akron, OH 44307

Environmental education and awareness provide the theme for the Conservation Carousel at the Akron Zoo. The hand-carved figurines are likenesses of 33 animals from around the world, ranging from a ladybug and a penguin to a Komodo dragon, a peacock chariot that's wheelchair accessible, and a baby moose that contains a time capsule from 2010. Sustainable wood, repurposed concrete, and other green initiatives were incorporated in the construction of the carousel. Rides are $2 per person. Zoo admission is $14 for adults and $11 for ages 2-14. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily through October 31. Visit the website for seasonal hours.

Columbus Commons

160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

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In 2011, the historic City Center grounds were transformed into Columbus Commons, a 6-acre park in the midst of the beautiful downtown area. The centerpiece attraction is a hand-carved carousel with 18 charming figurines, including the OSU Buckeye horse, a frog prince, and a clown fish. Ohio Stadium and Franklin Park Conservatory are two of the hand-painted scenes decorating the canopy. Carousel rides are also a popular draw for Commons for Kids, held each Friday through August 12 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Rides are free at all times. Park hours are 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220

Carousels are generally thought of as rides for youngsters. That's not the case at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, where their Conservation Carousel is one of the more popular attractions during adults-only events such as Toast of the Wild. Of course, the carousel is a big hit with kids as well. Zoo members often upgrade their memberships at the prompting of their children, who like the unlimited carousel rides that are included. Standard pricing for rides is $3. Mark your calendar for 2023, when the zoo's new carousel will be installed. At twice the size of the current carousel, this version will feature 65 animals in a vintage open-air gazebo perched alongside Swan Lake. Admission ranges from $9.50-$25. The zoo is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. through October 31. Visit the website for seasonal hours.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

4850 Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065

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After viewing real birds and wildlife in person, check out colorful recreations on the Grand Carousel at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The historic 1914 Mangels-Illions carousel revolves to the sounds of a fully restored band organ that plays periodically throughout the day. Rides are $2 per person. If you want the real experience, enjoy a camel ride for $7 or a pony ride for $5. Zoo admission is $16.99 for adults and $11.99 for ages 3-9. Prices are higher for non-Franklin County residents. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. through August. Visit the website for seasonal hours.

Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609

Travel to the continent of Africa on the carousel at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. The sole African carousel in the world lets you ride atop 42 exotic animals, such as giraffes, zebras, and gorillas. Artwork on the canopy showcases many of the featured animals in their native habitats. Rides are $3 per person, with passes available for multiple rides at discounted rates. Zoo admission is $24 for adults and $21 for ages 2-11, with an additional $2 charge for non-Lucas County residents. Visit the website for hours.

Merry-Go-Round Museum

301 Jackson St., Sandusky, OH 44870

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Inspiration for the Merry-Go-Round Museum came from a series of carousel stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service in 1988. Appropriately, the museum is housed in a former Sandusky Post Office building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to watching activities in the restoration shop, visitors can ride the museum's vintage 1939 Allan Herschell carousel as the band organ plays the classic "oom-pa-pa" sounds. The original figurines were unavailable, so the carousel is populated with pieces from the museum's collection or on loan from private collectors. Admission, including one ride token, is $6 for adults and $4 for ages 4-14. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday through Labor Day.

Round and Round

When it comes to your preferred carousel mount, do you go old-school with the horses, or do you make a dash for one of the other animals?

Farmers markets are the ideal destinations to buy local produce since what you're purchasing is typically grown nearby, and by the person you're buying it from. Not only will you be getting fresh, healthy food, but you'll also be supporting local farmers and vendors.

Many farmers markets have branched out to also feature live music and activities like cooking demonstrations to further their appeal. In fact, in addition to being local food destinations, they've also become places for the community to gather.

Check out the following nine places to stock up on local produce in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Frostville Farmers' Market

24101 Cedar Point Rd., North Olmsted, OH 44070

You'll find plenty of fresh, local food and handmade goods at Frostville Farmers' Market, located on the grounds of the Frostville Museum. All foods and goods come from within 75 miles of the market, so you know you're supporting local farmers and makers when you shop there. The market has become a destination for families, with music, children's activities, games, cooking demonstrations, and fun happenings such as a visit from a local farm's alpacas. Visit the market from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through November and then from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. from November through April.

Crocker Park Market

1800 Crocker Rd., Westlake, OH 44145

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Crocker Park Market is in a new location—on the corner of Crocker and Detroit Roads in front of Fidelity Investments—but it still provides the fresh items Northeast Ohio residents love to shop for. You'll find fresh produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, and more at the market, open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sunday from April until mid-December. Local musicians are also sometimes featured.

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus Market

Cleveland Clinic Campus, across the street from the Crile Building, 2039 E. 100th St., Cleveland, OH 44106

Going into its 14th year, the Cleveland Clinic farmers market offers goods from over 35 local farmers and producers each week. In addition to buying local food and products, you can listen to live music, watch cooking demonstrations, score free samples, and learn more about your health. Unlike many markets, the Cleveland Clinic market is open during the week rather than on the weekend, with hours from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from June until mid-October.

Markets at Pearl

North Pearl and West Gay Streets, Columbus, OH 43215

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Located in downtown Columbus, Markets at Pearl combines three separate markets under one umbrella. Pearl Market dates back to 1992 and is open every Tuesday and Friday from 10:30-2 p.m. from May 20-October. Visit the market to shop for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, check out artisanal goods, and get some lunch. Sunlight Market is held every third Sunday until December, drawing visitors downtown to shop from pop-up vendors and enjoy music. Moonlight Market is held every second Saturday from April-October.

Franklin Park Conservatory Farmers' Market

Wells Barn parking lot at Franklin Park Conservatory 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203

You'll find plenty you'll want to buy at the Franklin Park Conservatory Farmers' Market, including local produce, baked goods, specialty foods, handmade items, and health and beauty products. Each week brings vendors, live music, food trucks, and special giveaways and activities like a free tote bag or the chance to talk with master gardeners.

Westgate Farmers Market

2925 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43204

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Shop for fresh produce, handcrafted goods, gourmet pet treats, baked goods, and more at Westgate Farmers' Market, where everything sold is produced by the vendor. You can enjoy live music while you browse, and food trucks are also onsite if you'd like to grab a meal to enjoy at the market or take home. Visit the market from 9 a.m.-noon on the first and third Saturdays June-October.

Northside Farmers Market

4222 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223

You'll be able to shop year-round at Northside Farmers Market, which provides items produced within 70 miles. In addition to fresh produce, meats, eggs, and bread, you can shop for items like handmade body products and prepared foods at the market. It's become a place for neighbors to gather and kids to learn how to cook. The market is open from 4-7 p.m. April-November and 4-6 p.m. December to March.

Hyde Park Farmers Market

2700 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208

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You'll find a wide variety of local foods and other items from growers at the Hyde Park Farmers Market, including veggies, fruits, meats, eggs, garden plants, and more. Rare heirloom veggie varieties and heritage breed meats are also sold, and the market's vendors employ regenerative and humane practices. Although the wholesome food is the main attraction, live music helps make the market a popular gathering spot. The market is open Sundays from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. May-October.

Sayler Park Farmer's Market

6600 Gracely Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45233

You'll find plenty of local vendors selling everything from fresh produce and honey to candles and home and garden decor at the Sayler Park Farmer's Market. Live music will entertain you while you shop from producers including Two Amigos Salsa, PAWsome Puppy Treats, Sayler Park Coffee, Hippie Pop Kettle Corn, and more. The market is open 4-7 p.m. every Tuesday June-August.

Healthy Happens Here

Which local Ohio farmers' markets do you plan to visit, and what are some of your favorite items to buy? 

Life may be like a box of chocolates, but when Forrest Gump was wounded, all he wanted was ice cream. Put a smile on your face with a tasty cone, milkshake, or sundae from these wonderful ice cream shops and parlors around Cincinnati.

Aglamesis Bro's

Oakley Square, 3046 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209

Now in the third and fourth generations of family ownership, Aglamesis Bro's blends classic Old World recipes with modern manufacturing methods. The shop's namesakes, Thomas and Nicholas, opened their first location in 1908 after emigrating from Greece. Tiffany lamps, antique tin ceiling, and genuine Portuguese marble fountain top create a charmingly nostalgic ambiance. In addition to premium ice cream and Italian ices, the shop sells a variety of gourmet chocolates to satisfy your sweet tooth. Hours are 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 9 p.m. Sunday.

Simply Rolled Ice Cream

32 W. 12th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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At Simply Rolled Ice Cream, watching your order being prepared is almost as much fun as eating it. In a method inspired by Thai street vendors, ice cream is made right in front of your eyes using a liquid base flattened onto a frozen pan. Once your chosen mix-ins are added, the ice cream is shaped into a roll and placed in a bowl or waffle taco shell. Choose one of their signature combos, such as Buckeye Madness or Salty Caramel Pretzel, or create your own from more than 20 mix-ins. Simply Rolled is open 4. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 - 10 p.m. Friday, 2 - 10 p.m. Saturday, and 2 - 9 p.m. Sunday.

Buzzed Bull Creamery

1408 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

The ice cream at Buzzed Bull Creamery might be the greatest science experiment ever. Watch as they use liquid nitrogen on fresh, high-quality ingredients to make your order on the spot. Try specialties such as Death by Chocolate and Tiger Stripes, or become a mad scientist and brew up your own combination of mix-ins. If you're really looking for a "buzz," check out the ice cream lattes at the espresso bar or add a shot of liquor. Can't decide? Sample the monthly rotating "flights" that include four servings of special 21-and-over flavors. Hours are 4 - 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 - 11 p.m. Friday, 3 - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 4 - 9 p.m. Sunday.

Hello Honey

1530 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45206

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Hello Honey's cozy East Walnut Hills storefront has made a big splash in the neighborhood. But for owners Brian and Nitima Nicely, things haven't changed that much from the days when they were turning out small-batch ice cream for family and friends from their kitchen counter. They still make everything from scratch, right down to the vegan marshmallows brûléed with a mini-blowtorch. Creative flavors such as Berry Earl Grey, Honey Lavender, and Brown Butter Caramel rotate to take advantage of seasonal ingredients. Hello Honey is open Thursday through Sunday from 1 - 9 p.m. 

Sweet Hunter

1028 Delta Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208

Take your taste buds on a trip to Europe with a visit to Sweet Hunter for gelato, Italy's version of ice cream. With half the fat and calories of ice cream plus high protein and calcium content, gelato lets you indulge your sweet tooth without any guilt. Sweet Hunter also offers sorbetto, which is a fruit-based, non-dairy frozen dessert that's comparable to sherbet. Pair your gelato or sorbetto with a French macaron, a light, crispy gluten-free cookie filled with buttercream or fruit. Sweet Hunter is open weekdays from 1 - 10 p.m. and weekends from noon - 10 p.m.

Pendleton Parlor

1218 Broadway St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Nick Ganim, owner of the Pendleton Parlor, has sugar hard-coded into his DNA. Since the 1920s, Nick's family has been serving up sweet treats around Cincinnati with shops such as the Mount Washington Creamy Whip & Bakery and the Old Milford Parlor. Like the other shops, Pendleton Parlor serves luscious soft-serve ice cream in vanilla, chocolate, and swirl, which can be customized with mix-ins and toppings. Edible cookie dough, in four classic flavors, is a recent addition that's been a big hit. Hours are noon - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The Dipper 

6918 Plainfield Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236

Remember those summer days of your childhood when you'd ride your bikes to the local soft-serve stand for a refreshing cone? Share that joy with your own kids when you stop by The Dipper. Eating a chocolate-, butterscotch- or cherry-dipped soft-serve cone is just as much fun as ever. Kids love the blue soft-serve as well as fun flavors like Bubble Gum and Green Apple. Pump up the volume with a Frost Bite, which includes Oreos, Snickers, and your other favorite mix-ins. The Dipper even has pup cups for Fido! Indulge in some people-watching to go with your ice cream while you relax at one of the nearby picnic tables. Hours are 2 - 9 p.m. weekdays and noon - 9 p.m. weekends.

Yagööt

Rookwood Commons, 2737 Edmonson Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209

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The unusual name isn't the only thing different about Yagööt, which is owned by Cincinnati's iconic Busken Bakery. In a world of self-serve shops offering sweet froyo, Yagöö is a full-service shop where the frozen yogurt has an invigorating tartness. Try one of their signature bowls, including options such as peanut butter and berry, or mix and match toppings to create your own. Yagööt's ice-free smoothies are equally popular, especially with a shot of immunity-boost powder. Hours are 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily except Friday and Saturday, when doors close at 9 p.m.

Decisions, Decisions

So where do you stand on the great ice cream flavor debate: chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry?