Posts with tag 'Things to Do'

With hot summer weather just around the corner, a cool salad makes for a light, refreshing meal. Salads are a great way to eat healthier while dining out. They're satisfying, customizable, and loaded with essential nutrients. It's much easier to resist the temptation to indulge when you visit a restaurant that makes a great salad.

To encourage more people to incorporate healthy eating into their daily diets, May was named National Salad Month in 1992 by the Association of Dressing and Sauces. In other words, it's a great time to get out and enjoy your favorite type of salad. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a healthy (yet satisfying) dinner, here are nine restaurants where you can find a spectacular salad around Northeast Ohio.

Green Rooster Farms

2033 E. 14th St., Cleveland, OH 44115

This downtown Cleveland cafe is a great spot to grab a custom salad for lunch. Located in the Hanna Building, Green Rooster Farms is a quick-service cafe with some healthy and delicious salad options. Try the Farmhouse Salad, which features rotisserie chicken salad, apple, sunflower kernels, and cucumbers over mixed greens, topped with a blush vinaigrette. Prices are affordable, and the service is friendly. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch, and all food is served counter-style.

TownHall

1909 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113

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Located near Cleveland's West Side Market, this modern, trendy restaurant serves one of the tastiest salads around. Known as the Harvest Salad, it consists of field greens, chicken, goat cheese, bacon, berries, grain-free granola, sweet potato, and beets, and it's topped with a preserved cherry vin. You can substitute keto fried chicken, grass-fed beef, or wild salmon. Pair your salad with a delicious cup of broth. The menu also features tons of delicious Vegan and Vegetarian entrees. They also have a full-service bar, so you can pair your salad with a nice glass of wine.

REBoL

101 W. Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

It's not too hard to eat healthy at REBoL, as all dishes at this non-GMO cafe are made with clean ingredients, organic produce, and non-toxic oils and sauces. REBoL specializes in vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and gluten-free dining. Create your own kale salad and top it with up to three sides, one protein, one or two sauces, and your choice of garnish. Eat inside at the counter, or enjoy your cool salad outside on their outdoor patio area. Online ordering and curbside pickup are available.

NOMZ

21 Furnace St., Akron, OH 44308

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Located in Akron's Northside Marketplace, NOMZ is a galley-style brunch/lunch destination with various entrees, soups, sandwiches, and salads served in a trendy atmosphere. Choose from the Acorn Squash, Masala, or House Salad and top it off with your choice of Avocado, chicken, vegan chicken, or vegan veggie patty. The menu rotates with the seasons, so check back for updates. Food is served at the counter, and you can skip the wait by ordering online ahead of time.

Niko's Sandwich Board

1947 W. Market St. #104, Akron, OH 44313 

The ultimate Akron lunch spot, Niko's Sandwich Board serves up classic made-to-order sandwiches and salads in an easy-going atmosphere. There are 10 salads on the menu, including great choices like the Big Fat Greek Salad, Niko's Power Salad, and the Walnut Crunch. With a wide range of toppings and dressings, you can also customize your own salad just how you like it. Niko's also has some great soups and desserts! Service is friendly, and food is made quickly. Order pickup or delivery online.

BAM! Healthy Cuisine

2185 E. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720

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Eating healthy is easy if you live near Bam! Healthy Cuisine. This counter-style cafe is a great place to grab lunch, dinner, or a snack. The menu features 10 "satisfying salads," all prepared with hand-cut Ohio-grown lettuce, spinach, and arugula. Try the Goat Cheese & Almond Salad or the Hot & Spicy Pecan. If you're short on time, grab a Bam!-N-Go pre-made salad for an on-the-go lunch. You can also choose from a variety of soups, sandwiches, and wraps. Order online ordering is available if you'd like to skip the line.

Gianni's Italian Oven

1186 Canton Rd., Akron, OH 44312

Formerly known as Lembo's, Gianni's is a classic Italian neighborhood restaurant with one of the best all-you-can-eat salad bars around. It's loaded with fresh vegetables, over a dozen varieties of dressing, and tasty soups. Best of all, it's included with most entrees, so you can enjoy a delicious salad along with a fresh bowl of pasta or slice of pizza. With both healthy options and comfort foods, Gianni's is a great place to enjoy a nice meal with the family.

North Canton Grinders Above & Beyond

1671 N. Main St., North Canton, OH 44720

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When a light salad just won't cut it, Grinders Above & Beyond is the place to go for jumbo-sizes salads. The menu at this friendly neighborhood restaurant features 14 options, but the Jumbo Popcorn Chicken salad is one of the most popular. It included Kentucky Bourbon Popcorn Chicken, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese. The restaurant also features a full bar, classic American entrees, and great service. If you're eating healthy, you'll just need to resist the dessert display on your way out the door.

Winking Lizard

2175 E. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720

For some of North Canton's best salads, swing by the Winking Lizard in Washington Square. In addition to classic pub fare, a great draft selection, and plenty of TVs, you'll also find a nice variety of salad options. One of our favorites is the Chopped Lizard Salad, which features a bed of greens, cheddar cheese, bacon, egg, tomatoes, and your choice of dressing. This neighborhood hangout is a great place to watch the game or relax after a long week. If weather permits, enjoy your salad out on the patio, where you'll often find live music on the weekends.

Turn Over a New Leaf

Where will you grab a fresh salad around Northeast Ohio this month?

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?

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?

Cleveland rocks, and we're not just talking about music. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland is a perfect blend of sights, sounds, and activities that represent the best of Northeast Ohio.

Whether you're off on a romantic weekend, a family getaway, or an adventure with friends, put these amazing places in Cleveland on your must-see list.

Cleveland Museum of Art

11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106

With more than 750,000 guests each year, the internationally renowned Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the most-visited art museums in the world. Founded in 1913 by a group of local industrialists, the museum holds a comprehensive collection of more than 61,000 works, highlighted by their well-regarded holdings of Egyptian and Asian art. Even the neoclassical building itself is a stunning work of art, while its setting of Wade Park is on the National Register of Historic Places. Museum hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday except Friday when hours are extended until 9 p.m. Admission is free for all visitors.

West Side Market

1979 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113

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Out of three vibrant public markets that served Cleveland's diverse and growing population in the early 20th century, only West Side Market remains. While local residents still flock to the market for shopping and dining, it's no longer a hidden gem. Tourists from across the country visit the market, drawn by glowing coverage from national sources such as Food Network and Travel Channel. The iconic tower with its Seth Thomas clock presides over more than 100 vendors selling top-quality meats and seafood, fruits and vegetables, baked goods, specialty items, and ready-to-eat foods. West Side Market is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Kimpton Schofield Hotel

2000 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, OH 44115

The Kimpton Schofield Hotel is quirky and colorful yet classic and traditional, much like Cleveland itself. Housed in a landmark downtown building restored to its original facade, the charming boutique hotel features pet-friendly guest rooms with pillow-top beds, luxury linens and bath accessories, and Victorian-style artwork. Amenities range from a fully-equipped fitness center to complimentary Micro Kickboard scooters for kids to use. Visit the website for information about special offers and hospitality packages.

Playhouse Square

1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115

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Live theater offers a magical energy that's different from other forms of entertainment. Playhouse Square has the distinction of being the largest performing arts center in the country outside of New York City. As one of Broadway's touring partners, Playhouse stages first-class productions of Waitress, To Kill a Mockingbird, and other eagerly anticipated shows. Playhouse Square also serves as home to the Cleveland Ballet, Cleveland International Film Festival, DANCECleveland, and Tri-C Jazz Fest. Visit the website to view the full calendar of events and ticket information.

Cleveland Metroparks

4101 Fulton Pkwy., Cleveland, OH 44144

Most urban parks are an oasis of greenery tucked away inside a city. Cleveland Metroparks is a dazzling network of 18 reservations that circle the city, earning it the nickname of the "Emerald Necklace." The system sprawls across more than 24,000 acres, including 300 miles of trails, eight golf courses, nature education centers, and countless fishing spots. In the midst of this exciting variety of activities is the glittering centerpiece of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Park grounds are open 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. seven days a week, extended to 5 p.m. from April through October. Tickets are $16.95 for adults and $12.95 for ages 2-11.

Butcher and the Brewer

2043 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, OH 44115

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Butcher and the Brewer offers an inventive take on two staples of the Cleveland culinary scene: meat and beer. An in-house butcher and charcutier handle the former, while the latter is brewed on-site in the century-old, 13,000-square-foot building. Long tables and public house-style seating promote a convivial atmosphere, complemented by communal dining from the creative menu of small plates. Customer favorites include the crispy pork belly and kimchi, an Asian-flavored take on Italian arancini. Butcher and the Brewer is open 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4 p.m. - midnight Friday and Saturday.

Stone Gables Inn

3806 Franklin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44113

Are conventional hotels a little too cookie-cutter for your taste? Immerse yourself in the authentic Cleveland experience with a stay at Stone Gables Inn. This delightful boutique hotel is located in a picturesque historic mansion in trendy Ohio City, whose motto is "A Complete Cleveland Neighborhood." Owners Jeff and Connie bought the inn after spending many nights there themselves while renovating a nearby duplex. Each guest room has a private bathroom, and there is no front desk, which adds to the homey ambiance. Visit the website for rate information and reservations.

A Christmas Story House & Museum

3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44109

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A favorite holiday tradition comes to life at A Christmas Story House & Museum. The green-trimmed Victorian in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood has been restored to the same appearance it had as the Parker home in the classic holiday movie. Megafans can actually spend the night sleeping in Ralphie's and Randy's beds in the home's private third-floor loft. Across the street is the museum, which holds memorabilia such as props and costumes, and the gift shop, where you can purchase a leg lamp of your own. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $15 for adults and $11 for ages 3-12.

International Women's Air & Space Museum

Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 N. Marginal Rd., Cleveland, OH 44114

Aviator Amelia Earhart and astronaut Sally Ride are just two of the pioneers whose accomplishments are honored at the International Women's Air & Space Museum. Exhibits such as "Women of NASA" and "Link GAT-1 Flight Simulator" are part of the museum's goal to showcase the history and culture of women in flight for current and future generations. Museum hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily, while the gift shop is open weekdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free for all visitors.

It's Only Rock 'n' Roll, but I Like It

In honor of Cleveland's status as the home of rock and roll, which musician or group would be #1 in your personal hall of fame?

Spring is in the air, and it's a mighty fine time of year to go for a bike ride in Ohio. Here in the Cincinnati area, we're blessed with hundreds of miles of trails and greenways where cyclists can let loose. 

From flat bike paths that offer smooth pedaling to rugged parks crisscrossed by challenging mountain bike singletrack, you'll never run out of trails in Cincinnati. We're excited to share our favorite places for a family bike ride in the area.

Mt. Airy Forest

5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223

Mt. Airy Forest is one of America's oldest reforestation projects, originally established in 1911. Today, this 1,400-acre tract of reclaimed woodland is an amazing resource for Cincinnati residents looking for outdoor adventure. The terrain and trails in Mt. Airy Forest are also a bit more rugged and challenging than a typical city park, which makes this prime territory for mountain biking. The forest includes several multi-use trails as well as a 3.9-mile singletrack loop that was designed with mountain bikers in mind.

Little Miami Scenic Trail

3811 Newtown Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45244

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Arguably the most well-known bike path in Cincinnati, the Little Miami Scenic Trail is also the longest, following the course of its namesake river for 78 miles between Newtown and Springfield. Along the way, it crosses five counties and is accessible through dozens of parks and trailheads in the Cincinnati area. The Trail is also paved, well-maintained, and for the most part, quite flat, making it ideal for cycling. The Avoca Trailhead and the Bass Island Trailhead are great places to start, both offering restrooms and ample parking, with access to a stretch of the Little Miami Scenic Trail that meanders through some lovely riverside city parks. 

Ohio River Trail

Corbin Street, Cincinnati, OH 45226

Following the bank of the Ohio River through the heart of Downtown Cincinnati, the Ohio River Trail offers one of the city's best urban bike rides. You can take in some great views of the river and the city skyline along the way. There are several access points, but the parking lot on Corbin Street, near the Schmidt Boat Ramp and Ball Fields, is a good place to start. The Ohio River Trail is also a work in progress. Around 10 miles are currently open, but it will stretch 23 miles end-to-end once completed, and provide a vital link from Downtown Cinci to many other parks and trails throughout the city. 

Miami Whitewater Forest

9001 Mt. Hope Rd., Harrison, OH 45030

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The largest unit in the Hamilton County Parks system, Miami Whitewater Forest encompasses over 4,600 acres of woods, wetlands, meadows, creeks, and lakes. The park includes many miles of multi-use hike-and-bike trails for cyclists of all skill and fitness levels. The paved, 7.8-mile Shaker Trace Trail is great for a fairly easy bike ride over gently rolling terrain, but Miami Whitewater Forest also offers several shorter, more challenging dirt trails that twist and turn through the woods. The park also includes campgrounds and a 9-hole golf course. 

Lunkin Airport Bike Path

Wilmer Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45226

The Lunken Airport Bike Path is a 5-mile loop that encircles Cincinnati's Lunken Airport. It's a flat, paved pathway that's just a short trip from Downtown, making it an easily accessible loop for city residents. The path sits atop a levee that protects the airport from flooding. It connects with the Ohio River Trail and is also linked to the trail system in nearby Otto Armleder Memorial Park, so there are plenty of options if you want to alter or extend your route.

East Fork State Park

3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel, OH 45106

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Just a 30-minute drive east of Cincinnati, East Fork State Park is one of the great destinations in the region for outdoor adventures of all kinds, biking included. A little over 4,800 acres, it's one of the largest state parks in Ohio and offers about 12 miles of hiking and biking trails that follow the ridges overlooking East Fork Lake. With numerous switchbacks, steep climbs, hills, and gullies, these trails offer some exciting terrain for mountain bikers, as well as sweeping views across the lake. Most park roads are also open to cyclists, and the park includes a campground, swimming beach, boat launch, and fishing pier. 

Mill Creek Greenway

Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45232

The Mill Creek Greenway is a beautiful paved bike path that follows the banks of Mill Creek through western Cincinnati. At present, only 3.5 miles of the trail are completed. But more ambitious plans are in the works, which will extend the trail over 50 miles along the banks of the creek that gives it its name, eventually connecting it to the Ohio River Trail and Winton Woods. For now, the existing segment provides a pleasant bike ride through Salway Park and long the edge of the Northside neighborhood, where you might be tempted to stop for a drink at beloved local watering holes like the Northside Yacht Club, which is just footsteps from the trail.

Mitchell Memorial Forest

5401 Zion Rd., Cleves, OH 45002

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Located way out on the far west side of Cincinnati, Mitchell Memorial Forest is widely regarded as the best destination in the area for experienced mountain bikers. This 1,600-plus-acre park includes approximately 8 miles of challenging mountain biking trails, divided into two loops of around 4 miles each. The terrain is rugged and densely wooded, and the trails are tight singletrack with plenty of twists, turns, steep ascents and other challenges to keep the ride interesting. 

A Beautiful Ride

Where's your favorite place to ride around Cincy?