Posts with tag 'Things to Do'

Lunch doesn't always get enough attention. This midday meal can be a great opportunity to take a break from work, converse with friends, and try some new cuisines. If you're in the mood to focus more on lunch, the perfect opportunity is just days away. April 13 is National Make Lunch Count Day, and we recommend celebrating at one of these top-notch Northeast Ohio restaurants.

Taza Lebanese Grill

1400 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113

Taza Lebanese Grill is a wonderful place to stop for lunch in downtown Cleveland. The word "Taza" means fresh, and indeed, this restaurant uses the freshest ingredients. They even make their pita bread in-house, using their traditional Lebanese stone oven.

The rolled pitas are a popular lunch option at Taza. Choose from lamb, kabob, Kafka, and falafel fillings. On a chilly spring day, you may want to pair your pita with a bowl of lentil soup. If you're in the mood for something lighter, the Taza Chicken Salad is a wise choice. Featuring dates, red grapes, and roasted pine nuts, it comes tossed in an incredible cilantro-mango dressing.

Lucky's Cafe

777 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

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Lucky's Cafe has won awards for their brunch, but they're a great place to stop for lunch, too. They source their ingredients from local Ohio farms whenever possible, and they make all of their bread and pastries by hand.

One of the top items on Lucky Cafe's lunch menu is the Mac-N-Cheese. Made with cheddar, brie, and parmesan, it's both gooey and flavorful. Guests also love the Curried Chicken Salad Sandwich and the Triple B Salad, made with beets, blue cheese, and bacon.

The Vegan Club

13228 Shaker Square, Cleveland, OH 44120

Whether you follow a plant-based diet or are just trying to eat more healthy foods, The Vegan Club is a lovely place to enjoy a delicious lunch in Cleveland. They only serve 100% plant-based items in-house and offer many gluten-free and nut-free dishes.

Start your lunch with an appetizer to share. The Okra Fries are delicious and come with a cilantro-lime dipping sauce. As your main course, you may want to try the Oyster Mushroom Po'Boy or the BLT—made with vegan bacon, of course. And for dessert, you can't go wrong with a Berry Apple Strudel or Apple Tart.

Chameleon Cafe

23 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308

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Chameleon Cafe is a simple, welcoming, locally-owned staple in Akron, Ohio. Their menu is brimming with delicious lunch options to please all palates. The Powerbowls, which are loaded with kale, quinoa, and your choice of protein, are fantastic. Guests especially love the Korean BBQ Chicken Powerbowl. For something lighter, you may want to try the Chicken Caprese or Harvest Salad.

Chameleon Cafe also offers a selection of creative grilled cheese sandwiches, wraps, and toasted croissants. They're open Monday-Friday until 4 pm, making them a great place to stop for a workday lunch.

Luigi's Restaurant

105 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44308

If you're in the mood for Italian food, then Luigi's Restaurant can't be beat for lunch. They open at 11 am Monday-Friday. You'll find all of the Italian favorites on the menu, including pizzas, pasta, and salads. Their Pizza Bianco, a white pizza made with cheese, garlic, and onions, is a fan favorite. You also can't go wrong with the Italian Sub.

Luigi's has several lunch specials, which they serve until 3 pm. With options like homemade lasagne and basked rigatoni, you may want to order a second portion to take home.

Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant

326 S. Main St. #1204, Akron, OH 44308

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Cilantro was voted to have Akron's Best Thai & Asian Food in 2020. The restaurant has a fresh, modern vibe and a dedicated lunch menu. Start with an appetizer to share, such as the Chicken Satay or Cilantro Crab Cakes. For your entree, the Pad Thai is a classic choice. Guests also love the Singapore Noodles, which are flavored with curry powder.

Make sure you save room for dessert when you dine at Cilantro. Their F.B.I, which stands for Fried Banana & Ice Cream, is an incredible way to end your lunch. They also serve Mango Sticky Rice when mangoes are in-season.

Pete's Restaurant

4223 Tuscarawas St. W., Canton, OH 44708

Pete's is a classic American restaurant offering favorites like burgers, club sandwiches, and wraps. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere will make you feel welcome and comforted. Some of the top items to try here include the House Burger, which comes topped with grilled onions, peppers, and mozzarella cheese. The Pot Roast Sandwich is also delicious.

Pete's has a kids' menu, and they also serve breakfast all day. So if you're in the mood for pancakes or French toast at 1 pm, this is the place to go.

Table Six Kitchen + Bar

6113 Whipple Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720

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Table Six Kitchen +  Bar is a modern gastropub serving unique interpretations of American comfort food dishes. The atmosphere is casual but classy. This would be a great place for a business lunch.

Table Six has a whole street food section of their menu. The Glorious Shrimp Tacos, made with jalapenos and pineapple mango salsa, are an incredible choice. You can't go wrong with the Chicken Tacos either. For larger appetites, the Famous Chicken & Waffles make a great lunch. The chicken is hand-breaded, fried to perfection, and served over fluffy waffles with butter and bourbon maple syrup.

Athens Restaurant

816 Harrison Ave. SW, Canton, OH 44706

Athens Restaurant is a traditional Greek restaurant offering a delicious selection of sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Guests love their gyro platters, which come with tender pita bread and plenty of feta cheese. The Grilled Chicken Wrap is another good choice if you're looking for something lighter. Athens Restaurant also has a kids' menu with appealing options like grilled cheese and spaghetti.

Don't leave this lunch spot without trying the baklava, even if you take it home for later. It's tender, flaky, and oozing with sweet honey sauce. 

Order Up!

What will you order on National Make Lunch Count Day?

Itching to spend some time outdoors now that the weather is warming up again? So are we!

Thankfully, tons of springtime events and festivals are happening all over Ohio in the next few weeks. Whether you're in the Northeast Ohio, Columbus, or Cincinnati areas, you'll have no shortage of options. Why not fill in your calendar with a few of the best ones from our list below?

Geauga County Maple Festival

Chardon, OH 44024

Geauga County Maple Festival is back in Chardon Square April 21 – 24 this year. This beloved local event offers fun for the whole family, including rides, games, and live entertainment from local musicians. Make sure you visit on an empty stomach—you'll love taking part in their pancake breakfasts and pancake eating competitions (with plenty of maple syrup, of course). When you're done, you can enjoy festivities like maple candy carving, the crowning of the Maple Queen, and a syrup-making competition for local aficionados. All syrups in the competition are raffled off as part of the festivities, and a selection of other delicious maple-flavored treats will be available for purchase as well. 

The Great Steubenville Eggsibition

980 Lincoln Ave., Steubenville, OH 43952 

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2022's Great Steubenville Eggsibition begins April 15. This event is a local tradition begun by the artisans at Nelson's Fine Art and Gifts, who have crafted over 20 giant eggs for display around the neighborhood. Each egg features beautiful artwork that has been hand-painted by local artists. The eggs are hidden around the Steubenville business district to simulate a traditional Easter egg hunt. See how many you can find while strolling around Steubenville this spring! 

Mohican Wildlife Weekend

3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842

The Mohican State Park's Mohican Wildlife Weekend April 22-24 is one of the most popular outdoor gatherings in Northeast Ohio. Some of the activities offered during this weekend include archery shooting, survival classes, gold panning, and a scavenger hunt. There are also several educational programs available at specific times, such as the Wings of Wonder Bird Presentation and a planetarium program where you can observe the movement of the stars. You'll need to reserve a spot for some activities in advance, so be sure to check out what's available and register before the event.

Taste of Granville

537 Jones Rd. NE, Granville, OH 43023

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The second annual Taste of Granville event, 5–8 pm April 30, will be hosted by the Granville Rotary at the Bryn Du Mansion. This fast-paced dining experience offers you the chance to sample beer, wine, liquor, and cider from local brewers and distilleries and food from local eateries, including Wild Things Sandwich Café. Dashing Diner, and Ray Ray's Hog Pit. General tickets are available for $35. VIP tables can be booked for $250 to $500, depending on the size of your party.

Sertoma Ice Cream Festival

11339 Mt. Vernon Rd., Utica, OH 43080

The Sertoma Ice Cream Festival has taken place on the grounds of the Energy Cooperative and Velvet Ice Cream Company nearly every year since 1975. Guests will enjoy everything from pony rides and lawn games to a motorcycle and car show. If you're hungry, you can enjoy delicious local dishes like bratwurst, ham and beans, and gallons of premium ice cream. You can also browse a selection of crafts from dozens of local vendors. At just $5 admission per car, this is the perfect place to spend a pleasant spring afternoon with your family May 28-30.

Cincinnati Zoo Blooms

3400 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45220

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The Cincinnati Zoo is always a great place for a fun weekend outing, but it's extra special during the spring Zoo Blooms event April 1-30. During the entire month of April, the zoo's abundant plant life blossoms into a full botanical garden. This period is also known as "Tulip Mania" for the incredible number of tulips on display, but you'll also find plenty of hyacinths and daffodils as well as a multitude of flowering trees and shrubs. There's no additional fee to visit the zoo during this time, so there's no better time for a visit.

Ohioana Book Festival

96 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215

Can't get enough of books and literature? The upcoming Ohioana Book Festival April 30 is the place for you. Held by the Ohioana Library in Columbus, this event offers readings and in-depth panel discussions and a book fair, fun educational activities for kids, and delicious snacks. This year's theme is "Celebrating Ohio's Authors," and over 100 of the state's best-known writers will be attending.

Art and Earth Day

1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013

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Every year, the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum celebrates Art and Earth Day, a special day that combines aspects of Arbor Day, Earth Day, and International Sculpture Day. Some of the activities available this year include bird and tree walks, a student art walk featuring works from the students at the University of Cincinnati, and a lively Happy Hour at the Grand Pavilion. Come take in some of the most impressive natural and manmade sights that Cincinnati has to offer from 9 am to 5 pm April 23.   

Cincy on Tap Festival

100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

The 2022 Cincy on Tap Festival will take place at the Great American Ball Park 1–4 pm April 9. This event gathers over 60 local breweries for an unforgettable afternoon of beer tasting and fun. Many of the area's best food trucks will also be serving food on-site, and local cover bands will be playing live during the entire event. Tickets start at $50 and include up to 30 4-ounce samples of premium beers made by local breweries, as well as a complimentary ticket to the Reds vs. Cardinals baseball game happening on April 24 at the ballpark. This is a 21+ event, so be sure to bring your ID on the big day! 

Ring in the Spring Season 

Which of these Ohio spring events will you be attending in the coming weeks? 

When you think "bourbon," the first place that comes to mind is probably Kentucky. But with all due respect to our neighbors across the river, Ohio has plenty to offer when it comes to the most American of spirits. In every corner of the Buckeye State, you'll find great bourbon bars where you can sip your favorite whiskey neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a unique craft cocktail. Let's all raise a glass to the best bourbon bars in Ohio!

The Whiskey Bar

2767 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44106

It's hard to imagine a better hangout for bourbon aficionados than the Whiskey Bar. With its straight-to-the-point name and welcoming speakeasy vibes, it's a perfect place to sit and sip awhile. And with over 400 varieties of whiskey on deck, it's unlikely you'll run out of spirits to sample. The Whiskey Bar also has a friendly, easy-going staff of bartenders who are always happy to help you find the perfect bourbon for any palate. This is definitely a hidden gem in the Cleveland area. 

Society Lounge

2063 E. 4th St., Cleveland, OH 44115

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Offering one of the best bourbon collections in Northeast Ohio, Society Lounge is a staple of the Cleveland bar scene. With its stylish interior and Roaring 20s-inspired atmosphere, drinking here almost feels like stepping back in time. Society lounge is best known for their expertly-mixed craft cocktails (bourbon fans should sample the 'Death in New York') and prohibition-era ambiance, but they also offer a huge selection of spirits. Expect to be able to choose from 30-plus bourbons at any given time, and with a healthy selection of rye, scotch, and gin to boot. 

Oak and Embers Tavern

8003 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026

The Bourbon Review named Oak & Embers one of the best bourbon bars in America in 2019, and they definitely know what they're talking about. This hole-in-the-wall in Chesterfield is all about the three B's: bourbon, barbecue, and beer. They serve an amazing selection of bourbon and craft beer to go with their smoky, savory pulled pork, beef brisket, and baby back ribs. And if you're in the mood for a cocktail, try one of their bourbon-centric signature mixed drinks. The "Follow the Smoke" is made with Makers Mark bourbon, Campari and Dolan sweet vermouth smoked with hickory.

Buckeye Bourbon House

36 E. Gay St., Columbus, OH 43215

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You'll find no shortage of great whiskey bars in Columbus, and the Buckeye Bourbon House is definitely one of the best. Their bourbon shelf is a thing of beauty, and they're always highlighting new and exciting bourbons, including a lot of small-batch spirits made right here in Ohio. They have over 50 whiskeys and bourbons to choose from, as well as crafty cocktails and a menu of elevated pub grub. They even offer bourbon flights for those who want to savor the different flavors. Buckeye Bourbon House also made Bourbon Review's ranking of the best bourbon bars in the Midwest for 2021.

The Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge

843 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Over 300 whiskeys are just waiting to be sampled at the Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge, a High Street hangout that might just offer the best bourbon selection in Columbus. This cozy, intimate space is the perfect place to enjoy drinks with friends and enjoy the Prohibition-themed decor. In addition to a deep roster of bourbons, the Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge offers an incredible array of signature cocktails that run the gamut from approachable and sweet to bitter and spirit-forward. You'll never run out of new flavors to try here, but if you want a basic Old Fashioned made just the way you like it, this is a great place for that too.

Barrel & Taps

1380 W. 3rd Ave., Columbus, OH 43212

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A beloved staple of Columbus' Grandview Heights neighborhood, Barrel & Taps has everything you need for a good time. They always have a well-curated selection of bourbon ready to pour and craft beer on tap, and the indoor bar and outdoor patio each invite guests to stay awhile and enjoy themselves. There's a good chance there will be a food truck or two on-site if you get a little hungry. And with regular events like trivia nights, live music, and yoga on the patio, there's pretty much always something fun going on at Barrel & Taps.

High Bank Distillery Co.

1051 Goodale Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212

Having been awarded Best Creative Cocktails two years running in 614's ColumBest poll, High Bank Distillery Co. takes drinks seriously. Bourbon is featured in cocktails such as the End of Anxiety, which pairs nicely with the restaurant's many shareables. We're partial to the Crispy Brussels with sweet chili glaze and Shrimp Tacos with adobo marinated shrimp. In addition to Grandview, the owners of this bar and eatery are scheduled to open a second location in the Gahanna/New Albany area this year.

The Littlefield

3934 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223

Cincinnati is just a stone's throw across the Ohio River from Kentucky, so it should come as no surprise that the city has a lot to offer bourbon aficionados. The Littlefield is a great example. This hip Northside hangout features an eclectic interior and a breezy patio space, along with a great bourbon selection and plenty of local craft beers on tap. They make great cocktails too, like "The Fergus," made with bourbon, balsamic vinaigrette, ginger beer, and basil simple syrup. The Littlefield is also known for their elevated pub fare and Sunday brunch, which always includes vegan and vegetarian options alongside staples like burgers and shrimp-and-grits 

Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey

1201 Broadway St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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You might never have guessed that biscuits and bourbon went together, but you will after visiting Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey. Their biscuit plates and biscuit sandwiches are to die for. Try the Rosewood—Korean fried chicken, house-made kimchi, and Gochujang BBQ between two golden, butter biscuits—and chase it with a house cocktail like the Boomtown Gold Rush or the Gold Fashioned. Boomtown always has around 50 varieties of bourbon, scotch, whiskey, and rye as well, and their whole vibe revolves around a creative take on classic American frontier food and drink.

Hop Scotch Craft Beer & Whiskey

251 Calhoun St., Cincinnati, OH 45219

Known for being a great happy hour hangout, Hop Scotch Craft Beer & Whiskey is the perfect place to grab a drink after work. They have a huge selection of bourbon and whiskey, along with plenty of excellent craft beer. The staff behind the bar is reliably friendly and knowledgeable, and weekly specials like karaoke and mix-and-match craft beer buckets, there's always a good time to be had. Hop Scotch has 100-plus varieties of whiskey and a menu of staple pub fare like wings and flatbread pizzas. 

Another Round

Ohio offers no shortage of great bourbon bars. What's your favorite watering hole?

Every year, Women's History Month is celebrated throughout March, and Ohio is home to many fascinating historical sites that are perfect for celebrating this important month. Whether you visit the International Women's Air and Space Museum in Northeast Ohio, the Ohio Statehouse Museum Ladies' Gallery in Columbus, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati, or one of many other destinations around Ohio, you have endless opportunities to explore women's history close to home. Start your journey with these nine places to celebrate Women's History Month in Ohio.

International Women's Air and Space Museum

1501 N. Marginal Rd., Ste. 165, Cleveland, OH 44114

Located in Cleveland at the Burke Lakefront Airport, the International Women's Air and Space Museum is certainly a must-see Women's History Month destination. Throughout aviation and space exploration history, women have taken to the skies to explore new frontiers. In addition to famed female pilots like Amelia Earhart and astronauts like Sally Ride, this museum explores the many contributions made by women who didn't achieve the same level of fame. The International Women's Air and Space Museum also explores the vast impact made by women on the science, engineering, and advancement of aviation throughout history.

Oberlin College

173 W. Lorain St., Oberlin, OH 44074

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Oberlin College has been a place of many firsts, championing the rights of women and all people throughout its long history. It was the first college in the United States to offer undergraduate degrees to women in a coeducational program in 1841, and the first to adopt a policy allowing people of color to attend college in 1835. The beautiful, historic campus is a great place to explore for Women's History Month, with exhibits where you can learn more about the college's history of advocating for the rights of everyone to have an education, some of the best on-campus museums in Ohio, and plenty more to experience as you tour Oberlin College.

Upton House and Women's Suffrage Museum

380 Mahoning Ave. NW., Warren, OH 44483

Harriet Taylor Upton was an important figure in the Women's Suffrage movement in Ohio, and the Upton House has been preserved as a museum to share the story of her life. One room within the home has been converted into a Women's Suffrage museum, exploring the contribution made by local suffrage advocates, including Upton, Phebe Sutliffe, Elizabeth Hauser, and Zell Draz. Tour the museum with the help of one of the expert volunteers at the Upton House, or explore on your own.

First Ladies National Historic Site

205 Market Ave. S., Canton, OH 44702

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One of the only museums of its kind, the First Ladies National Historic Site tells the inspiring stories behind the women who have been First Lady throughout American history. Learn more about how the role of the First Lady has evolved and how First Ladies have found unique ways to make their own important historical contributions. In addition to the museum located in Canton, you can take a tour of the childhood home of Ida Saxton-McKinley right next door.

Ohio Statehouse Museum Ladies' Gallery

1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215

Ohio was one of the earliest states to ratify the 19th amendment, granting women the right to vote. A few years after the amendment was ratified, six women were elected to the Ohio General Assembly. The Ohio Statehouse Museum Ladies' Gallery explores the contributions made by those six women and the more than 150 women who have since served in the state legislature. This is one exhibit you won't want to miss when you tour the State Capitol.

Columbus Museum of Art

480 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Throughout history, female artists have shaped culture, shared stories, advanced women's rights, and inspired millions through their artwork. The Columbus Museum of Art is a great place to explore the work of female artists throughout history and learn more about the contemporary artists still working to champion women's rights in the present day. Visit the museum to explore various exhibitions from women artists or attend one of many events that celebrate women's creativity. All Columbus Museum of Art tours during Women's History Month will also be themed around women artists.

National Annie Oakley Center at the Garst Museum

205 N. Broadway St., Greenville, OH 45331

Annie Oakley was a legendary sharpshooter, prolific performer, and beloved figure during her time. She achieved fame with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and was one of America's first female superstars. But her personality goes far beyond those notable achievements, and the National Annie Oakley Center at the Garst Museum is dedicated to providing a comprehensive look at her fascinating life. The Garst Museum features more than 35,000 square feet of exhibit space and over 300,000 artifacts, many of which are housed in the National Annie Oakley Center.

Cincinnati Museum Center

1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45203

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Many of the locations on our list are dedicated to specific women or groups of women who have made important contributions to our shared history, but what about all of the less famous women who have shaped Ohio history? The Cincinnati Museum Center is the perfect place to learn more about the many regular, everyday women who may not be famous but still made their mark by living, working, and advocating for women's rights in Ohio. Discover unique exhibits on the first all-female spacewalk, the fight for women's rights throughout history, and Cincinnati's inspiring female artists. 

Harriet Beecher Stowe House

2950 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206

A literary master with a complex legacy, Harriet Beecher Stowe was a fascinating figure who impacted American history. The Harriet Beecher Stowe House, located in Cincinnati, is dedicated to sustaining her legacy and educating future generations on her social impact. Visit the Harriet Beecher Stowe House to learn more about her legacy, participate in dialogue about social issues, and find inspiration for positive change.

Shaping Ohio History

What stories will you discover and share during Women's History Month this year?

Did you know that maple syrup, like wine, has a specific flavor derived from the geographic area where it's produced? Maple syrup is a Northeast Ohio tradition that predates statehood, and the product is regarded as some of the finest in the country.

Maple tree sap starts running in February, making this a prime time to enjoy syrup and maple-flavored foods. Whether you participate in Maple Madness or conduct your own driving tour, check out the delicious products from these great maple syrup farms and shops.

KC Maple Syrup

16350 Hart Rd., Montville, OH 44064

In 1988, the fledgling run at KC Maple Syrup resulted in a half-gallon of syrup from the sap of about 20 trees. Continued expansion led to the addition of a sugarhouse in 1994. Now their first-class operation includes 450 taps, a 30" x 8' evaporator, and a reverse osmosis (RO) unit for water filtration. All the hard work at KC Maple Syrup was rewarded when they took first place at the 2010 Geauga County Maple Festival. You can even get maple-flavored doggie treats so Fido won't feel left out.

Seldom Seen Farm

10055 Madison Rd., Montville, OH 44064

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Family-owned Seldom Seen Farm is one of the more recent additions to Northwest Ohio's maple syrup network. In 2008, Kevin and Morgan Holy purchased the property and turned their maple syrup hobby into a business. While Kevin hopes to give up his day job someday, he continues to work for local government as an equipment operator while Morgan cares for their two kids. That day may come sooner rather than later, as Seldom Seen Farm is the reigning champion of the Geauga County Maple Festival. Order online or visit the farm Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. by appointment only.

Mowry Maple Farm

3736 State Hwy. 13, Lexington, OH 44904

While Mowry Maple Farm celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, it was originally known for cattle. About 10 years ago, third-generation family member Richard and his wife Carol became intrigued with maple syrup production on the recommendation of a friend, who loaned them supplies. Now maple syrup has become the farm's biggest claim to fame. Experiment in your own cooking with products such as BBQ rub, hot pepper butter, savory herb-maple blend, maple sugar and cinnamon, and habanero-infused syrup. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday.

Ma & Pa's Gift Shack

15161 Main Market Rd., Burton, OH 44021

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Originally built in the 1820s, Ma & Pa's Gift Shack is just as cozy and charming as the name implies. The shelves in the rustic log cabin are filled with syrups, butters and spreads, and other maple products made on-site. Warm up with a cup of maple coffee after one of Ma & Pa's popular sleigh rides when the ground is snow-covered. Ma & Pa's is also known for its wooden lamps and furniture carved out of hickory. Hours are 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are required for sleigh rides.

Messenger Century Farm

17098 Messenger Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

The Messenger family began producing maple syrup in the mid-1800s. While Bill and Dee Belew purchased Messenger Century Farm in 1992, it remains a family-run operation, with three generations of Belews involved. State-of-the-art, "green" equipment replaces buckets and horses, but the original Messenger sugarhouse remains standing as a tribute to the earlier days. Be sure to return in July, when you can pick your own blueberries. The Messenger country store is open daily from 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sugarbush Creek Farm

13034 Madison Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062

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How appropriate that Sugarbush Creek Farm had their first sap boil of 2022 on February 14, the "sweetest" day of the year. While the current farm was established in 1992, trees on the property have been tapped for more than 200 years. The sugarhouse is on the same spot as the original, but it was rebuilt to modern standards using wood sustainably harvested from the farm. Thanks to another update, the entire operation can be monitored on a smartphone app. Sugarbush Creek Farm is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday.

Richards Maple Products

545 Water St., Chardon, OH 44024

Maple salad dressing and maple bacon coffee? Those are only two in the remarkable assortment of items found at Richards Maple Products. Located in Geauga County since 1910, the shop truly seems to live up to its boast of "the world's largest variety of maple products." Surprise family and friends anywhere in the country with a gift box, basket, or crate filled with syrup, cookies, condiments, spreads, and other maple-flavored goodies. Subscription programs are available on a monthly or quarterly schedule. Store hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Burton Log Cabin & Sugar Camp

14590 E. Park St., Burton, OH 44021

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As the first settlement in Geauga County, dating back to 1798, Burton is a quiet community full of history and charm. The town square is modeled after New England's iconic village greens, and maple syrup is such a part of local tradition that the Burton Log Cabin & Sugar Camp is operated by the Chamber of Commerce. Syrup produced each spring is used to make maple candy throughout the year. The Log Cabin also serves as the town's information center. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. seven days a week.

Sweet or Savory?

Blending sweet and savory flavors is one of today's popular food trends. Do you enjoy maple with bacon, hot sauce, and other savory items, or are you a purist who sticks with maple syrup?