Photo Courtesy of Cultured Coffee & Waffles
Any good day begins with a cup of coffee or tea. Some of the best coffee shops in the heart of downtown Canton include Carpe Diem Coffee Shop, Cultured Coffee & Waffles, and Muggswigz Coffee & Tea Co. They are located within walking distance of one another near much of the activity in downtown. If you're looking for a hearty meal to accompany your caffeinated drink of choice, consider Cultured Coffee & Waffles, which serves a wide variety of both savory and sweet waffles, from chicken and waffles to the ultra-sweet Scout Waffle (AKA the S'more Waffle) covered in graham cracker bits, marshmallow syrup, chocolate icing, marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles.Photo Courtesy of the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
Next, step into the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum. Former president William McKinley spent much of his life in Canton, where he practiced law and married his wife, Ida Saxton. The hands-on interactive science center, presidential museum, planetarium and historical library takes visitors on a scientific journey through the past, present and future. The McKinley Presidential Library & Museum honors the life of McKinley and tells the story of Stark County, serving as an educational center of history and science for both the local community and a global audience. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.Photo Courtesy of Joe Albert via Street Side
Head back to the heart of downtown, where you'll be spending the remainder of the day. Downtown Canton has a number of excellent eateries to choose from, whether you're craving seafood, tacos or something in between. Basil Asian Bistro offers delicious dishes inspired by southeastern Asian cuisine in a cozy brick-walled setting. Street Side is an industrial eatery with a delicious assortment of Mexican street food, including tacos, burritos and bowls, plus delicious margaritas. Bender's Tavern is Canton's oldest and most historic restaurant, serving a wide selection of seafood and steak dishes in a vintage, wood-paneled interior.Photo Courtesy of the Canton Brewing Company
There's something special about visiting a local brewery, where the beer you're drinking is brewed just steps from your table. Dating back to 1883, the Canton Brewing Company has a rich history, so be sure to read up on the full story before your visit! The brewery is still committed to the historic beers that made them famous over a century ago, while embracing the new craft traditions of the modern industry. You'll find some core beers, including the Tuscora Pilsner, the Cascade Pale Ale and the Carpe Noctem, in addition to a variety of seasonal and rotational beers, plus barrel-aged and limited release brews.Photo Courtesy of the Canton Arts District
There is plenty to do, see and experience in the Canton Arts District, home to 30 art galleries, studios, music venues and specialty shops. If you happen to be downtown on the first Friday of the month, you're in luck! The district transforms into a lively creative party, featuring live music, performance and visual arts events, and lots of surprises for all ages. First Friday is from 6–10 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, rain or shine.Photo Courtesy of Fronimo's Downtown
After all this activity, it's time to settle down for a nice meal and perhaps a glass of wine. Some of our favorite dinner destinations in downtown Canton include: H2 Huth & Harris Wine Merchants serves contemporary American cuisine accompanied by an exceptional wine program. Lucca Downtown is an upscale restaurant with a Tuscan-inspired menu filled with locally sourced ingredients. Fronimo's Downtown is a relatively new industrial restaurant serving small plates, sandwiches, steaks, and salads, plus craft beer, cocktails and wine.Photo Courtesy of Escape Room Downtown
Solving the mystery in an escape room is a fun and interactive way to spend the evening, especially on a colder or rainy night. Escape Room Downtown offers three themed escape rooms, including The Missing Detective's Office, The Moonlight Gallery, and The Bootlegger's Lair. Work together to solve the clues and escape the room before time runs out! Make your reservation at Escape Room Downtown to book your spot — if you dare...Find this home at 2971 Fox Burrow Dr, Stow, Ohio
At nearly 5,500 square feet, this custom-built Colonial is a year-round haven amongst its wooded surroundings. More than half an acre of lawn, landscaping and mature trees turn into a winter wonderland when the snowy season comes, and the coziness continues inside. We love the double-sided fireplace that warms both the kitchen and the family room!Find this home at 696 Hampton Ridge Dr, Akron, Ohio
There may not be another home in the heart of Akron that is as holiday card ready as this one. Completely remodeled, the turn-key condo comes fully furnished so all the gorgeous decor and design you see in these photos can be yours. Whether the family is gathered around the dining table or nestled in front of the living room fireplace, memories (and photos) that are made here will last a lifetime.Find this home at 3684 Country Club Dr, Silver Lake, Ohio
Whether your holiday card needs a home blanketed in snow, a family photo in the woods, or a shot in front of a cozy fireplace, this home has the perfect setting. Nestled on more than half an acre, the home overlooks the prestigious Silver Lake Country Club and is surrounded by charming, wooded walkways that wind throughout the property.Find this home at 3240 Carriage Way, Stow, Ohio
This jaw-dropping Colonial sits on nearly half an acre with a private backyard and a charming cul-de-sac location. Surrounded by mature trees and a sweeping front lawn that can be viewed from the full-length front porch, we want to take photos of this home in every season.Find this home at 2406 Laurel Valley Dr, Akron, Ohio
Tucked away in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this updated home is situated on a cul-de-sac, and its proximity to the Towpath Village Clubhouse offers a year-round community clubhouse, a pool, tennis courts and basketball courts. Thanks to landscape and decor details like manicured bushes, a front porch lattice and an old world lantern, the curb appeal is high.Find this home at 544 Scenic Valley Way, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Located in beautiful Cuyahoga Falls on nearly two private acres, this immaculate home is suited for holiday cards, holiday parties, family gatherings and so much more. From the front, the architecture provides a stunning dimension, and inside, you'll find multiple areas perfectly suited for family photos (like five different fireplaces!).Find this home at 621 Rustic Knoll Dr, Kent, Ohio
Immaculate from the front and from every single vantage point, this Kent home boasts 321 feet of Cuyahoga River frontage on a quaint, quiet cul-de-sac. The property was even designed to capitalize on views; it offers four levels of tiered decking, a custom waterfall outdoors, a two-story family room with a wall of windows and a walkout lower level with full sized windows, patio doors and a bar.Find this home at 4194 Briarwood Dr, Mantua, Ohio
Are you getting fairytale castle vibes from this home, too? From the curb, we love the way the lush landscaping accents the shape of the house as well as the multi-colored brick and stone. And even with mature trees dotting the front yard, there are still gorgeous views available from the home's huge front windows.Find this home at 832 Bentley Pl, Tallmadge, Ohio
Perched on more than half an acre, this stunning Georgian Colonial is located on a private, wooded lot and seems to have come directly out of our home design dreams. The mature and perfectly manicured landscaping winds around the home and its walkways for a welcoming and warm feel while the beautiful two-story, white columns complete the look of elegance and prestige.Find this home at 1065 Merriman Rd, Akron, Ohio
There's nothing more perfect for a holiday card than a bright red front door—and this home's double door entry has two! The charm is further perfected with white lattice windows and a spacious, winding driveway so the whole family can come over to celebrate the holidays!Photos Courtesy of Hummusapien
Experience fall in a bowl with this delicious pumpkin pie smoothie bowl from Alexis of Hummusapien. This healthy, thick and creamy smoothie bowl is made with bananas, pumpkin puree, almond milk, almond butter and more — and topped with dried cranberries, coconut, pecans, banana, and whatever else you're craving!Photos Courtesy of On Sutton Place
This delicious recipe puts a fall twist on the traditional snickerdoodle! These sweet pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies from Ann of On Sutton Place are super easy to make — especially since you can make them ahead of time and freeze them until you're ready to stick them in the oven.Photos Courtesy of Lemons for Lulu
Don't be fooled into thinking pumpkin is just for sweet treats! This pumpkin risotto is a savory example of the many ways pumpkin can be incorporated into your meals this fall. It is made with chicken broth, onions, arborio rice, canned pumpkin, parmesan cheese, sage, Italian sausage and more.Photo Courtesy of Mom Needs Chocolate
Speaking of pumpkin in your breakfast, these pumpkin spice waffles from Carissa of Mom Needs Chocolate are hearty and tasty. Plus, they are even vegan and gluten-free! And if you're not vegan, you can smother them in butter, local raw honey or pure maple syrup to increase the sweetness.Photo Courtesy of Are You Kitchen Me?!
Natalie of Are You Kitchen Me?! created this unique (and downright beautiful!) appetizer perfect for your fall party. This chipotle pumpkin hummus is savory, creamy and quite the crowd pleaser. It's made with chickpeas, pumpkin puree, chipotle pepper in Adobo sauce, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and more delicious ingredients.Photos Courtesy of Hummusapien
Alexis of Hummusapien is undeniably obsessed with cashew cream and we can see why! She makes a special pumpkin spiced cashew cream to smear on top of toast — a simple yet delicious breakfast to accompany your coffee (or your pumpkin spice latte!). The toast is even topped with pecans to increase the fall vibes.Photos Courtesy of Lemons for Lulu
Cozy up with this tantalizing black bean chili — a simple, savory chili filled with black beans, Italian sausage, spices, and of course, pumpkin. This filling chili is the perfect hearty addition to your fall soup lineup.Photos Courtesy of Designed Decor
If you're assigned to bring the dessert to your next fall party or Thanksgiving meal, this simple cream cheese pumpkin dip is a great option! Pair the creamy and sweet dip with graham crackers, gingersnap cookies, or pretzels for an easy (but addicting!) dessert.Photo Courtesy of Saving 4 Six
Made in mini muffin pans, these baked pumpkin spice donut holes from Carrie of Saving 4 Six are tiny and delectable morsels of goodness. She prepared them in two styles — rolled in cinnamon and sugar and drizzled with a delicious glaze.Photos Courtesy of Are You Kitchen Me?!
This pumpkin bread pudding from Natalie of Are You Kitchen Me?! is about as "fall" as it gets! Although she typically cooks with pumpkin puree, she opted for a fresh pumpkin for this pudding — and the result is an ooey, gooey, comforting bread pudding packed with fall spices and studded with fresh cubes of pumpkin throughout.Photo Courtesy of Paleolicious
Paleolicious is one of the only restaurants in the city that is 100 percent gluten-free! This casual cafe in the Scripps Center is the perfect place to grab a healthy meal on-the-go — including pressed juices and smoothies, scones, muffins, soups, salads, lettuce wraps, snacks, desserts, coffee and much more! All sauces, dressings and soups are made from scratch and the meats are nitrate-free, natural and sliced fresh daily.Photo Courtesy of Melt Revival
For over 10 years, Melt Revival has been a Northside neighborhood favorite, serving up healthy greens and delicious sandwiches in their bright and colorful space. Plus, all of the salads are gluten-free and the flatbreads and sandwiches can be made with gluten-free bread for $1! Pair your sandwich or salad with a refreshing seasonal lemonade or lavender kombucha.Photo Courtesy of Leah Zipperstein via The Mercer
The Mercer is a stylish eatery in the heart of Over the Rhine serving European-influenced dishes. In addition to their impressive array of offerings, The Mercer has a gluten-free menu featuring salads and starters, gluten-free pasta and risotto, and entrees, such as salmon, beef tenderloin, roasted cauliflower, and more. Vegetarian guests get their very own menu as well!Photo Courtesy of Mazunte
This popular taqueria is a haven for gluten-free guests, as mostly everything on the menu is gluten-free. Simply ask the staff which items are safe to eat on the menu, which includes a variety of delicious tacos, various specialty dishes such as enchiladas, tamales and quesadillas, and a number of sides. The staff at Mazunte is knowledgeable and accommodating with all gluten-free requests!Photo Courtesy of Cherbourg Cyprus
At last! Cincinnati has a completely nut- and gluten-free bakery in its midst. This relatively new addition to the historic Over the Rhine neighborhood offers an array of sweet and savory treats, including quiches, shakshuka, scones, muffins, donuts, bars, brownies, cookies, cake and more. Accompany your morsel of sweetness with a Deeper Roots pour over coffee, a cup of tea or orange juice!Photo Courtesy of Mandy Z. Photography via Rolling Mill Brewery
It can be hard to find a good gluten-free beer. Rolling Mill Brewery in Middletown is hoping to change that! Co-founders Josh and Megan Laubach began brewing gluten-free beer in 2012 out of necessity, as Josh had been diagnosed with celiac disease the previous year. This new vision allowed them to maintain a passion for brewing — and provide exceptional gluten-free beer for all to enjoy. This new addition to Middletown is well worth the drive!Photo Courtesy of the Ohio Statehouse
See the iconic Ohio Statehouse from a different perspective this Halloween season as you embark on a haunted tour of the building — if you dare! Combine history and legend in this special family-friendly haunted tour, which travels through dimly lit limestone corridors by lantern. This spooky tour features recently found evidence of paranormal activity and is most appropriate for children ages 9 and up. Purchase your tickets for this unique historic tour with a Halloween twist!Photo Courtesy of Brady Designs Ltd. via Easton Town Center
Make sure your fur baby isn't left out of the Halloween fun! Dress your dog in their best costume and head to Easton Town Center for a special Halloween Pet Parade and Fall Festival. Costumes will be judged and awards are given based on a number of categories, including Best Group, Best Duo, Cutest, Funniest, Most Creative and Scariest. Free registration begins at noon and the parade kicks off at 2 p.m.!Photo Courtesy of the OSU School of Music
The OSU School of Music presents their 25th annual Halloween concert, featuring student vocalists and instrumentalists decked out in Halloween attire. This popular community tradition includes a mix of movie and TV themes, contemporary pop, folk music, spoofs on classical motifs, choral and chamber arrangements, and much more. HalleBOOia! is free and open to the public; no ticket is required for admission.Photo Courtesy of John Crider via HighBall Halloween
Head to the vibrant Short North Arts District for a Halloween party unlike any other! HighBall Halloween is considered one of the nation's most elaborate costume parties, bridging runway style with the culture of this lively area. This festive weekend attracts over 40,000 costumed participants in a celebration of costumes and creativity. Tickets for HighBall Halloween start at just $7! The party is taking place along High Street between Goodale Street and Nationwide Boulevard.Photo Courtesy of Hoover Gardens & Gift Center
Hoover Gardens is hosting a fun Halloween celebration for all ages. Walk through a haunted maze, play games and win prizes, enter the costume contest, get your face painted, paint a pumpkin, eat popcorn and sip on hot apple cider. This event is completely free but pumpkin painting costs $2 per pumpkin.Photo Courtesy of the North Market
Little ghosts and goblins are invited to North Market for a full day of Halloween fun, including craft activities, Columbus Children's Theatre activities, trick-or-treating with merchants, and much more. This annual event is completely free to attend!This post was updated on September 4, 2019 to reflect current information.
If you're looking for historic, educational and kid-friendly farm experiences around Cincinnati, you're in the right place. Right here in our southwest corner of Ohio and into Kentucky, we have countless farms and orchards that have been family-owned-and-operated for decades. During the fall, these places turn festive, selling their homegrown pumpkins and hand-picked apples alongside seasonal fun like corn mazes, hayrides and petting zoos. This year, make the most of the season and see how many of these pumpkin patches you can visit. There might even be one on the list that turns into your new favorite family tradition. Enjoy!Photo Courtesy of Cleveland Metroparks/Kyle Lanzer
Boo at the Zoo is considered Cleveland's sweetest Halloween tradition. And you have three weekends to enjoy the festivities at the zoo, including treat stations, unlimited 4-D Theater movies, carousel and train rides, a hay maze, a Monster Mash dance party, and much more. Tickets are $10 for members and $11 for non-members in advance, or $14 for both members and non-members at the door.Photo Courtesy of City of Cuyahoga Falls
Put on your finest costume and head to the Downtown Pavilion in Cuyahoga Falls for the Monster Mash, a family-friendly event with a light dinner, a DJ and dancing, photo opportunities, and a Halloween treat bag for kids. Tickets for the Monster Mash are $12 for residents and $14 for non-residents.Photo Courtesy of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Hunt for treasure at this unique pirate-themed Halloween party at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium! Activities include a magic show, face painting, animal encounters, games, a DJ-ed dance party, a trick-or-treat trail, crafts, pumpkin animal enrichment, costumed scuba divers, and various special appearances. Tickets are $12 for non-passholders (both adults and children) or $10 for passholders (both adults and children). Children under 2 years are free.Photo Courtesy of the Holden Forests & Gardens
Boo-tanical Bash offers a weekend of endless family-friendly fun amidst a beautiful setting at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. The bash runs from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on Saturday and 12–5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members; advance registration is required!Photo Courtesy of Jeffrey L. Klaum via the International Exposition Center
Don't miss this exciting Halloween tradition at the International Exposition (I-X) Center! Trick-or-Treat Street features creatively themed and not-so-spooky Halloween houses dishing out candy, plus pony rides, kiddie rides and live entertainment. Get your tickets for $13 in advance or $14 the day of!