Date Archives: March 2020
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25
Northeast Ohio: Now's the Perfect Time to Take Up Knitting
With many businesses in Northeast Ohio shut down, and "social distancing" in full effect, it's time to start getting creative about finding things to do. Productive hobbies are becoming more popular, and taking up knitting is a great choice.
If this appeals to you, then you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of ways you can learn to knit online. Once you're ready, you can support the local area knitting shops that so desperately need your business right now. Here are some tips for getting started and a few of our favorite stores in Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Step 1: Learn to Knit
There are plenty of online resources where you can learn to knit. Start by checking out some YouTube channels, like AllFreeKnitting or Craftsy Knitting. If you prefer a more structured class style, you may want to take a look at the classes on websites like SkillShare or Instructables.
Step 2: Stock Up on Supplies
Once you've got the basics down, you'll want to visit the websites for some of the area's best knitting stores. Here are a few of our favorite Ohio stores where you can shop for all of your knitting needs.
River Colors Studio
1387 Sloane Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
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River Colors Studio carries a huge selection of gorgeous yarn. They also have all the materials you'll need to start your knitting projects including needles, hooks, accessories.
Check out their selection of patterns, including some great free ones that are perfect for beginners. You may also want to order a few publications, like Pom Pom Quarterly and Mason-Dixon Field Guides. These are a great way to learn more about your new hobby.
The Artful Yarn
100 North Main St. Suite 230, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
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A fun, boutique-style shop, The Artful Yarn carries an internationally-curated selection of yarns. They currently offer curbside pick-up, limited-distance delivery, and 2-day USPS shipping. You can order over the phone and even video chat via FaceTime. They have some inventory online and will be expanding their online offerings very soon.
On March 30th, they're starting a "Magical Mystery Knit" that you can join right from the comfort of your home. Sign up for their email list or follow them on social media so you can keep up on all the latest news and updates.
Harps & Thistles Yarn Emporium
129 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
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Harps & Thistles Yarn Emporium carries an eclectic selection of yarns and prides itself in offering reasonable prices. You'll love browsing through their gorgeous yarns, and you can also find all of the needles, hooks, bags, and accessories you need.
If you're a beginner, check out the "Yharma's Basement Clearance" section. This is a great way to stock up on supplies without breaking the bank.
Fine Points
12620 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44120
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You'll find everything you need to get creative with your knitting projects at Fine Points. They specialize in unique yarns and offer kits that have all the materials you need to make a specific project. They also carry needles and accessories, patterns, books, jewelry, and more.
Destination Yarn
15708 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111
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Destination Yarn is an independent shop that hand-dyes their yarn onsite. It's easy to lose yourself in their website, where you can shop by yarn type, dye technique, or collection. They also sell lots of great kits for sweaters, shawls, and pullovers and fun gifts for other knitting-lovers in your life.
Fiber Addiction
13572 Chillicothe Road, Novelty, OH 44072
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Fiber Addiction carries a wide variety of brand-name yarns including Euro, Berroco, and Cascade. They also offer products from indie dyer Cornbread & Honey. In response to recent events, they're offering individual appointments for those who want to come shop in person, or you can shop online. In addition to yarn, they also carry a fun selection of bags, books, notions, needles, and hooks.
You can get some great deals right now, including free shipping through April 15th. They also offer pick-up orders for those who live nearby.
Other shops around Ohio worth checking out online:
Alpaca Meadows Yarn
1200 Rock Road, Mansfield, OH 44903
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Do you want to make a truly luxurious knitting project? If so, then you'll want to pay a visit to Alpaca Meadows' website. These Ohio residents have a happy herd of alpacas that provide a limited amount of fiber each year. It's either processed on-site or by a local mill. Alpaca yarn is incredibly soft. It's also warm, comfortable, durable, hypoallergenic.
If you see something you like, make sure to stock up, because once it's gone, it's gone. Not sure what to do with alpaca yarn? Take a look at some of their beautiful patterns as well!
The Makery
1 N. Main St., Mt Vernon, OH 43050
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The Makery also carries a wide selection of hand-dyed, hand-spun yarns and fair trade fiber. You can choose from a variety of materials, including alpaca, cotton, bamboo, linen, silk, wool, and more. They also carry needles, hooks, and notions.
Need some inspiration? Check out some of their super-cool books with many interesting ideas. They also carry fun craft kits designed especially for kids, so if you're home-schooling right you, you'll definitely want to check this out as well.
Knitting Temptations
35 S. High Street in Dublin, Ohio 43017
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For a wide selection of yarn at a variety of price points, as well as needles, buttons, and books, you'll definitely want to take a look at Knitting Temptations' website. They carry many popular brands and you can keep yourself on-budget by shopping by price range.
Don't have a ton of money to spend right now? Create an account and build a wish list! This way, when you're ready to move on to future projects, you'll already have your shopping list ready!
Lambikin's Hideaway
217 South B St., Hamilton, OH 45013
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Lambikin's Hideaway is a local yarn store that prides itself on offering amazing customer service, fair prices, and a huge selection of yarn. Here you'll find a variety of options including lace, fingering, sport, DK, worsted, bulky, and super bulky yarn. While you're on the website, don't forget to subscribe to their newsletter to stay in the loop about their latest classes, promotions, and specials.
Knit One, Purl Two
What kind of knitting project are you looking forward to trying first?
20
Explore These Bike Trails Around Columbus
When you need a breath of fresh air far from the city crowds, you'll find ample space to roam in Columbus. With many miles of bike paths and trails, our city has a lot to offer for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Columbus is also a major hub for state-wide trails and greenways, some of which stretch for hundreds of miles across the Buckeye State. These bike paths in the Columbus area offer ample opportunities to get outside, get in shape, and simply enjoy the greener side of Central Ohio.
Alum Creek Trail
Three Creeks Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH 43125
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A favorite multi-use trail that stretches roughly 25 miles across Franklin County, the Alum Creek Trail offers a well-maintained hard surface for hikers and cyclists. The trail follows the picturesque Columbus river corridor, from Westerville to Three Creeks Park, passing through several parks and neighborhoods along the way. Construction on the trail was completed in 2015, and the Alum Creek Trail has quickly become the go-to destination for Columbus residents looking to get outside.
Olentangy Trail
Whetstone Park, 3901 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43210
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The Olentangy Trail is a great place to go for a bike ride, but for many first-time visitors to Columbus, its central location makes it one of the most popular ways to explore the city on foot. The trail connects the community of Worthington to downtown Columbus, meandering through several neighborhoods along the banks of the Olentangy River. Along the way, the Olentangy Trail passes through the Ohio State University campus, with trailheads at Whetstone Park as well as several other major city parks.
Scioto Trail
Scioto Trail Park, 2951 S. High St. Columbus, OH 43207
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The first greenway ever built in Columbus, the Scioto Trail has been a treasured resource for hikers and cyclists in the city since 1976. It's still a favorite local bike path, with sections on either side of the Scioto River, including the downtown riverfront, where you can get a great view of the Columbus skyline. The most well-known section of the path is the Scioto Mile, which includes a string of prominent parks, promenades, and landmarks. Near the south edge of Downtown Columbus, the trail traverses the beautiful Scioto Audubon Park, including a trailhead at the Audubon Nature Center. The Scioto Trail also directly connects to the Olentangy Trail.
Heritage Trail
7262 Hayden Run Road, Hilliard, OH 43026
Following an old abandoned rail line from Old Hilliard to Cemetery Pike, the Heritage Trail one of the less-used bike paths in the Columbus area. That makes it a great place to beat the crowds, although the Heritage Dog Park at one end of the trail does make it a popular spot for dog walking. Paved, well maintained, and easy to follow, it's a great place for an afternoon bike ride, passing through about 7 miles of fields and farmlands just outside Columbus.
Blacklick Creek Greenway
Three Creeks Metropark, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH 43125
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Running parallel to its namesake creek for most of its 18-mile length, the Blacklick Creek Greenway stretches from Reynoldsburg to Groveport on the southeastern edge of Columbus. There are several parks and trails in the Columbus area where you can hop on the Blacklick Creek Greenway, but a favorite spot is Three Creeks Metro Park. This park marks the spot where the Alum, Big Walnut, and Blacklick creeks join; and it's also home to sections of both the Blacklick Creek Greenway and the Alum Creek Greenway.
Chestnut Ridge Mountain Bike Trail
Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, 8445 Winchester Road NW, Carroll, OH 43112
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While many of Columbus' bike paths are great for easy rambles along relatively flat, paved trailways, the mountain bike trail at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park offers something a little more extreme. Just a few miles southeast of Columbus, Chestnut Ridge is actually the first ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, and the Chestnut Ridge Mountain Bike Trail is a great place for an intense mountain biking experience. The trail runs a little over 9 miles through deep woods, with many steep climbs and descents, along with a few bridges and some steep, banked turns. The trail is divided into two loops, one for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers, and the other for experienced cyclists only.
Big Walnut Trail
Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH 43081
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The Big Walnut Trail stretches a little over 10 miles through several Columbus area parks, including Inniswood Metro Gardens, a lovely botanical garden and nature preserve that's open free of charge seven days a week to the general public. Popular for jogging and dog walking as well as biking, the Big Walnut Trail is a paved multi-use trail that also offers expansive views of Hoover Reservoir and the parks along the lakeshore.
Camp Chase Trail
Battelle Darby Creek Metropark, 1775 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119
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Just over 16 miles long, the Camp Chase trail runs between the cities of London and Columbus, acting as a connector between Madison and Franklin counties. The trail is relatively level and easy for biking, consisting of paved double-track that follows the course of a railroad line. In addition to being a great biking spot for Columbus residents, the Camp Chase Trail is also a crucial link in the much longer Ohio to Erie Trail, which stretches 326 miles across the state of Ohio from southwest to northeast.
Hit the Trails
Did we forget to mention your favorite trail? Be sure to let us know in the comments section!
18
Navigating Real Estate in a COVID-19 World
A message from Cutler Real Estate President Andy Camp:
As we all face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our first priority at Cutler Real Estate is the health of our clients, employees and the communities where we live and work. We are also committed to supporting our clients through this challenging time.
Many of our clients are still out looking at homes, putting their homes on the market, writing contracts, and closing on life's biggest transaction. As a company, we will be there for our clients.
In order to continue to provide the same high level of support to our clients, our entire organization will have to adapt, adjust and work together like never before.
Real Estate in Times of Uncertainty
Much of the news these past few weeks has been regarding the unfortunate events and circumstances caused by COVID-19. Day-by-day and hour-by-hour, news is changing on how to best address the COVID-19 matter.
As your trusted Realtor, I'll stick to real estate and defer to experts like the CDC for how to best address your health and safety. I don't want to minimize the effect this current situation has on other aspects of life, but I wanted to offer some insights and reassurance regarding my area of experience – real estate.
You might be worried about your home's value at this time of economic upheaval. That's understandable and completely valid. The good news is that for most homeowners, the best course of action, as well as the easiest, is to do absolutely nothing. Just sit tight, be thankful that you have a nice place to gather with your loved ones, work from home, or even self-quarantine if needed. At times like this, it becomes abundantly clear that your home is so much more than just an investment.
Fortunately, real estate has historically proven to be a relatively stable and sound investment in times of crisis. For example, Dr. Marci Rossell, a leading economist who specializes in real estate, noted that the housing markets remained stable in the aftermath of 9/11.
The Economic Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the Real Estate Market from LeadingRE on Vimeo.
In the days and weeks following 9/11, there was a real sense of panic and uncertainty. Airlines completely shut down, conferences and events were canceled, oil and stock prices became hyper-volatile, and news stories predicted economic activity could grind to a halt for quarters if not years. Sound familiar?
Fortunately, the shock that 9/11 delivered to the world economy was short-lived. It was a classic V-shaped economic deceleration characterized by a rapid decline followed by a rapid recovery. Housing markets were the least impacted by 9/11. Unlike the stock and bond markets, real estate markets move very slowly. At a time of economic uncertainty and volatility, based on past events it's a pretty safe bet that real estate will remain a bastion of stability.
For those who are actively in the real estate market currently and wondering how the pandemic will affect buying or selling:
Buying A Home
- We live in a digital age of real estate where information is abundant and available at your fingertips, without even leaving your home. Set up a Homefinder Account to get started.
- This current COVID-19 crisis may actually slow down the market enough for an active buyer to have a greater opportunity to secure a home purchase, with less competition from other buyers.
- The recent rate reductions and questions about how the economy will impact a buyer purchase are valid. It is more important than ever to have a trusted mortgage partner to help guide through these times. Fortunately, I can introduce you to an expert.
Selling a Home
- Cutler Real Estate has the goal of always being a leader in real estate marketing technology. In times like these our forward-leaning marketing tools and strategies are helping sellers even more than anticipated.
- Our selling system incorporates the abilities for home buyers to view your home digitally in every manner possible. We know buyers are searching voraciously online and we ensure your home stands out in their searches.
- In days and weeks ahead, we may see buyers making offers on our well marketed homes without physical showings. This is nothing new to us as we have provided this virtual opportunity for buyers and sellers for years, and on occasion we have worked with out of state buyers who make sight unseen offers.
The Impact of Federal Reserve Actions on Mortgages
- The Federal Reserve has recently made some large interest rate cuts. However, it is important to remember that these cuts do not necessarily impact mortgage rates.
- We should hopefully see rate lock options stabilize. The question looms where mortgage rates will settle, but we should hopefully see the large swings slow down.
In these days and weeks ahead as news continues to come out about COVID-19, we want you to know that as your trusted real estate adviser we are on the front lines of the market. There are a lot of unknowns, but we will closely monitor the situation and are always available for any of your real estate needs, questions, or concerns.
Wash those hands and give us a call. We welcome the opportunity to be of assistance.
18
Take a Virtual Museum Tour Around Northeast Ohio & Beyond
Who says you need to leave the house to immerse yourself in the wonderful art, history, and culture that Northeast Ohio has to offer? As our country enters a time of public space shutdowns and social distancing, now is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the virtual tours hosted by many museums around Cleveland, Canton, and beyond. Settle into your favorite chair and take a journey into the wonders of these digital domains.
Canton Museum of Art
1001 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44702
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While most museums give you a glimpse into the past, the Canton Museum of Art allows digital visitors to take a look into their past by showcasing previous permanent exhibitions on their website. Over 30 of these diverse exhibits are available for online-viewing, including Crowns: Crossing into Motherhood, Scrimmage: Football in American Art from the Civil War to the Present, and Continuum: Art of the Cleveland School and Beyond, which was created in partnership with ARTneo.
Historic Zoar Village
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Explore the Historic Zoar Village without ever going outside. As one of the most successful communal settlements in U.S. history, Zoar Village continues to be the home of dozens of families. Their virtual tour allows you to select various homes and buildings from the village to learn more about their history.
Cleveland Police Museum
1300 Ontario St., Cleveland, OH 44113
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One of the only public law enforcement museums in the country, the Cleveland Police Museum features 13 online exhibits showcasing Cleveland's police force over the years. This includes fascinating information about their Mounted Unit, 19th Century Policing, Prohibition, and a Fallen Officers exhibit.
Dittrick Medical History Center
11000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106
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An interesting museum located in the Allen Memorial Medical Library of the Case Western Reserve University, the Dittrick Museum of Medical History offers online exhibits for students and nonstudents alike. These photo collections, some featuring audio archives of lecture recordings, include exhibits such as Photographing Dermatology: The Collections of Dr. William Thomas Corlett.
Digital Cleveland Starts Here at the Western Reserve Historical Society
10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
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Part of the Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland Starts Here campaign, the Digital Cleveland Starts Here virtual library and museum features over 150 years of Cleveland history as told and donated by residents over countless generations.
NASA Glenn Research Center
21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44135
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While the NASA station in Florida receives rave reviews, many Ohio natives forget that we have the amazing Glenn Research Center right in our backyard. This facility designs and develops innovative technology that fuels our nation's space exploration. Their convenient virtual tours are out of this world, offering a look into 10 facilities with accompanying photographs and videos of the testing labs.
Northeast Ohio contains only a small fraction of the many museums the Buckeye State has to offer. Here are a few other Ohio-based museums offering free virtual tours:
National Museum of the US Air Force
1100 Spaatz St., Dayton, OH 45431
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Dayton is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the largest and oldest military aviation museum on the planet. Thankfully, you don't have to go all the way to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to see it up close — you can take a virtual tour of the entire museum on your computer. Each of the icons displayed in the galleries allows you to read, watch, and listen to information about each exhibit.
Ohio Craft Museum
1665 W. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
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The Ohio Craft Museum, in collaboration with the Ohio Designer Craftsmen, is a special space showcasing exhibits and offering workshops for art lovers of all ages. They've made all of the current, past, and permanent galleries available online for crafters to browse. The current exhibit is the Found Again Quilt Exhibit, which showcases gorgeous quilt art from local Ohio quilters. Their permanent collection includes clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, wood, and mixed media pieces. You can also look at all past exhibits featured in the Ohio Craft Museum dating back to 2008.
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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The Cincinnati Art Museum has digitalized its permanent collection to share with the world. So far, over 67,000 works of art are featured in their virtual museum. This is an exciting tour for art lovers because, although not every item on display in the physical museum has been uploaded online, many of the pieces on the website are no longer available to view inside the museum.
For a trip around the country without leaving your couch, check out virtual tours of these famous United States museums:
National Museum of Natural History
10 St. & Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C., 20560
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Dive into the National Museum of Natural History and go room-to-room, viewing current and past exhibits like Last American Dinosaurs, Eternal Life in Ancient Egypt, and the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Ave., New York, NY 10028
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The Met is world-famous, and you don't have to leave home to see why. Experience the museum online via their Open Access initiative, which allows you to explore over 400,000 images created over the last 5,000 years.
National Women's History Museum
205 S. Whiting St. Suite 254, Alexandria, VA 22304
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The National Women's History Museum offers nearly 30 interactive online exhibits charting the great moments in the history of women in the United States.
Traveling to the Virtual Past
Which is your favorite national or international museum to tour virtually? Let us know in the comments below!
13
How to Celebrate Pi Day in Cincinnati? With Pie, Of Course
March 14th is National Pi Day! The mathematical constant π, which numerically begins with the digits 3.14, is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the third month in the United States. How can you celebrate Pi Day in the Queen City? Indulge yourself in sweet and savory pies! We're doubling down this Pi Day by exponentially increasing our happiness — we're diving into a fresh pizza pie then taking down a tasty bakery pie for dessert. Here are a few perfect pizza parlors and bakeries in Cincinnati, where you can celebrate National Pi Day in style.
Pizza Party on Pi Day
Harvest Pizzeria OTR
1739 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Local tastes better, and Harvest Pizzeria proves it with their locally sourced all-natural ingredients. Get a true taste of Cincinnati's local farms in every bite when you create your own pie. You can also let them whip up one of their signature pies like the Geary Street with clams or the Ohio Double Bacon with mozzarella and roasted red pepper. Be sure to ask which farms they source their ingredients from — you may be eating a pizza from your community farm!
Catch-a-Fire Pizza
3301 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45209
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Rated one of the Hot 100 Independent Pizzerias by Pizza Today, you may know Catch-a-Fire Pizza from their humble beginnings as a food truck. Their brick-and-mortar pizzeria within MadTree Brewing Company pairs custom wood-fired pizzas with craft beer. Serving up tasty-titled pizzas named after Bob Marley songs, the Buffalo Soldier, Natural Mystic, Goettup Stand Up, and Soul Rebel absolutely rock. Trust us, "every little thing gonna be alright" at Catch-a-Fire Pizza.
A Tavola
1220 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Gather together with friends and family at A Tavola, a modern interpretation of the timeless Italian trattorias. Family recipes pepper the menu, including their delicious pizzas. Choose a traditional Gorgonzola or Margherita pie, unless your taste buds desire a unique blend of ingredients, such as the EVOO, fontina, caramelized onions, and shaved brussels sprouts on the Brussels Sprout pizza or the fig jam, Parmigiano Reggiano, and arugula on the Fig & Prosciutto pizza.
Via Vite
520 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine prepared in classic Tuscan tradition at Via Vite. Using only the finest local and imported ingredients, Via Vite offers favorites like Sausage & Onion, Bianca, Margherita, Calabrese, and Pizza Regina. We suggest that you pop-in mid-day to take advantage of their $7 pie special.
Taft's Brewporium
4831 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45232
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Local beer and New Haven-style "apizza" are on tap at Taft's Brewporium. This unique pizza is a hotter and crispier version of Neapolitan-style pie, using imported dough and tomatoes straight from Italy. They have seven specialty pies to choose from, or you can add any of their 30 toppings to create your own delicious pizza. Pair a pie with one of their award-winning beers like Gustav Vienna lager, and you'll have yourself a presidential Pi Day.
Sweet Pie in the Swine City
O Pie O
1527 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45206
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Torn between sweet and savory pies for National Pi Day? O Pie O is ready to serve you the best of both worlds. Bite into savory offerings like the Greek Quiche or Quiche Lorraine, or sweeten up your day with their Honey Vinegar Pie, Lemon Bar Pie, or Dark Chocolate Pie. Each day, they also prepare a variety of signature hand pies in sweet and savory options, but be sure to visit early as these special daily pies are sure to sell out!
Brown Bear Bakery
116 E. 13th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see? Thoughtfully made baked goods at Brown Bear Bakery! Chess pies, cream pies, fruit pies — every type of pie is available and made from scratch at this scrumptious bakery. Cooking up classics and innovative creations with unbelievable flavors, Brown Bear Bakery invites you to enjoy National Pi Day with a slice of pie and a freshly brewed coffee.
Fork and Pie Bakery
6836 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45244
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Fork and Pie Bakery take farm-to-table seriously — they use natural ingredients that they've grown themselves in their own gardens and farms. Their made-from-scratch offerings change daily, serving up delicious yet healthy pies that you won't regret trying. They also have a signature gluten-free crust, so those with gluten allergies can enjoy their amazing seasonal pies throughout the year.
Bluebird Bakery
29 Village Square, Cincinnati, OH 45246
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Bluebird Bakery has been a Cincy favorite since 1996. Owner Jenny Dennis dreamed of opening her own bakery since she began baking as a child in Sharonville. Today, Bluebird Bakery & Café and their newest location Bluebird ToGo continue to feature her made-from-scratch pastries. Jenny's pies are second to none, especially her award-winning Apple Crumb Top. This scrumptious treat joins her Triple Berry, Coconut Cream, Peanut Butter, and Key Lime creations that are available all year. She will also bake Egg Custard, Cherry Lattice Top, Chocolate Cream, and Southern Pecan pies by request. However, some of her best offerings are available only by the season, such as her Peach Lattice Top, Old Fashioned Pumpkin, and Apple Cranberry pies. Taste any of her pies just once, and you'll find yourself coming back throughout the year to try the rest!
The Brewhaus Bakery
6927 Miami Ave., Madeira, OH 45243
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What's better than celebrating Pi Day with your best friend? Celebrating it with your four-legged friend, too! The Brewhaus Bakery is a not-for-profit organization that provides learning and work opportunities for young adults in the community with disabilities. Together, they prepare handcrafted baked goods for people and pets alike. Bring your pup in for a treat while you dive into one of their fresh pies.
Pi Day Never Tasted So Good
Where is your favorite place for pie and pizza in Cincinnati? Let us know where you're celebrating National Pi Day in the comments below!
11
Get in on the Bubble Tea Craze Around Columbus
The popularity of Asian food in the Columbus area now extends to a beverage. Bubble tea, created in Taiwan during the 1980s, usually contains milk and sugar along with a wide range of "toppings." While these add-ins include red beans, pudding and jelly, the most common one is tapioca pearls that give bubble tea its distinctive, Instagram-ready look.
Whether you're a bubble tea newbie or long-time fan, you'll find your perfect drink at these wonderful tea and juice shops (and one sushi joint!) around Columbus.
The Brewed Leaf
809 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43214
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If you want a primer on bubble tea, head to The Brewed Leaf. Customers rave about the authenticity and wide range of drink options available. In addition to tapioca pearls, you can choose from toppings such as wild rice, red bean, pudding, and aloe. The Brewed Leaf even has tea topped with a layer of cream cheese, a popular variation in China that gives the tea a welcome savory touch. Settle in with your drink over one of the board games the shop keeps on hand. Hours are 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily.
Chicken & Tea
2781 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43202
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It may not be a traditional culinary duo like spaghetti and meatballs or bacon and eggs, but Chicken & Tea has become a favorite combo around Columbus. The food truck serves bubble tea along with traditional Taiwanese fried chicken dishes, including their signature giant chicken cutlet that's the size of your head. Complete your meal with sweet potato fries or fried broccoli, green beans, or mushrooms. Chicken & Tea operates March through November, so check their Facebook page for updates. Standard hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. weekdays and 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. weekends.
ZenCha Tea Salon
982 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201
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ZenCha Tea Salon has the elegantly soothing ambiance you associate with drinking tea. ZenCha's mission of promoting international tea arts is accomplished by their professionally-trained "tea ambassadors," who are charged with providing elite customer service and helpful knowledge to all customers. The tea menu lists nearly 100 options from Asia, Europe and Africa, while bubble tea comes in delicious flavors such as peach, hazelnut, and caramel. Enjoy classic afternoon tea, including finger sandwiches, scones, and petite sweets, weekdays from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Stop in from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, when brunch is served all day.
Pochi Café
921 E. Johnstown Road, Columbus, OH 43230
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East meets West at Pochi Café with its blend of bubble teas and made-to-order sub sandwiches crafted with fresh meats and cheeses. Sandwiches like chicken parmesan, cheesesteak, and Italian come in 6-, 10- and 20-inch sizes. Other drink choices include smoothies with exotic flavors such as taro-coconut, peach-lychee, and mango-passion fruit. The updated diner-style seating area suits Pochi Café's stated belief in "The Art of Relaxing." Hours are 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. weekends.
Little Moon Café & Tea
2899 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202
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Like a little karaoke with your bubble tea? Little Moon Café & Tea hosts Karaoke Night every Saturday from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. With other regular events such as Monday Game Nights and Tuesday Euchre League, the charming café is a great place to hang out with old friends and make new ones. Each Monday at 1:30 p.m., Little Moon also serves as the base for Clintonville Entrepreneurship Center, a community resource for current and aspiring small business owners. Little Moon is open daily from 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. except Friday and Saturday, when hours are extended to 10 p.m.
Knobu Sushi
1502 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201
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How good is the bubble tea at Knobu Sushi? Satisfied customers talk about the bubble tea as much as they do the sushi. What makes Knobu Sushi's bubble tea so special? The right degree of sweetness, size of the tapioca pearls and pearl-to-tea ratio. Sushi itself comes primarily in three different forms: rolls, burritos, and poke bowls, with each order customized for your choice of ingredients. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
Wali Dessert
1440 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220
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"Life is uncertain ... eat dessert first." Sometimes you just want to get down to the good stuff, and those are the times you head to Wali Dessert. Bubble tea fits perfectly into their menu of ice cream, smoothies, juices, and baked goods. Sit back in one of the comfy chairs or couches and indulge your sweet tooth. Order online for quick take-out. Wali Dessert is open noon - 10 p.m. every day but Tuesday.
Tea Zone Bakery & Café
5025 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214
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Want a light lunch to go with your bubble tea? Tea Zone Bakery & Café fits the bill. The menu features ramen and udon, two classic noodle dishes, along with lunch boxes that include your choice of protein with rice and kimchi. Be sure to try the bingsoo, a traditional Korean shaved ice dessert topped with fruit, ice cream, and other yummy add-ins. Don't leave without picking up some of the amazing baked goods such as potato bacon bread, apple fritters, or fresh fruit cake. Hours are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Koko Tea Salon & Bakery
3951 Easton Square Place E., Columbus, OH 43219
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Add a little variety to your bubble tea at Koko Tea Salon & Bakery. Instead of tapioca pearls, go with popping pearls filled with strawberry, mango, or peach juice. Koko specializes in cupcakes, another sweet treat with widespread popularity. Mix and match from the extensive list of cake and icing flavors that includes salty caramel, cake batter, peppermint, and Hawaiian coconut. If you want a more classic tea experience, Koko's downtown location at 361 E. Broad St. is open exclusively as a tea house. Events include lunch hour teas, traditional high teas, mimosa teas, kids' teas, and themed teas. Reservations are required. Hours at Easton Square are 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 6 p.m. Sunday.
Millions of Milk Tea
1990 N. High St., Columbus OH 43201
The name may not be literal, but it's close. Between bubble tea, fresh tea, slushes, espresso, and punch, Millions of Milk Tea has a seemingly endless number of beverage options. While beverages are the main event, Millions of Milk Tea also has a similarly impressive menu of Chinese appetizers, soups, and entrées. You could probably eat lunch AND dinner every day for a year without ever repeating a meal. Millions of Milk Tea is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Don't Burst My Bubble!
Which beverage found in Columbus fits you to a "tea?"
6
Where to Celebrate the Luck o' the Irish Around Northeast Ohio
Whether you're Irish or just Irish for a day, St. Patrick's Day is a huge holiday in Northeast Ohio. You'll find one of the country's largest St. Paddy's Day parades here, as well as pub crawls and even a sober gathering.
If you're planning to celebrate the holiday with some green beer or other adult beverages, make sure you've planned ahead for a safe ride home. Install Lyft and Uber apps on your phone in advance, and also consider public transportation. Cleveland's RTA, for example, typically offers all-day passes for St. Patrick's Day that you can buy on your smartphone.
Get in on the fun and celebrate the luck o' the Irish around Northeast Ohio. Check out the following events.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Starts on Superior Ave. at E. 18th St. and ends at the intersection of Rockwell Ave. and Ontario St.
March 17, 1:04 p.m. kickoff
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Cleveland has hosted a St. Patrick's Day Parade for 175 years, and the tradition continues in 2020. This year's theme is Ireland's Scenic Coastlines, so you'll see that some of the floats have incorporated this theme. Line up early so you can get a good view of the bands, floats, dancing groups, and much more as they wind their way through downtown Cleveland in one of the country's largest parades.
Shamrock Parade Shuttle and Dinner
Brennan's Party Center, 1300 Triskett Road, Cleveland, OH
March 17, shuttle leaves Brennan's at noon
Make transportation to the parade easy on yourself by taking a shuttle from Brennan's and then keep the fun going by returning on the shuttle at 3:30. You'll be able to enjoy Irish dancers, DJ, and an open bar while you treat yourself to a corned beef buffet — a perfect way to celebrate the day! A children's buffet is also available at a reduced price for kids under age 12.
Crawl with Us Pub Crawl
Check in at Dive Bar, 1214 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH
March 14, 4 p.m.-12 a.m.
Pub crawls are a popular St. Patrick's Day activity, so gather some friends and try the Crawl with Us Public Crawl. You'll be able to visit eight popular venues, enjoy exclusive drink specials and two complimentary drinks/items, and try some food deals along the way. Save some energy for the after-party starting at 10 p.m. and make sure you're dressed up for St. Paddy's Day to compete in a costume contest with a $500 prize.
Jameson Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Run
Starts on W. 6 th St., Cleveland, OH
March 7, 5 p.m.
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Get your Irish on early and get some exercise by running a 5K. You'll head through some of Cleveland's trendiest areas, including the Historic Warehouse District and over the Detroit-Superior Bridge. And since it's a St. Patrick's Day race, you'll also have some special perks! You'll get one Jameson shot or one Coors Light, drink specials at designated West 6th Street bars and be able to participate in a costume content throughout the event. Post-race food and refreshments are also offered.
Sober Seventeenth
Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, OH
March 17, 5 p.m.
Many St. Patrick's Day events feature opportunities to drink alcohol, but some are alcohol-free if you'd like to celebrate while enjoying a sober environment. Sober Seventeenth features Irish music, dance, and heritage in a family-friendly, alcohol-free setting.
All Irish Day
Ancient Order of Hibernians, 2000 Brown St., Akron, OH
March 8, starting at noon
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The AOH hosts a day of Irish-themed fun, complete with dancers and other entertainment. And if you think you may have some talent of your own, two open mic sessions are open during the day if you'd like to try to sing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" or another favorite.
Official St. Patrick's Bar Crawl
Flats East Bank & Warehouse District, Cleveland, OH
Saturday, March 14, 1 p.m.-9 p.m.
Get your green on, grab some friends, and enjoy some special perks throughout your pub crawl. A ticket gets you a free color-changing cup, entry to 5+ top venues, up to 50% off drink specials, and up to 25% off food specials. You'll also be able to party the day away with a kick-off, half-time, and after-party.
Family-Friendly St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, OH
March 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Treat the kids to an afternoon at the zoo, where you'll also be able to enjoy a St. Patrick's Day-themed event. The zoo will feature food, music, crafts, and more fun that's related to the holiday.
Irish for a Day
Where will you be having fun in Northeast Ohio for St. Patrick's Day this year?
4
Cleveland: Where to Train for Your Next 5K
Lace-up your running shoes and fill up your water bottle — it's time to train for your next race! As the warm weather slides into Northeast Ohio, the many trails and pathways around the region are shaking off their snow and inviting runners to go the extra mile in preparation for 5Ks, 10Ks, and marathon races! Even if you're not training to beat your record time, frequent running will keep your form consistent and help you complete each race you enter. Check out these trails located in a few of our favorite green spaces around the Cleveland area.
Big Creek Reservation
4101 Fulton Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44144
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The fishing, sledding, and picnicking at Big Creek Reservation are all enjoyable, but the gem of the park has to be the gorgeous Lake to Lake Trail. Connecting Lake Isaac to Lake Abram, this 2.4-mile all-purpose trail crosses through the wetlands and provides a steady pathway for runners entering into their first race to gain their footing.
Punderson State Park
11755 Kinsman Road, Newbury, OH 44065
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Just a short drive from downtown Cleveland is Punderson State Park. While others boat on Punderson Lake or play golf, you can take advantage of nearly 11 miles of trail. Of the eight trails in the park, the farthest is 2.2 miles, while the shortest is a simple 0.1 mile — most hover been 0.75 and 1.2 miles. With such easy and accessible trails available, this is a great place to get a quick run in before you enjoy the park's other amazing amenities.
North Chagrin Reservation
Cleveland Metro Park Drive, Mayfield Village, OH 44143
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The North Chagrin Reservation is a fantastic place for runners who love adventure. Within the reservation is Foster's Run, a stunning trail that connects a newly constructed all-purpose trail with an old roadway. Although this trail connects the Wilson Mills Road Trailhead parking lot with the Forest Picnic Area, you can choose to jump on the Buckeye Trail or Bridle Trail to extend your run. There's also a physical fitness trail on the reservation that offers additional opportunities to exercise.
Acacia Reservation
26899 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
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Looking for a place to run with nature while doing so on a paved path? Acacia Reservation sounds like the spot for you. Their 1.7-mile paved loop trail offers an opportunity to tackle a manageable run or work on your stamina with multiple laps.
Springfield Bog Metro Park
1400 Portage Line Road, Akron, OH 44312
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The Springfield Bog Metro Park is home to the Prairie Trail, an easy 1.6-mile jaunt that leads runners through a gorgeous prairie. This park is less than a decade old and was once unused farmland. As you run, you'll see more than 40 species of plant wave to you as this beautiful new boggy area continues to thrive.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, OH 44141
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The parks and reservations above offer fantastic trails that will surely help you get in shape for your 5K, but we've saved our top pick for last — Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This massive park connecting Akron and Cleveland offers up over 125 miles worth of hiking trail for you to break in your running shoes and set your sights on breaking every goal you set. With so many trails to choose from, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get to know this park inside and out. Here are a few of the trails we suggest you conquer in each area of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Kendall Lake Area Trails
The trails in the Kendall Lake Area are practically built for runners who want to gradually increase their goals. We like to think of them as perfect markers to help track our progress. The Lake Trail is an easy one-mile trail while the Cross Country Trail is a little more challenging at 2.5 miles. Did you guess that the third trail, the Salt Run Trail, was 3.3 miles and the most challenging? Master each one individually, then combine them to really test your limits!
Ledges Area Trails
Here are two sets of trails for two types of runners. Those who are shaking off the rust or are running for their first time will love the easy Forest Point Trail and Haskell Run. Both are only half-of-a-mile long and hardly have an elevation change. The other two trails, Ledges Trail and Pine Grove Trail are each 2.2 miles long and offer a moderate challenge. We love running the longer trails for endurance and hitting the shorter trailers hard for an explosive final sprint to the finish!
Cuyahoga Valley Trails
The Cuyahoga Valley Trails tackle three areas of the park from Station Road to Boston to Everett. Their four loop trails have the following distances: Station Road Bridge to Red Lock 10.3 miles, Red Lock to Boston 8.1 miles, Boston to Peninsula 7.4 miles, and Peninsula to Hunt Farm 9.4 miles. While trekking through these areas, you'll use different pathways including the statewide Buckeye Trail, the Valley Trail, and Towpath Trail. These runs can be quite tiresome, especially if you're still getting into the groove of long-distance running. Thankfully, there are many parking lots lining the trails, which allow you to carve out small sections of them and gradually increase your out-and-back distance when you're comfortable.
Oak Hill and Plateau Trails
If you follow Oak Hill Road north just past the Cuyahoga Valley Environment Education Center, you'll be able to access the Oak Hill Trail and the Plateau Trail. Both trails are loops, with the Oak Hill Trail labeled an easy trail at 1.8 miles and the Plateau Trail stretching just under 5 miles, with a moderate to difficult ranking. Either trail alone offers a solid run; however, what we like most about this duo is the Oak Hill Trail connects to the Plateau Trail at six spots. If 5 miles is too much yet 2 miles is too little, you can break off of the Oak Hill trail, run through sections of the Plateau Trail, then jump back on the Oak Trail to finish. This allows you to make the Oak Hill Trail stretch as far as you desire.
Wetmore Area Trails
The Wetmore Area Trails are quite scenic, so much so that when we aren't training for a race, we love to take the slow route via horseback. You can access five trails from the Hunt House right on Bolanz Road — Wetmore Trail, Butler's Trail, Langes Run Trail, Tabletop Trail, and Valley Trail. Butler's Trail is a quick and easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail while the Tabletop Trail is a little longer at 0.75 mile that acts as a short cut through the Wetmore Trail. The Wetmore Trail and Langes Trail are longer, at 4.5 miles and 3.5 miles respectively, and offer a moderate to difficult run. However, we suggest that marathon runners set their sights on the 19-mile Valley Trail. It's quite a trek, but uninterrupted paths with ranging levels of difficulty offer a chance to really test your strength and stamina.
On Track
Where are your favorite places to run free around Cleveland? Let us know in the comments below!
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