Posts from July 2017
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July
28
28
The Best Wineries Near Akron and Canton
There's nothing that hits the spot quite like a glass of wine after a long day, especially when the wine was harvested, mixed and fermented right here in Ohio. Ohio's Wine Country gets all the credit for our state's best vineyards — and we agree that those wines are great — but for those who aren't in the mood for a long trip, there are several wineries close to Akron and Canton that are just as good, if not better.
If you're a fan of chardonnays or cabernets, you will certainly enjoy spending a few hours at a local winery learning about your favorite varietal. We rounded up some of our favorites in the area, so next time you're in the mood to share a bottle, make sure to support your local community (and have a fun day while you're at it!).
The Winery at Wolf Creek
1637 S Cleveland Massillon Road, Norton
Photo courtesy of Jeff Gibson via The Winery at Wolf Creek
The Winery at Wolf Creek was founded in 1980 by Andrew Wineberg on his parents' property with nothing but 10 acres and a dream. The winery has since grown and fallen under new ownership, but continues to be family owned and operated. The current owner Andy Troutman and his family live on the vineyard year round, and Troutman ensures that the wines produced are top-notch and served with a smile. Locals know that the welcoming atmosphere at this local spot is second to none, and typically flock to the vineyard for fun events like the dog-friendly Yappy Hour and live music Mondays and Wednesdays.Red Horse Winery
5326 Fairland Road, Barberton Since Red Horse Winery sits on the second highest area in Summit County, it also provides access to some of the most incredible sunsets in the state. While you're enjoying the fabulous view, make sure you have a glass of wine in hand. Owner Joseph Semannsky Junior is an eight generation Hungarian winemaker, and has spent many summers on his family's vineyards overseas learning the art of making incredible wines — and his expertise is certainly apparent once you've tasted the final product.Gervasi Vineyard
1700 55th St. NE, Canton Gervasi Vineyard has swept the table as far as awards go, earning countless gold, double gold and silver medals for its fabulous wines. While you're sipping on your wine of choice, you can enjoy the Tuscan-inspired dining room, live music on the Piazza and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Looking to delve a little deeper? Enroll in a culinary class, where you'll learn to make a gourmet meal to pair with one of the Gervasi wines, or enjoy an exclusive pairings tour in the winery, complete with a selection of small bites and wine tastings. Make a weekend of it by staying in a luxurious villa suite on-site!Nauti Vine Winery
3950 South Main Street, Akron Nauti Vine Winery is nestled on the shore of Portage Lakes, and offers the ultimate wine tasting experience in a relaxing atmosphere overlooking the water. The winery resulted from the passion of local wine enthusiasts, Joe Wathey and Erica Antoniotti, whose vision was to create a Tuscan style winery with fantastic views and a welcoming community atmosphere. The two have accomplished their goal, and welcome locals and visitors alike daily to try Ohio wines and tasty bites. Beer enthusiasts will also find solace here — Mucky Duck Brewery shares a roof with the winery.Sarah's Vineyard, Winery and Art Gallery
1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls
Photo courtesy of Sarah's Winery
Husband-and-wife team Mike and Margaret opened the doors of Sarah's Winery in 2007, realizing a years-long dream and honoring their late daughter, Sarah. The vineyard and tasting room is an incredible homage to their loved one — boasting shaded picnic tables among picturesque gardens, a rustic chic vibe in the tasting room, a cozy loft, a deck and (of course) excellent wines made from the grapes grown on-site. The newest addition to the property, an elegant pavilion, opened this April, and offers stunning views of the grape vines season to season. Rumor has it that this is a fantastic venue for watching the Cleveland Browns during the fall!Maize Valley
6193 Edison St. NE, Hartsville Maize Valley truly has everything you could need for a fun weekend getaway, including a winery, craft brewery, farmers' market and even a family fun zone. Shop the market full of homegrown produce, savory meats, fresh breads and delectable cheeses, and create a picnic to enjoy alongside your chosen bottle of wine. The wines are made from grape varietals grown right there in the vineyard, and range from Hanky Panky (a sweet rosé), to Sinfully White (a dry white), Redneck Red (just what it sounds like) and many more. The winery also carries a few fruit wines in flavors like apple pie and blackberry in case you're looking to try something new!Silver Run Vineyard & Winery
376 Eastern Road, Doylestown
Photo courtesy of Silver Run Winery
If you find yourself in Doylestown, don't miss this family-owned boutique winery. Husband-and-wife duo Ed Sunkin and Christine Sabo bought the property in 2003, pursuing a dream to build and operate a family-friendly farm to host celebrations and special events. The couple pursued a wine education, working through the Ohio State University Agriculture Research and Development Center, and coupled that with winemaking knowledge they gained from traveling across the world. Their expertise has earned them a number of accolades, including "Editor's Choice" awards in 2006 and 2007 from Wine Maker Magazine. Taste the winning wines for yourself by visiting the tasting room, and make sure to strike up a conversation with one of the owners.ThornCreek Winery
155 Treat Road, Aurora David Thorn, a local landscaping architect, set his eyes on the ThornCreek site back in 2005. Since then he has transformed a forgotten property into one of the most popular destinations in the area, known for its unparalleled scenery, friendly service, seasonal menu, and eleven fantastic dishes that have stacked up an impressive number of awards over the years, including two silvers, a gold and a double gold (don't miss the chardonnay!). A tasting here is sure to be an experience to remember!Cheers!
Which is your favorite winery in the area? We'd love to hear about it in the comments!
July
28
28
The Best Things to do in Cincinnati Over Labor Day Weekend
The kids are getting ready to go back to school, the days are growing shorter, and the afternoon barbecues are becoming few and far between. We feel like summer just started, and we're certainly not ready to let it go yet. Luckily, Labor Day Weekend provides one final chance to enjoy all of our favorite summer activities (and enjoy three days off work to boot!).
It might be tempting to catch up on sleep with that extra day off, but it would be a shame to miss out on the celebrations and summery events occurring across town, because in Cincinnati, we certainly know how to throw a good party. Here are some of the Labor Day Weekend events we are most looking forward to. Have fun out there — and don't forget your white jeans!
This traditional summer send-off began more than 40 years ago when WEBN set off fireworks to celebrate their 10-year anniversary. Now, it's one of the most anticipated events of the year! The party takes place at Sawyer Point on Sunday, and features live music, food from local vendors, and family-friendly activities. When the sun sets, people on both sides of the river find a spot to enjoy the fireworks and marvel at the light show.
Riverfest / WEBN Fireworks | Sunday, September 3, 12-10 pm
This traditional summer send-off began more than 40 years ago when WEBN set off fireworks to celebrate their 10-year anniversary. Now, it's one of the most anticipated events of the year! The party takes place at Sawyer Point on Sunday, and features live music, food from local vendors, and family-friendly activities. When the sun sets, people on both sides of the river find a spot to enjoy the fireworks and marvel at the light show.
Words on the Water | Friday, September 1, 10 pm - 2 am
Wear all white to this swanky riverboat celebration, which will feature DJs, two floors, food, drinks, and some of the city's best spoken word artists, including Isaiah 58:1 and Genay Hall. All of this will take place at night on the water — which is simply the best place to listen to music and poetry, if you ask us.The 2017 Craft Beer Series and Music at the Market | September 1-3, Hours Vary
Photo courtesy of Braxton Brewing Company
Cincinnati is home to so many incredible beer entrepreneurs. Thankfully, we are able to enjoy their hop-filled creations at breweries across town, but during the summer, the Findlay Market welcomes a weekly brewer to serve at the biergarten, share their story, and pour two of their seasonal beers. To add to the experience, you'll get to listen to an incredible lineup of local artists. Over Labor Day Weekend, treat yourself to Braxton Brewing Company, and stomp your feet along to the Part Time Gents (Friday) and Liz Wu (Saturday).The Ohio Renaissance Festival | Saturday, September 2, All Day
Photo courtesy of Ohio's Renaissance Festival
If you're willing to make the hour-long trek to nearby Harveysburg, you will be treated to the opening day of Ohio's Renaissance Festival — a non-stop adventure that transports you centuries back in time! Enjoy sweet and savory offerings all day long, free-flowing beer, 100 shows daily on 12 different stages, and shops selling trinkets and souvenirs.FC Cincinnati Soccer vs. The Pittsburgh Hounds FC | Saturday, September 2, 4 pm
Head over to Nippert Stadium to cheer on your local soccer team as they face off against the Pittsburgh Hounds. And don't you dare forget your orange and blue! You can find all of your matchday apparel on the FC Cincinnati website, so you're prepared to cheer in style.The Rubber Duck Regatta | Sunday, September 3, 3 pm
This charity event is just as fun as it sounds. Buy a duck to compete in the race, and Kroger will donate 15 meals to hungry children in our community! You can purchase your duck of choice (or flock of ducks) at your neighborhood Kroger in the weeks leading up to the race — just make sure to choose a fast one. The winner of the Regatta will drive away with a 2017 Honda and cash prizes.Free Shakespeare in The Park | Sunday, September 3, 7 pm
To be or not to be at this event is really not a question if you're a fan of Shakespeare. The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company puts on free performances of the playwright's most famous hits in various parks throughout the summer. The series concludes with a bang on Labor Day Weekend, with a performance of Romeo & Juliet in Montgomery Park. Don't miss it, "for never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo."The Fireworks Train | Sunday, September 3, 6 pm
All aboard! A ride on the Fireworks Train is not an event you and your family will soon forget. Enjoy a 25-mile round trip ride through the city on a vintage passenger car. The wide open windows are perfect for seeing the city sights in all their glory, but you'll be especially thrilled when pull up to the riverfront in style to see the famed WEBN fireworks show.Labor Day Picnic at Stricker's Grove | Monday, September 4, 1-8 pm
Send summer off with a scream! Strickers Grove Amusement Park will open its doors on Labor Day for a popcorn and cotton candy-filled celebration. After you've twisted and twirled on the roller coasters to your heart's content, the park will close for a picnic-style dinner from 4-5 pm. Then, you can twist and twirl some more until the park closes at 8!Enjoy Your Long Weekend!
July
27
27
Meet the Man Behind Blueberried Alive, A Local Columbus Farm
Even if you're not planning to buy anything, meandering through a farmers' market is an experience in and of itself. You'll smell bright flowers, sample freshly baked pastries, and get to rummage through the piles and piles of fresh produce that the farmers are showcasing. A conversation with one of these farmers can reveal so much about their passions, their hardships, and about why shopping local is always the best way to go.
Martin Stehli, owner and founder of Blueberried Alive, is one such farmer. A born-and-raised Ohio native, Stehli has drawn a lot of support from his family and the surrounding community to make his dream of growing and selling fresh blueberries a reality. We spoke to him about his Columbus roots, the beginnings of his blueberr...
July
14
14
9 of the Most Beautiful Homes for Sale in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is on the rise as one of the most desirable places to live. It's in the list of the top 20 cities for business and careers (according to Forbes), one of the top 6 big cities in the country (from Time's Money Magazine), and a prominent fashion hub (USA Today) among other accolades. A...
July
13
13
The 11 Best Places to Get A Burger in Columbus
Columbus is not lacking in incredible food options. In fact, our beloved town is quickly climbing the charts as one of the best foodie towns in the nation, featuring trendy upscale staples, food trucks, and local haunts alike. Even surrounded by all of these incredible choices, there are some days when nothing hits the spot quite like a big, greasy burger topped with all the fixin's.
On those days (which occur more often than we'd like to admit), we hit up one of our 10 favorite burger joints in Columbus, so we decided to share the love. From elegant and trendy to just plain delicious, there's a burger for everyone on this list. Enjoy!
Ringside Cafe
19 North Pearl Street, Columbus
Photo courtesy of the Ringside Cafe
Cozied up in an alley in downtown lies a century-old tavern serving up some of the best burgers in town. The Ringside Cafe, which has been around since 1897 (wowza), is a little taste of history in an otherwise modernized, urban area. The dining area is decorated with charming memorabilia from days gone by, including antique paintings and stained glass windows, and features a friendly, pub-like ambience that invites you in to stay awhile. After you've ordered a pint, move on to the "Heavyweights" section of the menu. Here, you'll see an impressive list of burgers, all named after famous wrestling champions — the Oscar de La Hoya, with roasted red pepper, provolone and garlic aioli, is our favorite.Oliver's
26 North High Street, Columbus Oliver's manages to be cozy, accessible, elegant, and low-key all at once — we suspect the intimate booths and exposed brick walls have something to do with it. Once you've settled down in your seat of choice, the next step will be to choose a burger, which is not a simple task. The menu features seven choices, all wildly different, and all wildly impressive. One that catches our eye is the poutine burger, topped with crispy cheese curds and a rich bourbon demi glace…yes please.Third and Hollywood
1433 West 3rd Avenue, Grandview Heights
Photo courtesy of Third and Hollywood
If you're looking for a burger experience that's a bit more elevated, Third and Hollywood is your place. The dimly-lit dining room is perfect for a romantic date night, and the menu features chef-driven, cleverly-crafted comfort food with an urban twist. Start your meal off with some whole grilled artichokes or an iron skillet of cheddar herb biscuits before moving on to the main event. The Hollywood Burger is your target, and features Niman Ranch brisket and chuck ground in-house daily, topped with cheddar and served with french fries. This is honestly one of the most beautiful meals we've ever seen, which is why it made our list of The Most Instagram-Worthy Meals in Columbus.Flipside
3945 Easton Station, Columbus Excuse us for the pun, but the burgers at Flipside really are worth flipping over. The namesake "Flipside" Burger is made with two-year-aged cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, charred red onions, balsamic vinegar and house-made BBQ sauce. Pair that with your choice of hand-cut fries (options range from chili-cheese to truffle) and a milkshake, and you've got a meal that's tough to beat. All of this is served up with a smile in chic, rustic digs — perfect for casual hangouts and date nights alike.Eden Burger
1437 North High Street, Columbus
Photo courtesy of Eden Burger
We didn't think we'd live to see the day a meatless burger made a top-ten list, but today is that day. Eden Burger opened in early July on North High Street, and has already made a splash in the Columbus food scene with its creative combinations and fun atmosphere. Carnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike will swoon over the hearty cheeseburgers, fried pickles, milkshakes and hand-cut fries — all plant-based, all organic, and all delicious.Melt Bar & Grilled
4206 Worth Avenue, Easton Gateway, Columbus OR 840 North High Street, Columbus This iconic Ohio chain might be famous for its drool-worthy grilled cheeses, but burger seekers will not be disappointed. Most of the stacked sandwiches at Melt Bar & Grilled are piled high with meat anyway, and the cheeseburger is no exception. This beauty is a mouthwatering collision of two American classics, and features a freshly ground steak burger nestled between two melted layers of cheese and grilled, buttery bread. It's sure to have you cheesin' in no time.O'Reilly's Pub
2822 North High Street, Columbus O'Reilly's Pub is a local gathering place that you just can't help but love. The venue itself is about as old school as it gets, with leather booth seating, low lighting, and a long wooden bar serving as the centerpiece. The kitchen, which is open until 11:30 nightly, whips up no-frills, inexpensive burgers that are simply mouthwatering. Enjoy it in the bar or outside on the patio during the warmer months.Stack City Burger Bar
600 N. High St., Columbus
Photo courtesy of Stack City Burger Bar
This cheerful burger joint never fails to impress with its hearty burgers, thick shakes, and a la carte sides. The burgers are all made with locally sourced, grass-fed beef and served on a sesame seed bun, and come in standard and large sizes (always get the large). We recommend the Red White & Blue burger, which comes with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle — and we always add that bacon because 'Merica.Gahanna Grill
82 Granville St., Gahanna Since 1939, Gahanna Grill has grown its reputation for friendly service, a welcoming atmosphere, and straight-up great food. The restaurant has recently become popular for hosting one of the best St. Patrick's Day parties in town, but the incredible burgers make it a go-to destination year round. Take, for instance, the Beanie burger. The classic stack of beef, bacon, tomato, lettuce homemade slaw may include typical ingredients, but tastes well above average. This is thanks to the expertise of local legend Beanie, who ran the kitchen at Gahanna for a long time, and can still be found hanging around the dining room from time to time!The Thurman Cafe
183 Thurman Ave, Columbus Of course no list would be complete without an oversized, toppings-loaded burger from Thurman's. Since 1942, this spot has earned a reputation as one of the best burger hot spots in the state — not only because of the expansive burger menu (more than 20 to choose from), but also because of the high quality ingredients and welcoming atmosphere. If you're up for a challenge, square up to the Thurmanator, which includes two 12-ounce burgers, sautéed mushrooms, onions, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, banana peppers, mayo and three kinds of cheese. You might need a few friends for this one.Bareburger
4560 North High Street, Columbus OR 463 North High Street, Columbus This New York-based chain might be big now, but it started from humble beginnings. With a hope, a prayer and a love for burgers, a group of friends from California decided to open up a sustainable, locally sourced burger joint in Queens. 15 years later, the restaurant has expanded from its small, run-down ex bakery to locations across the world, including two right here in Columbus. If you're looking for a fresh, organic burger served up with a smile (and a side of fries of course), look no further than Bareburger.Bon Appétit!
We know you're probably craving a burger now. Sorry about that. Here's a map to easily find the most convenient burger spot!
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