Posts with tag 'Best of Ohio'

Ohio is such a beautiful state, offering so many lovely opportunities for family vacations and quick getaways. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to relax or a grand adventure to get the adrenaline pumping, Ohio is the place to be. Here are nine places to consider taking your family for a memorable summer vacation. 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Peninsula, OH 44264

Cuyahoga National Park is a 33,000-acre park in Northeast Ohio. Inside the park, you can follow the 87-mile towpath along the Cuyahoga River, admire Brandywine Falls, and take a tour of the wetlands. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs through the park, and rides are just $5 a person. Visitors also enjoy the Canal Exploration Center, where they can learn about the construction and early operation of the canal.

If you're looking for places to stay, there are several options inside Cuyahoga National Park, including the Inn at Brandywine Falls and the Stanford House, a nine-bedroom, historic home. 

Cedar Point

1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870

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Those who love an adrenaline rush will enjoy a vacation at Cedar Point, one of the nation's largest amusement parks. Located in Sandusky, the park offers 17 roller coasters, a thrilling water park, and an endless selection of kid-friendly rides. There's also an on-site mini-golf course, musical performances, brew tours, and more.

Cedar Point is also known for its beach. Along the shores of Lake Erie, this beach has soft sand, quiet waters, and paddleboard rentals. There are plenty of hotels in and around Sandusky, within easy reach of the park. Some guests also stay at Lighthouse Point, the on-site RV campground.

Downtown Dayton

Dayton, OH 45402

If you prefer a faster-paced, more urban vacation spot, then a trip to downtown Dayton could be perfect for your family. Dayton is a mid-sized city about an hour from Columbus with many fun attractions. If you stay in a hotel downtown, you'll be within easy reach of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and Dayton Art Institute.

Another great place to visit in Dayton is the Wright Cycle Company Complex. Here, you can learn how Orville and Wilbur Wright, the inventors of the airplane, once made and sold bicycles.

Amish Country

Millersburg, OH 44654

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Ohio's Amish Country is centered in and around Millersburg in Holmes County, home to about 37,000 Amish people. This quiet community is a lovely place to relax in nature and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can browse local shops selling baked goods, locally made cheese, and crafts. Eat at a real Amish restaurant, or learn about Amish culture on a guided tour. There are plenty of places to stay in Amish Country, including some quaint bed and breakfasts and RV parks. 

Put-in Bay

Put-in-Bay, OH 43456

Put-in-Bay is a village on the island of South Bass in Lake Erie. The village and surrounding island offer fun for all ages. There are several wineries to explore, and guests can go hiking at Oak Point State Park or South Bass Island State Park. Perry's Cave Family Fun Center offers a mini-golf course, butterfly house, and a climbing wall, along with tours of the limestone caves. 

Several ferries offer service to and from South Bass Island from the mainland. Once on the island, most people stay in a lakeside cottage or condo for the duration of their vacation.

Hocking Hills State Park

Logan, OH 43138

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Hocking Hills State Park is a great place to immerse yourself in nature. The park offers seven hiking areas, including Rock House and Ash Cave. Old Man's Cave is a popular mountain biking trail offering both a medium and hard loop for bikers of various skill levels. The park also offers guided nature tours throughout the week, many of which are designed with kids in mind.

There are cabins for rent on-site in Hocking Hills State Park. They also offer both RV and primitive tent cabin sites. Guests can enjoy on-site dining at Hocking Hills State Park Dining Lounge. The park is a short drive from Cincinnati, making it convenient for weekend getaways.

Downtown Cleveland

Cleveland, OH 44113

A vacation in downtown Cleveland is a great choice for families who like museums and a faster pace. The downtown area is quite walkable, offering attractions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Cleveland Museum of Art. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is fun for all ages, too.

Those who love nature may enjoy a visit to Cleveland's Edgewater Beach or the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve. West Side Market is a popular destination for "foodies," selling locally grown produce and prepared foods.

Marietta

Marietta, OH 45750

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Marietta is one of the first towns settled in the Northwest Territory of the United States. As such, it's rich with history and a great place to visit with family. Learn about the village's history at the Campus Martius Museum or the Ohio River Museum, or see a show at the historic Peoples Bank Theater.

There are plenty of historic homes to admire in Marietta. Nature lovers often enjoy walking or cycling along the Marietta River Trail or watching the sunset along the Ohio River. Marietta has a bustling restaurant scene with plenty of cafes, Italian restaurants, and barbecue joints.

Village of Marblehead

Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440

Marblehead is a tiny village on the Marblehead Peninsula along Lake Erie. The population is just under 1,000, although the village does receive a lot of tourism in the summer months. Once in Marblehead, you can relax on the sandy beaches, sip wine at one of the island's wineries, or browse the art galleries.

Marblehead is known for its lighthouse and the longest continually lit U.S. lighthouse on the Great Lakes. It was also the first lighthouse to employ a female lightkeeper. In the summer, guests can climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy a stunning view of Lake Erie and its islands.  

Relax in Ohio

Where will you vacation in this great state? From nature to museums, there truly is something for every family.

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?

Whether you're a historical enthusiast, a lover of fantasy fiction, or an admirer of ambitious architecture, the timeless mystique of castles is impossible to deny. Visiting them is the highlight of many people's European vacations, but did you know there are some you can visit a little closer to home? 

Ohio has many castles and castle-like structures spread out across the Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati areas. Some are historical buildings, while others were constructed a bit more recently. Here are nine of the most distinctive Ohio castles and some background information on what makes each unique. 

Loveland Castle Museum

12075 Shore Dr., Loveland, OH 45140 

Boy Scout leader Harry Delos Andrews created Loveland Castle Museum (sometimes called Chateau Laroche) as a hangout spot for his scout troupe (also called the Knights of the Golden Trail, or KOGT). Construction reportedly began in 1929 using materials fetched by Andrews and the 100-strong group of boys who made up the KOGT at the time. It was finally completed more than 50 years later and is now open to visitors.

Play a few games using the handmade chess, checkers, and puzzle sets scattered around the property, listen to a ghost story from one of the Knights on duty, or picnic in one of the many designated spots around the property. However you choose to spend your time here, this castle is sure to make you feel like a kid again.  

Elsinore Arch

1292-1298 Elsinore Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45202 

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Also known as Elsinore Tower, this small Cincinnati monument was built in the 1880s as a pumping station for nearby Eden Park. The arch's design was inspired by Hamlet's Elsinore Castle, though it was replicated on a much smaller scale; there are only a handful of rooms in this building, and all of them house the equipment needed to run the waterworks. Because it is so small yet still so visually impressive, this is an excellent spot for a quick outing on a trip to the city - you'll see some history up close and get a great photo opportunity as well!

Squire's Castle

2844 River Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 

Squire's Castle is not actually a castle at all, but rather a gatehouse for a castle that was never completed. The building dates back to the 1890s and is designed according to English and German baronial styles of the time. The structure has been remodeled slightly over the years to reinforce its structural integrity: its upper two floors have been removed and its basement filled in with concrete. Visitors can wander around the inside of the building, enjoy walks on the nearby trails, or eat a meal at the picnic area just outside the stone structure.  

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303 

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Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens was constructed in 1915 by F. A. Seiberling, one of the founders of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The property was named after an Old English phrase meaning "stone hewn." Built in the Tudor Revival style, this Northeast Ohio estate includes 65 rooms and 70 acres of gardens and landscaped grounds.

Self-guided indoor tours are available for those who want to take a closer look at the remarkable interior finishes and architecture. Outside, you will find the hall's PlayGarden, a verdant paradise for kids. From bug catching and butterfly watching to geocaching, young visitors will always find something to do at this historic site.

Cote Bonneville

4795 Chapel Ridge Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45223 

Cote Bonneville was built in 1902 by Napoleon DuBrul, a cigar mold mogul originally from Quebec, Canada. This privately-owned 6-acre gated property features a towering stone manor built in the Romanesque Revival style. The stately castle-like home is part of the Cincinnati Preservation Association's annual Raeburn Estate House tour each spring, but even the outside of this incredible structure is well worth a visit. 

Ravenwood Castle

65666 Bethel Rd., New Plymouth, OH 45654

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Ravenwood Castle may look like a historical castle, but it was actually built less than 30 years ago in 1995. Inspired by English and Welsh castles from the 12th and 13th centuries, its original builders hoped to create a place where fans of medieval-themed popular culture could gather for a fun, immersive experience. They even built a tiny medieval village next to the castle to create a more immersive experience for their guests. In addition to grand occasions like weddings and formal events, this location is frequently used for recreational activities like board games, conventions, murder mysteries, and scavenger hunts. 

Glamorgan Castle

200 Glamorgan St., Alliance, OH 44601 

Glamorgan Castle was designed by Willard Hirsch for Colonel William Henry Morgan in 1904 and named for his ancestral home in Wales. Over the years, this gorgeous property has served as an Elk lodge and the corporate headquarters for Alliance Machine; it currently serves as the administrative building for Alliance City Schools, as well as a backdrop for local events like plays, weddings, and even car shows. For those interested in getting a better look at the castle's interior, there are guided indoor tours available every Friday afternoon. 

Landoll's Mohican Castle

561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842 

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If it's a fairytale atmosphere you're after, look for the fanciful peaks of Landoll's Mohican Castle on the horizon. This impressive edifice was built by Jim Landoll, founder of the famous Landoll Publishing Company, in 1997. There were no floor plans or blueprints to guide the construction process; every room was built one at a time according to Landoll's vision. The castle was finally completed and opened for business in 2002. Twenty years later, this one-of-a-kind building is a well-loved hotel and restaurant and an extremely popular wedding destination. You can even go on ghost hunts in the cemetery on the castle's grounds. 

Enjoy a Taste of Royal Living

Which of these magnificent Ohio castles is your favorite? 

When the snow flies in Ohio, the fun has just begun! With opportunities for skiing, ice skating, winter hiking, and countless other activities, it's the perfect season to enjoy the outdoors in Ohio. Be sure to check out these nine amazing outdoor destinations in Ohio this winter. 

Mill Stream Run Reservation

16200 Valley Pkwy., Strongsville, OH 44136

Tobogganing at the Chalet at Mill Stream Run Reservation is a winter tradition in Northeast Ohio. With its two 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes, Mill Stream Run offers the thrill of a fast-paced toboggan ride all winter long, with or without snow. Just be sure to hold on tight—once you start moving, you're likely to top 50 miles per hour before you reach the bottom! You can always warm up in the Chalet or slow down and explore the park's snowshoe and cross-country ski trails while you're there. Mill Stream Run Reservation is operated by Cleveland Metro Parks and is just 20 minutes from the city.

Alpine Valley Ski Resort

10620 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026

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One of Ohio's top skiing destinations, Alpine Valley Ski Resort is nestled among the rolling hills of Northeast Ohio, less than 40 minutes from Cleveland. Their varied terrain includes gentle slopes that are great for beginners, as well as some more advanced slopes for seasoned skiers. Alpine Valley Ski Resort also offers equipment rentals and hands-on skiing courses with skilled instructors to help new skiers learn the ropes. If you get a little hungry between runs, stop in at the on-site restaurant for a bite, or warm up with a beverage at the Snow Belt Saloon.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

5793 Boston Mills Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264

Endless winter adventures await at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This wild 32,500-acre playground in Northeast Ohio includes 125 miles of hiking trails open year-round. The 19.7-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is especially popular among cross-country skiers thanks to its smooth grade, while the rugged Ledges Trail meanders among large rock formations that become encrusted in icicles every winter. Cuyahoga Valley National Park also offers some great opportunities for snow tubing and sledding, especially in the Kendall Hills section.

Blendon Woods Metro Park

4265 E. Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43230

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Blendon Woods Metro Park is one of the best places in Columbus to get away from city life for a while and experience nature. This 653-acre park includes a waterfowl refuge and nature center, with an elevated platform overlooking Thoreau Lake that's a popular year-round spot for bird watching. Blendon Woods Metro Park also includes several trails that are perfect for a winter hike. The 2-mile Sugarbush Trail is especially popular among cross-country skiers. Best of all, the park has a shallow, man-made pond that freezes over in winter to form a natural ice skating rink.

Buckeye Lake

2905 Leibs Island Rd. NE, Millersport, OH 43046

A mere 30 minutes from Columbus, Buckeye Lake is one of the great winter destinations in Central Ohio. When the 3,100-acre lake freezes over in winter, it's one of Ohio's best ice fishing spots, thanks to its abundant populations of saugeye, panfish, and bass. Stop in one of the gear shops or cafes around the lake to warm up, and be sure to visit on January 22, 2022, for Winterfest. This annual event includes food and drink, live music, and various events around the lake, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show. Buckeye Lake is accessible for fishing through Buckeye Lake State Park, including a 4-mile shoreline path that connects the North Shore to Lieb's Island.

Mad River Mountain

1000 Snow Valley Rd., Zanesville, OH 43360

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Central Ohio's premier ski and snowboard destination, Mad River Mountain is located just an hour from Columbus in the rolling hills of Zanesville. Skiing is available December through March most years on the 1,460-foot mountain, with a vertical drop of 300 feet. Mad River Mountain offers challenging runs for experienced skiers, as well as a learning area with easier terrain for beginners. There's even a tubing area that kids can enjoy while the grown-ups ski and a bar and grill in the lodge that serves up tasty drinks and pub grub.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden opened in 1875, making it the second-oldest zoo in the United States. It's one of the absolute must-visit attractions in the Cincinnati area, no matter the season. In winter, visitors have some particularly special events to look forward to, including the spectacular PNC Festival of Lights. Visit on a winter weekend for Penguin Days, an annual event that includes discounted admission and a chance to meet the zoo's resident penguins up close and in person. Penguin Days goes from January 10 to March 11.

Fountain Square Ice Rink

520 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Fountain Square is at the center of Downtown Cincinnati. Every year from November through February, the square is overtaken by a massive outdoor ice rink open to public skating. A 90-minute ice skating session including skate rentals is just $10, and kids 4 and under can skate for free. The rink also includes a separate area for ice bumper cars, which are a heck of a lot of fun. Visit after dark to see Fountain Square lit up in holiday lights, and be sure to check out some of the shops and eateries that are just footsteps away. It's a perfect place for a romantic winter night out in Cincinnati. 

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013

An outdoor sculpture gallery spanning more than 300 acres, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is a unique place in any season. But it's a particularly magical place in winter, when the trees, trails, and more than 70 sculptures are dusted with snow. Every year, the park also hosts a spectacular holiday lights display. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is located in the community of Hamilton, less than 30 minutes from Downtown Cincinnati. 

Let It Snow

Where will you be spending your time outdoors in Ohio this winter?

It's always a treat to enjoy a breakfast bagel, but there's no better day than January 15, which is designated as National Bagel Day. This beloved carb comes in enough varieties to please anyone, and when you eat it with your favorite schmear or in a sandwich, you'll have an endless combination of choices.

Check out the following 9 places to have a bagel for breakfast in Ohio.

Northeast Ohio

Bialy's Bagels

2267 Warrensville Center Rd., University Heights, OH 44118

Bialy's Bagels has served the University Heights area since 1966, becoming an Eastside institution. They're even been named to Thrillist's list of "The Best Bagel Shops in America that Aren't in New York." The site praised the quality of the shop's New York-style bagels as well as its dedication to simply providing an excellent bagel. You'll find no toppings or other frills. Order your choice from a long list of bagel types, including roasted garlic salt, smoked sea salt rosemary, apple cinnamon, and pumpernickel. True to its name, the shop also makes bialys, which are a sort of cousin to bagels. It has a round, depressed middle filled with cooked onion, and unlike a bagel, which is baked after it's boiled, a bialy is just baked.

The Cleveland Bagel Co.

7501 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103

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At The Cleveland Bagel Co., you'll have your choice of several types of hand-rolled bagels that are made fresh every day. Go with plain for a traditional flavor, or pep it up by choosing rosemary with sea salt or cinnamon cranberry. Top off your bagel with a plain schmear, brie honey walnut, chorizo chipotle, or another flavor. And if you have a bigger appetite, bagel sandwiches are also served, including one with local free-range eggs and American cheese and a classic lox version with house-made lox, a plain schmear, red onion, and capers.

D&R Bagels

33567 Aurora Rd., Solon, OH 44139

Bagels are hand-rolled, kettle boiled, and baked fresh on-premises daily at D&R Bagels. They have plenty of varieties, and if you'd like to try a mixture of flavors, check out the shop's mini bagels. Treat yourself to your favorites such as cinnamon crunch, sun-dried tomato, chocolate chip, jalapeno, and more. Or stop by in the morning to grab a breakfast bagel or two with fillings such as egg and ham, bacon, sausage, pastrami, or corned beef. If you live nearby, you can even have your bagels delivered.

Columbus

The Lox Bagel Shop

772 N. High St. #106, Columbus, OH 43215

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Located in the heart of the short north, The Lox Bagel Shop hand rolls, boils, and bakes its bagels using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy them with a spread like beet and thyme, woodhouse vegan, or artichokes, or choose fancy jam from Prospect Jam. Co. in Cincinnati. When you're in the mood for more, order a bagel sandwich that comes stuffed with generous portions of filling. They're available for breakfast in varieties including The Lox, served with capers, onion, and cucumber along with an optional egg, or the Southwest, with egg, cheese, salsa, avocado, and optional pork. At lunch, The Pastrami (with mustard, pickled onion, and Swiss), is popular, as is the egg or tuna salad.

Block's Bagels

3012 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43209

Block's Bagels was opened in 1967 by two New York City transplants who couldn't find a bagel in Columbus that met their standards. They serve breakfast all day, so you can order breakfast sandwiches served on a bagel whenever you'd like. Customer favorites include the egg and swiss with corned beef as well as the egg and pepper jack with jalapenos and pastrami. For a lighter treat, try a bagel with your choice of cream cheese and a topping such as strawberry, garlic spice, or lox.

Nate's Steamed Bagels

3058 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43204

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A pop-up located inside Third Way Cafe's coffee shop, Nate's Steamed Bagels uses a machine to precisely steam and cook bagel sandwiches. It allows the flavor of the bagel, protein, and cheeses to blend together perfectly before cold toppings and homemade sauces are added. For breakfast, order The Ride, which has an everything bagel along with egg, fresh spinach, cheddar, avocado, and tomato, and with Green Goddess sauce on the side. For brunch or lunch, try The Italian Stallion, which comes with an everything bagel, salami, pepperoni, ham, onion, banana peppers, provolone, and lettuce, with parmesan peppercorn sauce on the side.

Cincinnati

Bagel Brothers

347 Calhoun St., Cincinnati, OH 45219

For the past 29 years, Bagel Brothers has been family-owned and operated across the street from the University of Cincinnati. They not only bake their bagels every morning, the shop's owners and employees also make their cream cheeses on-site using fresh ingredients with no additives or preservatives. Chicken, tuna, and egg salads are also made from scratch, and you can enjoy these on a bagel sandwich. Choose your bagel flavor as well as a cream cheese flavor such as apple cinnamon, French onion, jalapeno, or cheddar.

The Bagelry

1401 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Located in Over the Rhine, The Bagelry makes its bagels fresh daily, starting by selecting the right ingredients and giving the bagels an overnight rise to let their flavors develop. From there, the bagels are hand-rolled and kettle-boiled to achieve a crispy exterior, chewy interior, and delicious flavor. Grab a single bagel like asiago, blueberry, or cinnamon raisin, and add a cream cheese flavor like roasted veggie, natural strawberry, or bacon scallion. If you'd like to take some home or to work to share, the shop offers a Brunch Bundle consisting of 12 bagels of your choice along with two tubs of cream cheese. The bagel sandwiches are also popular, including the Avocado Bagel Toast (with sliced avocado, onion, tomato, sea salt, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes) as well as the Smoked Turkey Club (with Lucius Q smoked turkey, bacon scallion cream cheese, lettuce, onion, and tomato).

Bagel Stop Sandwich & Catering

201 E. 5th St. Unit 11, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Choose your favorite combinations of bagels and spreads at Bagel Stop Sandwich & Catering, which is located in First Financial Tower. Bagel options include whole wheat, everything, and sesame, while spreads offered range from classic cream cheese to cinnamon butter or jelly. Or try a bagel sandwich that's customizable with your favorite toppings, cheeses, and sauces. Favorites include the roasted turkey breast with your choice of veggies and dressing, or an all-white-meat chicken salad made with celery, pecans, and cranberries.

You Knead a Bagel!

Where will you start your day with a yummy breakfast bagel in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, or Cincinnati?