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January
20

Cooking Classes - Explore Ohio - Cutler Real Estate

Cooking is an essential life skill that everyone should have some practice with. Why not take your dishes to the next level by learning from the pros? Here are just a few of the many places you can go to learn cooking techniques from some of Ohio's top chefs. 

Loretta Paganini School of Cooking 

8613 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026

The Loretta Paganini School of Cooking is one of the most renowned culinary institutions in Northeast Ohio. The crown jewel of the International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute, this school offers classes for laypeople as well as up-and-coming professional chefs. Some are even taught by Paganini herself!

The school's curriculum includes a set of intensive four-week classes to teach basic techniques like knife skills, grilling, and sauce-making—perfect for those just starting out in the kitchen. There are also a variety of standalone classes available to help you brush up on your execution of specific dishes, including ravioli, ragout, and various surf and turf plates. 

Stir Studio Kitchen

4461 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

Ever looked up a recipe for a particular dish and immediately regretted it when you saw what the instructions looked like? Stir Studio Kitchen is all about teaching kitchen novices to master specific meals that they might otherwise find intimidating. Each course is 2-3 hours long, and most take place in the evening. 

The classes cover dishes from a wide range of cuisines, including everything from chicken pot pie with citrus poppyseed salad to homemade naan with chana masala and palak paneer. Many of their classes include dishes that can be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. Just let them know in advance so they can make sure they have the right ingredients on hand!

The Mix

250 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215

The Mix is Columbus State Community College's official culinary branch. All of this acclaimed Columbus institution's classes are taught by experienced chefs, many of whom have also published well-known cookbooks and food columns. 

These hands-on courses run for about 2 hours each. Most of them teach you how to cook a single dish, such as Beef Wellington, Spanish paella, and French crepes. Others cover a few dishes related to a central theme, such as their Mardi Gras Celebration class in late February. 

The Seasoned Farmhouse

3674 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

Cooking doesn't have to be a high-stakes passion pursuit to be enjoyable. The folks at The Seasoned Farmhouse call their organization a recreational cooking school, a term they use to signpost their more relaxed cooking philosophy. The classes are still taught by professional chefs, but there's no pressure—it's all just for fun. 

Classes come in both hands-on and demonstration formats and are available evenings and afternoons. Whether you're interested in making hearty favorites like homemade bagels or fancy dishes like Beef Wellington, you're sure to find a course that will teach you what you need to know. 

Quinci Emporium

11 Buttles Ave., Columbus, OH 43215

The Quinci Emporium began as a gourmet food store when it first opened a few years back. Now, the company offers cooking classes in addition to its retail operations. You can take a 2- to 3-hour course with chef Deborah Quinci or a member of her team on most days of the week. 

The dishes covered in these classes range from savory classics like Tortellini with Broth and Lasagna Bolognese to sweet treats like cookies and biscotti. All recipes use the store's own fresh ingredients, including wines, meats, cheeses, pasta, and breads.

Tablespoon Cooking Co.

1731 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

You don't have to be a kitchen whiz to benefit from cooking instruction. Tablespoon Cooking Co. strives to make cooking classes accessible to people of all skill levels, including those who rarely cook for themselves. 

Beginners and advanced home cooks alike can sign up to learn how to make a variety of delicious dishes, from shrimp paella to pasta Bolognese with fresh noodles. The company also holds mixology classes at their in-house bar for anyone who wants to take their home happy hours to the next level. They even carry a selection of ingredients and equipment used in their classes, making it easy for you to pick up exactly what you need to recreate your lessons at home. 

Afromeals

1719 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Want to experience a range of flavors you may never have tasted before? Afromeals is the place to learn how to make the earthy, spicy dishes of African and Caribbean cuisine in your own kitchen. 

Run by executive chef Gabi Odebode and her team of prep chefs, this culinary school will teach you how to prepare Afro-Caribbean staples like Jollof rice, Chakalaka, and Jerk chicken. You'll learn more about the ingredients, textures, and flavor profiles that define this type of cuisine and expand your culinary horizons.

La Soupe

915 E. McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45206

If you're like many Americans, you might find yourself throwing out almost as much food as you eat. La Soupe is a non-profit organization on a mission to eliminate food waste from Cincinnati households. As part of this mission, they offer cooking classes to illustrate what you can do with the food you would usually throw away. 

Most of the recipes taught in their classes are for soups, stews, and other hearty dishes that can be made with almost any ingredients. These classes are a great fit for people trying to cut down on their grocery spending—and these days, who isn't?

Let's Get Cooking

It's never too late to learn a new recipe or cooking technique. What new dishes will you learn to whip up this year?

January
4

Indoor Pickleball - Explore Ohio - Cutler Real Estate

Pickleball is such a fun game for people of all ages. It gives you a great way to get out and be active with friends. Swinging the racket is much easier than in tennis, yet there's more movement involved than in ping pong. Whether you've been playing pickleball for years or are completely new to the game, there are several awesome indoor courts in Ohio. Here are some of the top ones we recommend visiting this winter.

North Ridge Racquet & Paddle

5475 Mills Creek Lane N, North Ridgeville, OH 44039

If you're in Northeast Ohio, then one of the best places to play indoor paddleball is North Ridge Racquet & Paddle. They offer several pickleball leagues for adults of all ages. A Tuesday Evening Beginner Pickleball League is perfect for those new to the sport. Or, if you have more experience, consider the Sunday Morning Advanced Pickleball League. 

You can see a complete schedule of league play times on the club's website. Or, you can visit during Open Play hours and hit the ball around with a few friends. Open play is just $8 per day, and it's $100 to join a league for six weeks.

Cleveland Racquet Club

29825 Chagrin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44124

The Cleveland Racquet Club is a great place to play indoor racquet sports all year. They have several indoor pickleball courts that are always clean and well-maintained. The club is open Monday - Friday from 6:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Contact the club to find out their latest open-court hours for pickleball.

The Cleveland Racquet Club has a lot to offer in addition to pickleball. If you become a member, you can work out in their fitness center, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or even lunch at the onsite restaurant, The Pub. Of course, there are also tennis and ping pong courts if you need a change of pace.

Mandel Jewish Community Center

26001 S. Woodland Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122

The Mandel Jewish Community Center has two basketball courts set up into four pickleball courts during certain open play hours. They also have several pickleball classes and clinics for players of all abilities. Their Pickleball Skills and Drills Clinic is 90 minutes long and only $25 for community members. Visitors also enjoy their three-week Intro to Pickleball class.

If you're more serious, the JCC also has pickleball leagues you can join. They're divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Pickle & Chill

880 W. Henderson Rd., Columbus, OH 43214

Do you want to play pickleball in a relaxed setting? Then Pickle & Chill is the place to go in Columbus. This indoor pickleball facility offers league play plus plenty of open play hours. There are even designated open play hours for those ages 60+. 

Pickle & Chill offers "Dink and Drink" open play night and College and Young Professionals nights. If you're new to the sport, consider signing up for their Learn to Play clinic.

Olympic Indoor Tennis

3480 Indianola Ave., Columbus, OH 43214

Olympic Indoor Tennis is a beautiful indoor facility that allows both members and non-members to use their pickleball courts for group play. The charge for members is just $7 per person, and non-members pay $10. Courts are available Monday - Friday between 7 and 9 a.m. and also between 1 and 3:15 p.m. 

If you plan on playing pickleball a lot, consider a pickleball-only membership, which is $75. Members can reserve courts privately at a discount. Members also get access to the pro shop, locker rooms, and lounge area. The lounge area is a lovely place to relax and meet other pickleball fans.

Pickle Shack

3218 US Route 42, Delaware, OH 43015

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Pickle Shack is one of the newest pickleball facilities in the Columbus area. Visitors like their relaxed approach and open concept. They make it easy to reserve courts online through their app, and with 10 courts, there is almost always one available.

Pickle Shack also offers lessons. You can purchase a five-week, five-lesson pack for $150 as a non-member. Learn basic techniques such as how to grip the racquet, how to dink, and how to serve. The final lesson even goes into drop-shot techniques.

Five Seasons Sports Club

11790 Snider Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249

Five Seasons Sports Club has 16 indoor pickleball courts open all year. They're also known for their Pickleball in Five classes, which teach the basics of pickleball in five lessons. Adults are welcome, but there are also specific programs for kids ages 7 to 15.

This innovative club offers free, one-day passes for those who want to check out their facilities and learn more. Their pickleball courts have hard floors, similar to those typically used for tennis courts. You can book courts in advance, and members get a substantial discount on fees. 

The Pickle Lodge

7373 Kingsgate Way, West Chester Township, OH 45069

If you're in the Cincinnati area, then pickleball is about to become even more exciting. The Pickle Lodge is slated to open in early 2023 at the former Court Yard Sportsplex site. This state-of-the-art facility will feature 17 stunning indoor courts, along with its own bar, restaurant, and group party space. The playing surface will even be cushioned to reduce the impact on your joints during gameplay.

The Pickle Lodge will be the second-largest pickleball facility in the U.S. when it's completed. The owners plan on hosting tournaments, teaching lessons, and bringing more attention to this growing, all-ages sport. 

Serving Up Fun

Playing pickleball is a great way to exercise, relax, and clear your mind. Which one of these indoor pickleball facilities will you visit first?

December
30

LoLo Gifts - December 2022 - Cutler Real Estate

Out with the old, in with the new. Say farewell to 2022 with December's great assortment of freebies from Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts. These monthly offers are a perfect way to introduce you to our region's amazing array of local small businesses.

So what's on the list for December? How about coffee and a pastry in Northeast Ohio, a live plant in Columbus, and a $10 certificate for baked goods in Cincinnati, for starters?

December Gifts:

Cincinnati: $10 Certificate

Cleveland: Coffee & Pastry

Wooster: A Tea or Shake

Kent/Stow: A Pint

Columbus: A Plant

Medina: A Beer Flight

Akron: A Beer Flight

Canton: Buckeyes

Cincinnati: $10 Certificate

The BonBonerie

2030 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208

Will you sit and enjoy a delicious pastry or pick one up to eat on the go? There's no wrong way to use your $10 certificate from The BonBonerie.

About The BonBonerie

Childhood memories inspired Sharon Butler and Mary Pat Pace to open The BonBonerie. For 40 years, they've been turning out incredible baked goods such as eclairs, macarons, and cupcakes. The BonBonerie also serves salads, sandwiches, quiches, and other savory items that are perfect for a relaxing lunch inside the cafe and tearoom.

Contact and Hours

513.321.3399

Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Cleveland: Coffee & Pastry

Gypsy Beans

6425 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102

Ordering coffee is a bit more complicated than it was in your grandparents' day. Fortunately, the friendly and knowledgeable baristas can help you choose the coffee to go with your pastry at Gypsy Beans.

About Gypsy Beans

Drinking coffee at Gypsy Beans will take you on a figurative trip around the world. Their signature Passport Lattes range from The Berlin, made with caramel, chocolate, and pralines, to Antarctica, featuring vanilla and mint. Pair your drink of choice with a breakfast sandwich, gourmet panini, or fresh salad.

Contact and Hours

216.939.9009

Monday - Sunday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Wooster: A Tea or Shake

Wooster Nutrition

137 N. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691

Good health never tasted so wonderful. Whether you want to jump-start your day or get a quick afternoon pickup, get a burst of energy with your tea or shake from Wooster Nutrition.

About Wooster Nutrition

What makes the beverages at Wooster Nutrition so good for you? They include added protein, vitamins, and minerals that provide health benefits while still letting the yummy flavors shine through. Ordering is simplified with a card that allows you to check off all your desired options, and the cheerful staff members are always ready to help.

Contact and Hours

330.804.0139

Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Kent/Stow: A Pint

North Water Brewing Co.

101 Crain Ave., Kent, OH 44240

Find out why The Beer Connoisseur ranks Ohio in the top 10 states for craft brews. Unwind with friends over your free pint of beer from North Water Brewing Co.

About North Water Brewing Co.

The names alone make it hard to choose among the creative beers at North Water Brewing Co. There's Electric Owl, made with molten lava chocolate cake coffee beans, and Abolitionist, a coconut brown ale with notes of cacao and vanilla. Burn some calories each Saturday at 8 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. with Yoga & Brew. The $15 fee includes two beer tastings or a cup of coffee.

Contact and Hours

330.778.4677

Monday: 4 - 9 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday: 4 - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 1 - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 1 - 8 p.m.

Columbus: A Plant

Yelo Aple

78 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43215

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Plants do more than just look good. Did you know that many houseplants can improve the quality of indoor air? Go green with your free plant from Yelo Aple.

About Yelo Aple

What's in a name? For Yelo Aple, pronounced "yellow apple," it symbolizes their philosophy. Everything began with an apple in the Garden of Eden, and yellow is associated with optimism, happiness, and creativity. No time to shop? Just select your plants on their website, and they'll deliver them to your home.

Contact and Hours

614.929.5280

Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.

Medina: A Beer Flight

Akronym Brewing Public House

5121 Buehlers Dr., Medina, OH 44256

Akronym Brewing Public House puts a contemporary spin on the traditional taverns of the United Kingdom. Sample their award-winning craft beers with a free flight that will have you coming back for more.

About Akronym Brewing Public House

Even as the founders were opening Akronym Brewing in 2018, they knew they wanted to expand to a spacious and inviting gastropub. September 2022 brought the debut of Akronym Brewing Public House, a 7,000-square-foot facility with a 500-square-foot patio. All food, down to the house BBQ and hot sauces, is made from scratch onsite.

Contact and Hours

330.952.1112

Monday - Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Akron: A Beer Flight

Akronym Brewing Taphouse

58 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44308

Want to decompress after a tough day at work or catch up with good friends? Your free beer flight from Akronym Brewing Taphouse is a great start for either activity.

About Akronym Brewing Taphouse

The name of Akronym Brewing Taphouse is a clever take on marketing acronyms as well as a display of the taproom's dedication to the Akron community. Brunch is served every Sunday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., and special events include trivia nights and sports viewing parties.

Contact and Hours

330.805.4081

Monday - Thursday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 11:30 a.m. - midnight
Saturday: Noon - midnight
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Canton: Buckeyes

Waggoner Chocolates

1281 S. Main St., North Canton, OH 44720

Is there anything more iconic in Ohio than buckeyes? Few things are better than the free peanut butter buckeyes you can get from Waggoner Chocolates.

About Waggoner Chocolates

Family-owned Waggoner Chocolates carries on the tradition started by grandparents Harry and Iola Campbell in 1954. Today, the company manufactures more than 100 types of bulk and individually-wrapped candies, including sea salt caramels, turtles, and real fruit gummies.

Contact and Hours

888.591.9842

Monday -  Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

A Year of Freebies

December 2022 LoLo Gifts - Cutler

Why not put us on your list of New Year's resolutions? Start by contacting your Cutler Real Estate agent to sign up for our monthly offering of free gifts.

December
28

Bacon Rules at These Ohio Restaurants - Cutler Real Estate

Do you believe that bacon should be one of the five basic food groups? Indulge to your heart's content on Friday, December 30, when the country celebrates Bacon Day. Discover many creative uses for bacon at these wonderful restaurants in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Toney's Baloney

West Side Market, 1979 W. 25th St., Stand C4, Cleveland, OH 44113

How do you improve on perfection? For the staff at Toney's Baloney, it means pairing bacon with another iconic food. But watch out, you may get hooked on their strips of candied bacon wearing robes of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate with a peanut butter drizzle. Candied bacon also comes in other forms, such as whimsical mustache-shaped "pops." The latest addition, bacon covered in Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch, might be the ultimate breakfast food. West Side Market is open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.

Summer House

12900 Lake Ave., Unit 2, Lakewood, OH 44107

At Summer House, they're not content with bacon that just tastes good. Their Clothesline Bacon, featured on the brunch and dinner menus, is equally fun to eat. Dry-aged bacon, steeped in a mixture of Ohio maple syrup and scratch-made apple cider vinegar, hangs from a miniature clothesline over a bed of bread-and-butter pickles. Add in the incredible views, and eating bacon at Summer House is a true treat for the senses. Hours are 3 - 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 3 - 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday.

Touch Supper Club

2710 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

"Breakfast for dinner" takes on a whole new meaning at Touch Supper Club. Their Bourbon Breakfast Martini starts with a cocktail of bourbon, sweet vermouth, butterscotch, and maple-infused simple syrup. It's topped off with a maple-infused pancake and slice of candied bacon. Classic supper club vibes complete the experience. Hours are 5 - 10 p.m. Tuesday, 5 - 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub

1788 W. 5th St., Columbus, OH 43212

Tater tots aren't just for kids. The whole family will love these dressed-up nuggets at Jimmy V's Grill & Pub. Crispy tots, made fresh in-house, come topped with bacon, Cheddar, smoked Gouda, and pepper jack. A side of Buffalo ranch adds a finishing touch. Bacon also stars in Jimmy V's twist on a BLT that includes grilled salmon served on a pretzel bun. Hours are 11 a.m. - 2:30 a.m., seven days a week.

Pat and Gracie's Kitchen & Tavern

138 Graceland Blvd., Columbus, OH 43214

The starters at Pat and Gracie's Kitchen & Tavern are so tempting and delicious that you may never make it to the main course. Everyone's favorite, macaroni and cheese, is combined with bacon and deep-fried in bite-sized pieces. Double down on cheesy goodness with a side of cheese dipping sauce. Another inspired appetizer features diced caramelized onions, smoked bacon, cream cheese, garlic, and Parmesan cheese blended into a smooth dip and served with Lavosh crackers. P&G is open daily from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. except for Friday and Saturday, when hours are extended to 11 p.m.

The Walrus Kitchen & Public House

143 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43215

The Walrus Kitchen & Public House uses bacon to elevate traditional comfort food to a new level.  Start your day with a Candied Bacon Melt, topped with an egg and cheddar cheese and served in a Belgian waffle sandwich. For lunch, the Candied Bacon Grilled Cheese with tomato slices keeps customers coming back for more. The Walrus is open daily from 11 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.

Nation Kitchen & Bar

1200 Broadway St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Nation Kitchen & Bar came onto the Cincinnati culinary scene in 2015. It took only a couple of years for their bacon burger to be acclaimed as best in the state, while national publications have also included it on lists of top burgers around the country. This delicious burger gets some Southern flavor from cheddar cheese, apple slaw, and Memphis BBQ sauce. Bacon also makes an appearance on the Hangover burger, along with goetta, ham, and fried egg on a bagel. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.

Holtman's Donuts

3356 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209

Sweet and savory is a popular food trend that satisfies nearly every taste. One of the finest examples is the popular maple bacon donut found at family-owned Holtman's Donuts. Other bacon-centric variations in their revolving repertoire include chocolate maple bacon, bourbon maple bacon, and blueberry maple bacon. Hours are 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.

Taste of Belgium

1135 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

While thick, fluffy waffles may be their signature item, Taste of Belgium makes great use of bacon as well. On the Beltucky Hot Brown, bacon joins roasted turkey, Gruyère, tomato, and Mornay sauce atop a waffle. For the McWaffle and Brunch Burger, a split waffle stands in for English muffins and bread on these sandwich-style dishes that also include bacon. Taste of Belgium is open 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.

When in Doubt, Add Bacon

Bacon is appropriate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in both food and drink. What's your favorite way to use bacon?

December
21

Cross-Country Skiing - Explore Ohio - Cutler Real Estate

The weather is growing colder, and that means cross-country skiing season is almost here! Whether you're an experienced skier or looking to ski for the first time, Ohio has many beautiful trails to explore. You can zip through pine forests, alongside frozen ponds, or past stands of oak trees. Here are nine of the best places for cross-country skiing this winter.

Punderson State Park

11755 Kinsman Rd., Newbury, OH 44065

Punderson State Park is one of the region's most scenic parks and a lovely one to visit in the winter. The Tudor-style lodge looks lovely against a backdrop of snow and pine trees. Visitors will find three cross-country skiing trails in the park. Huron Trail is a 1.3-mile trail with a moderate difficulty rating. Mohawk trail is 1.1 miles and moderate, and Cayuga is a 2-mile, easy trail.

Punderson is right in Ohio's snow belt, so conditions for skiing tend to be good. There are several picnic shelters, and if the weather is nice, you may want to enjoy lunch or some hot chocolate at one of them.

Chapin Forest Reservation

10381 Hobart Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094

If you need to rent skis, Chapin Forest Reservation is one of your best options for cross-country skiing in Northeast Ohio. They rent classic and skate skis at their Pine Lodge Ski Center. Each rental includes skis, boots, and poles. Fees are $10 per hour for the first hour plus $5 for each additional hour. Or, for $30, you can rent the skis all day.

The forest reserve maintains several kilometers of groomed trails near the entrance. You can also ski in the ungroomed areas if you are looking for a challenge. There's some elevation change within the reserve, but also plenty of flat terrain.

Swine Creek Reservation

16004 Hayes Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062

Swine Creek Reservation is a 400+ acre park situated among rolling hills and sugarbush farms. There are miles of trails weaving through the park, and several are groomed for cross-country skiing. 

Meadowlark Trail is a great choice for beginners. It's a 0.4-mile grass trail with very little elevation change. For a bit more of a challenge, try the 1.2-mile Gray Fox Trail, which offers many wildlife sightings. Or, try the Squaw Root Trail, a 0.6-mile, primitive trail that is mostly single-track.

Great Seal State Park

4908 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601

Great Seal State Park is a spacious 1,800-plus-acre state park with patches of dense forest, rolling hills, and open fields. If you prefer to cross-country ski in more open spaces, there are many opportunities here. You can download a map of the park's trails on their website.

Spring Run Trail is a favorite for cross-country skiing at Great Seal State Park. It's 1.9 miles long and studded with training stations you can use for a more balanced workout.

Delaware State Park

5202 U.S. Highway 23 North, Delaware, OH 43015

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If you're in the Columbus area, then Delaware State Park is a good place to go cross-country skiing. The park offers more than 1,300 acres of gorgeous natural land. Cross-country skiing is allowed on any of the hiking trails, weather permitting.

Big Foot Trail is a good choice for beginners. It's about 1.5 miles of easy terrain and offers lovely views of wetlands and meadows. You might even see a beaver.

John Bryan State Park

3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

John Bryan State Park is centered around a huge gorge cut into the limestone. Most trails offer views of this gorge and the surrounding forested land. Cross-country skiing is allowed on the hiking trails, weather permitting.

If you're cross-country skiing with kids, consider taking the Poplar Trail. It's only 0.1 miles long but offers some nice views. Storybook Trail is another short one. For a real challenge, take the 2.7-mile rim trail.

Stonelick State Park

2895 Lake Dr., Pleasant Plain, OH 45162

Stonelick State Park is another large park nestled in the hills outside Cincinnati. The park's trails wind through woodlands and pass over large, grassy hills. Cross-country skiing is permitted on the Red Fox Trail, rated easy. Visitors also love the moderate, 1.6-mile Beechtree Trail and the 0.35-mile Southwoods Trail.

In addition to cross-country skiing, Stonelick State Park offers ice skating, ice fishing, and ice boating. If you visit earlier in the winter, you can still see birds among the trees. 

East Fork State Park

3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel, OH 45106

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East Fork State Park is located just outside Cincinnati and is a lovely place for cross-country skiing on more open terrain. You can catch great views of Harsha Lake, its shore, and a winding river.

In addition to cross-country skiing, East Fork State Park offers ice skating and fishing in the winter as weather permits. The Storybook Trail presents a children's storybook one part at a time and is perfect for youngsters.

Cowan Lake State Park

1750 Osborn Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177

Cowan Lake State Park is centered around a water reservoir. The reservoir levels are lowered in the winter, creating a unique opportunity to look deep into the reservoir. There are several densely wooded areas throughout the park. Birds of prey, including eagles, reside here.

Cowan Lake State Park has 8 miles of hiking trails, and cross-country skiing is permitted on all of them as weather allows. The Lakeview Trail is a pretty choice and convenient as it's a loop. Oldfield is another 0.8-mile loop trail with a moderate rating. For something easier, try the 0.5-mile Beechnut Trail.

Ski Away

Which of these cross-country skiing areas will you visit this winter? Enjoy the views, and treat yourself to hot chocolate when you're done.

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