Posts with tag 'Cincinnati OH'
23
Visit These 8 Castles Around Ohio
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?
18
On the Menu: 9 Cincinnati Bars for Hard Seltzer
Fizzy, often fruity, and just a little bit sweet, hard seltzer is quickly becoming a favorite drink among those who prefer a lighter flavor profile when indulging. Cincinnati seltzer lovers are in luck: The city is home to some of the most popular hard seltzer producers in the state, and many of its bars serve at least one brand. The following nine bars are some of the best places to enjoy a happy hour hard seltzer in and around Cincinnati.
Sundry and Vice
18 W. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine, OH, 45202
Full of gleaming glass and sophisticated wood paneling, Sundry and Vice is a small old-fashioned bar with a classy, almost academic atmosphere. Its front window looks almost like a curio cabinet. Inside, patrons can sit atop the tall leather-covered bar stools and order drinks with captivating names like the Clover Club, the Jade Effect, and the Miracle Finnish.
In addition to their cocktail menu, Sundry and Vice also serves a pair of highballs made with classic New York Seltzer. You can choose from either mezcal mixed with Root Beer seltzer or vodka mixed with Peach Soda seltzer.
March First Brewing
7885 E. Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249
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Named for the day Ohio was founded (March 1, 1803), the March First Brewery is extremely proud of their state and heritage. This company produces the locally beloved Astra Hard Seltzer line of products, which was named to celebrate Ohio's under-recognized contributions to the field of space exploration.
You can visit the brewery and stop by the on-site bar to sample a few flavors of Astra seltzer drinks, including Bomb Pop, Red Cream Soda, and Crush. March First also serves plenty of food to accompany their drinks, including sandwiches, chips, and delicious fresh pizzas straight from the stone ovens of their pizza kitchen.
Fowling Warehouse
2940 Highland Ave. #230, Cincinnati, OH 45212
Part bar and part bowling alley, Fowling Warehouse might just be the best place in Cincinnati for hard seltzer lovers. In spring 2021 they hosted Cincinnati's very first Seltzer Fest, a celebratory exhibition with nearly a hundred different types of hard seltzer from local and national brands on tap.
Fowling Warehouse also offers a wide selection of hard seltzer from local partners year-round. One particularly fun menu offering is their Mystery Seltzer, an order which will get you one random can of hard seltzer from a selection of over 30 flavors. This can be a fun way to get your hard seltzer fix without limiting yourself to the same old standby flavors you always go for.
The Rooftop (Braxton Brewing Company)
27 W. 7th St., Covington, KY 41011
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Prefer to sip your drinks in the cool, refreshing night air? The Rooftop is an open-air bar that has recently opened on top of the Braxton Brewing Company building. With 5,000 square feet of space and plenty of on-site amenities to enjoy (including lounge-style seating, umbrellas and canopies, a grassy lawn area, and more), this establishment offers a relaxed setting and an incredible view of Cincinnati's skyline.
The Rooftop's extensive drink menu includes four flavors of VIVE hard seltzer, including Sunrise Punch and Southern Punch. The fruity profiles of these picks matches perfectly with the bar's breezy atmosphere. Be sure to visit when the weather is good for the best possible experience!
Woodburn Brewing
2800 Woodburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206
Woodburn Brewing is a modern bar with a deep respect for its historical roots. The company chose to use phoenix iconography in its branding to celebrate the resurgence of Ohio's brewing culture in recent years. Now, they have become an integral part of this thriving sub-culture. The owners have gone the extra mile to create a diverse entertainment experience to complement their enticing array of drinks. The bar regularly hosts events like trivia nights, live performances, and even yoga classes on the premises.
On top of their artisan beer, this bar also serves several flavors of Astra hard seltzer, including Pink Lemonade and Baja Blast. They also offer Blackberry Breeze hard seltzer from Ohio's own FigLeaf Brewing Company.
The Comfort Station
793 E. McMillian St., Cincinnati, OH 45206
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Thanks to its offbeat location, The Comfort Station is one of the most distinctive bars in the Cincinnati area. The building was originally built as a public restroom and bathhouse back in the early 1910s and was recently converted into a commercial bar space by the same team that founded Sundry and Vice, another bar on this list. Patrons still enter the bar using the original Women's room door, an excellent touch that makes your visit feel unique from the moment you walk in.
This bright and intimate bar is all about fostering connections, and patrons are encouraged to bring outside food and stay a while if they want to. As for drinks, most are handcrafted cocktails that you won't find anywhere else. For instance, the bar's signature Mass Communicatin' hard seltzer cocktail blends the fruity flavors of strawberry and citrus with more complex notes of ginger and amaro.
Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom
1727 Logan St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
The Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom is a relatively recent addition to the Samuel Adams Brewery, but it has already grown a considerable local following. With both indoor and outdoor spaces for mingling and a growing clientele, this is an up-and-coming social spot for the city's younger crowd.
The bar's menu is largely focused on promoting their fresh-brewed Samuel Adams beer, but they also offer some Truly Hard Seltzer (one of the other brands owned by their parent company, the Boston Beer Company) and other drinks. Try a few different options as you relax in one of their leather-upholstered armchairs or admire the rustic barrel wall that pulls together their dark wood décor.
Anjou
2804 Woodburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206
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Anjou is a very new bar that the owners decided to open after seeing so many of their favorite hangouts close during the 2020 pandemic. While it is still working to establish itself as a recreational venue, its bright, airy atmosphere gives it a unique appeal that should help it to stand out from the local competition.
Anjou serves Braxton Brewing's VIVE Dragonfruit and Mango hard seltzers as part of their lineup of local beers and spirits. The light fruity taste of these drinks goes perfectly with the cheery surroundings, but make sure you don't visit too late – the bar's doors close by midnight at the latest.
Millions Café
3210 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226
If you prefer a casual atmosphere while you're out on the town, Millions Café is the place for you. This modest-looking dive bar serves an impressive selection of hard seltzers from both local and national brands, including Astra, Truly, and White Claw.
You can sip your drink while listening to music from the live DJ, participating in the bar's weekly trivia night, or just chatting with your fellow patrons. This bar is known to be very laid-back, so it's a great hangout spot for people who don't usually spend much time in Cincinnati's nightlife scene.
Get Your Fizzy On
Which Cincinnati bar will you be sipping hard seltzer at next Friday night?
17
Cutler's Top Producers for January 2022
Cutler Real Estate seeks to help its employees thrive in both life and business, and our Realtors consistently demonstrate a purpose and passion for helping people around Northeast Ohio, Columbus & Central Ohio, and Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky buy and sell homes. We strive to provide the support, technology, and culture that enable our Realtors to achieve that success.
Each month we recognize those agents who have gone above and beyond to meet and exceed their goals. We congratulate the following Realtors and groups for providing the superior customer service people have come to expect from Cutler Real Estate. Join us in celebrating the top producers, production leaders, and listing leaders for January 2022.
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Black History Month: Explore These 9 Places Around Ohio
Ohio is filled with amazing destinations where you can explore history of all types, including some excellent museums and fascinating historical sites that highlight Black history. With places like the Cleveland African American Museum in Northeast Ohio, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, and the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center near Columbus, there are so many informative, inspiring places to visit during Black History Month in February. Today, we're going to take a closer look at 9 of the best places to explore all around Ohio for Black History Month this year.
John Mercer Langston Historic Home
207 E. College St., Oberlin, OH 44074
John Mercer Langston was a fascinating figure in African American history and a trailblazer who achieved many firsts as a Black man. He was the first known Black elected official in the country and the first Black congressman elected from Virginia. John Mercer Langston spent more than a decade living in Oberlin during the mid-1800s, and his historic residence has been preserved to the present day. You can still visit the home today, and it has been included on the National Register of Historic Places.
The African American Museum of Cleveland
1765 Crawford Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106
One of the earliest independent museums on African American history and culture, the Cleveland African American Museum was founded by Icabod Flewellen in 1953. It moved to its current location in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood in 1984 and has continued its mission ever since. That mission is to raise cultural awareness, provide education about Black history, organize community events, and exhibit artifacts that tell stories about the African American experience. The museum is currently open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays, with fundraising underway to reopen full-time in the future.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Located in downtown Cincinnati since it first opened in 2004, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is an award-winning museum and educational center that tells the story of the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a network that helped escaped slaves reach free territories, and quite a few of the destinations on our list played a role in the Underground Railroad. Along with helping share the Underground Railroad story, this museum also works to pay tribute to all who worked to abolish human enslavement and secure freedom for all people. There are also some great virtual programs available for Black History Month and all year long if you can't make it to the museum in person.
John Parker House
300 N. Front St., Ripley, OH 45167
One of two destinations on our list located in Ripley, a small town southeast of Cincinnati along the Ohio River, the John Parker House is both a museum and the current home of the John P. Parker Historical Society. As a young man, John Parker escaped from slavery and dedicated his life to helping other slaves reach freedom. He was an inventor and was also very active with the Underground Railroad. The museum is open from Friday through Sunday during select times of the year, so be sure to check the schedule before visiting.
John Rankin House
6152 Rankin Hill Rd., Ripley, OH 45167
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Also located in Ripley is the John Rankin House, one of the most active stops along the Underground Railroad in Ohio. The home of Reverend John Rankin was built in 1825 and was home to Rankin, his wife Jean, and their 13 children. The home, which overlooks the Ohio River, was recently restored and includes many unique artifacts from Rev. John Rankin's life as an abolitionist. You can stop by for a guided tour to learn all about this fascinating figure, his family, his work as an abolitionist, and his role in helping escaped slaves reach freedom.
Paul Laurence Dunbar House
219 N. Paul Laurence Dunbar St., Dayton, OH 45402
2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of celebrated African American author and poet laureate Paul Laurence Dunbar, who spent many years living in Ohio. The Paul Laurence Dunbar House is now a museum and cultural center, where you can learn all about the prolific writer who produced 20 books, including novels, poetry, and short stories during his short lifetime. He purchased this home for his mother in 1904 and lived there with her while he produced some of his final literary works. The home is also the location of the Dunbar Literary Circle, which meets on the second Sunday of every month.
National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
1350 Brush Row Rd., Wilberforce, OH 45384
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Dedicated to helping visitors learn more about African American contributions to history and culture in America, the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center is an excellent place to visit during Black History Month. Exhibits scheduled to run through 2022 include Rhythm of Revolution, Queens of the Heartland, Behind the Mask: Black Power in Comics, African Americans Fighting for a Double Victory, and more. There are also many permanent exhibits, including more than 8,000 artifacts.
John Gee Black Historical Center
48 Pine St., Gallipolis, OH 45631
Housed in the John Gee African Methodist Chapel, which held church services for nearly 200 years from its founding until its final service in 1997, the John Gee Black Historical Center is a cultural and educational center. The center works to preserve the culture, tradition, crafts, art, and music of Black Americans in southeast Ohio. In addition to the many exhibits on display, the John Gee Black Historical Center often hosts lectures where you can learn more about Black history and culture.
King Arts Complex
835 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus, OH 43203
Art, music, and culture play such a vibrant, vital role in telling the story of Black history. The King Arts Complex includes galleries that showcase painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, and decorative arts. Many events are happening at the King Arts Center all year long, including the Heritage Music Festival, First Tuesday Tea, and a wide variety of youth arts education programs. The King Arts Complex is a place where you can learn about the many contributions that African Americans have made to the culture of Ohio and of the entire country.
Remembering the Past Makes for a Brighter Future
Whether you visit during Black History Month or at any other time of the year, all of these museums tell important stories that deserve to be heard. Which places will you explore to get in touch with history in Ohio this year?
2
8 Unique Destinations Around Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
Why travel far when Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky continue to be a delightful slice of Americana? Whether your interests run to entertainment, shopping, culture, or outdoor activities, you'll find it at these wonderful locations.
Boone County Arboretum
9190 Camp Ernst Rd., Union, KY 41091
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Few things can bring a smile to faces like the colorful and charming sight of flowers and plants. With more than 3,600 trees and flowering shrubs, Boone County Arboretum will instantly brighten your day. Also known as Central Park, the arboretum was the first in the country to be created within an active recreational park setting. Pet-friendly Boone County Arboretum also holds the highest level of recognition accorded by the Arbnet Accreditation Program. Admission is free for all visitors, and hours are dawn to dusk daily.
Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue
14099 Wolf Creek Rd., Brookville, IN 47012
Get a rare chance for an up-close look at one of nature's more magnificent creatures. Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the true nature of wolves. The habitat even features rustic cabins you can rent where you can fall asleep to the sound of their howls. Admission to the observation decks is free, and with a $50 donation, you can actually interact with the different packs. Wolf Creek is open weekends from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. during winter and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. during summer.
Findlay Market
1801 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Do you think a farmers market is just a handful of fruit and vegetable stands? You could easily spend an entire day taking in the sights and sounds at Findlay Market. Ohio's oldest continuously-operated market draws upwards of one million visitors each year. More than 50 vendors are on hand with top-quality meat, seafood, produce, ethnic and specialty foods, and flowers. When you're hungry, choose from more than two dozen dine-in and carry-out options. Weekends feature live performers and special events, such as the upcoming Valentine's Day Sweet & Savory Stroll. Findlay Market is open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
3380 Beaver Rd., Union, KY 41091
Past and present meet at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site. One of the main draws is the site's herd of bison, the largest land mammal in North America and the last mammalian link to the Ice Age. The museum includes exhibits spotlighting fossil finds and other on-site research, while Discovery Trail has dioramas and interpretive panels about the park's illustrious prehistoric times. Hike one of the dog-friendly trails, enjoy a game of miniature golf, and relax with the family on 40 acres of picnic grounds. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is open seven days a week from dawn until dark, and admission is free.
Rabbit Hash General Store
10021 Lower River Rd., Rabbit Hash, KY 41005
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Rabbit Hash General Store is only about 30 minutes from the bustling urban center of Cincinnati, but when you visit, you'll feel as though you've stepped into a whole different place and time. Legend has it that the town was named after a dish that became popular after the flood of 1847. As with many small rural towns, the general store, which dates back to 1831, serves as the heart of the community. In addition to groceries and staples, visitors find a fascinating selection of antiques, collectibles, and gift items, including products made by local artisans. Hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. seven days a week.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Explore one of the difficult yet inspirational chapters in American history. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center features several permanent and traveling exhibits showcasing stories of freedom. Some exhibits include film, role-playing actors, and hands-on activities. Trace your own history using the resources available in the John Parker Library and Family Search Center. Admission is $15 for adults and $10.50 for ages 3-12. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
Boone County Distilling Co.
10601 Toebben Dr., Boone County, KY 41501
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The slogan at Boone County Distilling Co., makers of authentic bourbon whiskey, is "Made by Ghosts." This isn't a literal statement but rather a tribute to the men who pioneered distilling in Boone County. Tour the 5,000 square-foot facility and visit the barrel-shaped sampling room to try award-winning products such as Bourbon Cream and Tanner's Curse Rye. Boone County Distilling Co. is also a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour, so be sure to get your passport stamped. Tour tickets are $14 for ages 21 and over and $7 for ages 16-20. Reservations are recommended but not required. Distillery hours are 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
Full Throttle Adrenaline Park
24 Spiral Dr., Florence, KY 41042
Get some high-octane thrills with the extreme activities offered at Full Throttle Adrenaline Park. Take a spin in a go-kart that travels at twice the conventional speed, face off with zombies in the virtual reality arena, or try your hand at axe throwing. Need to blow off some steam? Take it out smashing glass bottles, TVs, and other breakables in the Rage Room. Refuel at the convenient on-site food and beverage bar. Activities can be chosen individually, or you can purchase an inclusive Adrenaline Pass for $55. Full Throttle is open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - midnight Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.
Exploring We Will Go
Which attraction will you visit first?
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