
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Which attraction will you visit first?

New Year's resolutions like losing weight are so last century. In 2022, why not resolve to learn more about your community with the help of Cutler Homes and LoLo Gifts?
We've teamed up to provide a monthly series of free gifts spotlighting local small businesses. Whether you pick up croissants in Northeast Ohio, appetizers in Columbus, or coffee in Cincinnati, make a resolution to check out these fabulous merchants.
Akron: Smoked Gouda Mac 'N' Cheese Bites
Columbus: Smoked Gouda Mac 'N' Cheese Bites
Wooster: A Pulled Pork Sandwich
Cincinnati: A Sandwich or Bagel, and a Coffee
4866 Everhard Rd. NW, Canton, OH 44718
Who says you can't improve on perfection? Cupcakes are heavenly, but the gourmet flavors at Nom Nom Cupcake Factory will take your appreciation to a whole new level.
About Nom Nom Cupcake Factory
The baked treats at Nom Nom Cupcake Factory are so amazing that delighted customers use them as wedding cakes. Each week features a rotating selection of flavors such as Salted Caramel and Cinnamon Toast. As if that weren't enough, the bakery has upped their game by offering gourmet flavored popcorn.
Contact and Hours
330.705.2560
Monday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 6 p.m.
3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333
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Yes, the blue-box mac 'n' cheese is classic comfort food. But get ready to enjoy the blissful sensation of biting into the smoked Gouda mac 'n' cheese bites from The Rail.
About The Rail
As a spinoff of Mike Mariola's City Square Steakhouse, it's no surprise that The Rail serves first-class burgers. Beef is 100 percent locally sourced, with several specialty burgers as well as extensive build-your-own options. The Rail is also known for their delicious four-cheese scratch-made mac 'n' cheese.
Contact and Hours
330.864.7245
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
109 W. Washington St., Medina, OH 44256
Candy apples aren't just for fall. Bite into one of these delicious sweet treats with your gift from Candyapple & Co.
About Candyapple & Co.
Appropriately, Candyapple & Co. is an "offshoot" of a landscaping company specializing in orchards. Their dipped apples go far beyond caramel and candy to encompass more than 100 flavors, including root beer float, carrot cake, and sparkling wine. Be sure to check out their boutique with jewelry, skincare products, and other great gift items.
Contact and Hours
330.635.0132
Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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Bread is sometimes referred to as "the staff of life." You're sure to agree after you use your $10 to try one of the tasty loaves from Brimfield Bread Oven.
About Brimfield Bread Oven
Technology may be king, but Brimfield Bread Oven still believes in old-school techniques. At this European-style bakery, all products are made from scratch with top-quality ingredients and baked in a wood-fired oven. Stop by on Saturday between 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. and take home a traditional wood-fired pizza for dinner.
Contact and Hours
330.474.7800
Thursday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
5839 Frantz Rd., Dublin, OH 43016
Even chefs at five-star restaurants agree that everything tastes better fried. That goes for mac 'n' cheese, the granddaddy of comfort foods, especially when they're made with gourmet cheese like the smoked Gouda mac 'n' cheese bites at The Rail.
About The Rail
Over the past few years, the gourmet Angus beef burgers at The Rail have earned awards and recognition from local and national publications. One of the favorites is the Mojo, made with a blend of beef and andouille sausage and getting some added kick from a topping of jalapeño slaw. Cool things down with one of two dozen brands of Ohio craft beer on hand.
Contact and Hours
614.725.3200
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
128 S. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691
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Sample some legendary Southern BBQ without leaving town. Make sure you have plenty of napkins ready when you get your pulled pork sandwich at Omahoma Bob's BBQ.
About Omahoma Bob's BBQ
Omahoma Bob's BBQ achieves their authentic Texas-style taste with a dry rub of spices and classic low-and-slow cooking in the smoker. Hot Italian sausages and German brats are also created in-house. Complete your meal with turnip greens, red beans and rice, hush puppies, and other traditional sides.
Contact and Hours
330.262.9871
Tuesday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
9701 Kenwood Rd., Blue Ash, KY 45242
Marx Hot Bagels has been a Cincinnati favorite since 1969. With the first bite of your sandwich or bagel, you'll understand why.
About Marx Hot Bagels
Don't settle for those frozen grocery store bagels. Marx Hot Bagels serves more than 30 varieties, all baked fresh daily. They make a perfect canvas for egg salad, lox, hummus, or just a simple schmear of cream cheese. Change things up with some bagel bread, bagel pretzels, or bagel thins.
Contact and Hours
513.891.5542
Monday - Sunday: 6 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
3471 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44118
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Croissants are the superstars of baked goods, serving equally well as breakfast pastry and base for a savory sandwich. How will you enjoy your two croissants from On the Rise Artisan Breads?
About On the Rise Artisan Breads
At On the Rise Artisan Breads, baking is truly an art. The bakers start work each day before the sun rises, using simple but high-quality ingredients to create breads, rolls, pastries, cookies, and quiches. For a real treat, don't miss the daily specialty flavors such as raisin challah, eclairs, and chocolate cherry batard.
Contact and Hours
216.320.9923
Tuesday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Resolve to keep the fun going all year long. Just contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to get our monthly offering of freebies.

Cutler Realtors finished strong in 2021, helping so many buy or sell a home across Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati. We seek to empower our real estate agents from start to finish so they can focus on providing the best possible customer service.
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 December 2021.

If you enjoy spicy food, there's a very important holiday coming up. International Hot and Spicy Food Day is January 16, 2022! Get ready to sweat as you nosh on heat-packed favorites. Whether you prefer to calm the spice with a glass of milk, a slice of bread, or your own unique concoction, we have some incredible restaurants to recommend around Cincinnati.
213 W. McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45219
If you'd rather enjoy takeout, Thai Express is a great spot to visit for spicy cuisine. It's a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant, but they are known throughout the city for their tasty cuisine. They're only a little spicy, but the curry spring rolls are an incredible start to any meal.
Those with a high heat tolerance love the Red Curry at Thai Express. It packs a punch, but the sauce is really rich and flavorful. Other good, spicy choices include the Drunkard's Stir Fry, Panang Curry, and Holy Basil Stir Fry. If you prefer just a hint of spice, the Pad King is a good choice.
10400 Reading Rd. #205b, Cincinnati, OH 45241
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Sichuan Chili Chinese Restaurant has "chili" in the name, so you can bet the food will be spicy! This is a modern, inviting Chinese restaurant open for both lunch and dinner. They even offer online ordering, convenient if your schedule is packed.
One of the best spicy dishes at Sichuan Chili is the Sichuan Sizzling Beef. In typical Sichuan fashion, it's made with plenty of chili peppers, along with tender sirloin steak. Another favorite is the Red Dry Chili Fish Filets. And if you're on a vegetarian diet, the Kung Pao Tofu is hard to beat.
220 W. 12th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Zundo Ramen & Donburi is a unique Japanese restaurant with a simple, industrial vibe. The exposed ceiling and brick walls make for a fun dining experience. There's even a full bar where you can order a cocktail or a shot of sake as you wait for your meal. Zundo opened in 2017 and quickly became a favorite of ramen lovers in Cincinnati.
Not all Japanese food is spicy, which makes Zundo a good place to go if you're not sure everyone in your party is keen on heat. That being said, they do have some very good spicy dishes. The Spicy Miso Ramen is warm and satisfying on a cold January day. You may also want to try the Katsu Curry Rice or the Curry Udon Noodles.
26 W. Court St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Lalo Restaurant offers a unique fusion of Pan-Asian and Mexican cuisines. Their space is as artistic as their menu, using a combination of bold colors and patterned wall tile to surround you with wonder. In one corner, there's a statue of a man in a traditional Mexican hat. In another corner, there's traditional Japanese art.
If you're there for the spice, then you have to try Lalo's hot salsa as an appetizer. The Lalo Wings, which come with your choice of Thai sauce or spicy chipotle sauce, are well worth ordering for the table to share. You can't go wrong with any of the tacos. The Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos offer a lovely balance of heat and sweetness, and the Fish Tempura Tacos get a mild dose of heat from Sriracha mayonnaise.
10736 Reading Rd. #2529, Cincinnati, OH 45241
Uncle Yip's is a casual restaurant serving authentic Chinese food. They have a small but welcoming dining room with a cozy atmosphere. Guests are served green tea in hand-painted Chinese teapots. Uncle Yip's does have a full bar where you can order cocktails, wine, and beer.
While not everything on the menu is spicy, Uncle Yip's offers plenty of choices suitable for International Hot and Spicy Food Day. The Stuffed Chili Peppers With Shrimp are a good choice if you're in the mood for dim sum. The Hong Kong Style Fish Filet is delicious, and of course, you can't go wrong with General Tso's Chicken.
8100 Blue Ash. Rd., Deer Park, OH 45236
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If you've never tried Venezuelan food before, this is the perfect opportunity. Arrechissimo Restaurant does a wonderful job of recreating the cuisine. They offer online ordering and delivery, but for the most authentic experience, you'll want to dine in.
Some of the best meals here are definitely the bowls. The Chicken Bowl comes with cilantro rice, sauteed chicken, fried yucca, pico de gallo salad, and sliced avocado. You can choose from spicy and mild cilantro sauces. The empanadas are also delicious. They're $6 apiece, and it's worth ordering a few for your table to enjoy.
2826 Short Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45219
You don't have to take a vacation to enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean. Island Frydays serves Jamaican favorites, including plenty of spicy specialties, right in Cincinnati. The restaurant was visited by Guy Fierri's show, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, in 2014. Leo Morgan, the restaurant's founder, is a Jamaican native who attended the University of Cincinnati, Morgan.
One favorite at Island Frydays is the Jerk Chicken. It's juicy, tender, and well-seasoned with the restaurant's own jerk blend. The Beef Patty is also delicious with just a bit of spice. If you're in the mood for finger food, order the Jerk Wings and Fries. You'll leave smiling.
940 Pavillion St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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If you're in the mood for Mexican food on International Hot and Spicy Food Day, then El Barril Mexican Sports Bar & Grill is a good place to go. You can sit at the bar, watch the big game, and enjoy some margaritas and tacos with friends.
Start the meal off with an order of Jalapeno Rellenos, which pack quite a punch. The Elote, corn covered in mayo, chili powder, and cheese, is also delicious. Tacos are available a la carte, with options including carnitas and lengua, and guests also love the Fajitas Texanas and Shrimp Chimichangas.
Where will you get your spice on for International Hot and Spicy Food Day?

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