Posts with tag 'Northeast Ohio'

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

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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.

Christmas is coming, and what better way to get yourself in the holiday spirit than to visit a Christmas shop or two? Ohio has dozens of these stores dotted across the state, including some worth going out of your way to see. To help you gear up for the holidays, let's take a closer look at eight of the most impressive Christmas shops around Cincinnati, Columbus, and Northeast Ohio. 

Story Book Kids Gifts

10725 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45241

Also known as SBK Gifts, Story Book Kids Gifts is a treasure trove of Christmas goodies for people in the Cincinnati area. This year-round Christmas shop is piled high with enough ornaments, throw pillows, figurines, cookie jars, decorative candles, and other housewares to satisfy even the most passionate fans of the holiday. Many of their items can be personalized, too, making them even more meaningful. Frequent shoppers will also love their Kringle Rewards program. You'll earn loyalty points for each purchase, but you'll also get a bonus of 15 points every time you post a product review. 

The Christmas Ranch

3205 S. Waynesville Rd., Morrow, OH 45152

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The Christmas Ranch is the ultimate destination for Christmas aficionados in Ohio. In addition to train and wagon rides, a working carousel, a themed photo space where you can take pictures with Santa, and miles of elaborate light displays, this ranch is also a prime holiday shopping destination. The property boasts six Christmas-themed shops and a holiday bakery with fresh cookies, cakes, and other treats available every day. Each one is lavishly decorated for the holidays and staffed by a friendly group of "elves" who love Christmas just as much as you do. Plan to spend at least a few hours there when you visit—you'll need that time to see everything on display!

White Pillars Christmas House 

7405 E. Pike, Norwich, OH 43767

As soon as you pull up to the White Pillars Christmas House, you know you're in for a treat. This stately columned period home dates back to 1882 and immediately evokes the warmth and nostalgia of an old-fashioned Christmas. Inside, you'll find all kinds of unique Christmas ornaments and figurines, as well as artisan candies, cookies, and other goodies. They also sell a few artificial Christmas trees to help you deck the halls in your own home. One of their most prized collections is their assortment of Heritage Lace products. These delicate doilies, tablecloths, table runners, and other linens are the perfect complement to any Christmas display and can be difficult to find at other retailers. 

Christmas Tree Shops

2264 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., Dayton, OH 45459

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Christmas Tree Shops is the go-to retailer for all your synthetic holiday tree needs in and around Columbus. This shop contains many sections devoted to trees and décor that fit into specific aesthetics, including Rustic Country, Gilded Holiday, and Forest Fantasy. Their cheery displays are the perfect way to get a feel for what the trees look like in a home setting, and they're also great for scoping out new decorations and accessories that compliment each tree's theming. On top of that, the store hosts visits from Santa every Saturday during the holiday season. Your child will love getting a chance to meet the jolly old man himself as part of your shopping trip!

Smore Baskets

508 Main St., Dresden, OH 43821

Once known as Smore Christmas, Smore Baskets may have changed their name, but they haven't left the holiday spirit behind. They still devote most of their display space to Christmas-themed items in the weeks leading up to the big day. You'll feel like you've stepped into Santa's workshop when you see all of the holiday-themed boxes, tins, and (of course) baskets on display in this charming little shop. They also carry a wide selection of rustic wreaths and other decor items to help you bring your holiday vision to life. 

Tis the Season

4363 State Route 39, Millersburg, OH 44654

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Northeast Ohio's premier Christmas shop Tis the Season offers three full floors of Christmas cheer for you to enjoy. The store's main entrance is a spectacular log cabin made of real logs and equipped with a working fireplace for a cozy atmosphere. From there, you'll be able to explore the top two floors of the store section by section, browsing their massive stock of vintage holiday items and modern favorites. Look out for the section nestled in an old chapel lined with stained glass windows and fitted with restored wooden pews—its stunning beauty deserves special attention and maybe even a few snapshots. 

The store's lower level is filled with hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees and over 75 different types of lights. Trees range in size from 2 to 12 feet tall and come in every shape, style, and color imaginable. Whether you're in the market for a new tree or want to enjoy walking through this incredible synthetic forest, you're sure to have a great time. 

A Christmas Story House Gift Shop

3166 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44109

Everyone loves the classic Christmas movie A Christmas Story, but did you know that the house featured in the movie is still standing right here in Cleveland? Today, it operates as a combined gift shop and museum. You can find all sorts of A Christmas Story merchandise here as well as a wide selection of items related to other iconic Christmas properties, including The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Grinch, and Home Alone. Remember to save some time to visit the museum section of the business and see the inside of Ralphie's home for yourself. 

Catherine's Christmas 

910 E. Main St., Geneva, OH 44041

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The same family has run Catherine's Christmas for nearly 30 years. Located in a gorgeous old century home, this year-round Christmas shop was named after the family matriarch Catherine and her love of Christmas. Today, the cozy shop is stuffed with Christmas ornaments, nativity scenes, gift items, and decor—including some made by talented local craftspeople. Each room in the house is devoted to a particular kind of merchandise, making it easy to find whatever you're looking for. These displays change yearly, so be sure to visit during each holiday season to see what they have in store. 

Ring In the Holiday Season

Which of these festive stores will you check out in the coming weeks?

Touring Lake Erie's many lighthouses Erie is a great way to spend a weekend if you're interested in Ohio's history. These structures might be relatively far from major cities like Columbus and Cincinnati, but they offer an intimate look into the state's maritime history that you won't get anywhere else. Check out the following stops on your lighthouse tour to make sure you see all of the best towers around Lake Erie. 

Vermillion Lighthouse

480 Main Street, Vermilion, OH 44089

The Vermilion Lighthouse that currently sits on the city's Main Street Beach is a replica of the original lighthouse from the 1850s. The original was badly damaged by an ice storm in 1929 and could not be repaired, so it was replaced with a newer reconstruction. 

The lighthouse stands 16 feet tall on the edge of a scenic embankment near where the Vermilion River empties into Lake Erie. Visitors cannot tour the inside of the tower, but you can spend as much time on the grounds as you please. This area has been a popular spot for marriage proposals among the locals for decades!

Port Clinton Lighthouse

West State Route 163, Port Clinton, OH 43452

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The Port Clinton Lighthouse was built in 1896 and is actually the second lighthouse erected at this location. After serving for over 50 years, the tower was moved to private property in 1952 before eventually being restored and placed back on the city shoreline in 2014. 

The area around the Lighthouse tower is now known as Waterworks Park, a publicly accessible park with many amenities in addition to the tower. Both are maintained by the Port Clinton Lighthouse Conservancy, or PCLC. The group offers public tours of the tower at certain times of the year, but visitors are always allowed to tour the grounds and spend time around the tower's base.

Huron Lighthouse and Fishing Pier

End of North Main Street, Huron, OH 44839

The Huron Lighthouse and Fishing Pier is one of the newer lighthouses on Lake Erie, built less than 100 years ago in the 1930s. It is currently maintained by the US Coast Guard as a working lighthouse on Huron's coastline.

While the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, the pier that leads up to it is. It's a favorite local fishing spot and one of the best spots in Ohio for birdwatching, so you might want to reserve some extra time during your trip if you enjoy either of these activities.

Marblehead Lighthouse

110 Lighthouse Drive, Marblehead, OH 43440

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The Marblehead Lighthouse was built in 1822 and is still in use today, making it the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on Lake Erie. The land it sits on is now known as Marblehead Lighthouse State Park and holds picnic areas, a gift shop, and a replica lifesaving station in addition to the tower.

Visitors can tour the lighthouse in the summer months and enjoy its upper deck's incredible view. The building's tall white base and bright red roof and railings make it a striking sight with great photo opportunities all year round. 

Ashtabula Harbor Lighthouse

End of Ashtabula Harbor Break Wall, Ashtabula, OH 44004

The Ashtabula Harbor Lighthouse was built in 1905 when the Ashtabula River breakwater was first constructed. When it was finally automated in 1973, it was the last manned lighthouse on the Great Lakes. 

Today, the tower is cared for by the Ashtabula Lighthouse Restoration Society. This group runs the Ashtabula Marine Museum next door, which houses the lighthouse's old Fresnel lens and other equipment and memorabilia. Tours of the lighthouse are available as weather permits, and visitors are always welcome to walk around the grounds.

Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse

2800 Whiskey Island Drive, Cleveland, OH 44102

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The Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse is just one of several Northeast Ohio lighthouses that were once used to illuminate the port of Cleveland. Built in 1911 and in use up until 2021, this lighthouse is best known for its tendency to become coated with ice during the area's frequent winter ice storms. When this happens, the tower takes on a charming fairytale-like appearance, making it a favorite photo subject at that time of year.

The sturdy-looking stone tower and adjacent keeper's house sit at the end of a long pier that isn't accessible to the public, meaning that it can only be observed on boat tours or from the mainland. Even at a distance, however, its eye-catching shape and intriguing history make it well worth a visit.

South Bass Island Lighthouse

2368 Langram Road, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456

Completed in 1897 after several years of construction, the South Bass Island Lighthouse is noteworthy for a few reasons. It's only accessible by ferry, making a trip to see it into an adventure in its own right. Unlike most lighthouses, its 60-foot tower is attached to a two-and-a-half-story brick house where the lighthouse keeper and his family would live.

Today, the lighthouse is owned by Ohio State University, and its attached building is used for academic research. It's the only known lighthouse in the country to be owned by an academic institution, and its unique shape makes it a must-see for anyone interested in Lake Erie's many lighthouses.

Fairport Harbor Lighthouse

129 2nd Street, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077

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The Fairport Harbor Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouse towers in the area around Lake Erie. This 60-foot stone tower was in use from 1825 to 1925. After this, it was finally replaced by a new tower on the pierhead of the west breakwater. 

Now, the lighthouse is carefully maintained by the Fairport Harbor Historical Society, a local group dedicated to preserving this piece of the town's past. The former lighthouse keeper's house right next to the tower now holds the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and its many artifacts. Be sure to stop by during your visit to the lighthouse to get a better appreciation of the building's historical context and purpose.

Light Up Your Life

Which of these lighthouses will you visit during your time around Lake Erie? 

From haunted houses to immersive experiences to real sites with a ghostly history, October has a plethora of fun and spooky things to see and do. But it's hard to know where all the best Halloween events are if you've just moved to a new area. Ohio is full of spooky destinations you won't want to miss. Here are some of our favorite haunts, tours, and other Halloween events near Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

The Spirits of the Palace Ghost Investigation

605 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH, 44702

This one-day event runs Friday, October 28th, from 10:30 pm to 2 am and is limited to just 30 people, so get your tickets as soon as possible. Taking place at the historic Canton Palace Theatre, this is not a show or a haunt, but a real investigation into possible mysterious and paranormal goings on there, led by paranormal investigators Team S.P.E.C.T.R.E. Photographs and videos are encouraged, and attendees are welcome to bring their own ghost hunting tools, such as temperature and EMF meters, motion detectors, etc.

The Haunted House Restaurant

13463 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

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While this one isn't a scary experience, if you're a fan of horror movies, you'll want to check out this restaurant. With posters and memorabilia on the walls, they serve up dishes inspired by all your favorite scary movies, from the Birdbox Sandwich (fried chicken breast with Cajun mayo, cheese, and maple sauce) to the Pennywise (red waffle sandwich with pepper jack and candied bacon) to Silence of the Lamb Chops, and more. And, of course, there's plenty of "creepy pasta" as well. They also have vegan options like the Ecto Burger, which pairs an Impossible patty with vegan pulled pork, and Children of the Street Corn. Come in for brunch or dinner to get into the Halloween spirit.

Ghost Walk

256 Mahoning Ave., Warren, OH 44483

Sponsored by the Trumbull County Historical Society, this ghost walk begins at the First Presbyterian Church and guides you through a one-mile walking tour of the historic Perkins neighborhood. Actors portray various members of the Perkins family and relate a variety of fun and chilling tales of the area. Now in its 34th year, the Ghost Walk is a favorite for children and adults alike.

Ghost Tours of the Reeves Museum

325 E. Iron Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622

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The Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum has a variety of tours and events throughout the year, from tea parties to murder mystery dinners, which allow guests to explore this beautiful and historic 19th-century property. But if you're a fan of the paranormal, the one you'll most want to check out is the Ghost Tour. Happening October 14th and 15th, this guided tour will relate stories of the strange and unexplained things that have happened in the Reeves Museum, along with some old Victorian superstitions. Tours regularly from 7 pm to 10 pm, but if you're really brave, you can take the Midnight Tour!

Escape from Blood Prison

100 Reformatory Rd., Mansfield, OH 44905

The Ohio State Reformatory is best known as the filming location for the 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption. In October, however, they use the facility in a very different way. Escape from Blood Prison is an intense haunt experience that turns the walls of the reformatory into a waking nightmare. Guests find themselves surrounded by the ghosts of some of the prison's more violent offenders and witness to the horrors that occurred there. Recommended for ages 10 and up, this is a wild ride you won't soon forget.

Anchorage Mansion Tours

424 George St., Marietta, OH 45750

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Dating back to 1859, this 23-room mansion is filled with history, including connections to the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. It also has a history of haunted occurrences and spooky happenings. On Saturdays in October, you can take a guided tour of the history and hauntings in this mansion. Or, if you're brave, you can take a flashlight ghost tour on Friday nights beginning at 10 pm.

The Ridges, Athens Asylum

118 Ridges Circle, Athens, OH 45701

What better way to celebrate spooky season than with a trip to a mental asylum? The Ridges (formerly the Athens Lunatic Asylum) treated patients for over 100 years. In addition to the facilities, there are also three cemeteries, with nearly 2,000 graves of the patients who died there over the years. Tours of the asylum are full of history, mystery, and just a bit of spine-tingling creepiness. The Halloween season isn't complete without a visit.

Moonville Tunnel

Hope-Moonville Road, McArthur, OH 45651

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Not a house, not a haunt, just a cool place with a spooky vibe. Formerly a railroad line leading to the town of Moonville, the line no longer runs, and Moonville is a ghost town. The tunnel is one of the only things still remaining. You can hike to it across the remains of the railroad line, and it's a great place to explore and take photos. And legend has it, the tunnel is haunted by the ghosts of railroad workers who died there. If you look closely, you can still see them waving their lanterns.

Garrison Ghost Walk

29100 W. River Rd. (OH-65), Perrysburg, OH 43551

Fort Meigs was a military base during the War of 1812. Now, you can take immersive history tours there and experience the era for yourself. But the last two weekends in October, they have a different sort of tour. Guides will take you back in time to experience a variety of unexplained occurrences that have been reported over the years. Tours are conducted entirely by lantern light, with stories told around campfires. Tours begin at 7 pm, but if you want the full experience, take the 18+ night tour at 8:45 or 9 pm.

You Look Like You've Seen a Ghost!

What spooky goings-on are you looking forward to experiencing this Halloween season?

Helping our clients is part of our DNA at Cutler Real Estate. Our Realtors go the extra mile every month to ensure homebuyers and sellers around Northeast Ohio, Columbus & Central Ohio, and Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky meet their goals.

This month, we're shining a spotlight on the top-producing agents and groups for August 2022. Each one has gone above and beyond in an effort to facilitate the process of buying and selling homes for so many clients. Join us in celebrating our top producers, production leaders, and listing leaders.

Regions:

Northeast Ohio

Columbus & Central Ohio

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