Posts with tag 'Things to do in Northeast Ohio'

Ohioans love their ice cream so much that the state has spawned its own Ice Cream Trail. Can't get enough of this tasty treat? Check out these favorite ice cream shops in Cleveland, Akron, and North Canton.

Top Ice Cream Shops Around Northeast Ohio

Apple Cart

4313 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103

Find out firsthand why Apple Cart has been cited as one of the best soft-serve ice cream spots in America. The shop is housed in a modest storefront that belies its status as a local icon.

Go beyond the basics with one of these specialty treats on the menu:

• Arctic Swirl, Apple Cart's take on a Blizzard
• Caramel Apple Sundae
• Banana Boat

Hours are noon - 7 p.m. daily except Tuesday, when closing time is 5:30 p.m.

Sweeties Soda Shoppe

6770 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44129

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Sweeties Soda Shoppe brings the classic ice cream parlor into the 21st century. Take a seat at a table or pull up a chair at the counter to enjoy your choice of 36 flavors of homemade ice cream or 300+ soda varieties.

Distinctive features include:

• Open-kitchen format
• Sundae topping dispensers and topping bar
• Whipped cream, hot fudge, waffle cones, and chocolate syrup made in-house

Hours are noon -11 p.m. daily except Sunday, when doors close at 9 p.m.

Hip Hop Smoothie Bar

1300 W. 9th St., Suite 300, Cleveland, OH 44113

Hip Hop Smoothie Bar invites you to create your own "mixtape" of ice cream, milkshakes, and smoothies with your choice of add-ins and toppings. If you're really hungry, start out with one of their wraps or thin-crust pizzas.

Many items have a whimsical music-themed name, such as:

• Cereal Remix, which is a strawberry milkshake with Frosted Flakes, Fruity Pebbles, and Reese's
• Blue Electric Dance Bowl with tropical fruits, bee pollen, granola, and coconut flakes
• Mini Crispy Waffle Collab, a "sandwich" with grilled or crispy chicken topped with fresh strawberries and powdered sugar

Hip Hop Smoothie Bar is open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, and noon - 8 p.m. Sunday.

Chill Artisan Ice Cream

209 S. Main St., Suite 2, Akron, OH 44308

Appropriately located in Akron's Historic Arts District, Chill Artisan Ice Cream brings a true artisan approach to gourmet ice cream. Inspired by childhood experimentation with their home ice cream maker, the Jaworski brothers apply a "food sensibility" to flavors such as French Toast & Bacon, Bourbon Granola, and Whiskey Pistachio Brittle.

Vegetarians and vegans can also indulge in creative flavors:

• Key Lime Coconut
• Fudgsicle
• Dr. Pepper Sorbet

Hours are noon - 7 p.m. every day but Monday.

Pav's Creamery

3769 Manchester Road, Akron, OH 44319

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Opened in 1969, Pav's Creamery still uses the old-school Soeder Sons Batch machines from iconic Euclid Beach Park. When the Micochero family purchased the shop from founder Robert "Pav" Pavlik, they upped the game with custard, ice cream, yogurt, and sorbet made fresh daily.

Here are a few of the Flavors of the Week scheduled for this summer:

• Strawberry Jam Shortcake / Strawberry Pretzel Palooza (6/15-6/21)
• Fluffernutter (7/6-7/12)
• Buckeye Fudge (8/24-8/30)

Pav's Creamery is open seven days a week from noon - 9 p.m.

Waylon's Handcrafted

3979 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44319

Waylon's Handcrafted proudly proclaims to be "mom-owned and family-inspired." Jenn Myers was inspired to open the shop after travel adventures with her husband and named it for their son, Waylon.

Live dangerously with dessert-for-lunch with one of their gourmet ice cream sandwiches on freshly-baked cookies:

• 4 Love of Chocolate
• Biscoff Coffee
• Mint Chip

Waylon's Handcrafted is open noon - 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon - 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

Swensons Drive-In

1558 N. Main St., North Canton, OH 44720

Take a trip back in time with a visit to Swensons Drive-In. Wesley T. "Pop" Swenson went from selling burgers out of his station wagon in front of Buchtel High School to a classic drive-in format with carside service.

While Swensons is well-known for their ice cream, the restaurant also features some legendary savory and beverage items on their menu:

• The Galley Boy, a double cheeseburger layered with Swen Red and Swen White sauces and secured with a green olive pick
• Potato Teezers, fried nuggets of potato, cheese, and mild jalapeños
• Whips, made with soft serve and your choice of fountain soda and shot of flavor

Hours are 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

2191 E. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720

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Founded in 1945, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream still employs many of the methods and recipes of their namesake. Alice Handel famously used fresh ingredients from her backyard garden to make each batch of ice cream by hand.

Throughout the years, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream has been recognized by nationally respected publications such as:

• USA Today
• National Geographic
• Newsweek
• Entrepreneur Magazine

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Ro's Custard Creations

1166 S. Main St., North Canton, OH 44720

No need for GPS when you're heading to Ro's Custard Creations. Just look for the giant candy-colored rooftop sign that's a local landmark.

The pet-friendly shop leaves ice cream to others, offering custard and frozen yogurt for cones, cups, and specialty treats such as:

• Blizzard-like Concretes, available in a dozen different flavors
• Sundaes topped with Heggy's hot fudge
• Root beer floats and Boston coolers

Ro's Custard Creations is open 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 - 9 p.m. Sunday.

I Scream, You Scream...

If you could have only one ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

Spring is in full swing, and those of us with green thumbs couldn't be happier about it. If you've been wanting to work on your garden this year, now is the perfect time to dive in. North Canton and Akron's many nurseries and garden centers have everything you need to make the most of our area's planting season. Visit these popular local garden retailers to pick up plants, supplies, and a hearty dose of inspiration.

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Elevate your grocery shopping by stopping by one of Ohio's specialty food markets, which sell plenty of delicious and interesting foods. You'll be able to try new foods and make your meals more special and tasty.
  
Explore these specialty food markets around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati the next time you shop.

West Side Market

1979 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113

Opening in 1912, West Side Market is Cleveland's oldest municipally owned market. Its setting is beautiful, with the building designed by renowned architects who included a 44-foot-high tile vaulted ceiling and a 137-foot-tall clock tower. Its eclectic mix of shops includes Theresa's Bakery, known for more than 30 types of fresh, homemade bread and European pastries, including 17 flavors of cannoli. Rita's is another popular market vendor where you'll find a variety of stuffed olives, fresh horseradish and barrel kraut, and fresh-ground peanut butter.

Mustard Seed Market

3885 Medina Rd., Akron, OH 44333

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With its motto of "Real food is good food," Mustard Seed Market has followed many stringent ingredient standards since 1981. Its products are free of high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and flavoring, harmful chemicals and preservatives, saccharin and aspartame, antibiotics and hormones in meats, bleached or bromated flour, and irradiation. Fill your cart with produce from local farmers that's organic whenever possible, fresh-baked bread, pastries, and pies, high-quality, responsibly sourced meat and seafood, bulk foods, and more. And in the grocery department, you'll find affordable, high-quality, natural foods from local suppliers.

Bunker Hill Cheese

6005 County Road 77, Millersburg, OH 44654

Bunker Hill Cheese is a third-generation family-owned company that was established in 1935. The company partners with local farmers and makes over 25 types of cheese, averaging 50,000 pounds a week. Whether you'd like cheese for a snack, to use in a recipe, or to help create a delicious charcuterie board, you can find it here. You'll find A2 milk cheese (easier to digest), cheddar, farmers cheese, fiesta jack marble with jalapeno kick, Bermuda onion, feta, raw milk cheese, and more. And to carry the cheese theme even further, the market sells Heini's cheese fudge in flavors including blueberry, chocolate, and rainbow sherbet.

North Market

59 Spruce St., Columbus, OH 43215

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North Market, located in downtown Columbus, has been open for nearly 150 years. The venue houses more than 30 independently owned small businesses where you can pick up a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, poultry, specialty food items, and more. For a delicious snack, stop by American Nut Company, specializing in Bavarian Glazed Roasted Almonds and Pecans with a touch of cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. For a prepared meal, visit Flavors of India, which serves dishes made with freshly sourced ingredients and healthy herbs and spices.

The Hills Market

7860 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43235

The Hills Market is a unique shopping destination where you can shop inside the market or have your groceries delivered. Its departments sell wholesome, fresh foods, including produce from Ohio farmers and family-owned distributors. Its full-service butcher shop features high-quality meat sourced from around Ohio without any growth-promoting hormones or antibiotics. The produce department features hand-selected fruits and veggies from Ohio farmers and family-owned distributors. For added convenience, stop by the Chef's Case for house-made dishes, including the market's popular crab cakes with sherry cayenne dipping sauce.

Carfagna's Market

1440 Gemini Place, Columbus, OH 43240

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Carfagna's Market aims to provide the best quality items at the lowest possible price. The market isn't tied to any particular suppliers, so the owners are free to shop around to find and sell the best products from small and family-owned businesses. Its butcher shop sells meats cut fresh daily and sourced from farmers who implement humane practices. You can also treat yourself to a wide variety of fresh, delicious foods, including treats from Columbus' largest homemade Italian cookie selection, homemade cannoli filled to order, organic homemade pasta sauce, and handmade artisan pasta.

Jungle Jim's International Market Eastgate

4450 Eastgate South Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45245

You'll find a unique mixture of specialty grocery items at Jungle Jim's International Market, including colorfully unique sodas where you can try a new root beer or be adventurous and buy Buffalo Wing Soda. If you love coffee or tea, stop by the Coffee Bar, where you'll find over 50 varieties of coffee from local micro-roaster Seven Hills, as well as over 20 varieties of loose-leaf teas. You'll also find dozens of honey varieties and honey-related products like honey candy, butter, or cream. And make sure to stop by the Candy Castle for nostalgic favorites or trendy new candies.

Findlay Market

1801 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Located just blocks from downtown in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, Findlay Market attracts more than one million visitors a year. You'll find plenty of farm-fresh, locally sourced specialty foods for sale from more than 50 full-time merchants. If you're craving a ready-made meal, stop by Flavors of the Isle, where you'll find dishes with a blend of Southern soul food and Jamaican cuisine. Try the jerk chicken, made with the owner's homemade jerk seasoning and sauce. Or visit Dean's Mediterranean Imports for nuts roasted onsite, many varieties of Lebanese-style yogurt, pita breads, and more.

Remke Markets

6920 Burlington Pike, Florence, KY 41042

Remke Markets has several locations throughout the area and is known for its excellent customer service. In addition to the usual grocery offerings, you'll find a dedicated soup and salad bar as well as a sushi bar. If you'd like to save time and effort but still get the products you love, try the Mobile Market app, where a trained personal shopper selects items from your order and has it waiting for you when you come to the store.

Don't Settle for Ordinary

What specialty food markets do you visit in Ohio, and what items are your favorites to buy? 

No matter who you root for, early February is when all sports fans come together to celebrate the biggest event of the year. With football's game of the year just around the corner, now is the time to figure out where you'll be watching. 

Many sports bars across Northeast Ohio offer a comfortable viewing experience, a fun atmosphere, and of course, all the wings and beer you need, an essential part of any game-day experience. If you're looking for some great places to check out, here are some of our top recommendations.

The Clevelander Bar & Grill

834 Huron Rd. E, Cleveland, OH 44115

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One of the most popular sports bars in Cleveland, The Clevelander Bar & Grill is a lively and fun place to watch any sporting event. You'll find more than 10 flat-screen TVs, so you can get a great vantage point from anywhere in the house. Happy hour is from 8 to 9 p.m., and almost everything is $2. An excellent beer list and plenty of creative cocktails complement upscale bar food and classic American fare. This place fills up quickly on game days, so be sure to get there early.

Characters Sports Bar & Grill

6007 Brookpark Rd., Parma, OH 44129

If you're looking for a sports bar with some personality, you'll definitely want to try Characters Sports Bar & Grill. This friendly neighborhood hangout has some of the best wings in town and a huge draft beer selection. The bartenders are very friendly, and the service is great. There is a large, comfortable bar area and plenty of TVs. Enjoy numerous drink specials throughout the week and great deals for the big game. This is the sports bar for you if you want to have a nice dinner and watch the game.

Barley House

222 S. Main St. #1B, Akron, OH 44308

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Located near Canal Park, Barley House is a popular sports bar downtown. The bar and restaurant has more than 30 big TVs, a rotating list of 30 craft beers, and some of the best service in town. The restaurant is large, so there will be lots of space available on Feb. 12. Order some wings, nachos, or pretzel sticks to snack on during the game. You'll want to come back during warmer months and take advantage of their patio!

The Score Draft Room

426 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304

An excellent sports bar on the University of Akron Campus, Score Draft Room is the place to be. One of the best parts about this place is the atmosphere. With a younger crowd and plenty of drink specials, the atmosphere is a lot of fun. Cheap but delicious bar food is available to order. If you're planning to go for the big game, get there early. The place fills up quickly, especially for popular events.

The Third Place

3314 Warren Rd., Cleveland, OH 44111

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If you're looking for a laid-back game day spot, try Third Place. With some great bar food, craft beer, several big-screen TVs, and plenty of space, you won't find it hard to make yourself right at home. Pool tables and arcade games are available to play during halftime. While Third Place serves some good pizza, it's the wings that are the highlight of the menu. Make sure to check their website for food specials throughout the week.

69 Taps

370 Paul Williams St., Akron, OH 44311

Those who love sports and beer will love watching the game at 69 Taps. Named after its impressive draft beer system (which features 69 different beers), this place is a great option on any game day. Beers are available by the pitcher, and the food menu features some great burgers and bar food. The Big Jake Burger is definitely worth a try. It's a classic cheeseburger loaded with Jake's Secret Sauce. Grab some friends and play pool, darts, or a variety of other games upstairs. This bar and taproom draws an energetic crowd on game days!

City Tap Cleveland

750 Prospect Ave. E, Cleveland, OH 44115

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Forty draft beers, 60 cans, and plenty of big-screen TVs make this popular bar in downtown Cleveland a great place to watch any sporting event. You'll love the vibrant atmosphere at City Tap Cleveland, especially during a big game. If you're hungry, we recommend The Viking Burger, grilled in garlic parmesan wing sauce and topped with house-made guac, mayo, and swiss cheese. Or opt for one of nine different flavors of wings.

Dive Bar

1214 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113

This sports bar/entertainment center in the Warehouse District is a prime destination on weekends, and watching football's biggest event here will be a blast. A whopping 32 big-screen TVs, 24 draft beers, skeeball, and other arcade games make Dive Bar a great time. An all-request DJ hosts the evenings on Fridays, Saturdays, and during select special events. 

First and Goal

Where will you watch the big game around Northeast Ohio this year?

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

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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

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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

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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

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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?