It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!!
WOW, where has the time gone? Christmas is a month away and it is already snowing! Maybe we will have a “White Christmas” this year. EEEKK! Let the holiday cheers roll! I am back with Ohio. Find It Here. to bring you some fun holiday activities. These activities can be done with family, friends, or your significant other. Around the holidays everyone likes to do holiday gift guides. This is similar. Think of this as my holiday activity guide ;p What makes this one so fun and special is all of the activities are done right here in Cincinnati and the surrounding areas! As always, grab your family and friends, and this time of year, grab a coat, and get out and celebrate the holidays in Ohio!
Shopping At Home!
Do you like to shop, but want to avoid large crowds? I have just the thing for you, Shop Til You Drop-At Home!Online shopping is a great way to avoid crowds but still purchase what you need hassle free. Plus, online shopping has become the new day and age shopping and is super convenient with what is going on now in the world. Shopping online provides so much ease and less chaos in the comfort of your own home. I love to shop and honestly do a lot of my shopping online. I could online shop for hours! The good thing about online shopping is, there is something quick and easy for everyone just a click away. Some of my favorite places to online shop are Amazon, Zara, Women’s Clothing Boutiques, Designer Shoe Companies (i.e. YSL, Balenciaga, Bottega, Valentino, and more), Candle Stores, and more.
Tree Picking at Findlay Market
Is a real Christmas Tree your thing? Look no further, a Findlay Market has plenty of Christmas Trees to choose from. The tree sale at Findlay Market is a huge fundraiser for them! They have such a great selection with new ones being regularly delivered. Whether you want big or small, they have the perfect fit for your family. The tree/greens sale is located on the west side of the Market, at Jane’s Bar.
Ice Skating like Kristi Yamaguchi
Did you know that you and your friends can skate at an outdoor ice arena in the middle of downtown? Yep, you sure can! Every year from November 7 through February 15, UC Health and Fifth Third Bank present an outdoor ice arena that takes over Fountain Square. It is so much fun to get on the ice and feel like a kid again that must learn how to skate. It is even more fun when you go with a small group of friends, and everyone is out on the ice looking like babies trying to walk. Do not bother with a workout for the day because you will get the perfect leg day workout going around the rink 3 times. LOL! I hit the ice rink like I was Kristi Yamaguchi! HAHA, more like her student in training! Nonetheless, while I have no skills close to Kristi, I had a ball ice skating to celebrate a friend’s birthday! If you are looking for an outdoor activity that is unique and whimsical, ice skating at Fountain Square is for you!
Be a Wax Chandler
If you know anything about me, you know I love candles! I am always trying to find the best candle companies around, plus there is nothing like the holidays with family and nicely scented candles burning! With my love for candles, I had the opportunity to take a candle making class with Manitou Candle Co. (https://www.manitoucandleco.com/). Manitou is located approximately 10 minutes outside of downtown Cincinnati. It is the cutest candle shop that offers candles, stationery, home décor, lifestyle, kitchen and bar, bath and beauty, prints, jewelry, children items, and men’s wear. This is a super cute place to buy that female in your life the perfect gift. They offer 100 scents of premade candles. They also offer candle making classes held right in their studio. The candle class is so much fun and is the perfect holiday activity for yourself or with a friend. I went by myself but there were a few smaller groups of friends (2-3) or mom and daughter duos. The studio and candle making room is super picturesque. The class is 1.5 hours and walks you step-by-step through making two candles. The class is $50. This is a great deal because each 11 oz. candle in the store is $25 therefore you are only paying for the candles themselves, but the experience is free. That is a win in my book because sometimes the best experiences in life are priceless. I choose two scents which were Merry Merry and Vanilla Chai and mixed them together. This was the perfect Christmas candle for me. I name my candle Vanilla Chai Christmas. Shelby was my class teacher, and she was awesome! They also allow you to BYOB! Kind of like paint and sip but be a chandler and sip. What is a chandler you ask? A chandler is someone who handles wax. If you are looking for a fun, more creative holiday activity this one has your name all over it!
Let the Light Guide You
Let the lights guide you! Every year, Ohio. Find It Here. celebrates holidays in Ohio with a campaign to support the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail. They encourage Ohio’s 88 counties to go all out on holiday themed decorations. From fancy lights to full on displays, this still allows everyone to celebrate and get into the Holiday spirit. One of the festival of lights locations is the Cincinnati Zoo. They host the PNC Festival of Lights. It runs from Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 8, 2022. This is the perfect activity for families. I went with my husband and two small daughters. It was the best 2-in-1 combination. You get to experience the zoo as well as see all the lights. My oldest daughter loved being able to see some of the animals. While all of the animals are not out on display, they do have a few. We even saw the city’s favorite, Fiona, the hippo. We went mid-afternoon (4:30 pm) to be able to get the full effects of the lights when it got dark. It was perfect! The zoo was lit in a rainbow of colors. It was a great experience and a fun thing to see. If you have children and are looking for a fun-family activity to brighten up your holiday cheer, this one is for you. We also visited Columbus Zoo Wildlights and Light Up Middletown.
Holiday Lunch Date
One of my favorite things to do is go one lunch dates or mid-afternoon dates with my husband. It is the perfect time for us to bond before picking up the kids from daycare. We usually either go to a wine bar or a restaurant we’ve been wanting to try. I had heard that Jeff Ruby’s was doing a holiday lunch, so we decided to go. It was a super chill afternoon. Jeff Ruby’s is normally only open for dinner, but during the holidays they open for lunch. We started with cocktails. My husband had a glass of wine and I had Keegan’s Egg Nog. This Egg Nog cocktail was perfect. Creamy, smooth, and of course spiked. The perfect start to our lunch date. Next, we shared Ruby’s famous side salad, Freddie. It consists of Roma Tomatoes, Applewood Bacon, and Buttermilk Ranch. This classic is simple but delicious. I’m a salmon girl, so I got the Salmon with Gnocchi and my husband got the Fried Chicken Sandwich. Both meals were tasty. As you can tell, we left full. We also had a great time talking over delicious food and drinks! If you are looking for a lunch date idea, check out Jeff Ruby’s during their holiday lunch hours.
Igloos at Vista Rooftop
Who doesn’t love a good rooftop bar? They are fun and cute in the Summer, but in the Fall and Winter they turn into a winter wonderland. The holidays are so magical and heading to a rooftop bar with friends can be such an amazing experience. I know because my girls and I stopped by Vista Rooftop Bar for a fun, holiday festive night out. You may be thinking, “Isn’t it cold?” However, during the colder months, Vista offers 2 igloos that you can rent. The igloos come with heaters and blankets to keep you warm and cozy, and a Bluetooth speaker to help set your musical vibes. You also receive amazing views of the city. The igloos are spacious and can fit up to 10 friends. The Lytle Park had it decorated so pretty, and it felt so festive all night. They even have a cute “snow” machine to help give all the winter vibes. The décor, the igloos, and the “snow” make the perfect picturesque back drop. We even had cute holiday cocktails to sip on while we enjoyed the night. After a few drinks, some snacks, and good laughs, we headed downstairs to the Subito Restaurant for dinner. Talk about a time well spent with the girls!
Details:
* Location: Lytle Park Hotel
* Vista Rooftop Bar at Lytle Park Hotel
* 2 Igloos available for rent
* Can book 2 hours at a time
* Can fit up to 10 people at a time
* Enjoy amazing views of the city
* Has a food and drink minimum
* Monday – Thursday $350 for 2 hrs
* Friday – Saturday $500 for 2 hrs
A Mini Road Trip
I am not sure about you, but my family and I love to take mini road trips to different locations. My husband and I pack up our two daughters and we hit the road. A fun holiday stop is Columbus, OH. Just like Cincinnati, Columbus is also beautiful during the holidays. We love to experience other cities and cultures so taking a road trip is always fun. While my husband and I find things for ourselves to do that are kid friendly we also find a few things that are fun for the girls. During our holiday trip to Columbus, we visited so many places and had a ball. We stopped by Easton’s Grand Illumination, Legoland Discovery Center, Short North Arts District, Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, and the Columbus Museum of Art. This was a fun weekend getaway not far from Cincinnati. If you want to experience the perfect family getaway, Columbus is the place for you. To find out more about our visit to Columbus click the link here.
Well, this is the end of my holiday activity guide, but now that means it’s time for you to get out and explore the holidays in Ohio! I hope you find something fun for you and your family to do to bring in the holiday cheer. Hopefully, this list of activities brings you so much joy during your holidays! I look forward to seeing what you and your family get out and do. Happy Holidays and Cheers to an amazing New Year!
Welcoming Fall in Ohio with Open Arms!
Summer is nearing its end and it is time for pumpkin spice and everything nice. Fall is an exciting time of year in Ohio and the perfect time to make lasting memories. The weather cools; trees become spectacular shades of red, orange, and yellow; and the taste and aromas of autumn return. I’m back with another partnership with Ohio. Find It Here. This time we are bringing you all the Fall vibes. Fall in Ohio is beautiful and full of fun. I do not know about you, but Fall is one of my favorite seasons. It’s not to cold and it’s not to hot. It’s the perfect weather for making outdoor family memories or doing warm and cozy activities indoors. Fall fun abounds with our activities we plan to share. From events to seasonal flavors and cozy ambience, you’ll find it here!
Fall Activities
Fall activities are so fun. I think what I enjoy most is being able to create memories with my children and husband all while enjoying the fall flavors like Pumpkin Spice, Caramel Apple, Praline, and many more. My family and I love Apple picking or Fall on the Farm. We also love getting those fall treats such as the Caramel Apple Float.
Amish Country – Have you ever wondered about Amish country, its people, and their way of life? Maybe you wonder do they still really travel by horse and buggy. If this is something you have pondered, I am here to tell you yes, they still travel by horse and buggy and experiencing their environment first-hand is so special. Most are entrepreneurs and create their own life sustainably with a craft they learn at an early age. Did you know that Amish people only go to school through the 8th grade? They make a way of living on an 8th grade education and are successful. They have big families to help with labor whether it be on their farm or running their family business. They generally stay within their sects (or area) and do not travel outside of that area often. Occasionally they will travel to fish, hunt or on vacation, but remember they do not drive. Now you are asking how they get around, well horse and buggy and bikes (both electric and pedal). No, they do not take the horse and buggy for a road trip. It would take 2 hours to go 20 miles. Bikes have become a new way of life for them. They can travel around town faster and more efficiently. What would take 2 hours on horse and buggy, takes 45 minutes on an electric bike.
TIP: Most Amish businesses do not accept credit card so bring cash. While you could explore Amish country on your own, Amish country is huge in Ohio, so where do you begin? I got to explore Amish country through an amazing tour called Troyer’s Amish Tours in Sugarcreek, OH. After you visit Amish Country, drive a short distance, and visit Breitenbach Winery. It’s a cute little winery nestled in the hills of Amish country. The wine is delicious. They are known for their Dandelion wine, make sure to try it.
Also, more information on Amish Country can be found at Amish Country Inviting Region. Click here.
FUN FACTS:
-Chicken houses hold 25,000 chicken and chicken come in at 8 hrs old from the hatchery
-Amish do not drive, Mennonites do
-Amish can not have a cell phone with a data package or a car
-Amish do not have tvs
-Amish keep up with the news through newspaper
-3 Orders and 11 sects
-Amish do not take pictures of themselves. They do not have family portraits. It is against their religion
-Amish only go to school till 8th grade
-Amish do not vote for people that can dictate life and death on a person (i.e. president, judge, etc.)
-Amish land is expensive (for 5 acres $50,000 an acre)
-Teachers only have an 8th grade education (salary ranges from $1200-$1500 a month)
-Generally Men do not teach due to income level
-Usually single women teach. Once they court, date or get married the women will quit work and focus on their marriage
-20 miles would take you 2 hours on a buggy, and 45 minutes on an e-bike
-$8,000 for a buggy and 125 man hours
-Wheels will last 7 years
-Schrock’s Buggy is the oldest buggy shop on Holmes County
-If you’re getting married, you grow a beard
-One Amish man raises camels for a petting zoo
-They milk camels
-Camels milk is very nutritious
-Largest wood working facility in the state
-Amish are great wood workers
-Wood working is the largest industry in this community
-Most Amish do not wear shoes. They go barefoot because they say shoes are heavy.
-Old race horses are brought to Amish country to be street safe/trained
-Mom and Pop wood working shops are huge
-All Amish kids are not Rumshpringa (roam around and leave the culture for awhile)
Peifer Orchards – Want to try something different this fall? Go apple picking! As they say, it is a first for everything. My family and I went apple picking and it was a fun experience. I had never actually seen so many apples in their growing space in one location. It was a sight to see. My kids loved being able to go up and down the apple tree rows. My youngest favorite part was being able to eat the apples right off of the trees. I am not sure you are supposed to do this but kids will be kids. HAHA! Peifer Orchards is located in Yellow Springs, OH. There is plenty to do in Yellow Springs. Yellow Springs could be the perfect getaway that includes Peifer Orchards, shopping, biking, hiking, and restaurants. Also, I loved that there is an orchard located not far from where we live. What I loved about the orchard is when we arrived, it immediately gave us all the Fall and southern vibes. Pumpkins, a cute country store, gravel road, and an experience I will never forget.
Blooms & Berries’ Fall on the Farm – I don’t know about you, but my family and I love visiting a pumpkin patch in the Fall. It is so fun! There are so many activities for the kids as well as so many fall treats to indulge in. The past two years, we have been making our way to Blooms & Berries’ Fall on the Farm. Fall on the Farm is a family-fun event at Blooms & Berries Farm beginning September 17th through October 31st daily. There are so many fun things to do at the farm such as: hayrides, pumpkin patch, pony rides (only on certain weekends), corn maze, beer garden, sunflower patch (very picturesque), farm animals, play areas, a huge pumpkin balloon bounce, caramel apple float, and so much more. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as we went from area to area and all around, soaking in all the crisp Fall air. This is one pumpkin patch you don’t want to miss!
Charming Towns
Have you ever thought, “I wish I could find a gem to visit that is not far from me”, but never thought to look in your own back yard? Ohio has so many charming towns. You must get out, look, and plan an adventure to a gem right next to you. Let’s talk about two charming towns I was able to experience.
Yellowsprings, OH – Are you looking for an affordable, fun, and outdoor adventurous day in Ohio? If the answer was yes, you are in for something amazing. We recommend taking a mini day trip to Yellowsprings, OH. It is a quick and easy travel destination that is within 100 miles of Cincinnati. It’s perfect for all ages and interest, with biking and hiking trails, tons of shops on the strip, and cafes for a fabulous meal. This will still feel like a mini getaway right in your backyard. This will be a day spent exploring and enjoying the outdoors. Most activities are within walking distance from one another while others are a short drive away. There is surely something for everyone.
To learn more details about my experience in Yellowsprings, OH, click here.
TIP: Places to visit in Yellowsprings OH: Peifer Orchards, Young’s Jersey Dairy, Ye Olde Trail Tavern, The Corner Cone, Biking Trails, The Winds Wine Cellar, Devil Wind Brewing, Flat Rock Spirits/Stillwright’s, Winds Café, Bonadies Glass Studio, Clifton Mill, Caesar Creek Vineyards, and more.
Chillicothe, OH – Have you heard of the town named Chillicothe? If not, I am here to share another gem located right here in OH. Chillicothe is exciting and packed full of history. Chillicothe is a city full of charm. Located along the Scioto River 45 miles south of Columbus. This is the perfect location for a getaway trip within 100 miles of Cincinnati. It is the perfect town to welcome fall. It is that hidden gem that no one ever told you about. It is perfect for all ages, couples, and families. There is something for everyone. Some of the activities include hiking, biking, eating, wineries, Adena Mansion and Gardens, Triple Crown Family Fun Center, Hopewell Culture Park, and Scioto Park.
TIP: The Hopewell locations are nominated for a UNESCO World Heritage recognition which is a big deal! Make sure to check out any of the Hopewell Locations, and be a part of history!
To learn more about a fun filled day in Chillicothe, OH, click here.
Coffee Shops in the Fall
Fall is almost here! How many of you have been waiting for Fall weather, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, sweaters, chill cool nights, and just anything that screams Fall? One thing that screams Fall to me is coffee shops. While you can visit a coffee shop year-round, they are most vibrant in the fall when they come out with their fall and winter flavorings. Can you agree? Plus, meeting up at a coffee shop is a corner stone of modern American life. Business meetings, book clubs, and first dates all pair well with a cup of coffee.
You all may know Pursuit of Delights as a food and travel blog, which it is. However, this year for Fall I wanted to do something different. I always feature different food places to stop by, but have you ever thought about coffee shops? I thought it would be fun to explore different coffee shops throughout OH and share what they have to offer as well as some of their fall flavors.
R Coffee Corner – R Coffee is located in Port Clinton, OH. While the family and I took a weekend trip up to Sandusky, this is one of the coffee shops we stopped at. We were on the go exploring Sandusky and its surrounding cities. We did not have much time for a sit-down breakfast, so stopping by coffee shops to fuel our mornings was a thing. This location also has a cute outdoor patio that has a water area right in front. It is perfect for sunny, cool Fall days to sit outside and enjoy a cup of coffee. R Coffee has a ton of flavors and coffee drinks to choose from. I tried the Caramel Apple Latte (hot). This was pretty good and certainly gave me Fall vibes. Think a Candy Apple but in Latte form.
Victory Coffee Company – Victory Coffee Company is located in Lakeside Marblehead, OH. Lakeside Marblehead is a small town, located not far from Sandusky. While on our way to visit Marblehead Lighthouse, we passed by Victory Coffee. It was cute and right off the road we were traveling on, so I told my husband to turn around. Sometimes the cutest, smallest places are a charm. From this location, I tried their Banana Foster Frappe and a Chocolate Chip Cookie. I’m a latte or frappe kind of girl. This flavor was fun! I had never had a Banana flavored frappe before. It gave the warm Banana Foster vibes but was cold. It was unique and I enjoyed it. It was not to banana-y. The caramel also played a part in adding sweetness to the slight tanginess of banana flavor.
Gathering Grounds – Gathering Grounds is located in Huron, OH. This location is small and has indoor seating. The drive through line that seemed to be what most everyone did. We also did the drive through line. This day it was raining a little and we did not want to get out of the car. Plus, drive throughs are always convenient. I am a latte kind of girl, but an iced latte that is. Occasionally, I will get a latte warm, but I prefer them iced. Yes, even in the winter, but the winter is when I will have one every now and then hot. I tried the Caramel Pecan Iced Latte with oat milk and extra syrup. It was very good. It tasted exactly like caramel pecan. It had sweet and nutty flavors. It is perfect for the fall.
Roaming Goat Coffee – Roaming Goat is located in Columbus, OH. This location is cute and gives rustic vibes. I walked in and was greeted by the barista who was serving someone else but welcomed me with a hello and smile. I glanced at their menu and saw a separate menu with the flavor of the month. I was sold and knew what I was getting. I tried the Horchata Milkshake Latte iced with oat milk. I absolutely love the actual Horchata drink. The actual drink is served cold so iced was perfect. This latte was fun and would be a fun flavor to try for the fall.
Parable, Parable – Parable, Parable is located in Columbus, OH. This was one of my favorite coffee shop stops! I loved the coffee, ambience, and décor of this shop. Everything was such a vibe! The moment I opened the doors and walked in; I was in awe. The staff was also very nice and patient as I decided what I wanted. The latte art was even fancy, clean, and popped! Talk about cute. I even liked that the flavors were fun. While I did not have a “Fall” flavor at this location, I could appreciate the uniqueness of the flavors. I had the Flower Power Latte and Guava Matcha Latte. I tried both hot. The Flower Power Latte consisted of housemade orange blossom and cardamom syrup blended with their house expresso and your choice of milk. The Guava Matcha Latte consisted of their housemade guava panela caramel in a matcha latte, think strawberry-lime creamsicle. Both flavors were delicious and fun!
Reza – Reza is located in Downtown Dayton, OH. Reza looks small from the outside but when you enter its like WOWWWW! It is cute and the décor is fun! I love how they have an area in the back stacked up with coffee beans in their bags. It was picturesque so I took a few photos :p I had the Pumpkin Spice Latte iced with oat milk. I also tried their Spinach and Feta Croissant and Yogurt Parfait. Of course, you can never go wrong with PSL. It’s the King of all Fall flavors. LOL! The food items were good. Parfaits are one of my go-to breakfast items when on the go.
Pettibone Coffee – Pettibone is located in Riverside, OH. Pettibone is a coffee shop that sits right off the main road. It is pretty big from the outside compared to most coffee shops. This was another one of favorite coffee shops while on my coffee stop journey. I loved the inside of this coffee shop. I loved how spacious but cozy it was. I loved the light it let in. I also really enjoyed my drink, The Botanist. They offer your normal coffee drinks, but they also offer unique ones as well. Being the foodie I am, I went for one of the more unique drinks. It was so pretty! It even came with a smoke bubble on top. I grabbed a coffee cake to go with it and it was the perfect start to my morning. The Botanist was made up of Ground Control Espresso, Jasmine Tea – Concentrate, Oat Milk, Vanilla, Mint Leaves Jasmine Mist, Citrus Smoke Bubble and served cold. I enjoyed this drink way more than I thought I would. I drank it fast. LOL! Again, they have unique flavors, so I couldn’t leave without trying the Whiskey Caramel Latte iced. I got this to-go. It was fun and certainly perfect for the fall. It had light notes of whiskey and caramel flavor. A little nutty.
Red Tree Gallery & Coffee Shop – Red Tree is located in Cincinnati, OH. Located in the neighborhood of Oakley, Red Tree is in walking distance of many of shops and restaurants. I stopped by with my daughter one morning and we had a mom-daughter coffee date. Yes, my 6-year-old loves iced lattes just as much as I do. Haha! A latte for her and a latte for me. This was fun! I tried their Matcha Pistachio Latte hot. This latte was very good! I loved the flavor combination it had. It was slightly nutty, had a hint of spice, but still gave a well balanced matcha flavor. They aced this flavor! I had it with a Parmesan Mushroom Quiche. The hot latte and quiche went perfectly together!
Mom n’ ‘Em Coffee – Mom n’ ‘Em is located in Cincinnati, OH. Mom n’ ‘Em just opened their second location, and I had the pleasure to stop by. It’s a cute building with inside and outdoor patio seating. The outdoor patio is vibrant and welcoming. It’s the perfect place to have a morning cup of coffee over a meeting or just for a meet up. I sat at this cute window seat bar right off of the kitchen. I had the Honey Latte hot with a French Onion Danish. I was feeling warm and savory this morning! LOL! The latte was very simple. I loved the French Onion Danish as it was a sweet onion jam baked into a Danish topped with Parmesan Cheese. Talk about a win for breakfast!
Daylily – Daylily is located in Cincinnati, OH. Daylily is one of Cincy’s newest coffee shops, deli, and bodega. Brought to us by Chef Jose Salazar and Deeper Roots Coffee. This is a fun, cutesy coffee shop that serves coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I just had to stop by because Chef Jose is a beast in the culinary world, and Deeper Roots has coffee on lock! ;P I assumed this was a match made in foodie heaven, and I was totally right about that! This was another one of my favorite coffee shops. I had the Honey Bear Latte, Ham, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Bagel, and a Cardamom Pastry. Everything was AMAZIING! Ill be honest, this was probably the best hot latte I have had. The flavor was so simple and consisted of local honey and cinnamon but was soooo good and well executed! I loved it! What I appreciated about the breakfast bagel was it was a true, homemade breakfast bagel. Talk about cheesy in addition to scrambled eggs made fresh on a freshly baked bagel with ham. MMM MMM, GOOD! I thoroughly enjoyed this breakfast sandwich! The latte and sandwich were both delicious! I will be coming back here for sure!
I truly hope you enjoyed this coffee journey as much as I did! I truly love Fall and all it has to offer!
While summer is coming to an end, that does not mean the fun or indulging must stop. Welcome Fall with open arms and embrace another season and what all of Fall has to offer. Experience Fall in many of Ohio’s different cities. There are a ton of memories waiting to be created and a lot of Fall treats waiting to be eaten. Enjoy this season and get out and explore!
Celebrating the Holidays in Ohio!
Can you all believe that December is already here? We are now wearing our sweaters, drinking hot
cocoa, burning our favorite holiday candles, and gearing up for Christmas! My the time has flown by this
year. 2021 has been an interesting one and we must say, we are so ready for the holiday season! And
we are back with our final partnership of the year with Ohio. Find It Here. to bring you some fun
activities to do during the holidays with family, friends and/or your significant other. What makes this so
fun and special is, all of the activities we share can be done right here in Cincinnati! So grab your coats,
grab a few of your friends, and let’s get active in the Queen City!
Pick up your tree and all things holidays from Findlay Market!
The tree sale at Findlay Market is a huge fundraiser for them! They have such a great selection with new
ones being regularly delivered. Whether you want big or small, they have the perfect fit for your family.
The tree/greens sale is located on the west side of the Market, at Jane’s Bar. I, Tiff D. can’t wait to pick
mine out and get to decorating!
While you are there, you can also do the following:
Pick up food for family gatherings: Findlay Market has an amazing selection of food. It ranges from fresh
pastas, spices, meat and seafood, breads and so much more. Anything that you’d make for your family
(including ethnic cuisines), you’d likely find the ingredients for here. This is a great way to support your
local farmers and vendors.
Elves on Elder: This is a magical experience that’s located in the Leader Furniture building. In the
daytime, they have transformed it into a space where your kids can enjoy Christmas decorations, color
and take pictures. In the evening, they have a pop-up lounge where there is live music and warm drinks.
They’ll also have different food merchants inside with different options, one being cheese plates for
purchase from The Rhined (YUM!!!)
Daytime event times- 10a-3p
Evening event times- 5-10p
Stop by Washington Park for Strauss Troy Winter Market!
Washington Park is offering holiday shopping weekends to shop small and support local. This will include
local artisans, crafters, and business owners. Stop by Fridays from 11a-7p or Saturday/Sunday from 11a-
6p to get your shop on! We guarantee you’ll find something for your loved ones while keeping your
favorite businesses in business! Vendors vary each weekend so be sure to visit their website to get an
up-to-date list.
In addition to holiday shopping, they are also offering Santa’s workshop where your little ones can take
a socially distanced picture with Santa Claus! Now who doesn’t love that?! All you need to do is bring
your own camera and you’ll have memories to last a lifetime!
Hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4p.
Ice Skating like Kristi Yamaguchi
Did you know that you and your friends can skate at an outdoor ice arena in the middle of downtown?
Yep, you sure can! Every year, UC Health and Fifth Third Bank present an outdoor ice arena that takes
over Fountain Square. It is so much fun to get on the ice and feel like a kid again. It is even funnier when
you go with a small group of friends and everyone is out on the ice looking like babies trying to walk. LOL
Do not bother with a workout for the day because you will get the perfect leg day workout going around
the rink 3 times. Tiff B. and Tiff D. hit the ice rink like we were Kristi Yamaguchi! HAHA, more like her
students in training! Nonetheless, while we have no skills close to Kristi, we had a ball ice skating to
celebrate a friend’s birthday! Ice skating is a fun holiday activity. It brought us joy while skating around
the rink. It reminded us of being free, enjoying life’s beautiful moments. While we did it with a small
group of girlfriends, ice skating can also be enjoyed with family. There were a few families and smaller
children out on the rink as well. If you are looking for an outdoor activity that is unique and whimsical,
ice skating at Fountain Square is for you!
Try Holiday Cocktails
We loveeeee all of the fun holiday cocktails that are offered around this time of year. And there are so
many local bars that offer specialties. Of course you can get your typical holiday coffees, but we enjoy
fun spiked ones �� One of the places Tiff D. visited was Anjou, which is a super cute bar in Walnut Hills.
They’ve always had a very cute vibe that is really nice and relaxed. For the holidays, they have two
specials:
The Shandy Claus: It has aromatized wine, herbal liqueur, lemon, cranberry, rosemary, sage, hard cider,
bitters- This one was a fav!
Carver’s Secrets: It has bourbon, amaro, ginger liqueur, cinnamon, sweet potato shrub, bitters and egg
white- This was the most creative!
Be a Wax Chandler
If you know anything about Tiff Squared or watch our stories (if you do not, you should!), we love
candles! We are always trying to find the best candle companies around, plus there is nothing like a
nicely scented candle burning with a holiday scent! Tiff B. had the opportunity to take a candle making
class with Manitou Candle Co. Manitou is located approximately
10 minutes outside of downtown Cincinnati. It is the cutest candle shop that offers candles, stationery,
home décor, lifestyle, kitchen and bar, bath and beauty, prints, jewelry, children’s items, and men’s
wear. This is a super cute place to buy that female in your life the perfect gift. They offer 100 scents of
pre-made candles. They also offer candle making classes held right in their studio. The candle class is so
much fun and is the perfect holiday activity for yourself or with a friend. I went by myself but there were
a few smaller groups of friends (2-3) or mom and daughter duos. The studio and candle making room is
super picturesque. The class is 1.5 hours and walks you step-by-step through making two candles. The
class is $50. This is a great deal because each 11 oz. candle in the store is $25 therefore you are only
paying for the candles themselves, but the experience is free. That is a win in my book because
sometimes the best experiences in life are priceless. I choose two scents which were Merry Merry and
Vanilla Chai and mixed them together. This was the perfect Christmas candle for me. I name my candle
Vanilla Chai Christmas. Shelby was my class teacher, and she was awesome! They also allow you to
BYOB! Kind of like paint and sip but be a chandler and sip. What is a chandler you ask? A chandler is
someone who handles wax. If you are looking for a fun, more creative holiday activity this one has your
name all over it!
Let the Light Guide You
Every year, Ohio. Find It Here celebrates Holidays in Ohio with a campaign to support the Ohio Holiday
Lights Trail. They encourage Ohio’s 88 counties to go all out on Holiday themed decorations. From fancy
lights to full on displays, this still allows everyone to celebrate and get into the Holiday spirit. One of the
festival of lights locations is the Cincinnati Zoo. They host the PNC Festival of Lights. This is the perfect activity for families. I, Tiff B., went with my husband and two small daughters. It was the best 2-in-1 combination. You get to experience the zoo as well as see all the lights.
My 5 year-old loved being able to see some of the animals. While all of the animals are not out on
display, they do have a few. We even saw the city’s favorite, Fiona, the hippo. We went mid-afternoon
to be able to get the full effects of the lights when it got dark. It was perfect! The zoo was lit in
a rainbow of colors. It was a great experience and a fun thing to see. If you have children and are looking for a fun-family
activity to brighten up your holiday cheer, this one is for you.
We hope these suggestions give you lots to do for the holidays! We look forward to seeing what you all
plan out with your families. Happy Holidays everyone! Cheers to you!
Fall in Ohio
Fall is Here! How many of you have been waiting for Fall weather, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, sweaters, chill cool nights, and a fall inspired weekend getaway? If you answered yes, we have some cool and fun activities for you! Also, if you have been following Pursuit of Delights in partnership with Ohio. Find It Here.; you know we have been on a journey exploring Ohio and all the goodness it has to offer. While it is time to say goodbye to summer, we welcome Fall with open arms! Ohio is beautiful in the Fall and is such a special time. The weather begins to chill, and you can feel the brisk breeze. Hues of orange, red and yellow take over the trees, and our favorite fall flavors return. It is the perfect time to take a fall-inspired getaway. There is so much to do, explore, and see. We had the opportunity to travel to different areas in Ohio to experience Amish country, taste delicious wine at Breitenbach Winery, go apple picking at Peifer Orchard, and experience fall foliage while exploring Blooms & Berries Fall on the Farm. Let us hop right into Fall in Ohio!
A Visit to Amish Country
Have you ever wondered about Amish country, its people, and their way of life? Maybe you wonder do they still really travel by horse and buggy. If this is something you have pondered, I am here to tell you yes, they still travel by horse and buggy and watching them in their environment is so unique. Remember, Amish people are people like you and I, but their day-to-day life is different as well as what they believe in. One thing I can attest to is that Amish People work very hard! You may think, ok so do I! Most are entrepreneurs and create their own life sustainability with a craft they learn at an early age. Did you know that Amish people only go to school through the 8th grade? They make a way of living on an 8th grade education and are successful. They have big families to help with labor whether it be on their farm or running their family business. They are close knit people. They also live and have their businesses at the same location. Most Amish with businesses live on acres of land to be able to house the family in a house, and the business right next to it. How cool is that? You and I may think wow, I would never live where I work. However, they live in an environment with low crime and having people come to where they live is a second thought. They generally stay within their sects (or area) and do not travel outside of that area often. Occasionally they will travel to fish, hunt or on vacation, but remember they do not drive. Now you are asking how they get around, well horse and buggy and bikes (both electric and pedal). No, they do not take the horse and buggy for a road trip. It would take 2 hours to go 20 miles. Bikes have become a new way of life for them. They can travel around town faster and more efficiently. What would take 2 hours on horse and buggy, takes 45 minutes on an electric bike. What is the moral of the story here? Do not take small things such as bikes for granted. What we may see as an everyday item, is a commodity to other groups of people and their cultures. Depending on how you get around has to be approved by the Bishop, head of the church. There is so much to learn and see about the Amish that a day trip is perfect, and you will find yourself in awe.
While you could explore Amish country on your own, Amish country is huge in Ohio, so where do you begin? I got to explore Amish country through an amazing tour called Troyer’s Amish Tours in Sugarcreek, OH. They have quite a few different tours to choose from. I choose to go on the Down the Road 3-hour tour. It was an amazing and informative experience and I learned so much. The amazing tour guide, Rich, took us through the backroads of Amish country. No two tours are alike! You learn about the history of Amish people and where they originated. You get to see how they live as well as make some stops to a few of the local thriving businesses. We met a few family members of those businesses while stopping by their shops. The entire tour is narrated. It is a unique experience and keeps you engaged the entire time. Trust me, I know. Myself and the small group I was in asked plenty of questions. The more Rich spoke, the more we became intrigued and wanted to know LOL! Amish country is certainly one for the books. Grab a buddy and hit the road to explore Amish Country and what it has to offer.
TIP: Most Amish businesses do not accept credit card so bring cash.
FUN FACTS:
-Chicken houses hold 25,000 chicken and chicken come in at 8 hrs old from the hatchery
-Amish do not drive, Mennonites do
-Amish can not have a cell phone with a data package or a car
-Amish do not have tvs
-Amish keep up with the news through newspaper
-3 Orders and 11 sects
-Amish do not take pictures of themselves. They do not have family portraits. It is against their religion
-Amish only go to school till 8th grade
-Amish do not vote for people that can dictate life and death on a person (i.e. president, judge, etc.)
-Amish land is expensive (for 5 acres $50,000 an acre)
-Teachers only have an 8th grade education (salary ranges from $1200-$1500 a month)
-Generally Men do not teach due to income level
-Usually single women teach. Once they court, date or get married the women will quit work and focus on their marriage
-20 miles would take you 2 hours on a buggy, and 45 minutes on an e-bike
-$8,000 for a buggy and 125 man hours
-Wheels will last 7 years
-Schrock’s Buggy is the oldest buggy shop on Holmes County
-If you’re getting married, you grow a beard
-One Amish man raises camels for a petting zoo
-They milk camels
-Camels milk is very nutritious
-Largest wood working facility in the state
-Amish are great wood workers
-Wood working is the largest industry in this community
-Most Amish do not wear shoes. They go barefoot because they say shoes are heavy.
-Old race horses are brought to Amish country to be street safe/trained
-Mom and Pop wood working shops are huge
-All Amish kids are not Rumshpringa (roam around and leave the culture for awhile)
Breitenbach Winery
Did someone say WINEry? LOL! I love a good glass of wine and a cute winery! Located a short distance from Troyer’s Amish Tours, nestled among the rolling hills of Ohio’s Amish countryside, Der Marktplaz, is home of Breitenbach Wine Cellars. “Breitenbach” is German, meaning “bright or broad stream”, and is the name of the stream that runs through the winery grounds. Breitenbach produces an array of extensive award-winning grape, fresh fruit, and berry wines, and what they are most known for, Dandelion wine. They produce 40 varieties of grape and fruit wines resulting in about 150,000 gallons. WOOOOW! That’s a lot of wine, but hey someone must make it for us wine lovers.
When I drove down the road to get to Breitenbach and was greeted by the purple and red accent colors popping off the building and wine barrels lined along the base, I knew I was in for a real treat. I got out of the car and immediately started taking pictures. What I love is that they grow their own grapes and make their wine on site. What really caught my attention was the purple “Winemakers Barn”. It was so cute! While I did not go inside, the outside was enough to make me say how cool. I am not sure about you but I love a good snack like cheese or a charcuterie board while drinking wine. When you walk in, there is a cheese section along with all the wine to purchase. After this is the sampling area! I stopped to talk to the lady behind the sampling bar, and then walks up Anita. Anita, is one of the daughters of the founder. We chat for a few minutes then she invited me over to sample some wine. They have plenty of flavors to choose from and man did I indulge. They also have a great tasting offer. You can sample 4 wines for $1.00. Yes, you read that correct! I ended up sampling 12 wines. I am a sweet wine drinker so I did not try any of the dry wines. I also like fruit wines and they have 15 flavors to choose from. I grabbed a cheese and cracker plate and enjoyed my wine tasting. I enjoyed the hospitality Breitenbach shared and enjoyed the wine they offer. They are doing some amazing wine making! Also, make sure to try the Dandelion wine. It is unique! By the time wine tasting ended, I left with 5 bottles of wine and 2 candles. What can I say, I am a girl who loves her wine and candles! I highly encourage experiencing Amish country and then relaxing at Breitenbach Winery! The is the perfect day trip.
TIP: Aside from the wine tasting, Café, and gift shop, you’ll also find many events occurring throughout the year at Breitenbach. Festivals, outdoor concerts, special tasting and cooking events, live music and barbecue, and other events happen year-round.
The most popular event is the Dandelion Festival, which typically happens the first weekend in May every year.
Peifer Orchards
Have you ever been apple picking? As a girl from the south, I am familiar with canning veggies and shucking corn, but I have never been to an orchard until now. As they say, it is a first for everything. This Fall I wanted to experience something with my family that was different but that we could all enjoy. Apple Picking it is! When I was looking for Fall activities for us to do, I came across Peifer Orchards and knew this was being added to the to-do list. I grabbed my husband and our girls, dressed them in cute gingham dresses and on our way, we went to the orchard. Peifer Orchards is located in Yellow Springs, OH. There is plenty to do in Yellow Springs. Yellow Springs could be the perfect getaway that includes Peifer Orchards, shopping, biking, hiking, and restaurants. Also, I loved that there is an orchard located not far from where we live.
What I loved about the orchard is when we arrived, it immediately gave us all the Fall and southern vibes. Pumpkins, a cute country store, gravel road, and an experience I will never forget. There is a long walk to the orchard but it was great family time walking and talking. It was hilarious to listen to our little ones talk about apples and what they thought the orchard would look like. We finally got to the end of two-lane gravel path, and there stands acres of apple trees. WOW! The girls and I were in awe. None of us had ever seen an orchard in real life and boy were we amazed. It was a field of green trees with the cutest apples hanging off of them. Some of them even looked like Christmas trees. This was such a picturesque backdrop! They have a few different apple varieties as well as apple colors. My kids enjoyed apple picking to the core! They immediately ran down the rows and started picking apples off the trees. We had our buckets and were ready to fill them with delicious, crisp apples. We all picked a few apples and tossed them in the buckets. The kids did more than their fair share of picking, but they enjoyed themselves and that’s all that matters! I’m not sure that we were supposed to be eating the apples while picking, but my youngest, sweet Robyn, did not waste any time indulging. Let’s just say she snagged the best apples for her afternoon snack. LOL! Once our buckets were full, which did not take long we headed back down the gravel road to head back. We could not leave without heading inside of the country store. They have food, plants, and all things Fall. We even tried their Apple Cider Slush which was amazing and bought some Amish baked goods! Needless to say, our time at Peifer Orchards was nothing short of amazing. Grab your family or friends and set out to enjoy some apple picking! If you want to make it a getaway or a day trip, explore all of Yellow Springs. It is an amazing city.
Blooms & Berries’ Fall on the Farm
It is Fall, and that means pumpkin patch, pumpkin spice and everything nice and Fall on the Farm! I do not know about you, but I grew up going to pumpkin patches and now made it a tradition with my husband and girls. Every year at Fall, we visit a pumpkin patch and fully indulge in this special time of the year. The past two years, we have been making our way to Booms & Berries’ Fall on the Farm. Fall on the Farm is a family-fun event at Blooms & Berries Farm beginning September 18th through October 31st daily. There are so many fun things to do at the farm such as: hayrides, pumpkin patch, pony rides (only on certain weekends), corn maze, beer garden, sunflower patch (very picturesque), farm animals, play areas, a huge pumpkin balloon bounce, caramel apple float, and so much more. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as we went from area to area and all around. They really enjoyed the big slide that they have as well as just roaming around and soaking in all the crisp Fall air. We really enjoy Fall on the Farm as a family and there is so much for the kids to do. I love that there is something at every corner. My kids never got bored. It is a time we experience as a family full of excitement and joy! As you can tell, my family and I really enjoy Fall. If you are looking for an amazing pumpkin patch with tons of things for the family to do, Fall on the Farm is for you!
While summer has ended, that does not mean the fun has to stop! Grab family or friends and explore Ohio’s beauty in the Fall. Experience the best fall foliage in many of Ohio’s different cities. Enjoy the cool crisp air while watching the leaves on the trees change. Enjoy all the Pumpkin Spice you can bare and create the best memories in such a wonderful season!
The Last Summer Hurrah!
While we enjoy the heat, blossoms, and treats that summer brings, we also enjoy welcoming Fall just as much. However, we still have about two months left of summer. You are just in time for the last hurrah! There are plenty of things to see and do to close out the summer. With vacation seasoning ending and back-to-school time just around the corner, it’s time to indulge in every bit of summertime left. How can you enjoy the last bit of summer you ask? Well let us tell you – take an impromptu road trip, visit an amusement park for all the adrenaline rush thrills, visit a museum and learn a little history, or take the kids to a cool Dairy Farm. Grab that last minute summer bucket list and start crossing off those activities waiting to be explored. Now is the time to take a Rock & Ride Road Trip, a Family Fun Road Trip, or a mixture of both. We have partnered with Ohio. Find It Here. to bring you our top last minute summer activities for your August adventure.
Cedar Point
Have you been to an amusement park this year? If not, you must visit Ohio’s Cedar Point. Cedar Point is located in Sandusky, OH, right outside of Cleveland. If an adrenaline rush and need for speed is your thing, you will certainly find it here. They are known as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, with jaw dropping drops on certain rides. Talk about a fun time and an amazing experience. They have your traditional rides like the Ferris Wheel, Loopty Loop Rides, Water Rides, and Kid’s Rides. Then there are the rides that they are most known for like Top Thrill Dragster, GateKeeper, Millennium Force, and more. This park is full of rides with adventure, twist, and turns. My husband and I went for a weekend on a couple’s date, and it was fun. Of course after riding all those rides and walking the park, you will certainly work up an appetite. After our adventurous day, we walked right outside the park to one of the restaurants and had a delicious dinner. Whether you like rides full of speed, twist and turns or you like simpler laid-back rides, Cedar Point has something for all ages and thrill levels.
TIP: Cedar Point is located on Lake Erie and offers a waterpark called Cedar Point Shores. If you are not a thrill seeker and amusements parks are not your thing, there are other activities to do in the area. You could enjoy the waterpark, or you could plan a weekend getaway, rent a hotel, and enjoy the beach. Also, water activities like kayaking are offered around the beach shore.
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
First and foremost, we would like to thank the men and women of the Armed Forces for their services! Did you, someone in your family, or someone you know serve in the Armed Forces? Are you just curious to know what soldiers go through from the time they enlist to the time they get out or retire? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum is the place for you. Located in Columbus, OH, this museum is sure to give you another level of respect for the men and women that serve(d) our country. It is well put together, organized, and teaches you a lot about what a veteran may experience during his or her time in the military. It is so unique! Tiff Squared enjoyed our time learning about the process a veteran takes from enlisting to retirement or sadly even a lot of times death, listening to stories given by veterans, and learning history through a cool timeline wall. Tiff D. even lifted some tactical gear and my was it heavy. To think some of them must go to war with all of this equipment on is mind blowing. However, they go through rigorous training that “tries” to prepare them for the toughest moments they will experience ever in life. I use the word “tries” because no matter how much training you have, some moments can never be prepared for. It also allows them to form a comradery with their peers that is never lost. The military certainly makes tough people! It was also interesting to learn about the color flags some soldiers wear on their uniforms as to what war they served in. We both learned so much and found ourselves invested to want to keep reading and learning more. This museum is truly a wonderful experience as well as an awesome way to pay homage to the men and women that took an oath to protect and serve the United States of America.
Young’s Jersey Dairy
I get it, school is out, the kiddos are running around the house like crazy, and you just need to find something to wear them out! We have something fun for them and you. Take a visit to Young’s Jersey Dairy located in Yellow Springs, OH. It is also about 10 minutes away from the main strip in Yellow Springs filled with shopping, outdoor activities (bike riding, hiking, and more), and restaurants. Yellow Springs makes for the perfect weekend getaway. I know taking the kids to a dairy may sound strange, but I am here to tell you there is a lot more fun than the name suggest. Young’s Farm first started as a farm that grew grain, raised hogs, milked cows, and eventually sold their milk. Today they grew the farm into what we like to call family friendly fun at Young’s. I took my 5-year-old daughter for a mommy and me day. We both had a lot of fun! The farm offers their Dairy Store, Two Miniature Golf Courses, Batting Cages, Covered and natural grass driving range, Moovers & Shakers (a fun barrel ride around the farm), Cowvin’s Fast Slide, Cowvins Kiddie Corral, Young’s Annual Cheese Anniversary, The Wool Gathering, Pick Your Own Pumpkins & Cowvin’s Corny Maze + Playground, Fall Farm Pumpkin Festival, and Vintage Truck Show. WHEW, that was a mouth full! Haha! My daughter had fun doing the Moovers & Shakers, Cowvin’s Kiddie Corral and the Batting Cage. She enjoyed the kiddie slides and the tricycles that the Kiddie Corral offered. They also have goats that you can feed. Additionally, aside from their milk and cheese, Young’s Dairy is known for their fresh ice cream made on their site. They have a drive-through or a dairy store that you can purchase ice cream. There was a line for the dairy store, but we wanted the experience, so we stood and waited. My daughter loves ice cream, so this was her favorite part. She ordered her favorite, Chocolate Ice Cream. I decided to go out of my norm and try their Banana Split. Both ice cream treats were delicious, refreshing, and the perfect way to beat the summer heat, so grab the family and set out for a fun day trip to Young’s Jersey Dairy.
Loveland Castle Museum
Where are the history lovers at? If this is you, plan a visit to Loveland Castle Museum located in Loveland, OH. The castle is filled with history about Sir Harry and the KOGT (Knights of the Golden Trail). I found it very interesting to learn we had a castle right here in the Cincinnati, OH area. When I hear the word castle, I offer times think of large castles such as Buckingham Palace. I do not think of smaller castles with a great foundation behind them. I was so happy to hear of a castle here in Ohio and it made me rethink of my appreciation of what is in my own back yard. I had to go check it out. At the Loveland Castle there are so many things do to and explore when you visit. You can have a family picnic by the river or enjoy a walk down the pathways of the gardens to see various plants and flowers. During my tour at the castle I learned about Harry, Picnicking, Games and Puzzles, Ghosts, Architecture, Swords and Weapons. There is never a dull moment when you visit the castle, there is something to learn around every corner.
Duke Energy Children’s Museum
Cincinnati is home and you know I could not give a list of last-minute summer bucket list activities and not feature a location right here in the Queen City. What I found unique about the atmosphere and look of the museum, was that is resembles the New York Train Station. With school getting ready to start back, what better way to get the kiddos back into the swing of things than exploring history and science at the Children’s Museum. This is a great way for kids and families to get out and explore together. The vision of the Cincinnati Museum Center is to bring understanding of their past, present, and future by providing world-class learning experiences enjoyable for children and adults, and they do just that! My family and I visited the Children’s Museum and had a blast. You will learn about dinosaurs, the evolution of technology, Cincinnati’s history, and so much more. My children’s favorite parts were the dinosaur exhibit as well as the hands-on activity exhibit. The museum offered different hands-on activities for the kids to learn different objectives. After we played and visited the exhibits, we watched a 45-minute movie in the Robert D. Linder Family OMNIMAX Theater. This was a fun, full screen experience. The theater is in the shape of a dome and the screen takes up the entire front side and moves up. Its pretty neat! If you are feeling inspired to learn more about the world through science and regional history in a fun, educational, and engaging way, the Duke Energy Children’s Museum is the place for you. It will open your eyes to a world of meaningful experiences.
While summer is coming to an end, that does not mean it is over just yet. There is still plenty of time to get out and explore and make those summer bucket list items a reality. Whatever you have been meaning to do this Summer, now is the time! Grab those friends or family members and seize the day! Visit a place you have never been before, try something outside of your comfort zone, or find something that is familiar to your interest. No matter what you decide to do, you will enjoy every minute of soaking up the end-of-summer sun!
Top Ten Local Ice Cream Shops
Can you all feel that? That, my friend, would be the heat of summer that we are all experiencing.
That means jumping into pools, going to lake, and definitely treating ourselves with delicious,
refreshing ICE CREAM! Ice cream is one of those desserts that has no age restriction. Whether
you are age 5 or 75, you probably still get as excited as we do to get this special dessert. We
love it so much that we’ve partnered with Ohio. Find It Here to bring you our top local ice cream
shops! That’s of course excluding the nostalgic ice cream truck. :) Get your taste buds ready
and let’s dive innnnnn!
Dojo
There is so much I can appreciate about shops that hand craft their ice cream daily. Dojo is one
of them. They specialize in Italian-style gelato and coffee. Everything is just so fresh and
incredibly unique. They have the traditional flavors if that’s your thing or fun ones, such as
peach pie, for all of you adventurous ones out there. Due to their success, they now have two
locations, one in Northside and the other at Findlay Market. There’s never been a time that I’ve
gone and not seen a line. Now that’s a good sign (I did not mean to rhyme there hehehe). But
that shows that it’s not just us- the community also loves them!
They have a fun sign that says, “Sorry We’re Open” and I totally get it because once you go,
you’re going to want to keep coming back!
Suggested flavor To Try: Ooey Butter Cake
Putz
Where are there soft serve ice cream lovers at? If that’s you, head on over to the West Side of
town and visit Putz. One of the cutest things about them is how much they believe in family.
Since 1938, they have passed down the company through their family line. I <3 that! When you
arrive, it will feel like an old neighborhood store with their super cute picnic tables around. They
truly have something for everyone here. If you want soft serve, which is what they’re known for,
go for it! If you want a banana split, which I opted for this most recent time, do that! If you want a
turtle sundae, they have one with your name on it. They are pretty perfect for a hot day and
great to bring the full family to as well.
One disclosure: They accept cash only! Don’t be that person to get there and not have any on
you. That will be a sad day. BUT there is a gas station with an ATM machine if that does
happen to be you. Just know you won’t want to miss it!
Suggested Flavor To Try: Banana Split with Vanilla Soft Serve Base
The Cone
Now this one brings back so many memories for my family and I. We lived down the street from
it for 15+ years and visited on a very regular basis- probably too much, but who’s counting?!
They are another soft serve location that has plenty of fun options to choose from. When I was
younger, there was no need to ask me what I wanted to order. I ALWAYS went with the Oreo
wizard. Too Good!! Now, my choice is a strawberry & vanilla soft serve twist in a cone, with lots
and lots of sprinkles added (can you all tell yet that sprinkles are one of my weaknesses?)They
also have ice cream cakes that are pretty freaking good for birthdays (or if you just want a cake
just because…). You can also utilize some of their indoor rooms to have a small celebration!
Celebrations with ice cream and your favorite people sounds like a win to me! What’s also cool
about The Cone is they have a drive thru! No need to get out of the car to get your favorite
items! Although I live pretty far from them, I will absolutely make the drive to experience a bit of my childhood here!
Suggested Flavors to Try: Oreo Wizzard or Vanilla/Strawberry Twist Cone
Hello Honey
O.M.G. This one is one of Tiff D.’s absolute favs. Although we didn’t discover it until a couple of
years back, they have been around for yearsssss. They are located downtown on Vine Street,
but closer to the business district (right before 7 th street). This place is absolutely incredible!
They are a small batch ice cream shop that makes their flavors in house too! They get our vote
for most creative combos and best overall taste. I typically try to pick options that don’t normally
go together to make it super fun.
Outside of the flavors, we love that they make their waffle cones fresh to order. They’re not hot
enough to melt the ice cream though. They are just right. We also enjoy their toppings- like the
toasted marshmallow. They just have items that you won’t really see anywhere else.
And guess what? They are opening a second location in Walnut Hills later this year. Love to see
that growth for our local businesses! They have never disappointed any time either of us have
been. So when the new one opens, we’ll be one of the first in line!
Suggested Flavors to Try: Blueberry Cheesecake or Honey Lavender
Bold Face Dairy
Bold Face Dairy is one of the newer ice cream shops on the block (opened in 2018), but you
would you never know because they have perfected their taste! Now let me ask you…. Have
you ever held a soft serve ice cream cone upside down for an extended period without it
dripping and melting? This is the place where you can do so! Their soft serve is nice and
creamy but is also thick!
This is another place that is great for yourself and your family because they have flavors others
don’t have such as chai tea, cardamom, and bourbon barrel stout. Have you ever seen flavors
like that?! It’s not just creative names though. The awesome part is they are equally delicious as
they are exciting. When there’s so many flavors like this, that just means you have to keep
going back until you’ve tried them all!
Suggested Item: Be BOLD like their name and get the Bold Face Cone
Parlor
I knowwww we must have cookie dough lovers out there!!! We are certainly in that category as
well. Parlor has been opened in the Madeira area for quite some time, but they opened a
second location in Pendleton just a few years back. And that’s when my taste buds were forever
changed. They are very well known for their edible cookie dough. But what is great is they offer
the option for you to pair it with one of their freshly made ice cream flavors. My go to is usually
the cookies n’ cream ice cream as the base with a scoop of cookie dough on top. My
Goodness!! I don’t think I’d ever had anything like it but once I did, it was heaven in a cup yall!
Something else they have that I very much enjoy is blueberry ice cream. If you grew up in the
Ohio area and were anything like me, you may have gone to King’s Island just for the “smurf”
ice cream. No need to go that far anymore. They have it right here in their shop. And you know
what I topped it with…Yep. That’s right… Sprinkles!
Suggested Flavor to Try: Cookies n’ Cream
Graeter’s
Ok now. You all know we HAD to add in the Cincinnati STAPLE. Although you’ll see them in
many locations throughout Ohio and the surrounding states, they originated in Cincinnati and
have been going strong for the longest! They are actually celebrating their 150 th anniversary this
year!!! If we completed a poll for “fan favorite”, Greater’s would certainly win. What’s really cool
they have certain flavors that are present all year, but they do a great job of keeping fans
guessing with surprise flavors each month. And if you’re looking for something lighter, try their
sorbets. The lemon is perfectly refreshing in the summer. In addition to their, handcrafted flavors
of ice cream to choose from; they also have delicious cakes, cookies, & pies.
You will never, ever go wrong with choosing Greater’s. We can pretty much guarantee you and
whoever you are with will leave with a sugary smile on your face
Suggested Flavor to Try: Current special- strawberry sorbet
Aglamesis Brothers’
Our last feature in this post may have hit 150 years, but this one isn’t far behind. This year
Aglamesis Brothers’ hit 113 years. That is a longgg time of serving the city with tasty treats!
They actually may have the most unique story. One of the founding members is from Greece
and came to Cincinnati to build a life for himself. After his brother joined him here, they
eventually took a turn at starting their first ice cream parlor and the rest is history (thank
goodness for us!) I just love a story that has this type of background in it. They have kept the old
school vibe and charm inside of the locations which makes you really feel like you’re in a parlor.
Their attire even matches it!
Now…the ice cream- sooooo good! But it’s not just your traditional ice cream. It’s Italian ice as
well. Every time I visit, I try to get something different- even though I have my favorites (like
double chocolate chip). They’re just all too good to not try them all. And for a company that has
been this successful for this long, you KNOW they’re good (just google them and you’ll see that
they have a nationwide reputation as well!)
Suggested Flavor To Try: Banana Chocolate Chip
Jeni’s
Ok this one is not local, but it’s too good to pass up. If you’re up for a drive to Columbus you
have to try Jeni’s. I’m not sure when I first tried them, but when I did, my life changed LOL In
addition to having fun flavors, like some of the others, they are well known for how smooth and
creamy their ice cream is. It is a struggle for me to NOT stop at one of their locations when I’m
in the area. There must be something in it that’s keeping me addicted.
If you have no other reason to drive to Columbus and want to go just to check this place out, we
won’t judge. Hehehe It will be worth it! You may have also noticed them in your local grocery
store. Yep, they sell their flavors by the pint and in case you’re wondering, they are just as
delicious that way too!
Suggested flavors: Lemon and Blueberry Parfait
Now I know you must now have googly eyes and may have dreams about these places in your
sleep tonight (Sorry, not Sorry! �� ). We have an easy way to solve for that. Hop in the car
immediately and pick one of these incredible places! No matter which one you choose, it will
likely become your new favorite! It happens to us every single time!
Enjoy y’all
Outdoor Adventures in Ohio
Summer has officially begun, and that means it is time to get out and explore. After a year of being stuck in the house, I think the outdoors is calling everyone’s name. There is so much to see and do right here in Ohio. How do you do the outdoors? Is it a good patio with fancy drinks, an outdoor mural, or maybe a good ole breath of fresh air outside hiking or a walk in the park! We recommend taking a mini day trip to Columbus, Dayton, or staying right here in Cincinnati. All three of these cities provide a great experience with friends or family. The awesome thing is the two listed destinations outside of Cincinnati are within 100 miles of Cincinnati. Cincinnati is great and can be the perfect day exploring what is in your back yard. Dayton and Columbus are perfect for mini getaways not to far from home. Each city offers something for everyone. Whether you like to shop, eat, ride a bike, hike, play volleyball, walk in parks, or embrace the art culture, we promise you will not be left out. Ohio is a beautiful state with unexpected hipness and coolness. We have partnered with Ohio. Find It Here. to bring awareness to just how cool and fun Ohio is! Whether you live in Cincinnati, Columbus, or Dayton, or you are making any of these destinations a road trip, you will appreciate the beauty in each city and what it has to offer.
TIP: While we are providing outdoor adventures for all three cities, we will also suggest one food stop per location as well.
Cincinnati
ADVENTURES:
Queen City aka Cincinnati! They do not call Cincinnati the queen for no reason, the city is truly a diamond! While we, Tiff Squared, do a lot of travel, Cincinnati is where we call home! They always say home is where the heart is 😉 We absolutely love our city and the fun we have here. From Pedal wagoning through the city on a mural tour, restaurants, playing volleyball at a cool brewery, to farmer’s markets, the Queen City has a lot of jewels to offer.
Experience Cincinnati’s colorful side through the beautiful mural masterpieces! Whether you’re a local looking for a unique way to explore the art that Cincy has to offer, or a out-of-towner visiting for the first time, Pedal Wagon Cincinnati’s Mural Tour makes for a fun and creative day! This is the perfect insider to Over-the-Rhine’s (OTR) most known murals. What is also really cool is that Pedal Wagon Cincinnati gives back. Ten percent of all proceeds of this our go to ArtWorks, an award-winning non-profit arts organization that empowers and inspires the creative community.
Tiff Squared took this tour and loved exploring the city through its creative art. Each mural told a story and gave a piece of the city in its own unique way. Every mural was painted with love and care and uniqueness to its placement on certain buildings or the story that it told. What was also fun was that the pedal wagon offers an opportunity for you to hang with friends and meet new people. While not everyone knew each other on our tour, we were all brought together by our city’s precious art and the meaning it had to the city. The fact that Cincinnati has such a cool and unique way to exhibit artwork on the streets, outside was something that everyone could appreciate and connect on. This experience was one for the books. Grab your friends and pedal your way through Cincinnati’s OTR neighborhood and tap into your creative side.
Are you someone who likes fresh, local ingredients and products? If you answered yes, we have the spot for you, Findlay Market. Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market and one of Cincinnati’s most cherished institutions. Findlay is one of the top visited locations in Cincinnati by locals as well as out-of-towners. It is in OTR and just a few blocks from downtown. Our love for Findlay runs deep. The sense of community you gain from visiting Findlay is like no other. We love to visit the thriving Farmers Markets on the weekends while sitting outside to enjoy street performers and live music. It is so nice to be able to go and support local businesses while purchasing farm fresh, locally sourced, artisanal and specialty foods. Findlay offers a little of everything. From sweets, savory, spices, plants, chocolate, to candles, you name it and they have it. It is also the perfect weekend plans for the family and young kids. It is one of our favorite places to visit. If you want a true since of Cincinnati mixed with a little home grown, Findlay is the place to see.
TIP: You might even catch our very own, Tiffany B., out in the market. She works out of Findlay Market’s commercial kitchen, Findlay Kitchen. She makes thick, hand-made, delicious, stuffed cookies. Look for Sweet Mae’s Cookie Co. She even sometimes participates as a vendor at Findlay Market during different events Findlay Market host.
Need a brew or want to have some outdoor fun? Either way, 50 West has you covered. Located on US 50 heading west into the city of Cincinnati. This brewery was founded in a former roadside speakeasy. If you did not know US Route 50 passes through 12 states from Ocean City, MD to Sacramento, CA, meaning it passes right through Cincinnati. If you are up for a HUGE road trip you can still pass right through the Queen City. However, in the meantime let us just take US 50 right to 50 West.
This brewery is huge with lots to do, eat and drink! It is the perfect summer activity for outdoors adventures as well as outdoors sports. They have a cycling trail, volleyball, and so much more. Not only do they have outdoor activities, but they also even have food and drinks to keep you fueled. Tiff Squared spent an afternoon here. We took a short walk on their biking trail and went back to watch people play volleyball. It was cool. What we loved most about this brewery is it is not just a brewery; they provide you with a fun experience. Most breweries offer just beer and food. 50 West is giving all the vibes with food, drinks, and outdoor fun!
FOOD:
50 West Brewery – Staying in true Tiff Squared Fashion, we must talk about food! LOL! The food stop suggestion for Cincinnati is 50 West Brewery Burgers. You do not have to go to far for this location. LOL! While you are at 50 West indulging in all the outdoor activities, you will certainly need food to recharge. They are known for their burgers. What is fun is they offer different toppings and name each burger after states. After our biking adventure and watching people play volleyball, Tiff D. decided to grab a burger and fries. The burgers are really tasty! They have great flavor and really unique toppings. Pictured is the Maryland burger which is a double with Old Bay Tater Sauce, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, and American Cheese. It was soooo good! Tiff D. is challenging herself to try all of the flavors at least once.
Dayton
ADVENTURES:
Keeping this outdoor adventure moving along to our next stop in our three city Ohio outdoor guide. While Cincinnati is known as the Queen City, our next stop, Dayton, is known as “Gem City”. How cute and fitting is that? The Queen City and a few miles away is her Gem. Hehe! See we told you Ohio has so much to offer. Dayton received this nickname from an article written by a reporter in an August 1945 report in the Cincinnati Chronicle about Dayton, due to its beautiful upkeep of the city. The report sited wide streets, kept in excellent order, noble blocks of stores, filled with choice, and of course, the exceeding beauty and neatness of the dwellings. We can surely attest to that, especially the nature side of things! Dayton offers a great way to get out and explore the outdoors through great views at beautiful parks while embracing a breath of fresh air and enjoying your family.
The Wegerzyn Garden is a metropark in Dayton. You will be wowed by its beauty. A hidden gem?! Very much so! The next time you find yourself in the area, certainly get out and explore this gem of a garden. This garden is perfect for a summer afternoon stroll. The flowers are in full bloom and the garden turns into what we will call a magical place. It certainly offers the most picturesque backdrop. The garden is surrounded by the Stillwater River Trail. The Stillwater River Trail provides cyclist, runners, and walkers tranquil and diverse terrain. The Park features the Stillwater Trail, Formal Gardens, a Children’s Discovery Garden, a Giant Pedestal Oak, Marie Aull Nature Trail, the Swamp Forest, and Community Gardens. Wegerzyn Gardens is beautiful and packed with fun and offers the perfect family time. My children and I ran around the open gardens and took tons of cool pictures while having fun. They also loved the Children’s Discovery Garden. It features a small waterfall, pond, sand boxes, and other interactive exhibits. My family and I had a blast visiting Wergerzyn Gardens. If you are looking for a fun, peaceful and stunning place to explore, this is the location for you! It is free and open to the public.
Cox Arboretum is another metropark in Dayton. Like its counterpart, Wegerzyn Gardens, Cox too provides the beauty of nature. Here is a place for you to come and connect with nature. Discover the peacefulness nature, its trees and shrubs thoughtfully placed to capture your imagination and take you to a place of serenity. The Park features Pollinator Gardens, Specialty Gardens, The Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture, a Butterfly House, Tree Tower, Bell Children’s Maze, Zorniger Education Center, Conservation Corner, Nature Trails, and Ruth Cummings Mead Woodland. There is certainly something for everyone. My family and I enjoyed a nice stroll admiring all that Cox Park has to offer. We spent a lot of time at the pond at the entrance. It had all the “fishys” and turtles. Go get out and explore Cox Park and enjoy a relaxing family adventure.
FOOD:
Salar – We gotta eat! It is part of what we do and as they say food brings people together! Located in Dayton’s Historic Oregon District, Salar features an exciting menu with strong Peruvian, French, and Mediterranean influences. We love a good reasonably priced, upscale, yet casual meal. Not to mention it is one of our favorite restaurants in Dayton. We love that they offer unique flavors. Some of the dishes we tried were their Beef Empanadas, Fried Calamari, Chicken Chicharrones, Pollo a la Brasa, Faroe Island Salmon, and the Red Quinoa Encrusted Chilean Sea Bass. All of their food is flavorful and touches on different flavor elements and cooking techniques. Overall, Salar is delicious, and you can not go wrong with any option.
Columbus
ADVENTURES:
Welcome to the state capital- COLUMBUS! Columbus is one of those cities that has been thriving for a long time and won’t be letting up any time soon. There is just so much life and vibrance to it! Even with that, it still feels super homey with awesome opportunities to connect with other people. It’s a great city for people of all ages and at any stage of life. If you’re looking for something for your family, they have it. If you’re looking for nightlife, they have it. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, they have that too! And we can’t forget about sports at THE Ohio State University! Clearly there’s something for everyone. Here’s a small glimpse at the many activities they have to offer:
Shopping is an activity, right? Hmmmm Of course it is!! And it just happens to be one of our favorite ones! If you also enjoy shopping, Easton in Columbus is absolutely the place to be. It is one of the largest outdoor shopping centers in all of Ohio. If you’re looking for something specific, they probably have it. That can range from items for kids, items for the home, shoes and so so much more! But the thing is, they are not just for shopping. There are quite a few delicious restaurants there, ranging from grab and go to high-end sit-down options. One of my favorites is Shake Shack. It’s simply delicious! If you want to make a day out of it, they have entertainment as well! This includes a movie theater, comedy club, legoland, Pins mechanical company, and a wealth of other options. Prior to my brother getting married, my family stayed at the Hilton on site when we would visit him. We’d spend hoursss shopping, playing, and overall, just enjoying the area and each other’s company. They do have indoor shopping, eating and entertainment as well, but we’re all for the outdoor options!
Topiary Park is a beautiful, public park and garden located in downtown Columbus and is officially known as the Topiary Garden at Old Deaf School Park. It is such a cool place! When we visited, we originally thought there were just cool figures cut into the trees, but what they actually depict are figures from Georges Seurat‘s 1884 painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. It is the only park based entirely on a painting. They are life-sized shapes which makes it really fun to take pictures with. We really enjoyed pulling up the actual image and picking out which topiary matched to each part of the picture. From what we observed, the park is used to relax, take professional pictures, and to learn about the history of the painting and the Ohio School for the Deaf. We were really excited to experience something new that’s tied to such a beautiful painting.
FOOD:
Hen Quarter Dublin – If you haven’t been to the Dublin area of Columbus, it is a must go! Bridge view park has plenty to offer that is outdoors. If you’re looking for a restaurant with a great patio, we’d highly recommend Hen Quarter. They are a black owned restaurant focused on southern cuisine. We loved how much of a diverse crowd they drew (I mean…who doesn’t love fried chicken, Mac n cheese and more?!)
We ordered the chicken and waffles with greens, the crab stuffed salmon over rice, and a side of mac n cheese. From the seasoning, to the rich balance of flavors, we loved every single bit of it. I also loved the old school R&B playing over the speakers. Such a vibe!
This is the end of our Ohio three-city outdoor adventure tour. However, this could be the start for you. Ohio has so much to offer, and we love getting to explore such a great midwestern state. A lot of times people view the Midwest as cows and pastures. However, we are here to show and tell that the Midwest, Ohio, has such great hidden gems. There is plenty to do and see in every city for everyone. We hope you enjoyed our guide! Be sure to check us out next month as well to see what we have in store as our partnership with Ohio. Find It Here. continues. Stay tuned!
Our Summer Bucket List with Ohio. Find It Here !
Hellooooo Everyone!!!! We have exciting news for you all! We are back with a new partnership with
Ohio. Find It Here. If you were following our blog last year, you likely saw our partnership with them
which took us on foodie tours, charming towns, and so much more. Together, with Ohio. Find
It Here, we have a great line up in store for you for the remainder of 2021. First up is…..
OUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST!
You know, Ohio has so much to offer- especially in the summer. There are tons of options to choose
from with something fitting for everyone! Here are some of the top things we are looking forward to:
Parks
Who doesn’t love a good park especially in great cities? If you didn’t know, Cincinnati was
recently rated in the top 10 in the nation for its park system. Pretty cool right?! There are quite a few to
choose from, but our favorites are:
Washington Park- This is one of the best parks in the city for events and festivals. If you want to
just relax in the grass, it’s great. If you want to listen to live music, it’s great. If you want to have a drink
and good food, there’s a different festival on a regular basis. It also has a playground and water area for
kids (or adults. Hey, we’re not judging. Be playful!)
Ziegler Park- Ziegler park is awesome because they have a huge playground, nearby basketball
courts, and the best part- a pool! The pool comes at a low price and is great for all of the kids in the
area who are looking for something to do. Swimming lessons are available and there’s even adult swim
time as well.
Smale Park– Smale Park is just beautiful!!! I love to go at the start of Spring to see their flowers
bloom (tulips are my favvvv and they have plenty of them), which last throughout the summer and most
of fall. This is a nice activity park. You can bike ride by the river, run, play on the playground, hop on a
boat, or walk down to Sawyer Point for volleyball. The bridges and Ohio River are right in view which
makes for such a beautiful site.
Cincinnati and Columbus Zoos!
Did you know Cincinnati and Columbus zoos are both highly rated for top zoos in the nation as well?
Yep! They have the best animals that can roam freely with lots of space, which is important. I love to see
when one of the babies are welcomed to the family. I mean, who doesn’t love Fiona?! (although she’s
not much of a baby anymore). There are several activities you can choose from such as encounters, train
rides, carousels, climbing activities, and more. What I love about the Columbus zoo is the size of their
aquarium! It is awesome! The botanical gardens are also so beautiful and soothing to walk through as
well. Anddd Cincinnati’s annual fundraiser is coming back at the end of summer: Zoofari . This is a gala
that is so well done and so fun! What a great way to close out summer!
Red’s Games– One thing about Ohioans… we love our sports! I mean…..who doesn’t love a good Red’s
game?! Whether you like baseball or not, you certainly can’t deny the fun atmosphere when you’re in
the stands or in a box. My family and I have been going to the games for years and never get tired of it.
It really is a great way to fellowship with each other while cheering your city on. I’m just waiting for the
time when we catch a foul ball! And what about the food? Baseball food (i.e. hot dogs, popcorn, etc.) is
the best, but I absolutely love getting Cincinnati staples such as Skyline and Larosa’s there too.
Somehow, they just taste better in the stadium!
Music Festivals
Music festivals are such a great way to discover new artists that you will end up loving but may never
have heard of if you hadn’t of gone. And guess what? They’re coming back!!! Some of my favorites have
been right here in Ohio. All the open land really allows us to have the perfect venues with awesome
performers. Fun fact: Cincinnati and Cleveland attract tens of thousands of people from surrounding
areas for the Cincinnati Music Festival and Wonderstruck in Cleveland. That’s how good and reputable
they are. Although the Cincinnati Music Festival is not coming back until 2022, Wonderstruck, as well as
many others throughout Ohio will continue this summer- and mostly at full capacity.
King’s Island/Cedar Point
For all the thrill seekers out there- King’s Island in Cincinnati and Cedar Point in Sandusky are right up
your alley! I grew up on both parks and have yet to get tired of them. I absolutely love how they both
add new and exciting rides just about every year. It truly keeps things exciting. If you don’t ride
rollercoasters, don’t worry. There’s plenty for you too! The food alone could certainly keep you coming
back (can I get an amen for the funnel cakes?!). I also love the different performances right in front of
the Eiffel Tower. They make my friends and I want to have a dance party right on the spot. The other
two things that I truly enjoy are the water parks section and the games. Considering how hot the
summers can get, the water is a great way to cool down before drying off at the regular park again. Thrill
seeker or not- these two places are for YOU.
Rooftop Bars-
Most people know I loveeee a good rooftop bar. I could spend every weekend at a different rooftop and
would consider my summer complete. That’s how much I truly enjoy them. Here are a few of my favs in Cincy:
Rhinegeist- When you step up, your jaw might drop because the panorama view of Cincinnati is
awesome! It is nice for a fun night out but can also end up being cute and romantic because of the
sunset and comfy outdoor couches. Grab yourself a beer and enjoy this great space.
Lytle Park- Lytle Park is one of the newer rooftops in Cincy and is all the rave. Their view is
primarily of the Ohio River, bridges and stadiums. Lovely! They offer fun cocktails and bar food while
you sit in the space. One great thing about them- they offer a covered glass area in the event it rains.
If you’re in Columbus visit:
Lincoln Social – They are awesome. The entry includes a floral wall (with BLM in the design-
thank you!) that then opens up to a beautiful space. This is another rooftop that offers super fun
cocktails and delicious food. I would highly suggest making reservations though. They book fast!
If you’re in Columbus or Cincy:
Pins- Pins has expanded to different parts of Columbus and also now in Cincy. It’s such a fun
place that has so many different games to choose from. Not all of them have a rooftop, but regardless,
you will love it because they do have an outdoor space. The Cincinnati location has a rooftop that is so
cute! The firepits (which are also at the non-rooftop locations) make for a cozy yet playful feel. The thing
I love most about them though- their summer slushy drinks! Drink up!!
That’s all for now folks! We hope you’ve enjoyed a glimpse into what we are looking forward to.
Look out for our next partnership with Ohio. Find It Here coming soon! Cheers to SUMMMERRRRR!
Explore & Learn