Posts with tag 'Things to Do'
22
Northeast Ohio: Spend the Weekend in Cleveland
Cleveland rocks, and we're not just talking about music. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland is a perfect blend of sights, sounds, and activities that represent the best of Northeast Ohio.
Whether you're off on a romantic weekend, a family getaway, or an adventure with friends, put these amazing places in Cleveland on your must-see list.
Cleveland Museum of Art
11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
With more than 750,000 guests each year, the internationally renowned Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the most-visited art museums in the world. Founded in 1913 by a group of local industrialists, the museum holds a comprehensive collection of more than 61,000 works, highlighted by their well-regarded holdings of Egyptian and Asian art. Even the neoclassical building itself is a stunning work of art, while its setting of Wade Park is on the National Register of Historic Places. Museum hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday except Friday when hours are extended until 9 p.m. Admission is free for all visitors.
West Side Market
1979 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Out of three vibrant public markets that served Cleveland's diverse and growing population in the early 20th century, only West Side Market remains. While local residents still flock to the market for shopping and dining, it's no longer a hidden gem. Tourists from across the country visit the market, drawn by glowing coverage from national sources such as Food Network and Travel Channel. The iconic tower with its Seth Thomas clock presides over more than 100 vendors selling top-quality meats and seafood, fruits and vegetables, baked goods, specialty items, and ready-to-eat foods. West Side Market is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Kimpton Schofield Hotel
2000 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, OH 44115
The Kimpton Schofield Hotel is quirky and colorful yet classic and traditional, much like Cleveland itself. Housed in a landmark downtown building restored to its original facade, the charming boutique hotel features pet-friendly guest rooms with pillow-top beds, luxury linens and bath accessories, and Victorian-style artwork. Amenities range from a fully-equipped fitness center to complimentary Micro Kickboard scooters for kids to use. Visit the website for information about special offers and hospitality packages.
Playhouse Square
1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115
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Live theater offers a magical energy that's different from other forms of entertainment. Playhouse Square has the distinction of being the largest performing arts center in the country outside of New York City. As one of Broadway's touring partners, Playhouse stages first-class productions of Waitress, To Kill a Mockingbird, and other eagerly anticipated shows. Playhouse Square also serves as home to the Cleveland Ballet, Cleveland International Film Festival, DANCECleveland, and Tri-C Jazz Fest. Visit the website to view the full calendar of events and ticket information.
Cleveland Metroparks
4101 Fulton Pkwy., Cleveland, OH 44144
Most urban parks are an oasis of greenery tucked away inside a city. Cleveland Metroparks is a dazzling network of 18 reservations that circle the city, earning it the nickname of the "Emerald Necklace." The system sprawls across more than 24,000 acres, including 300 miles of trails, eight golf courses, nature education centers, and countless fishing spots. In the midst of this exciting variety of activities is the glittering centerpiece of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Park grounds are open 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. seven days a week, extended to 5 p.m. from April through October. Tickets are $16.95 for adults and $12.95 for ages 2-11.
Butcher and the Brewer
2043 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, OH 44115
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Butcher and the Brewer offers an inventive take on two staples of the Cleveland culinary scene: meat and beer. An in-house butcher and charcutier handle the former, while the latter is brewed on-site in the century-old, 13,000-square-foot building. Long tables and public house-style seating promote a convivial atmosphere, complemented by communal dining from the creative menu of small plates. Customer favorites include the crispy pork belly and kimchi, an Asian-flavored take on Italian arancini. Butcher and the Brewer is open 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4 p.m. - midnight Friday and Saturday.
Stone Gables Inn
3806 Franklin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44113
Are conventional hotels a little too cookie-cutter for your taste? Immerse yourself in the authentic Cleveland experience with a stay at Stone Gables Inn. This delightful boutique hotel is located in a picturesque historic mansion in trendy Ohio City, whose motto is "A Complete Cleveland Neighborhood." Owners Jeff and Connie bought the inn after spending many nights there themselves while renovating a nearby duplex. Each guest room has a private bathroom, and there is no front desk, which adds to the homey ambiance. Visit the website for rate information and reservations.
A Christmas Story House & Museum
3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44109
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A favorite holiday tradition comes to life at A Christmas Story House & Museum. The green-trimmed Victorian in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood has been restored to the same appearance it had as the Parker home in the classic holiday movie. Megafans can actually spend the night sleeping in Ralphie's and Randy's beds in the home's private third-floor loft. Across the street is the museum, which holds memorabilia such as props and costumes, and the gift shop, where you can purchase a leg lamp of your own. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $15 for adults and $11 for ages 3-12.
International Women's Air & Space Museum
Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 N. Marginal Rd., Cleveland, OH 44114
Aviator Amelia Earhart and astronaut Sally Ride are just two of the pioneers whose accomplishments are honored at the International Women's Air & Space Museum. Exhibits such as "Women of NASA" and "Link GAT-1 Flight Simulator" are part of the museum's goal to showcase the history and culture of women in flight for current and future generations. Museum hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily, while the gift shop is open weekdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free for all visitors.
It's Only Rock 'n' Roll, but I Like It
In honor of Cleveland's status as the home of rock and roll, which musician or group would be #1 in your personal hall of fame?
20
8 Places for a Family Bike Ride Around Cincinnati
Spring is in the air, and it's a mighty fine time of year to go for a bike ride in Ohio. Here in the Cincinnati area, we're blessed with hundreds of miles of trails and greenways where cyclists can let loose.
From flat bike paths that offer smooth pedaling to rugged parks crisscrossed by challenging mountain bike singletrack, you'll never run out of trails in Cincinnati. We're excited to share our favorite places for a family bike ride in the area.
Mt. Airy Forest
5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223
Mt. Airy Forest is one of America's oldest reforestation projects, originally established in 1911. Today, this 1,400-acre tract of reclaimed woodland is an amazing resource for Cincinnati residents looking for outdoor adventure. The terrain and trails in Mt. Airy Forest are also a bit more rugged and challenging than a typical city park, which makes this prime territory for mountain biking. The forest includes several multi-use trails as well as a 3.9-mile singletrack loop that was designed with mountain bikers in mind.
Little Miami Scenic Trail
3811 Newtown Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45244
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Arguably the most well-known bike path in Cincinnati, the Little Miami Scenic Trail is also the longest, following the course of its namesake river for 78 miles between Newtown and Springfield. Along the way, it crosses five counties and is accessible through dozens of parks and trailheads in the Cincinnati area. The Trail is also paved, well-maintained, and for the most part, quite flat, making it ideal for cycling. The Avoca Trailhead and the Bass Island Trailhead are great places to start, both offering restrooms and ample parking, with access to a stretch of the Little Miami Scenic Trail that meanders through some lovely riverside city parks.
Ohio River Trail
Corbin Street, Cincinnati, OH 45226
Following the bank of the Ohio River through the heart of Downtown Cincinnati, the Ohio River Trail offers one of the city's best urban bike rides. You can take in some great views of the river and the city skyline along the way. There are several access points, but the parking lot on Corbin Street, near the Schmidt Boat Ramp and Ball Fields, is a good place to start. The Ohio River Trail is also a work in progress. Around 10 miles are currently open, but it will stretch 23 miles end-to-end once completed, and provide a vital link from Downtown Cinci to many other parks and trails throughout the city.
Miami Whitewater Forest
9001 Mt. Hope Rd., Harrison, OH 45030
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The largest unit in the Hamilton County Parks system, Miami Whitewater Forest encompasses over 4,600 acres of woods, wetlands, meadows, creeks, and lakes. The park includes many miles of multi-use hike-and-bike trails for cyclists of all skill and fitness levels. The paved, 7.8-mile Shaker Trace Trail is great for a fairly easy bike ride over gently rolling terrain, but Miami Whitewater Forest also offers several shorter, more challenging dirt trails that twist and turn through the woods. The park also includes campgrounds and a 9-hole golf course.
Lunkin Airport Bike Path
Wilmer Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45226
The Lunken Airport Bike Path is a 5-mile loop that encircles Cincinnati's Lunken Airport. It's a flat, paved pathway that's just a short trip from Downtown, making it an easily accessible loop for city residents. The path sits atop a levee that protects the airport from flooding. It connects with the Ohio River Trail and is also linked to the trail system in nearby Otto Armleder Memorial Park, so there are plenty of options if you want to alter or extend your route.
East Fork State Park
3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel, OH 45106
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Just a 30-minute drive east of Cincinnati, East Fork State Park is one of the great destinations in the region for outdoor adventures of all kinds, biking included. A little over 4,800 acres, it's one of the largest state parks in Ohio and offers about 12 miles of hiking and biking trails that follow the ridges overlooking East Fork Lake. With numerous switchbacks, steep climbs, hills, and gullies, these trails offer some exciting terrain for mountain bikers, as well as sweeping views across the lake. Most park roads are also open to cyclists, and the park includes a campground, swimming beach, boat launch, and fishing pier.
Mill Creek Greenway
Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45232
The Mill Creek Greenway is a beautiful paved bike path that follows the banks of Mill Creek through western Cincinnati. At present, only 3.5 miles of the trail are completed. But more ambitious plans are in the works, which will extend the trail over 50 miles along the banks of the creek that gives it its name, eventually connecting it to the Ohio River Trail and Winton Woods. For now, the existing segment provides a pleasant bike ride through Salway Park and long the edge of the Northside neighborhood, where you might be tempted to stop for a drink at beloved local watering holes like the Northside Yacht Club, which is just footsteps from the trail.
Mitchell Memorial Forest
5401 Zion Rd., Cleves, OH 45002
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Located way out on the far west side of Cincinnati, Mitchell Memorial Forest is widely regarded as the best destination in the area for experienced mountain bikers. This 1,600-plus-acre park includes approximately 8 miles of challenging mountain biking trails, divided into two loops of around 4 miles each. The terrain is rugged and densely wooded, and the trails are tight singletrack with plenty of twists, turns, steep ascents and other challenges to keep the ride interesting.
A Beautiful Ride
Where's your favorite place to ride around Cincy?
13
Make Lunch Count at These 9 Places in Northeast Ohio
Lunch doesn't always get enough attention. This midday meal can be a great opportunity to take a break from work, converse with friends, and try some new cuisines. If you're in the mood to focus more on lunch, the perfect opportunity is just days away. April 13 is National Make Lunch Count Day, and we recommend celebrating at one of these top-notch Northeast Ohio restaurants.
Taza Lebanese Grill
1400 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
Taza Lebanese Grill is a wonderful place to stop for lunch in downtown Cleveland. The word "Taza" means fresh, and indeed, this restaurant uses the freshest ingredients. They even make their pita bread in-house, using their traditional Lebanese stone oven.
The rolled pitas are a popular lunch option at Taza. Choose from lamb, kabob, Kafka, and falafel fillings. On a chilly spring day, you may want to pair your pita with a bowl of lentil soup. If you're in the mood for something lighter, the Taza Chicken Salad is a wise choice. Featuring dates, red grapes, and roasted pine nuts, it comes tossed in an incredible cilantro-mango dressing.
Lucky's Cafe
777 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Lucky's Cafe has won awards for their brunch, but they're a great place to stop for lunch, too. They source their ingredients from local Ohio farms whenever possible, and they make all of their bread and pastries by hand.
One of the top items on Lucky Cafe's lunch menu is the Mac-N-Cheese. Made with cheddar, brie, and parmesan, it's both gooey and flavorful. Guests also love the Curried Chicken Salad Sandwich and the Triple B Salad, made with beets, blue cheese, and bacon.
The Vegan Club
13228 Shaker Square, Cleveland, OH 44120
Whether you follow a plant-based diet or are just trying to eat more healthy foods, The Vegan Club is a lovely place to enjoy a delicious lunch in Cleveland. They only serve 100% plant-based items in-house and offer many gluten-free and nut-free dishes.
Start your lunch with an appetizer to share. The Okra Fries are delicious and come with a cilantro-lime dipping sauce. As your main course, you may want to try the Oyster Mushroom Po'Boy or the BLT—made with vegan bacon, of course. And for dessert, you can't go wrong with a Berry Apple Strudel or Apple Tart.
Chameleon Cafe
23 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
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Chameleon Cafe is a simple, welcoming, locally-owned staple in Akron, Ohio. Their menu is brimming with delicious lunch options to please all palates. The Powerbowls, which are loaded with kale, quinoa, and your choice of protein, are fantastic. Guests especially love the Korean BBQ Chicken Powerbowl. For something lighter, you may want to try the Chicken Caprese or Harvest Salad.
Chameleon Cafe also offers a selection of creative grilled cheese sandwiches, wraps, and toasted croissants. They're open Monday-Friday until 4 pm, making them a great place to stop for a workday lunch.
Luigi's Restaurant
105 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
If you're in the mood for Italian food, then Luigi's Restaurant can't be beat for lunch. They open at 11 am Monday-Friday. You'll find all of the Italian favorites on the menu, including pizzas, pasta, and salads. Their Pizza Bianco, a white pizza made with cheese, garlic, and onions, is a fan favorite. You also can't go wrong with the Italian Sub.
Luigi's has several lunch specials, which they serve until 3 pm. With options like homemade lasagne and basked rigatoni, you may want to order a second portion to take home.
Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant
326 S. Main St. #1204, Akron, OH 44308
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Cilantro was voted to have Akron's Best Thai & Asian Food in 2020. The restaurant has a fresh, modern vibe and a dedicated lunch menu. Start with an appetizer to share, such as the Chicken Satay or Cilantro Crab Cakes. For your entree, the Pad Thai is a classic choice. Guests also love the Singapore Noodles, which are flavored with curry powder.
Make sure you save room for dessert when you dine at Cilantro. Their F.B.I, which stands for Fried Banana & Ice Cream, is an incredible way to end your lunch. They also serve Mango Sticky Rice when mangoes are in-season.
Pete's Restaurant
4223 Tuscarawas St. W., Canton, OH 44708
Pete's is a classic American restaurant offering favorites like burgers, club sandwiches, and wraps. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere will make you feel welcome and comforted. Some of the top items to try here include the House Burger, which comes topped with grilled onions, peppers, and mozzarella cheese. The Pot Roast Sandwich is also delicious.
Pete's has a kids' menu, and they also serve breakfast all day. So if you're in the mood for pancakes or French toast at 1 pm, this is the place to go.
Table Six Kitchen + Bar
6113 Whipple Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720
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Table Six Kitchen + Bar is a modern gastropub serving unique interpretations of American comfort food dishes. The atmosphere is casual but classy. This would be a great place for a business lunch.
Table Six has a whole street food section of their menu. The Glorious Shrimp Tacos, made with jalapenos and pineapple mango salsa, are an incredible choice. You can't go wrong with the Chicken Tacos either. For larger appetites, the Famous Chicken & Waffles make a great lunch. The chicken is hand-breaded, fried to perfection, and served over fluffy waffles with butter and bourbon maple syrup.
Athens Restaurant
816 Harrison Ave. SW, Canton, OH 44706
Athens Restaurant is a traditional Greek restaurant offering a delicious selection of sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Guests love their gyro platters, which come with tender pita bread and plenty of feta cheese. The Grilled Chicken Wrap is another good choice if you're looking for something lighter. Athens Restaurant also has a kids' menu with appealing options like grilled cheese and spaghetti.
Don't leave this lunch spot without trying the baklava, even if you take it home for later. It's tender, flaky, and oozing with sweet honey sauce.
Order Up!
What will you order on National Make Lunch Count Day?
1
Explore Ohio: Visit These 9 Festivals & Events
Itching to spend some time outdoors now that the weather is warming up again? So are we!
Thankfully, tons of springtime events and festivals are happening all over Ohio in the next few weeks. Whether you're in the Northeast Ohio, Columbus, or Cincinnati areas, you'll have no shortage of options. Why not fill in your calendar with a few of the best ones from our list below?
Geauga County Maple Festival
Geauga County Maple Festival is back in Chardon Square April 21 – 24 this year. This beloved local event offers fun for the whole family, including rides, games, and live entertainment from local musicians. Make sure you visit on an empty stomach—you'll love taking part in their pancake breakfasts and pancake eating competitions (with plenty of maple syrup, of course). When you're done, you can enjoy festivities like maple candy carving, the crowning of the Maple Queen, and a syrup-making competition for local aficionados. All syrups in the competition are raffled off as part of the festivities, and a selection of other delicious maple-flavored treats will be available for purchase as well.
The Great Steubenville Eggsibition
980 Lincoln Ave., Steubenville, OH 43952
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2022's Great Steubenville Eggsibition begins April 15. This event is a local tradition begun by the artisans at Nelson's Fine Art and Gifts, who have crafted over 20 giant eggs for display around the neighborhood. Each egg features beautiful artwork that has been hand-painted by local artists. The eggs are hidden around the Steubenville business district to simulate a traditional Easter egg hunt. See how many you can find while strolling around Steubenville this spring!
Mohican Wildlife Weekend
3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842
The Mohican State Park's Mohican Wildlife Weekend April 22-24 is one of the most popular outdoor gatherings in Northeast Ohio. Some of the activities offered during this weekend include archery shooting, survival classes, gold panning, and a scavenger hunt. There are also several educational programs available at specific times, such as the Wings of Wonder Bird Presentation and a planetarium program where you can observe the movement of the stars. You'll need to reserve a spot for some activities in advance, so be sure to check out what's available and register before the event.
Taste of Granville
537 Jones Rd. NE, Granville, OH 43023
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The second annual Taste of Granville event, 5–8 pm April 30, will be hosted by the Granville Rotary at the Bryn Du Mansion. This fast-paced dining experience offers you the chance to sample beer, wine, liquor, and cider from local brewers and distilleries and food from local eateries, including Wild Things Sandwich Café. Dashing Diner, and Ray Ray's Hog Pit. General tickets are available for $35. VIP tables can be booked for $250 to $500, depending on the size of your party.
Sertoma Ice Cream Festival
11339 Mt. Vernon Rd., Utica, OH 43080
The Sertoma Ice Cream Festival has taken place on the grounds of the Energy Cooperative and Velvet Ice Cream Company nearly every year since 1975. Guests will enjoy everything from pony rides and lawn games to a motorcycle and car show. If you're hungry, you can enjoy delicious local dishes like bratwurst, ham and beans, and gallons of premium ice cream. You can also browse a selection of crafts from dozens of local vendors. At just $5 admission per car, this is the perfect place to spend a pleasant spring afternoon with your family May 28-30.
Cincinnati Zoo Blooms
3400 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45220
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The Cincinnati Zoo is always a great place for a fun weekend outing, but it's extra special during the spring Zoo Blooms event April 1-30. During the entire month of April, the zoo's abundant plant life blossoms into a full botanical garden. This period is also known as "Tulip Mania" for the incredible number of tulips on display, but you'll also find plenty of hyacinths and daffodils as well as a multitude of flowering trees and shrubs. There's no additional fee to visit the zoo during this time, so there's no better time for a visit.
Ohioana Book Festival
96 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
Can't get enough of books and literature? The upcoming Ohioana Book Festival April 30 is the place for you. Held by the Ohioana Library in Columbus, this event offers readings and in-depth panel discussions and a book fair, fun educational activities for kids, and delicious snacks. This year's theme is "Celebrating Ohio's Authors," and over 100 of the state's best-known writers will be attending.
Art and Earth Day
1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013
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Every year, the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum celebrates Art and Earth Day, a special day that combines aspects of Arbor Day, Earth Day, and International Sculpture Day. Some of the activities available this year include bird and tree walks, a student art walk featuring works from the students at the University of Cincinnati, and a lively Happy Hour at the Grand Pavilion. Come take in some of the most impressive natural and manmade sights that Cincinnati has to offer from 9 am to 5 pm April 23.
Cincy on Tap Festival
100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
The 2022 Cincy on Tap Festival will take place at the Great American Ball Park 1–4 pm April 9. This event gathers over 60 local breweries for an unforgettable afternoon of beer tasting and fun. Many of the area's best food trucks will also be serving food on-site, and local cover bands will be playing live during the entire event. Tickets start at $50 and include up to 30 4-ounce samples of premium beers made by local breweries, as well as a complimentary ticket to the Reds vs. Cardinals baseball game happening on April 24 at the ballpark. This is a 21+ event, so be sure to bring your ID on the big day!
Ring in the Spring Season
Which of these Ohio spring events will you be attending in the coming weeks?
18
Plan a Visit to These 10 Bourbon Bars Around Ohio
When you think "bourbon," the first place that comes to mind is probably Kentucky. But with all due respect to our neighbors across the river, Ohio has plenty to offer when it comes to the most American of spirits. In every corner of the Buckeye State, you'll find great bourbon bars where you can sip your favorite whiskey neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a unique craft cocktail. Let's all raise a glass to the best bourbon bars in Ohio!
The Whiskey Bar
2767 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
It's hard to imagine a better hangout for bourbon aficionados than the Whiskey Bar. With its straight-to-the-point name and welcoming speakeasy vibes, it's a perfect place to sit and sip awhile. And with over 400 varieties of whiskey on deck, it's unlikely you'll run out of spirits to sample. The Whiskey Bar also has a friendly, easy-going staff of bartenders who are always happy to help you find the perfect bourbon for any palate. This is definitely a hidden gem in the Cleveland area.
Society Lounge
2063 E. 4th St., Cleveland, OH 44115
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Offering one of the best bourbon collections in Northeast Ohio, Society Lounge is a staple of the Cleveland bar scene. With its stylish interior and Roaring 20s-inspired atmosphere, drinking here almost feels like stepping back in time. Society lounge is best known for their expertly-mixed craft cocktails (bourbon fans should sample the 'Death in New York') and prohibition-era ambiance, but they also offer a huge selection of spirits. Expect to be able to choose from 30-plus bourbons at any given time, and with a healthy selection of rye, scotch, and gin to boot.
Oak and Embers Tavern
8003 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
The Bourbon Review named Oak & Embers one of the best bourbon bars in America in 2019, and they definitely know what they're talking about. This hole-in-the-wall in Chesterfield is all about the three B's: bourbon, barbecue, and beer. They serve an amazing selection of bourbon and craft beer to go with their smoky, savory pulled pork, beef brisket, and baby back ribs. And if you're in the mood for a cocktail, try one of their bourbon-centric signature mixed drinks. The "Follow the Smoke" is made with Makers Mark bourbon, Campari and Dolan sweet vermouth smoked with hickory.
Buckeye Bourbon House
36 E. Gay St., Columbus, OH 43215
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You'll find no shortage of great whiskey bars in Columbus, and the Buckeye Bourbon House is definitely one of the best. Their bourbon shelf is a thing of beauty, and they're always highlighting new and exciting bourbons, including a lot of small-batch spirits made right here in Ohio. They have over 50 whiskeys and bourbons to choose from, as well as crafty cocktails and a menu of elevated pub grub. They even offer bourbon flights for those who want to savor the different flavors. Buckeye Bourbon House also made Bourbon Review's ranking of the best bourbon bars in the Midwest for 2021.
The Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge
843 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
Over 300 whiskeys are just waiting to be sampled at the Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge, a High Street hangout that might just offer the best bourbon selection in Columbus. This cozy, intimate space is the perfect place to enjoy drinks with friends and enjoy the Prohibition-themed decor. In addition to a deep roster of bourbons, the Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge offers an incredible array of signature cocktails that run the gamut from approachable and sweet to bitter and spirit-forward. You'll never run out of new flavors to try here, but if you want a basic Old Fashioned made just the way you like it, this is a great place for that too.
Barrel & Taps
1380 W. 3rd Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
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A beloved staple of Columbus' Grandview Heights neighborhood, Barrel & Taps has everything you need for a good time. They always have a well-curated selection of bourbon ready to pour and craft beer on tap, and the indoor bar and outdoor patio each invite guests to stay awhile and enjoy themselves. There's a good chance there will be a food truck or two on-site if you get a little hungry. And with regular events like trivia nights, live music, and yoga on the patio, there's pretty much always something fun going on at Barrel & Taps.
High Bank Distillery Co.
1051 Goodale Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212
Having been awarded Best Creative Cocktails two years running in 614's ColumBest poll, High Bank Distillery Co. takes drinks seriously. Bourbon is featured in cocktails such as the End of Anxiety, which pairs nicely with the restaurant's many shareables. We're partial to the Crispy Brussels with sweet chili glaze and Shrimp Tacos with adobo marinated shrimp. In addition to Grandview, the owners of this bar and eatery are scheduled to open a second location in the Gahanna/New Albany area this year.
The Littlefield
3934 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Cincinnati is just a stone's throw across the Ohio River from Kentucky, so it should come as no surprise that the city has a lot to offer bourbon aficionados. The Littlefield is a great example. This hip Northside hangout features an eclectic interior and a breezy patio space, along with a great bourbon selection and plenty of local craft beers on tap. They make great cocktails too, like "The Fergus," made with bourbon, balsamic vinaigrette, ginger beer, and basil simple syrup. The Littlefield is also known for their elevated pub fare and Sunday brunch, which always includes vegan and vegetarian options alongside staples like burgers and shrimp-and-grits
Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey
1201 Broadway St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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You might never have guessed that biscuits and bourbon went together, but you will after visiting Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey. Their biscuit plates and biscuit sandwiches are to die for. Try the Rosewood—Korean fried chicken, house-made kimchi, and Gochujang BBQ between two golden, butter biscuits—and chase it with a house cocktail like the Boomtown Gold Rush or the Gold Fashioned. Boomtown always has around 50 varieties of bourbon, scotch, whiskey, and rye as well, and their whole vibe revolves around a creative take on classic American frontier food and drink.
Hop Scotch Craft Beer & Whiskey
251 Calhoun St., Cincinnati, OH 45219
Known for being a great happy hour hangout, Hop Scotch Craft Beer & Whiskey is the perfect place to grab a drink after work. They have a huge selection of bourbon and whiskey, along with plenty of excellent craft beer. The staff behind the bar is reliably friendly and knowledgeable, and weekly specials like karaoke and mix-and-match craft beer buckets, there's always a good time to be had. Hop Scotch has 100-plus varieties of whiskey and a menu of staple pub fare like wings and flatbread pizzas.
Another Round
Ohio offers no shortage of great bourbon bars. What's your favorite watering hole?
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