Ohio Magazine - November/December 2021

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Classic Bakeries

to Visit this Holiday Season

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Chr istmas Danish Resch's Bakery, Columbus

H O L I D AY B A K E R I E S

NOV./DEC. 2021

Best Hometowns 2021: Visit 5 Places You’ll Love

America’s Last Great Train Heist

$5.99

NOV./DEC.

// 2021

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HOMETOWN: MATTHEW ALLEN; KARPIS: COURTESY OF FBI; STOLLEN: GINA WEATHERSBY; DICKENS: RICK LEE

32 FEATURES //

32 Best Hometowns

87 74

Centerville, Chillicothe, Delaware, Sandusky and Wadsworth embody why we love living in Ohio.

9 Datebook

120 Milestones

See Great Lakes Theater’s “A Christmas Carol” in Cleveland, and explore Van Gogh’s art and influences in Columbus.

Colo, the first gorilla ever born in captivity, arrived at the Columbus Zoo three days before Christmas 1956.

14 Calendar of Events

TRAVEL //

27 Farm & Table

79 Columbus 87 Holiday Fun

4 Editor’s Note

Columbus’ Boxwood Biscuit Co. gets creative, and Cloak & Dagger brings storied cocktails to Cleveland.

Great Train Heist

5 1803

30 LiveWell

In 1935, Alvin Karpis held up a mail car in Garrettsville and made a daring escape by both car and plane.

Linda Renee Pottery makes beautiful, functional pieces.

Poet Hanif Abdurraqib shares what shapes his writing.

Get advice on keeping your dog safe and happy during the holidays, plus how to fight holiday stress.

68 Holiday Bakeries From Old World flavors to local favorites, here is where to find tasty treats this season.

74 The Last

DEPARTMENTS //

2 Connect

ON THE COVER: Our 2021–22 Best Hometowns issue features five different subscriber covers. Megan Leigh Barnard photographed Chillicothe and Delaware. Kevin Kopanski photographed Sandusky and Wadsworth. Matthew Allen photographed Centerville. Eric Wagner photographed our newsstand bakery cover.

OHIO, Vol. 45, No. 9 OHIO (ISSN–0279–3504) is published monthly, with the exception of February, October and December, for a total of 9 issues, ©2021 Great Lakes Publishing, 1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 730, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to OHIO, 1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 730, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. Subscription prices: Ohio residents, residents of other states and possessions, one year–$16; foreign–$86.

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

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CONNECT

NOV./DEC. SPECIAL

ADVERTISING SECTIONS

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DESTINATION SHOPPING

Find a gift for everyone on your list with a trip to one of these destinations.

In This Issue: 10 6

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from the archive: For decades, Bill Hixson has been synonymous with this time of year, earning the nickname Mr. Christmas. The owner of Hixson’s in Lakewood — an emporium of ornaments, collectibles, antiques and gifts — designs his own line of glass ornaments and helped decorate the White House for a number of administrations. ohiomagazine.com/hixsons

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check out our newsletters: who to follow

Are you receiving our weekly email newsletters? Learn about fun experiences throughout the state, get great food and drink ideas or plan for your next weekend getaway.

Sign up by visiting ohiomagazine.com/newsletters.

Emily Ellyn @emily_ellyn The Ohio-born chef captured our hearts on Food Network and continues to inspire us with recipes remixed in her Retro Rad style.

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3 4 5

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Bluffton, p. 6 Cambridge, p. 71 Centerville, p. 34 Chillicothe, p. 38 Cincinnati, p. 5, 10, 68, 72, 73 Cleveland, p. 7, 10, 29, 70, 72 Columbus, p. 10, 12, 27, 71, 72, 79

Plus:

12 Destinations for Holiday Fun 8 9 10 11

Delaware, p. 48 Sandusky, p. 54 Toledo, p. 9, 10, 28, 71 Wadsworth, p. 60

STAY IN TOUCH WITH US BETWEEN ISSUES.

Cincinnati Museum Center @cincymuseum We love checking in to see what cool facts, archival photos and new programming the museum is sharing.

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Our favorite social media accounts for November

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instagram shoutout: @daytonhistory The Carillon Tree of Light illuminates the 65-acre Carillon Historical Park each year and kicks off a season of family fun. “A Carillon Christmas” returns Nov. 23 through Dec. 30 with the Candy Cane Slopes, Deeds Carillon Christmas Concerts, model train displays, an assortment of food and drink options, 15 miles of lights, visits with Santa Claus and more.

OHIO MAGAZINE

IS NOW ON TIKTOK! FOLLOW US @OHIOMAGAZINE Great Lakes Publishing supports the use of paper milled from replanted forests as a renewable resource. All paper is purchased from Sustainable Forestry Initiative-certified sources.

All publications are printed with soy-based inks and responsible recycling is encouraged.

COOKIES: KARIN MCKENNA; HIXSON: KEVIN KOPANSKI; SHOUTOUT: COURTESY OF DAYTON HISTORY AT CARILLON HISTORICAL PARK

Ohio Eats: Sweet memories start in the kitchen, so we turned to inns and bed-and-breakfasts across the state to track down their best holiday cookie recipes. Whether you’re looking for old-time classics like lemon rosemary shortbread or fresh takes on familiar favorites like pistachio pinwheels, you’ll find something to bake and share here. ohiomagazine.com/holidaycookies

Refined Luxury Design Meets Amish Craftsmanship

Design Center | Leather & Upholstery Gallery | Hardwood Gallery | Outdoor Gallery 8233 State Route 241, Mt Hope, Ohio | Monday - Saturday 8:30-5:00 | Homestead-Furniture.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

Feels Like Home H

ome means different things to different people. It can be the memories tied to an old ballfield, retracing your steps on the streets where you grew up or looking at family photos from years gone by. No matter how you define home, the feelings it generates are universal: acceptance, warmth, belonging.

It is no coincidence that our annual Best Hometowns issue coincides with the part of the year when those feelings rise closest to the surface for many of us — the time when we often return to familiar places, reconnect with old friends and remember those who are no longer with us. This usually happens against the backdrop of the town where we lived as a kid or where we’ve made our lives with our families — places rich with memory and connection and meaning.

Our annual Best Hometowns issue celebrates that feeling of community. Except for last year, due to the inability to get out to travel as we normally do, each November since 2006, we have honored towns across the state that exemplify what makes Ohio a great place to live. These are places where community spirit is strong, and residents and leaders are working together to create a better future together. They are towns where a recognition of the past is fully alive but paired with the promise of progress and a better life for all.

This year, we honor Centerville, Chillicothe, Delaware, Sandusky and Wadsworth — five Ohio communities that are great places to live, work and play.

The discussion of which towns to recognize begins within our staff each spring and continues into the summer. We visit each town, interviewing local leaders, business owners and residents alike. We shop downtown, explore parks and dine at restaurants. Along the way, we get to experience the friendship offered by many of the people who live in each community. By the end of the summer, we have collectively experienced, in a small way, what it would feel like to call each place home.

We often say the traits that make Ohio such a great place to live are reflected in the Best Hometown communities we recognize each year. As you gather with your family and friends this holiday season, we hope reading about these places encourages you to visit and experience them for yourselves. When you do, we bet you’ll feel right at home.

JIM VICKERS

Chairman Lute Harmon Sr. President & Publisher Lute Harmon Jr.

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL@OHIOMAGAZINE.COM

Editor Jim Vickers Associate Editor Hallie Rybka Contributing Writers Nicholas Adkins, Ruth Corradi Beach,

Jason Brill, Pete Croatto, Nicholas Dekker, Vince Guerrieri, Kristen Hampshire, Nathan Havenner, Richard Jeffers, Lisa Sands, Ilona Westfall Digital Content Assistant Kelly Powell Editorial Interns Sarah Druhan, Macy Kile, Tyler Saunders, Rebecca Vernak Art Director Rachael Jirousek Contributing Artists Matthew Allen, Megan Leigh Barnard,

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CUSTOM MEDIA Managing Editor Claudia Plumley Assistant Editor Katharine Stevens Junior Associate Editor Alexia Kemerling Editorial Interns Claire Barrington, Gwynnie Ball Managing Art Director Stephanie Park Associate Art Director Lindsey Smith Assistant Art Director Maddie Knostman

INTERACTIVE MEDIA Director of Digital Strategy Jacquie Chakirelis Digital Strategy Manager Joe Vargo Developement Manager Daniel Klinzing Digital Marketing Coordinator Casey Faddoul

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Ohio Magazine is not responsible for the care and/or return of unsolicited photographs, illustrations, manuscripts, books or any other material submitted for possible publication. All photographs are courtesy of the event or organization listed, unless otherwise credited.

Cleveland Magazine | Ohio Magazine Lake Erie Living | Custom Media Quest Digital 1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 730, Cleveland, OH 44115 216/771-2833 | fax 216/781-6318 | glpublishing.com

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Local Landmark he John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge is a downtown Cincinnati icon and a connection to the city of Covington, Kentucky, just across the Ohio River. Designed by John Roebling, the engineer who later created the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, the 1,057-foot span was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its completion in 1867. The bridge has been closed to traffic since Feb. 15 to allow for repairs to preserve the historic structure, and it will remain closed through the end of 2021.

T

COLIN PETERMAN

Simply Beautiful: Linda Laing’s Linda Renee Pottery line

Way with Words: Poet and essayist Hanif Abdurraqib

changes with the seasons, offering designs shaped by functionality and family memories.

shares how Columbus shaped his writing and talks about staying focused in the face of success.

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

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Simply Beautiful

Ut dolumet dusant eatum volectatent exerehe ntibus inihic temosam que samet

L

inda Laing crafts handmade pottery pieces that are right at home as you sit around the fireplace drinking coffee or mixing up holiday cookies in the kitchen. Functionality and family relationships drive the shape and look of her pieces.

“If I’m getting ready to decorate, my inspirations are either nature or memories,” says Laing, who lives in Bluffton. “I think about memories of growing up with my grandmother. I think back to the old days. … I like simple. We don’t need more in this life to distract us.”

Laing’s Linda Renee Pottery line changes with the seasons. Fall brings mugs, olive oil pourers and salt cellars in warm, autumn-inspired colors. For the holidays, Laing releases pieces decorated with snowflakes and winter-themed patterns. Her spring and summer collections include pottery glazed in light pastel shades. Laing has one employee, Anna McKinley, who helps the artist mold her passion for art into thoughtful and useful pieces.

Laing launched the business in 2014 and credits a portrait she made of her daughter and son-in-law for their 2012 wedding as what helped her rediscover her passion for creating.

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“That feeling of being excited to work on something sparked. … That’s what drove me to try something else and pick up pottery again,” she says.

Consistency is an emphasis of Laing’s pottery process. She measures each lump of clay so that her products are the same size from line to line. She then throws the clay into shape on her pottery wheel, before trimming and carving each piece, as well as adding details like handles. Each product is fired in a kiln twice — once before decoration and glazes are added and once after. Only crafting the types of pieces that she uses herself, Laing conscientiously makes note of tiny details when planning out each work.

“I pay attention to how things function,” she says. “I turn the lip of my basic coffee mugs in instead of out so that when you walk it doesn’t spill. It’s about the little details. I need to make sure that four fingers can fit through the handle because that’s how mugs should function. It has to feel balanced.” — Macy Kile Visit etsy.com/shop/lindareneepottery for more information and to see what is part of Linda Renee Pottery’s line this season.

COURTESY OF LINDA RENEE POTTERY

Linda Laing’s Linda Renee Pottery line changes with the seasons, offering designs shaped by functionality and family memories.

Interior of the Cozad-Bates House Interpretive Center

OHIO FINDS

FASCINATING OBJECTS FROM OUR PAST

COZAD-BATES: ARTOGRAPHY STUDIOS AND PRESS, LAUREN R. PACINI, PHOTOGRAPHER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; OHIO FINDS: COURTESY OF GARTH’S AUCTIONEERS & APPRAISERS

19TH-CENTURY LADLE & FORK Blacksmith-made hearth utensils marked “Cy. Crites”

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Road to Hope

Dating back to 1853, the Cozad-Bates House stands as the last remaining pre-Civil War home in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood. In September, the restored home opened to the public to teach visitors about the city’s history of antislavery activism and its role as part of the Underground Railroad.

Andrew Cozad, whose family settled in the area in the early The Cozad-Bates 19th century, built the home for his son, Justus. The Cozads House Interpretive and a neighboring family, the Fords, as well as other locals Center tells the story of helped guide formerly enslaved people on their journey to Cleveland’s abolitionist freedom in Canada. The code name for Cleveland along the history and those Underground Railroad was “Hope.” who helped freedom “We don’t know for sure if the house was a stop on the Unseekers along the derground Railroad,” says Elise Yablonsky, planning director Underground Railroad. at University Circle Inc., which owns the home, “but it is the last remaining fabric from that time period, and some Cozad family members, as well as families around the Cozads, were antislavery activists. We wanted to dedicate space to bringing light to this story.”

The home served as a boarding house in the early 1900s and remained one for years before falling into disrepair. In 2006, the home’s owner, University Hospitals, donated it to University Circle Inc., which led a $2 million effort to protect and adapt the property for reuse. It included opening the historic portions of the home and the front lawn to the public as an interpretive center, with help from partners Restore Cleveland Hope and Western Reserve Historical Society.

The exhibition presented inside, “Finding Hope: Cleveland and the Underground Railroad at the Cozad-Bates House,” details who the Cozads and Fords were, how Cleveland abolitionists and local courts responded to runaway slaves and much more. The home’s front lawn is filled with educational touches. Medicinal and edible plants in the landscaping reflect the hope that land could provide freedom seekers, while the sidewalk features insightful quotes and the constellations the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper. The latter contains the North Star, which served as a guide in the night sky for those escaping slavery.

“The center shares a history that is too little known in Cleveland,” Yablonsky says. “[It] celebrates and honors freedom seekers in what was once East Cleveland Township.”

— Rebecca Vernak Open Saturdays noon–4 p.m.; 11508 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland 44106, 216/791-3900, universitycircle.org/cozad

mong the most important skilled tradesmen of the 18th and 19th centuries, blacksmiths made everything from horseshoes to hinges. A smithy was vital, but his often-unmarked utilitarian products can be overlooked in the jumble of antique ironwork.

Even signed examples can lead to mysteries. That’s the case with a scant number of objects signed “Cy. Crites,” a blacksmith who is believed to have worked in Allen County. Two examples are a 19 1/2inch, two-tine fork dated 1841 and a 21 1/2-inch ladle dated 1848.

It’s likely “Cy. Crites” was the son of John Daniel and Maria Catherine Crites, who moved to Ohio from Pennsylvania. The couple had 13 children, including Cyrus Crites. Although census records indicate Cyrus was a farmer, it’s possible he was skilled enough to have made the utensils and tools marked “Cy. Crites.” However, several of his brothers were also blacksmiths, including Charles Cyrus Crites, also a potential source of the utensils. No matter the maker, any blacksmith-made item from the family is a scarce find.

— Richard “Jeff” Jeffers

$1,750 (ladle) $1,375 (fork) SOLD AT AUCTION Richard Jeffers is the owner of Garth’s Auctioneers & Appraisers in Columbus.

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Hungry for More Ohio Magazine?

Visit OhioMagazine.com/recipes for new dishes and reader favorites.

Way with Words Poet and essayist Hanif Abdurraqib shares how Columbus shaped his writing and talks about staying focused in the face of success.

A

sk Hanif Abdurraqib’s favorite spot in Columbus, where he still lives, and get a day tour: the Park of Roses, Franklin Park and Resch’s Bakery on the city’s east side, where he grew up. He runs a music website (68to05.com) and serves as an edIn September, Columbus-based poet itor-at-large for the publisher Tin House, and essayist Hanif Abdurraqib received a but is eager to start a basketball book and prestigious MacArthur Foundation grant. pursue documentary filmmaking.

“I’m mostly just trying to stumble my way forward and see what’s next without getting so excited about everything that I overextend myself,” he says.

This strategy has turned the poet, essayist and cultural critic into a literary star. His 2017 essay collection, They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us, was named a book of the year by Buzzfeed, Esquire and Oprah Magazine. In March, A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black Performance was a National Book Award finalist. In September, he received a prestigious MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant.” We talked with Abdurraqib about his hometown, writing and staying humble. — Pete Croatto What role did Ohio play in you becoming a writer?

A: Columbus specifically played a big role. That’s where I learned how to write. I cut my teeth, blending criticism and poetry at poetry slams in the city, like Writers’ Block and Writing Wrongs. That’s where I really learned how to do the writing I do now. And I shaped my writing voice and [learned] how to write and make low-stakes mistakes and really learn from that. Columbus really shaped the way that I write and think about things.

How do you maintain that attitude when you win a MacArthur grant?

A: That doesn’t really change the work. The work is what brought me here and the work has to continue. I’m not much of a celebratory person. I’m a person that’s steeped in gratitude. With gratitude, I can be propelled toward more work. The fact that I get to write and pursue my curiosity in the way that I do is a bit miraculous. That’s what kind of propels me back to the work and keeps my head down. I just find real pleasure in the work; I find real pleasure in unearthing the delights of the world that I did not know before.

For more information, visit abdurraqib.com.

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MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD

When did you realize that your writing resonated with people?

A: I’m still kind of in awe of that and disbelief of that. It’s one of those things that I don’t ever think about until people come up to me. I always appreciate that. I know a lot of writers have that big ‘a-ha’ moment, but truly I keep my head down and work. Again, it’s not out of a lack of gratitude to the folks who were moved by my work. If I began to think of it on a granular level, it would make it a bit harder for me to keep my head down and keep working.

DATEBOOK Night Lights Nov. 19–Dec. 31, Toledo

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tradition since 1986, Toledo Zoo & Aquarium’s Lights Before Christmas offers the chance to walk through a holiday experience with more than 1 million lights and over 200 illuminated animal images.

Enjoy the outdoor exhibits, then warm up inside or with a cup of hot chocolate. Concessions include holiday food and beverage at the Yuletide Food & Spirits tent. Enjoy soups, appetizers, desserts, holiday cocktails and seasonal beers. Get a photo with Santa at the North Star Trading Post gift shop, head down the ice slide or take a ride on the African carousel and the Holly Jolly Express Train. 2 Hippo Way, Toledo 43609, 419/385-5721, toledozoo.org/lights

COURTESY OF TOLEDO ZOO & AQUARIUM

Knowing Van Gogh: “Through Vincent’s Eyes: Van Gogh and His Sources” delves into the artists that inspired one of the world’s most famous painters.

Calendar of Events: Your holiday plans start here. Browse our guide to shows, festivals and other happenings scheduled between now and the end of December.

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

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theater

A Christmas Carol Nov. 26–Dec. 23: Cleveland, greatlakestheater.org

S

ince its publication in 1843, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has persisted as one of the most beloved and adapted holiday classics of all time. Although audiences are familiar with the story, the annual production staged by Cleveland’s Great Lakes Theater puts an original spin on the tale.

This version of the play opens as the mother of the Cleaveland family prepares to read A Christmas Carol to her children gathered around her. The youngest child imagines the tale as it is being read, and the play is presented from his point of view.

“We watch the stage transform into Scrooge’s counting house, taking us back in time to Dickens’ day,” explains Charles Fee, producing artistic director of Great Lakes Theater. “We wanted to create the suggestion that we’re not that distant from Dickens’ original themes. This is a tale from long ago, but are we really that different now?”

Since its debut in 1989, Great Lakes Theater’s dance

“A Christmas Carol” has grown into a tradition for both the theater company and Playhouse Square, where the play is staged each holiday season.

“The Cleaveland family is meant to stand for any family in Cleveland,” says Fee. “ ‘A Christmas Carol’ is, every year, one of the most important events at Playhouse Square. It’s a central part of the theater scene and of the cultural scene in our city.”

The production’s family-friendly telling and run time of under two hours have cemented it as a local favorite. Fee says sharing that experience together, after the show was not able to be staged in 2020, has taken on added significance this year.

“This season, we want [people] to remember what it feels like to come together as a community, sharing A Christmas Carol’s experience of redemption, of forgiveness, and of love.” Fee says.

“There’s nothing like being with other people, as we all know now more than ever. Community is at the heart of this play.” — Sarah Druhan theater

BalletMet’s The Nutcracker

Wicked

Dec. 10–26: Columbus Journey into the realm of fantasy and back over the course of an evening, as this classic tale set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score makes its return to the Ohio Theatre stage. Bring the family and be transported by this central Ohio holiday tradition. balletmet.org

The “untold true story” of the witches of Oz marks the return of Broadway to the Aronoff Center. Through a cast of compelling characters and a beloved soundtrack, this spellbinding musical explores the land over the rainbow from a different perspective. cincinnatiarts.org

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Nov. 17–Dec. 5: Cincinnati

exhibit

Age of Armor

Beginning Nov. 6: Toledo This exhibition showcasing the Worcester Art Museum’s Higgins Armory Collection explores the roles armor has played in the military, technological and cultural life of societies throughout history. Featuring pieces from one of the largest collections of its kind, armor in the exhibition ranges from the stylish pieces of ancient Greece to the armor of Europe during the Middle Ages to the medieval-inspired collectibles of the late 19th and 20th centuries. toledomuseum.org

CHRISTMAS CAROL: ROGER MASTROIANNI; ARMOR: THIS EXHIBITION WAS ORGANIZED BY THE WORCESTER ART MUSEUM; BALLET: JENNIFER ZMUDA; WICKED: JOAN MARCUS

DATEBOOK

DATEBOOK

CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM, BEQUEST OF MARY E. JOHNSTON

Knowing Van Gogh

“UNDERGROWTH WITH TWO FIGURES”

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“ROSES”

“Through Vincent’s Eyes: Van Gogh and His Sources” delves into the artists who inspired and shaped the style of one of the world’s most famous painters. By Ilona Westfall

ROSES: NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART, WASHINGTON, DC, GIFT OF PAMELA HARRIMAN IN MEMORY OF W. AVERELL HARRIMAN.

lmost everyone is familiar with Vincent van Gogh’s works. As one of the most famous painters of all time, his pieces like “The Starry Night” and his “Sunflowers” series are iconic. But far fewer people are familiar with what inspired Van Gogh during his decade as an artist prior to his death in 1890.

A new exhibition, “Through Vincent’s Eyes: Van Gogh and His Sources,” at the Columbus Museum of Art, Nov. 12 through Feb. 6, aims to change that. A partnership with the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, where it will travel in February, the exhibition takes a deep dive into the influences that shaped Van Gogh’s art.

“We know that he was profoundly influenced by other artists and we know in detail about the painters that mattered to Van Gogh because of his extensive correspondence with his brother Theo that have been widely published,” says Columbus Museum of Art chief curator emeritus David Stark. “They give us an indication of what was going on in his mind in terms of what he saw in real life, as well as the artwork, artists and books that were important to him.”

The exhibition features 17 works by Van Gogh, from his early days creating realistic depictions of peasants of the rural Dutch countryside to his subsequent works that show the influence of impressionism and pointillism. It includes the 1890 painting “Undergrowth with Two Figures,” depicting a couple in the woods, and “The Potato Eaters,” an 1885 lithograph of peasants eating dinner.

Van Gogh’s art is presented with over 120 works by other famous names — Paul Gauguin, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec — as well as Japanese prints and pieces by lesser-known artists. Early edition novels by authors Van Gogh loved, including Charles Dickens and Victor Hugo, round out the exhibition. The Cincinnati Art Museum, Cleveland Museum of Art and Toledo Museum of Art loaned works from their collections for the exhibition, and co-curator Steven Naifeh, author of the biography (along with the late Greg White Smith) Van Gogh: The Life, contributed 67 works of art from his private collection.

“Visitors who love Van Gogh will come away with the satisfaction of having seen works that span the career of the artist in addition to this exposure [to] a world of painters from Van Gogh’s own time and artists who preceded him,” says Stark.

480 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215, 614/221-6801, columbusmuseum.org N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

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CALENDAR

State Regions Because dates, times and locations are subject to change, please call ahead to confirm all details before traveling.

For a more complete listing of events, visit ohiomagazine. com/events.

FOR A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF EVENTS ACROSS OHIO, VISIT OHIOMAGAZINE.COM/EVENTS.

NOVEMBER Central

Museums + Exhibits THRU JAN 2

Distinctly Paramount: Fashion & Costume

Columbus, 614/221-6801. columbusmuseum. org. Visit website for times and prices.

Music + Theater NOV 18

Kansas

With a legendary career spanning more than four decades, Kansas has established itself as one of America’s iconic classic rock bands. Midland Theatre, 36 North Park Place, Newark, 740/3455483. midlandtheatre.org. 7:30 p.m. $45–$125.

Other Events NOV 19–JAN 2

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights

Costume designers at Paramount Pictures have been at the forefront of defining style in motion pictures and TV for more than 100 years. “Distinctly Paramount: Fashion & Costume” brings Hollywood to Lancaster. The exhibition celebrates studio-created costumes and purchased fashion used on camera and features costumes

by Edith Head, Valentino, Nolan Miller and more.

Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster, 740/681-1423. decartsohio.org.

Wed.–Fri. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 1–4 p.m. Free.

Enjoy the magic of the holiday season with this drive-through light show you can experience from the comfort of your car. Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds, 3311 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, 614/412-3499. butchbandosfantasyoflights.com.

Visit website for times and prices.

To submit event information, visit ohiomagazine.com/submit. Events must be submitted at least 8 weeks in advance. Include the date, cost, address of the event, phone number and website, as well as a brief description of the event. Events are published on a space-available basis; however, all events submitted 8 weeks in advance appear on ohiomagazine. com/events.

Listings with photos are paid for by advertisers. For more information on enhanced listings, email us at adsales@ohiomagazine.com.

museum’s collection. Featuring an immersive, mixed-reality HoloLens 2 tour, see the sculpture in the sacred space from which it came.

Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/421-7350. clevelandart.org.

Visit website for times and prices.

NOV 23–MAR 6

Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross

NOV 19–JAN 2

Wildlights

This family tradition showcases holiday lights alongside indoor and outdoor animal attractions.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell, 614/645-3400. columbuszoo.org. Visit website for times and prices.

NOV 27–DEC 25

Christmas by Candlelight

THRU JAN 7

2021 Biennial Juried Exhibition

Considered one of the greatest artists in the field of comic books, Alex Ross has created some of the most iconic superhero images known to fans today. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N. Canton, 330/453-7666. cantonart.org. Tues.–Thur. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri.– Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 1–5 p.m. Adults $8, children 12 and under free. Free admission for all every Thursday courtesy of PNC Foundation.

Music + Theater NOV 5–DEC 11

Selected from nearly 1,800 entries, this exhibition features contemporary works of art including installation, sculpture, drawing, painting, fiber works, paper works, photography and video by 53 Ohio artists. Image Credit: Lisa Merida-Paytes, “Pulp Series: Flux.” Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery, 77 S. High St. Columbus, 614/644-9624. riffegallery.org. Wed.–Fri. noon–5 p.m. Free.

NOV 12–FEB 2

Through Vincent’s Eyes: Van Gogh and His Sources

See paintings, drawings and prints by artists beloved by Vincent van Gogh. More than 15 paintings and drawings by Van Gogh are juxtaposed with over 100 works that influenced his art. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., 14

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

View thousands of Christmas lights and displays throughout the Marion County Fairgrounds. See new displays this year, plus live nativity scenes on the weekends in December performed by different churches. Marion County Fairgrounds, 220 E. Fairground St., Marion, 740/382-2558. marioncountyfairgrounds.com. 6–10 p.m. $6 per car, $20 per small bus, $35 per large bus.

Northeast Museums + Exhibits NOV 14–JAN 30

Revealing Krishna: Journey to Cambodia’s Sacred Mountain

This exhibition presents the story, context and new restoration of a masterwork in the

Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking featuring Julia Kolibab

An adaptation of the bestselling memoir, Joan Didion transforms the story of the loss of her husband and their daughter into a powerful onewoman play about coping, which is distinctly resonant during this time. Kennedy’s Down Under in Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216/241-6000. playhousesquare.org.

Fri.–Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $18.

Gervasi Vineyard Canton, Ohio

ADVERTISEMENT

Time to Celebrate!

Toast to a Wonderful Year

By Darius Gainer

The holidays are right around the corner, which means 2022 is now closer than ever. Add these Ohio wineries to your list of places to go before the year draws to a close.

In the mood for quenching your thirst with some high-quality refreshments? Rhetoric Brewing Company, located on a beautiful family farm in Richwood, might just be the ideal destination. Stop by and enjoy a glass of whatever your taste buds crave, whether that’s wine, beer, mead or hard cider. If you’re looking specifically for wine, you’ll be thrilled with the abundant diversity of flavors provided — everything from red and white to honey and citrus is available.

Chateau Tebeau Vineyard & Winery in Helena welcomes guests year-round to experience a breathtaking view of its vineyard. Come inside from the frigid winter breeze and relax in comfort by a warm fireplace. Sip award-winning wines, including Maison Rouge and Traminette. Plan your visit for a Friday or Saturday to enjoy live musical entertainment.

With more than 30 varieties of wine, a full menu that offers gourmet pizzas and special events like fun trivia nights, the Winery at Versailles in Versailles ensures everyone has a delightful experience worth remembering. Come for one of the holiday-themed occasions.

The Thanksgiving Small Plate Pairing serves you savory, culinary specials like a sliced turkey breast slider and pumpkin mousse with a chocolate crumble, while the 12 Courses of Christmas offers an exclusive dinner consisting of tender pork loin, garlic mashed potatoes and scrumptious caramel apple cheesecake to satisfy your sweet tooth.

With its scenic location along the Lake Erie shore, the Lakehouse Inn in Geneva-on-the-Lake provides comforting hospitality to its guests, offering a cozy bed and breakfast, restaurant, winery and day spa. Relax with fine wine as you reflect on 2021 and prepare for the year ahead.

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NOV 26–28

Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas

Grammy-nominated songwriter and piano sensation Jim Brickman is back with his annual holiday tour. Join Brickman for this live and joyous concert experience that blends yuletide memories and holiday favorites with his own hit songs, such as “The Gift,” “Sending You A Little Christmas,” “Angel Eyes” and “If You Believe.”

Hanna Theatre, 2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland, 216/241-6000. playhousesquare.org. Fri.–Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $50–$75.

purchases. Enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus Friday 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hartville Hardware, 1315 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330/877-3631. hartvillehardware.com.

Fri. 8–7 p.m., Sat. 8–6 p.m. Free.

A Magical Holiday Homecoming at Hower House Museum

Spend a day on the homestead with Doug and Stacy. Learn how they live off grid with food, light, heat and water. They will be speaking each hour on a different topic with the final hour being a Q&A session. Lehman’s, 4779 Kidron Rd., Kidron, 800/438-5346. lehmans.com/events.

10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Free.

A Christmas Carol

NOV 30–DEC 1

Anastasia

This dazzling show transports you from the twilight of the Russian empire to Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out on a journey to discover the mystery of her past. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron, 216/241-6000. broadwayinakron.com. 7:30 p.m. $20–$77.50.

Other Events ONGOING

Premium Winery Pairings and Distillery Tasting Tours

Off Grid with Doug and Stacy

NOV 5–DEC 19

NOV 26–DEC 23

Open your heart to Charles Dickens’ tale of one man’s ultimate redemption. Great Lakes Theater’s “A Christmas Carol” is a northeast Ohio holiday tradition. Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216/241-6000. playhousesquare.org.

Visit website for times. $35–$80.

NOV 13

Enjoy self-guided tours at the Hower House Museum during its “A Magical Holiday Homecoming.” The Cellar Door Boutique is open during tours, and on-site parking is free. Hower House Museum, 60 Fir Hill, Akron, 330/972-6909. howerhouse.org. Fri.–Sat. opens at noon, last tour starts at 2 p.m.; Sun. opens at 1 p.m., last tour starts at 3 p.m. Adults $10, seniors $8, $2 students with ID $2, with Museums for All (EBT card) $2, children 12 & under free with adult. Call ahead for group tours reservations.

NOV 19–DEC 31

Find Your Joy at Gervasi Vineyard

NOV 6

Case Knife Tour

Celebrate the holidays by enjoying dinner with loved ones, listening to traditional carolers, or having lunch with Santa. Visit The Marketplace for unique gift ideas, wine and spirits. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/4971000, gervasivineyard.com. Visit website for times. Prices may vary.

NOV 24–JAN 2

Magic of Lights

Get an insider’s look at Gervasi Vineyard’s stateof-the-art production facilities. Winery tours include wine tastings, small bites and a souvenir glass. Distillery tours include spirit tastes, a salty snack and a shot glass to take home. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/4971000, gervasivineyard.com. Winery Pairings Tours every Saturday at 1:30 & 3 p.m., Distillery Tasting Tours every Sunday at 2 p.m. Winery tour $27, distillery tour $17.

Calling all Case Knife enthusiasts. Lehman’s in Kidron has been chosen to host the only stop in Ohio on the Case Knives 2021 Better Together Tour. Visit website to learn more. Lehman’s, 4779 Kidron Rd., Kidron, 800/438-5346. lehmans.com/events. 9 a.m.– noon. Free.

Pile into the car for a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience to celebrate the season.

At every turn, the magical route is overflowing with spectacular light displays that bring your favorite holiday themes and characters to life.

Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E. Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights. magicoflights.com.

Daily 5:30–10 p.m. Visit website for prices.

NOV 12–13

Christmas Open House & Chocolate Walk

NOV 25–DEC 20

Stroll the streets of downtown Millersburg and pick up your Coblentz Chocolate along the way. Enjoy sales and specialty food and drinks, all with a chocolate and Christmas theme.

9 W. Jackson St., Millersburg, 330/674-2412. historicdowntownmillersburg.com. Fri. 10 a.m.– 7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $20.

You can relax in Amish Country this holiday season and shop holiday sales all week at Keim.

The sale features 15% off in the most popular departments. Keim Home Center, 4465 St. Rte. 557, Charm, 330/893-2251. keimlumber.com.

Visit website for store hours, closed on Thanksgiving. Free.

Holiday Kickoff Sale

NOV 5–6

Christmas Shop Open House

Celebrate once-a-year scratch-off savings of 30% to 100% off most Christmas Shop 16

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

Follow @OhioMagazine on Instagram and tag friends for additional chances to win!

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SPEND THE DAY (AND NIGHT) IN MIAMI COUNTY, OHIO!

Stroll around Tipp City, grab a coffee at Grounds for Pleasure and then find something new to pamper yourself with at Living Simply Soap. Enjoy dinner at The Scottish Thistle in Piqua, our newest locally-owned restaurant. Sample sweets at Susie’s Big Dipper before check-in at Home2Suites in Troy. Wake up refreshed before heading to breakfast (or brunch) at REDBerry. Don’t forget to stop at Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop for a treat for the ride home!

GO ON A BUTLER COUNTY, OHIO ADVENTURE!

Cruise to Holiday Auto Theatre to catch a movie under the stars while enjoying fresh popcorn with tickets for 4. The fun continues with 4 tickets to EnterTRAINment Junction, the world’s largest indoor train display. Your weekend getaway will include a complimentary one-night stay at the AC Hotel by Marriott at Liberty Center.

Enter at ohiomagazine.com/win by December 31, 2021 for a chance to win!

1. Adena Health System 2. Akron Zoo 3. Akron/Summit CVB 4. Arts in Stark 5. Ashtabula County CVB 6. Bay Popcorn Company 7. Belden Village Mall 8. Bell Farms 9. Blend of Seven Winery 10. Bloom Town Coffee 11. Breitenbach Wine Cellars 12. Brick Haven Salon

and Spa 13. Butler County OH

Visitors Bureau 14. Cambridge/Guernsey

County VCB 15. Canton Ballet 16. Canton Museum of Art 17. Cesear’s Forum 18. Cherry Valley Hotel 19. Chillicothe Restoration Foundation 20. City of Wadsworth 21. Civista Bank 22. Clermont County CVB 23. Columbus Museum

of Art

24. Dayton CVB 25. Decorative Arts Center

of Ohio 26. Dennison Railroad

Depot Museum 27. Destination Delaware County 28. Destination Toledo 29. Downtown Akron Partnership 30. Dutch Creek Winery 31. Easton Town Center 32. Erie MetroParks 33. Esther Price Candies 34. Experience Columbus 35. Experience Hartville 36. Flint & Genesee Group 37. Frankenmuth CVB 38. Franklin Park Mall 39. Friends of Hopewell Culture 40. Gallia County CVB 41. Gervasi Vineyard 42. Gillig Winery 43. Globe Furniture 44. Goodtime Lake Erie

Island Cruises 45. Greater Akron Lodging Council

46. Harmony Boutique 47. Heineman Winery 48. Historic Downtown Millersburg 49. Hocking Hills Tourism Association 50. Hocking Hills Winery 51. Holmes County COC &

Tourism Bureau 52. Homestead Furniture 53. Hotel Versailles 54. Hower House Museum 55. Indian Creek Distillery 56. Keim 57. Kentucky Dept. of Travel 58. Kettering Health Network 59. Kimberly DiFrango Gemologist 60. Knox County CVB 61. Lake Hope State Park 62. Lakelynn Design Boutique 63. Laurentia Wines 64. Lehman’s 65. Lincoln Way Vineyards 66. L’uva Bella Winery 67. Majestic Oak Winery &

Neon Groundhog Brewery

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68. Marion Area CVB 69. Marion Palace Theatre 70. Maritime Museum of Sandusky 71. McKinley Presidential

Library & Museum 72. Medina County CVB 73. MEIG 74. Merry Family Winery 75. Merry-Go-Round Museum 76. Miami County CVB 77. Monroe CVB 78. Mr. Smith’s Coffee House 79. MullenLowe Mediahub 80. Muskingum Watershed 81. Noble County Chamber

of Commerce 82. North Canton Chamber

of Commerce 83. Office of TourismOhio 84. Ohio Grape Industries 85. Ohio Proud 86. Gunton Corp./Pella Windows 87. Paper City Coffee 88. Pedego Electric Bikes Sandusky

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Machinery Hall 94. Red Fern Inn 95. Riffe Gallery 96. Rocky Brands Outlet Store 97. Ross Chillicothe CVB 98. Sandusky Segwave 99. Scarlet Oak Retreats 100. Shores & Islands Ohio 101. Small City Taphouse/

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NOV 26

Black Friday in the Country

lighting kick off the display that features over 1 million lights, more than 200 illuminated animal images spread out across the zoo and much more. Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, 419/385-5721. toledozoo.org/lights.

Visit website for times and prices.

explores how armor has been used in various forms around the globe, from antiquity to modern times, and examines how armor played an important role in the military, technological and cultural life. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, 419/255-8000. toledomuseum. org. Visit website for times and prices.

NOV 26–DEC 31

Lake of Lights

NOV 26–JAN 9

Hayes Train Special

Forget the rush of the big-box stores. Sleep in and head to Lehman’s for a relaxed day of shopping in quaint Kidron. Lehman’s, 4779 Kidron Rd., Kidron, 800/438-5346. lehmans.com/ events. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Free.

NOV 26–DEC 30

This model train display runs through an intricate Victorian holiday scene. Interactive buttons allow visitors to control aspects of the trains’ movements along the winding, multi-tiered layout.

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 419/332-2081. rbhayes.org. Visit website for times and prices.

Music + Theater

Deck the Hall

NOV 13

Northwest

Paul King and his trio join the Toledo Symphony for a night of American Songbook staples made famous by Tony Bennett, like “The Best Has Yet to Come” and “The Way You Look Tonight.” Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, 419/246-8000. toledosymphony.com.

8 p.m. Visit website for prices.

See the historic estate decked out with lights and classic Christmas movies staged inside the manor. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330/836-5533. stanhywet. org. Visit website for times and prices.

Museums + Exhibits

A Tribute to Tony Bennett

Other Events

NOV 6–FEB 27

NOV 19–DEC 31

This exhibition featuring pieces from the Higgins Armory Collection at the Worcester Art Museum

Bring the family to enjoy this annual holiday light display. The opening night ceremonies and tree

The Age of Armor

Lights Before Christmas

Soak in the festive season at this drive-through display of Christmas lights that raises funds for local charities. Saulsberry Park and France Lake, 13344 St. Rte. 67 W., Kenton, 419/675-2547.

Daily 6–9 p.m. $5 per car.

NOV 26–JAN 2

North Pole Express

Bundle up and hop on a quarter-scale train for a trip through sparkling lights and festive decorations. See toy trains running in the beautifully decorated museum and train barn. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit on select nights. Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, 12505 County Rd. 99, Findlay, 419/423-2995. nworrp.org. Fri.–Sat. 5:30–9 p.m., Sun. 5–8:30 p.m. $3–$4.

NOV 27–DEC 11

1920s Holidays on Main Street

Enjoy a 1920s Christmas at Sauder Village on three Saturdays. See Main Street decked out with holiday lights, 1920s window decor and a 20-foot Christmas tree. Learn about holiday activities, take a train or trolley ride, and visit the animals in the livery. Enjoy tasty treats for sale at the Soda Fountain, and welcome Santa as he arrives on a vintage fire truck. Preregistration

Visit

HOMEGROWNGREAT.COM FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF LOCAL SHOPS AND HOLIDAY EVENTS.

Shop

Way YOUR

THROUGH

MIAMI COUNTY

T H I S H O L I D AY S E A S O N

NOVEMBER 12-14 A Yuletide Winter’s Gathering | Tipp City 13 Holiday Horse Parade | Piqua 26-12/3 Holiday Lights @ Lost Creek Reserve | Troy

18

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

DECEMBER 2 Zach Williams Christmas Tour | Hobart Arena 3 Christmas on the Green | Piqua 5 Steven Curtis Chapman Acoustic Christmas Show | APAC 10 Gaither Vocal Band Christmas Tour | Hobart Arena 19 Michael Boltin Christmas Concert | APAC

is required. Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 800/590-9755. saudervillage.org. Visit website for times and prices.

Other Events

season. While you're downtown, don't miss the savory flavors of local restaurants. Various venues in downtown Chillicothe. 740/702-7677. downtownchillicothe.com. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free.

ONGOING

Downtown Shopping in Chillicothe

NOV 29–DEC 24

Visit with Santa

Visit with Santa in his magical wishing garden at Franklin Park Mall and capture the moment with a professional photo memory. Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St., Toledo, 419/473-3317. visitfranklinparkmall.com. Visit website for times. Photo packages available for purchase.

NOV 1–JAN 1

Dickens Victorian Village

Explore the historic downtown and its unique shops to find one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday

Experience the holiday landscape of Dickens Victorian Village, Cambridge’s take on an Old London wonderland made up of around 170 handmade, life-size characters set up in scenes from Charles Dickens’ canon. The county courthouse comes to life nightly with synchronized lights during the popular Guernsey County Courthouse Light Show. Downtown, Cambridge, 740/4214956. dickensvictorianvillage.com. Visit website for times. Free.

Southeast Museums + Exhibits THRU MAR 27

The Van Gogh Effect

This exhibition of work by award-winning photographers Lynn Johnson and Patricia Lanza addresses Vincent van Gogh’s profound and everpresent influence on contemporary perceptions of the world. Johnson and Lanza offer evocative insight into the artist’s uniquely sensitive lived experience of place and light. Kennedy Museum of Art, 100 Ridges Circle, Athens, 740/593-1304. ohio.edu/museum. Visit website for times. Free.

Music + Theater NOV 19–20

Kansas: Point of Know Return Tour

American rock band Kansas launched its popular Point of Know Return Tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the hit album by the same name.

The band performs the album in its entirety as well as Kansas’ hits, fan favorites and deep cuts.

Peoples Bank Theatre, 224 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/371-5152. peoplesbanktheatre.com.

Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. $68–$188.

NOV 21

Zanesville Handbell Festival

The Zanesville Thursday Music Club presents the 21st Zanesville Handbell Festival featuring local church handbell choirs. Each choir performs individually as well as together “in mass.” Grace UMC, 516 Shinnick St., Zanesville, 740/4531210. centraltrinityumc.com. 7–8:30 p.m.

Freewill offering.

NOV 30

Christmas with John Berry: The Silver Anniversary Tour

John Berry rose to stardom on the country charts in the 1990s. His Christmas tour brightens the holidays, as does his electrifying rendition of “O’ Holy Night.” Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 740/772-2041. majesticchillicothe. net. Visit website for times. $30–$55.

Akron

Bedford Heights

2965 West Market Rd. Akron, OH 44333

26150 Richmond Rd. Bedford Heights, OH 44146

Mentor

Westlake

330-836-5548 | 800-884-3690

8020 Broadmoor Ave. Mentor, OH 44060

440-942-2262 | 800-289-6368

216-292-2577 | 800-707-3560

975 Crocker Rd. Westlake, OH 44145

440-892-9008 | 800-538-9420

Columbus

9009 Gemini Parkway Columbus, OH 43240

614-890-2000 | 800-695-0362

Youngstown

4010 Boardman-Canfield Rd. Canfield, OH 44460 330-533-9766 | 800-772-7754

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

19

NOV 19

Holiday Lights in Chillicothe

NOV 20

Hometown Holidazzle Illuminated Parade

Happiness abounds at this dazzling event, filled with horses, musical cars, electric scooters and marvelous floats — and no holiday parade would be complete without an appearance from Santa Claus. Downtown Wilmington, 937/5273806. hometownholidazzle.com. 7 p.m. Free.

Museums + Exhibits THRU FEB 6

Kick off the holiday season in the right way with a vibrant light display, welcoming Santa. See the entire city park illuminated with holiday splendor and lights galore. Join the fun as the switch is flipped at the corner of Paint and Water streets in beautiful historic downtown Chillicothe. discoverdowntownchillicothe.com. 6 p.m. Free.

NOV 24–JAN 1

Gallipolis in Lights

Simply Brilliant: Artist-Jewelers of the 1960s and 1970s

Jewelry of the 1960s and 1970s was as groundbreaking as the era itself, expressing individuality, nonconformity, and the aesthetic, political and intellectual values of those who wore it.

This exhibition features approximately 120 pieces by makers who referred to themselves as artists first, jewelers second, and approached their work as a modern art form. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, 513/721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

Visit website for times. Free.

THRU FEB 13

Norman Rockwell: Stories of Emotion

Enjoy one of the best holiday escapes in southeastern Ohio at “Gallipolis In Lights,” a walk-through holiday light display that promises to lift your holiday spirits this year. Gallipolis City Park, 300 First Ave., Gallipolis, 800/765-6482. visitgallia.com. Park open all hours, lights from dusk till dawn. Free.

This intimate exhibition features paintings and drawings by American artist and illustrator Norman Rockwell. The works featured highlight his ability to express emotion to showcase universal human themes. Additional works by other artists help put Rockwell’s work in a broader context.

Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton, 937/223-4278. daytonartinstitute.org.

Visit website for times and prices.

Music + Theater

on Swan Lake, snack at the S’mores-n-More stands and ride the North Polar Express train.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, 513/281-4700. cincinnatizoo.org.

Visit website for times and prices.

NOV 25–DEC 31

Light Up Middletown

Celebrating 22 years, this luminescent drivethrough event created entirely by volunteers is a sight to behold. Along with a lined path of lights, the experience also includes a balloon glow — a weather-permitting event with hot air balloons lit around the park. Smith Park, 500 Tytus Ave., Middletown, lightupmiddletown.org. 6–10 p.m.

Admission by cash donation.

NOV 26–DEC 30

Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill

Join a historic celebration at Clifton Mill that features over 4 million lights illuminating the mill, trees, gorge, bridges and riverbanks. The winter wonderland also offers a miniature village, a toy collection and beautiful synchronized lights and music that feature the covered bridge. Historic Clifton Mill, 75 Water St., Clifton, 937/767-5501. cliftonmill.com. Visit website for times. $10, children 3 and under free.

DECEMBER Central

Music + Theater DEC 3–5

Christmas at the Palace

NOV 17–DEC 5 NOV 27–DEC 19

Santa Trains

Santa visits with each child as the train traverses the historic Hocking River Valley during the railway’s longest-running annual event. The heated coaches are decorated, Christmas music plays, and each child receives a candy cane treat.

These popular Saturday and Sunday train rides sell out quickly. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, 33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville, 740/753-9531. hvsry.org. Visit website for times and prices.

Southwest Festivals NOV 5–7

23rd Annual Germania Christkindlmarkt

The oldest and most authentic German Christmas market in the Cincinnati region offers holiday entertainment, a children’s lantern parade, a petting zoo, caroling children’s groups and carriage rides. Plus, enjoy traditional German food, German beer, glühwein, shopping for unique imported German gifts and more. Germania Park, 3529 W. Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, 513/742-0060. germaniasociety.com. Fri. 5–10 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. $5 per person, 12 and under and military with ID free.

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N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

Wicked

Broadway sensation “Wicked” looks at what happened in the Land of Oz from a new angle. A girl, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships — until the world calls one “good” and the other one “wicked.” Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, 513/621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org.

Visit website for times and prices.

NOV 23–28

Cats

Rediscover this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater: “Memory.” Winner of seven Tony Awards, “Cats” tells the story of one magical night when a tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton, 937/228-3630. daytonlive.org.

Visit website for times. $26–$89.

Other Events

A beloved holiday tradition, this variety show features hundreds of local community members. Each vocal solo, instrumental piece, dance performance and scene celebrates the joy and spirit of the season. Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 740/3832101. marionpalace.org. Fri.–Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Adults $22, children $12.

DEC 3–5

Holiday Pops

The Pops present a show featuring holiday carols and classics with special guests and a visit from Santa. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. columbussymphony. com. Visit website for times and prices.

NOV 19–JAN 9

DEC 10–26

The Cincinnati Zoo becomes a “Wild Wonderland,” illuminated with 4 million LED lights. Visitors can also marvel at the “Wild Lights” show

Watch sparkling snow, charming characters and wonderful surprises come to life as Clara and her Nutcracker Prince take you on a magical

PNC Festival of Lights

BalletMet’s The Nutcracker

journey set to the invigorating orchestral music of Tchaikovsky. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus, 614/229-4848. balletmet.org. Visit website for times and prices.

DEC 12

Debby Boone’s White Christmas

DEC 21

The Elf on the Shelf: The Musical

Enjoy a spectacle of music and dance that transports audiences to the North Pole to glimpse the magical lives of Santa’s Scout Elves. This joyous and uplifting story features an original story and score. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. akroncivic.com. 6 p.m. $29.95–$84.95.

Other Events DEC 3–12

The Polar Express

Three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Debby Boone delivers a jubilant holiday celebration through story and yuletide songs, including her 1977 fan favorite, “You Light Up My Life.”

Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 740/383-2101. marionpalace.org.

3 p.m. $27–$42.

DEC 14–19

Fiddler on the Roof

The original production of this beloved theatrical masterpiece won 10 Tony Awards. Be there when the sun rises on this new production, with stunning movement and dance from acclaimed Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter, based on the original staging. A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell the heartwarming story.

Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. Visit website for times and prices.

Put on your pajamas and hop aboard The Polar Express for a magical journey to the North Pole.

Relive the famous story by Chris Van Allsburg and create family memories to last a lifetime.

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, 400 Center St., Dennison, 740/922-6776. dennisondepot. org. Departures Fri. 6 & 8 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 2, 4, 6 & 8 p.m. $45–$80.

DEC 4

Old-Fashioned Christmas

DEC 19

Holiday Spectacular

The New Albany Symphony Orchestra joins forces with the New Albany Symphony Chorus in a festive performance of holiday favorites.

Arrive early for the gift basket fundraiser. McCoy Center, 100 E. Dublin Granville Rd., New Albany, 614/469-0939. newalbanysymphony.com. 3 p.m.

Visit website for prices.

DEC 22

Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas

Piano sensation Jim Brickman is back with his live and joyous concert that blends yuletide memories and holiday favorites with his own hit songs, such as “The Gift,” “Sending You A Little Christmas” and “If You Believe.” Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.

Get in the holiday spirit at Lehman's OldFashioned Christmas. Shop for the perfect gifts and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus when you visit.

Get your picture taken and stick around for story time as they read Christmas favorites. Lehman’s, 4779 Kidron Rd., Kidron, 800/438-5346. lehmans.com/events. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free.

DEC 11

North Pole Meet and Greet

Northeast Music + Theater DEC 8–JAN 2

Wicked

Long before Dorothy arrives , there is another woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is fiery and misunderstood. Don’t miss the thrilling score with hits such as “Defying Gravity” and “For Good.” State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216/241-6000. playhousesquare.org.

Visit website for times. $49–$189.

Visit Santa, one of his elves and even a few of his reindeer from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lehman’s.

Enjoy holiday music presented by choral group The Women of Wayne from 1 to 3 p.m. Lehman’s, 4779 Kidron Rd., Kidron, 800/438-5346. lehmans.com/events. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free.

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Northwest Festivals DEC 1–5

Christmas Tree Festival

More than 100 decorated Christmas trees from community organizations deck the halls of the museum. The Christmas Tree Festival features “Evergreen” the talking Christmas tree and tours of the decorated MacDonell House.

Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market St., Lima, 419/222-9426. allencountymuseum.org.

Visit website for times. Free.

DEC 16–JAN 2

Winterfest

Tenors have become the most successful music group and third-highest-selling artist in the history of “America’s Got Talent.” Niswonger Performing Arts Center, 10700 St. Rte. 118 S., Van Wert, 419/238-6722. vanwertlive.com.

7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.

DEC 10–12

Toledo Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Far-off places, daring toy soldiers, an enchanted Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy come together as the Toledo Ballet welcomes live audiences for its 81st production of “The Nutcracker,” the longest-running annual production in the nation.

Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, 419/246-8000. toledosymphony.com.

Visit website for times and prices.

DEC 11

Bells, Brass and Bows

Celebrate the sounds of the season with the Lima Symphony Orchestra and Chorus’ annual show. Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center, 7 Town Square, Lima, 419/222-5701. limasymphony.com. 7:30–9 p.m. $25–$35.

DEC 17

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Chip Davis’ beloved holiday production returns for its annual tour. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, 419/381-8851. stranahantheater.com. 8 p.m. $38–$73.

DEC 18

The Texas Tenors

Since appearing on the show in 2009, the Texas 22

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

A Mountain Holiday with Timberworks Lumberjack Show

Other Events Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights

Since 1997, this spirited, volunteer-run event across 33 acres has dazzled visitors. Harrison Smith Park, 525 E. Wyandot Ave., Upper Sandusky, 419/294-3556. uppersfantasyoflights.org.

Mon.–Thur. 6–9:30 p.m. Fri.–Sun. 6–10 p.m.

Suggested donations: weekday cars $5, weekends $10, commercial vans $15, buses $50.

Hayes Home Holidays: Spirits of Christmas

Music + Theater

DEC 3–12

DEC 1–30

DEC 18–23

For the first time in seven years, outdoor hockey returns to Fifth Third Field. Don't miss an unforgettable Winterfest celebration with open skating and lots of hockey, including two Walleye outdoor games, plus a Toledo/Detroit Red Wings Alumni game. Marathon Outdoor Rink at Fifth Third Field, 406 Washington St., Toledo, 419/725-9255. toledowalleye.com/en/ winterfest. Dec. 26: Game 1, Toledo Walleye vs.

Kalamazoo at 6 p.m.; Dec. 31: Game 2, Toledo Walleye vs. Indy Fuel at 6 p.m. Single-game tickets and packages $25–$90.

N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton, 740/622-7644. roscoevillage.com. Visit website for times. Free.

Experience the magic and supernatural side of Christmas with stories, including “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, during an evening tour of parts of the historic Hayes Home. Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 419/332-2081. rbhayes.org. Tours are offered 5:30–8 p.m.

Visit website for prices.

This family-friendly event features shopping, refreshments, entertainment, tomahawk throwing lessons and the Timberworks Lumberjack Show that has captivated audiences for 25 years. Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, 866/775-0700. tecumsehdrama.com. Dec. 3-5 & 10-12, noon–7 p.m. $20 per car.

DEC 11–12

Chillicothe Christmas Tour of Historic Homes

Southeast Music + Theater DEC 3

Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone Peter Noone’s extraordinary talent, disarming wit, handsome features and compelling stage presence continue to delight fans of all ages.

Enjoy classic hits such as “I’m Into Something Good,” “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter” and “I’m Henry VIII, I Am.” Peoples Bank Theatre, 224 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/3715152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. 8 p.m. $39–$99.

DEC 9–12

Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical

From the writer of the musical theater favorite “The Music Man” and based on the movie of the same name, “Miracle on 34th Street” features a book and score by Meredith Willson.

Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 740/772-2041. majesticchillicothe.net. Thur.– Sat. 7–10 p.m., Sun. 3–6 p.m. $12–$15.

DEC 12

Handel’s Messiah Oratorio

Don’t miss the 91st annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah” Oratorio by the Civic Chorus and Orchestra. A freewill offering is given to a local charity. Central Trinity UMC, 62 S. Seventh St., Zanesville, 740/453-1210. centraltrinityumc. com. 6–8:30 p.m. Freewill offering.

Other Events DEC 4–11

Historic Roscoe Village Christmas Candlelighting

On Dec. 4 and 11, enjoy festive activities and holiday traditions. Historic Roscoe Village , 600

Visit 12 historic Chillicothe homes decorated in Christmas splendor. Homes date from 1804 to 1889 and are located in historic downtown Chillicothe. Saturday evening by candlelight and Sunday afternoon, enjoy visiting these architecturally significant homes decorated for the holiday season. Present your ticket at The Pour House at Machinery Hall for a discount on a specially prepared meal. Julie's on Paint, 92 N. Paint St., Chillicothe. visitchillicotheohio.com.

Sat. 4-8 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. $20 in advance on Eventbrite, at Julie's on Paint or contacting reepterressa@yahoo.com; $25 at the door.

Southwest Festivals DEC 4

32nd Annual Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival

Enjoy festivities and two horse-drawn carriage parades: a daylight parade at 1 p.m. and the traditional candlelight parade at 7 p.m. Downtown Lebanon, lebanonchamber.org. 1 & 7 p.m. Free.

Music + Theater DEC 3–12

Holiday Pops

Gather those dear to you to share unforgettable memories in the grandeur of a Music Hall

adorned with wondrous decorations and joyful song. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/381-3300. cincinnatisymphony.org. Visit website for times. $25–$115.

DEC 10–19

Dayton Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Clara drifts into restless slumber amidst tin soldiers and menacing rodents and is escorted to the Land of Sweets, where she meets the sparkling Sugar Plum Fairy. Enjoy the full professional Dayton Ballet company, dancers from Dayton Ballet II and the Dayton Ballet School, and children from the local Dayton area, as they dance to live music performed by the Dayton Philharmonic. Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton, 937/228-3630. daytonlive.org.

Visit website for times. $19–$86.

DEC 16–26

Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Join the Cincinnati Ballet for sparkling choreography, awe-inspiring sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to the wondrous Land of Sweets, where a fantastic cast of characters awaits. Meet the Snow Queen and her King, Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, mischievous mice, brave toy soldiers and more. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/621-2787. cballet.org.

Visit website for times and prices.

DEC 29–30

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert

The finale of the original “Star Wars” trilogy finds the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance.

Watch the film as the Cincinnati Pops performs John Williams’ score. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/381-3300. cincinnatisymphony. org. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices.

DEC 31

New Year’s Eve at Music Hall: Shaken, Not Stirred

John Morris Russell leads a thrilling program featuring iconic themes and famous music from the longest-running franchise in movie history.

Shake things up with hits including “Goldfinger,” “Diamonds Are Forever” and “The World Is Not Enough.” Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/381-3300. cincinnatisymphony.org.

8 p.m. $25–$115.

2021 Biennial Juried Exhibition Featuring Works by

53 OHIO ARTISTS Jurors: Jessimi Jones, Kevin Lyles, and April Sunami

OCT. 30 – JAN. 7, 2022

ALL EVENTS TAKE PLACE ONLINE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. LOCATION

Vern Riffe Center for Government & the Arts 77 S. High St., First Floor Lobby

Register for events online at riffegallery.eventbrite.com

HOURS

Wed., Thurs., Fri. Noon – 5 p.m.

Hours subject to change based on CDC and state guidelines.

Holiday Hours: CLOSED Nov. 11, Nov. 25; Dec. 24, 25, 31; Jan. 1

MEDIA SPONSORS

INFORMATION

Visit riffegallery.org 614-644-9624

Image credit: Nick Stull, “Untitled”, Oil, aerosol, charcoal, pen & ink, 36" x 24" x 1.5"

DISCOVER THINGS TO DO EVERY WEEK!

DEC 31

New Year’s Eve: Return To Vienna

Ring in the New Year with the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance in the musical event that has become the place to be on New Year’s Eve in Dayton. Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton, 937/228-3630. daytonlive.org. 8 p.m. $50.

Other Events DEC 5

German Village Christmas Walk

Strolling musicians in Dickens attire usher in the 30th annual Christmas Walk. Explore the historic village, listen to carolers, purchase crafts, and meet Santa and his reindeer. German Village, Village Street, Hamilton, 513/288-4688. germanvillagehamilton.com. Noon–5 p.m. Free.

Sign up for our FREE newsletters at OhioMagazine.com/ newsletters Learn about upcoming events, Ohio Foods and more!

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FERRANTE WINERY & RISTORANTE

unwind.

3946 Broadway Grove City, OH 614-991-0338 plumrunwinery.com

Plum Run Winery

Gervasi Vineyard

Located in Grove City’s historic Town Center, we offer many varieties of red, white, and fruit wines, house-made ciders, craft beers & cocktails, and a full service food menu. Perfect for the holidays, we have gift cards, custom gift baskets, complete gift shop, and space for private events. Support Local this holiday season!

This holiday season, find your joy at Gervasi Vineyard and experience the beauty of a unique, Tuscaninspired winery resort. Celebrate the holidays by enjoying dinner with loved ones at one of our three distinct restaurants, listening to traditional carolers, or having lunch with Santa. Retreat to a luxurious suite at the end of your day. Be sure to visit The Marketplace for unique gift ideas, wine and spirit.

4599 South Madison Road Madison, OH 440-296-9175 laurentiawinery.com

Presented by...

1700 55th St. NE Canton, OH 330-497-1000 gervasivineyard.com

Laurentia Vineyard and Winery

Located in the Grand River Valley, Laurentia Vineyard and Winery grows over 45 acres of estate vineyards. Our award-winning wines showcase our unique geology and have brought national recognition to the region. Take in the views from the expansive vineyard-side patio.

You’re invited to experience the true expression of our winery.

Red Fern Inn at Rocky Point Winery

111 West Main Street Marblehead, OH 419-967-5344 redferninn.com

Hocking Hills Winery

Dutch Creek Winery

12157 State Route 690 Athens, OH 740-818-4699 dutchcreekwinery.com

Dutch Creek Winery creates artisanal, small-batch honey wines, ciders and fruit wines.

Enjoy ciders and wine tastings with charcuterie boards in our tasting room, on our covered patio, or in our picnic grove.

Located in the historic Marblehead Schoolhouse just steps from Lake Erie and down the street from the Marblehead Lighthouse, the Red Fern Inn is the perfect getaway. Guests have access to complimentary bicycles, a private lounge and several fire pits. We’re open year-round, with live music and special events April-October.

30402 Freeman Road Logan, OH 740-385-7117 hockinghillswinery.com

The family-owned Hocking Hills Winery provides the region a friendly gathering place for visitors to enjoy family-produced, quality wines. Come by for a tasting and stay to enjoy a glass or bottle by the fire or on our patio. No reservations necessary. Live music on the weekends.

Merry Family Winery

2376 OH-850 Bidwell, OH 740-245-9463 merryfamilywinery.com

Come Sip, Sit, Relax at Gallia County’s first winery/brewery.

Take in the picturesque views of the countryside, stroll through the vineyard. Sample handcrafted wines and beers, try our homemade root beer soda.

With so many great varieties to choose from you are sure to find something to love!

6597 Center Road Lowellville, OH 330-536-6450 luvabella.com

L’uva Bella Winery

Heineman Winery

L’uva Bella Winery has grown to become the largest wine and wine juice producer in Ohio, offering retail brands, commercial & custom crush services, and juice products.

L’uva Bella’s brands consist of Red’s, Passion, and Purple Rain.

Even as we grow, our philosophy remains the same; we believe in crafting high-quality, unique wines for the everyday consumer.

Celebrating 133 years of family traditions, Heineman’s is the oldest family-owned and -operated winery in Ohio. This award-winning winery is also home to the world’s largest known Celestite geode and offers combined tours of the winery and Crystal Cave. Visit the tasting room featuring wines made on-site, while enjoying a fresh-cut cheese plate.

Check our website for hours.

978 Catawba Avenue Put-In-Bay, OH 419-285-2811 heinemanswinery.com

Lincoln Way Vineyards

Gillig Winery

Find Your Wine Time® with us.

A relaxing environment to wine and dine, all wines are produced and bottled in-house. An extensive wine menu consisting of a broad range of wines for every wine-lover to try. Full menu options for lunch and dinner.

Conveniently located off I-75 on Northridge Road, with hotels nearby to have a nice stay. Check website for hours.

Come sit in the tasting room, on the patio, picnic area or our event space, relax and enjoy our wine, hard cider, fruit-based wine slushies and more. Check out our website or like us on 9050 West Old Lincoln Way Facebook to see our food truck Wooster, OH and entertainment schedule.

330-804-9463 lincolnwayvineyards.com

1720 Northridge Road Findlay, OH 419-408-3230 gilligwinery.com

Blend of Seven Winery

1400 Stratford Road Delaware, Ohio 740-417-4286 blendofsevenwinery.com

BOSW has been voted Delaware’s Best Winery since 2018! (2018-2021) The entire BOSW team strives to provide a relaxing, down-home visit complete with great wine, food & service. In addition to a main tasting room, we have a beautiful private room for social & business events available to rent. Shipping wines anywhere in Ohio as well as out of state via VinoShipper. Need personal or corporate gifts? Customized gift baskets available year round. Additional info & hours available on our website.

Majestic Oak Winery & Neon Groundhog Brewery

13554 Mohler Road Grand Rapids, OH 419-875-6474 majesticoakwinery.com

We are a farm winery and brewery located in Providence Twp near Neapolis, Ohio. Open year round Thursday 2–8 pm, Friday and Saturday 12–9 pm and Sunday 1–5 pm. You are welcome to roam our vineyards and enjoy a glass under our majestic oak. We continue to work hard to make Majestic Oak a place for you to relax and enjoy.

Breitenbach Wine Cellars

5934 Old Route 39 NW Dover, OH 330-343-3603 www.breitenbachwine.com

Located in the heart of Amish Country, we have been producing a variety of award winning dry and sweet wines for over 40 years! We host many special events and festivals on our beautiful grounds surrounded by our vineyards.

Cafe Breitenbach is open daily from 11-3.

OHIO GROWN. OHIO MADE. OHIO PROUD. Look for the Ohio Proud logo and you’ll know it’s a high-quality product, made from the freshest Ohio ingredients.

Find where to shop Ohio Proud partners, visit a winter farm market, or dine at a restaurant using homegrown ingredients by visiting OhioProud.org and following @OhioProud on Instagram

FARM & TABLE Baked to Perfection After starting as a pop-up shop in summer 2020, Boxwood Biscuit Co. now has its own home in Columbus’ Short North Arts District.

W

hen the pandemic hit in 2020, Luke Pierce and Annie Williams Pierce, owners of Law Bird cocktail bar in Columbus, made two shifts: First, they reconfigured their bar as a carryout shop, and second, they launched a pop-up called Boxwood Biscuit Co. “When the bar was forced to close, we had a rough idea of how we could pivot the Law Bird brand into the shop,” says Annie Williams Pierce, adding that the bar reopened May 5, 2021. “Enter Luke, and his fabulous brain, thinking we should do a weekend pop-up utilizing the kitchen.”

COURTESY OF BOXWOOD BISCUIT CO.

Tasty Tribute: Joshua Posadny’s food truck honors a friend

Cloak & Dagger: This Cleveland spot is rewriting

as it delights Toledo-area customers with a lineup of sweet and savory crepes.

expectations of what a themed cocktail bar can be with its wildly creative cocktails and consummate hospitality.

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FARM & TABLE brown biscuits in sandwiches, although they stand on their own, especially fresh from the oven.

“They are so hot, light and airy, they are great just plain with nothing on them,” Minnis says.

And is it really a biscuit joint if there’s not gravy? Boxwood offers a choice of expertly crafted gravies: a pork sausage miso (Minnis’ favorite), vegan Impossible sausage miso, red eye made with Thunderkiss Coffee, a truffle creamed spinach and a rotating special. Diners can even order a flight of three gravies to go with their biscuits.

Where Boxwood Biscuit Co. really shines is the handheld biscuit sandwiches. Minnis and Williams Pierce recommend The Franklin. Minnis composes the sandwich, which is really more of a knife-and-fork affair, with a baked egg, bacon, American cheese, caramelized onions, a tangy house “fancy sauce,” plus a scoop of the miso pork gravy and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Boxwood also serves wonderful fried chicken sandwiches, filling a potato roll or biscuit with combinations like The Simple Jack (chicken, dill pickles, fancy sauce and Sriracha ranch dust), The Firebird (hot glazed chicken, green goddess ranch and pickled jalapeno) and The Prairie Bird (chicken, bacon, slaw, house Franklin Frisco sauce, American cheese and maple mustard).

— Nicholas Dekker 19 W. Russell St., Columbus 43215, 614/745-2105, boxwoodbiscuitco.com

Tasty Tribute Joshua Posadny’s food truck honors a friend as it delights Toledo-area customers with a lineup of sweet and savory crepes.

A

s he serves his take on a French culinary classic in and around Toledo, Joshua Posadny is often asked for the story behind his food truck’s name, Lyle’s Crepes. It was inspired by his former co-worker Lyle Overly, a husband, father and Army veteran who became a mentor to Posadny during his first job at Barnes & Noble.

“Not only was Lyle a great friend and jokester, he just had many memorable qualities,” Posadny explains.

“He was always laughing, making you laugh.”

In 2018, when deciding on a name that reflected the traits he wanted his business to embody, Posadny opted to pay tribute to his friend, who had died five years earlier.

Lyle’s Crepes operates almost daily. (The food truck’s website and social media feeds share where it will be next.) The truck’s lineup of sweet crepes spans Lemon Berry, Banana Nutella and Strawberry Nutella, while savory options range from Chicken, Bacon, Feta to the Rise and Shine (bacon, egg, guacamole, Colby Jack cheese and pico de gallo topped with cilantro sauce) to Sausage, Egg and Cheese. The truck also sells chicken, chorizo and sweet potato tacos.

“We don’t prespin any of our stuff,” Posadny says of the thin and delicate, pancake-like crepes. “Every time you order a crepe, we spin it right there at the moment you order.”

— Tyler Saunders For more information, visit lylescrepes.com.

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COURTESY OF LOCATIONS LISTED

The two saw a dearth of biscuit concepts in Columbus, so they opened the pop-up in summer 2020. (After months of growing menus and sellout weekends, Boxwood Biscuit Co. moved into its own space in the Short North Arts District in March 2021.)

To initially develop the menu, the owners tapped Tyler Minnis, who they knew as chef at The Market Italian Village.

“After a couple months of quarantine, they reached out and pitched Boxwood to me over dinner,” Minnis recalls.

“After a bunch of baking at my house and some more menu development, the brunch concept launched that August.”

The name of the game, of course, is biscuits, and Minnis serves his flaky, golden

FROM THE PARAMOUNT PICTURES ARCHIVE

D I S T I N C T LY PARAMOUNT

AROSE SUCH A CLATTER

Cloak & Dagger This Cleveland spot is rewriting expectations of what a themed cocktail bar can be with its wildly creative cocktails and consummate hospitality.

O

COURTESY OF CLOAK & DAGGER

nce upon a time, there was a very clever book-themed cocktail bar in Cleveland. Co-owner Casey Hughes describes the experience as the unraveling of a story, starting with a page-turner of a bar menu. The ornately illustrated booklet is equal parts thriller, allegory and mystery, teasing out cocktail descriptions that reveal the overarching theme.

“Every bar needs a niche, or it doesn’t stand out. I enjoy stories, cinema and film, and I started to think it could be a good theme for a bar,” Hughes says. “There are so many different kinds of books.”

Cloak — as the regulars refer to it — fully embodies its literary theme. Old books, vintage furniture and curious objets d’art create the look and feel of a well-loved library. Considerable effort went into crafting an immersive environment that’s both intelligent and comfortable — a perfect foreshadowing of the gustatory exploration to come.

“Everything is made from scratch,” Hughes says. “We do all of our own juices and syrups. Our staff developed all the recipes.”

Cocktails change thematically with the seasons — each menu book offers between 10 to 15 — and the bar’s masterful mixolo-

gists stray from convention any chance they get. (Select cocktails can be enjoyed to the fullest without alcohol, too.)

Autumn’s Cursed menu explores “cocktail oddities,” spanning unusual or surprising flavor profiles and combinations like the Pain & Sorrow, with popcorn and chile-infused tequila, a smoky elote mezcal, corn syrup and spicy bitters. The Death Roll imagines sushi as a beverage, featuring a house-made blended rum (with sesame, nori, sugar and salt), ginger agave and wasabi, garnished with a nori “fin.”

The winter season menu, Krampus, is named for the menacing creature of German and Austrian folklore and features cocktails that toe the line of mischief and merriment. Hughes’ own creation, Arose Such a Clatter, is a pistachio and sugar cookie whiskey sour, which should solidify her place on the nice list.

In an unexpected plot twist, all of Cloak & Dagger’s drinks and carefully curated food selections are vegan. Vegans and omnivores alike will find the plant-based meat and cheese board a bold move. Heartier entrees include a “fried oyster” mushroom po’ boy and Buffalo-style Fresno chile pepper “chicken” skewers.

“We wanted to work with Chef Todd [Kronika] because of his creativity,” Hughes says. “It matches what we are doing with the bar.” — Lisa Sands Reservations are recommended. 2399 W. 11th St., Cleveland 44113, 216/795-5657, cloakanddaggercle.com

Made possible by support from:

The Fox Foundation, Inc. The Fairfield County Foundation George and Dollie L. Zimpfer Memorial Fund

fashion&costume THROUGH

J A N U A RY 2 , 2 0 2 2

Nov 6, 2021 − Jan 2 , 2022

FREE ADMISSION

Wednesday–Friday, 11am–4pm; Sat & Sun, 1–4pm 145 E. Main St. | Lancaster, Ohio | 740-681-1423

www.decartsohio.org

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LIVEWell

Holidays & Your Dog Decorations, new foods and visitors can break your dog’s routine (and lead to trouble). Here’s how to keep your best friend safe and happy.

H

olidays are exciting for dogs, too, especially with the cookie trays within a nose’s reach and an indoor tree with its water-filled stand and enticing ornaments.

But those joys of the season create a risky situation for our four-legged friends. “It’s surprising the amounts of accidents that happen to pets during the holidays: accidental poisonings, ingesting foreign objects and so on,” says Mary Walters, a certified dog trainer through Animal Behavior College and owner of Magnificent Mutts Dog Training in Bay Village. Here is her advice for keeping your dog safe this holiday season. — Kristen Hampshire Tree Safety: It’s not a bad idea to invest in a barrier around your Christmas tree if your dog is especially interested in it. “Trees are treated with chemicals, so if your pet drinks the water, you don’t know what they’re ingesting,” Walters says. Tinsel, ribbon and tree needles, if swallowed, can cause serious issues, and chewing cords or lights can lead to electric shock. The safest bet: make the tree off limits.

The Power of Routine: “Dogs especially are creatures of habit,” Walters says. “The best thing you can do is keep to their routine.” That can mean hiring a dog walker if you know the holidays will keep you too busy or assign dog duty to a responsible member of the household. Also, avoid feeding human food to dogs.

Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis and many foods are toxic to dogs.

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ISTOCK

Party Time: When you’re having guests over, put your dog’s crate in a quiet room so they can get away from the action. If your dog’s crate is in the heart of the family room, make the transition gradually prior to having guests over.

Also, keep your dog on a leash when company arrives to address jumping. “You can also tether them to a heavy piece of furniture,” Walters adds. “It’s about managing the environment.”

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Mini Breaks, Big Impact Even just minutes of movement or meditation can help you fight holiday stress.

T

he holiday hoopla can feel endless and exhausting. How are you supposed to fit in a proper workout, while also tackling your growing to-do list? Taking even five minutes to meditate, walk, stretch or do a quick exercise routine can combat stress, build confidence and provide a shot of feelgood endorphins. Yes, it is worth it to even take the smallest wellness mini break.

“It helps with resilience to stress, and you’ll feel better, sleep better and have increased energy,” says Nicole Breeden, clinical exercise coordinator at ProMedica in Toledo. “You don’t have to go to the gym to work out for 30 minutes to benefit from exercise.”

Here are some practical, can-do ways to build mini wellness breaks into the holiday season. — KH

Capturing Found Time:

ISTOCK

You just popped a batch of cookies into the oven. How will you spend those 10 to 12 minutes while they bake? “Do a round of squats or push-ups, and then after you put the next batch of cookies in, try a plank or another exercise,” Breeden suggests. Make a list of fast exercises you can do. Basic movements like jumping jacks or marching in

place keep your muscles moving. “Even pacing around your house is better than sitting in a kitchen chair while you wait for coffee, so when those times come up, take advantage of them,” says Alissa Kembre, physical therapist at Kettering Health in Dayton.

Meditation, a Five-Sense Exercise: Falling into the “om” zone is

not so easy during the holidays. Julie Manuel, clinical program manager at Kettering Health in Dayton, offers a simple way to practice meditation. She calls it the “fivesense exercise.” Set a timer to remind yourself to take breaks during the day: Identify five things you see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.

“Using all five senses brings you back to center and in the moment,” Manuel says. “It helps you find clarity and focus and slows down the lists running through your mind that can lead to anxiety and stress.”

Creating Simple Habits: Carve out 10 minutes to get moving right after you wake up. “If you start your morning with movement, you’ll get your heart rate going, boost your mood … it won’t be a task looming over you,” Breeden says.

She also suggests identifying ahead of time when you will exercise during the week.

“You don’t have to have the same routine — that’s hard during the holidays,” she adds.

“And it’s good to have a backup plan, so if something happens when you usually do a workout, maybe you have a routine of core exercises to keep moving.”

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, , Chillicothe le il v r te n e C e honor se five This year, w sworth. The d a W d n a y t andusk teristics tha Delaware, S c a r a h c e th s embody me. communitie call Ohio ho to d u o r p s u make

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Cente r ville

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Businesses in Uptown; Walton House Museum (opposite page)

This Montgomery County city boasts a wealth of recreation, family-friendly events, welcoming businesses and a strong sense of community support.

By Hallie Rybka

T

MATTHEW ALLEN

he cases at Bill’s Donut Shop are filled with a delightful mix of shapes and flavors: rainbow sprinkles and glazed twists, peanut butter creme filled and massive cinnamon rolls. Children press their hands on the glass, trying to choose their treat. But many visitors know their favorite before they even walk through the door.

“We still do things the way mom and dad did them,” says Lisa Elam Tucker, whose parents Bill and Faye Elam brought their beloved doughnut shop to Centerville in 1967. “And it’s all done by hand. Our yeast doughnuts, we cut them by hand, twist them, roll them. The cake doughnuts, we fry all of those ourselves.”

Bill’s Donut Shop first opened at Franklin and Main streets before moving to its current location on Main Street in 1979. Now owned by Tucker and her brother, Jim Elam, the 24-hour spot has become a Centerville landmark.

“They’ve supported us now for nearly 60 years,” Tucker says of the community. Her family’s business gives back, too, by supporting T-ball teams, yearbooks, school events and more. “There are just so many ways people can get involved in the city to give back, and there’s something here for everyone.”

A core suburb of Dayton, Centerville covers 11 square miles and is home to nearly 24,000 residents. The Mont-

gomery County town was first settled in 1796, before becoming a city in 1968.

“It became a stopping point between Dayton and Cincinnati,” says Mayor Brooks Compton. “As Dayton developed with a significant manufacturing presence, the suburbs expanded.”

Today, the town’s major employers include Miami Valley Hospital South, Sinclair College – Centerville, Graceworks Lutheran Services and Centerville City Schools.

The highly rated public school system enjoys success in athletics and academics alike, from the bowling team to women’s cross country. Centerville High School clinched its first Division I boys basketball championship in March.

One event that draws residents together each year is the Americana Festival, featuring a parade, street fair, fireworks and more Fourth of July fun. The free summer concert series at Leonard E. Stubbs Memorial Park and Centerville Community Amphitheater is another local favorite, offer-

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ing great live music, food trucks and vendors on Sunday evenings from June through August.

Spanning 60 acres, Stubbs Park is Centerville’s largest city-operated park. In addition to the amphitheater, it provides playground equipment, walking trails, a disc golf course and an inline skating rink. It’s also the home of a beautiful Veterans Memorial.

“Two years ago, we went through a concept map,” says Michael Norton-Smith, Centerville’s development director. “If we were to look at a cohesive park that we want to start hosting larger events at, how would we make tailored improvements to Stubbs?”

The city applied for state capital funding and, in 2020, was awarded $800,000 by the State of Ohio. Improvements to Stubbs Park have already begun and will include upgrades to the band shell as well as to audio and visual elements to help diversify the programming and events.

The Centerville-Washington Park District operates 51 parks spanning more than 1,000 acres, including spots like the 22-acre Activity Center Park, which features an all-access playground and splash pad. Oak Grove Park offers 102 acres filled with paved multi-use trails, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, an archery range and an off-leash dog park.

Recreational opportunities continue at The Golf Club at Yankee Trace, an award-winning municipal golf course with 27 holes of championship golf. It’s been ranked in Golf Digest in the top 10 municipal golf courses in the country and is regularly voted the No. 1 golf course in the greater Dayton area.

Another award winner is Benham’s Grove, which continues to receive notoriety as one of the best wedding and event venues in the region. Nestled on landscaped grounds, the refurbished 1800s Victorian homestead hosts functions from intimate meetings to large gatherings.

Nearby, the Walton House Museum features exhibits showcasing artifacts and relics of local history. Made of limestone, it’s a perfect fit in Centerville, which has the largest collection of early stone houses in Ohio. Many are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are found in the part of the city known as Uptown.

Architectural preservation is at the heart of this area.

Centered along Main and Franklin streets, it’s a hub for businesses, restaurants and boutiques. Mary Ellen Lee’s shop Pieces of Style has been a Centerville staple for women’s fashion and accessories for 14 years. April Desai opened Burgundy Chic Boutique in 2020. There, you’ll find women’s apparel and accessories, home decor and gifts, with one corner dedicated to Ohio makers and another featuring jewelry by local artist Anita Osterfeld.

What started as a boots-on-the-ground business walk through Uptown in October 2018 has grown into one of Centerville’s top projects. The Uptown Action Plan show-

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MATTHEW ALLEN; GOLF COURSE: COURTESY CITY OF CENTERVILLE

(Clockwise from opposite page top): Heavier Than Air Brewing Co.; Lock 27 Brewing; Oak Grove Park’s dog park; Burgundy Chic Boutique; Bill’s Donut Shop; The Golf Club at Yankee Trace; city hall

cases the town’s cooperation between the public and private sectors, with a multimillion-dollar concept plan to revitalize the area and make it a destination for businesses, residents and travelers alike. Part of that plan has also been to connect businesses with funding sources for property improvements.

“There was a need for a revitalization in the area and the community recognized that,” Compton says, “and fortunately the city had great staff to take the lead and get that started.”

Civic involvement trickles down to citizens, too, with residents dedicating time to service organizations, faithbased groups and community events. The volunteer-run City Beautiful Commission maintains a number of flower beds and promotes planting and preservation across the city.

Centerville is also celebrating 35 years as a Tree City USA. “Every year for Arbor Day, the mayor with school children from all the local schools, plants trees in the city,” says assistant city manager Mariah Vogelgesang. One popular pick is the city tree of Centerville: a red horse chestnut, from the same family as the buckeye tree.

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Chillicothe

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Rost Coffee’s Trent Fannin at The Fort Collective; Atwood House Bed and Breakfast (opposite page)

The original capital of Ohio turns to the future with new development that is reviving the look and feel of this charming and historic town.

By Jim Vickers

A

MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD

weekday morning at The Fort Collective pulses with freshly caffeinated energy. The space is anchored by Rost Coffee, which brews up cups of the bold stuff that will make you forget all about Starbucks. Friends and business associates gather in the bright room filled with tables and chairs. Nearby, Trent Fannin roasts coffee beans in a shiny silver machine, the whoosh of a freshly completed batch every so often rising up behind the constant hum of conversation.

“We built this from the ground up,” says Fannin, who opened his first Rost Coffee cafe in 2016 before expanding into The Fort Collective in January 2020. “This was just an empty parking lot since 1980.”

In addition to Rost Coffee, The Fort Collective also houses Hometown Threads, where you can buy Chillicothe-centric T-shirts and sweatshirts; Kindly Boutique, a

shop that supports local artisans as well as women from around the world; and The Stack, which carries apparel, accessories and more. The Fort Collective is one of Chillicothe’s newer additions, but a number of breweries, restaurants and other businesses have opened in recent years.

“There are a lot of people looking to invest locally,” Fannin adds. “It’s forced a lot of positive change. The only way I can describe it is, Chillicothe was just ripe.”

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The Atwood House Bed and Breakfast Guest Rooms, Banquet and Wedding Facilities 68 South Point Street Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 740-774-1606 atwoodhousebandb.com

Hungry for More Ohio Magazine?

Visit OhioMagazine.com/recipes for new dishes and reader favorites.

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Mayor Luke Feeney has been here to witness it all. He took office in 2016, after previously serving as Chillicothe’s city auditor from 2013 to 2015. The Athens High School and Ohio University graduate went to Cleveland’s Case Western Reserve University School of Law before moving to Chillicothe in 2006 for a legal aid job, where he met his wife, Stacy, also an attorney.

Feeney says most of the new businesses downtown have opened since the 2015 revival of the 1885 Carlisle Building, an anchor of the city’s main intersection that was damaged by a serious fire in 2003 and had fallen into disrepair. Today, the historic structure is home to offices for Adena Health System, along with 32 apartments for medical residents and visiting staff. Feeney says the community rallied around the Carlisle Building project, which seemed to usher in a new era for all of downtown.

“Just about every partner you can imagine in the community put tons of time and effort into giving it a new life,” he says. “That has been the single most symbolic and actual event. … I think most people agree that has been a catalyst for a lot of downtown.”

Take a walk through the heart of the city, and you quickly discover charming shops and food-and-drink spots that grab your attention. Cincinnati’s 50 West Brewing Co. opened its second location in a hip, two-story space across from the Ross County Courthouse in early 2021,

chillicothe, ohio MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD

(Clockwise from opposite page): Wheatberry Books; ahi tuna salad at R Kitchen on Paint; A Touch of Charm Mercantile; cupcake at High Five Cakes

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Visit The History Store in historic downtown Chillicothe.

wbritain.com

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(740) 775-7400

101 North Paint St., Chillicothe, Ohio 45601

the-history-store.myshopify.com

and R Kitchen on Paint has been serving upscale comfort food along North Paint Street since 2016. Downtown shops range from the adorable Highland’s Ice Creamery and the well-stocked Apollo Records to the highly curated Wheatberry Books and imagination-capturing The History Store (a specialty shop that stocks a wide selection of civilian and military miniatures). There is still more to come, too.

“We’re not done with downtown. It’s a great place, but we’re not done. We’re not done with Bridge Street — it’s our big retail thoroughfare — but it’s a great place,” says Mike Throne, president and CEO of the Chillicothe/Ross Chamber of Commerce.

“That’s what’s exciting for me as chamber president … To get us to this point has been great for the community, but we know we’re going to go further.”

The investment boom has opened a new chapter for this small town with a long history. Settled in 1796, Chillicothe was the capital of the Northwest Territory between 1800 and 1803 and was twice the state capital of Ohio: from 1803 to 1810 and 1812 to 1816.

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(740) 775-7400

101 North Paint St., Chillicothe, Ohio 45601

the-history-store.myshopify.com

(Clockwise from above): Shops along North Paint Street in downtown Chillicothe; Ross County Courthouse; Adena Mansion; beer flight at 50 West Brewing Co.

MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD

Visit The History Store in historic downtown Chillicothe to see the best collection of miniatures in the Midwest.

Featuring W.Britain Model Figures, the oldest, continually active historical figure manufacturer in the world.

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WELCOME TO DOWNTOWN CHILLICOTHE ATWOOD HOUSE The historic Atwood House is a Greek Revival house built in 1843

by Jacob Atwood, a financier from Baltimore, MD. Only three families have owned the house since it was built, and only two families for the first 150 years. It was bought and redecorated in the fall of 2002 and opened as a bed and breakfast in June of 2003. Only about an hour from Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati, the house is located in historic downtown Chillicothe, making it perfect for weddings, receptions and parties.

BRICK HAVEN SALON & SPA Shhh! We’ve been keeping a secret. An even more luxurious experience awaits you!

At our new location, still downtown, with parking!

68 S. Paint St., Chillicothe 45601, 740-774-1606 atwoodhousebandb.com

73 & 24 W. Main St., Chillicothe 45601, 740-779-9900 brickhavenspa.com

BELL FARMS HOMESTEAD

GLOBE FURNITURE

Smoked meats and homemade eats. Full service catering for your next occasion of distinction!

59 E. Water St., Chillicothe 45601, 740-637-9195 bellfarmschillicothe.com

116 Years of Business in downtown Chillicothe - We have the Largest Selection of IN STOCK furniture and mattresses in the area!

63 E. Main St., Chillicothe 45601, FB @globechillicothe globechillicothe.com

WHEATBERRY BOOKS Wheatberry Books is a cozy independent bookstore with new and used books for all ages.

9 W. Second St., Chillicothe 45601, 740-771-3369 wheatberrybooks.com

HARMONY BOUTIQUE Our mission is to empower women!

We are here to help you put together the perfect look while staying true to you. After all, we want you to feel comfortable, confident and, most importantly, inspired walking out the door.

POUR HOUSE AT MACHINERY HALL A thriving member of Chillicothe’s Historic Downtown, The Pour House at Machinery Hall is home to chef-driven cuisine, craft beverages and a lively atmosphere.

143 W. Water St., Chillicothe 45601, 740-656-3211 harmonyboutiquewithlove.com

25 E. Second St., Chillicothe 45601, 740-771-4770 pouronchillicothe.com

THE HISTORY STORE

CHILLICOTHE RESTORATION FOUNDATION

True to its name, The History Store is a throwback to days gone by, a genuine toy soldier shop. Boasting thousands of miniature figures on display, this boutique also offers games, books, paints and more.

Attend two special tours in Historic Chillicothe in 2022. Follow the Ohio & Erie Canal through the city where many canal-era buildings still exist, April 24, 2022. The Notable Souls of Grandview Cemetery Tour will be Aug. 21, 2022, featuring historic, interesting souls buried there.

101 N. Paint St., Chillicothe 45601, 740-775-7400 Mon.-Wed. 10am–6pm, Thur.-Sat. 10am–8pm, Sun. Closed

For more information contact reepterressa@yahoo.com

KIMBERLY DIFRANGO GEMOLOGIST

MAJESTIC THEATRE

There’s something special about knowing that you own a oneof-a-kind item. This is especially true when it comes to something as precious as jewelry.

Whether it’s a ring, a bracelet or necklace, we can create it.

The historic Majestic Theatre hosts a wide variety of holiday entertainment. Visit the Majestic’s website for upcoming shows and to get your tickets.

14 S. Paint St., Chillicothe 45601, 740-779-1771 difrango.com

45 E. Second St., Chillicothe 45601, 740-772-2041 majesticchillicothe.net

PAPER CITY COFFEE

W. BRITAIN MODEL FIGURES

Paper City Coffee is a social good coffee shop that exists to be an accepting space in our community and to help fund The Paper City Mentoring Project.

47 S. Paint St., Chillicothe 45601, 740-851-5920 papercitycoffee.com

Nestled in the heart of downtown amongst charming, artist-driven shops and a thriving independent restaurant and gastropub scene, The History Store is a great destination for your shopping experience.

101 N. Paint St., Chillicothe 45601, 740-775-7400 Mon.-Wed. 10am–6pm, Thur.-Sat. 10am–8pm, Sun. Closed

The Perfect Match Between

OLD & NEW… Chillicothe, Ohio

ADENA MANSION & GARDENS Explore the historic Worthington estate which includes an 1800s mansion, beautiful gardens, the view that inspired the Great Seal of Ohio, and interactive exhibits.

PUMP HOUSE CENTER FOR THE ARTS Add a new piece of artwork to your collection or simply view the monthly exhibit and find unique presents at the Pump House’s gift shop.

847 Adena Road, Chillicothe 45601, 740-772-1500 adenamansion.com

1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe 45601, 740-772-5783 thepumphouse.art

CHILLICOTHE CHRISTMAS CHURCH WALK

ROSS COUNTY HERITAGE CENTER

The Chillicothe Christmas Church Walk features several churches along the walk that will be showcased.

Participants will enjoy short programs at each church during the walk.

Downtown Chillicothe 45601, 740-702-7677

FRIENDS OF HOPEWELL CULTURE The Friends of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park invite you to visit the park’s four locations near Chillicothe. Begin your tour at Mound City Group Visitor Center located at 16062 State Route 104. nps.gov/hocu

Explore Native American artifacts, early Chillicothe vehicles, Camp Sherman & World War I displays, history of the railroad along with many other exhibits.

45 W. Fifth St. Chillicothe 45601, 740-772-1936 rosscountyhistorical.org

MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD

The Adena Mansion, the former estate of Ohio’s sixth governor, Thomas Worthington, sits on a hilltop about 3 miles from downtown and is open to the public for tours.

(The view of Mount Logan from an overlook on the property was the inspiration for the Great Seal of Ohio.) A few miles away from the mansion, Hopewell National Historical Park’s Mound City Group shares what is known about the ancient Native Americans who once thrived here.

Yoctangee Park, founded as City Park in 1875, runs right up to the edge of downtown’s East Water Street, and a metal arch over East Second Street identifies the historic Majestic Theatre. Originally opening in 1853, it is billed as the country’s oldest continuously operating theater. Since 1973, Sugarloaf Amphitheatre, located about 8 miles outside of town, has staged “Tecumseh!” each summer. The outdoor drama tells the story of the Shawnee leader who was born near here in 1768 and his efforts to rally his people to defend their homeland.

Although Ohio history is never far from the surface, this 10.6-square-mile city of just over 22,000 residents also has the convenience-oriented amenities that residents desire.

There’s the big-box retail district along Bridge Street near the highway, easy access to the city of Columbus (located about 50 miles north) and plenty of nearby recreation options thanks to the fact that Chillicothe is geographically situated in southeast Ohio’s swath of Appalachia. The latter has been a draw for younger adventurers, be they from nearby or out of town, looking for places to hike and mountain bike.

Because the region is home to 225 miles of trails, in 2019 the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau

printed a Ross County Trail Guide, detailing places to hike and parks to explore. The guide has been a hit and tough to keep in stock. Feeney sees the outdoors as just another piece of what makes Chillicothe an attractive place to live, particularly in a time when technology and shifting work norms have given people more choices when deciding where it is they want to call home.

“One of the important things about the outdoors and the opportunity there is I think it couples with the rising popularity, or necessity, of work from home,” Feeney says.

“It presents us not only with a tourism opportunity, but the ability to attract a generation of people to actually come live and work here who are not from here.”

(Clockwise from top left): Visitors at Hopewell National Historical Park’s Mound City Group; horses near the Adena Mansion; Rivers Bend Bike Shop on North Walnut Street

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Delaware

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(Clockwise from opposite page): Boardman Arts Park; downtown; Community Garden

This central Ohio city offers a vibrant downtown, great community events and a wide range of arts and entertainment.

LEFT: MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD; RIGHT: RACHAEL JIROUSEK

By Ilona Westfall

O

n the first Friday of every month, the streets of downtown Delaware fill with people. Families with toddlers in tow, young professionals and college students from nearby Ohio Wesleyan University pile in downtown’s shops and antiques stores, dine at its restaurants and take advantage of free kids activities.

The city’s First Friday events — each with a different theme like the September “Back to School Bash” or December’s “Home for the Holidays” — draw around 15,000 to 20,000 people to Sandusky and Winter streets. The massive turnout is not an unusual occurrence in the historic storefront-lined downtown of Delaware, which also hosts

events such as farmers markets and a vintage car show.

“People come for that sense of community,” says Susie Bibler, executive director of Main Street Delaware.

“Downtown has definitely become a hub for activities, and when people think of our downtown, they get a warm, sentimental feeling” The city, which is located in Delaware County about 30 miles north of Columbus, was established in 1808 and has grown significantly since 2010 to a population of 44,000.

New housing developments, as well as other compatible land uses, have been steadily filling its nearly 20 square miles. Prior to this growth, downtown storefronts saw a 50% occupancy rate and nowhere near as many people came downtown for events. Along with the town’s growth, the downtown itself now boasts a 94% occupancy rate, welcoming businesses, restaurants, offices and apartments.

“When I moved here 21 years ago, it was very much a small town,” says Bibler. “But it’s been really neat to see the community grow with the population and the forward thinking that our leadership has in the community.”

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Pat’s Endangered Species — located on Winter Street across from another downtown staple, the 157-year-old Bun’s Restaurant — has also been around long enough to experience the city’s growth firsthand. A record store selling vinyl and CDs is an unlikely candidate for the current longest-running retail business in the city, but its selection of 20,000 titles has kept customers coming back since 1980.

“The community has been supporting me for a long time,” says owner Patrick Bailey. “We have regular customers that come from 70 miles away to shop here.” Regulars even lined up down the block to attend an in-store birthday party for the resident shop cat, Gary.

A Delaware resident since childhood, except for a brief stint in Montana during which different owners were in charge of the record store, Bailey is glad he came home.

“Delaware’s a safe environment and a nice bedroom community,” he says. “And it’s just cool with the university.”

While students undoubtedly help to keep downtown lively, Ohio Wesleyan University has been a key player in the city since 1842. Its 200-acre campus borders the south side of downtown. Enrollment to the private liberal arts college is around 1,300 students, and it was once attended

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by the city’s most famous resident: 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, who was born in Delaware. A statue of Hayes even stands watch over downtown on the corner across from city hall.

Ohio Health is the largest private employer in the city, with the Kroger grocery distribution center and Ohio Wesleyan University rounding out the top three. While the city’s affordability and good public school systems (Delaware City Schools and Olentangy Local Schools) are big draws, many residents still commute to Columbus for work, something Delaware Mayor Carolyn Kay Riggle is hoping to change.

“We’re trying to get properties ready so that when developers call, we’re ready to receive them,” says Riggle, who has been priming spots around town for future business development and jobs. “That means putting in some infrastructure both in and above the ground.”

Aiding that goal are almost 50 road-improvement projects completed or in progress since 2004 and upgrades to the city’s wastewater and sewer infrastructure. The local airport has seen significant improvements, and Riggle is hoping to put in a downtown hotel.

While city leadership looks to the future, there’s already plenty to enjoy in Delaware. Dining hot spots range from Restoration Brew Worx to 1808 American Bistro to The Food Truck Depot, a fun spot that opened in 2019 just outside of downtown with rotating food trucks, an expansive tap room, live music and sand volleyball courts.

The city also has 24 parks, including Boardman Arts Park, which stands out for its quirky community-created art.

The Arts Castle, in the historic Victorian-home-lined Northwest Neighborhood, is situated in a towering stone

(Clockwise from far left opposite page): The Food Truck Depot; Fresh Start Cafe; Honey & Abernathy; Choffey’s; Whit’s Frozen Custard; The Strand Theatre; Gary the cat at Pat’s Endangered Species record store; The Arts Castle

RACHAEL JIROUSEK

building. The nonprofit organization offers classes for all ages, ranging from drama and drawing to ballet and baking.

There is plenty of entertainment in the city, too. Visitors can see works by famous artists and a rotating lineup of special exhibitions at the Richard M. Ross Art Museum at Ohio Wesleyan or catch a first-run film at The Strand Theatre, one of the 10 oldest movie theaters in the country.

The 2021 Little Brown Jug — part of the Triple Crown of Harness Racing — brought 40,000 horse-racing fans to the final day of the Delaware County Fair.

A new comprehensive plan called “Delaware Together” was completed and approved in 2021 to examine more ways to grow, while keeping the charm and sense of community that attracted residents to the city in the first place.

“I think word has gotten out about us,” says Riggle. “I love that even though we are growing immensely, we still have that quaint feeling of a small town, which is really hard to keep.”

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Sandusky Segwave

Goodtime I

CLAG Brewing Company

Downtown Mr. Smith’s Coffee House

Start coasting at Lake Erie Shores & Islands!

A place where time moves a little slower, loved ones feel a little closer, and there’s a Great Lake between you and your worries.

From island hopping to record-breaking roller coasters, water parks, wineries to dockside dining, plus hidden gems that keep the fun going all year long.

Downtown Sandusky truly has positive momentum, with a number of entrepreneurs re-purposing and remodeling historic buildings and creating dining, drinking, shopping, and attraction experiences the likes of which one doesn’t expect to find in a small Midwest town. However you like to coast, you’ll find it here.

Merry-Go-Round Museum

Roll through downtown Sandusky on Sandusky Segwave’s one or two hour guided tours. Explore historic architecture, city landmarks, bike paths, parks, and scenic coastline. Even learn city secrets. “Be shore and wave.”

Warm up with a rich Pumpkin Brûlée Latte from Mr. Smith’s Coffee House. Enjoy freshroasted coffee, as well as fantastic breakfast sandwiches and a deli-style lunch menu, including vegetarian options in a cool, artsy, and comfy space.

If you crave craft beer, sushi, and authentic Vietnamese Pho’ you must go to CLAG Brewing Company! It’s a microbrewery offering their own creative concoctions, plus other craft beers from around the region.

Enjoy a fun atmosphere while you tour the Merry-Go-Round Museum and learn about the history and art of the carousel. Relive your childhood excitement when you climb aboard the fully restored Allan Herschell Carousel with the band organ playing. Watch carvers bring neglected carousel pieces back to their full beauty.

Come aboard the Goodtime I for a cruise around Sandusky Bay, to and from Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island through allday excursions and party cruises. A unique way to enjoy private events like family or class reunions, company retreats, wedding receptions, and birthday parties.

Maritime Museum of Sandusky

Bay Popcorn Company

Sandusky Pedego Electric Bikes

Pedego Electric Bikes is an exhilarating way to discover Sandusky and beyond! Zip along the lakefront by exploring safe and breathtakingly beautiful nearby bike trails for a unique and amazing experience.

Stop in Bay Popcorn Company for free samples of over 30 flavors like Caramel Apple, from the only unique gourmet popcorn shop in Sandusky. They also create gift baskets, plus favors for weddings, showers, corporate gifts, and birthdays.

Lakelynn Design LLC believes in body positivity for all women - filling customers with confidence and comfort, a wide variety of sizes are offered. Lakelynn also has unique gifts, jewelry, and accessories made by other small businesses locally and across the USA.

Lakelynn Design LLC

Discover the rich maritime heritage at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky. Learn about Lyman Boats and boat building, ice harvesting, commercial fishing, shipwrecks, wetlands, Sandusky’s role in the Underground Railroad, recreational boating, commercial shipping, passenger boats, the Battle of Lake Erie, and more.

Indulge yourself with a sweet and tart Caramel Apple Bubble Tea or a decadent Pumpkin Roll Latte from Boom Town Coffee. Experience hand crafted specialty drinks for every season. Relax as you enjoy the great view of the waterfront from their trendy spacious loft.

Boom Town Coffee

Congratulations to the City of Sandusky on being selected as Best Hometown in Ohio! We’re proud to be part of this community.

Visit SHORESandISLANDS.com or ci.sandusky.oh.us to experience the ambiance and electric energy of Downtown Sandusky for yourself.

Sandusky

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This Erie County city embraces its location along the Lake Erie shore with new development that is changing both the face of downtown and the community.

By Jim Vickers

S

LEFT: KEVIN KOPANSKI; RIGHT: RACHAEL JIROUSEK

tanding along the edge of Jackson Street Pier, the breadth of Sandusky Bay spreads out before you. In the distance to the east, the steel curls of roller coasters such as Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster rise up against the sky. Out to the west, the Sandusky coal dock serves as a reminder that the city is home to a working port that sees the comings and goings of Lake Erie freighters.

Sandusky’s Jackson Street Pier bridges these two worlds — the fun promised by the amusement park across the water and the vital role Lake Erie plays in the local economy, particularly for the boat lines, shops, restaurants and other businesses along its shore.

City manager Eric Wobser understands this as well as anyone. He grew up in Sandusky, and after previously spending four years as a special projects manager to the mayor of Cleveland and four years as executive director at the neighborhood development corporation Ohio City Inc., he returned to his hometown in 2014. Since then, Sandusky — known to most for its world-renowned amusement park — has turned into a destination for waterfront recreation, but one supported by new downtown development that is giving the city a renewed look and fresh future.

“I’ve been blown way, most of all, by the sense of community that has come together in the downtown this year,” says Wobser as we meet at Jackson Street Pier on a quiet morning in July. “You saw the beginnings of it last year. You saw it was attracting a whole new group of Sanduskians to come downtown and see it in a different light.”

(Clockwise from opposite page): Schade-Mylander Plaza; Jackson Street Pier; Paddle + Climb’s islandstyle cocktails; Moseley’s Rooftop Bar at the Hotel Kilbourne

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The Jackson Street Pier project, which was completed in summer 2020, turned a former parking lot into a public gathering space and reoriented the focal point of the city’s waterfront. What were once the unremarkable backs of buildings now sport signs that draw travelers in. The rooftop patio of the boutique Hotel Kilbourne looks over the pier, and utility lines and other infrastructure that once marred the view are now underground. (The area also remains home to docks for the Goodtime I, Jet Express and Pelee Islander boat lines, which ensure a steady flow of people.)

Between the buildings and the lake, Shoreline Drive runs alongside the Sandusky Bay Pathway. The bikeway stretches just 2 miles at present, but plans call for it to be extended to a total of 13 miles connecting the city’s west and east sides by 2029.

This nearly 9.9-square-mile Erie County city of more than 25,000 residents has seen change that goes beyond the waterfront though. New downtown reinvestment is reviving tired city blocks into a welcoming, walkable and vibrant place to live, work and visit.

Since 2016, downtown Sandusky has experienced more than $100 million in public and private investment. Along with the waterfront revitalization, these efforts included moving city hall to part of a multibuilding redevelopment project on the southern side of downtown, a collaboration between Bowling Green State University and Cedar Fair to offer a resort-and-attraction-management degree at a 15,000-square-foot downtown learning space, 30 new businesses and 100 new apartments. A rebuilding project on the site of the Cooke Building (soon to be known as the Hogrefe Building) is underway as well.

Walk through downtown, and you quickly encounter places that embody this change. A cavernous former bank building has been turned into Vita, a coffee shop, artisan market and bistro. Paddle + Climb offers a selection of outdoor gear, kayak rentals, an indoor rock wall and tasty cocktails served at a tiny island-style bar in the back.

Elsewhere downtown, Small City Taphouse draws diners with its popular small-batch brews, 80 beers on tap and Asian classics like sushi, pho and noodles, while Soda Pop’s stocks retro candies and other fun finds. It all adds up to a distinctly shore-town vibe that is both family friendly and accessible.

In 2020, the regional visitor bureau, Lake Erie Shores & Islands, moved its headquarters to a renovated historic downtown building originally built in the 1860s. (The organization left its former location along U.S. Route 250 near the Sandusky Mall in 2018.) With its wood-floored lobby and large windows that invite sunlight to spill in, the new space offers an inviting starting point for visitors who want information about attractions in the area.

“We definitely see a need to just be down here where the people are again … being part of the resurgence of

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Sandusky and having the opportunity to be in a beautiful historic building,” says Jill Bauer, public relations manager at Lake Erie Shores & Islands.

That mix of heritage and redevelopment is at the heart of what Sandusky is and continues to become. Longtime attractions like the Merry-Go-Round Museum (housed in the city’s former post office building) and the Maritime Museum of Sandusky (which shares the history of life along the lake since before the city’s 1818 founding) com-

SHOP with US! (Clockwise from opposite page top): Merry-Go-Round-Museum; cauliflower wings at Bait House Brewery; ice cream at Toft Dairy; Small City Taphouse’s CLAG Brewing Co.; East Water Street

RooBarb Studios @RooBarbStudios

Connect with US

Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or knock out your holiday shopping, Findlay is the place to go!

Unique, small shops dot Findlay and Hancock County, allowing you to pick up a meaningful gift, the perfect outfit, an accent for your home, or just something fun.

See where you’ll be shopping at VisitFindlay.com RACHAEL JIROUSEK

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

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Start your weekend with

Start your search at ohiomagazine.com/events.

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The Sandusky State Theatre is in the midst of restoration following a summer 2020 storm that severely damaged the local landmark.

plement these new reasons to visit that have appeared since 2016.

The Sandusky State Theatre is another one of these cornerstones. It has stood along downtown’s Columbus Avenue since 1928. During the summer of 2020, a powerful storm blew in off the lake and caused part of the venue to collapse. The damage was serious, but work began immediately to bring the theater back. Soon after the storm, a quote from “Finding Neverland” — the most recent show to take the theater stage — graced the marquee: “All that matters is where I go from here.”

The theater’s executive director Chris Parthemore arrived at the theater the night of the storm within minutes of the damage occurring and has spent untold hours there ever since. Although no reopening date has been set, restoration work is already happening. As he shares the progress that has been made so far, he says the stroke of misfortune has shown him what the theater means to Sandusky and those who live here.

“We hear stuff all the time like, ‘I met my wife there’ or ‘I used to work there’ or ‘I saw my first movie there as a kid,’ ” Parthemore says. “It helps to know how much of an emotional connection people have to it, because it makes it really easy to come to work and do this work for the community.”

RACHAEL JIROUSEK

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Use Ohio Magazine’s event search to learn what’s happening near you and across Ohio.

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Wadsworth

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This Medina County city has seen a surge of new downtown businesses in the past five years, providing an added boost to an already forward-looking community.

By Jason Brill

W

LEFT: KEVIN KOPANSKI; RIGHT: KELLY POWELL

(Clockwise from opposite page): The gazebo in the heart of downtown; Ohio Match Co.-inspired mural; Valley Cafe restaurant along High Street

adsworth loves breaking new ground. You know that as soon as you see the white construction hardhat — decorated with a Wadsworth High School sticker — hanging on the back of Mayor Robin Laubaugh’s office door. A Wadsworth native, the mayor beams when she shares a photo of the high school and adjoining community center completed in 2012 or describes updates that will widen downtown sidewalks.

“Downtowns are really a reflection of a community,” Laubaugh says. “You can tell a lot about the people and how the government cares about downtown by looking at the efforts put into it.”

Wadsworth’s community pride is apparent as you sit down for breakfast at Valley Cafe (the Southern-style shrimp and grit cakes are a must) or grab a doughnut and a coffee at Rise and Grind (order the sweet Snickers mocha). The bakery is one of six new small businesses that opened downtown during 2020 and one of 20 since 2016, the year Main Street Wadsworth was founded.

“Our downtown has a new energy, new excitement,” says Adrianne Patrick, executive director of Main Street Wadsworth, which boosts the area by providing support to small business owners and organizing community events. “Realtors tell me that they sell houses downtown because they tell people that we do First Friday events. That gets people really excited that they have something to go and do.”

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KELLY POWELL

This Medina County city of just over 24,000 residents, which was originally founded in 1814, is an easy drive from Cleveland and Akron, but it is more than a suburban bedroom community. Throughout its history, Wadsworth has embraced striking out on its own to benefit those who live there.

Since 1916, the city has been the main provider of electricity for residents. In the 1990s, it did the same with cable television service. Today, Wadsworth offers high-speed Internet access to households. The roughly 10-squaremile town even has its own data center and solar power farm.

“It’s nice to have the opportunity to have a little bit of independence,” says Laubaugh, who is serving her fourth four-year term as mayor. “Residents get one bill for all these services. … it’s very convenient.”

These quality-of-life benefits are part of the city’s fabric.

So is its past as the home of the Ohio Match Co. Once the largest match manufacturer in the world, the company operated in Wadsworth for 92 years before closing in 1987.

That industrial heritage is celebrated each summer with the Blue Tip Festival — five days of rides, food, live music

Opal Dragonfly Boutique (top); colorful buildings along Main Street (middle); Perfect Match Decor (above)

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Live Coffee

Hot Music

Loud Food

Wednesday-Saturday: 8am-2pm 5pm-Late Wadsworth, OH • 330-336-5557

Hol iday M agic Polar Express Storybook Lane Holiday Theatre Downtown Shopping Hometown Bakeries Local Wineries and Breweries Cozy, Overnight Stays

TravelTusc.com 800-527-3387 64

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

and more that includes a parade and the ceremonial lighting of a 20-foot-tall Blue Tip match.

A short walk from downtown, you can get a glimpse of the still-standing warehouses of the former Ohio Match Co. factory that have been repurposed to house smaller but successful businesses such as Novex, which manufactures urethane products like belting and sheeting, and as storage space for other businesses in the city.

Walking through Wadsworth’s neighborhoods, you can expect a wave or “hello” from folks hanging out in their yards. That friendliness is a hallmark of the businesses that call downtown home, too, with owners who are quick to share what they love about the city. Rhonda Johnstonbaugh Abbott, who owns Opal Dragonfly Boutique, credits Main Street Wadsworth with helping her make the leap from an online operation to a physical location in 2018 — and for aiding the shop’s expansion this year.

“I wouldn’t have opened without the things that Main Street Wadsworth does,

KELLY POWELL

Home of

like the First Fridays and extra events during the holidays,” says Johnstonbaugh Abbott, whose boutique specializes in eclectic, comfort-first fashion for women. “We’ve been really busy here.”

Around the corner and down the street, Wadsworth Music draws guitar fans with its authorized Fender dealer status, but owners John and Susan O’Leary’s shop also offers lessons, as well as school band and orchestra instrument rentals. Susan adds that what she likes most about Wadsworth is its manageable size.

“Downtown’s not that big,” she says. “We know our customers on a first-name basis.

It’s really nice to watch kids grow up.”

Don’t let its relatively compact size fool you, though. Downtown Wadsworth is packed with fun and interesting spots.

Strike gold at the BookShelf, one of three used bookstores run by nonprofit Project:

Learn of Medina County. This location, housed in a former bank space (don’t miss browsing the collection of antique books in the old vault), is full of affordable and interesting finds, with sales going to fund adult literacy programs in the county.

Not far away, Sonnets Coffee & Whiskey Bar features more than 170 whiskeys, from Scotch and Japanese varieties to rye and

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(Clockwise from opposite page top): Kathryn’s Craft Closet; Boy with The Leaky Boot statue in downtown Wadsworth; cocktails at Sonnets Coffee & Whiskey Bar; patio at Wadsworth Brewing Co.

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(Clockwise from top): Playground in Memorial Park; a quiet residential street; gelato at Dolce at The Strand

KELLY POWELL

Ohio-made libations. The spot’s Sazerac cocktail will transport you to the bayou, as will its New Orleans-style cuisine. Although Wadsworth Brewing Co. and Valley Cafe opened in 2017 and 2015, respectively, the owners of each have both already expanded their downtown footprint. Wadsworth Brewing Co. opened its UnWined cocktail and wine bar right next door, while Valley Cafe owners BJ and Nicole Mikoda looked across the street for their new project: Dolce at the Strand, a gelato, dessert and cocktail spot housed in a former movie theater.

Serving inventive gelatos made using Italian equipment, Dolce has become a happening hangout thanks in part to its patio bocce ball courts.

“We really became intrigued with what we were a part of in the revitalization of downtown,” says Nicole.

“We asked ourselves, ‘What else could we do to make downtown Wadsworth a destination?’ We wanted to give people more than one thing to do.”

That sentiment — creating a downtown that residents and visitors alike want to explore — is echoed by Patrick.

“We want to give people as many reasons as possible to come downtown and have something unique to see,” she says. “People choose Wadsworth because it’s close to other cities and the good schools, but then it’s just kind of icing on the cake that we have this vibrant downtown that’s on the rise.”

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Our venues are open and ready to help you bring people together, to create memorable experiences for your organization’s holiday party, to host your get together of distant friends and family, or to create a one-of-a-kind experience for you and someone special.

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Sweet Season

’Tis the

Whether you’re looking for Old World flavors or local favorites that have been delighting customers for years, you’ll find them at these classic bakeries.

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Schnecken Busken Bakery•Cincinnati

Cincinnati’s Busken Bakery has made a name for itself by crafting schnecken, a pastry that takes its name from the German word for “snail.”

“The dough is rolled in a long rope,” says Brian Busken, the bakery’s vice president. “When the dough is cut into pieces, the tops have a coiled, snail-like appearance … I always describe schnecken as big, rich cinnamon rolls, the biggest difference being that schnecken has a lot more butter.”

Busken Bakery’s schnecken are made in special molds lined with softened butter. The dough is then rolled with more butter, cinnamon sugar and raisins before being cut into coils and stacked in threes in the mold. What’s unique about Busken’s recipe is that it comes from Cincinnati’s famous Virginia Bakery. Busken reached out to Tom Thie, owner of Virginia Bakery, who was closing down his nearly century-old shop and made a deal to re-create Thie’s famous recipe.

“I’ll never forget the moment when I asked Tom for the schnecken formula so that we could begin producing them,” Busken recalls. “He looked at me and pointed to his head. ‘It’s right up here,’ he said with a grin.”

Busken follows Thie’s exact techniques, even packaging the final product in replica Virginia Bakery-branded boxes.

“The Virginia Bakery Schnecken is untouchable,” he says. “It was refined by the Thie family for generations and in my opinion is the perfect holiday baked good.”

Busken Bakery’s schnecken is sold from Nov. 1 to Jan. 1, with a brief re-emergence for Easter. The bakery recommends pre-ordering, as it runs out every year.

— Nicholas Dekker Locations in Cincinnati, Batavia and Highland Heights, Kentucky, busken.com

GINA WEATHERSBY

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Sfogliatelle

Corbo’s Bakery•Cleveland ***

12210 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland 44106, 216/421-8181, corbosbakery.net

KARIN MCKENNA

Bite into freshly baked sfogliatelle and you will hear an audible crackle of the leaf-like pastry layers (or foglia). Once you hit the creamy, aromatic custard inside, you won’t mind the cascade of flaky crumbs and sugar on your shirt one bit.

Corbo’s is one of few bakeries making sfogliatelle from scratch. Joe Corbo crafts the pastry the same way he was taught by his father, John, and his grandparents, Joe and Antoinette, who founded the bakery in 1958 with recipes they brought over from Sicily.

“I love the aroma of this crunchy, soft pastry baking in the oven. It takes me back

and brings happiness and tears because it reminds me of my father and grandfather,” says Valerie Corbo, Joe’s sister. “The hours spent making them is pure dedication and passion.”

Sfogliatelle are traced to 16th-century Naples, Italy. It is said that a nun created a filling of semolina, egg and dried fruit and stuffed it into a pastry shaped like a monk’s hood. Two centuries later, an innkeeper-turned-baker was credited with making the adjustments resulting in sfogliatelle riccia, the kind Corbo’s makes.

When baked, sfogliatelle fan out into a clamshell shape. Layers of crispy ridges catch a generous sprinkling of confectioner’s sugar. The filling is ricotta and candied orange peel. If you get one fresh out of the oven … La vita è bella! — Lisa Sands

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Springerle Cookies

Wixey Bakery•Toledo

christmas danish

S

Resch’s Bakery, Columbus ***

WREATH: ERIC WAGNER

ituated on Columbus’ east side, the family-run Resch’s Bakery has been selling fresh breads, rolls, cakes and doughnuts since 1912.

Amidst the holiday-themed offerings like Christmas tree cookies, stollen, pecan snowballs and date squares are wreathshaped Christmas Danishes.

The large pastries, which can also be ordered in Christmas tree shapes, are generously coated with white icing, green sprinkles and red candies. The Christmas tree versions are iced and sprinkled, then additionally loaded with an almond and pecan filling.

Current owner Frank Resch is the fifth generation to run the family bakery. He started working there when he was 12.

“But I would come up and sweep the

floor when I was 7 or 8 instead of watching cartoons on Saturday,” he adds. “We would get the phone call and Mom would drive me up to the bakery. I probably didn’t really do anything, but in my mind, I was really helpful.”

These days, one of Resch’s sons works the bakery, too, making it six generations to carry on the family business. Resch estimates the bakery has been offering Christmas Danishes since the 1940s or ’50s. He figures the bakery crafts about 50 to 100 each year, and customers need to order them ahead of time. “It’s pretty time consuming,” he adds, “but it’s a unique item.”

— ND 4061 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus 43227, 614/237-7421, reschsbakery.com

These beautiful white German cookies have been a mainstay at Wixey since 1930. The raised ornament atop each is created by a single press — a Wixey family heirloom — that measures 6-by-9 inches. With hundreds of dozens of these cookies made every year, that’s a lot of hands-on time. Plus, these simple cookies taste great, too: Their pretty appearance is complemented by a light, anise flavor, chewy center, and airy, crisp crust on top.

The bakery achieves this by letting the cutouts air dry for up to 6 hours before baking. 2017 Glendale Ave., Toledo 43614, 419/382-6684, facebook.com/ wixeybakery — Ruth Corradi Beach

Chinese Tea Cookies

Kennedy’s Bakery•Cambridge Patty Kennedy, who owns the bakery with her brother Bobby, doesn’t know the origin of this treat’s name.

The recipe came from the siblings’ grandfather who bought the bakery in 1925. The thumbprint cookies taste like a cross between a shortbread and a wedding cookie, with a dense and crumbly center that pairs perfectly with tea. The icing on each is the same one the bakery uses on its Danishes and doughnuts: a thin buttercream that is colored to reflect the season. Try the original with pecans or the even more popular nutfree variety. 1025 E. Wheeling Ave., Cambridge 43725, 740/432-2301, kennedysbakery.com — RCB N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

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Bûche de Noël

La Chatelaine French Bakery•Columbus Area ***

E

ver since the family-owned La Chatelaine opened in 1991, the French bakery has celebrated the holidays by serving up bûche de Noël (or “yule log”), a confection of genoise, or white sponge cake, rolled like a log with a layer of buttercream, then covered in more buttercream and decorated with colorful candies and plastic trinkets.

“The traditional bûche de Noël is a white sponge cake with vanilla buttercream inside,” says Charlotte Harden, CEO of La Chatelaine and daughter of founders Stan and Gigi Wielezynski.

“On the outside we typically offer vanilla, chocolate, Grand Marnier, mocha. We ask my brother to make the cranberry because it’s hot pink.”

The tradition, Harden says, comes from northern Europe, in celebration of a visit from Saint Nicholas.

“You put your shoes in front of the chimney,” says Harden, “and at Christmas your shoes are filled with toys and candy. The folklore of the bûche de Noël was that they chopped down a tree, soaked it in alcohol so it burned overnight so Saint Nicholas could find your shoes.”

La Chatelaine keeps its version booze-free. The bakery serves

the cake logs in three sizes: individual, medium (serving eight to 10) and large (feeding 12 to 15). They’re sold the first of December through Christmas Eve. Harden estimates the bakery sold 400 just on Christmas Eve last year. It takes a 24-hour marathon involving the whole family and even past employees rolling the sponge cakes together.

“We pull my parents out of retirement to roll,” Harden says.

“They’re not allowed to go on vacation. We call it ‘the rolling of the bûches.’ ” — ND Locations in Dublin, Worthington and Upper Arlington, lachatelainebakery.com order at least 48 hours in advance. 2700 Lorain Ave., Cleveland 44113, 216/2816200, farkaspastries.com — LS

Holtman’s Donuts • Cincinnati

Esterházy Torte

Farkas Pastry Shoppe• Cleveland Farkas Pastry Shoppe’s elegant desserts have been a centerpiece of holiday tables since 1965. Few are as impressive as the bakery’s famous Esterházy torte, named for a 19th-century Hungarian prince. Regal indeed — it is five layers of

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almond dacquoise (a baked meringue), ground almonds, buttercream, apricot filling and a fondant glaze with chocolate ganache. Each torte takes a few days to make, and Farkas Pastry Shoppe owner Mike Harrison says customers drive from all over to get one. The torte is also gluten free, a rarity for a decadent dessert. During the holidays, there are usually a few in the case, but be sure to

Difficult to pronounce but easy to eat, sufganiyot (pronounced soof-gah-neeyote) make an annual appearance at Holtman’s Donuts coinciding with the eight days of Hanukkah. These fried jelly- or custard-filled donuts are sublime in their simplicity. Sufganiyot don’t come with over-the-top icing or covered in sprinkles, just a generous dusting of confectioner’s sugar and a dollop of extra filling that previews what’s inside.

Regardless of which seasonal holiday you celebrate, a couple of freshly made sufganiyot will have you believing in miracles. Be sure to visit early in the day for the best selection. Five locations throughout Greater Cincinnati, holtmansdonutshop.com — LS

NOËL: ERIC WAGNER; TORTE: KARIN MCKENNA; STOLLEN: GINA WEATHERSBY

Sufganiyot

Stollen

Servatii Pastry Shop•Cincinnati Area *** You’ll be tempted to saw off a hunk of this traditional German bread and eat it like a slice of cake, but bakery owner Greg Gottenbusch recommends you enjoy it the authentic way: sliced thin, toasted and buttered.

“Germans take our stollen very seriously,” says Gottenbusch. “There are actually laws about it in Germany, the percentage of candied fruit to butter to flour — it’s all dictated.”

Candied fruit is a catch-all term Gottenbusch uses to describe the candied citron peel, raisins, currents and slivered almonds that stud this hearty, springy, sweet loaf. To these treats, the folks at Servatii Pastry Shop add clarified butter, which reduces water content and extends the Stollen’s shelf life, as well as a strip of almond paste that runs through the loaf.

“We flatten the dough, put a strip of the paste in the middle, then handshape it into the stollen,” Gottenbusch explains.

After it is out of the oven, each loaf is brushed with clarified butter and rolled in vanilla sugar. The recipe was perfected by Greg’s brother Gary. Both men trained in Germany, where their father, Wilhelm, emigrated from in the early 1950s. (Servatti is the name of the cafe their grandfather had in Germany, right next to St. Servatii Church.)

While all this history makes Servatii’s stollen a traditional favorite among those in Cincinnati with German heritage, Gottenbusch points out that the treat has reached well beyond that population since the shop opened in 1963.

“The popularity has extended to the whole Cincinnati area. We actually sell them in grocery stores around Ohio,” Gottenbusch says. “It’s become a tradition for lots of people.” — RCB Servatii Pastry Shop has 12 locations in the Cincinnati area, servatii.com N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

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IN NO VE MB ER 19 35 , Alvin “Creepy” Karpis and his crew ro bbed a mail car in GARRET TSVILLE , OHIO, scoring a bunch of cash and making a daring escape by both car and airplane.

Story by Vince Guerrieri | Illustration by Bailey Watro

PHOTO CREDIT

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he 1930s were the age of the celebrity bank robber. Newspaper front pages were splashed with enormous headlines detailing the exploits of bandits like Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson.

No doubt like many people who read of those daring robberies, Earl Davis wondered what he’d do if he found himself at the business end of a gun. On Nov. 7, 1935, he found out.

Davis went to the Garrettsville, Ohio, train station that afternoon to pick up copies of the Press, Cleveland’s afternoon paper, for the newsstand at his dry cleaning shop. Also on the passenger train was the payroll for Republic Steel, delivered from the Federal Reserve Bank in Cleveland.

Davis picked up his bundles of 60 newspapers, paying little attention to the men who’d taken positions on the train station platform. Davis made conversation with the men working in the mail car — and felt something pressed up against his back.

“I turned around and saw a fellow there, and at first glance, I thought he was a fellow I knew, but he wasn’t,” Davis recalled in the next day’s Warren Tribune-Chronicle. “And he had a machine gun jammed right against me.

“He said ‘Stick ’em up!’ Believe me, I did, and in a hurry too.”

Davis said he didn’t know the guy, but he’d likely seen his face before. It was Alvin Karpis, who had been identified as Public Enemy Number One and doggedly pursued by the nascent Federal Bureau of Investigation, just finding its footing as the nation’s law enforcement agency under director J. Edgar Hoover.

Karpis was notorious for a string of robberies and kidnappings committed with the Barker gang. But with most gang members dead or in prison, he was on his own, and found a welcome home in northeast Ohio. He had already robbed a mail truck in Warren — for which two other men had been arrested — when he fixated on a brazen plan, hearkening back to the days of the James brothers and the Dalton gang. “Who the hell robs a train in this day and age,” one of his accomplices asked during the planning stage.

“I was aching for an exciting heist,” Karpis recalled years later. It turned out to be his last big score.

R

aymond Alvin Karpovicz was born on Aug. 10, 1907, in Montreal, Quebec. When he was 8, his parents, both Lithuanian immigrants, moved the family to Topeka, Kansas. At 16, he was arrested for stealing tires and sentenced to a 10-year term at the state reformatory. After three years, he escaped and remained at large for a year before he was recaptured. He returned to the reformatory, but when he was later found to have knives in his possession, he was sent to the state penitentiary in Lansing, Kansas.

There, he became acquainted with Fred Barker, who with his three brothers — Herman, Lloyd and Arthur, nicknamed “Doc” — were infamous criminals known throughout the Great Plains. (Their mother, Kate, became known as Ma Barker, but pop-culture depictions of her as “Bloody Mama” may be more hyperbole than reality.)

Karpis, intelligent but strange enough to earn the nickname “Creepy” from his accomplices, was a meticulous planner, who approached robbery like other people approach careers. (He said never to rob a bank when you

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needed money; rob it when you have enough money to escape if things go sideways.) On his watch, what became known as the Barker-Karpis gang committed a variety of robberies and two high-profile kidnappings — first of Hamm’s Brewery president William Hamm Jr. in Minnesota in 1933, and then banker Edward Bremer the following year. Both men were released when ransom was paid — $100,000 for Hamm and twice that for Bremer — and the gang went its separate ways.

Karpis ended up in Cleveland, which he had found welcoming on many occasions. When John Dillinger was killed by FBI agents outside of a Chicago movie theater in 1934, Karpis had been watching the same movie — “Manhattan Melodrama,” starring Clark Gable and William Powell — in a Cleveland movie theater. He was also a regular visitor to the Harvard Club, an illegal gambling casino just outside the city limits in Newburgh Heights, and occasionally worked security there. He kept a bungalow in the city and had even buried some of the proceeds from the Bremer kidnapping underneath the garage floor.

Doc Barker was captured in Chicago in January 1935,

“there are no apologies, no

and no animosity. what

happene d, happene d.”

and Ma and Fred Barker died in a shootout with FBI agents in Florida a week later. Karpis had been in Florida as well, but a call from friends in Cleveland alerted him to the FBI closing in. Karpis’ luck held when, a week after Ma and Fred Barker were killed, he had to shoot it out with local law enforcement, escaping from a hotel in Atlantic City. Karpis and Harry Campbell kidnapped a Pennsylvania doctor and made safe passage into Ohio, leaving their hostage bound and gagged in the Guilford Township Hall — with an extra $50 in his pocket for his troubles.

K

regrets , no sorrows

COURTESY OF FBI

arpis assembled a gang of his own and in April 1935 robbed a mail truck in Warren, Ohio, which was delivering payroll from the same train they would rob seven months later. When Karpis’ partners panicked on the station platform, the truck drove off. Karpis cut off the truck, and two accomplices got in and drove it to a garage, where the driver was unburdened of $72,000 of money from the Federal Reserve Bank. Within hours, two men unconnected to the Karpis gang were arrested for the robbery.

“I was beginning to think that the jails and prisons of North America were filling up with guys serving time for the jobs that I and the other Karpis-Barker members had actually pulled,” Karpis recalled in his autobiography.

The FBI continued to pursue Karpis, but he had already set his sights on the train robbery. He knew the Erie passenger train, which ran daily from Cleveland to Pittsburgh, regularly carried payrolls from the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank. He had planned it down to the second, even his escape. “I couldn’t lay low in Ohio after the score,” he said. “I’d have to move away fast.”

The morning of the robbery, the six-member gang loaded into a new Plymouth (Karpis wanted a Ford V-8 — Clyde Barrow’s favorite getaway vehicle — but couldn’t find one for sale) and headed to Garrettsville. The car was loaded with guns, dynamite and a medical kit — just in case. One accomplice, Ben Grayson — notable that day for his comical fake mustache — jumped into the cab of the locomotive to keep the engineer and fireman at bay.

Another, Fred Hunter, monitored the parking lot to make sure no one entered or left. After Karpis yelled “Stick ’em up” to Davis, the mail car workers who were standing in the doorway talking to him, retreated into the mail car.

Karpis threw an unlit stick of dynamite into the mail car, and promised the next one would be lit, making the workers more cooperative. The robbery was over in a matter of minutes, with no one hurt. The robbery netted $34,000 in cash and $12,450 in bond securities — around $715,000 in today’s money.

“I’d been expecting six times that amount,” Karpis said, expecting another payroll for Youngstown Sheet & Tube to be on the train in addition to the Republic payroll. “I was sore, but I told myself that there’d be plenty of other scores.”

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T

he gang lit out toward Ravenna, taking back roads on their way to Port Clinton. Karpis had mapped out the route well in advance, and if the robbery was a throwback to the Old West, his escape was completely modern. Karpis and Hunter had chartered a Stinson airplane, and the morning after the robbery, were flown to Hot Springs, Arkansas — another town known for its hospitality to criminals.

Karpis was already wanted by the FBI, but by robbing the mail car of the train, he’d incurred the interest of the U.S. postal inspectors, who identified him almost immediately as a suspect. J. Edgar Hoover was also facing political pressure to make a big arrest personally, after being grilled during a Senate appropriations hearing.

So, when the FBI located Karpis in New Orleans the following year, Hoover personally flew there to apprehend him. But the fugitive said that Hoover waited until he was safely in custody to show himself.

“I made Hoover’s reputation as a fearless lawman,” Karpis said in his memoirs. “It’s a reputation he doesn’t deserve.”

Karpis was convicted of kidnapping and sentenced to life in prison (he was never tried for the train robbery). He was shipped to Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay, where he confessed to his role in the mail truck robbery, leading President Franklin Roosevelt to pardon the two men already in prison for the crime.

Karpis stayed at Alcatraz until shortly before the prison’s closing, the longest-tenured inmate there. In 1962, Karpis went to McNeil Island Penitentiary in Washington, where he met a young man named Charles Manson, who would go on to become the leader of a California criminal family responsible for eight murders over two nights in 1969, but at the time was in federal prison for passing bad checks. Karpis taught Manson how to play guitar.

In 1969, Karpis was paroled and deported to his native Canada, where he wrote his memoirs. Public Enemy Number One made him famous, and he relocated to Spain, where he died in 1979, shortly before publication of his second book, about his quarter-century at Alcatraz. He’d outlived his old nemesis Hoover by seven years.

“There are no apologies, no regrets, no sorrows and no animosity,” Karpis said in concluding his first book. “What happened, happened.”

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COLUMBUS

Our capital city is a destination for holiday shopping, whether you’re looking for sought-after national names or neighborhoods filled with local galleries and shops. By Nicholas Adkins

COURTESY OF EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS

THE BOOK LOFT, GERMAN VILLAGE

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

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COLUMBUS Polaris Fashion Place

Located on the north side of the city just off Interstate 71, Polaris Fashion Place is one of the first shopping destinations many travelers encounter as they reach Columbus.

With more than 170 retail, entertainment and dining options, Polaris Fashion Place offers a blend of both national names and local businesses. Favorites such as Apple, Lululemon and Barnes & Noble are here, as well as newer additions such as Public Lands, an offshoot of Dick’s Sporting Goods that focuses on outdoor apparel and equipment.

Polaris Fashion Place also has the benefit of a majority of its stores being located within the central mall, so shoppers don’t have to brave the elements while knocking gifts off their holiday shopping list. Starting Nov. 12, Santa’s Village opens within the mall, featuring a 22-foot-tall Christmas tree in the center court.

Dining options in and around the mall include BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Brio Tuscan Grille, The Cheesecake Factory and Mitchell’s Steakhouse, as well as a variety of fast and casual chains, including Chick-Fil-A and Potbelly Sandwich Shop. 1500 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus 43240, 614/846-1500, polarisfashionplace.com

With nearly 250 retail, entertainment and dining options, Easton Town Center is the largest shopping destination in Columbus. It draws more than 30 million visitors a year and its lineup of sought-after national retailers span Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton and Nordstrom. Easton Town Center also consistently ranks among the top 30 highest-performing retail centers in the United States.

Entertainment includes the AMC Dine-In Easton Town Center 30 movie theater and dining options range from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant to Shake Shack to Columbus’ own Northstar Cafe. For those who want to make a weekend of it, the Hilton Columbus at Easton, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Aloft Hotels are all located on-site.

The holiday season kicks off at Easton Town Center with the Grand Illumination on Nov. 19. Enjoy walking among more than 2 million holiday lights and take in the 50-foot-tall tree. Check out the Easton Express Railway model train or opt for a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride. 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus 43219, 614/3372200, eastontowncenter.com

Grandview Heights

Winans Chocolates + Coffees is one of the draws of Grandview Heights, a walkable shopping area near downtown (top right). Polaris Fashion Place is located north of downtown off I-71 (above).

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Those looking for a city shopping experience near downtown can head over to Grandview Heights, a compact and walkable area filled with small boutiques, a diverse mix of restaurants and independent businesses.

Find foodie gifts at Krema Nut Co., one of the oldest peanut-butter-makers in the nation, and Winans Chocolates + Coffees, a chocolatier, coffee shop and wine retailer.

The district’s restaurants offer a wide range, from Aab India

TOP: COURTESY OF DESTINATION GRANDVIEW; LEFT: COURTESY OF POLARIS FASHION PLACE

Easton Town Center

Have the happiest holiday season yet with our 2021 Columbus Gift Guide, featuring our favorite local one-of-a-kind finds.

Explore the 2021 Columbus Gift Guide at ExperienceColumbus.com/giftguide

EAT. SHOP. PLAY. POLARISFASHIONPLACE.COM | (614) 846-1500 | 1500 Polaris Parkway, Columbus OH 43240

COLUMBUS

Holiday LIGHTS Plan your visit to Columbus around these happenings.

Restaurant to Z Cucina modern Italian cuisine.

When it comes to shopping, creativity abounds.

Pick up a gift at artisan candle company Penn & Beech or browse the jewelry at Red Giraffe Designs.

Choose from a curated selection of yarns at Yarn It & Haberdashery, or make something to take home with you at the paint-your-own pottery studio Clay Cafe.

Stop by Created Hardwood to browse live-edge wood furniture, or work with one of the shop’s designers to collaborate on a unique piece. For information about these and other businesses in Grandview Heights, visit destinationgrandview.org.

Nov. 20–Jan. 9 Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Walk among lights that twinkle and glow in stunning displays, and enjoy favorites such as the rainbow tunnel, gingerbread competition and more. fpconservatory.org

Short North Arts District

The Short North Arts District is a thriving center for art, fashion and dining in the heart of our capital city.

Galleries abound in the Short North, including favorites such as Sharon Weiss Gallery, Sherrie Gallerie and Brandt-Roberts Galleries.

A good way to sample what the district has to offer is by checking out the Holiday Hop on Dec. 4 from 1 to 8 p.m., where you can visit galleries and shops and enjoy special holiday performances.

Fashion retailers in the district range from national names such as Anthropologie and Bonobos to independent boutiques such as Ladybird and Happy Go Lucky. Homage, known for its hip and vintage-inspired T-shirts and sweatshirts inspired by pop-culture moments and memories, has a shop here, too.

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The Short North Arts District offers a variety of galleries (top). Easton Town Center is among the nation’s highest-performing retail centers (above).

German Village is a walkable gem (opposite page).

that range from white-tablecloth dining to casual eats.

The Guild House, located next to Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph hotel, features creative American cuisine in a beautifully appointed dining room, while The Eagle Food & Beer Hall serves fried chicken and

Dec. 5 Village Lights: Businesses and residents in the city’s German Village neighborhood line their sidewalks with luminarias from 5 to 9 p.m. during this evening highlighting local shops and light displays. germanvillage.com

TOP: TERI DASHFIELD; BOTTOM: COURTESY OF EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS: SIDEBAR: GRAHM S. JONES

Nov. 19–Jan. 2 Wildlights! At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: Enjoy millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, Santa, reindeer and more. columbuszoo.org

Southern sides alongside a deep selection of craft beer options. For more information about these and other businesses in the Short North Arts District, visit shortnorth.org.

German Village

COURTESY OF GERMAN VILLAGE

Located just south of downtown, Columbus’ German Village neighborhood is known for its architecture dating back to the 1800s. The neighborhood prides itself on its historic character and charm as well as longtime businesses that are beloved local landmarks.

Offering the feel of a small village just outside the bustle of downtown, the cobblestone streets, historic buildings and well-cared-for homes make the neighborhood a delight to explore. Book lovers will lose themselves in The Book Loft, one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores, where shoppers can roam 32 rooms as they browse the wonderfully curated selection. Helen Winnemore’s, part of the neighborhood since 1938, focuses on works by American artisans, and the Red Stable offers souvenirs and gifts.

Favorite spots to grab a bite to eat in the neighborhood include Schmidt’s Restaurant Und Sausage Haus, known for German favorites and pillowy cream puffs, as well as Katzinger’s Delicatessen, a New York-style deli that offers a wide selection of sandwiches, many named after notable people who have stopped in over the years. For more information about these and other businesses in the German Village neighborhood, visit germanvillage.com.

Visit experiencecolumbus.com/shopping for more information about shopping in Columbus.

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HOLIDAY FUN

Looking for festivities that will appeal to the entire family? From zoo nights and model trains to Christmas museums and light shows, here is how to make the most of the season. By Sarah Druhan, Macy Kile, Tyler Saunders & Rebecca Vernak

KRISTEN JONES

CASTLE NOEL, MEDINA

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HOLIDAY FUN Dickens Victorian Village

Downtown Cambridge | Nov. 1–Jan. 1

find your

joy LAURA WATILO BLAKE

Travel back in time and get a hearty dose of holiday spirit with a visit to Dickens Victorian Village in downtown Cambridge. First created for the 2005 holiday season, the seasonal display features around 170 handmade characters dressed in Victorian-era garb and posed throughout downtown. (The unique display is a labor of love for the group of local volunteers who bring it to life each year.) Kick off your trip to town with a stop at Dickens Victorian Village’s welcome center, where you and the family can dress up in Victorian-inspired clothing and snap a photo in front of the decorated Christmas trees or with the Charles Dickens character.

Another holiday staple in downtown Cambridge is the Guernsey County Courthouse Light Show, a 66,000-light, one-hour presentation set to holiday music that runs continuously throughout the evening. Light show runs from 5:30–9 p.m. nightly and to 11 p.m. most weekends. 801 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge 43725, 740/432-9230, dickensvictorianvillage.com

North Pole Express

Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation | Nov. 26–Jan. 2

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation in Findlay offers holiday-season rides on a quarter-scale train through a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and festive decorations.

find your

joy

Shop unique gift ideas at GERVASIVINEYARD.COM 88

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A Christmas Story House & Museum Cleveland | Open year-round

RICK LEE

We promise, you will not shoot your eye out.

Experience the magic of a holiday classic with a trip to Cleveland’s A Christmas Story House & Museum. Located in the city’s Tremont neighborhood just outside downtown, this 1895 home served as the Parker family’s residence when exterior scenes for the 1983 movie were filmed here.

(Interior scenes of the home were shot elsewhere, but the inside of the house has been lovingly re-created to match the movie.) Brian Jones, a San Diego native who also owns a company that sells replicas of the leg lamp the film made famous, bought the home on eBay. He restored it to its on-screen appearance and then opened a museum and gift shop across the street that showcases memorabilia tied to “A Christmas Story.” The property is open to the public for tours, and photo ops abound throughout the home and its backyard. Visit website for hours. 3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland 44109, 216/298-4919, achristmasstoryhouse.com

DICKENS VICTORIAN VILLAGE, CAMBRIDGE

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Wayne County Ohio

Nov. 19 Window Wonderland, Downtown Wooster Nov. 19-20 Holiday Artisan Market, Wayne Center for the Arts Nov. 19-20

HOLIDAY FUN

THE LEGENDARY LIGHTS OF CLIFTON MILL

In addition to enjoying a ride on the scaled-down rail line, visitors can also take in the model train displays inside the small on-site museum and neighboring train barn. The North Pole Express experience also includes as many as 160 decorated trees, which are displayed both across the grounds and inside, while Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to make appearances on select nights throughout the season. Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation was founded in 1998 as an all-volunteer, nonprofit dedicated to the preservation, promotion and education of railroad history in northwest Ohio. Its fullsize rolling stock on display includes two cabooses, a box car and small diesel switch engine and a relocated railroad depot. Visit website for hours. 12505 County Rd. 99, Findlay 45840, 419/423-2995, nworrp.org

Season’s Splendor Arts and Crafts Show, Shisler Conference Center Dec. 3 Downtown Churches Walking Tour, Wooster Dec. 3 - 4 Dalton Holidays Festival Dec. 4-5 Christmas in the Village, Smithville Dec. 18-19 “The Nutcracker” presented

by Wooster Ballet, Wooster High School

Castle Noel

Medina | Open year-round

Immerse yourself in a museum filled with memory joggers, Christmas movie memorabilia and incredible holiday displays at Castle Noel. Created by artist Mark Klaus and housed in a former church in downtown Medina, this year-round destination is the largest privately owned collection of Hollywood Christmas props from movies, including pieces from “The Grinch,” “Elf,” “Jingle All the Way” and many more. (You can even check out Cousin Eddie’s RV from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” which is parked outside.) Beyond the iconic props, Klaus’ museum also includes an unrivaled collection of window displays that once appeared in New York City department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. Then, there are the displays celebrating favorite holiday gifts from Christmases past, spanning from the 1950s through the 1990s.

Guided tours are offered in small groups and culminate with an all-ages ride down a slide like the one Ralphie did in “A Christmas Story.” Visit website for hours. 260 S. Court St., Medina 44256, 330/721-6635, castlenoel.com

The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill

1.800.362.6474 www.wccvb.com 90

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Located near Yellow Springs, the tiny village of Clifton is home to one of the state’s most famous holiday light displays. The exterior of the historic Clifton Mill and its adjacent covered bridge as well as the riverbank they sit on are decorated with strings of lights each holiday season. The mill was constructed in 1802 but was decorated for the first time in 1987 when Anthony Satariano Jr. and his father strung 100,000 lights at their property for the holidays. Now a display totaling almost 4 million lights, the annual spectacle draws families from near and far. There is also a light show on the covered bridge, a miniature town (complete with a 1950s Frisch’s Big Boy, opera house and drive-in movie theater) and the Satariano family’s collection of more than 3,000 likenesses of Santa Claus. Visit website for hours. 75 Water St., Clifton 45316, 937/767-5501, cliftonmill.com

SYDNEY ROSE

Clifton | Nov. 26–Dec. 30

. r e d won

What will you find in Ohio?

Illuminate your child’s sense of wonder as you create new memories with family and friends this season.

Explore the Holiday Lights Trail at Ohio.org Steubenville Nutcracker Village

Ohio Exit 25 off I-77

Refuel in Noble County

Downtown Steubenville Nov. 23–Jan. 8

Gas • Food • Sleep • Shop • Visit Stern Wheel Festival Triple Nickle Rt 555 26.0 mi.

44.3 mi.

Ohio’s Dragon’s Tail The Wilds 26.2 mi.

52.2 mi.

Covered Bridge Tour Ohio Amish Country 30.4 mi.

68.0 mi.

Visit a winter festival that captures the imagination with more than 180 6-foottall nutcrackers displayed throughout downtown Steubenville. What is billed as the world’s largest collection of lifesize nutcrackers is free to visit and was launched as a local collaboration to create newfound excitement around the city’s downtown, which had been hurt over the years by the decline of the area’s steel industry. In 2015, Jerry Barilla, the owner of a local appliance store, had the idea to put collections of nutcrackers on display in empty storefronts to create a holiday-season attraction. Local craftsman Mark Nelson added on to that concept by building a prototype of a 6-foot-tall nutcracker with the help of his daughter and brother that served as the inspiration for this fun festival that runs from around Thanksgiving into the New Year. On display continuously throughout the season. 155 N. Fourth St., Steubenville 43952, 740/275-4134, steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com

All Lodging off Exit 25 Best Western Plus Caldwell Inn www.book.bestwestern.com

Comfort Inn & Suites www.choicehotels.com

Days Inn & Suites www.daysinn.com

Quality Inn

www.microtelinn.com

Stay Here!

www.noblecountychamber.com www.visitnoblecountyohio.com

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Steubenville Nutcracker Village & Advent Market

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Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains Cincinnati Museum Center Nov. 12–Jan. 2 Hop aboard for a Queen City tradition by heading to the Cincinnati Museum Center’s annual holiday train display. The model trains, some of which date back as far as 1904, are presented within elaborately crafted winter scenes that bring out the kid in all of us. Snap an Instagram-worthy shot at the majestic Northern Lights photo op display, take part in a holiday scavenger hunt and explore Brickopolis, custom Lego creations that include versions of structures inspired by famous places and stories as well as mobile Lego trains. The Omnimax theater is showing “The Rocky Mountain Express,” a film that traces the route of the Canadian transcontinental railroad and the awe-inspiring scenery through which it passes. Santa Claus will arrive the day after Thanksgiving and stay through Dec. 24. Open Thur.–Mon. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati 45203, 513/287-7000, cincymuseum.org

COURTESY OF CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER

e c a r b m E the ! y e n r u o J

HOLIDAY FUN

! w o N n o r k A r e t

a e r G e Se

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

enjoy the holiday magic at stan hywet’s deck the hall.

Explore Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron, OH. Built between 1912 to 1915, the former home of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company co-founder F.A. Seiberling and his wife Gertrude and their family, is 64,500 square feet built in the Tudor Revival style.

The largest home in Ohio resides on 70-acres that consist of lush gardens, lagoons, trails, children’s Playgarden, splash pad, conservatory, and other attractions to experience.

stanhywet.org | 330-836-5533 Downtown Akron Partnership

downtown akron: places, events, adventures.

This holiday season, treat yourself to the unforgettable sights, spaces and events of Akron’s most vibrant neighborhood.

Downtown will be dressed in its finest, with opportunities for all ages to take in the lights, culture, entertainment and wonder only available here. Whether you’re seeking family fun, ice skating on Ohio’s largest outdoor rink, an afternoon of shopping for treasures from local artisans, or an evening of great food and live music with friends, the possibilities are endless in downtown Akron.

downtownakron.com | 330-374-7676

Akron Zoo

wild lights at your akron zoo.

Experience the Akron Zoo decked out in holiday lights!

This year will be bigger, better and brighter than ever with more lights and new displays. Wild Lights, presented by Akron Children’s Hospital, runs Nov. 26-28, Dec. 3-5, 10-12, 17-23 and 26-30 from 5 – 9 p.m. Take a photo with Santa, visit with your favorite animals and more family fun this holiday season at your Akron Zoo. Purchase your tickets online to save money.

330-375-2550 | akronzoo.org

join us for a magical holiday homecoming.

Hower House

November 5 – December 19, 2021. Self-guided holiday tours: Fridays and Saturdays: open at 12 noon – last tour starts at 2 p.m.

Sundays: open at 1 p.m. – last tour starts at 3 p.m. Cellar Door Boutique open during tours. An 1871 Second Empire Italianate style mansion with 28 decorated rooms. Built by Akron Industrialist, John Henry Hower and wife, Susan Youngker Hower. Unique “Akron Plan” interior layout, developed by architect Jacob Snyder.

facebook.com/howerhouse | 330-972-6909

visitakron-summit.org • akron.travel • seeakronnow.com • 800-245-4254

Light Up Your Holiday this year

HOLIDAY FUN

PNC FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

PNC Festival of Lights

Christmas by Candlelight Nov. 27— Dec. 25

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s annual event features more than 4 million lights strung throughout the zoo, creating a “Wild Wonderland” that delights all ages. Displays range from Under The Sea and The Rainbow Tunnel to The Wild Lights show on Swan Lake and 27 large animal lanterns scattered across the grounds. (First held in the early 1980s, the event requires crews to begin hanging lights in early August in order to be ready for the holiday season.) Other attractions and events that are part of the PNC Festival of Lights include the North Pole Express train, appearances

by Santa and his helpers, a search for statues of the zoo’s star hippopotamus in Fiona’s Fairyland, costumed characters and the opportunity to roast s’mores. When it’s time to escape the lower temperatures, multiple heated buildings offer the chance to warm up and see zoo animals. Included in zoo admission, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. PNC Festival of Lights activities begin at 4 p.m. each day. 400 Vine St., Cincinnati 45220, 513/281-4700, cincinnatizoo.org

Conservatory Aglow

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Nov. 20–Jan. 9

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens shines with this spectacular annual light display that serves as the Columbus landmark’s largest exhibition of the year. New for 2021 is a presentation of various topiary

visitmarionohio.com 800-371-6688

CONSERVATORY AGLOW

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TOP: MICHELLE PETERS; BOTTOM: COURTESY OF FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY AND BOTANICAL GARDENS

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | Nov. 19–Jan. 9

Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic Bicentennial Park, Grand Blanc

Flint Crepe Co.

Experience winter magic in Flint & Genesee.

When the temperatures drop and the snow starts to add that special sparkle to the air, bundle up and take on one (or all!) of these cold-weather adventures in Flint and Genesee County, Michigan.

ExploreFlintandGenesee.org

Peabody Ice Climbing, Fenton

HOLIDAY FUN DECK THE HALL, STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS

Journey Borealis

animals residing in cozy illuminated habitats. There is also a kid-focused Candyland area with a lit-up lollipop forest and a life-size gingerbread house. Returning favorites from years past include the Glass Ornament Trees, decorated with hundreds of beautiful orbs, the Rainbow Tunnel (illuminated with a seasonal color scheme), the Paul Busse Garden Railway decorated for occasion and an animated light show in The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden. Food and drink will be available to purchase, and unique holiday decor and gifts can be found at the Botanica Gift Shop & Greenhouse. 5–9 p.m. (the conservatory closes at 4 p.m. and reopens at 5 p.m. for Conservatory Aglow). 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus 43203, 614/715-8000, fpconservatory.org

Deck the Hall

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Select nights Nov. 26–Dec. 30

Feel the nostalgia and warmth of the Christmas season at Akron’s historic Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, as the former estate of Goodyear & Tire Rubber Co. co-founder F.A. Seiberling is transformed into a holiday spectacle.

A variety of rooms inside the manor house are staged to a different theme each year. The 2021 edition is “Lights, Camera, Christmas!” and the mansion will be decked out in the style of family favorites and classic Christmas movies. Decorations include 25 trees and a movie-theater-themed Reception Room. Outside, explore the 70-acre grounds and take in the display of 1 million holiday lights. “Dazzle,” a choreographed light show in the Great Garden, is synchronized to holiday music. As visitors explore the grounds they can enjoy hot chocolate, cider and gingerbread as well as other festive concessions. Santa makes an appearance each night as well. Visit website for nights and hours. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron 44303, 330/3153287, stanhywet.org 96

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This drive-through display among the rolling terrain of Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Hamilton features more than 1 million lights. Dubbed “Journey Borealis,” the show is created as an illuminated trip to the North Pole. It opens with a half-mile entrance of glimmering trees and arches before winding through the blue-and-white glow of Jerusalem’s Hanukkah celebration. Travelers will also see the Candy Cane Forest (with more than 50 yarn-wrapped trees), the Grinch’s Greenland and Bethlehem’s Birth of Jesus before arriving at the North Pole.

Although “Journey Borealis” has a new expanded route, families who have made an annual holiday-season visit to Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park will still see their favorites.

For the full experience, visitors are encouraged to download the Otocast app for their smartphones in advance in order to enjoy the show’s soundtrack, performed by the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra and Cincinnati Boychoir. No vehicles larger than a 12-passenger van; Mon.–Thur. 6–9 p.m., Fri.–Sun. 6–10 p.m. 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton 45013, 513/8681234, journeyborealis.com

LEFT: IAN ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY; RIGHT: ASA FEATHERSTONE, IV

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum Nov. 19–Jan. 2

The best thing about memories is making them.

Treat Yourself to a Unique Retreat in Hocking Hills www.scarletoakretreats.com info@scarletoakretreats.com /ScarletOakRetreats @scarletoakretreats 833.725.8625

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Premier Customer Service • Five-Star Amenities • Impeccable Housekeeping

HOLIDAY FUN Wildlights

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Wildlights has been a central Ohio holiday tradition since the late 1980s. The zoo becomes a bright and sparkling environment filled with animated displays that total more than 3 million lights. Attractions include the Polar Bear Express train ride that takes visitors through the North America Winter Wonderland as well as camel rides and the 1914 Mangels-Illions Grand Carousel, which was originally located at Columbus’ Olentangy Park. Visitors are invited to gather around Conservation Lake for a S’mores Experience, where they can build their own melty treats while taking in the captivating light display. Indoor areas open during the event include Manatee Coast, Discovery Reef, the Reptile Building, Adventure Coast sea lions and others. Reindeer will also make appearances during the festival, and Santa Claus will be at Polar Frontier through Dec. 23. Sun.–Thur. 5–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5– 10 p.m., closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 4850 Powell Rd., Powell 43065, 614/645-3400, columbuszoo.org

Spring 2022

Learn more about the newest boutique hotel experience at hotelversaillesohio.com.

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AMANDA CARBERRY

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Nov. 19–Jan. 2

SHOPPING GETAWAYS As you’re looking for gifts for everyone on your list, check out these spots that make for great day trips and weekends away.

s pecial adve rti s i ng s ection

WILDFIRE HYGGE GOODS, HAMILTON N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

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Even as the weather cools down, the season for adventure never stops in Grove City!

Whether your ideal adventure includes sledding with your family, handcrafting the perfect gift for your special someone, or a shopping excursion at local boutiques, Grove City has it all.

With all of the adventures in store, be sure to make it a weekend trip and find the perfect room at one of 18 Grove City hotels.

Find your Altogether Adventure® in Grove City, Ohio visitgrovecityoh.com • 800-539-0405

S P EC I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S EC T I O N

Grove City

Those looking for a fun shopping experience will find it in downtown Grove City. Reserve a time at The Chandler, an inviting store that offers candle-making. Enjoy themed group art classes at the Creative Clinic Center or book time at the Creator’s Studio, a full-service, photography-rental studio, complete with studio lighting, backgrounds and an array of photography sets.

Engrave a custom sign at the Laser Foundry or give someone the gift of a unique creative project by picking up a DIY to-go kit from AR Workshops. The store offers kits that include materials to customize giant yard games, plank-style signs for the home and more. Explore some of Grove City’s newest additions to Town Center by stopping

by Grove Sheek Boutique or The Look on Broadway.

Plan your visit around Grove City’s holiday events.

Visit the Heart of Grove City Mistletoe Market, located in Town Center Park, from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4. Browse the lineup of vendors selling interesting gifts and grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks or local restaurants. The Grove City Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. For more information, go to visitgrovecityoh.com.

Hocking Hills

Shopping in the Historic Grove City Town Center (above); Rocky Outdoor Gear Store (below left); gifts in the Hocking Hills (below right)

Rocky Outdoor Gear Store

Nelsonville’s Rocky Outdoor Gear Store is the perfect shopping location for all lovers of the outdoors, including seasoned hikers, hunters and fishing enthusiasts.

Headquartered in historic Nelsonville and located in the original 1932 factory where Rocky got its start, this outlet has become an integral part of the fabric of this southeast Ohio town.

The outdoor-gear store is home to three floors of footwear, apparel and accessories and offers supplies for any type of outdoor pursuit, whether it’s camping, hunting, fishing or even a beginner’s hike. The store’s variety of high-caliber footwear (brands include but are not limited to Rocky, Georgia Boot, Durango, Muck and Xtratuf) is sure to withstand any weather and terrain.

GROVE CITY: JEFFREY TADLOCK

Ohio’s Hocking Hills region is famous for world-class hiking, and the same breathtaking scenery that attracts visitors from around the world also provides inspiration for the local artists and craftsmen in the community. The works of these talented folks are available in shops and galleries throughout the Hills.

This year, add recreation to your holiday shopping strategy. Explore the Hocking Hills’ scenic trails, then explore the region’s mom-and-pop shops. Here you will find one-of-a-kind creations for everyone on your shopping list. Along the way, you will support small businesses and you could even win a Hocking Hills getaway for four.

The seventh annual Holiday Treasure Hunt runs from Nov. 1 through Dec. 12. With more than 25 shops and galleries participating in the hunt, you could win one of more than 25 prizes, including the grand prize of a

Hocking Hills getaway for four. Pick up or download your treasure map. Visit six participating shops and collect a stamp from each location to be entered in the drawing.

Treasure maps are available at all participating shops and galleries as well as the Explore Hocking Hills Welcome Center. You can also download the map and all the information you need to begin your Hocking Hills Treasure Hunt at explorehockinghills.com.

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MANY WAYS TO FILL YOUR BAG

From a wonderful outdoor mall to a quaint downtown, there are more stores than you can shake a credit card at. If you are looking for some retail therapy, come to Perrysburg and make a weekend of it.

1. MEIG

Established in 2005, Meig has been providing Northwest Ohio with a curated assortment of on trend women’s wear with a “Bohemian Prepster” flair. Step into her beautiful emporium and find the perfect gift or item for your casual wardrobe. Follow MeigShop on Instagram to be the first to shop new merchandise!

119 Louisiana Ave, Perrysburg, OH meigshop.com | 419-874-6559

2. SOPHIA LUSTIG

At Sophia Lustig, we curate polished wardrobes composed of modern pieces and core luxury essentials to develop and refine your own personal style. With our careful attention to detail, unmatched customer service, and wealth of experience, you will feel confident, stylish and lovely, whether at work or at play. Since 1936. Honoring the past. Influenced by the present. Inspiring the future.

126 Louisiana Ave, Perrysburg, OH sophialustig.com l 419-243-5131

3. VINTAGE GROVES 116

Experience Vintage Groves! Shop our unique blend of curated vintage and new home decor, furniture, boutique apparel, jewelry and more. We can’t wait to see you.

116 Louisiana Ave, Perrysburg, OH vintagegroves116.com | 419-931-1010

4. STELLA’S RESTAURANT & BAR

Locally owned and operated, Stella’s is located in the heart of beautiful historic downtown Perrysburg in a 140 year old building that features a speakeasy feel with an eclectic setting. We specializes in fresh Lake Erie fish, house-made pastas, and other local favorites including steaks, chops and seafood.

104 Louisiana Ave, Perrysburg, OH stellasrestaurantandbar.com | 419-873-8360

S P EC I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S EC T I O N All kinds of apparel needed for manual work or any outdoor activities can be found in abundance here, and the inventory at the gun-and-archery shop includes topof-the-line brands such as Smith & Wesson, Ruger and Sig Sauer.

To round out the experience, shoppers can finish their visit at the Starbrick BBQ restaurant on the store’s first floor to enjoy quality barbecue and sides. For more information, visit rockyoutlet.com.

Lehman’s

Browse Lehman’s specially chosen gift assortment and delight everyone on your list. Located in Kidron, the expansive store offers a wealth of gift ideas for everyone in the family. Find just the thing for all your favorite foodies, outdoors enthusiasts, homesteaders, kitchen artisans and canning aficionados.

They’ll love Lehman’s old-fashioned stocking stuffers, and you won’t find a selection of old-time and USA-made toys like what you’ll find here anywhere else. Discover the tools and supplies you need to create heartfelt, handcrafted gifts — from cookies and candies to cheese and soap.

There may be no better gift than a Lehman’s exclusive product, made just for Lehman’s by skilled, meticulous craftsmen and perfect for those hard-to-buy-for loved ones. Find handsome wooden toys, like doll furniture and our Lehman’s racer sleds (great fun for snow days). These

items are sure to endure generations of play. Lehman’s cast iron skillet clock is the perfect addition to any kitchen, and the Amish-made croquet set will delight the whole family. Whoever you’re shopping for, Lehman’s is here to make sure those perfect gifts arrive on time and are really and truly loved. For more information, visit lehmans.com.

Lehman’s in Kidron has fun finds for the whole family.

Perrysburg

The historic downtown district of Perrysburg offers a charming shopping destination. Just a short hop off I-75, it is easy to find what you’re looking for.

RIES! E HARTVILLE TRADITION & CREATE N EW CHRISTMAS SEASON MEMO EXPERIENCE TH Treasures await your discovery as you explore our 200-acre property located 20 minutes from Canton — you’re sure to find something for everyone on your Christmas list! Unique retail shopping from Flea Market to boutique, antiques, tools and toys, sweet tooth treats, clothing, jewelry and more! And when your list Experience .com is done, relax and enjoy homestyle cooking from time-honored recipes in our spacious dining room. End your day with award-winning pie or a specialty dessert from our in-house Bakery.

Experience Hartville — the perfect shopping destination for your Christmas gift giving this year!

1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632 | 330-877-9353 | www.experiencehartville.com

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Happy Hunting!

Need a change of scenery but also want to be close to home and safe? Head for the Hills, the Hocking Hills. This is the place for fresh air, the vibrant colors of fall, frozen waterfalls, outdoor adventures, small town charm and a much needed winter break.

Shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts at the 7th Annual Hocking Hills Holiday Treasure Hunt. Hunt for treasures in shops and galleries November 1 through December 12, collect six different Treasure Hunt stickers and enter to win one of more than 25 prizes and a Grand Prize Getaway for 4. Download your Treasure Map at ExploreHockingHills.com The Hocking Hills, Ohio’s Natural Crown Jewels.

Call or click for your free Visitor’s Guide | 1-800-Hocking | ExploreHockingHills.com

Holiday Gift Guide esther price candies

For over 90 years, Esther Price has used the highest-quality ingredients you’ve come to expect. Give the priceless gift this holiday season with Esther Price Candies assorted chocolates. Visit any of our locations in the Dayton or Cincinnati area or select Kroger and Meijer locations in Columbus, shop online or give us a call to place an order.

Voted Ohio’s Best Chocolate three years in a row. 800-782-0326 • estherprice.com

Experience hartville

EVEN SANTA KNOWS! There's something for everyone on your Christmas list! Shop our 200-acre campus for unique gifts from tools to toys, antiques to jewelry, specialty foods, sweet tooth treats and more! Nestled between Akron and Canton, just 60 miles south of Cleveland.1015 Edison St. NW • Hartville 44632 • 330-877-9353 • experiencehartville.com

Holmes COunty

You’ll have to reach out to touch that finish and follow the woodgrain with a finger.

The beauty is alluring. Whether you’re buying accessory pieces or a whole new custom piece, the furniture-makers in our area are dedicated to quality. They stay on trend with style and finish. Much of our hardwood furniture is produced in family shops, so you know that your purchase is both unique and supporting a local industry.

Our craftsmanship will elevate your expectations. 330-674-3975 • visitamishcountry.com

Indian creek distillery

STILLHOUSE MAPLE SYRUP: The perfect holiday gift! Our locally sourced pure maple syrup is the distilled essence of the tree, a virgin syrup, with the wild delicacy of flavor of blossoms and fresh cut maple wood. When aged in our used Rye whiskey barrels, it soaks up the flavors of the spirit and wood and turns into something decadent and delicious! 7095 Staley Road • New Carlisle 45344 • 937-846-1443 • indiancreekdistillery.com

Lake Hope State Park

Give the gift of nature for the holidays this year. Lake Hope State Park has so many exciting things to offer. Stay in one of our cabins and enjoy the warmth of a woodburning fireplace, dine in our ever-popular restaurant at the Lodge, hike one of our trails to experience the peace and serenity of our park and surrounding Zaleski State Forest. 27331 St. Rte. 278 • McArthur, 45651 • 740-596-4938 • Reservations 1-866-644-6727 PHOTO BY: MARGARET FULLER

Lehman's

CAST IRON SKILLET CLOCK, DÉCOR: What better gift than a Lehman’s exclusive, made just for Lehman's by skilled, meticulous craftsmen and perfect for those hard-to-buyfor loved ones. Our cast iron skillet clock is a great gift for any kitchen. Whoever you're shopping for, we're here to make sure those perfect gifts arrive on time and are really and truly loved. Merry Christmas to you and yours. 4779 Kidron Road • Kidron, 44618 • 800-438-5346 • lehmans.com

HOTEL VERSAILLES

Hotel Versailles, a boutique hotel located in downtown Versailles, Ohio, is expected to be open in spring of 2022 and will feature its own spirited restaurant and lounge named Silas. It will be the perfect holiday gift for experience seekers and foodies. Visit hotelversaillesohio.com or call 937-526-3020 to reserve your next experience. 22 North Center St. • Versailles 45380 • 937-526-3020 • hotelversaillesohio.com

Ohio proud

Made in Ohio Hand & Body Care Beesential (Cleveland) & Honey Grove Botanicals (Reynoldsburg) Give the gift of pure, natural skin care made right here in Ohio with Beessential Spearmint Foaming Soap, Peppermint Body Wash, Tea Tree Bar Soap, O’Christmas Lip Balm, and Buzz Peppermint Lip Balm. Add a colorful touch with these red and green Ohio Shaped Soaps from Honey Grove Botanicals.

Find Ohio Proud products at ohioproud.org

Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau Distinctive, Small Town Holiday Shopping. Browse the shops in Dover and New Philadelphia to find styles for the whole family, cafes, jewelry, book stores and art galleries offering the perfect gifts! The quaint villages of Gnadenhutten, Zoar and Sugarcreek with hometown appeal and unique gifts to give and to get!

124 East High Ave. • New Philadelphia 44663 • 800-527-3387 • traveltusc.com

S P EC I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S EC T I O N tures more than 50 retailers, more than 15 restaurants, a movie theater and hotels to extend your visit.

Don’t miss the Downtown Perrysburg Holiday Open House on Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Shops open with special items and promotions to kick off the holiday season. The district is a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, so you can enjoy a cocktail, beer or wine while you stroll. For more information, go to visitperrysburg.com.

Meig is among the shops in downtown Perrysburg.

Centered around Louisiana Avenue, travelers can find a number of clothing boutiques, such as Meig, along with the upscale children’s boutique Kid’s Klothesline. Other shops include Riverfront Candle Co., floral and gift shop Angel 101 and more.

Grab a bite at one of the dining options, such as Swig, a popular choice for delicious casual meals served alongside a lineup of craft beers and spirits. Rose & Thistle offers fine dining with classic European cuisine.

About 3 miles from downtown, shoppers can discover all that Levis Commons has to offer, with brands ranging from Arhaus to J. Jill. The outdoor shopping center fea-

With 100 acres and home to more than 90 diverse stores, restaurants and entertainment options, Liberty Center is one of Butler County’s most popular shopping attractions.

Find all things Ohio at Celebrate Local, which is focused on selling products made or provided solely by Ohio artists, food purveyors and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of jewelry, tasty madein-Ohio foods, lotions and soaps or Ohio wines and craft beer, this store has a large selection of items that reflect the spirt of the Buckeye State in one way or another.

The creatively named BirdBrain Apparel stocks fun and fashionable clothing such as hoodies, T-shirts, hats and more. Scarlett Grace Boutique offers trendy and sophisticated apparel ranging from comfortable and attractive loungewear to chic dresses perfect for a night out. The children’s-focused apparel store Pen + Nash Co.

and more

GET YOUR BOOTS AT THE

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45 E. Canal St. Nelsonville, OH 740.753.3130 Mon. - Sat. 9am - 8pm Sun. 10am - 6pm

JONATHAN MIKSANEK

Liberty Center

Comfort and Joyous Memories in Ohio Amish Country.

Celebrate the joys of giving. If you have a gift list, this is an excellent opportunity to find the perfect presents. Shops offer seasonal decor and gifts that fit all budgets. Get your Amish Country Ohio Map & Visitors Guide online at visitamishcountry.com or call us at 330-674-3975.

S P EC I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S EC T I O N sells books and toys in addition to its selection of clothing that includes adorable toddler sweatshirts and overalls.

Willow’s Home & Gifts showcases elegant and beautiful products, ranging from scented candles, tea-mug gift sets and jars of organic infused honey to adorable baby blankets, bib sets and keepsake spoons. For more information about the shops, restaurants and entertainment options available at Liberty Center, visit liberty-center.com.

Hamilton

Liberty Center and Hamilton (bottom) in Butler County

MARY ROSE JACOBI

Visit the Butler County city of Hamilton and explore a wealth of local businesses. Head to Sara’s House to browse a selection of modern home decor as well as repurposed pieces, gifts and apparel. Looking to cozy up your environment or pick up a charming gift? Check out Wildfire Hygge Goods. Hygge (pronounced hoo-guh) is a Danish word that acknowledges a moment or feeling that is cozy, charming or special, and that sentiment is reflected in the products carried at this home goods and gift store.

Fleurish Home sells unique gifts ranging from barware and tableware to apparel and room decor, while also hosting workshops on topics such as painting your own piece of furniture. Visit a live/work artists collective at Strauss Gallery or browse works by local artists at InsideOut Studio. Visit Main St. Vinyl to buy new and used records.

Stop by kitchen and decor shop, We Love It Too, and check out Petals & Wicks, a scent bar where you can create

Experience the magic of Christmas in Michigan’s Little Bavaria.

From horse-drawn carriage rides to experiences that are anything but small, Frankenmuth delivers a magical Christmas vacation the whole family will remember for years to come.

OUR HOLIDAY FUN!

SCAN QR CODE TO

LEARN MORE ABOUT

frankenmuth.org • 800-FUN-TOWN

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S P EC I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S EC T I O N your own candles, mists, bath-bomb kits, beard wax, oil and balms. Front Room on 7th stocks organic skin care products and essential oils, while Made to Love sells pieces crafted by Haitian artists. For more information, visit downtownhamilton.com.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Holmes County, Keim is a shopping destination for all things DIY, as well as a trusted source for home improvement and woodworking supplies. Serving Charm, Ohio’s lumber needs for over 100 years, this fourth-generation, family-owned business takes the approach of caring about your projects as if they were their own.

Keim offers great deals for you and your loved ones this season with sale prices that help spread the holiday cheer, and its Holiday Kickoff Sale runs Nov. 22 through Nov. 27 (excluding Thanksgiving Day). Celebrate with 10% off all in-stock and regularly priced items within the Exotic Woodshed, Hardware, Tools, Paint & Houseware, Lawn & Garden and Plumbing & Electrical departments (holiday sale items exclude appliances, Sawstop and Festool products).

Shoppers can also earn a $20 gift card for every $100 spent on qualifying brands. Pass along those savings to a loved one as a great stocking stuffer or use the gift card after the holidays to jumpstart any home-improvement

projects of your own. In need of some DIY inspiration?

Grab a warm drink and pastry and roam Keim’s kitchen and bath displays as well as the store’s new woodworking display, The Shop. For more information about Keim and its Holiday Kickoff Sale, visit keimhome.com.

Holmes County

When you’re doing your holiday shopping in Holmes County this season, go on a culinary adventure that covers everything from down-home comfort foods to approachable-yet-elegant fare. Try scratch-made baked

holiday cheer STARTS HERE

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HOLMES COUNTY: TRICIA YODER PHOTOGRAPHY

Keim

LIGHTS UP

11.20

DECK THE WALLS

11.20 - 12.20

SANTA VISITS

11.20 - 12.23

WWW.LIBERTY-CENTER.COM

S P EC I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S EC T I O N goods and beautifully crafted cheeses. Explore vineyards and modern breweries and find bulk foods to take home to stock your pantry.

Favorite local restaurants include Rebecca’s Bistro, which offers breakfast and lunch dishes in a cozy cafe, as well as Tarragon, the in-house restaurant at The Inn at Honey Run. (Its chef-driven menu is sourced locally as much as possible.) Head to Miller’s Creamery in downtown Millersburg for hand-dipped ice cream, burgers and sundaes.

Amish-inspired cuisine in the area includes Der Dutchman, which offers homestyle Amish meals and enormous desserts, as well as Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant, with its hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner options and 20 varieties of pie from which to choose.

Several wineries operate in the region, including Sunny Slope Winery, Breitenbach Wine Cellars, Baltic Mill Winery, Doughty Glen Winery (close to Guggisberg Cheese Factory — the birthplace of Baby Swiss) and Han’s Place (part of Broad Run Cheese House). Millersburg Brewing Co. in downtown Millersburg serves beers ranging from the hoppy French Ridge IPA to the grassy and floral Lot 21 Blonde Ale alongside a menu of hearty gastropub fare.

For more information, go to visitamishcountry.com

Easton Town Center

Easton Town Center in Columbus is the Midwest’s premier destination for shopping, dining and entertainment

with more than 250 best-in-class shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Chain Store Age named Easton Town Center the No. 1 Retail Center Experience in the United States in 2021.

Easton Town Center received the top honor in 2019 as well. Throughout the pandemic, Easton continued to open new stores and restaurants, including in its New District. Easton also adjusted to the unique needs of shoppers by providing carryout and delivery of products, hosting safe outdoor events and providing one-of-a-kind attractions visitors can only find at Easton Town Center.

Easton’s New District includes 140,000 square feet of new entertainment, restaurant, hotel and retail offerings,

Keim (opposite page) and Troyer Market (above) in Holmes County

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S P EC I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S EC T I O N in addition to new office space and living options, soon to be under construction.

The New District is home to RH Columbus, The Gallery at Easton Town Center, Aloft Hotel, Arhaus, Boss Gal Beauty Bar, Forbidden Root Brewery, The Beeline, Crimson, Dragon Donuts, LemonShark Poké and Makai Grill, Pins Mechanical, Slurping Turtle, True Food Kitchen and Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce Cafe & Speakeasy Supper Club. #EnjoyEaston. For hours, directions and more information about these and other locations throughout Easton Town Center, visit eastontowncenter.com.

Experience Hartville

Hardware Christmas Shop offers 8,000-square-feet of Christmas magic.

Take a break from shopping at Hartville MarketPlace’s Coffee Mill and Sarah’s Grill or share a sit-down meal and enjoy homestyle dining at Hartville Kitchen. The favorite spot serves up time-honored recipes in a spacious dining room. A visit to Hartville Kitchen is best capped off with a slice of pie or other specialty dessert from the restaurant’s on-site bakery. Hartville Kitchen also offers opportunities to experience dinner and a live show, including a performance by the Jordan Family Band on Dec. 9. For more information, visit experiencehartville.com.

Holiday K I C KO F F

Hartville Hardware (above); Easton Town Center’s Urban Hearth (opposite page left) and Frankenmuth in Michigan (opposite page right)

15% OFF* ALL STOCK ITEMS WITHIN SELECT DEPARTMENTS *In Stock, Regularly Priced Items Only. Some exclusions apply.

N OV E M B E R 2 2 - 2 7 Keim will be CLOSED Thursday, November 25 for Thanksgiving.

RECEIVE A $20 KEIM GIFT CARD for every $100 spent across qualifying products to apply toward your next purchase.

M O R E D E TA I L S AT K E I M H O M E .CO M 4465 SR 557 114

| CHARM, OH 44617

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

| 330.893.2251

| WWW.KEIMHOME.COM

AEP PHOTO

Experience Hartville is a Christmas-season favorite, whether you are looking to buy gifts for everyone on your list, dig into delicious homestyle meals or browse a more-than-300,000-square-foot hardware store. All of this can be found at Experience Hartville’s accessible, 200-acre campus just 20 minutes from Canton.

Especially at Christmastime, this destination helps you make new memories by offering an experience you won’t find elsewhere, thanks to a relaxed atmosphere and the ability to spend time around the table together as a family. Shopping here ranges from the Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market boutiques, antiques and eclectic mix of retail to The Shops at Hartville Kitchen’s curated collection of fashion, home decor, jewelry, toys and more. The Hartville

S P EC I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S EC T I O N

FRANKENMUTH: GRAND SPACE MEDIA LLC

Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth, located just 90 miles north of Detroit, promises a unique Christmastime experience. Known to many as Michigan’s Little Bavaria, Frankenmuth is home to intricate German architecture, boutique-lined streets, jingling horse-drawn carriages and the world’s largest Christmas store. The city of just 5,000 residents welcomes more than 1 million visitors throughout the year, and it shines brightest at Christmastime.

Take a walk through Frankenmuth River Place Shops or along Main Street. To enhance the Christmastime experience, holiday lights glow each evening at sundown, including 150

Christmas trees wrapped in white lights. A 40-foot Christmas tree standing in the center of town is decorated with 23,000 lights and comes to life as part of a light and music show.

The Frankenmuth Farmer’s Market changes to a traditional German ChristKindlMarkt outdoor market that includes the finest handmade trinkets, gifts, baked goods and more (open on select weekends from late November through December).

Once your shopping is complete, spend time together at downtown’s Zehnder Park, where you can lace up your skates and enjoy the Frankenmuth Ice Rink. For more information, visit frankenmuth.com. ●

Give the Gift of a simpler life OH BY GOLLY! Get in the holly jolly spirit by shopping at Lehman’s. Lehman’s has simple gifts for the gardener, the cook, the children, the hard-to-shop-for, and everyone on your list this holiday season.

shop anytime at lehmans.com

On the Square in Kidron, OH • Open every day except Sunday • 800-438-5346 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

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Congratulations to our 2021-22 Best Hometown Honorees

COME CELEBRATE WITH US! At these scheduled public events in this year’s Best Hometowns communities

Nov. 5: Wadsworth 5:30 PM • First Friday at Main Street Wadsworth Nov. 19: Chillicothe 6:00 PM “Light up the Park” at Yoctangee Park Nov. 21: Centerville 5:30 PM • Tree lighting at Benham's Grove OH

Explore Kentucky’s Woods, Waters & Trails Order a FREE Kentucky Visitor’s Guide to plan your getaway today

Nov. 26: Sandusky Evening • Tree lighting at downtown Sandusky square Dec. 3: Delaware 6:30 PM • Home for the Holidays tree lighting

Share Your Experience with Us! Use the hashtags #ohiomagazine and #besthometowns in your social media posts to be featured in our coverage.

To read more about our 2021-22 Best Hometowns communities, visit ohiomagazine.com/besthometowns

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MILESTONES Colo Born at the Columbus Zoo The first gorilla ever born in captivity arrived three days before Christmas 1956.

D

ec. 22, 1956, was a momentous day not just for the Columbus Zoo, but also for the zoological world. For the first time in history, a baby gorilla was born in captivity. Colo, who received her name as a result of a contest sponsored by the Columbus Citizen newspaper, was a topic of fascination from the moment of her birth.

An Associated Press article published in the Dec. 24, 1956, edition of Dover’s The Daily Reporter noted that Ohio State University veterinary medical student Deane Thomas was the one who discovered Colo had made her entrance into the world.

“Earle F. Davis, zoo superintendent, credited Thomas with saving the small animal’s life,” the article detailed. “He cut the umbilical cord ... and then administered artificial respiration.”

The young gorilla was then hurried to an incubator, where she was visited by zoological professionals from across the nation. Davis explained that Colo’s mother, Christina, had been frightened by the birth. Both mother and father — an 11-year-old, 400-pound gorilla named The Baron — had lived at the Columbus Zoo since 1951.

Davis said in an article published in Marysville’s The Evening Journal Tribune on Dec. 26, 1956, that Colo was learning fast and enjoyed dumping over a bucket of water in her incubator placed there to keep the humidity just right. Colo did not have to wait long for her first television appearance. She was featured on “Wide, Wide, World” with Mrs. Howard F. Brown of Zanesville, who submitted the winning name in the naming contest. According to the Jan. 27, 1957, edition of Coshocton’s The Tribune, Brown was awarded $25 from the Columbus Citizen newspaper, $25 from zoo commission chairman J. Wallace Huntington and a $100 U.S. savings bond from actor Clark Gable.

Colo lived her entire life at the Columbus Zoo, which released a statement upon her death on Jan. 17, 2017. She had celebrated her 60th birthday less than one month before. At the time of her death, Colo was the oldest gorilla ever on record.

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What will you find in Ohio?

Illuminate your child’s sense of wonder as you create new memories with family and friends this season.

Explore the Holiday Lights Trail at Ohio.org Steubenville Nutcracker Village

chillicothe, ohio

tecumsehdrama.com photo by @ThePortraitDude