Ohio Magazine January/February 2023

See the Photography of Painter Georgia O’Keeffe

COSI’s Frederic Bertley Talks King Tut, Science and More

Explore the Cincinnati Museum Center at historic Union Terminal

Milestones

THE COVER: Union Terminal is home to the Cinncinati Museum Center. PHOTO COURTESY OF CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER, LETTERING BY MARIA AMADOR

CONNECT

Craft Beer: Ohio’s craft brewery scene continues to boom, and these five beer-makers are winning awards and perfecting a variety of styles. They are hop heroes, lager champs, sour specialists, barrel whisperers and stout masters. Plus, we put together a list of 20 additional beers that we think you’ll love, too ohiomagazine.com/ craftbeermasters

from the archive: We certainly see our fair share of snowy days in Ohio, so let’s embrace them! Here are ideas and inspiration for 19 winter getaways, whether you’re looking for an afternoon of downhill thrills with the family, scenic hikes and frozen waterfalls, or a cozy cabin for your next couple’s retreat ohiomagazine.com/ wintergetaways

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53

OHIO

LOVE

These places offer more to adore about life in our state. 63 WINTER

TRAVEL

Visit these destinations and make the most of the

check out our newsletters: Are you receiving our 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 who to follow

Our favorite social media accounts for winter National Underground Railroad Freedom Center @freedomcenter

See what’s coming to the museum and learn about inspiring social justice news.

The Book Loft @thebookloft

With 32 rooms of books and music, this German Village shop is a Columbus landmark, and its Instagram feed is perfect for inspiring your next read.

instagram shoutout: @breakfastwithnick

Central Ohio-based food and travel writer Nick Dekker started Breakfast with Nick in 2007. Now, he is a go-to source on hot spots and must-try dishes.”Easily the most exciting part is getting to know the people behind the restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, breweries,” he says. “I’m honored that they’ve shared their stories and their wonderful food with us.”

Canton, p. Cleveland, p. 5 Cincinnati, p. 12, 25, 30, 59

Columbus, p. 6, 8, 11, 23 Coshocton, p. 7

Fremont, p. 9 Logan, p. 11 Toledo, p. 11, 24

Corrections: On page 67 of our Nov./Dec. issue we said the Versailles Tigers were 2022 state champs in football. They won in 2021. On page 88, we misidentified Gerald Freedman, who adapted and originally directed Great Lakes Theater’s “A Christmas Carol.”

BEER: SAM KENDALL; WATERFALL: GABE LEIDY; SHOUT OUT: SEEDLING PHOTOGRAPHY

Share the Love

When we set out to create a fresh approach to kicking off the new year with our readers, the idea of love quickly surfaced. As Ohioans, we have lots of love for our state, our local communities, the work we do and the things we make. We are brimming over with Ohio pride, not only because of our state’s rich past but also because of the great ideas, places and products that reflect the grit, creativity and passion of Ohioans every day.

Starting on page 36, we celebrate our Reasons to Love Ohio Right Now. Some were moments that brought us national attention, like the Cincinnati Bengals’ trip to the Super Bowl led by Athens High School alum Joe Burrow or the conversion of 28 grain silos along the Maumee River into a largest-of-its-kind piece of public art for the city of Toledo.

Other selections are great shops that are trying to better the lives of those in their community, offering us ways to make changes in our daily routines that are kinder for the planet or helping us create more connection with those closest to us. Then, there are the new food and drink spots that caught our attention in the past year — from big-city smash burgers and milkshakes to a small-town European bistro.

Finally, let’s not forget these chilly days are also the season of love, so we provide some first-date worthy afternoon outings, nighton-the-town ideas for couples and suggestions for fun and interesting places to stay. We hope you have as much fun exploring what’s on the list as we did researching and creating it.

Maybe the best part about the things we love is sharing them with others. So, we want to know about the discoveries you’ve made, whether it’s a new restaurant in your community or a destination you found during your travels across our state.

Also, as you post new finds to social media in the weeks and months to come, we encourage you to use the hashtag #ohiolove. We’ll be checking the hashtag as we plan stories for our upcoming 2023 issues and look forward to seeing what’s capturing your heart. You know us, we always love learning new things about our state.

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Contributing Writers Jason Brill, Nicholas Dekker, Vince Guerrieri, Kristen Hampshire, Nathan Havenner, Richard Jeffers, Sarah Miller, David Nilsen, Ilona Westfall

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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.

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Ice House

Each winter, Lake Erie’s blistering winds and crashing waves combine to pummel the Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse with sheets of water. As temperatures drop below freezing, that water slowly crystalizes into a frozen spectacle that has become a favorite of photographers looking to capture the unruly beauty of winter along the Great Lakes. This lighthouse has stood in Cleveland Harbor since 1911, while the fog-signal building next to it was added five years later. 2800 Whiskey Island Dr., Cleveland 44102

Simply Beautiful: In 2020, Columbus-based artist Patrick Thompson began crafting his line of functional and timeless ceramic pieces.

Man of Science: COSI president and CEO Frederic Bertley discusses the upcoming King Tut exhibition and the importance of being curious about the world around us.

U.S. COAST

GUARD

PHOTO BY PETTY

OFFICER

2ND CLASS LAUREN JORGENSEN

Simply Beautiful

In 2020, Columbus artist Patrick Thompson began crafting his line of functional and timeless ceramic pieces.

Artist Patrick Thompson’s ceramic pieces embody a calming presence. He says his simple, beautiful and functional pieces are reminiscent of the living space he shares with his wife and two daughters — inviting but not overly decorative. Each time he sits down at the pottery wheel, he aims to make something timeless.

“I’m not trying to create something that’s trendy and a throwaway, temporary piece,” he says. “I want longevity. So, the glazes that I pick and the designs that I make reflect those schools of thought.”

Thompson first tried ceramics during a high school art course. Soon after that initial art project, he was mixing clay and experimenting with throwing other pieces on the pottery wheel. That taste of creativity led him back to his passion in 2020, after working as a bartender for a decade. He had been doing commissioned ceramic work here and there along the way, but he decided to expand his creative business as the pandemic shutdown took hold, launching P Thompson Ceramics.

The Columbus-based artist had all the studio items he needed — a few pottery wheels, a pug mill, a kiln and a spray booth — so he started making pieces inspired by slow and simple living. He crafts vases, bowls and dishes, but his most popular items are mugs. He determines the shape, throws the piece, lets it dry and trims the bottom for a more refined feel.

Next, he attaches the handle, waits for it to dry, fires it in the kiln, waxes each piece’s feet, applies the glaze, wipes the glaze off of the wax and completes the final kiln firing.

“Then, it’s like Christmas, and about a day after that, you open up the kiln, and you hopefully have great results,” he says. “I’d say nine times out of 10, I’m really ecstatic, and that 10th time, it’s like, ‘You know what, I learned something.’ ”

Thompson is especially energized by making ceramic work for Columbus-area businesses, like 6-ounce mugs for Pistacia Vera, a French bakery; display mugs for A Carpenter’s Son Design Co., a custom furniture company; and drinking mugs for Florin Coffee, an independent coffee roaster.

“The things I look forward to making … half of it is just working with good people,” he says. “It’s definitely about knowing there is a sense of community and pride that goes into it.” — Kelly Powell

For more information, visit pthompsonceramics.com.

COURTESY OF PATRICK THOMPSON

A gallery featuring artifacts commonplace in an Ohio pioneer home

Collecting History

Coshocton’s Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum showcases thousands of items that belonged to two brothers who grew up in the city and other local families.

Step inside the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum in Roscoe Village — Coshocton’s restoration of the town that once stood along this stretch of the Ohio & Erie Canal — and you’re treated to artifacts that reflect cultures both near and far.

The room to the right of the lobby houses an incredible collection of baskets and beadwork from Indigenous people of the American southwest. Upstairs, another gallery features interesting and elaborate artwork and weapons from Asia. Tying it all together are pieces that tell the story of Ohio, from Native American arrowheads and tool points to an area that displays items that were commonly part of a frontier home to exhibits that tell the story of the advertising-art industry, which blossomed in the Coshocton area in the late 1800s. (One of the more unusual exhibits showcases the Newark Holy Stones, which were pulled from the Newark Earthworks during the 1860s but have since been debunked as a hoax.)

The museum exists because of the generosity of David M. and John H. Johnson. Sons of a banker, the brothers grew up in the area in the 1800s and began collecting at a young age. (Their father even created a small museum for them at the family farm.) After the Civil War, the brothers moved to Tacoma, Washington, where they lived most of their adult life. They were avid travelers, which fueled their penchant for acquiring interesting items.

“They never married. They never had a family. It was just the two of them traveling,” says Jennifer Bush, director of the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum.

Ultimately, the brothers chose to ensure their collection would live on by bequeathing 15,000 items to their hometown and asking that a museum be created in honor of their Johnson and Humrickhouse ancestors. That museum first opened in 1931 in a former schoolhouse. Eventually, the institution needed a new home and had amassed additional donations from local families. The current building in Roscoe Village was dedicated in 1979, but a refresh that began in 2019 allowed the museum to update its look and approach to the stories it shares.

“Our plan was to make the museum a timeline that told the Johnson brothers’ story,” Bush says, “but also the Ohio story and the Coshocton story.” — Jim Vickers

300 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton 43812, 740/622-8710, jhmuseum.org

Riley Bratton remains a bit of a mystery when it comes to Ohio potters, but some of the utilitarian stoneware he produced in Muskingum County in the mid-19th century has an intriguing characteristic: incised designs that make them of considerable interest to stoneware and folk art collectors.

Born in Guernsey County around 1816, Bratton established a pottery on an 80-acre tract acquired in 1841 by Edward Bratton, presumably his father. Stoneware dug from the pottery’s waste dump in 1980 included marked and decorated fragments depicting birds, fish and a sailing ship. Two of the shards were dated 1848.

Historian James L. Murphy acquired those items, and over a 30-year search found four marked vessels, including one dated 1849. This unmarked, two-gallon jug featuring an incised heron staring at a fish with an owl on the opposite side was attributed to Bratton by matching the gallonage mark to an example found in the pottery dump.

Murphy’s research turned up little on the pottery itself, but it appears the operation was short-lived. The 1850 census lists Bratton as working for another nearby stoneware-maker. A year later, he went to California during the gold rush.

— Richard “Jeff” Jeffers

Richard Jeffers is the owner of Garth’s Auctioneers & Appraisers in Columbus.

RILEY BRATTON JUG Unmarked and decorated with an incised heron

stock are: Lute H. Harmon Sr., 1422 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115; Susan Harmon, 1422 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115; George F. Sedlak, 1422 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44115; Frank Bird, 1422 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44115; Lute Harmon Jr, 1422 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. The known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities are: None. The average number of copies each issue during the preceding 12 months are: a) Total Number of Copies, Net Press Run: 49301. b) Paid and/or Requested Circulation 1). Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: 29571. 2) Paid In-County Subscriptions: 0. 3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mail Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, and Counter Sales: 0. 4) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS: 5410. c) Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 34981. d) Free Distribution by Mail: 1) Outside County as Stated on Form 3541: 0. 2) In-County as Stated on Form 3541: 0. 3) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS: 0. e) Free Distribution Outside the Mail: 182. f) Total Free Distribution: 182. g) Total Distribution: 35163. h) Copies Not Distributed: 14138 i) Total: 49301. j) Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 99%. The actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date are: a) Total Number Copies, Net Press Run: 37512 b) Paid and/or Requested Circulation

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Man of Science

COSI president and CEO Frederic Bertley discusses the Columbus attraction’s new King Tut exhibition and the importance of being curious about the world around us.

Frederic Bertley reverberates cool. Even though he’s an immunologist and the president and CEO of Columbus’ Center of Science and Industry, he’s more comfortable in Chuck Taylor sneakers and jeans than he is a suit and tie or a lab coat (though he effortlessly rocks those, too). Plus, his outgoing personality could light up a Tesla coil.

A native of Montreal, Canada, he fell in love with science after tinkering with a handheld ColecoVision video game that was chewing through batteries faster than he liked. His experiment of rewiring it with a lamp plug worked only for a few glorious seconds.

“That literally sparked my curiosity about this natural world that is pretty darn cool,” says Bertley, who joined COSI in early 2017. “Since then, I’ve been hooked on being curious and asking questions.”

Ahead of the March 18 opening of COSI’s newest exhibition, “Tutankhamun — His Tomb and His Treasures,” we talked with Bertley about King Tut, science literacy and fashion.

— Jason Brill

Why are you excited about the King Tut exhibition?

A: People, especially as kids, love Egyptology. There’s just something about those masks and the pyramids that draws us. That civilization really understood science and engineering, and like my video game, things like this spark curiosity in your mind and will allow people to wonder and think creatively, which is a tenant of science and science exploration. It’s just a beautiful exhibit. They lay out how the tomb looked when Howard Carter, who discovered it in 1922, first saw it.

Why did you go from being an immunologist to a science museum CEO?

A: We are dependent on science. We wake up in the morning and see who texted us, we have GPS to get around, the food we eat is genetically modified. Yet, there’s growing science illiteracy. And one of the biggest problems is us scientists. We make it uncomfortable for the average person to get into it. I want more people to enjoy science. By leaving the research lab and going to a museum, I can have a much bigger impact on getting people excited.

What’s an interesting thing that you discovered when you moved to Columbus?

A: I love style and fashion. It is one of those spaces where you actually have 100% control over how you present yourself to the world. So, I’m ashamed I had no idea L Brands and Abercrombie & Fitch were based in this region. But then you’ve got this whole stylist community and these smaller firms and institutions here that are all about fashion education and development right here in Columbus. For me to stumble on that, it was just really cool.

For more information, visit cosi.org.

Frederic Bertley is an immunologist as well as the president and CEO of COSI. He has helmed the science center since 2017.

DATEBOOK

Feb. 19–20, Fremont

This Presidents Day weekend, clip-clop down Lover’s Lane, past the historic Victorian Hayes Home and through Spiegel Grove, the wooded estate of President Rutherford B. Hayes. The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums offers sleigh rides for four pulled by South Creek Clydesdales. A horse-drawn trolley is also available and can seat 16 to 18 visitors. Hayes served as the 19th president of the United States from 1877 to 1881 and is one of eight presidents who called Ohio home. Spiegel Grove, Fremont 43420, 419/332-2081, rbhayes.org

Sleigh & Trolley Rides at Spiegel Grove

A New View: The Cincinnati Art Museum hosts an exhibition of photographs by painter Georgia O’Keeffe that offers a different look at her artistic life.

Calendar of Events: Your winter plans start here. Check out our guide to exhibitions, shows and other happenings scheduled between now and the end of February.

RON FOTH ADVERTISING, COURTESY OF RUTHERFORD B. HAYES

Theater

On Your Feet! The Story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan

Jan. 5–8: Toledo Get inspired by the story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, who believed in each other as much as their talents as they rose to international stardom. This new original musical features iconic songs, such as “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga” and “Get On Your Feet.” stranahantheater.com

Dance

Dorothy and the Prince of Oz

Feb. 10–12: Columbus

Follow Dorothy as she journeys to the Land of Oz to rescue her prince before tragedy strikes. BalletMet presents this familyfriendly tale, complete with fantastical puppetry by award winner Basil Twist, a score by Oliver Peter Graber and original choreography by Edwaard Liang. balletmet.org

Right Place, Right Time: Paintings by

Robert Coleman Jackson

Through March 5: Canton, cantonart.org

Robert Coleman Jackson’s still-life paintings expand well beyond traditional boundaries. His works embrace bright colors and glimpses of figures and items from pop culture in scenes that invite viewers to look closer.

One of Jackson’s paintings depicts Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig jack-in-the-boxes resting atop a stack of colorful wooden soda crates. Another shows pink and blue balloon dogs — each holding a quarter — staring at a pair of gumball machines that tower over them out of reach.

“They’re all a story,” Jackson says of the paintings. “… I want something that people can look at and dialogue with for a long time.”

Jackson was an unlikely artist, and perhaps that is why his paintings speak to even the most casual art-museum visitor. His pieces deftly portray both playfulness and thoughtful refinement. In 1985, Jackson’s girlfriend gave him oil paints as a Christmas gift, which was at the time a head-scratcher for a college senior majoring in electrical engineering. So, Jackson added a studio art class to his schedule for his final semester in college.

Upon graduation, he worked as an engineer and then an assistant pastor, all the while developing his painting skills and style before pursuing art full time in 1996. Looking at Jackson’s technical prowess and the realistic nature of his works, it is incredible to think that his formal art training began and ended with that senior-year studio class.

The artist’s works — 14 of which are featured in “Right Place, Right Time: Paintings by Robert Coleman Jackson” at the Canton Museum of Art through

event

March 5 — offer a mix of amusement and reflection. Jackson says he collects his subjects from daily life, documenting scores of ideas for every one that makes it to his canvas.

“I carry sketchbooks everywhere,” he says, noting that he never is sitting at his easel waiting for inspiration to strike. “I have hundreds of ideas written in these books. Most of them never come to fruition, but you have to stay ahead of it.” — Elise von Gunten

58th Annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike Jan. 21: Logan

Come winter, the lush foliage of Hocking Hills State Park is transformed into a wonderland of snow-covered bridges, frosted evergreens and frozen waterfalls. Bundle up (and don footwear with good traction) to enjoy winter’s splendor on the 6-mile trek from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave. Warm up with the Logan Kiwanis Club’s famed bean soup and cornbread muffins as you pass Cedar Falls, and hop on a shuttle at the end of the hike to return to the Old Man’s Cave parking area. Then, head into town for the sixth annual Logan Frozen Festival, filled with intricate ice sculptures, carving demonstrations, ice games, food vendors and more frosty fun. explorehockinghills.com

exhibit

JACKSON: COURTESY OF CANTON

A NEW VIEW

The Cincinnati Art Museum hosts an exhibition of photographs by painter Georgia O’Keeffe that offers a different look at her artistic life.

By Ilona Westfall

From paintings to clothes, it seems every creative aspect of artist Georgia O’Keeffe’s life has been closely examined. “Georgia O’Keeffe, Photographer,” on display at the Cincinnati Art Museum from Feb. 3 through May 7, takes a new look at the Modernist artist through nearly 100 of her photographs, accompanied by a selection of paintings and sketches.

It was known that O’Keeffe played a hand in the work of her husband, famed photographer Alfred Stieglitz, making prints and posing for his photos. But it wasn’t obvious how important of a medium it was to O’Keeffe until the touring exhibition’s curator, Lisa Volpe of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, discovered that the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico, had a large archive of the artist’s photographs that had not been extensively examined as a medium in which O’Keeffe worked.

“We didn’t even know that this was part of her artistic life in a fundamental way,” says Nathaniel M. Stein, Cincinnati Art Museum’s curator of photography. “So, this is an opportunity to explore a new dimension of an artist we thought we knew.”

The mostly black-and-white photos were primarily taken after Stieglitz died in 1946. They explore subjects that anyone familiar with O’Keeffe’s paintings will recognize: desert landscapes of New Mexico, adobe architecture, animal skulls and flowers. There are also dynamic photos of the surf washing across black sand beaches in Hawaii and New York City’s Chrysler Building, accented by a strip of gauzy fabric in the corner of the frame.

While the photos may mirror the subjects of O’Keeffe’s paintings, most were not intended as references for them. Instead, the artist used photography to explore the limits of framing, as well as light and shadow, often on subjects she’d already painted.

“She’s returning to a subject that had long fascinated her and thinking about it again in a new medium,” says Stein. “She’s really interested in exploring that as an artist with a voracious appetite, to see the world in new ways and to use media to express her inner experience.”

Unlike most photographers of the time, O’Keeffe was far more interested in the image in the photo than in the process itself. She had a friend help make her prints and even sometimes printed film at the drugstore. She kept notes about basic camera functionality to reference. Some of those handwritten notes are included in the exhibition, as well as other ephemera including vintage cameras like the

ones O’Keeffe would have used, and her spotting kit, which was used for touching up photos after printing.

“My hope,” says Stein, “is that people walk away from the exhibit with what seems like the impossible dream: to understand Georgia O’Keeffe in a slightly new way.”

953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati 45202, 513/721-2787, cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Georgia O’Keeffe’s “North Patio Corridor” and “Chama River” (opposite page) are part of the Cincinnati Art Museum exhibition. It opens Feb. 3 and runs through May 7.

CALENDAR

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

JANUARY Central Festivals

JAN 21

Columbus Winter Beer Fest

Sample more than 150 local and craft brews as well as new wineries and distilleries at the city’s largest craft beer celebration. Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., Columbus, 614/827-2500. columbusbeerfest.com. Visit website for times and prices

JAN 28

Buckeye Lake Winterfest

Visit the Buckeye Lake Village at dawn to see if Benny The Bass predicts an early spring by eating the bait, followed by predawn fireworks. Then enjoy the day visiting sponsors around the Buckeye Lake region. North Shore Boat Ramp, Buckeye Lake, buckeyelakewinterfest.com. 6:30 a.m.–11:45 p.m. Visit website for prices

Museums + Exhibits

THRU APR 23

Gina Osterloh: Mirror Shadow Shape

View this solo exhibition by Filipino American artist Gina Osterloh. Her studio-based practice uses photography, film, performance and drawing to examine the preconceived ways we understand ourselves and others. By drawing parallels between the performative spaces of photography and identity, her work directs us to see just how much cannot be known by looking. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614/221-6801. columbusmuseum.org. Visit website for times and prices

Music + Theater

JAN 14

Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin

The story of Aretha Franklin is the story of America in the second half of the 20th century. Her music, activism, faith and strength are woven into the fabric of the nation’s history. This performance celebrates the singer, leader, woman and legend. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. columbussymphony.com. 8 p.m. $18.70–$68

JAN 24–29

Six the Musical

From Tudor queens to pop icons, the six wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix 500 years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st-century girl power. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. Visit website for times and prices

Northeast Festivals

JAN

14

Mohican WinterFest

View beautiful sponsored sculptures along Main Street on Friday evening that will remain in place throughout the weekend. Downtown Loudonville, 419/994-2519. discovermohican.com. Visit website for times and prices

JAN 27–28

Ice Festival

Shake the winter blues with an ice-carving demonstration and a battle between fire and ice. Saturday, some of the best ice carvers from across the country take part in a speed-carving competition, as well as a wood carver versus ice carver competition. A full-size ice chair and ice slide decorate the farmpark. Warm up with hot cocoa and s’mores. Lake Metroparks Farm Park, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, 440/3587275. lakemetroparks.com. Fri. 5–8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit website for prices

Museums + Exhibits

THRU MAR 5

Right Place, Right Time: Paintings by Robert Coleman Jackson

Robert Jackson is a contemporary still life artist. His artwork can be found in galleries and museums coast to coast. Jackson’s work shows comedy and drama through realism in bright colors and an amusing narrative. The subjects within his paintings range from balloon dogs to food and from toys to books and other assorted props. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton, 330/453-7666. cantonart.org. Visit website for times and prices

JAN 20–JUN

11

Nineteenth-Century French Drawings from the Cleveland Museum of Art

Look through approximately 50 artworks that explore the history of drawing in 19th-century France and chronicle the remarkable role the medium has played at the museum. Enjoy landmark acquisitions by such iconic artists as Honoré Daumier, Berthe Morisot and Auguste Renoir. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/421-7350. clevelandart.org. Visit website for times and prices

JAN 22

Changing Lenses: Activist Photography of Amanda King and Daniel Levin

Photographs can powerfully express the reality of a moment amid cultural periods and social movements and provide a lens to truth that cannot be denied. Join the celebrated artists

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.

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.

and activists Amanda King of Shooting without Bullets and Dan Levin of Violins for Hope, with moderator Mordecai Cargill of Third Space Action Lab, for a candid conversation about what motivates their art, why photography is an effective tool for social change, and how they hope their images will inspire positive change in Cleveland and beyond. Maltz Museum, 2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood, 216/593-0575. maltzmuseum.org. 7–8 p.m. Adults and seniors $10, members $5

Music + Theater

THRU JAN 15

Hamilton

This landmark musical is often referred to as “the story of America then told by America now.” See the stunning show that’s made a major impact on culture, politics and education. State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216/771-4444. playhousesquare.org. Visit website for times and prices

JAN 8

Hammered

Dulcimer and Bass

Listen to a showcase of a variety of Celtic, American old time and South American arrangements, then discuss the tunes and talk about their unique instrumentation. Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 419/8536016. ormaco.org. 2–3 p.m. Free

Other Events

JAN 8

Comfort Food Wine Pairing

Indulge in dishes of delicious comfort food paired with Gervasi Vineyard’s award-winning wine. This Gervasi event will keep you full and warm on a winter day. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard.com. 4:30–5:30 p.m. $39.

JAN

Hartville Antique Show

Experience this antique show showcasing local shops with vintage, antique and unique items. Search for items such as primitives, vintage toys, advertising and more. Hartville MarketPlace, 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330/877-9860. hartvillemarketplace.com. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Free

JAN 29

Bourbon & Bites

condition. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, 419/255-8000. toledomuseum.org. Visit website for times and prices

Other Events

ONGOING Sandusky County Historic Barn Mural Trail

Take a drive to Sandusky County to enjoy the Historic Barn Mural Driving Trail, featuring murals painted by Scott Hagen, the “Barn Artist.” Driving maps are available online or at the visitors bureau during open hours. Various locations throughout the county, Fremont, 419/332-4470. sanduskycounty.org. Trail can be driven yearround. Free

Southeast Festivals

Records and Entertainment. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/371-5152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. 8 p.m. $75–$188

JAN 15

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage

Enjoy an evening with Rhonda Vincent, a firecracker of talent that powers one of the hottest bands in any genre of music today. Vincent was invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2020 and was inducted in 2021. Her powerful vocal style transcends the boundaries of bluegrass music, as evidenced in her collaborations with Dolly Parton and more. Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville, 740/7531924. stuartsoperahouse.org. 3 p.m. $30–$35

JAN 29

The American Spiritual Ensemble

Try three of

four

from Gervasi’s own culinary team. Before or after the event, enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the estate’s three restaurants. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard.com. 4:30–5:30 p.m. $39

Northwest Festivals

JAN 13–15

Perrysburg Winterfest

Join the fun on Louisiana Avenue and Second Street in Perrysburg’s historic downtown to experience the 13th annual event the whole family will love. Louisiana Avenue, downtown Perrysburg. downtownperrysburg.org. Visit website for times. Free

Museums + Exhibits

ONGOING

National Museum of the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are not only one of the most important natural resources in the world, but they also represent thousands of years of history. The National Museum of the Great Lakes tells the awe-inspiring stories of our Great Lakes through breathtaking photography, more than 300 incredible artifacts, a number of powerful audiovisual displays and 40 hands-on interactive exhibits, including the 617-foot iron ore freighter Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship. National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, 419/214-5000. nmgl.org. Visit website for times and prices

THRU FEB 5

State of the Art: Revealing Works

From

the Conservation Vault

Explore this exhibition, which opens the “conservation vault” to give visitors a glimpse of works that mostly have been out of sight in storage for — in some cases — decades. Pieces include paintings, sculpture, metalwork, textiles and paper, which range from the 1500s to the 1990s. Each requires specialized treatment that will allow them to return to view in improved

JAN 21

Sixth Annual Logan Frozen Festival

Participate in this delightful winter experience that includes ice games, shopping, ice-block carving demonstrations, food vendors and much more. Downtown Logan, Main St., Logan, 740/385-2750. explorehockinghills.com. Noon–6 p.m. Free

Museums + Exhibits

ONGOING

Southern Ohio Museum

Experience both ancient and contemporary regional art through permanent collections such as “Art of the Ancients” and traveling exhibitions focusing on modern-day artists with roots in this region. The museum offers a deeper understanding of southern Ohio’s Hopewell and Adena cultures with its collection of 10,000 artifacts. Southern Ohio Museum, 825 Gallia St., Portsmouth, 740/354-5629. somacc.com. Visit website for times. Voluntary donation $2, students and children $1

THRU MAR 19

Homesteading Women: Past, Present, Near and Far Explore this exhibition that juxtaposes archival material illustrating the lives of 19th-century homesteaders with interviews and photographs of contemporary homesteaders in and around Athens County. Historically, women have often been regarded as reluctant helpmates to men, yet the records they left tell a different story of creative problem solving and community building. Kennedy Museum of Art, 100 Ridges Cir., Athens, 740/593-1304. ohio.edu/museum. Visit website for times and prices

Music + Theater

JAN 15

The Commodores

Dance the night away to The Commodores. Just like their hit song “Brick House,” The Commodores have created a foundation that just won’t budge. The present members have produced six new albums, embarked upon a worldwide tour and have their own record label, Commodores

See the American Spiritual Ensemble return to the Zanesville Concert Association’s 83rd season by popular demand. The ensemble performs classical arrangements of Black American spirituals in choral and solo format. Jazz music and Broadway selections that highlight the African American experience and celebrate human perseverance through faith complete the choral music concert. Secrest Auditorium & Music Hall, 334 Shinnick St., Zanesville, 740/588-0871. zanesvilleconcertassociation.org. 3–5 p.m. Visit website for prices

Southwest Museums + Exhibits

THRU JAN 15

American Myth & Memory: David Levinthal Photographs

Through his use of toys, David Levinthal looks at quintessential American subjects and mass media’s role in mythologizing familiar cultural touchstones. Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton, 937/223-4278. daytonartinstitute. org. Visit website for times and prices

THRU MAR 5

Free as They Want to Be: Artists Committed to Memory

Delve into the historic and contemporary role photography and film have played in remembering slavery’s legacies and its aftermath. This sobering exhibition examines the social lives of Black and white Americans within the context of the land: at home, through photo albums, at historic sites and in public memory. Reflect upon both triumphs and tragedies through photography, video, silkscreen, projection and mixedmedia installations. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, 513/333-7500. freedomcenter.org. Visit website for times and prices

THRU APR 23

Wild & Tenacious

See the beauty of this Beth Edwards exhibition. Edwards meticulously captures foliage and flora in her series of hyper-realistic, magnified paintings of floral bouquets and garden oases. The artist works with a vibrancy matched only by real life, seeking to preserve the fleeting colors, light, shadows and negative spaces of nature.

Gervasi Vineyard’s bourbons paired with

delicious chef-inspired bites

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Springfield Museum of Art, 107 Cliff Park Rd., Springfield, 937/325-4673. springfieldart.net. Visit website for times and prices

Music + Theater

JAN 26

Big Band Series Jazz Royalty: Mandy Gaines Sings Count Basie

Celebrate the great Count Basie. No name is more synonymous with big band jazz than Basie — not only did his big band include some of the greatest instrumentalists of all time, he also cut fabulous albums featuring the most important voices in the history of jazz, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Dianne Schurr, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra, Joe Williams and Tony Bennett. Crowd favorite vocalist Mandy Gaines joins the tribute to these timeless collaborations. The Redmoor, 3187 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, 513/227-1039. cincinnatijazz.org. 7 p.m. Adults $25, children $10

FEBRUARY Central

Museums + Exhibits

FEB 4–5

Wild Ohio Weekend

Join the Ohio History Center for a weekend full of natural history programing and learn more about the plants and animals that call Ohio their home, including wolves, herbs, birds and more. Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, 614/297-2300. ohiohistory.org. 11 a.m. Included in general museum admission

FEB 4–APR 23

Flower Power: Flora in Fashion

friends who take control of their office by concocting a plan to get even with their egotistical boss. Together, the women learn there is nothing they can’t do — even in a man’s world. Riffe Center Theatre Complex, 77 S. High St., Columbus, 614/460-7214. catco.org. Visit website for times and prices

FEB 3

Garrison Keillor and Company

Join Garrison Keillor (star of “A Prairie Home Companion”) and his guests for an evening of classic love songs, poetry, the news from Lake Wobegon and more. The Holland Theatre, 127 E. Columbus Ave., Bellefontaine, 937/5929002. thehollandtheatre.org. 7:30 p.m. Adults $40–$60, children 17 and under $5

FEB 9

Henhouse Prowlers

Enjoy a performance by this group founded over 16 years ago, who began with the simple desire to play original and powerful bluegrass. The quartet finds itself at the intersection of performance, diplomacy and education, spreading our commonalities through the universal language of music. Midland Theatre, 36 N. Park Pl., Newark, 740/345-5483. midlandtheatre.org. 7 p.m. $35

FEB 10–12

Dorothy and the Prince of Oz

Follow Dorothy in her travels as she and her Prince discover that love reunites those who believe. This performance features stunning puppetry and scenery by Basil Twist and a score arranged by Oliver Peter Graber. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. balletmet.org. Fri. 8 p.m. Sat. 2 & 8 p.m. Visit website for prices

FEB 24–26

María de Buenos Aires

Sensual and pulsing to the beat of Argentine tango, this mesmerizing tale of a woman consumed by passion and her reckless search for love and freedom is truly intoxicating. Witness the magic of Piazzolla’s seductive score and Ferrer’s poetry. Like the tango itself, “María de Buenos Aires” entwines the viewer in its fierce embrace and never lets them go. Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., Columbus, 614/461-8101. operacolumbus.org. Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Visit website for prices

Other Events

Visit bryndu.com for full event details as well as virtual offerings. This event is open to the public and family friendly. Bryn Du Mansion, 537 Jones Rd., Granville, 740/587-7053. bryndu.com. Tues.–Wed. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Thur. 4–8 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–4 p.m. Free

Northeast Festivals

FEB 11–18

11th

Annual Cleveland Kurentovanje

Experience a Slovenian tradition during this annual event featuring a race, festival and parade with the furry, mythical Kurents, as well as several educational online events. Slovenian National Home, 6409 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, clevelandkurentovanje.com. Visit website for times and prices

FEB 17–20

Medina Ice Festival

“Flower Power: Flora in Fashion” explores the relationship humankind has with its natural environment — specifically, how we adorn our bodies with botanical elements. From extravagant hats to sublime shoes, fashion designers find inspiration in colorful floral motifs and botanical elements. 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

Music + Theater

FEB 2–19

9 to 5, The Musical Experience this performance based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, the story follows three unlikely

MAR 3–25

19th Annual Bryn Du Art Show

This 29th annual event features over 120 sculptures on display in and around the Historic Medina Square and South Town District. During evening hours and overnight, sculptures are highlighted by color-changing, LED lights. See the Fire and Ice Tower, speed-carving contests and more. Medina Square, Medina, 330/7226186. mainstreetmedina.com. Event begins Friday at 5 p.m. Free

Museums + Exhibits

FEB 22

Blax Museum: Poetic Performances of Activist Poets

Join poet and performance artist Michelle R. Smith, when Blax Museum comes to the Maltz Museum. The event features artists from northeast Ohio celebrating the art and artistry of notable Black figures through electrifying presentations. Since its inception, Blax Museum has paid tribute to heroes, icons and innovators such as Josephine Baker, Frederick Douglass, Richard Pryor and Malcolm X through music, poetry, speeches, monologues, photography and even stand-up comedy. Maltz Museum, 2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood, 216/593-0575. maltzmuseum.org. 7–8 p.m. Adults and seniors $10, members $5

FEB 26–MAY 14

The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England

This exhibition traces the transformation of the arts in Tudor England through more than 80 objects. The display includes iconic portraits, tapestries, manuscripts, sculpture and armor.

The 19th Annual Bryn Du Art Show is a national, juried exhibition held at the historic Bryn Du Mansion. Visit to experience a large variety of 2D and 3D visual artworks for viewing and for sale.

Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/421-7350. clevelandart.org. Visit website for times and prices

Music + Theater

FEB 4–26

I’m

Back Now

Traveling through time from the 1860s to today, this play weaves together three generations of one Black family in a deeply felt meditation on the histories we carry. Allen Theatre, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216/241-6000. playhouse square.org. Visit website for times and prices

FEB 10–11

Valentine’s Concert with Jeff and Sheri Easter

FEB 16

Blockbuster Broadway

Guest conductor André Raphel joins the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra for a showtune song and dance extravaganza. Celebrate “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables,” “The Lion King,” “Waitress,” “West Side Story” and more. DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown, 330/744-0264. deyorpac.org. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices

FEB 16–18

Beethoven’s Seventh

Enjoy the musical stylings of beloved conductor Herbert Blomstedt, described as “the most vital conductor of Beethoven,” as he returns to Cleveland for a program of Beethoven and Mozart favorites. Beethoven’s Seventh is said to be the composer’s greatest demonstration of the compelling power of rhythm. It is paired with Mozart’s “Paradis” Piano Concerto. Mandel Concert Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216/231-7300. clevelandorchestra.com. Thur.–Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices

FEB 23–MAR 19

Sister Act

Jeff and Sheri Easter encourage hearts while setting a standard of excellence in the field of Southern and country/bluegrass gospel music.

Ohio Star Theater at Dutch Valley in Sugarcreek, 1387 Old Route 39, Sugarcreek, 855/344-7547. ohiostartheater.com. 7 p.m. Adult reserved seat $38

Disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder and is put in protective custody in a place cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent. Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, this delightful play is truly a reason to rejoice. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Ln., Akron, 330/836-2626.

weathervaneplayhouse.com. Thur.–Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Visit website for prices

MAR 17 Musician Mo Pitney in Concert

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Mo Pitney's debut album, “Behind This Guitar” was acclaimed as an LP that cracked Billboard's Top 10 Country Albums chart the first week of its release. Ohio Star Theater at Dutch Valley in Sugarcreek, 1387 Old Route 39, Sugarcreek, 855/344-7547. ohiostartheater.com. 7 p.m. Adult reserved seat $38

Northwest Festivals

FEB 4

Ice A Fair

Enjoy the 14th year of this beloved event packed to the brim with snow and family fun. Main Street, downtown Vermilion, 440/9630772. mainstreetvermilion.org. Visit website for times and prices

Music + Theater

FEB 18

Midori Plays Mendelssohn

One of the most decorated violinists of all time, Midori celebrates 40 years of performances with Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto paired with Dvorák’s Seventh Symphony. Arrive at 7 p.m. at the Toledo Museum of Art Little Theater (across from the cafe) to learn in-depth background information on the evening’s performance. Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, 419/246-8000. toledosymphony.com. 8 p.m. Adults $32–$91, children $12

FEB 25

Menopause The Musical

Set to tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, this hilarious musical parody celebrates female empowerment. Niswonger Performing Arts Center, 10700 St. Rte. 118, Van Wert, 419/2386722. vanwertlive.com. 3 p.m. $39–$69

Southeast

MuSEUMS + EXHIBITS

FEB 9–APR 1

Observations in Oil: Paintings

by Frederick Fochtman

This winter, the Zanesville Museum of Art is featuring interior scenes and landscape paintings by the Columbus, Ohio-based, award-winning oil painter, art restorer and painting instructor Frederick Fochtman. Zanesville Museum of Art, 620 Military Rd., Zanesville, 740/452-0741. zanesvilleart.org. Wed. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thur. 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free admission for all generously provided by Park National Bank

Music + Theater

FEB 10

Chris Janson

See Chris Janson, who was deemed a “live legacy in the making” by Rolling Stone. The breakout country star is a platinum-selling recording artist, high-octane entertainer, multiinstrumentalist, award-winning singer-songwriter and Grand Ole Opry member. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/3715152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. 8 p.m. $53–$159

FEB 22

The Kingdom Choir

Experience the harmonies of The Kingdom Choir, which first attracted the world’s attention when it performed a show-stopping performance of “Stand By Me” for a television audience of over 2 billion during the wedding

Warm up your winter at Hotel Versailles

This winter, Hotel Versailles has everything you need to make your stay sweet. Visit hotelversaillesohio.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for winter events and staycation packages at Hotel Versailles and Silas Creative Kitchen + Cocktails.

22 North Center Street, Versailles, Ohio 45380 | 937.526.3020

unwind.

Plum Run Winery

Locally owned boutique winery in the heart of downtown Grove City, featuring 22 varieties of house wines & ciders, 40 taps of artfully crafted beers, along with a full scratch kitchen and large pet-friendly patio. Great space for meetings and private events as well! 3946 Broadway Grove City, OH 614-991-0338 plumrunwinery.com

Presented by...

Gervasi Vineyard

432 North Whitewoman Street Coshocton, OH 740-622-4877

threeriverswinetrailohio.com

Three Rivers Wine Trail

Enjoy the wide-open spaces of the Appalachian foothills and explore the eclectic mix of seven unique wineries and a craft brewery, all within a short drive of one another in beautiful Coshocton County. It’s the perfect romantic getaway or girls’ weekend adventure. Free Passport Program and hotel packages available.

Laurello Vineyards

1700 55th Street NE Canton, OH 330-497-1000 gervasivineyard.com 111 West Main Street Marblehead, OH 419-967-5344 redferninn.com

This winter, escape to Gervasi Vineyard and experience the beauty of a unique, Tuscan-inspired winery resort. Three distinct restaurants offer casual and upscale cuisine paired with award-winning wines and spirits. Retreat to a luxurious suite and enjoy the comforts of heated floors, plush linens and cozy fireplace. A complimentary continental breakfast is delivered each morning of your stay.

Red

Fern Inn at

Rocky Point Winery

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.

Vermilion Valley

4573 Route 307 East Geneva, OH 440-415-0661

laurellovineyards.com

Laurello Vineyards is a familyowned winery providing handcrafted, award-winning wines and specially prepared foods as well as beer on tap. Laurello’s offers premium, vinifera wines in addition to unique blends and delicious ice wines. We invite you to stop by to experience our boutique winery.

Klingshirn Winery

11005 Gore Orphanage Road

Wakeman, OH 440-965-5202

vermilion-valleyvineyards.com

Vineyards

Vermilion Valley Vineyards produces excellent quality wines with a classic, old-world European style on its 15 acres. This beautiful estate winery offers a tasting room, live music, and an extensive wine menu throughout the year. Come enjoy our outdoor space which overlooks our vineyard and 1.5-acre pond.

Dutch Creek Winery

33050 Webber Road

Avon Lake, OH 440-933-6666 klingshirnwine.com

Growers and Producers of Ohio’s Finest wines since 1935. For over 85 years and three generations, this family farm winery has consistently provided crowd-pleasing and award-winning wines. Visit our retail store to sample and purchase your favorite varieties. Visit our website for outlet stores and delivery options. Hours: Hours: Monday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Sundays and holidays.

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.

11069 Colerain Ave. Cincinnati, OH 513-385-9309 vinokletwines.com

Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant

Perched on top of picturesque rolling hills, Vinoklet’s glassenclosed solarium and fresh-air gazebo provide a perfect view of the surrounding vineyard and lakes. Located conveniently in Colerain Township, Vinoklet is a beautiful, relaxing place for weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, and much more.

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

Merry Family Winery

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!

Heineman Winery

Celebrating 134 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. Online ordering 24/7 to 38 states!

The Lumberyard Winery

an estate winery and the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing night out, or a special weekend date night while enjoying live music on select nights.

5585 State Route 307 Geneva, Ohio 44041 440-466-8466 ferrantewinery.com

Ferrante Winery

Family-owned winery in the heart of the Grand River Valley. State-ofthe-art winemaking facility, tasting room, full-service Italian ristorante. Live weekend entertainment. Open year-round.

of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The group has an infectious joy, matched by a raw Gospel spiritual style. Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, 47 E. Union St., Athens, 740/593-1780. ohio.edu/performing-arts.

7:30 p.m. Adults $10, seniors $8, students $5

FEB 25

Paul Francis Quartet

Enjoy the stylings of Grammy Award-winning drummer, educator and Chillicothe native Paul Francis. Francis is featured on the Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett album and toured extensively with the duo. He has also recorded and performed with Stevie Wonder, Jim Belushi, Molly Ringwald, The Rockettes and more. Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 740/772-2041. majesticchillicothe.net. 7:30 p.m. $15–$20

OtheR Events

MAR 4

Statehood Day Celebration

historical attractions host special tours, activities and entertainment designed specifically for this annual one-day event. Activities at various historical locations, Chillicothe, 740/702-7677. visitchillicotheohio.com. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free

Southwest Festivals

FEB 3–4

Cincy Beerfest

Sample more than 150 local and craft brews, as well as offerings from new craft wineries and distilleries, at Cincinnati’s largest craft beer celebration. Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/419-7300. cincybeerfest.com. Visit website for times. Designated driver $25, connoisseur designated driver $40, regular admission $45, early admission $50, connossieur reception $85

Museums + Exhibits

FEB 18–JUN 4

Universal Magnetic: New Works by Terrence

Hammonds

Music + Theater

FEB 7–12

Annie

See the sunshine-laden spectacular that is one of America’s most loved musicals of all time like you’ve never seen it before, with a new production and a connective American spirit. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, 513/621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org. Visit website for times. Tickets start at $34.25

FEB 10–15

Alice (In Wonderland)

Follow the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat and experience the fantastic imagination of choreographer Septime Webre as Lewis Carroll’s story plays out. Packed with humor, color and irreverence, the visual spectacle is accompanied by a buoyant score, performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/621-5219. cballet.org. Visit website for times and prices

FEB 11

Cincy Winter Blues Experience IV

Celebrate

Discover prints and ceramics by Terence Hammonds encouraging positive change. Several of his ceramics are on display in the permanent collection galleries, allowing for conversations about important historical and contemporary works of art. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Cincinnati, 513/241-0343. taftmuseum.org. Visit website for times and prices

Join in the fun of this annual event featuring 11 musically gifted acts. Hear King Solomon Hicks, GA-20, Tullie Brae, Gabe Stillman, Ivy Ford, Lady Joya, Misterman & the Mojo Band, the Mojo Blues Cats, the Doug Hart Band, Tempted Souls and Johnny Fink & the Intrusion in two ballrooms filled with nonstop music. Manor House, 7440 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, 513/4590177. winterbluesexperience.com. Visit website for times. Advance $25, day-of $30

DINE

with US!

Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, curate a date night to remember, or just enjoy a great meal - Findlay has you covered! Waiting for you are unique menus featuring seasonal flavors, authentic cuisine spanning the globe, atmospheres to fit every mood, and really, really good food. VisitFindlay.com

Logan’s Irish Pub 414 S. Main St.

Photo by Jake Warrington

Statehood Day in the First Capital of Ohio. For this monumental day in history, local

FARM & TABLE

Sandwich Star

Wario’s Beef & Pork in Columbus’ Arena District serves up hulking, East Coast-style creations.

After opening in the late fall of 2020, the little sandwich window in Columbus’ Arena District quickly became a word-of-mouth hit, spawning a legion of dedicated fans and earning Wario’s Beef & Pork accolades as one of the city’s best new food spots.

Chef Stephan Madias, who previously cooked in Columbus restaurants such as The Crest and the bygone Market Italian Village, helms Wario’s Beef & Pork (a name inspired by the antagonist from Nintendo’s Mario Brothers video game series). When the walk-up window, which formerly housed another sandwich joint, became available, Madias and a business partner quickly formulated their idea. »

Pizza Party: The Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar near the University of Toledo campus features piping-hot pies and other Italian fare in a fun environment.

Big Ash Brewing: This pour-your-own brewery on Cincinnati’s east side is making a name for itself as it wins awards in the craft beer world.

COURTESY

Madias’ care and attention to ingredients is what sets Wario’s Beef & Pork apart from the typical sandwich shop. The kitchen crafts almost everything from scratch, from sauces to smoked and cured meats to meatballs to the zesty giardiniera. The sandwich bread, or “stick,” is baked locally to Madias’ specifications by Matija Breads.

“Everything on every sandwich is appetizing to eat just how it is,” he says.

Wario’s Beef & Pork focuses its menu on five sandwiches: The Steak, a nod to classic Philly cheesesteaks; The Cold Cut; The Roasted Pork (another Philly signature); The Chicken Cutlet; and The Vegetarian, filled with homemade falafel. Every Sunday, the shop features a meatball sandwich, and other weekly specials — all sure-fire sellouts — have ranged from bodega breakfast sandwiches to Italian beef to pastrami to shawarma.

Newcomers are best advised to order The Steak “Wario’s Way.” This takes the already-huge sandwich with eight ounces of shaved ribeye, house-made cheese whiz and grilled onions, and then adds provolone and white American cheese on a semolina-seeded roll. The monster creation is enough to feed two people.

Madias takes pride in The Cold Cut sandwich as well. The colorful meal combines three types of meat — rosemary ham, soppressata and hot coppa — with a picante provolone, house giardiniera, Wario sauce, tomato butter, shaved lettuce and onions on a semolina-seeded roll. The crisp giardiniera, lettuce and onions play nicely with the savory meats, cheese and sauces. Wario’s

Wario’s Beef & Pork offers its take on East Coast-style sandwiches (above) from a walkup window in downtown Columbus. Chef Stephan Madias (below) focuses on quality ingredients and from-scratch preparations.

Pizza Party

The Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar near the University of Toledo features piping-hot pies and other Italian fare.

Yes, there is a family story behind The Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar’s unusual name.

“My Dad wanted to open a neighborhood pizzeria, and his brothers did not want to,” explains Andrew Mancy, whose parents operate Toledo’s well-known Mancy Restaurant Group. “He went ahead and opened it himself anyway.”

In business since 2018, the Toledo pizza spot is known for its round, thin-crust pies that are made using filtered water that is molecularly modified to replicate that found in New York’s Catskills region. (The area supplies water to New York City, providing a key ingredient to its famous pies.) Flour for the restaurant’s pizzas is milled in Fostoria and the toppings are sourced from Tank’s Meats in Elmore, adding some local flavor.

Residents as well as students and faculty from the neighboring University of Toledo gather here to enjoy Old World pizzas, pasta, meatballs and more. Dessert options include soft-serve vanilla ice cream topped with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt.

also features a side of house spuds: smashed and roasted potatoes fragrant with herbs and Parmesan cheese and served with a rich and sweet onion-based Wario sauce.

“It’s not your everyday sandwich place,” says Madias. “I would describe it as an East Coast-style sandwich shop, focusing on each ingredient as its own entity and finding a way to put them together.”

— Nicholas Dekker

111 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus 43215, 614/914-8338, wariosbeefandpork614.com

Illuminated letters that spell out “Toledo,” retro games and a photo booth add to the fun atmosphere, as does the lineup of University of Toledo events on the televisions.

“We’re the number one supporter of UT events. You can catch Toledo soccer, football and events on the big screen,” says Mancy, who oversees the restaurant’s daily operations. “It’s a community built around pizza.” — Sarah Miller

3115 W. Bancroft St., Toledo 43606, 419/720-1818, stubbornbrother.com

Big Ash Brewing

This pour-your-own brewery on Cincinnati’s east side is making a name for itself as it wins awards in the craft beer world.

Big Ash Brewing grabbed the attention of beer fans across the state and the country in 2022, when two of its releases won major awards at the nation’s two most prestigious beer contests. The Cincinnati brewery’s Porter’s Porter picked up a silver medal at the World Beer Cup in May, and its Symphony Vienna Lager grabbed a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in October.

Just as noteworthy as brewer Jon Pfeiffer’s beers is how they’re served inside the spacious Big Ash Brewing taproom, which opened on the city’s east side in 2019. Rather than a conventional draft system, the brewery uses a 28-tap, pour-yourown format that lets customers determine exactly how much they want of any given beer. Guests are given an electronic card that activates each tap and keeps track of what they’ve poured. They turn in the card and pay their tab at the end of the visit.

“When you go to a brewery, you want to try all the beers, so you order a flight,” says Big Ash Brewing founder Dave Emery. “But

if it’s really busy, the bartenders have a hard time with those, because it takes up a lot of time to pour all those glasses. The pouryour-own wall takes care of that.”

The brewery keeps 22 of its own beers on draft, as well as two ciders from Wisconsin’s Ciderboys and four wines. There is also a full bar that stocks local spirits from Newport, Kentucky’s New Riff Distilling, Newtown’s Brain Brew Whiskey and Cincinnati’s Robert James Distillery.

The taproom itself is large and open with seating for nearly 100, with a separate private party room and a large patio. During warm weather, an expansive beer garden allows visitors to further enjoy the outdoors.

A 16-by-9-foot TV screen in the taproom shows all the big games. The food lineup features pizzas, subs, salads and wraps, as well as appetizers and a great tiramisu.

The focus, of course, is the beer, and Big Ash Brewing’s offerings have put it on the craft beer map in a big way.

“We run the gamut from great lagers to great stouts,” says Emery. “We have a selection of IPAs, as well as a couple approachable sours. There are no sharp edges with Jon’s beers.”

Big Ash has the medals to prove it.

— David Nilsen

5230 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati 45230, 513/401-6868, bigashbrewing.com

From Plant to Plate to Pantry

has the tools you need to plant your garden, plate your meals and preserve the harvest in your pantry.

LIVEWell

Brushing Up

Follow these pointers for ensuring good dental health in children.

You hear the sink running and get the thumbs-up from your child that, yes, his teeth are brushed. We all know that trick. Let’s face it, dental hygiene isn’t the most popular activity in most households, but by brushing three times a day for two minutes with parental supervision, kids will set a solid foundation for good dental health, according to Dr. Kevan O’Neill, a board-certified orthodontist at Dayton Children’s Hospital. But there is more to dental health than brushing and flossing. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, which provides an opportunity to take a closer look at how to help your little ones. — Kristen Hampshire

No bottles in bed. When a child falls asleep with a bottle in his mouth, it creates an environment for bacteria that can lead to baby-bottle tooth decay. “There are 20 baby teeth, and you get them all by about 2 1/2 years old,” O’Neill says. “They are

important not only for chewing but to hold space for the big teeth.” Kids with baby-teeth issues often need fillings to preserve them and face orthodontic work down the road.

Thumbs down. Thumb and finger sucking is common, but over time, the behavior puts pressure on the palate. “The jaws are growing, and it can narrow that upper jaw, and if that happens, you may have to seek early orthodontic treatment to widen the palate with an expander,” O’Neill says. You might notice speech issues as a result. Don’t wait to seek a consultation. “Getting the teeth in the right spot helps with enunciation,” O’Neill explains.

Watch for jaw shift. When your child chews food, do you notice the jaw sliding from one side to the other? If you spot a right-left movement, talk to your dentist, O’Neill says. “When children are growing, they are moldable — and if you think about a sapling tree, if you hold it to one side, it will grow that way,” he explains. “You don’t want the jaw to posture one way or the other over time, because you can get asymmetric growth.”

GREENVILLE OFFICE

828 Central Ave., Greenville, OH 45331 (937) 569-6996

Mon, Thur, Fri: 8am - 5pm

Tues & Wed: 7am - 5pm

Sticking with It

If your New Year resolutions are often long gone by Feb. 1, it’s time for a fresh approach. Here are four strategies to help start you on a successful journey.

Are New Year resolutions made to be broken? It can feel that way, especially come mid-January when the wind chill kicks in and the alarm blares out its 5 a.m. gym call. If you repeatedly make resolutions that fall flat, now is the time to set yourself up for real success. Adopt a different attitude toward the annual goal-setting tradition. In short, treat those resolutions as milestones with defined steps along the way.

“If your goal is to ‘lose weight’ or ‘exercise more,’ be more specific,” says Alexis Supan, a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Integrative Medicine. “Instead, say I want to lose 20 pounds by June 1, or I want to exercise before work on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.”

UNION CITY OFFICE

622 East Elm St., Union City, OH 45390 (937) 968-7416

Mon - Fri: 7am - 5pm

Dominique

With focus and clearly measurable goals, you can more easily stick with lifestyle changes. Supan shares her advice for turning resolutions into new habits. — KH

Start with a plan. “We have step-by-step plans for so many other aspects of our lives, but for whatever reason, we don’t give ourselves that benefit with weight loss or eating healthier,” Supan says. Rather than stating that you’ll “work out this week” (too vague) or “work out every day” (too unrealistic), set an achievable goal. If you want to lose weight, create a plan based on blood work and a conversation with your doctor. No matter the change you want to make, be sure your plan has measurable milestones. “If you eat fast food twice a week for lunch, and your goal is to eat healthier, maybe you decide to get to a point by midsummer where you do not buy fast food at all,” Supan suggests.

Remove barriers. How are you going to make time to implement these changes, be it starting a new workout regimen or making healthier meals at home? What is your exercise plan once winter weather takes hold? Anticipate and address any potential barriers that could keep you from reaching your goal. When it comes to finding more time, taking a hard look at how you spend your free hours is essential. “Maybe you monitor your screen time and get off social media or stop watching TV, so you have more time to sleep or exercise,” Supan suggests. When it comes to better eating, anticipate where you tend to go off track. “If the break room at work is full of pastries, avoid it,” Supan says.

Rewrite your story. How people view themselves has a profound effect on whether they are successful in creating change in their life. Be aware

of the story you tell yourself and whether it is providing you an excuse to continue bad habits. “A lot of people don’t realize it, but they describe themselves as someone with a sweet tooth or say they are not a good cook,” Supan says. “When we accept these labels, they become true.” Free yourself from negative labels and adopt a new, positive outlook about who you are. “Start to say, ‘I’m a good cook,’ or ‘I’m a runner,’ and work toward those goals. Then you are redefining yourself as a healthier person and it’s easier to live out that path.”

Make change a way of life. Every morning, take a moment to affirm your long-term goal or motivation. “Say it out loud or write it down,” Supan says. “It’s easy to lose focus ... so it’s great to remind yourself and know you are going into the day with that intent.” Making time to learn is another way to keep moving toward your goal. If you want to eat healthier, sign up for a cooking class or invest time in watching instructional videos. “It’s really necessary to make that long-term change,” Supan says. “And if you learn, it will be easy and fun.”

ROYALTY

By

King

Records in Cincinnati signed James Brown and released music from a lineup of groundbreaking Black artists. Today, the city and a local foundation are working to revive the building that founder Syd Nathan’s legendary label once called home.

Vince Guerrieri

The worn-out building at 1540 Brewster Ave. in Cincinnati’s Evanston neighborhood looks like any one of hundreds of other buildings that can be found in Cincinnati — or really any oth er Midwest city. Before it fell into disuse and became a target for demolition, it had been a warehouse for the United Dairy Farmers chain of convenience stores.

Prior to that, though, it was home to King Records, once the sixth-biggest record company in the country and a vibrant early player in rock history. The now-empty space once included a record factory that pressed a million albums a month. James Brown parked his endless stream of luxury cars across the street and had his own office — complete with a monogrammed desk — in the complex, befitting his status as the label’s bestselling artist.

From its Cincinnati headquarters — “not contaminated by New York, Los Angeles or Chicago,” boasted its roly-poly, cigar-chomping founder, Syd Nathan — King Records recorded, produced and manufactured records featuring seminal acts, first in country music and then in what were called at the time “race records,” before Black musicians became accepted in the mainstream as rock and R&B artists.

“Syd Nathan was an original,” wrote Seymour Stein, Nathan’s former assistant at King Records, in an essay for his former boss’ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1997. (Stein himself had a lengthy career as a record executive, forming Sire Records and being inducted into the Rock Hall in 2005.) “With his singular vision and unflagging determination, he helped spread the sounds of C&W (country & western), R&B and ultimately rock & roll across the nation.”

Even many Cincinnati natives would be surprised to learn of the city’s role in early rock history. But with the King Records building still standing, some label alumni and historians are trying to change that.

Rock ’n’ roll music took form from many places and genres: the African American gospel tradition and the country music of the South, the jazz that rose from Amer ica’s big cities and the blues of the Mississippi Delta. Cin cinnati was one of the places where it all came together. One of America’s first inland big cities, its location on the Ohio River, not far from the Appalachian foothills, drew people from a variety of backgrounds. It was the first northern city many African Americans encountered com ing up from the South, and although it was never the equal of Nashville, Cincinnati had a vibrant country music scene, thanks to WLW-AM, “the nation’s station,” and Herzog Re cording on Race Street downtown.

Bluegrass legends Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs recorded there, as did Hank Williams (in fact, he recorded “Lovesick Blues” and “I’m So Lonesome, I Could Cry,” both essential parts of his canon, at Herzog studios). Before he set up his own recording studio, Nathan sent his artists there.

Nathan stumbled into the record industry. His father was a tailor, but he was determined to make his own mark. He sold real estate, ran a jewelry store and even promoted some professional wrestling matches. In 1938, a jukebox company owner couldn’t repay a $6

Workers at the King Records plant (above); The Delmore Brothers (left) were among the country acts on the label’s roster.

gambling debt, so instead, he offered Nathan a box of 300 records, many “hillbilly” or “race” records, popular terms of the day to describe country or R&B records. Nathan marked them for sale for 10 cents each at his store stocked with radios and record players, and they sold out in two days. The man had boxes of records, and Syd’s Record Shop was born.

In 1943, Nathan started King Records and began making country records using session musicians that appeared on WLW radio

ent in the manufacture of records at the time — was being rationed. Nathan felt like he was being shorted in favor of bigger record companies and started his own factory, moving into a facility on Brewster Avenue. It quickly became a one-stop shop, where artists were recorded and records were produced, manufactured and shipped. (This also enabled King Records to stay atop the latest trends. Nathan would hear of a popular song, have one of his artists record it, and manufacture and distribute singles quickly.)

King Records became notable because it was integrated, in the days before Brown vs. Board of Education desegregated America’s schools. A 1949 Cincinnati Post story quoted the King Records credo: “People are basically good, but occasionally they get some wrong ideas that take tolerance, intelligence and good examples to straighten out.”

A robust scouting system kept King Records stocked with talent.

But as the country music scene shifted more and more to Nashville, King started picking up Black artists, with an output that included signature parts of rock history.

King’s reissue of Todd Rhodes’ “Blues for the Red Boy” instrumental was noticed by a disc jockey in Cleveland. That DJ, Alan Freed, called himself “King of the Moondoggers” because the song “Moondog Symphony” was in heavy rotation, but his show on WJW radio opened with “Blues for the Red Boy.”

Tiny Bradshaw’s hit “The Train Kept A-Rollin” was covered for decades by artists like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith and Motorhead. And Hank Ballard wrote a song about a new dance, which he recorded with his band the Midnighters in 1959. The song, “The Twist,” was covered a year later by Chubby Checker, becoming his signature hit.

But probably the most famous artist in King Records history almost wasn’t signed by the label. Talent scout Ralph Bass found a group called the Famous Flames in Georgia. He was mesmerized by the young lead singer, who shouted and crawled across the stage. He recorded with the group. Nathan called it “the worst s--- I’ve ever heard in my life” and told Bass he was fired.

The lead singer was James Brown. The song was “Please, Please, Please,” and it sold more than a million copies, the first hit for the performer who would go on to become known as the hardest-working man in show business. Nathan realized the error of his ways and kept Bass on, but he had a fraught relationship with Brown. Nathan was leery of Brown’s request to record a live album, finally relenting when Brown offered to underwrite the expenses himself. “Live at the Apollo” also sold more than a million copies, spending 66 weeks on Billboard’s album charts.

On Feb. 9, 1964, the Beatles played on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” setting off a wave of English musical acts touching down in the United States. King Records had no place for them, but the label benefit-

Syd Nathan gave this poor country boy from Georgia the vehicle to do everything he’s ever dreamed of doing.”

— James Brown

COURTESY OF STEVE HALPER AND KING STUDIOS

ted as some groups covered songs in their catalog. The Beatles performed “Leave My Kitten Alone,” the Who covered two songs by James Brown for their first album, and the Yardbirds’ songs included a cover of “The Train Kept A-Rollin.’ ”

But by the time the Beatles arrived, Nathan, who had been asthmatic as a child, was ailing. King Records was beginning to struggle

as top Black talent began to thrive at other, newer labels, like Stax in Memphis and Motown in Detroit.

On March 5, 1968, Nathan died while he was wintering in Miami. He was 63. James Brown served as one of the pallbearers at his funeral in Cincinnati.

“We had fought a lot, but it was arguments between a stern father and a headstrong son,” Brown later said. “We squabbled over money and business and all kinds of things, but Syd Nathan gave this poor country boy from Georgia the vehicle to do everything he’s ever dreamed of doing.”

By the end of the year, King Records had merged with Starday, a country label notable for its early career releases by George Jones and Willie Nelson. The recording studios were used until 1973, and King Records’ back catalog was sold in 1975. The label had outlived its creator, but not by much.

“His passion was in seeing this whole crazy, ugly operation work,” Cincinnati radio personality Shad O’Shea said of Nathan in a 1986 Cincinnati Magazine article. “He was gruff, crude, an eccentric and a true pioneer. He will never be given the credit he deserves.”

Eventually, Nathan received some honors. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2006, one of the more than 60 King artists and associates honored by a music hall of fame.

The legend of King Records continued to hover over Cincinnati, even years after the Brewster Avenue facility shut down. In 1997, Brown said he wanted to bring the building back as a recording studio. It never came to pass before his death in 2006.

In 2002, “Hidden Treasures: Cincinnati’s Tribute to King Records’ Legacy” was released as a fundraiser for Cincinnati’s Inclusion Network. It features covers of King Records songs by artists as varied as Blessid Union of Souls, Peter Frampton and Bootsy Collins, whose lengthy career started as a bass player for the label at the age of 15, in 1966.

In 2008, thanks to the efforts of the Cincinnati USA Music Heritage Foundation and the Bootsy Collins Foundation, the Rock Hall placed a historic marker in front of the King facility on Brewster Avenue (the old Herzog studios got a marker the following year as well), but it amounted to little more than an interesting note for a building whose days seemed numbered.

But the building was saved. In 2015, the city of Cincinnati declared it a historic landmark and took ownership in 2018, engineering a land swap with its owner. The following year, the King Records Legacy Foundation was formed, with Collins and other King alumni, drummer Philip Paul and singer Otis Williams. The King Records building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2022, and the organization has already secured $200,000 in private donations and a $1 million pledge from the city in what is hoped to be a three-year plan to restore the structure. University of Cincinnati students have contributed designs that incorporate event, exhibition, education and even recording spaces. King Records looks to be on the path, hopefully, toward a time when it will not only be used again, but even more fully appreciated.

“Read about it. Learn about it,” musician Jack White said during a 2018 concert stop, before which he’d visited the Brewster Avenue site. “King Records. It’s the legacy of your hometown.”

(Clockwise from opposite page top) Ruby Wright singing “Down South” in King Records’ studio with musicians accompanying her; founders of the King Records Legacy Foundation: Bootsy Collins, Philip Paul and Otis Williams (left to right); Syd Nathan (standing, right) with boxer Sugar Ray Robinson (standing left) and two unidentified musicians at King Records

— Seymour Stein

TOP:

With his singular vision and unflagging determination, [Syd Nathan] helped spread the sounds of [country & western], R&B and ultimately rock & roll ...”

right Now

From date ideas and great stays to food finds and feel-good moments, here’s what has us feeling warm and fuzzy about our state.

By

Jason Brill, Denise Cameron, David Nilsen, Kaitlyn Finchler, Elise von Gunten, Sarah Miller, Kelly Powell and Jim Vickers

Artistic Achievement

The enormous wild sunflowers on the 28 grain silos along the Maumee River in Toledo are an instant mood lifter. Friends on a boat ride came up with the idea of beautifying the formerly drab structures, leading to a community effort in which funding from a variety of entities and a crew of local artists helped make Gabe Gault’s design a reality. The largest mural of its kind in the United States, the 170,000-foot-long Glass City River Wall was finished in October 2022 with the addition of three images — present-day depictions of a Native American elder, woman and child — to honor those who first farmed here. glasscityriverwall.org

Heavenly Home

Gather by Angel 101 in Perrysburg provides an inviting place aimed at inspiring more together time around the table.

Angel Elden has a knack for entertaining, and she brings that passion to her latest Perrysburg store, Gather by Angel 101. More than a decade ago, Elden opened Angel 101, a thriving floral and gift store, at 101 Louisiana Ave. She felt a tug to add a second Perrysburg store, one that offered more space as well as furniture and home decor.

“The world needs more beauty,” says Elden. “I want to bring the idea of gathering around the table back.”

Elden’s inviting, 2,200-square-foot space has an open, industrial feel to which she added soaring white walls, a fireplace and a working kitchen complete with an island — all with the intent of gathering. Natural sunlight pours in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, while visitors sip hot cocoa fireside. Shoppers can find unique items for their next function, be it a gourmet pantry item or a piece of furniture, and everything is for sale.

“As soon as I saw this space, it reminded me of Magnolia in Waco, Texas,” Elden says, referring to the well-known home store created by Chip and Joanna Gaines.

Inspirations for hosting a party or special meal are everywhere. Tables are decked out with festive centerpieces and settings. Artwork, some even created by Elden herself, adorn the walls. Her son, Chris McNamee, crafts organically shaped wood tables. From globally sourced goods to local products, each area has its own style — bright, playful in one corner and neutral sophistication in another.

The store hosts weekly tastings using in-store foods and cookbooks. “Gather and Graze” food adventures range from fluffy, warm biscuits to Italian pastas served around the island. It’s clear that bringing people together is Elden’s vision and joy.

“I’m surrounded by beautiful things and beautiful people,” she says. 409 W. Second St., Perrysburg 43551, 419/874-0644, shopgather101.com

SHELBY LAHEY

Flavor Trip

One doesn’t expect to find a European bistro in a small college town, but chef Boyko “Boby” Mitov, owner of The Clay Pot in Bowling Green, creates a transportive experience filled with Old World flavors.

His customers savor a rotating, seasonal menu served in an intimate and soothing setting. Rich flavors infused with healthy, sustainable ingredients inspire Mitov’s dishes.

“That means nothing commercial, no chemicals,” he says.

Mitov uses grass-fed beef, wild-caught seafood and Sam Marzano tomatoes grown in volcanic soil. Italian oils, olives and pastas; Bulgarian sheep feta and honey; and Turkish capers are among his ingredients.

Inside the kitchen, handmade Bulgarian clay pots line the top shelf. Mitov treats his patrons to slow cooking and takes no shortcuts.

“My mission is to show people there’s a different way to eat,” he says. “When you come to dinner here with friends, have a drink, take your time. That’s how I feel about life, about food.” 182 S. Main St., Bowling Green 43402, 419/3736050, theclaypotbistro.com

Art Experience

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum started as a labor of love. In 1987, the late Harry T. Wilks purchased property in Butler County to build his home and then began buying up adjacent parcels and clearing space for roads, paths and ponds. Today, the more than 300-acre property is home to over 80 monumental works of art installed along the gently rolling terrain. It’s a fun place for couples to explore together, either on foot or by way of an Art Cart available for rent. 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton 45013, 513/868-1234, pyramidhill.org

Wonders of Nature

Artist and stay-at-home mom Jami Tammerine creates pieces of jewelry under the name Jupiter Oak that are out of this world, and at the same time, totally of it.

“I have been making jewelry for as long as I can remember,” says Tammerine, who lives in Toledo.

But it was a chance conversation while taking part in a metalsmithing program at the Toledo Museum of Art that helped shape the artist’s approach, which involves taking leaves, herbs and flowers from her garden and capturing them in resin to create beautiful, nature-inspired pieces of jewelry.

“Everything just blew up,” she says. “People seem to love it.”

Her favorite pieces include her Saturn earrings: Queen Anne’s Lace inset in a bezel with gold wire that replicates Saturn’s rings. Also popular are her fruit pieces, where she’ll take slices of dehydrated fruit, such as strawberries, and lay them in resin atop a brass-cut leaf.

“I love designing and I love color,” Tammerine says, “and I get a thrill that people like my stuff.” jupiteroak.com

DISHES: COURTESY OF THE CLAY POT; PYRAMID HILL: LAURA WATILO BLAKE; EARRINGS: COURTESY OF JUPITER OAK

Oh Baby!

There are few things in this world cuter than a zoo baby. Now, amp up that cuteness one notch by making it a baby hippopotamus. After the Cincinnati Zoo was blessed with the arrival of Fiona in 2017 — the first Nile hippo born there in 75 years — the city adopted her as a mascot of sorts. Then, in summer 2022, baby Fritz, Fiona’s halfbrother, made his appearance. In late summer, the siblings met for the first time. The family of four, including mom Bibi and Fritz’s dad Tucker, are all doing well.

Fun Stop

Step into Himiko’s Cool World and you’ll find a funky shop brimming over with paper goods as well as interesting clothing, decor and furniture. From kitschy ceramics to Cleveland-centric merchandise designed by shop owner Haley Himiko Hudson Morris, there is a lot to love.

“The ’80s are definitely my favorite era of fashion and music and interior design,” Morris says of her inspiration. “And there’s just this kind of outlandish, very creative stuff from [the ’60s to the ’90s], so I don’t try to put myself in a box.”

After starting her business as a pop-up shop, Morris secured a permanent location in Cleveland’s Gordon Square Arts District in October 2021. Although Himiko’s Cool World is more than a paper shop, Morris gravitates toward the goods because of her Japanese heritage and the nation’s stationery supremacy, as well as her love for writing, drawing and documenting. She presents this inventory alongside eye-catching vases, brightly colored jewelry and surreal tabletop sculptures.

“I love decorating. I love interior design and art installation,” Morris says. “That’s one of my favorite parts of the store: just constantly adding to the collage of this wacky interior.” 6511 Detroit Ave., Cleveland 44102, 216/417-7040, coolworldcle.com

Vineyard

Additions

Ever since opening in 2010, Gervasi Vineyard has created new experiences at its 55-acre estate in Canton. In 2023, two more will be added with the addition of new structures housing a spa and a wine cave. The Spa, a 5,000-square-foot facility, will provide a range of services in a luxurious space, with a lineup that spans massages, facials, body treatments, and manicure and pedicure services. The Cave offers an underground, 1,000-square-foot tasting room (with an adjoining 4,500-square-foot wine barrel cave) that will be open select hours for tastings and tours. gervasivineyard.com

m o m e n t s

The Human Touch

From skin care to great hair, Lauren Craig’s cosmetics and personal care products offer a toxin-free, natural alternative. She creates them in the kitchen of her Dayton home by hand, by herself, for a line she calls Humble Hive Homemade.

“When I was pregnant with my oldest, about 11 years ago, that’s when I became aware that everything that I was putting on my body was ultimately getting to him,” Craig says. “So, I started paying attention to the ingredients in the products that I was using.”

She threw out the ones that made her uncomfortable and decided to instead purchase natural ingredients to make her own recipes. Eventually, her sales to friends and family convinced her it was a viable idea for a home business.

Her favorite product is her lip and cheek stain. Considering herself a low-maintenance person, Craig wanted to make something that was simple and natural to use on the go.

“I really didn’t have any sort of skin-care regimen before I started this business,” she says. “Once I started, I realized, ‘I should have all of these beautiful ingredients. I should probably start caring about my skin better.’ ”

This first step led Craig to formulate her own skin-care line, along with the other products that she sells under the Humble Hive Homemade name. It’s a small business, and Craig wants to keep it that way.

“That’s kind of important to me that [the business] stays smaller,” she says, “because I feel like the care, energy and effort that goes into it is so personalized and it feels like an extension of myself.” humblehivehomemade.com

SARAH BABCOCK

Lauren Craig’s Humble Hive Homemade offers cosmetic and personal care products that are good for people and the world.

All Aboard

The Pullman Bed and Breakfast offers the chance to experience the heyday of luxury train travel without ever leaving the station.

If you’re curious about the golden age of rail travel, the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum invites you to stay overnight inside a Pullman train car. Once known on the Pennsylvania Railroad as the “Times Square,” this 1920s-era Pullman car came to the museum by way of donation, before it was restored as the Pullman Bed and Breakfast.

“A lot of the light fixtures, the mechanicals, the signs are original,” says Wendy Zucal, executive director at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, a historic site that is the nation’s best remaining example of a World War II servicemen’s canteen. “We kept what we had. There wasn’t a lot.”

The $1 million project was made possible by funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation, as well as other organizations and foundations, and the B&B opened to the public in 2022. The Pullman’s restoration is accurate down to the correct color paint on the walls, but the car is also outfitted with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and small televisions.

The quarters are tight, but a stay has all the makings of a cozy getaway. The Pullman has five rooms: two single compartments and three doubles. There is also the option of renting the entire car.

Reserved parking spots are set aside for guests, and the neighboring museum houses a diner that is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Saturday. For dinner, guests can head down the street to the nearby Dennison Yard, a local Italian spot.

Because Dennison’s historic depot sits alongside active railroad tracks, another train may pass by in the middle of the night. That just adds to the authenticity. 400 Center St., Dennison 44621, 740/922-6776, dennisondepot.org

Scottish Flavor

Kin & Kilt is bringing an air of Scotland to downtown Marion in early 2023, complete with whiskey flights and 10 ax-throwing lanes suitable for hosting league play. The creation of Dave and Lynn Roush, the spot features comfy furniture and a beautiful wood bar that was handmade in Marion. Kin & Kilt will also offer liquor lockers — where patrons can reserve a bottle to make sure their favorite rare variety is available during visits — and food from outside vendors, including Scottish biscuits with nuts and honey.

facebook.com/kinandkilt

JIM CELUCH

hot spot

Fire Chicken Sandwiches in Ashtabula has generated serious heat since opening in June 2020. The spot originally adopted a unique schedule of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. to accommodate hungry patrons of Bridge Street’s bar scene and built its reputation on its quality fried chicken, made-in-house pickles, top-of-the-line brioche bun and signature sauce.

Eventually owner Jeremy Vincenzo adopted a more traditional schedule and began experimenting with monthly specials. One of his favorites — now one of the shop’s “Signature Sammies” is the Big Ed, stacked with cheddar cheese, coleslaw and sauce. Others include the Fleetwood (mac and cheese, ranch, pickles) and the Gasolina (honey fire, cheddar, bacon, pickles).

“People make personal relationships with some of these special sandwiches,” Vincenzo says. “There’s a guy who’s a really good regular of mine, and every time I see him, he [brings his favorite] up.”

The standard BYO Chicken Sandwich lets customers choose from three tiers of deluxe addon toppings. If nuggets are more your style, Fire Chicken Sandwiches sells them by the boxful, with five dressed-up options from which to choose, including the Philli Boi, which features philly steak, peppers, onions and cheese sauce. 1001 Bridge St., Ashtabula 44004, 440/6505002, facebook.com/firechickensandwiches

of note

During the mid-20th century, the city of Akron was a hot spot for touring jazz musicians. These days, you can revisit that era in the city’s downtown arts district by way of a music club and neighboring boutique hotel and lounge collectively known as the Blu Zone

The experience begins with check-in at Blu-tique, a 71-room hotel that opened in a historic 1923 building that embodies the feel of a 1920s speakeasy merged with a timeless jazz feel. Or as Blu Zone founder Tony Troppe puts it, “The interior and vibe is all focused on the atomic age of cool.”

Blu-tique’s first floor lounge, The 1: Food & Spirits, offers a chill atmosphere to grab a preshow bite and a drink. The menu features modern Mediterranean fusion from chef Frank Zifer and includes vegetarian and vegan options.

After dinner, head over to Blu Jazz+ across the street. The old-school space has high-top seating for 140. Acts taking the stage here span the jazz scene, from 18-piece orchestras to renowned quartets, trios and soloists. Blu-tique Hotel, 1 S. Main St., Akron 44308, 888/236-2427, blu-tique. com; Blu Jazz+: 47 E. Market St., Akron 44308, 330/252-1190, blujazzakron.com

Hygge in the Hills

The Hocking Hills is known for its wealth of cabin getaways, but Idyll Reserve adds an earthy-modern option to the mix. Jay DeVore; his wife, Kelly; and sister, Laura DeVore, opened Idyll Reserve in late 2021, offering a high-end, sustainable option for those who love the outdoors. Four of the five units are designs by Michigan’s Hygge Supply, a maker of modern, sustainable-home kits that feature eco-friendly materials. (“Hygge” is a Danish concept that refers to creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life.) The fifth option is an existing cabin that was completely renovated to create an aesthetic matching the others. idyllreserve.com

beyond belief

The idea for chef Clayton Freeman’s restaurant came in 2018, after he retired from his job as service director of several Columbus-area car dealerships. He launched a food-delivery service that offered a menu of 100-percent vegan dishes, but he had no idea what to call it until his wife reminded him that the answer was right in front of him.

“She said, every time they taste the food, they look at you and go, ‘Clayton, I can’t believe this is vegan,’ ” Freeman recalls. “And that’s where the name came from.”

During the pandemic, business began to increase, and Freeman opened a brick-andmortar Can’t Believe It’s Vegan location in Westerville in 2022. Customer favorites from his menu include the BLT sandwich, the crispy “nochick” sandwich, angel hair spicy sausage pasta and lasagna rolls. Freeman draws inspiration for the dishes on his menu from other chefs and suggestions from his customers.

“Some of it is looking at what nonvegan chefs are doing and saying, ‘Man that’s an innovative idea, let me see if I can make a vegan version of that,’ ” he says. “Some of it is from people coming up to me and saying, ‘Have you ever thought of this?’ ” 584 W. Schrock Rd., Westerville 43081, 614/3922163, cantbelieveitsvegan.biz

Super Season m o m e n t s

Even Browns and Steelers fans sat in awe last year as Athens High School alum Joe Burrow led the Cincinnati Bengals to within minutes of winning not only the Bengals’ first Super Bowl title but also Ohio’s first. The team that Ohioan Paul Brown created in 1967 was a joy to watch as they marched through the season and the AFC playoffs on to football’s biggest stage. They did it in style, too, helmed by a young star of the game we’ll all be watching for years to come.

BRIAN KAISER

Flower Power

Inspired by a high school ceramics class, Juniper & Lark owner Sonita Cannon went on to study the subject in college. A decade later, she launched her own business, creating colorful ceramic flowers and trinket dishes inspired by patterns and shapes found in nature.

“It’s like how chefs create food to make people happy — they want the food to taste good — that’s kind of like what I do,” Cannon says. “I wanted to make things that may put a smile on somebody’s face.”

Old & New

The city of Dublin has two distinct sides — joined by a one-of-a-kind pedestrian bridge — that add up to a great night out.

Located 20 minutes north of the heart of Columbus, the city of Dublin offers a mix of new and old, historic and trendy. Start the evening by parking in Dublin’s historic district and exploring the neighborhood. Browse shops like Boho 72 Boutique and Winans Chocolates + Coffees before grabbing a drink at the Dublin Village Tavern, a local favorite housed in a restored historic building that is estimated to have been built in 1889. Afterward, head over to grab a bite and enjoy entertainment in Bridge Park, Dublin’s newer nightlife district, by crossing The Dublin Link pedestrian bridge. Stretching 760 feet, it is the longest single-tow er, s-shaped suspension bridge in the world and offers views of the Sci oto River. Bridge Park is designed for walkability and its offerings cater to a range of ages. Hit the rooftop lounge at Vaso for tapas-style fare, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and great views of the surrounding neighborhood. (Rentable, LED-lit igloos that can hold parties of up to eight are available for cold-weather visits.)

“Vaso was definitely the pioneer in creating and bringing these bigger-city vibes to Dublin,” says Josh Buck, manager at Vaso. “[It] brought out a different crowd and also a different generation.”

After Vaso, head down the street to Pins Mechanical Co. to add some retro fun to your night out. This spot with a vintage-ar cade feel serves up old-school games like pinball, foosball, pingpong, bocce and duckpin bowling. If you want more nostalgia, head a block down the street to 16-Bit Bar + Arcade, packed with more than 40 console games, from Galaga to Ms. Pac-Man to Mortal Kombat. For more information about these and other destinations in Dublin, go to visitdublinohio.com.

The stay-at-home mom, who is based in Macedonia, says the creative outlet has let her grow her business while also raising her daughter. Sharing her work has been gratifying because her pieces are both decorative and functional. The ceramic flowers and dishes are crafted using white stoneware clay and accented with 24-karat gold. A kitchen collection and home decor items such as vases are among Juniper & Lark’s products.

DUBLIN: COURTESY OF VASO; FLOWER: COURTESY OF JUNIPER & LARK

Doing Good

Refined: Purveyors of Fine Goods stands out in Greenville’s downtown, with its deep-forest hue and inviting front windows that offer a glimpse of the products inside. The shop, which opened in 2018, but relocated to this spot in March 2022, sells fair-trade and locally made wares among its curated selection of home items, gifts and more.

“It’s not your typical boutique. It’s not your typical home decor store,” says owner Charity Shellabarger. “It’s a little bit of everything.”

The artfully displayed collection spans live house plants, home decor, kitchen items, baby items and apothecary. Refined also sells a selection of second-hand clothing, as well as its “Love On” sweatshirt, which has become one of the shop’s signature items since debuting in 2020. Launched as a morale raiser in a rough year, the item has continued to sell, with a portion of proceeds from each “Love On” sweatshirt now benefitting a different local organization every three months.

“Our biggest thing is simply to be kind and love people,” Shellabarger says. “Truly what we want to do is spread joy and smiles on people’s faces.” 529 S. Broadway St., Greenville 45331, httpsrefinedgoods.com

VISITORS LODGE: OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES; REFINED: JIM VICKERS

Lodge Life

Stepping into the lobby of the new Hocking Hills Lodge & Conference Center, visitors are greeted by the grandeur of the region’s natural beauty. There are a pair of 39-foot stone fireplaces and beams of rich Ohio wood. A wall of glass at the far end of the space extends from floor to ceiling, framing a view out across some of our state’s most striking scenery.

When fire brought an end to the Hocking Hills Dining Lodge in 2016, it also created an opportunity. Hocking Hills State Park never had a lodge where visitors could stay overnight, like other Ohio parks do. In 2019, Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources director Mary Mertz made it a priority to create one. Opened in fall 2022, the $40 million, 74,000-square-foot lodge offers 81 guest rooms, an on-site restaurant and plenty of outdoor gathering spaces, all within a hike or short drive to the region’s most popular attractions.

“It needed to be something that showed off the beauty of the area,” Mertz says. “It’s a world-class hiking area, and it deserved a world-class lodge to go with it.”

Works by local artists are incorporated throughout the space, and Matt Rapposelli, who helmed Hocking Hills Dining Lodge’s kitchen, heads the Rock House Restaurant and Pub. The lodge is welcoming yearround, complete with an all-season outdoor hot tub and five cozy fireplaces. 20020 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan 43138, 740/270-6100, hockinghillsparklodge.com

Drink Positive

Hannah Ferguson opened the doors at D.O.P.E. Cider House & Winery in Youngstown in 2022, and the young company is already gaining a loyal following. A lot of that has to do with the enthusiasm of the hometown girl who founded it.

After moving back to Youngstown a decade ago, Ferguson started making wine at home before taking a job as an assistant brewer at Modern Methods Brewing. Her experience in multiple segments of beverage alcohol gave her the idea to open D.O.P.E., which stands for Dwelling On Positive Energy. As only the second Black female cidery owner in the country, she’s excited to expand the horizons of the craft beverage world.

“The crowd has been great,” says Ferguson, whose brewing area is open and visible to guests in the taproom. “There’s a really chill vibe with couch seating and comfortable barstools, and I always get asked if I really brew the cider right here.”

Wa-Who?

Even those who didn’t love the Cleveland Guardians name change couldn’t argue with what American League Manager of the Year Terry Francona’s ballclub achieved in 2022. The game’s youngest roster announced loudly that postseason baseball was back in the city, beating the Tampa Bay Rays and pushing the New York Yankees to a fivegame series before exiting the field with their heads held high. When a guy who watched SpongeBob SquarePants as a kid (and has the walk-up song to prove it) is swatting the walk-off home run, it’s clearly a new day for baseball in Cleveland.

She does, and these aren’t your standard hard ciders. Flavors like caramel apple, pumpkin spice and strawberry are available in season, along with wines on tap and several seltzers. D.O.P.E Cider House & Winery’s facility is attached to Penguin City Brewing, and the companies recently collaborated on Dope City, a blend of cherry cider and golden ale that proved to be popular in both taprooms, and there is a regular crossflow of visitors between the buildings.

“The feedback I’ve been getting is amazing, and I love being able to introduce people to something new in our area,” says Ferguson. “I’m definitely glad that I was able to do this at home. Everyone’s loving it.” 460 E. Federal St. Suite B, Youngstown 44503, 330/406-9340, dopethebrand.com

food & ink

Hannah Ferguson has built a fast following after opening D.O.P.E. Cider House & Winery in her hometown of Youngstown.

m o m e n t s

food & drink bottle service

With a growing number of adults exploring a sober lifestyle or simply cutting back on alcohol consumption, nonalcoholic adult-beverage options are rapidly improving and becoming easier to find. In Dayton, Ghostlight Coffee opened a nonalcoholic bottle shop at its main location in the city’s South Park neighborhood in late 2021.

“I’ve always thought it must be hard for people to do social things with colleagues or friends if they’re not a drinker or just choose not to drink at one time or another,” says Shane Anderson co-founder of Ghostlight Coffee.

Anderson dedicated an entire room to Bottle Shop by Ghostlight, stocking nonalcoholic beers, wines, spirits and other beverages. He says wine options from Tost and Studio Null have been popular, as have beers from breweries like Athletic and Two Roots. Anderson has personally enjoyed zero-proof spirits from Three Spirits and Monday. Ghostlight Coffee will soon open Gather by Ghostlight, a coffee shop and bar in Dayton’s historic Arcade, where nonalcoholic options will sit alongside their alcoholic counterparts on the menu.

“It makes sense to have those options available,” Anderson says, “whether it’s for health or religious or social reasons, or just to get up the next morning.” 1201 Wayne Ave., Dayton 45410, 937/985-2633, ghostlightcoffee.com

waste less

Scroll through Koko Sustainable Living Shop + Refillery’s Instagram feed and you can’t help but feel the positivity emanating from the Columbus business’s pink-and-peach color scheme. With locations in the city’s Clintonville and Hilltop neighborhoods, Koko sells Earth-friendly products for the home, cleaning and personal care, but it also helps customers cut back on their use of single-use plastics by providing the ability to refill their favorites in-store. Bring your own bottle (or buy a reusable one at the shop), step up to the bulk bar and purchase toiletries and cleaning supplies by the ounce. Clintonville: 3023 Indianola Ave., Columbus 43202, 614/732-4417; Hilltop: 15 N. Westmoor Ave., Columbus 43204, 614/972-7256, kokotheshop.com

Candy Crush

For years, Spangler Candy Co. in Bryan had a factory store and museum where visitors could pick up DumDums and other candies and browse displays that traced the history of the longtime family company. Spangler closed the store and suspended factory tours in March 2020, but the following year, the company purchased two adjoining storefronts in downtown Bryan to create a new store and museum. Scheduled to open in 2023, Spangler Candy World will feature a larger store, interactive displays and a 360-degree virtual tour of the factory. spanglercandy.com

Historic Loves

The Cincinnati Museum Center offers a great day date for those who want to learn, explore and celebrate the Queen City.

The Cincinnati Museum Center is the perfect place to geek out for hours with that special someone in your life. It’s home to the Museum of Natural History & Science, the Cincinnati History Museum, an Omnimax theater and a vintage ice cream parlor — all of it under the roof of the city’s Union Terminal, a National Historic Landmark that opened in 1933.

“It is a perfect example of art deco architecture,” says Whitney Owens, Cincinnati Museum Center’s chief learning officer. “It is a great building to fall in love with.”

Kick off your day date with the recently reopened The Cave, a two-level, 500-foot-long reproduction of a limestone cave. Inside, you’ll find cascading waterfalls, stalagmites and stalactites, and nooks and crannies.

“There are tight spaces and dark corners,” says Owens. “If you’re looking for a fun place to get a little lost and explore with a friend, it’s a wonderful one.”

Once you’re done spelunking, keep the sweet vibes going at Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor. Serving Graeter’s Ice Cream (the Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip is a must-try), the art deco parlor’s walls are covered in Cincinnati-made Rookwood Pottery tilework.

The Cincinnati History Museum lets you and your date learn more about what makes the Queen City a gem. The museum is home to Public Landing, a re-creation of a historic Cincinnati streetscape; You Are Here, which explores the city’s traditions; and Made in Cincinnati, a gallery that celebrates the region’s innovative and industrious spirit. “If you want to get lost in another landscape or environment,” Owens says, “there are lots of fun ways to do that here.” 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati 45203, 513/287-7000, cincymuseum.org

TOP: ERIN AMTULIS; BOTTOM: COURTESY OF CINCINNATI MUSEUM

Good Eats

Sometimes the simple things just hit the spot, which is what we love about the retro diner vibe and comforting food at Milkman in Cincinnati’s Over-theRhine neighborhood. Owner Nick Pesola opened the smash burger and boozy milkshake restaurant last fall to bring the area something that was affordable, open for lunch and dinner, and offered quick service.

“It actually kind of started as a pop-up at my other restaurant,” says Pesola, who owns Revolution Rotisserie in Cincinnati’s Pleasant Ridge neighborhood. “That’s how I figured out we were on to something with these boozy milkshakes, which are a lot of fun.”

The menu makes ordering a breeze with a selection of juicy smash burger options, such as a spicy one with pepper jack cheese, jalapenos and bacon, and an option that comes drenched in Cincy-style chili and

f ood& dr ink

smoked cheddar cheese. You can also make your own burger with 19 cheese, topping and sauce options.

“Smash burgers are great because they’re so salty and have a texture to them with the crispy edges,” Pesola says. “The cheese just really becomes one with the meat in all the right ways.”

While Pesola’s go-to order is the double deluxe, which comes with two burger patties, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, dill pickles and special sauce, the menu also offers fried chicken sandwiches and hot dogs.

Milkman also serves french fries, of course, perfect for dunking into one of the restaurant’s milkshakes, which include nonalcoholic varieties such as vanilla, chocolate or strawberry. There are several boozy shakes, including the popular cookies and Irish cream — made with soft-serve ice cream, vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Oreo cookies and whipped cream. 1106 Race St., Cincinnati 45202, 513/381-0009, milkmanbar.com

COURTESY OF MILKMAN

Milkman in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood embraces a vintage vibe with its selection of smash burgers and shakes.

community spirit

Craft bourbon distiller Everwild Spirits opened in Sandusky’s ever-burgeoning downtown in 2022, serving creative cocktails paired with small plates and desserts — billed as “Before” and “After” — with options that span a charcuterie board and flatbreads to a chocolate truffle flight and bourbon pie.

The easygoing atmosphere invites you to linger, enjoy live music or catch a game. Cozy couches and chairs and repurposed-bourbon-barrel tables make the place modern and sophisticated while at the same time wonderfully down to earth. Owned by Rick Lynch, his wife, Gia Gennari-Lynch, and her brother, Jude, Everwild Spirits is the first-ever bourbon distillery in Erie County.

“Kentucky is known for their bourbon because they are geographically located on a limestone aquifer,” Lynch says, explaining that quality grains and water are what make great bourbon. “Coincidentally, Sandusky, Ohio, is also situated on a limestone aquifer.”

The spirits here are crafted using Ohio-grown grains and local water, and they are aged in barrels made from Ohio oak, the latter of which Lynch adds is some of the country’s best.

“We’re proud that everything we’re using is from Ohio,” he says. 212 Hancock St., Sandusky 44870, 419/408-6069, everwildspirits.com

Flick Pick

Those in the 21-and-older crowd looking for the warm glow of a night out in the heart of the city with Columbus’ skyline as a backdrop will find it at NightLight 614. The ticketed movie series hosts a lineup of popular film classics at downtown’s Genoa Park on select Thursdays and Fridays, from early June through mid-October. Last year’s series kicked off with the Coen Brothers classic “The Big Lebowski” and ended with the horror-genre sendup “Scream.” Each week, a different local craft brewery is on-site serving beer (wine is also available) and a rotating lineup of several food trucks offer a wide selection of movie-time eats. nightlight614.com

Work of Art

At artist Mark de Jong’s Swing House, you don’t just look at the art, you live in it. The three-story, 1880s Victorian-style brick home in Cincinnati’s Camp Washington neighborhood is hollowed out into one cathedral-like room, with a series of steel-beam reinforcements providing the structural viability that floors, ceilings and walls once did.

Suspended from one of the arches — set between a bed and the kitchen — is the 30-foot swing that gives the house its name. The swing’s bench is made with wood salvaged from a floor joist, which is a theme de Jong implemented throughout the house.

He also honored the building’s history by leaving its walls beautifully rough, providing a mix of exposed brick, patches of wallpaper and paint from bygone days. (Don’t worry, the bathroom has modern updates.) To de Jong, though, the house really becomes a work of art once a guest stays there.

“Unlike a museum where you walk by the art and then move on to the next piece,” he says, “there are so many different details that you don’t see until you stay there for a while.” 1373 Avon Place, Cincinnati 45225, 513/325-6625, swing-house.com

Camping Classics

Living the RV life with all the comforts of home looks cozy from all the Instagram posts we’ve seen. But it also looks like a lot of work — driving hundreds of miles from campsite to campsite and always glancing behind you to make sure your mobile home hasn’t slipped the hitch. The Coshocton KOA Holiday campground offers the chance to test the waters with its two Argosy trailers, which are permanently parked at campsites complete with a fire pit and patio.

“The Argosys are an experiential stay,” says KOA Holiday campground owner Ryan McPeek. “It gives people the chance to try out an RV and experience vintage camping.”

Made by Ohio-based recreational vehicle manufacturer Airstream in the 1970s, the 24- and 30-foot-long Argosy trailers are rich in amenities, including a full bathroom and shower, kitchen and sleeping space for up to four. The 30-foot 1979-built Argosy,

food &d

Pizza Stops

which McPeek rehabbed with the help of his mother, father and wife, Camille, has a retro-modern feel with dark wood countertops and white tile backsplash in the kitchen.

Meanwhile, stepping into the smaller, 1975-built trailer transports you back in time. The original interior’s vintage stylings include lime-green countertops and upholstery that could’ve belonged to your grandmother. While the trailers were made decades ago, their classic Airstream design cues stand the test of time.

“Compared to a modern RV, the windows let a lot more light in, which makes a small space feel bigger,” says McPeek, who notes the Argosys are available to book from mid-April through mid-November. “They’re a neat item for our campground and something most places don’t have.” 24688 County Rd. 10, Coshocton 43812, 740/502-9245, koa.com/campgrounds/coshocton

With its thin crust, square-shaped cuts and edge-to-edge toppings, there is a lot to love about Columbus-style pizza, and there may be no better way to learn about the regional specialty than the Columbus-Style Pizza Trail. Restaurants across the area offer

versions of the style, which dates to 1934, and a digital pass system makes tracking your progress at each of the 18 participating spots easy. Dine in or carry out at all of them within a year to earn a stainless-steel pizza cutter and hot pad for your efforts. Visit four spots for a Columbus-Style Pizza Trail T-shirt. experiencecolumbus.com/pizzatrail

Two vintage recreational vehicles give Coshocton KOA Holiday campground guests a taste of life on the road.

CAMPER: COURTESY OF CAMILLE MCPEEK; PIZZA: COURTESY OF TAT RISTORANTE DI FAMIGLIA

OHIO LOVE

From a Tuscan-inspired estate to one-of-a-kind stays to an outdoor wonderland, these destinations offer even more to adore about life in our state.

GERVASI VINEYARD RESORT AND SPA, CANTON

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Gervasi Vineyard

Fall in love with Gervasi Vineyard Resort and Spa, located on a sprawling 55-acre estate in Canton, Ohio. Guests will enjoy luxury accommodations, chef-curated cuisine, a tranquil spa experience and several activities to indulge in. Stay in Gervasi’s Tuscan-inspired Villas, the boutique inn, The Casa, or the restored Farmhouse from the early 1800s.

Gervasi Vineyard is home to three distinct restaurants that serve everything from fine Italian cuisine in The Bistro to a more casual dining experience at The Crush House Wine Bar & Eatery. The Still House is Gervasi’s coffeehouse and cocktail lounge, offering specialty cocktails, beer and wine as well as a heated outdoor cigar lounge.

From concerts and live music to wine pairings and spirits tastings, Gervasi Vineyard truly offers a little something for everyone looking to get away and make memories. Transcend to Gervasi’s state-of-the-art Spa and experience a variety of massages, facials and body treatments. The Cave offers an intimate tasting room for the traditional-style wine tasting experience and tour.

Be sure to take a little piece of Italy back with you and stop at Gervasi’s boutique gift shop, The Marketplace. Find unique lines, Gervasi’s own products and their award-winning wine and spirits. Spend a day or a week at Gervasi Vineyard Resort and Spa, and you will find all the wonders of a Tuscan winery resort. For more information, visit gervasivineyard.com.

More than buggies

Gervasi Vineyard Resort and Spa offers state-of-the-art experiences, including massages, facials and body treatments (above). Holmes County provides a variety of unique lodging options, from rustic to romantic (opposite page).

Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in a rich culture, hop on a tour, enjoy a little comfort food or find your bliss away from the everyday, you’ll find what you are looking for here in Ohio’s Amish Country.

Living life simply. Holmes County & beyond.

Explore the Possibilities visitamishcountry.com

Shopping, Food & Brews, Places to Stay, and more.

Holmes County

Brush away the winter blues with a fun-filled weekend away or a tranquil escape in Ohio Amish Country. The variety of unique properties throughout Holmes County offers something for everyone.

Cozy up at rustic retreats ranging from full-size lodges to intimate spots to rekindle romance. Amish Country Lodging features cabins with rainfall showers, welcoming fireplaces and private hot tubs. Donna’s Premier Lodging is the area’s destination for romance, offering Jacuzzi tubs in the shape of a heart, bottles of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. Sojourner’s Lodge and Log Cabin Suites and Ethan’s Retreat in the Woods both offer spacious accommodations for the whole family, with nearby trails and attractions to embrace the outdoors.

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind stays, enjoy the bird’s-eye view and breathtaking accommodations at Pine Cove Treehouses, outfitted with all the luxuries of a hotel room. With projection screens and a free-standing outdoor sauna and fire pit, Tiny Stays Berlin provides a homey environment with a Scandinavian vibe.

On the luxurious side, Holmes County is home to amazing resorts with hometown hospitality. Find a peaceful atmosphere at The Inn at Honey Run, a boutique, adults-only resort near Millersburg. The scenic property is also home to the Holmes County Open Air Art Museum

There is a lot to LOVE in Muskingum County

Plan a romantic getaway to Zanesville and experience all the area has to offer. Shop at Hartstone Ohio Stoneware Factory Outlet for the new Valentine’s Day pattern, have a special overnight stay and treat your special someone to dinner at a local favorite!

It’s easy to FALL IN LOVE WITH ZANESVILLE.

TRICIA YODER PHOTOGRAPHY

and Tarragon, a fine dining restaurant. In Berlin, The Berlin Grande, Berlin Resort and The Berlin Encore allow you to step out into town and explore a variety of retail shops and attractions. For more lodging options, go to visitamishcountry.com.

Zanesville-Muskingum County

Make Zanesville and Muskingum County your next winter getaway. Kick off your travels by checking into the cozy cabins at Dillon State Park, which also offers hiking, stargazing, sledding and more. You’ll find additional epic accommodations at The Wilds. Winter at The Wilds provides the opportunity to see your favorite animals — including rhinos, cheetahs, takins and wild horses — from a unique perspective on the one-of-a-kind safari tour.

Catch a show or live music concert at Secrest Auditorium. Galleries showcase the arts, and a stroll through the Zanesville Museum of Art reveals an encyclopedic collection of more than 8,000 paintings, sculptures, works on paper and decorative arts that span thousands of years.

Shop for clothing, accessories and more at local spots in Zanesville, including Casa Bella Gifts, Theresa’s

Boutique and Can Roe and Co. Find baskets, home decor and more in the village of Dresden. Hartstone Ohio Stoneware Factory Outlet is a must-visit for locally made pottery and the newest patterns.

Grab a bite at the great local restaurants. They fit a range of tastes and budgets, from Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl and Giacomo’s Bread & More to Muddy Miser’s, Rake’s Place, Old Market House Inn and Adornetto’s Pizzeria.

Muskingum County is also rich in opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore nature. The trails and parks offer many acres to wander into the great outdoors. Call 740/455-8282 for an Outdoor Trail Guide and Visitor Guide. For more information, go to visitzanesville.com. ●

The adventures in Muskingum County range from oneof-a-kind tours at The Wilds (above) to great shopping, dining and the arts in downtown Zanesville.

Romantic Getaway Gervasi Vineyard

ResoRt • SpA

Escape this winter to a unique, Tuscan-inspired winery resort and spa. Experience exceptional cuisine at one of our distinct restaurants, followed by drinks and live music at our swanky cocktail lounge. Then get cozy with someone special in your luxury suite.

Located in the heart of Canton, Ohio

Ro c manti

1. Blue Moon Cabin

Blue Moon is a private and contemporary, onebedroom cabin with a king-size bed and one full bath with tile surround shower. There are two woodburning fireplaces — one inside and one outside — a well-equipped kitchen to prepare your meals and a private hot tub to relax and enjoy after a long day of hiking. Private and secluded in the Hocking Hills and central to area attractions, shopping, and restaurants. You may also enjoy our in-cabin dining and spa services.

cabinsbythecave.com 614-322-2283 | 877-322-2283

2. Esther Price Candies

For over 95 years, Esther Price Candies uses the highest-quality ingredients you’ve come to expect. Give the priceless gift this Valentine's Day with Esther Price Candies assorted chocolates. Visit any of our locations in the Dayton or Cincinnati areas or select Kroger locations in Columbus and participating Kroger in Indiana, shop online or give us a call to place an order. Voted Ohio’s Best Chocolate three years in a row. estherprice.com 800-782-0326

3. Gervasi Vineyard Resort and Spa

Plan your romantic escape to Gervasi Vineyard and experience the beauty of a unique, Tuscaninspired winery resort. Three distinct restaurants offer both casual and upscale cuisine paired with award-winning wines and spirits. Retreat to a luxurious suite and enjoy the comforts of heated floors, plush linens, and a cozy fireplace. A complimentary continental breakfast is delivered each morning of your stay. gervasivineyard.com 330-497-1000

G i f t Guide

4. New Towne Gallery

Offering a juried selection of art and artisan work, featuring both local talent and nationally renowned artists. We provide inspiration by surrounding you with exceptional art, fine furniture, and artisan works — both beautiful and functional. Our artists work on canvas, wood, metals, and more to create works that delight and inspire. newtownegallery.com 330-473-6027

5. Hotel Versailles

Hotel Versailles, a boutique hotel located in downtown Versailles, Ohio, has everything you need to make your stay sweet. From decadent desserts, wine and port pairings, signature scented candles and other local gifts, as well as warm craft coffee drinks and cocktails. The perfect backdrop to a romantic getaway or relaxing staycation. hotelversaillesohio.com 937-526-3020

Background: Charles T. Webber, The Underground Railroad (1893)

BLACK HISTORY

These Ohio institutions share insight and inspiration as they showcase stories and artwork that highlight the African American experience. By Jason Brill and Denise Cameron

KEVIN EARLEE COLE’S “WHEN BLESSINGS MEET OPPORTUNITY”

PHOTO BY GREG STALEY, © KEVIN EARLEE COLE

BLACK HISTORY

CHARLES EDWARD WILLIAMS’ “UNCHARTED WATERS”

National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center

Wilberforce

This institution founded in 1988 holds an extensive collection of artifacts, artwork, manuscripts and photographs.

The National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center first opened to the public in 1988, but its beginnings stretch back to the early 1970s. The idea for the museum was born at the end of the Black Power Movement. During that time, there were some museums dedicated to local African American stories and histories, but there was no national museum highlighting African Americans. The state of Ohio helped generate the funding needed to bring such an institution to fruition.

Located in the southwest Ohio community of Wilberforce, an area rich in African American history and the location of

the historically Black college Wilberforce University, the museum hosts exhibits, programs and events. (By way of relationships with Central State University, Wilberforce University and Wright State University, the cultural center also offers internships to help train the next generation of public historians.)

The National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center has an extensive collection that includes over 9,000 artifacts and pieces of artwork, 700 linear feet of manuscript collections and thousands of photographs. Exhibits at the center share many of those items with visitors.

“One thing that we do pride ourselves in is the fact that the vast majority of what you’re going to see is going to be artifacts and other material that is part of our permanent collection,” says Charles Wash Jr., director of the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center. “We rarely borrow material from other organizations because

we have so much right there on-site.”

The permanent collection features African American protest art of the late 1960s, an Alex Haley collection that features the author’s typewriter and his final draft of Roots: The Saga of an American Family, a collection dedicated to Col. Charles Young (who was posthumously promoted to brigadier general in 2021) and much more. The museum also holds the archival collection of Anna Arnold Hedgeman, the only woman on the executive committee that planned the 1963 March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

“Behind the Mask: Black Power in Comics,” currently on display at the center, tells the story of the rise of Black comic book creators during the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, and how they used the artform to create superheroes that reflect the Black experience.

“A lot of people don’t realize how old some of the comic book characters are,” Wash says, pointing to the fact that Black Panther first appeared in 1966. “We have some of the original material on display.” 1350 Brush Row Rd., Wilberforce 45384, 937/376-4944, ohiohistory.org/naamcc

Taft Museum of Art Cincinnati

“Memories and Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art” showcases diverse approaches to the Black image.

“Memories and Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art” is the story of a couple who spent more than 30 years collecting vivid and interesting art that emphasized representation of the Black image. From Feb. 4 through May 14, Cincinnati’s Taft Museum of Art features around 60 works from the collection.

The traveling exhibition includes artists and pieces stretching from the 1930s through 2021. It includes works by Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Sam Gilliam, Alfred Conteh, Charles White and others. Genres represented span painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and photography.

“[It] is inspiring because it is an incredible collection of African American art,” says Tamera Lenz Muente, curator of the Taft Museum of Art. “Visitors to the Taft are going to see artists that they probably know

© CHARLES EDWARD WILLIAMS

Stories of the Underground Railroad inspiring the journey to freedom today. freedomcenter.org

BLACK HISTORY

about like Jacob Lawrence and Romare Bearden, but they’re going to learn about a lot of artists that they may have never heard about and see the amazing accomplishments of these artists who have not been represented as well as they should have over the decades in museums.”

Kerry Davis, a retired mailman, and C. Betty Davis, a former television news producer, felt it was essential to showcase a wide range of Black artists to serve as inspiration. When Kerry began purchasing art, he and Betty had no idea how significant their collection would become. As the couple invited friends, family and members of the community to their home to enjoy the artwork, people would often remark that it was unlike anything they had ever seen. Kerry says that many African Americans were not inclined to visit art museums because they didn’t see themselves there.

“For so long you walk into a museum, and you see a lot of European stuff. It’s good, but it doesn’t grab you because it doesn’t tell your story,” he says. “So, when your children go in and they go left and right, you can’t blame them. You have to give them something that they can recognize, and that’s what we hope to do.” 316 Pike St., Cincinnati 45202, 513/241-0343, taftmuseum.org

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Cincinnati

The exhibition “ ‘Free as they want to be’: Artists Committed to Memory” tells powerful stories through photography and video.

The photograph of Malcolm X’s FBI files in the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center’s “ ‘Free as they want to be’: Artists Committed to Memory” exhibition appears minimalist at first glance, but it speaks volumes. It’s just two white boxes

on a black background, but photographer Wendel A. White seems to invite the viewer to focus on the weight of what’s inside.

“It’s kind of mind blowing that here’s this figure in American history, knowing his history and personal life, and then here are two microfilm carriage reels of FBI files on him,” says Stephanie Lampkin, the Cincinnati museum’s curator. “It kind of focuses your attention.”

The image is one of 15 by White in the exhibition, which runs through March 5 and features nearly 100 works by more than 20 artists. Co-curated by Deborah Willis of the Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, and Cheryl Finley of the Atlanta University Center Art History and Curatorial Studies Collective, the exhibition features historical and contemporary photographs, films, projections and mixed media that aim to capture the legacy of slavery and the struggle for racial and social justice, while also depicting what it means to be free.

“It really looks at photography and film as mediums for essentially allowing artists to express their desire to be as free as they want,” says Lampkin, who notes that the phrase in the exhibition’s title comes from celebrated Black writer James Baldwin.

Dawoud Bey’s shadowy photos of outdoor scenes let the viewer imagine what it might have been like to be someone seeking freedom under the cover of darkness. Adama Delphine Fawundu’s “In the Face of History” series sees the artist superimpose an image of herself over historical documents, such as the act of Congress stating that Harriet Tubman’s pension for her services as a nurse during the Civil War would be increased.

Another series of photos in the exhibition, “One More River to Cross” by Daesha Devón Harris captures underwater images of people’s legs as they run through water, which feels poignant displayed in the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center due to its location along the Ohio River, once a key boundary for those seeking freedom.

“Her pieces really resonate with the environmental features that [the museum] is surrounded by,” says Lampkin, who notes there’s also a video that accompanies the images. “In the film, you can hear the sloshing of the water and the shifting and movement of the pebbles in the water. It just adds that extra element of realism to the experience.” 50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati 45202, 513/333-7500, freedomcenter.org

BOTTOM: © DAESHA DEVÓN HARRIS. COURTESY OF THE ARTIST; TOP: COURTESY OF NATIONAL AFRO-AMERICAN MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER

An image from Daesha Devón Harris’ “One More River to Cross” series in “ ‘Free as they want to be’: Artists Committed to Memory” at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

“Queens of the Heartland” exhibition at the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center in Wilberforce

WINTER TRAVEL

Embrace the snowy season and check out these destinations that will help you make the most of this time of year.

CARLISLE INN SUGARCREEK

PHOTOS COURTESY

Dutchman Hospitality

Ohio’s Amish Country is truly a year-round destination. Even during the gloomy days of winter, the region continues to offer beautiful landscapes and interesting activities.

Treat yourself to a winter getaway and check into Amish Country. Known for their trademark, “Peace and Comfort,” the cozy Carlisle Inns in Walnut Creek and Sugarcreek are great destinations for a personal retreat or a family reconnection. Book a massage in the privacy of your guest room or enjoy the hot tub and exercise area. Families can enjoy the all-season pool at Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek, play games by the fireplace or build a snowman on the green.

Park your car and forget it. While the kids play, shop at Dutch Valley Market and Dutch Valley Gifts, and then gather around the table for a delicious meal at Dutch Valley Restaurant. Check the current schedule for entertainment at Ohio Star Theater, where you can enjoy a show in a comfortable theater just steps from your guest room at Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek.

If you enjoy the small-town vibe and the clip-clop of buggy horses on the village street, plan your stay at Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek. The inn is located next door to Der Dutchman Restaurant and Carlisle Gifts, and it is also close to more places to visit in Amish Country, including Charm, Berlin and Mount Hope. For more information, visit dhgroup.com.

Medina Ice Festival

There’s no time for the winter blues in Medina. For nearly three decades, people have converged on the historic town square to experience the Medina Ice Festival, which returns this year from Feb. 17 through 20.

Kicking off at 5 p.m. on Friday, visitors can marvel at 120 sculptures, ranging from swans and angels to a variety of abstract designs. The icy creations are on display around the Historic Medina Square and South Town District through Presidents Day. During the evening and overnight, the sculptures are highlighted by color-changing LED lights.

Watch as artisans from across the country congregate in Medina to carve frozen masterpieces during the 29th annual event, which is the largest ice festival in northeast Ohio and free to attend. Additional frosty attractions include speed-carving contests, interactive photo opportunities and the Fire and Ice Tower — a favorite moment from each year’s festival that sees a chimney of ice defy physics to withstand an inferno of flames before slowly melting away.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Uptown Medina is home to more than 50 shops and 35 restaurants, pubs, bakeries and eateries. Grab gifts at destinations ranging from Root Candles to The Gardener’s Cottage. Step inside to warm up and enjoy a bite to eat at places such as Courthouse Pizzeria, Thyme2, Circles on the Square Donuts and Sérénité Restaurant. For more information, visit mainstreetmedina.com.

Carlisle Gifts is just one of Dutchman Hospitality’s many offerings (above). The Medina Ice Festival has become an annual tradition (left).

We Put the Altogether in Adventure

Here in Grove City, we invite you to experience a range of diverse experiences and adventures for all visitors regardless of orientation, ability, or age. From nature lovers, to foodies, to history buffs, you’ll find all these adventures and more.

Grove City

Among the variety of activities, shopping and dining you’ll find in Grove City, this quaint little suburb south of Columbus also features some of the best winter-hiking options that central Ohio has to offer.

Take a weekend to hike at Battelle Darby Creek, which features more than 7,000 acres of forest, prairies and wetlands. Warm up in the park’s Nature Center to learn about the Big Darby Creek ecosystem and watch native fish in the 53-foot living stream that runs inside the center. Directly behind the Nature Center, see wild bison graze in the Winter Bison Pasture, standing out wonderfully against a pristine snowy backdrop.

Battelle Darby Creek is also one of the only places that nature lovers can get out and snowshoe or cross-country ski in central Ohio. There are miles of trails within the park to traverse, and it is the perfect place to visit after a fresh snowfall.

Take advantage of those rare snow days for the family by heading to Fryer Park, where you’ll find one of the most epic sledding hills a kid could dream of. Ever wanted to try your hand at ice fishing but thought Ohio wasn’t the place for it? Rotary Lake at Fryer Park proves otherwise, allowing for great catchand-release ice fishing.

Challenge yourself to bundle up and get outdoors this winter, and you’ll be surprised by all the winter hiking opportunities in Grove City. For more information, go to visitgrovecityoh.com.

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Battelle Darby Creek features more than 7,000 acres of forest, prairies and wetlands. Behind the Nature Center, you can see wild bison graze.

See the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery at COSI (left). Rent crosscountry skis at Lake County’s Chapin Forest Reservation (opposite page).

COSI

There’s always something new at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio. You and your family can enjoy hands-on science learning at COSI’s classic exhibits like Ocean, Life, Gadgets and Progress!

On March 18, COSI is excited to bring “Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures” to Columbus. Most recently

in Brussels, Belgium, this more than 10,000-square-foot exhibition features a full experience of King Tutankhamun’s tomb as it was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter. It also features a close-up look at brilliant replicas made with the same material as the original artifacts by masterful Egyptologists.

COSI also has a unique partnership with the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City. In addition to the permanent AMNH Dinosaur Gallery

Cozy Cabin Getaway

at Pleasant Hill lake Park

Snuggle around a blazing fireplace, enjoy the bubbling hot tub, and spend time together in a cabin at the lake. Your winter getaway awaits at Pleasant Hill Lake Park!

Reserve your cabin today at www.MWCD.org

with real fossils and life-size replicas of dinosaurs, a traveling exhibition offers something new every few months. Through March 5, COSI is highlighting “Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs,” and “Nature’s Superheroes” opens in April. These exciting exhibitions showcase larger-than-life displays, activities for all ages, and a unique opportunity to learn about fun and engaging topics. For more information and to get your tickets, visit cosi.org

.

Lake County

Find your next winter adventure along the shores of Lake Erie. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply want to embrace the fresh air after a snowfall, Lake County offers beautiful scenery at its lakefront parks as well as at dozens of Lake Metroparks properties that feature waterfalls, overlooks and other natural wonders.

Bundle up for a hike along the picturesque beaches at Headlands Beach State Park and Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park. Those looking to try a new experience can rent snowshoes or cross-country skis at Pine Lodge Ski Center at Chapin Forest Reservation. One mile of the park’s trail is illuminated every night from dusk until the park closes, allowing visitors more time to ski or hike. Penitentiary Glen Nature Center also offers snowshoe rentals.

Warm up with a getaway to Ohio’s Wine Country, home to more than 30 wineries in the award-winning Grand River

Warm Up

With Dutchman Hospitality

When winter is frosty and hushed, Ohio’s Amish Country is still picturesque with bursts of unexpected beauty.

Enjoy a good book by the fireplace at Carlisle Inn. The blessing of a meal with friends and family at our restaurants. Catch some toe-tapping entertainment and inspiring stories at Ohio Star Theater.

Restaurants, Shops, Inns & Theater

dhgroup.com

SUGARCREEK

CARL A. STIMAC

Valley. Sample the varieties found at places such as Laurentia Vineyard & Winery, Stonegait Winery, Cask 307 and Grand River Cellars, and grab a bottle to enjoy at home.

Extend your adventure with a cozy overnight stay at one of the area’s unique lodging options, such as the historic Steele Mansion. The boutique hotel features 16 spacious guest rooms that are beautifully furnished with period antiques, comfortable beds and all the modern amenities for a relaxing stay. For more information, visit mylakeoh.com.

Pleasant Hill Lake Park

Plan a winter getaway to the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District’s (MWCD) Pleasant Hill Lake Park in Perrysville. Ten vacation cabins are available year-round, complete with full kitchens, gas fireplaces, hot tubs on the deck and all that one needs to relax in nature.

Featuring two sizes, these log-home-style cabins accommodate either six or eight people, and they come with all the furnishings and accessories that make for a carefree stay, including bedding, linens, pots and pans. Amenities also include Wi-Fi and satellite TV. A visit can also make for a great romantic getaway for couples.

For those who want to disconnect and be immersed in nature, Pleasant Hill Lake Park offers a range of

outdoor fun. Winter is a great time to plan a day outside on any of the MWCD trails, whether you’re looking to hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski or go birdwatching. All the trail maps can be found on the website to plan your adventure.

When conditions are right, the lower temperatures make it a great time for ice fishing. Make sure to visit the website and social media accounts to discover pop-up events. As the weather allows, these great options can range from guided hikes to snowshoe rentals, so you can embrace a chill thrill. For more information, visit mwcd.org.

Pleasant Hill Lake Park in Perrysville offers a range of outdoor fun (above). Cincinnati Museum Center offers a walk through history (opposite page).

Cincinnati Museum Center

Dinosaurs roam, forests thrive and the past comes alive at Cincinnati Museum Center. With three museums under one roof at the historic Union Terminal, there’s

something for everyone. Explore the natural world around us — past and present — in the Museum of Natural History & Science. It features one-of-a-kind creatures in the Dinosaur Hall, a descent into 500 feet of narrow passageways in The Cave, a walk back in time among dire wolves and mastodons on the Ice Age Trail, the next giant leap in the Neil Armstrong Space Exploration Gallery, and a hike through the forest in the John A. and Judy Ruthven Get Into Nature Gallery.

Immerse yourself in local history in the Cincinnati History Museum with an S-scale historic Cincinnati in Cincinnati in Motion, a celebration of local business and innovation in Made in Cincinnati, the story of how rivers, roads and railways influenced the city in Shaping Our City, and a trip along the 1850s riverfront on the Public Landing.

Learn through play in the Children’s Museum as you explore two levels of  The Woods, climb inside a giant mouth at Inside the Grin, splash around and learn about the power of water in Water Works, and visit Kids Town for a trip to a mini grocery, veterinary clinic, diner and more.

Plus, surround yourself in stunning film presentations. Go beneath the waves and beyond the stars in the five-story domed Robert D. Lindner Family Omnimax Theater. Make your next great discovery and lifelong memories at Cincinnati Museum Center. For more information, visit cincymuseum.org.  ●

Visit Medina County

Welcome to Medina County— where big city flavor is packaged in small town charm.

Come for the unique shopping, farms, parks, museums and events, and be sure to stay for the fantastic dining experiences.

Explore the many reasons to stay and play in Medina County.

32 Public Square in Medina, OH 44256 330.722.5502 visitmedinacounty.com

SPORTS GAMING

The new year brings legal sports betting to Ohio. Whether you want to wager at one of the state’s casinos, racinos or from your own mobile phone, here’s what you need to know. By Vince Guerrieri

JACK CASINO, CLEVELAND

ONCE UPON A TIME , sports gambling existed in the dark underbelly of society, eliciting images of a cigar-chomping bookie beating an unlucky gambler silly over an unpaid debt.

But today, the practice has gone legit. Sports betting is now legal in more than 30 states, and a recent Pew Research Study estimated that 19% of Americans gamble on some sports contest — be it an office pool or placing a bet at a sportsbook. Modest bets of $10 or less keep most of them from having to leverage the house.

And now, the Buckeye State is going all in on the action. At the end of 2021, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill legalizing sports betting in the state starting Jan. 1, 2023. Since then, local gaming companies and sports teams have been ramping up in preparation, aiming to draw in potential new customers.

A sports-crazed region, Ohio is prime to instantly become one of the biggest sports betting states in America. In fact, PlayOhio, a gaming industry trade publication, expects wagers totaling $8 billion in 2023. (By comparison, the budget for the city of Cleveland for 2022 was $1.8 billion.) Most wagers will be on football or basketball.

“People who bet on sports might not be your typical slots player,” says Adam Suliman, Jack Entertainment’s senior vice president of sports and digital gaming. “I think there will be

a new customer base that will be attracted. It’s fun just to have $20 down on a game.”

Of course, you won’t be able to legally bet on everything in Ohio. You can bet on sporting events, but not, say, the Oscars. A lot of prop bets — such as an individual player’s performance rather than the outcome of the game — will be off the table. And though it’s popular on the black market, betting on high school games or any contest where more than half the participants are age 18 or younger is prohibited.

But other than those few restrictions, gambling on sports is incredibly simple. Of course, you’ll be able to pick a few games before heading to the blackjack table at Cleveland’s Jack Casino, which just revealed a movie theater-style area to watch and bet on games.

Many places with existing liquor licenses — including many bars across the state of Ohio — are also permitted to have gambling kiosks, much like they have Keno machines now. Ohio’s professional sports fans can look forward to putting a little money where their mouth is ahead of games at stadiums and ballparks. And it truly doesn’t get easier than placing a bet via the mobile apps like BetMGM and DraftKings.

If you’re itching to get in the game but not sure where to start, this guide to gambling in Ohio should help. Oh, and good luck!

SAFE BETTING

Betting can be a fun way to watch sports. It can also potentially be a dangerous addiction. Here are some tips to ensure that you bet safely.

NEVER BET MORE THAN YOU CAN AFFORD TO LOSE — AND NEVER CHASE YOUR LOSSES. “Chasing your losses” is a term for increasing the amount that you wager to recoup what you’ve already lost.

YOU’RE PLAYING FOR ENTERTAINMENT, NOT MONEY.

It’s fun to have a little action on NFL Sunday, or play a pool for college football bowl games. But remember: You want to win. You shouldn’t need to win for your own financial health.

REMEMBER: YOU’RE GOING TO LOSE SOMETIMES. The outcome of sporting events combines skill, talent and chance. Just like the ball doesn’t bounce your favorite team’s way sometimes, the ball won’t always bounce your way as a bettor. A healthy relationship with losing means a healthy relationship with betting.

NOT ALL GAMBLING LOSSES

CAN BE FINANCIAL. You may not be betting more than you can afford to lose, but if gambling is taking over your life at the expense of your job and personal relationships, that still may be a sign you have a problem.

IF YOU DO DEVELOP A PROBLEM, don’t be afraid to reach out for help — it’s just a phone call away. The Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline, which connects players with counselors, can be reached at 800/589-9966.

ALEJANDRO VERGARA

Betting in Person

BETRIVERS SPORTSBOOK:

Part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Village project, the sportsbook sits in the Fan Engagement Zone, a plaza that includes Don Shula’s Steakhouse and the BrewKettle. 2626 Fulton Dr., Canton 44718, 330/458-9176, betrivers.com

BELTERRA PARK

This horseracing track also offers video lottery terminals. An arrangement with FanDuel provides for in-person sports betting. 6301 Kellogg Rd., Cincinnati 45230, 513/232-8000, belterrapark.com

HARD ROCK CASINO CINCINNATI

Embrace your inner rock star at this spot offering slots, table games and a lively atmosphere. The Hard Rock Cincinnati Sportsbook adds to the action. 1000 Broadway St., Cincinnati 45202, 513/250-3150 hardrockcasinocincinnati.com

HOLLYWOOD CASINO COLUMBUS

This Vegas-style casino has slots, video poker, table games and a poker room. Barstool offers in-person sports betting 200 Georgesville Rd., Columbus 43228, 614/3083333, hollywoodcolumbus.com

HOLLYWOOD CASINO TOLEDO

This spot offers an experience similar to Hollywood Casino’s Columbus location, with the same Barstool sports-betting partnership. 1968 Miami St., Toledo 43605, 419/6615200, hollywoodcasinotoledo.com

HOLLYWOOD GAMING: DAYTON RACEWAY

The Raceway offers video lottery terminals in addition to live harness horse racing. As with the other Hollywood locations, this one also has on-site sports betting by way of Barstool. 777 Hollywood Blvd., Dayton 45414, 844/225-7057, hollywooddaytonraceway.com

JACK CLEVELAND CASINO:

The Las Vegas experience comes to Cleveland’s downtown casino. Recliners and banquette booths let you lounge as you place live bets, play video and table games and watch the action on a wall of TVs. 100 Public Square, Cleveland 44113, 216/297-4777, jackentertainment. com/cleveland

JACK THISTLEDOWN

Expect a similar experience to the casino, but no table games. 21501 Emery Rd., North Randall 44128, 216/662-8600, jackentertainment. com/thistledown

MAHONING VALLEY RACE COURSE

This horse track with video lottery terminals also partners with Barstool to offer in-person sports betting. 655 N. Canfield-Niles Rd., Austintown 44514, 877/788-3777, hollywoodmahoningvalley.com

MGM NORTHFIELD PARK

Along with video lottery terminals and live, year-round harness racing and simulcasts, this racino offers the chance to wager on games at MGM’s on-site sportsbook. 10777 Northfield Rd., Northfield 44067, 330/908-7625, mgmnorthfieldpark. mgmresorts.com

ROCKET MORTGAGE FIELDHOUSE

Through a partnership with Caesar’s Entertainment, the Cavs are on target to open a 10,000-square-foot sportsbook at the arena. With a bar and lounge, the entertainment space plans to hold regular hours, in addition to game days. 1 Center Court, Cleveland 44115, 216/420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com

This list does not include all Ohio locations. In addition to those listed above, sportsbooks are being planned at other major professional sports venues in Ohio, including Cleveland’s FirstEnergy Stadium and Progressive Field, and Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park. Expect them to open in 2023.

Mobile Betting

The legalization of sports gambling also allows Ohioans to place bets with a variety of online sportsbooks, many affiliated with in-person betting sites. A few things to note. For one, odds may vary on the same game from site to site. Additionally, most apps and sites are linked to bank accounts or credit cards, so bettors are urged to use care with their phone access.

BETJACK: Jack Casino’s online component, the virtual sportsbook includes a “training camp” to help guide novice gamblers through what can seem like an onslaught of information. betjack.com

BALLY’S: Currently available in five states, the Bally’s app and site offer a series of “predictor” opportunities, with questions that can be bet on individually or as a parlay. ballybet.com

BARSTOOL: The brash “Saturdays are For the Boys” media company has ventured into sports betting as well. (They’re partnering with Mahoning Valley as well as Ohio’s Hollywood Casino locations.) barstoolsportsbook.com

BETMGM: A one-stop shop for everything from in-game wagering to parlays — which are relatively easy to build on the app, compared to others. oh.betmgm.com

CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT: With the acquisition of the legendary William Hill sportsbook, Caesars has become a major player in online sports betting, with an easy interface and good (if high-priced) bonus offers. caesers.com

DRAFTKINGS: Already a popular daily fantasy sports site — where users can assemble a fantasy sports lineup for one game, instead of an entire season — DraftKings has previously ventured into sports gambling in 14 other states. draftkings.com

FANDUEL: Another daily fantasy sports site, FanDuel has one of the largest ranges of sports to bet on, from badminton to rugby. fanduel.com

MONEYLINE: A wager that is placed on who will win a game, with no point spread.

POINT SPREAD: A wager that considers a margin of victory. If the Browns are favored by seven points, that means you are wagering that they will win the game by more than that margin. If they do that, it’s known as covering the spread.

PICK’EM: An instance where two teams playing are so closely matched, there is no point spread.

BAD BEAT: When an expected gambling win becomes a loss late in the game. Many bad beats are the result of a backdoor cover, which is when a late score by a team doesn’t affect the final outcome of the game but makes a difference to gamblers who are betting with a point spread.

FAVORITE: Team that is predicted to win. Also sometimes called “the chalk.” The team that isn’t predicted to win is the underdog (dog for short).

FUTURES BET: A wager on a future event. For example, placing $20 on the Cleveland Guardians to make the World Series during spring training.

LIVE BETTING: Betting on a game while that game is going on. Also called in-game betting or microbetting.

OVER/UNDER: A number that reflects the cumulative score of two teams in a game. If you’re betting the over, you’re betting the combined score will be more than that number. If you’re betting the under, you think they’ll score fewer.

PARLAY: A wager that involves several games and outcomes, with cumulative results. If you bet on a three-game parlay for the Cavs, Pistons and Bulls, you’re betting that all three teams will win.

PROP BET: A wager that isn’t necessarily dependent on game action. They’re popular during the Super Bowl. Examples: The coin flip result, the length of the national anthem,

what team will score the first touchdown and what color the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach will be.

MILESTONES

Ohio’s First Canine

Kidney Transplant

In 1986, the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital in Columbus performed the procedure to save the life of an 18-month-old dog named Oden.

On Jan. 13, 1986, an 18-month-old, mixed-breed dog named Oden was given a second chance at life, becoming the first canine in Ohio to receive a kidney transplant. According to a United Press International article published in the Feb. 24, 1986, edition of The Delaware Gazette, doctors at the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital in Columbus performed the procedure after Oden damaged his kidneys by drinking antifreeze.

“Although kidney transplants have been performed on dogs to aid in human-transplantation research, only rarely has the procedure been done in the United States to save a dog’s life,” Dennis Chew, associate professor of veterinary clinical sciences at Ohio State, said in the article. “This is definitely a new phase in the treatment of kidney failure in dogs.”

Oden drank antifreeze containing ethylene glycol, a chemical known to be toxic to kidney cells. Veterinarians kept Oden alive by way of dialysis prior to his receiving a kidney from his littermate Mary Lou, who belonged to a friend of his owner Martha Johnson in their hometown of Gambier. While Oden’s original kidneys were severely damaged by the antifreeze, they were still slightly functional, so doctors opted to leave them in place with the addition of the third healthy kidney from Mary Lou. A Feb. 23, 1986, article by the Associated Press in the Newark Advocate reported that Oden’s life-saving procedure cost $12,000.

“Luckily, Johnson won’t have to foot the whole bill herself,” the article noted. “Donations will cover about $1,000, and she will pay about $1,500. The balance will be absorbed by the hospital as research and teaching expenses.”

Upon leaving the hospital the following month, staffers there presented Oden with an “I love Oden” button used by the hospital to raise funds to cover his medical expenses and a bouquet of helium balloons. Dr. Robert Sherding, head of Ohio State University’s department of small-animal medicine, said Oden captured the hearts of hospital staffers.

“Oden has become the mascot of the hospital,” he said in the Associated Press article. “No one has the heart to let him die.” Nathan Havenner

Oden at the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital in Columbus

Winter’s Wine

Ohio’s ice wine will have you rooting for cold weather

By William Gregor

Winter’s coldest months bring the sweetest wines. Ohio is known for its wide selection of ice wine, made from frozen grapes left on the vine during the winter months. The grapes are harvested and pressed when temperatures reach well below freezing so most of the water in the fruit is left in the press as ice crystals. The result is juice that has a high concentration of acid and sugar — what gives ice wine its signature sweet and refreshing qualities. Taste honey and fruit flavors including peaches, apricots and pineapple. While most ice wine is produced in Germany, Austria and Canada, Ohio has a host of wineries that produce this unique wine. Thanks to the cold winds off Lake Erie, the northeastern corner of the state offers the most extensive selection of wineries producing ice wines due to its especially cold winter climate. Stop at Grand River Cellars Winery, Laurello Vineyards, Old Firehouse Winery, Debonne Vineyards and Ferrante Winery & Ristorante to sample their varieties paired with a dessert at one of their restaurants.

Take a trip to Dover in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country to enjoy Breitenbach Winery’s award-winning Vidal Blanc ice wine. Pair your ice wine with a margherita or spicy hot pepper pepperoni pizza and opt to stay the night in their comfy guest house. Take in the scenic views of the vineyard from the tasting room, and savor this relaxing and fun winter weekend getaway.

The central Ohio region also has wineries producing ice wine but with imported grape juice since the temperatures don’t dip as low. Sip on ice wine at Buckeye Winery in Newark and get inspired to make your own wine. Pair a glass with its award-winning pizza. They produce both a Cabernet Franc ice wine and Riesling ice wine depending on the flavor palate of the occasion.

In Columbus’ Olde Town East historic neighborhood, Camelot Cellars pairs its award-winning ice wine with a selection of charcuterie — for a contrast of sweet and salty. The winery itself has a beautiful interior equipped with an impressive selection of wines, a lounging area, bar and ample seating for large parties.

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Ferrante Winery Geneva, Ohio